JP2023054079A - Emergency stop switch with operation support function and operation support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability/safety of an operation switch and simplify a structure.

SOLUTION: An emergency stop switch (operation switch unit) 2 with operation support function comprises: safety lock (R) mechanisms (lock mechanisms) 2A and 2A' including an emergency stop button (operation switch) 21 for switching a state of a contact; a coil spring (first energizing means) 25 for energizing the emergency stop button 21 to a side to which the contact is switched; and engage members (lock members) 26 and 26' for locking the emergency stop button 21 at a non-operation position, which are capable of cancelling the lock; a reception part (detection part) 32 for detecting a remote operation of the emergency stop button 21; and an electromagnetic actuator (actuation section) 3 for actuating the emergency stop button 21 with actuation of an energizing force of the coil spring 25 by guiding the engage member 26 to a side where a lock state with respect to the emergency stop button 21 is cancelled based on the remote operation detected by the reception part 32.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an operation switch unit with an operation assistance function and an operation assistance system capable of assisting operation of operation switches.

In general, an emergency stop switch has a push button (operating switch) that can be pushed by an operator, an operating shaft that slides when the push button is pushed, and a contact that opens and closes according to the movement of the operating shaft. (See FIG. 1 of JP-A-2001-35302). When the emergency stop switch is operated, the movement of the operating shaft turns off the contact, thereby interrupting the electrical circuit of the device and bringing the device to an emergency stop.

Conventional emergency stop switches require that the operator be very close to the emergency stop switch when operating the push button, and cannot be operated from a distance from the emergency stop switch. Therefore, there has been a demand for an emergency stop switch with an operation support function that can be operated from a remote location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances. To provide an operation switch unit with an operation support function and an operation support system capable of improving the performance. A further object of the present invention is to provide an operation switch unit with an operation support function that can be simplified in structure.

An operation switch unit with an operation support function according to the present invention comprises an operation switch for switching the state of a contact, first biasing means for biasing the operation switch to the side where the contact is switched, and the operation switch in a non-operating position. A lock mechanism having an unlockable lock member for locking, a detection unit for detecting remote operation of the operation switch, and a lock member on the side where the operation switch is unlocked based on the remote operation detected by the detection unit. and an actuating portion that actuates the operation switch by the action of the urging force of the first urging means.

According to the present invention, the remote operation performed on the operation switch is detected by the detection unit, and the actuating unit moves the lock member to the side where the lock state of the operation switch is released based on the remote operation detected by the detection unit. to induce Then, the operating switch is actuated by the action of the biasing force of the first biasing means on the operating switch to switch the state of the contact.

In this way, the operation can be performed even from a place away from the operation switch, and the operation of the operation switch can be supported. As a result, operability can be improved and safety can be improved. Moreover, in this case, the operation switch is operated using the biasing force of the first biasing means acting on the operation switch, so that the structure can be simplified.

In the present invention, the lock mechanism has the second biasing means for biasing the lock member toward the lock side.

In the present invention, since the operating portion is provided at a position that intersects the operation direction of the operation switch, it is possible to prevent the operation switch unit from becoming long in the operation direction of the operation switch.

In the present invention, the operating portion moves the lock member in a direction intersecting with the operation direction of the operation switch.

In the present invention, the operation switch has the housing, the operation direction of the operation switch is the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the operating portion is arranged in the lateral direction of the housing. can be prevented from being elongated in the longitudinal direction.

The present invention further includes an operation shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation switch, and the lock member of the lock mechanism engages with a portion of the operation shaft to lock the movement of the operation shaft. . In this case, the lock member engages and locks a portion of the operating shaft, thereby locking the operating switch at the non-operating position via the operating shaft.

The present invention further includes an operation shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation switch, and the contact is a movable contact that moves in the movement direction of the operation shaft, and a contact that is fixed to the housing side of the operation switch unit. and a fixed contact. In this case, when the operation shaft moves in accordance with the operation of the operation switch, the movable contact moves in the movement direction of the operation shaft, and as a result, the contact state of the movable contact is switched to the fixed setting.

The present invention further includes an operating shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operating switch, and has a contact that can move in a direction that intersects the moving direction of the operating shaft. In this case, when the operating shaft moves in accordance with the operation of the operating switch, the contact moves in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the operating shaft to switch the contact state.

In the present invention, the biasing force by the first biasing means acts in the operating direction of the operation switch. As a result, when the operation switch is operated, the contact state can be switched more reliably.

In the present invention, the biasing force of the first biasing means after the operation switch is operated is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the first biasing means before the operation switch is operated. As a result, after the operation switch is operated, the elastic energy possessed by the urging means is reduced, and the elastic energy of the urging means is smaller than the elastic energy before the operation switch is operated. As a result, even if the operation switch is damaged after being operated, the contact will not return to the state before switching, thereby further improving safety.

In the present invention, the operating switch is an emergency stop button.

An operation support system according to the present invention comprises the operation switch unit with an operation support function according to claim 1 and a remote control section for remotely operating the operation switch.

In the present invention, when the operation switch is remotely operated by the remote operation unit, the detection unit detects the remote operation by the remote operation unit, and based on the remote operation detected by the detection unit, the operation unit locks the operation switch. The lock member is guided to the side where the state is released. Then, the operating switch is actuated by the action of the biasing force of the first biasing means on the operating switch to switch the state of the contact. In this way, the operation can be performed even from a place away from the operation switch, and the operation of the operation switch can be supported. As a result, operability can be improved and safety can be improved. Moreover, in this case, since the operation switch is actuated by utilizing the biasing force of the first biasing means acting on the operation switch, the structure of the operation switch unit can be simplified, and the operation support system as a whole can be simplified. Structure can be simplified.

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation can be performed even from a place away from the operation switch, and the operation of the operation switch can be supported, so that the operability can be improved and the safety can be improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the operation switch is operated using the biasing force of the first biasing means, the structure of the operation switch unit can be simplified.

