JP3162306B2 - Switch operating force measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch operating force measuring device for measuring a pressing force applied to operate a switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, when a predetermined pressing force is applied to operate a switch, it is necessary to test whether the switch normally operates. For example, a skirt guard safety device for a passenger conveyor is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-25 / 1985.
A switch is provided inside the skirt guard as described in JP-A-8082, and the deflection of the skirt guard when shoes or the like are sandwiched between the step and the skirt guard is detected by the operation of this switch. Is configured to stop the passenger conveyor when
This switch is set to operate when a pressing force of 10 to 15 kg is applied. Conventionally, in order to inspect whether this switch operates with the set pressing force, maintenance personnel hold the tension gauge in hand and press the skirt guard corresponding to the switch from the outside, while bending the skirt guard. When the switch is operated, the click sound generated when the switch is operated is confirmed by ear, the scale of the tension gauge at this time is read by eye, and then recorded on a predetermined sheet.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional switch operation force measurement, the scale of the tension gauge when the operation sound of the switch is confirmed by ear while the hand is being pressed is immediately checked with the eyes. Because reading was performed, skill was required for measurement, and when the maintenance site was noisy, it was not easy to hear the switch operation sound. Effort was needed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a switch operating force measuring device capable of accurately detecting an operating pressing force of a switch without being affected by ambient conditions.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a detecting unit having a push rod movably supported by a grip unit to apply a pressing force to a switch, and a detecting unit for operating the switch. In a switch operating force measuring device provided with an operating force value conversion unit for measuring the operating force value of, a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force applied by the push bar,
A switch operation detecting means for detecting vibration generated at the time of the operation of the switch, wherein the operating force value converting unit detects the pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means when the switch operation detecting means detects the operation of the switch. The pressure is configured to be output as an operating force value, the grip portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the grip portion is provided at one end thereof via a container-shaped rotation preventing portion,
At least one of the pressing force detecting means and the switch operation detecting means is housed in the rotation preventing portion.

[0006] A switch operating force measuring device according to the present invention comprises:
With the pressing force applied by the push rod as described above,
The pressing force when the switch operation detecting means detects the operation of the switch is detected by the pressing force detecting means, and the pressing force can be output as an operating force value by the operating force value conversion unit. Compared to what is distinguished from sound,
The operating force value of the switch can be accurately and easily measured without being affected by the surrounding situation. In addition, since at least one of the pressing force detecting means and the switch operation detecting means is housed in the rotation preventing portion, it is possible to prevent the roller from rolling down and being damaged, and to effectively utilize the space.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a switch operating force measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A switch operating force measuring device for measuring an operation pressing force of a switch A such as a skirt guard switch of an escalator is provided with a switch A when a pressed body B such as a skirt guard is pressed.
A detecting unit 2 for detecting that the switch A has operated; an operating force value converting unit 3 for converting the pressing force value into a pressing force value when the detecting unit 2 detects the operation of the switch A; And a connection means 5 which is attached and has the other end connected to the operating force conversion unit 3 by an outlet. The connection means 5 also includes wiring for sharing a dry cell provided on the operating force value conversion unit 3 side as a drive source on the detection unit 2 side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the detection unit 2. The push bar 6 is made of a metal rod and has a diameter of about 8 mm, a rotation preventing unit 10 movably holding the push bar 6, and the push bar 6. And a light metal grip portion 7 to which a maintenance person applies a force by pressing against the pressing body B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG. 5 which is a bottom view, the grip portion 7 has a shape convenient for an adult to hold with one or both hands and press the push rod 6 against the pressed body B, for example, having a diameter of about 35 mm. An elastic body 11 is provided at the lower end thereof so that it can be pushed by a palm, and the gripping portion 7 is gripped by hand on the outer peripheral wall to push the push rod 6 against the pressed body B. An anti-slip 12 is provided to prevent the hand from slipping when pressed toward. As shown in FIG. 3, the center line P <b> 1 of the push rod 6 is shifted from the center line P <b> 2 of the grip portion 7, and is eccentric as far as possible on the anti-projection side of the rotation preventing portion 10. The rotation preventing portion 10 can take various shapes. In this case, the rotation preventing portion 10 is formed in a storage container having a shape that protrudes in the radial direction of the grip portion 7 and prevents rotation with the grip portion 7. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 4, the side portion has a substantially similar curved surface continuous with the grip portion 7. By considering the shape of the rotation preventing portion 10 and the position of the push rod 6 in this way, the grip portion 7
Can be reduced from the outer peripheral portion of the push rod 6 to the center line P1. For example, even when the skirt guard switch of the escalator is disposed close to the side of the tread surface of the step, The push bar 6 can be pressed perpendicularly to the skirt guard, and the tip of the push bar 6 can be prevented from slipping.