1 is an overall perspective view showing an example of an operation support system provided with an emergency stop switch as an operation switch unit with an operation support function according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a top view of the said operation support system (FIG. 1). It is a side view of the said operation support system (FIG. 1). FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic configuration diagram of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1), showing a state when the emergency stop switch is not operated (before operation). FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1), showing a state in the middle of remote control of the emergency stop switch. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic configuration diagram of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1), showing a state when the emergency stop switch is operated (during manual operation/during remote operation, that is, after operation). 1 is a schematic block diagram of the operation support system (FIG. 1); FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first modification of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), and is a schematic configuration diagram of an interlocking mechanism provided in a safety lock mechanism (registered trademark) of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4); , indicates the state when the emergency stop switch is not operated (before operation). 9 is a view in the direction of arrow IX of FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which the interlocking mechanism is driven from the state of FIG. 8, and shows a state when an emergency stop switch is operated (during manual operation/during remote operation, that is, after operation). 11 is a simplified diagram of FIG. 10; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state when the emergency stop switch is not operated (before operation). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second modification of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state in the middle of remote control of the emergency stop switch, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing the state when the emergency stop switch is operated (at the time of manual operation/at the time of remote operation, that is, after operation); It corresponds to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state when the emergency stop switch is not operated (before operation). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state during remote operation of the emergency stop switch, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing states during operation of the emergency stop switch (during manual operation/during remote operation, that is, after operation); It corresponds to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state when the emergency stop switch is not operated (before operation). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing a state during remote operation of the emergency stop switch, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the above embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 4), showing states of the emergency stop switch (during manual operation/during remote operation, that is, after operation); is equivalent to

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 6 are diagrams for explaining an emergency stop switch (operation switch unit) with an operation support function and an operation support system having the same according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 3 show the overall operation support system, FIGS. 4 to 6 show the schematic structure of an emergency stop switch, and FIG. 7 shows the schematic block configuration of the operation support system.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this operation support system 1 includes a robot R. As shown in FIGS. A worker (operator) P is positioned near the robot R, and the robot R is a cooperative (collaborative) robot that cooperates (cooperates) with the worker P to perform work. During operation, the robot R picks up the workpieces W on the sub-table T', for example, with the hand at the tip of the robot arm Ra, and sequentially places them at predetermined positions in the tray t placed on the work table T. work such as On the other hand, when the robot R is in operation, the operator P performs work such as sequentially arranging the workpieces W at vacant positions on the sub-table T'.

A programmable display 50 is arranged on the work table T, for example. The programmable display 50 has a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and stores a control program for the robot R. Safety laser scanners 51 are arranged on the side surfaces of the table T, for example, on the left and right sides and on the rear surface. Each safety laser scanner 51 is for detecting the approach of the worker P or other persons. On the front surface of the table T, an emergency stop switch (operation switch unit) 2 with an operation support function for stopping the robot R in an emergency is arranged. A portable (wearable) wireless terminal (remote control unit) 4 is attached to the wrist of one arm of the operator P. As shown in FIG. The wireless terminal 4 is for the operator P to remotely operate the emergency stop button (operating switch) 21 of the emergency stop switch 2, and a push button 40 that the operator P can operate with the other finger or hand. and a band 45 wound around the wrist of the operator P while holding the push button 40. - 特許庁A graphical light 53 is installed near the table T. FIG. The graphical light 53 is for notifying the operator P of advance notice information on the robot R side by irradiating light on the place where the hand at the tip of the robot arm Ra will move next. A two-dimensional code scanner 54 for reading a two-dimensional code, which is work information attached to the work W, is arranged on the sub-table T'.

Next, the internal structure of the emergency stop switch 2 will be explained using FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.
Fig. 4 shows the state of the emergency stop switch when it is not operated (before operation), Fig. 5 shows the state of the emergency stop switch during remote operation, and Fig. 6 shows the state of the emergency stop switch when it is operated (manually operated/remotely operated). after operation). In these figures, hatching is omitted for convenience of illustration.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the emergency stop switch 2 is provided in a case (housing) 20 and one end side of the case 20, and is supported by the case 20 so as to be axially movable. is connected to an emergency stop button (operation switch) 21 having a pressing surface (manual operation surface) 21a for pushing (manual operation), and the back surface of the emergency stop button 21 opposite to the pressing surface 21a. A shaft portion (operation shaft) 22 that extends in the axial direction inside the case 20 and is attached to the tip of the shaft portion 22 and moves together with the shaft portion 22. A movable contact 23 that moves in the moving direction of the shaft portion 22 , and a fixed contact 24 that is fixed to the inner wall surface of the case 20 , is arranged to face the movable contact 23 , and contacts and separates from the movable contact 23 . .

In this example, the contacts of the emergency stop switch 2 each consist of a pair of movable contacts 23 and fixed contacts 24 . The emergency stop button 21 is arranged on one end side of the emergency stop switch 2 and the contact is arranged on the other end side of the emergency stop switch 2 . The emergency stop button 21 is provided to switch contact states. Terminal strips 35 ₁ and 35 ₂ are connected to the fixed contacts 24, respectively.

The shaft portion 22 of the emergency stop switch 2 has a flange portion 22a protruding toward the outer periphery at substantially the center thereof. On the other hand, the inner wall surface of the case 20 is provided with a protruding portion 20a that protrudes toward the inner periphery. The protruding portion 20a is arranged to face the flange portion 22a with a predetermined space in the axial direction. A coil spring (first biasing means) 25 is arranged in a compressed state between the flange portion 22a and the projecting portion 20a. One end of the coil spring 25 is adapted to move with the movement of the shaft portion 22 by contacting and being locked to the flange portion 22a. The other end of the coil spring 25 is locked to the case 20 side by coming into contact with and being locked to the projecting portion 20a. The coil spring 25 applies an elastic repulsive force (biasing force) to the flange portion 22a and the projecting portion 20a. Due to this elastic repulsive force, the movable contact 23 moves away from the fixed contact 24 (the direction of contact separation or the side where the contacts are switched (the right side in FIGS. 4 to 6), i.e., the side from the ON state to the OFF state of the emergency stop button 21). is always energized to By installing the coil spring 25, a safety potential (registered trademark) structure is realized in which even if the switch should be damaged, the emergency stop state can be maintained by keeping the contact in the OFF state.

In this example, the axis of the coil spring 25 coincides with the axis of the shaft portion 22, and the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 acts in the pressing direction (operating direction) of the emergency stop button 21. In addition, when the emergency stop switch 2 shown in FIG. The repulsive force is maximum and has the maximum elastic energy. On the other hand, when the emergency stop switch 2 is being remotely operated as shown in FIG. 5 and when the emergency stop switch 2 is operated as shown in FIG. The elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 is reduced, and the elastic energy possessed by the coil spring 25 is also reduced.

The shaft portion 22 has a protrusion 22b that protrudes outward in the vicinity of the emergency stop button 21 . The longitudinal section of the protrusion 22b is trapezoidal and has a pair of inclined surfaces. On the other hand, inside the case 20, a pair of engaging members (locking members) 26, 26' are provided. Each engaging member 26, 26' has a pair of slanted surfaces which are engageable with the slanted surfaces of each corresponding protrusion 22b. Springs (second biasing means) 27, 27' corresponding to the engaging members 26, 26' are provided inside the case 20, and one end of each spring 27, 27' is , the rear surfaces of the corresponding engaging members 26 and 26 ′, and the other end is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the case 20 . As a result, each engaging member 26, 26' is urged toward the corresponding protrusion 22b by the elastic repulsive force of springs (second urging means) 27, 27'.

In the non-operating state shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface on the right side of the protrusion 22b is engaged with the inclined surface on the left side of the engaging members 26, 26'. 21 is locked in the non-operating position. Thus, each engagement member 26, 26' locks movement of the shaft portion 22 by engaging with a portion of the shaft portion 22. As shown in FIG. At this time, each spring 27, 27' urges each corresponding engaging member 26, 26' to the locking side. In the operation state shown in FIG. 6 (manual operation and remote operation), the left inclined surface of the protrusion 22b is engaged with the right inclined surface of the engaging member 26, 26'. In order to push the emergency stop button 21 in this manner, it is necessary for the projections 22b of the shaft portion 22 to reliably climb over the corresponding engaging members 26, 26'. A safety lock (registered trademark) mechanism (lock mechanism) 2A of the emergency stop switch 2, in which the contacts are not opened unless the emergency stop button 21 is reliably operated by the engaging members 26, 26' and the springs 27, 27'; 2A' is constructed. Thus, each engagement member 26, 26' of the locking mechanism 2A, 2A' can be unlocked. Note that the state shown in FIG. 5 shows a state in the middle of transition from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 6 during remote control (details will be described later).

One end of a support shaft 26a extending in a direction intersecting (in this example, a direction orthogonal to) the moving direction of the shaft portion 22, that is, the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21, is attached to the back surface of one engaging member 26. . The support shaft 26a extends through the spring 27. As shown in FIG. An electromagnetic actuator (operating portion) 3 is provided at the other end of the support shaft 26 a , and the support shaft 26 a extends through a solenoid body (electromagnetic coil portion) 30 of the electromagnetic actuator 3 . The solenoid body 30 holds the support shaft 26a so as to be slidable in the axial direction. Further, on the outer wall surface of the case 20, there are a receiver (detector) 32 for receiving a remote signal from the wireless terminal 4 (that is, for detecting a remote operation), and a remote signal received (detected) by the receiver 32. A control circuit 33 is provided for controlling the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 3 based on. The control circuit 33 is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 3 by lead wires 34 . The electromagnetic actuator 3 is provided at a position that intersects (in this example, a position orthogonal to) the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21, and moves the engaging member 26 in a direction that intersects with the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21 (in this example, In this case, it is biased in the orthogonal direction). More specifically, the emergency stop button 21 is operated in the longitudinal direction of the case 20 (horizontal direction in FIG. 4), whereas the electromagnetic actuator 3 is arranged in the lateral direction of the case 20 (vertical direction in FIG. 4). ing.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a schematic block configuration of the operation support system 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the operation support system 1 includes a personal computer (PC) 100 for performing various programming, data input, output display, etc., a programmable controller (PLC) 101 connected thereto, and a programmable display connected to the PLC 101. and a device (PDD) 50 . A robot control program is stored in the PLC 101/PDD 50 . Also connected to the PLC 101 and PDD 50 are a laser scanner (LS) 51, a two-dimensional code scanner 54, an emergency stop switch 2, a robot driving section 102 including actuators and motors, a graphical light 53, and an emergency stop lamp/buzzer 103. ing. The configuration of the operation support system according to the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of the PC 100, PLC 101 and PDD 50 may be omitted.

In this example, the wireless terminal 4 is composed of a plurality of wireless terminals 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ . . . (only two wireless terminals 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ are shown in FIG. 7). The wireless terminal _4-1 incorporates, for example, a wireless module, which includes a push button _40-1 , a transmitter _41-1 , a receiver _42-1 , a display _43-1 , and a control circuit to which these are connected. ₄₄₁ . Similarly, the radio module built into the radio terminal ₄₂ includes a push button ₄₀₂ , a transmitter ₄₁₂ , a receiver ₄₂₂ , a display ₄₃₂ , and a control circuit ₄₄₂ to which these are connected. I have. For example, the wireless terminals 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ are carried by workers P 1 and P 2 who work near the robot R, respectively, or the wireless terminal 4 ₁ is used by workers P ₁ and P ₂ who work near the robot R, for example. The wireless terminal 42 is carried by a person P, and the wireless terminal ₄₂ is carried by a supervisor who supervises the worker P at a position away from the robot R, for example.

The transmitters 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ are for transmitting operation (stop) signals for wirelessly operating the emergency stop switch 2 when the push buttons 40 ₁ and 40 ₂ are pressed. It is provided so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the receiving section 32 of the stop switch 2 . The receiver 42 ₁ (or 42 ₂ ) is for receiving the stop signal transmitted from the transmitter 41 ₂ (or 41 ₁ ) of another wireless terminal 4 ₂ (or 4 ₁ ). That is, the transmitters 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ and the receivers 42 ₁ and 42 ₂ of the wireless terminals 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ are arranged to communicate with each other wirelessly. The display units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ display illumination (for example, lighting) when the push buttons 40 ₁ and 40 ₂ are pressed, illumination (for example, blinking) when someone else presses the button first, and radio wave intensity. It is used to display the level, to display an alarm when the battery runs out, or when wireless communication is not possible. Note that the types of radio used in this embodiment include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, ZIGBEE (registered trademark) communication, and BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication. , WiMAX (registered trademark) communication, infrared communication, and the like.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.
During operation of the robot R, the robot R is operated according to the robot control program stored in the PLC101/PDD50. The worker P performs work such as placing the work W on the sub-table T' according to a predetermined procedure, and the robot R performs cooperative work with the worker P. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the emergency stop switch 2 is in a non-operating state in which the emergency stop button 21 is not pushed in, the movable contact 23 and the fixed contact 24 are in contact, and the contact is ON. state.

When the worker P presses (manually operates) the emergency stop button 21 of the emergency stop switch 2 while the robot R is in operation, the shaft portion 22 moves together with the emergency stop button 21 (in other words, interlocking with the operation of the emergency stop button 21). pushed in. Then, as the shaft portion 22 moves, one inclined surface of the projection 22b of the shaft portion 22 pushes one inclined surface of each of the engaging members 26, 26' engaged therewith against the elastic repulsion of the springs 27, 27'. (At this time, the springs 27, 27' are compressed to retract the engaging members 26, 26', and then the elastic repulsive force of the springs 27, 27' causes the engaging members 26 , 26' are extended), the state shown in FIG. 4 is transferred to the state shown in FIG. At this time, the other inclined surface of the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 is engaged with the other inclined surface of each engaging member 26, 26'. Further, by moving the movable contact 23 together with the shaft portion 22, the movable contact 23 is separated from the fixed contact 24 and the contact shifts from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the operation of the robot R stops.