The provision of the protruding anti-rotation part 10 increases the size of the entire apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 3 which is a cross-sectional view of the detection unit 2, the inside of the rotation prevention unit 10 can be effectively used, and eventually the size can be reduced. That is, in the rotation preventing unit 10, a pressing force detection such as a strain gauge which detects the pressing force applied to the pressed body B by the pressing rod 6 and converts the pressing force into an electric signal and outputs it as a pressing force signal. Means 37 and a switch operation detecting means 36 such as a piezoelectric sensor for detecting a vibration generated when the switch A operates, converting the vibration into an electric signal, and outputting the signal as an operation signal.
And are stored. The push rod 6 supported by the rotation preventing portion 10 has a tapered surface 6a on the entire periphery of the front end corner as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, and prevents the push rod 6 from coming off from the support base 7a at the rear end. A guide ring 13 made of brass, which is integrally provided with a flange portion 7b, is fixed to the support 7a.
It is supported so that it can move up and down and in the direction of rotation. A spring member 14 is provided on the back surface of the support base 7a.
In the vicinity of the free end of the spring member 14, a ball screw 16 is fixed by a nut 17, and the ball tip 16a of the ball screw 16 is attached to the back surface of the flange 7b of the push rod 6. Point contact. Accordingly, when the gripping portion 7 is gripped and the push rod 6 is pressed toward the pressed body B, the spring member 14 is bent at the lower end of the push rod 6 via the ball screw 16, and the spring member 14 The amount of bending is detected by the pressing force detecting means 37, and a digital signal corresponding to the amount of bending is output to the operating force converter 3 via the connecting means 5.

On the other hand, the operating force value converter 3 shown in FIG.
Standing size 100mm, width 60mm, thickness 25m
Case 18 with a pocket size of m
A display 19, which is one of output means composed of liquid crystal provided on the upper surface of the case 8, a power on / off switch 20 provided on the upper surface of the case 18, and first operation buttons 21 provided on the upper surface of the case 18
And The display 19 and the first operation buttons 21 are structured so as not to protrude outward from the upper surface of the case 18 so as to enhance the storability in the pocket as described later. Further, on the side surface of the case 18 of the operating force conversion unit 3, there is provided a connection unit for inserting an outlet (not shown) for connecting a printer as another output unit to an RS232C output unit 35 of the microcomputer 25 described later. . Case 18
A control board, a dry battery, and the like are housed in the inside. On the control board, as shown in FIG. 7, a first amplifier circuit 22 for amplifying a pressing force signal output from the detection unit 2 side, A filter circuit 23 for removing a noise component from the signal amplified by the circuit 22, an AD converter 24 for converting the pressing force signal into a digital signal, and converting the pressing force value from the number of pulses of the digital signal from the AD converter 24. Display 19
(Hereinafter simply referred to as a microcomputer) 25, a second amplifying circuit 26 for amplifying the operation signal output from the switch operation detection means 36 of the detection unit 2, and an output level of the operation signal. Regulation level (1
A comparator 27 is provided which converts an operation signal into a digital signal when the voltage exceeds 5 mV) and outputs the digital signal to the microcomputer 25.

The microcomputer 25 provided on the control board includes:
It has an I / O port 28, a memory 29, and a CPU 30, and has an I / O port 28, a memory 29, and a CPU.
30 is connected by a bus 31. The pressing force value calculated in the microcomputer 25 based on the output of the AD converter 24 is sequentially and sequentially converted in accordance with the change in the pressing force applied to the push rod 6, and the converted pressing force value is displayed on the display 19. Are sequentially displayed. However, when a digital signal is output from the comparator 27 into the microcomputer 25, the change of the pressing force value displayed on the display 19 is stopped, the pressing force value at that time is held, and the held pressing force value is held. Is stored in the memory 29 as the operation value of the switch A.

The first operation buttons 21 provided on the upper surface of the case 18 of the operating force value converter 3 include a memory up button 32,
It comprises a memory down button 33 and a clear button 34. When the memory up button 32 is pressed once, the measured operating force value of the switch A can be stored in a new memory address of the memory 29 in the microcomputer 25, and
The content stored at the new memory address is displayed on the display 19. When the memory down button 33 is pressed once, the memory address in the microcomputer 25 immediately before the accessed memory address of the memory 29 is
While the operating force value of the switch A becomes memorable,
The content stored at the memory address immediately before the displayed address is displayed on the display unit 19. Here, the memory 29 stores 128
It is a capacity that can store the individual operating force values. Therefore,
By operating the memory up button 32, the operating force values stored in the memory 29 are displayed in the order in which they are stored in the memory 29, and by operating the memory down button 33, the operating force values stored in the memory 29 are displayed on the display 19 in order from the newest one, and the silent check is performed. can do.

On the other hand, when the clear button 34 is pressed, the display 19
Is displayed on the display 19, and the operating force value is erased from the memory 29.
When the memory down button 33 and the clear button 34 are pressed almost simultaneously, all the operating force values stored in the memory 29 are erased, and when the memory up button 32 and the memory down button 33 are pressed almost simultaneously, the case 18 All the operating force values stored in the memory 29 can be printed by a printer (not shown) connected to the RS232C output unit 35 provided on the control board. Further, when the voltage of the dry battery, which is the driving source of the microcomputer 25, decreases to a value equal to or lower than the specified voltage, the display 19 of the operating force value conversion unit 3 displays "L
OBAT] to prompt the user to replace the dry battery, or display an error code "E1" when the operating force value cannot be stored in the memory 29, and further display the RS23.
A message that calls attention to the operator, such as displaying an error code “E2” that disables printing by the 2C output unit 35, is displayed.

The rotation preventing section 10 of the detecting section 2 has a diameter of the grip section 7 in order to prevent the entire apparatus from rolling and causing damage when the grip section 7 has the same diameter as described above. It is formed to project in the direction. In order to make effective use of the protruded rotation preventing portion 10, the storage container shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, a detector up button 38, a detector clear button 39, and a measurement completion indicator light 40 are provided. These detector up button 38, detector clear button 39, and measurement completion display are provided. The lamp 40 has a structure that does not protrude outward from the surface of the storage container of the rotation preventing unit 10 to prevent erroneous operation.
Each time the detection unit up button 38 is operated once, the memory address of the memory 29 shown in FIG.
The operating force value stored at the accessed memory address is displayed on the display 19. Clear button 3 for detector
Each time the operator 9 is operated, the operating force value displayed on the display 19 disappears from the display 19 and the operating force value is deleted from the memory 29. When a new memory address is accessed by operating the detection unit up button 38, the light turns on when the operating force value is stored. However, when the detection unit clear button 39 is operated, the light is stored at the newly accessed memory address. Since the operating force value is erased and the measurement completion indicator light 40 is turned off at this time, the maintenance worker can silently recognize that the operating force value can be measured. The measurement completion lamp 40 is turned on when a newly measured operating force value is stored in the accessed memory address and the operating force value is displayed on the display 19. When the maintenance staff neglects this and operates the detection unit up button 38 to access the new memory address, if the operating force value can be measured, the light is turned off and can be known.

As shown in FIG. 2, the detection section clear button 39 is disposed on the upper surface 10a of the container of the rotation preventing section 10 and at the outer peripheral portion of the measurement completion indicating lamp 40. The operation can be performed while checking whether the light 40 is turned on or off. The detection unit up button 38 is provided on the side surface 10b of the storage container so that it can be operated by the thumb while holding the grip unit 7 with a hand, and continuously measures a plurality of switches A. Good operability when doing.