In this case, when one of the engaging members 26 retracts, the support shaft 26a connected to the engaging member 26 moves inside the solenoid body 30 of the electromagnetic coil 3. At this time, current is supplied to the solenoid body 30. Therefore, there is no sliding resistance during movement of the support shaft 26a, and the movement of the support shaft 26a is performed smoothly (that is, without load). Therefore, when the operator P presses the emergency stop switch 2, it can be operated in exactly the same way as a conventional emergency stop switch without the electromagnetic actuator 3.

Next, when the emergency stop button 21 is returned from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 4, the operator P grabs the emergency stop button 21 and pulls it forward (that is, manually operates it). done by At this time, as the shaft portion 22 moves, the other inclined surface of the projection 22b of the shaft portion 22 engages with the other inclined surface of each of the engaging members 26, 26'. It overcomes the elastic repulsive force and, as a result, changes from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 4, one inclined surface of the projection 22b of the shaft portion 22 is engaged with one inclined surface of the engaging member 26. As shown in FIG. Further, by moving the movable contact 23 together with the shaft portion 22, the movable contact 23 comes into contact with the fixed contact 24 and the contact shifts from the OFF state to the ON state. As a result, the operation of the robot R is restarted.

As for the return operation of the emergency stop button 21, by adopting a lock mechanism such as a push lock/turn reset mechanism, the emergency stop button 21 is held by an internal lock mechanism (not shown) when the emergency stop button 21 is pushed. The locked state may be released by twisting (that is, rotating) the emergency stop button 21, for example.

On the other hand, when the worker P presses the push button 40 (40 ₁ or 40 ₂ ) of the wireless terminal 4 (4 ₁ or 4 ₂ ) while the robot R is in operation, the wireless terminal 4 (4 ₁ or 4 ₂ ) An operation (stop) signal is transmitted from the transmitter (41 ₁ or 41 ₂ ) (see FIG. 7). An operation signal transmitted from the wireless terminal 4 (4 ₁ or 4 ₂ ) is received by the receiver 32 of the emergency stop switch 2, input to the control circuit 33, and transmitted from the control circuit 33 to the solenoid body 30 of the electromagnetic actuator 3. Current is supplied.

Then, the support shaft 26a is pulled into the solenoid body 30 of the electromagnetic actuator 3, and accordingly, the engaging member 26 moves downward in the drawing against the spring force of the spring 27. A gap is formed between the inclined surface and the inclined surface of the protrusion 22 b of the shaft portion 22 . In this case, the electromagnetic actuator 3 guides the engaging member 26 to the side where the locked state with respect to the emergency stop button 21 is released. At this time, since only the inclined surface of the engaging member 26' is engaged with the projection 22b of the shaft portion 22, the elastic repulsive force of the spring 25 causes one of the projections 22b of the shaft portion 22 to move. The inclined surface overcomes one of the inclined surfaces of the engaging member 26' engaged therewith against the elastic repulsive force of the spring 27' (at this time, the spring 27' is compressed and the engaging member 26' retracts. , and thereafter, the engaging member 26' is extended by the elastic repulsive force of the spring 27'), and the state shown in FIG. 4 is shifted to the state shown in FIG. At this time, the other inclined surface of the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 is engaged with the other inclined surface of the engaging member 26'. On the other hand, a gap is still formed between the other inclined surface of the engaging member 26 and the other inclined surface of the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 . In this case as well, the moving contact 23 moves together with the shaft portion 22, so that the moving contact 23 separates from the fixed contact 24, the contact transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, and as a result, the operation of the robot R stops. . After that, by stopping the current supply to the electromagnetic actuator 3, the state shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the state shown in FIG. At this time, the other inclined surface of the engaging member 26 is engaged with the other inclined surface of the protrusion 22 b of the shaft portion 22 .

At this time, the emergency stop button 21 is pushed in by moving together with the shaft portion 22, and is in exactly the same state as when the operator P pushes the emergency stop button 21 to activate it. . When the emergency stop button 21 is returned from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. This is done by grabbing and pulling (that is, manually manipulating). Alternatively, as described above, by adopting a lock mechanism such as a push-lock/turn-reset mechanism, when the emergency stop button 21 is pushed, the locked state held by the internal lock mechanism will twist the emergency stop button 21, for example. (that is, by rotating).

According to this embodiment, the remote operation of the emergency stop switch 2 by the wireless terminal 4 is detected by the receiver 32 of the emergency stop switch 2, and the emergency stop switch 2 is operated based on the remote operation to contact the user. Since the movable contact 23 and the fixed contact 24 which have been put in the state are opened, the emergency stop switch 2 can be operated even from a place away from the emergency stop switch 2.例文帳に追加As a result, in a situation where the operator P cannot directly press the emergency stop button 21, the operation of the emergency stop button 21 can be assisted, thereby improving operability and safety. Moreover, in this case, the emergency stop button 21 is actuated using the spring force of the spring 25 that constitutes the safety potential (registered trademark) structure in the emergency stop switch 2, so the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, compared to the case where the electromagnetic actuator is arranged on the axis of the shaft portion 22 and the shaft portion 22 is directly moved by the electromagnetic actuator, the case 20 and thus the switch as a whole can be prevented from being elongated in the longitudinal direction. can be shortened.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 acts in the pressing direction of the emergency stop button 21, the pressing operation of the emergency stop button 21 forces the movable contact 23 from the fixed contact 24. When separated, the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 acts in the same direction as the pressing direction of the emergency stop button 21, and as a result, the movable contact 23 can be separated from the fixed contact 24 more reliably.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 after the emergency stop switch 2 is operated is smaller than the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 before the emergency stop switch 2 is operated. As a result, after the emergency stop switch 2 is operated, the elastic energy possessed by the coil spring 25 is reduced, and the elastic energy of the coil spring 25 after the contact is opened is smaller than the elastic energy before the contact is opened. It's becoming As a result, even if the emergency stop switch 2 is damaged after being operated, the movable contact 23 and the fixed contact 24 will not return to the contact state, thereby further improving safety.

Also, in this embodiment, as the most preferable example, the direction in which the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 acts coincides with the pressing direction of the emergency stop button 21, but the two directions do not completely coincide. may For example, even if the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25 acts obliquely at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the shaft portion 22, the axial component of the elastic repulsive force causes the emergency stop button 21 to be pushed. A certain degree of effect can be expected because it matches the direction.

In this embodiment, in order to shift from the non-operating state shown in FIG. 4 to the state in the middle of remote control shown in FIG. In a state where only the engaging member 26' is engaged with the protrusion 22b (that is, in a one-side locked state), the springs 25 and 27' are arranged so that the biasing force of the spring 25 can unlock this one-side locked state. It is necessary to design the angle of the inclined surface of the base, protrusion 22b, and engaging member 26'. In addition, in case the shaft portion 22 cannot be moved due to contact welding of the movable contact 23 and the fixed contact 24, etc., a buzzer, a speaker, and an indicator light are installed to inform surrounding workers by sound and light. You may do so.

[First Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, only one engaging member 26 is released from the engaged state (locked state) with respect to the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 during remote control, thereby simplifying the structure and switching the switch. Although an example of downsizing the whole has been shown, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. When one engaging member 26 is moved to the unlocking side, the other engaging member 26' may be similarly moved to the unlocking side in conjunction with the movement.

8 to 11 show a first modification of the present invention and are diagrams for explaining such an interlocking mechanism. In these figures, the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. 8 and 9 show the locked state by the engaging members 26 and 26', and FIGS. 10 and 11 show the unlocked state by the engaging members 26 and 26'. 9 is a view in the direction of arrow IX of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is a view of FIG. 10 with some parts omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one end of a stay 60 extending obliquely upward toward the electromagnetic actuator 3 is connected to the end of the support shaft 26a of the engaging member 26. One end of a rack plate 61 extending parallel to the support shaft 26a is connected to the end. Rack teeth 61 a are formed on the inner surface of the rack plate 61 . On the other hand, one end of a support shaft 26a' arranged coaxially with the support shaft 26a is attached to the rear surface of the engaging member 26'. The other end of the support shaft 26a' is similarly connected to one end of a stay 60' extending obliquely upward toward the electromagnetic actuator 3, and the other end of the stay 60' is parallel to the support shaft 26a. One end of a rack plate 61' extending to the is connected. Rack teeth 61a' are formed on the inner surface of the rack plate 61'. Each rack plate 61, 61' is on the same plane, and each rack tooth 61a, 61a' is opposed to each other with a predetermined interval. Between each rack tooth 61a, 61a' is arranged a pinion 7 meshing with both of them, and the pinion 7 is rotatably supported on a shaft 7a.

According to this first modification, when a current is supplied to the electromagnetic actuator 3 during remote control, the support shaft 26a moves in the direction of arrow _a1 as shown in FIGS. The rack plate 61 moves in the arrow _a2 direction via the stay 60 . Then, the pinion 7 meshing with the rack teeth 61a of the rack plate 61 rotates in the direction of the arrow b. As a result, the rack plate 61' having rack teeth 61a' meshing with the pinion 7 moves in the direction of arrow _c1 , and along with this, the support shaft 26a' moves in the direction of arrow _c2 via the stay 60'. As a result, the engaging members 26, 26' move away from each other, and the locked state by the engaging members 26, 26' is released. As a result, the shaft portion 22 smoothly (without any resistance) moves toward the contact opening side due to the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25, thereby switching the contacts. After the movement of the shaft portion 22, when the current supply to the electromagnetic actuator 3 is stopped, the support shaft 26a moves in the direction opposite to the arrow _a1 direction due to the elastic repulsive force of each spring 27, 27'. The rack plate 61 moves in the direction opposite to the arrow _a2 direction via the stay 60 . Then, the pinion 7 meshing with the rack teeth 61a of the rack plate 61 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow b direction. As a result, the rack plate 61' having rack teeth 61a' meshing with the pinion 7 moves in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow _c1 , and the support shaft 26a' moves in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow _c2 through the stay 60'. move in the direction As a result, the engaging members 26 and 26' move closer to each other, and the engaging members 26 and 26' engage with the inclined surface of the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22. As shown in FIG.

In this first modified example, when the emergency stop button 21 is pushed during manual operation, the projections 22b of the shaft portion 22 are pressed against the corresponding engaging members 26, 26', and the springs 27, 27 are pressed. ' retracts each engaging member 26, 26' against the spring force of '. As a result, the rack plates 61 and 61' move in the directions of arrows _a2 and _c1 via the stays 60 and 60', respectively, and rotate the pinion 7 in the direction of arrow b. When each protrusion 22b gets over the corresponding engaging members 26, 26', the engaging members 27, 27' extend due to the elastic repulsive force of the springs 27, 27'. , 60', the rack plates 61, 61' move in directions opposite to the directions of the arrows _a.sub.2 and _c.sub.1 , respectively, to rotate the pinion 7 in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow b. In this way, manual operation can be performed smoothly.

[Second modification]
In the above-described embodiment and the first modified example, the example in which the electromagnetic actuator 3 is provided only on one engaging member 26 side was shown, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. An electromagnetic actuator may also be provided on the side of the other engaging member 26'.

12 to 14 show a second modification of the present invention, and in these figures, the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment and the first modification indicate the same or corresponding parts. 12, 13 and 14 correspond to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 of the above embodiment, respectively. As shown in these figures, on the rear surface of the engaging member 26', a support shaft 26a extending in a direction intersecting (in this example, a direction perpendicular to) the moving direction of the shaft portion 22, that is, the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21, is provided. ' is attached. The support shaft 26a' extends through the spring 27'. An electromagnetic actuator (operating portion) 3' is provided at the other end of the support shaft 26a', and the support shaft 26a' extends through a solenoid body (electromagnetic coil portion) 30' of the electromagnetic actuator 3'. there is The solenoid body 30' holds the support shaft 26a' so as to be slidable in the axial direction. Further, on the outer wall surface of the case 20, there are a receiving unit (detecting unit) 32' for receiving a remote signal from the wireless terminal 4 (that is, detecting a remote operation), and a remote signal received (detected) by the receiving unit 32'. A control circuit 33' is provided for controlling the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 3' based on the signal. The control circuit 33' is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 3' by leads 34'. The electromagnetic actuator 3' is provided at a position intersecting (in this example, a position orthogonal to) the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21, and the engaging member 26' is arranged in a direction intersecting the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21 ( In this example, it is biased in the orthogonal direction). More specifically, the emergency stop button 21 is operated in the longitudinal direction of the case 20 (horizontal direction in FIG. 12), whereas the electromagnetic actuator 3′ is arranged in the lateral direction of the case 20 (vertical direction in FIG. 12). It is