As described above, the rotation preventing section 10 includes a detection section up button 38, a detection section clear button 39, and a measurement completion indicator 40.
The maintenance staff can measure the operating force value of the switch A while looking at the display unit 19 of the operating force value conversion unit 3 and operating the first operation buttons 21. It is also possible to measure the operating force value of the switch A while operating the buttons on the detection unit 2 side while putting the force value conversion unit 3 in the breast pocket. The length of the connecting means 5 is preferably set to, for example, about 120 cm so as not to disturb the latter operation.

The operation of measuring the operating force of the switch A by the switch operating force measuring device configured as described above is performed as follows. First, the memory address for storing the newly measured operating force value is accessed by operating the detecting unit up button 38 of the detecting unit 2 or the memory up button 32 of the operating force value converting unit 3. At this time, the display 19 displays the recorded value of the accessed memory address, but since there is no corresponding recorded value, "0.0" is displayed. However, when a numerical value other than “0.0” is displayed, since it is the operating force value measured in the past, the clear button 3
9 or the memory clear button 34 is operated to erase the memory address, and at the same time, the display on the display 19 is set to “0.0”.
And Further, when the memory address of the memory 29 is accessed by operating the detection unit up button 38 or the memory up button 32 and the operating force value measured in the past remains at the memory address, the measurement completion indicator 40 Lights up to prompt maintenance personnel to erase the operating force value remaining at the memory address. Then, the clear button 39 for the detection body
Alternatively, when the operating force value stored in the memory address is erased by operating the memory clear button 34, the measurement completion indicator 40 is automatically turned off.

Next, after the maintenance person grips the grip 7 of the detection unit 2 and brings the tip of the push rod 6 into contact with the pressed body B in the portion opposite to the switch A as shown in FIG. The push rod 6
Is pressed toward the pressed body B. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the push rod 6 is moved toward the grip portion 7 in response to this pressing force, and the ball screw 16 is pushed, whereby the spring member 14 is bent. At this time, since the push rod 6 moves while being guided by the guide ring 13, the bending corresponding to the pressing force value can be obtained with high precision without changing the positional relationship between the two. The amount of bending of the spring member 14 is detected by the pressing force detecting means 37, and the number of pulses of the digital signal corresponding to the amount of bending is calculated by the microcomputer 25 shown in FIG.
Is output to The microcomputer 25 uses the pressing force value calculated according to the number of pulses as the operating force value of the switch A,
Is output to the display unit 19.

Thereafter, the pressed body B is deformed by the push rod 6 and comes into contact with the switch A, and the contact of the switch A is switched. When the switch A operates, vibrations due to sounds or the like generated during the operation are detected by the switch operation detecting means 36 via the push rod 6 and the spring body 14.
By this detection, an operation signal is output from the switch operation detecting means 36 to the operating force value conversion unit 3, the operating force value displayed on the display 19 is held, and the held operating force value is stored in the memory. 29. After that, it is displayed on the display unit 19 which is a part of the output unit,
Since it is possible to perform printing by a printer serving as an output unit and to perform silent observation, the maintenance staff can measure the operating force value simply by pressing the push rod 6 against the pressed body B, and as in the related art. The operating force value of the switch A can be accurately and easily measured without being affected by the surrounding environment where the switch A is installed.

When the operating force value of another switch provided adjacent to the switch whose operating force value is measured in the above-described procedure is measured, the detecting unit up button 38 or the memory up button 32 is operated. After accessing the new memory address, the same operation as described above can be performed. By repeating these procedures, a large number of switches in one device such as a skirt guard switch of an escalator can be continuously stored in the memory 29.