In this second modification, the operation signal transmitted from the wireless terminal 4 (4 ₁ or 4 ₂ ) (FIG. 7) is received by the receivers 32, 32′ of the emergency stop switch 2 during remote operation. The current is input to the control circuits 33, 33', and currents are supplied from the control circuits 33, 33' to the solenoid bodies 30, 30' of the electromagnetic actuators 3, 3'. As a result, both the engaging members 26, 26' are retracted and the locked state by the engaging members 26, 26' is released, as in the first modification. As a result, the shaft portion 22 smoothly (without any resistance) moves toward the contact opening side due to the elastic repulsive force of the coil spring 25, thereby switching the contacts (see FIGS. 12→13→14). Further, when the emergency stop button 21 is pushed during manual operation, the engaging members 26 and 26' are contracted and extended to retract and extend the projections 22b of the shaft portion 22, as in the above embodiment and the first modification. gets over each engaging member 26, 26', the contact is switched (see FIG. 12→FIG. 14).

[Third Modification]
In the above embodiment and the first and second modifications, the movable contact 23 is configured to move in the moving direction of the shaft portion 22, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. 15 to 17 show an emergency stop switch according to a third variant of the invention. FIG. 15 shows the state before the emergency stop switch is operated (before operation), FIG. 16 shows the state during remote operation of the emergency stop switch, and FIG. after operation). 15, 16, and 17 correspond to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 of the above embodiment, respectively, and in FIGS. 15 to 17, the same reference numerals as those of the above embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. .

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in this third modification, the tip of the shaft portion 22 is not straight but crank-shaped. That is, the distal end portion of the shaft portion 22 is composed of a first shaft portion 22A extending linearly in the axial direction and a second shaft portion 22B extending from the distal end of the first shaft portion 22A in a direction obliquely crossing the axial direction. and a third shaft portion 22C extending parallel to the first shaft portion 22A from the tip of the second shaft portion 22B. is set. With this configuration, a stepped portion (or inclined portion/engagement concave portion) _22b1 is formed between the first shaft portion 22A and the second shaft portion 22B, and the second shaft portion 22B and the third shaft portion 22B are separated from each other. A stepped portion (or inclined portion/engagement concave portion) _22b2 is formed between the portion 22C. In this example, the stepped portion 22b- ₁ is composed of a single inclined surface, and the stepped portion 22b- ₂ is composed of two intersecting inclined surfaces.

On the other hand, a first contact ₂₈₁ and a second contact 282 are arranged to face each other with the tip of the shaft portion ₂₂ interposed therebetween. The first and second contacts 28 ₁ and 28 ₂ are arranged in a direction that intersects (perpendicularly in this example) the axial direction of the first shaft portion 22A and the third shaft portion 22C, that is, the moving direction of the shaft portion 22. It is provided movably in an intersecting (perpendicular in this example) direction, and is configured to switch the contact by its movement. Terminal strips 35 ₁ and 35 ₂ are connected to the contacts 28 ₁ and 28 ₂ respectively. The first contact _28-1 has, for example, a protrusion (or slope/engagement protrusion) formed of an inclined surface, and the protrusion can be engaged with the stepped portion _22b2 of the shaft portion 22 while being in contact therewith. is provided as follows. Similarly, the second contact point ₂₈₂ has a protrusion (or slope/engagement protrusion) formed by an inclined surface, and the protrusion is arranged so as to come into contact with the stepped portion _22b1 of the shaft portion 22. is provided. The first contact _28-1 is biased toward the shaft portion ₂₂ by the elastic repulsive force of the _{spring 29-1 .} is biased toward the side of the

As shown in FIG. 15, when the emergency stop switch 2 is not operated, the first contact ₂₈₁ is extended toward the shaft 22 by the elastic repulsive force of the spring ₂₉₁ , and the projecting portion is It abuts and engages with the stepped portion _22b2 and is in the ON state. On the other hand, the second contact _28-2 is retracted toward the case 20 against the elastic repulsive force of the spring _29-2 , and the projecting portion is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the third shaft portion 22C. is in the OFF state. Thus, when the first contact _28-1 is ON and the second contact _28-2 is OFF, the contacts of the emergency stop switch 2 are ON.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the state of the emergency stop switch 2 during remote operation and during operation (during manual operation and during remote operation, that is, after operation), the first contact 28 ₁ is connected to the spring 29 ₁ is retracted toward the case 20 against the elastic repulsive force of 1, and the protruding portion is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 22A and is in the OFF state. On the other hand, the second contact _28-2 is extended toward the shaft portion 22 by the elastic repulsive force of the spring _29-2 , and the projecting portion is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 22A. in a state. Thus, when the first contact _28-1 is OFF and the second contact _28-2 is ON, the contacts of the emergency stop switch 2 are OFF. It should be noted that ON/OFF switching of the first and second contacts 28 ₁ and 28 ₂ is not limited to the one described above, and may be reversed.

[Fourth Modification]
In the embodiment and the first to third modifications, the electromagnetic actuator 3 (and 3') directly moves the engaging member 26 (and 26') to the unlocking side via the support shaft 26a (and 26a'). Although an example in which it is moved has been shown, the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

18 to 20 show an emergency stop switch according to a fourth variant of the invention. FIG. 18 shows the state before the emergency stop switch is operated (before operation), FIG. 19 shows the state during remote operation of the emergency stop switch, and FIG. after operation). 18, 19, and 20 correspond to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 of the above embodiment, respectively, and in FIGS. 18 to 20, the same reference numerals as those of the above embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. .

As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, one end of a spring 27 that urges the engaging member 26 toward the locking side is in pressure contact with the back surface of the engaging member 26, while the other end is in contact with the engaging member inside the case 20. As shown in FIGS. It is supported by a moving base 81 which is provided so as to be able to approach and move away from the rear surface of 26 . The moving base 81 passes through an opening formed in the case 20 and extends to the outside of the case. Rack teeth (not shown) are formed on the moving base 82 . A motor (operating portion) 8 is attached to the outer wall surface of the case 20 , and a pinion 80 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 8 . The pinion 80 meshes with rack teeth of the moving base 82 . With this configuration, when the motor 8 is driven, the moving base 81 moves via the moving base 82 meshing with the pinion 80 . The motor 8 can rotate forward and backward, and is provided with a rotation prevention mechanism (not shown) that prevents rotation of the output shaft when an external force acts from the output shaft side. As a result, the moving base 81 does not move even when the moving base 81 is urged away from the engaging member 26 by the elastic repulsive force of the spring 27 .

Further, on the outer wall surface of the case 20, a receiver (detector) 32 and a control circuit 33 for controlling the driving of the motor 8 based on the remote signal received (detected) by the receiver 32 are provided. . The control circuit 33 is connected to the motor 8 by lead wires 34 . The motor 8 is provided at a position that intersects (in this example, a position perpendicular to) the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21, and rotates the engaging member 26 in a direction that intersects with the operating direction of the emergency stop button 21 (in this example, , orthogonal directions). More specifically, the operation direction of the emergency stop button 21 is the longitudinal direction of the case 20 (horizontal direction in FIG. 18), whereas the motor 8 is arranged in the lateral direction of the case 20 (vertical direction in FIG. 18). there is

When the emergency stop button 21 is manually operated (pressed), the projection 22b of the shaft 22 moves against the elastic repulsive force of the springs 27, 27' as in the above embodiment. 26, 26' (At this time, each spring 27, 27' is compressed and each engaging member 26, 26' retracts, and then each engaging member 26 is pushed by the elastic repulsive force of each spring 27, 27'. , 26' are extended), the state shown in FIG. 18 is changed to the state shown in FIG. As a result, the movable contact 23 moved together with the shaft portion 22 separates from the fixed contact 24, and the contact shifts from the ON state to the OFF state. In this case, when the engaging member 26 is retracted, the moving base 81 does not move and remains at its original position. It can be done in exactly the same way.

Next, when the emergency stop button 21 is returned from the state shown in FIG. 20 to the state shown in FIG. It moves in the direction opposite to time, and along with this, the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 overcomes the respective engaging members 26, 26' against the elastic repulsive force of the respective springs 27, 27' (at this time, Each spring 27, 27' is compressed to retract each engaging member 26, 26', and then each engaging member 26, 26' expands due to the elastic repulsive force of each spring 27, 27'. The state shown in FIG. 20 returns to the state shown in FIG. As a result, the movable contact 23 moved together with the shaft portion 22 comes into contact with the fixed contact 24, and the contact shifts from the OFF state to the ON state.

On the other hand, during remote operation of the emergency stop button 21, the operation signal transmitted from the wireless terminal 4 (4 ₁ or 4 ₂ ) is received by the receiver 32 of the emergency stop switch 2 and input to the control circuit 33 to control the Current is supplied to the motor 8 from the circuit 33 . As a result, the motor 8 rotates in the normal direction, the pinion 80 rotates, and the moving base 82 meshing therewith moves, thereby moving the moving base 81 away from the engaging member 26 (see FIG. 19). . As a result, the spring 27 expands, and as a result, the elastic repulsive force exerted by the spring 27 on the rear surface of the engaging member 26 is reduced. Then, due to the action of the elastic repulsive force of the spring 25, the protrusion 22b of the shaft portion 22 climbs over the engaging members 26, 26' engaged therewith, thereby moving the shaft portion 22 and moving the movable contact 23. It separates from the fixed contact 24, and the contact shifts from the ON state to the OFF state (see FIG. 18→FIG. 19). In this case, the motor 8 does not directly move the engaging member 26, but by reducing the elastic repulsive force of the spring 27, the engaging member 26 is guided to the unlocking side (or moved to the unlocking side). movement is induced). Thereafter, by rotating the motor 8 in the reverse direction, the moving base 81 is moved toward the engagement member 26 (see FIG. 20).

According to the fourth modification, as in the above embodiment, the remote operation of the emergency stop switch 2 by the wireless terminal 4 is detected by the receiver 32 of the emergency stop switch 2, and the emergency stop switch 2 is detected based on the remote operation. Since the stop switch 2 is actuated to separate the movable contact 23 and the fixed contact 24 that have been in contact with each other, the emergency stop switch 2 can be operated even from a place away from the emergency stop switch 2.例文帳に追加As a result, in a situation where the operator P cannot directly press the emergency stop button 21, the operation of the emergency stop button 21 can be assisted, thereby improving operability and safety. Moreover, in this case, the emergency stop button 21 is actuated using the spring force of the spring 25 that constitutes the safety potential (registered trademark) structure in the emergency stop switch 2, so the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, compared to the case where the motor 8 is arranged on the extension line of the shaft portion 22 and the shaft portion 22 is directly moved by the motor 8, the case 20 and thus the switch as a whole are prevented from being elongated in the longitudinal direction. You can shorten the whole body.

[Fifth Modification]
In the above embodiment, an emergency stop switch is used as an operation switch unit, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and other stop switches such as temporary stop switches may be used. Switches that handle discrete values, such as selector switches, lever switches, cam switches, and foot switches, which perform speed control by switching speeds, may also be used. Therefore, the signals transmitted from the transmitters 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ of the wireless terminals 4 (4 ₁ and 4 ₂ ) are not limited to the stop signal, and include all other operation signals. In addition, regarding these switches, not only the operation of the operation switch but also the return may be wirelessly and remotely operated using an electromagnetic actuator or the like.

[Sixth Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the wireless terminal 4 is used as the remote control unit, and the receiving unit 32 is used as the detection unit. However, application of the present invention is not limited to this. The remote control unit and the detection unit may be combined as follows. That is, a combination of an optical signal and a photoelectric sensor, a combination of an audio signal and a microphone, a combination of a video signal and a camera, an operating device such as a lever for operating a linear/rod-shaped elongated member such as a wire and the elongated member. A combination with a movable member that follows the movement of the tip of the gun, a nozzle that ejects compressed air and a pressure receiving member that receives the compressed air from the nozzle, a gun that shoots bullets such as BB bullets, and a target member that receives bullets fired from the gun. etc.

[Other Modifications]
Each of the embodiments and modifications described above should be regarded as mere illustrations of the present invention in all respects, and should not be construed as limitations. One of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to implement the present invention without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics when considering the above teachings, even though not expressly described herein. Various modifications and other embodiments may be constructed that employ the principles of.

[Other application examples]
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, a cooperative robot is used as an example of a device to which the emergency stop switch according to the present invention is applied, but the present invention is also applicable to industrial robots other than cooperative robots. Further, the robot is not limited to a vertical articulated robot, and may be other robots such as a SCARA robot, a parallel link robot, or an automated guided vehicle (AGV). Furthermore, the application of the present invention is not limited to the field of FA (factory automation) (manufacturing industry), but may be the field of industrial vehicles and construction vehicles (construction and civil engineering industry) including special vehicles such as power shovels. The fields of food industry, medical care, and distribution are also acceptable.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for an operation switch unit with an operation assistance function and an operation assistance system capable of assisting operation of an operation switch.