When such a measurement is performed, the operation force conversion unit 3 is stored in a pocket of a maintenance person, and the operation can be performed only by operating the detection unit 2. At this time, even if it is necessary to temporarily place the detection unit 2 on the step, the rotation is prevented by the rotation prevention unit 10 although the grip unit 7 is easy to hold, so that there is no damage. The completion of storage in the memory 29 together with the measurement of the operating force value cannot be determined by the operation sound of the switch A as in the prior art, but a measurement completion indicator provided by using the rotation prevention unit 10. 4
It can be identified by lighting 0. Also,
When a subsequent measurement is performed, a new memory address must be accessed. This is completed by operating the detection unit up button 38 provided using the rotation preventing unit 10 and turning off the measurement completion indicator 40. Can be identified. However, since the completion of the storage of the operating force value in the memory 29 can be known by the lighting command to the measurement completion indicator 40, a new memory address of the memory 29 is accessed by this lighting command or a command related thereto. If a means for performing the operation is provided to prepare for the storage of the next operation force value, the detection unit up button 38 may be omitted. The operating force value stored in the memory 29 can be output by a printer connected to the operating force value conversion unit 3 by simultaneously pressing the memory up button 32 and the memory down button 33 of the operation force value conversion unit 3. .

In the above-described embodiment, the anti-rotation portion 10 protruding in the radial direction of the grip portion 7 is formed. However, the anti-rotation portion 10 may have various shapes.
In any case, at least one of the pressing force detecting means 36 and the switch operation detecting means 37 can be housed in the rotation preventing unit 10 for effective use.

[0023]

As described above, the switch operating force measuring apparatus according to the present invention comprises a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force applied by a push rod, and a switch operation detecting means for detecting vibration generated when the switch operates. Means, and an operating force value converting section for converting the pressing force by the pressing force detecting means at the time of detecting the vibration of the switch operation detecting means into an operating force value and outputting the operating force value. Without being affected by the situation, the operating force value of the switch can be accurately and easily measured, and at least one of the pressing force detecting means and the switch operation detecting means is housed in the rotation preventing portion. In addition, the inside of the anti-rotation part can be effectively utilized to reduce the size.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a switch operating force measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switch operating force measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit in the switch operating force measurement device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a detection unit in the switch operating force measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a detection unit in the switch operating force measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of the switch operating force measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an operating force value converter of the switch operating force measuring device shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Detecting part 3 Operating force value converting part 5 Connecting means 6 Push rod 7 Grip part 10 Rotation preventing part 19 Display part 32 Memory up button 33 Memory down button 34 Memory clear button 36 Pressing force detecting means 37 Switch operation detecting means 38 Detecting part Up button 39 Clear button for detector 40 Measurement completion indicator

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiaki Iwamoto 1-6-6 Kandanishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Within Hitachi Building System Services Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tokuji Tamaru 1-6-6 Kandanishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Stock (56) References JP-A-60-61636 (JP, A) JP-A-63-18475 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B66B 29 / 04,31 / 00 G01L 5/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A detecting unit having a push rod movably supported by a grip unit and applying a pressing force to a switch, and an operating force value converting unit for measuring an operating force value when the switch operates. A switch operating force measuring device, comprising: a pressing force detecting means for detecting a pressing force applied by the push rod; and a switch operation detecting means for detecting a vibration generated when the switch operates. The department is
The pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means when the switch operation detecting means detects the operation of the switch is configured to be output as an operating force value, and the grip is formed in a tubular shape and a container is provided at one end thereof. A switch operating force measuring device, wherein the grip portion is provided via a rotation preventing portion having a shape, and at least one of the pressing force detecting means and the switch operation detecting means is housed in the rotation preventing portion. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating force value conversion unit has a memory for storing a pressing force by the pressing force detecting means at the time of detection of the switch operation detecting means as an operating force value, A switch operating force measuring device, wherein the operating force conversion unit and the detection unit are connected by connecting means. 3. The operating force value converting section according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force by the pressing force detecting means when the switch operation detecting means is detected is stored in the operating force value converting section in the rotation preventing section. A switch operation force measuring device, which is provided with a measurement completion indicator lamp that is turned on when a new memory address of the memory is accessed and is turned off when a new memory address of the memory is accessed. 4. The switch operation force measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation preventing unit is provided with a detection unit up button for accessing a memory address of the memory.