1: Operation support system

2: Emergency stop switch (operation switch unit)
21: Emergency stop button (operation switch)
22: Shaft (operation shaft)
23: Movable contact 24: Fixed contact 25: Coil spring (first biasing means)
26, 26': engagement members (lock members)
27, 27': springs (second biasing means)
28 ₁ , 28 ₂ : contacts 2A, 2A': safety lock mechanism (lock mechanism)

3, 3': Electromagnetic actuator (actuating part)
32, 32': Receiving unit (detecting unit)

4: Wireless terminal (remote control unit)

8: Motor (operating part)

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-35302 (see FIG. 1)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an emergency stop switch with an operation assistance function and an operation assistance system capable of assisting the operation of an emergency stop button.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to be able to support the operation of the emergency stop button , thereby improving the operability, An object of the present invention is to provide an emergency stop switch with an operation support function and an operation support system capable of improving safety. A further object of the present invention is to provide an emergency stop switch with an operation support function that can simplify the structure.

An emergency stop switch with an operation support function according to the present invention includes an emergency stop button for switching the state of a contact, first biasing means for biasing the emergency stop button to the side where the contact is switched, A lock mechanism having an unlockable lock member that locks at an operating position, and by guiding the lock member to the side where the lock state with respect to the emergency stop button is released based on the remote operation of the emergency stop button , the first The emergency stop button is operated by the urging force of the urging means , and the operating shaft moves in conjunction with the operation of the emergency stop button. and acts to slide the lock member in a direction intersecting the operating shaft .

According to the present invention, the actuating portion guides the lock member to the side where the lock state with respect to the operation switch emergency stop button is released based on the remote operation performed on the emergency stop button . Then, the emergency stop button is actuated by the action of the urging force of the first urging means on the emergency stop button to switch the state of the contact.

In this way, the operation can be performed even from a place away from the emergency stop button , and the operation of the emergency stop button can be supported. As a result, operability can be improved and safety can be improved. Moreover, in this case, the emergency stop button is actuated using the biasing force of the first biasing means acting on the emergency stop button , so that the structure can be simplified.

In the present invention, the lock member has a spindle extending in a direction intersecting the operating shaft, and the operating part acts on the spindle. Further, in the present invention, the locking mechanism has a second biasing means for biasing the locking member toward the locking side.

In the present invention, since the actuating portion is provided at a position intersecting the operating direction of the emergency stop button , it is possible to prevent the emergency stop switch from becoming long in the operating direction of the emergency stop button .

In the present invention, the operating portion moves the lock member in a direction intersecting with the operating direction of the emergency stop button .

In the present invention, the emergency stop button has the housing, the operation direction of the emergency stop button is the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the operating part is arranged in the lateral direction of the housing. It is possible to prevent the housing from being elongated in the longitudinal direction.

In the present invention , the lock member of the lock mechanism locks movement of the operating shaft by engaging with a portion of the operating shaft. In this case, the lock member engages and locks a portion of the operating shaft, thereby locking the emergency stop button at the non-operating position via the operating shaft.

In the present invention , the contact has a movable contact that moves in the movement direction of the operating shaft and a fixed contact that is fixed to the housing of the emergency stop switch . In this case, when the operating shaft moves with the operation of the emergency stop button , the movable contact moves in the moving direction of the operating shaft, and as a result, the contact state of the movable contact is switched to the fixed setting. .

In the present invention , the contact has a contact movable in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the operating shaft. In this case, when the operating shaft moves in response to the operation of the emergency stop button , the contact moves in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the operating shaft to switch the contact state.

In the present invention, the biasing force by the first biasing means acts in the operating direction of the emergency stop button . As a result, the contact state can be switched more reliably when the emergency stop button is operated.

In the present invention, the biasing force of the first biasing means after operating the emergency stop button is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the first biasing means before operating the emergency stop button. . As a result, after the emergency stop button is operated, the elastic energy possessed by the urging means is reduced, and the elastic energy of the urging means is smaller than the elastic energy before the emergency stop button is operated. . As a result, even if the emergency stop button should be damaged after the emergency stop button is operated, the contacts will not return to the state before switching, thereby further improving safety.

An operation support system according to the present invention includes the emergency stop switch with an operation support function according to claim 1 and a remote control unit for remotely operating the emergency stop button .

In the present invention, when the emergency stop button is remotely operated by the remote control unit, the operating unit guides the lock member to the side where the locked state of the emergency stop button is released based on the remote control. Then, the emergency stop button is actuated by the action of the urging force of the first urging means on the emergency stop button to switch the state of the contact. In this way, the operation can be performed even from a place away from the emergency stop button , and the operation of the emergency stop button can be supported. As a result, operability can be improved and safety can be improved. Moreover, in this case, since the emergency stop button is actuated using the biasing force of the first biasing means acting on the emergency stop button , the structure of the emergency stop switch can be simplified. The overall structure can be simplified.

Claims (12)

An operation switch unit with an operation support function,
an operation switch for switching the state of the contact;
a first biasing means for biasing the operation switch to the side where the contact switches;
a lock mechanism having an unlockable lock member that locks the operation switch at the non-operating position;
a detection unit that detects remote operation of the operation switch;
Based on the remote operation detected by the detection unit, the lock member is guided to the side where the locked state with respect to the operation switch is released, so that the operation switch is operated by the action of the biasing force of the first biasing means. an actuating part that actuates the
Operation switch unit with operation support function. In claim 1,
The locking mechanism has second biasing means for biasing the locking member toward the locking side.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
The actuating portion is provided at a position that intersects with the operation direction of the operation switch,
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
the actuating portion moves the lock member in a direction intersecting with the operation direction of the operation switch;
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
The operation switch has a housing, the operation direction of the operation switch is the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the operating part is arranged in the lateral direction of the housing.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
further comprising an operation shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation switch;
The lock member of the lock mechanism locks movement of the operation shaft by engaging with a portion of the operation shaft.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
further comprising an operation shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation switch;
The contact has a movable contact that moves in the movement direction of the operation shaft and a fixed contact that is fixed to the housing side of the operation switch unit.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
further comprising an operation shaft that moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation switch;
the contact has a contact movable in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the operating shaft;
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
The biasing force by the first biasing means acts in the operating direction of the operation switch.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
The biasing force of the first biasing means after the operation switch is operated is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the first biasing means before the operation switch is operated.
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: In claim 1,
wherein the operation switch is an emergency stop button;
An operation switch unit with an operation support function characterized by: An operation switch unit with an operation support function according to claim 1;
a remote control unit for remotely controlling the control switch;
Operation support system with

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