TW202345184A - Enable switch - Google Patents

Abstract

In an enable switch 1, when a movable member 12 is pushed in, a contact 13 shifts from open to closed at an ON switching position between a first position and a second position. The contact 13 shifts from closed to open at an OFF switching position between the second position and a third position. When the movable member 12 is pushed in between the first position and the ON switching position, a second magnetic member 52 moves against the force caused by the magnetic effect between the second magnetic member 52 and a first magnetic member 51. The load required to move the second magnetic member 52 against the force due to the magnetic effect has a magnetic peak that rises and decreases once. The maximum load of the magnetic peak is greater than or equal to the load required to push the movable member 12 at the ON switching position assuming that a magnetic part 15 is not provided. This makes it easy to make adjustments related to the switching of the contact 13.

Description

Start switch

The present invention relates to a start switch that allows an operating portion to operate an operating object. [Refer to related application] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application JP 2022-79568, which was filed on May 13, 2022, and the entire disclosure content of the application is incorporated into this application.

Previously, there has been known a switch in which the state of the switch changes from OFF to ON and further from ON to OFF according to the pushing amount of the movable member of the switch. When such a switch is used to operate a robot or a machine, a "start switch" is used in the operating unit, which is the terminal where the operator performs input. The operator keeps the switch in the ON state while inputting. When the switch becomes OFF, the operator's input is blocked and cannot be transmitted to operating objects such as robots. Thereby, when the operator takes his hands away from the operating part, or holds the operating part tightly due to fright, etc., the input to the operating part is not transmitted to the operating object, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.

A starter switch is used that has the following structure: In order to detect faults such as welding of contacts, two contacts are provided that are switched in parallel by pushing in a movable member. At the switching time of the two contacts Large deviations are detected as errors. In this start switch, when the movable member is slowly pushed in while tilted, the switching time point deviation of the two contacts becomes larger. Although no fault occurs, an error is still detected incorrectly. situation.

Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-53328 (Document 1) proposes a technology that, when the movable member of the start switch is pushed in, moves the two contacts closer to the switching position from OFF to ON. On the front side, the engaging portion connected to the movable member is engaged with the recessed portion to rapidly increase the load required for pushing, and then the engagement is released to rapidly reduce the load, thereby switching two contacts at once. In this starter switch, the load is suddenly increased and decreased (that is, a click feeling is generated) in front of the switching position, thereby making it difficult to slowly push the movable member in the vicinity of the switching position. As a result, the deviation in the switching timing of the two contacts can be reduced.

However, in the activation switch of Document 1, when the size of the click feeling or the position where the click feeling is generated is to be changed, it is necessary to change the shape of the engaging portion and the recessed portion, the depth of engagement between the engaging portion and the recessed portion, or the degree of friction. Size, etc., but it is difficult to say that it is easy to adjust the click feel.

The present invention is directed to a start switch that is provided in an operating portion and allows the operating portion to operate an operating object, and its purpose is to facilitate adjustment related to contact switching.

Aspect 1 of the present invention is a start switch that is provided on an operating portion and allows the operating portion to operate an operating object; it is provided with: a holding portion; and a movable member that is pushed toward the holding portion; Contact; a contact mechanism that changes the opening and closing state of the contact from one of opening and closing, that is, the first state, to the other of opening and closing, that is, the second state, as the movable member is pushed toward the holding part. a state transition that further transitions from the second state to the first state; and a magnetic part having at least one of a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body that is a magnet. The first magnetic body is fixed to the holding part. The second magnetic body moves in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction. In a state where the movable member is not pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding portion is set to the first position. In the state where the movable member is most pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the third position. The second position is set to a position where, between the first position and the third position, the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches the maximum by increasing the increase ratio of the load to the pushing amount. The rising start position of the maximum rise. When the above-mentioned movable member is pushed in, the above-mentioned contact is shifted from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state at the ON switching position between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned third position The OFF switching position between positions shifts from the second state to the first state. When the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body. The load required to move the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that first rises and then decreases. The maximum load of the magnetic peak is greater than the load required to push the movable member in the ON switching position if the magnetic part is not provided.

In this starter switch, it is easy to perform adjustments related to switching of contacts.

Aspect 2 of the present invention is the start switch of aspect 1, further provided with other contacts. When the above-mentioned other contacts are pushed in, the other ON switching positions between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position shift from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned second position The other OFF switching positions among the three positions transition from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state. The maximum load of the magnetic peak is greater than the load required to push the movable member in the other ON switching position if the magnetic part is not provided.

Aspect 3 of the present invention is a start switch that is provided on an operating portion and allows the operating portion to operate an operating object; it is provided with: a holding portion; and a movable member that is pushed toward the holding portion; Contact; a contact mechanism that changes the opening and closing state of the contact from one of open and closed, that is, the first state, to the other of open and closed, that is, the second state, as the movable member is pushed toward the holding part. 2 state transition, and further transitioning from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state; and a magnetic part having at least one of a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body that is a magnet. The first magnetic body is fixed to the holding part. The second magnetic body moves in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction. In a state where the movable member is not pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding portion is set to the first position. In the state where the movable member is most pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the third position. The second position is set to a position where, between the first position and the third position, the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches the maximum by increasing the increase ratio of the load to the pushing amount. The rising start position of the maximum rise. When the above-mentioned movable member is pushed in, the above-mentioned contact is shifted from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state at the ON switching position between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned third position The OFF switching position between positions shifts from the second state to the first state. When the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body. The load required to move the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that first rises and then decreases. The ON switching position is a position in which the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic peak. This makes it easy to make adjustments related to switching of contacts.

Aspect 4 of the present invention is the start switch of aspect 3, further including other contacts. When the above-mentioned other contacts are pushed in, the other ON switching positions between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position shift from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned second position The other OFF switching positions among the three positions transition from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state. The other ON switching position is a position in which the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic peak.

Aspect 5 of the present invention is a start switch according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the relative movement direction of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body is parallel to the pushing direction.

Aspect 6 of the present invention is a start switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (it can also be any one of aspects 1 to 5), wherein the movable member moves from the second position to the third position. When returning to the first position, the movement of the movable member is promoted by the force due to the magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

Aspect 7 of the present invention is a start switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (it can also be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further including: a monitoring unit that generates the above-mentioned movable Monitoring signal of the position of the component in the above-mentioned pushing direction. The above-mentioned monitoring unit includes: a first monitoring contact; and a first monitoring switching unit that switches a part of the first monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the first monitoring. the opening and closing state of the contact; a second monitoring contact; and a second monitoring switching part that moves a part of the second monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the second monitoring contact. Monitor the opening and closing status of contacts. When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the second monitoring contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The open and closed status of the point. The monitoring unit generates the monitoring signal based on the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact and the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact. The magnetic unit further includes a magnetic body moving unit having the same structure as the first monitoring switching unit or the second monitoring switching unit. The second magnetic body in the magnetic part corresponds to the part of the first monitoring contact or the part of the second monitoring contact. The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body.

Aspect 8 of the present invention is a start switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (it can also be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further including: a monitoring unit that generates the above-mentioned movable Monitoring signal of the position of the component in the above-mentioned pushing direction. The monitoring unit includes: a monitoring contact; and a monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact. When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position. In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned monitoring contact. The magnetic unit further includes a magnetic body moving unit having the same structure as the monitoring switching unit. The second magnetic body in the magnetic part corresponds to the part of the monitoring contact. The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body.

Aspect 9 of the present invention is a start switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (it can also be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further including: a monitoring unit that generates the above-mentioned movable Monitoring signal of the position of the component in the above-mentioned pushing direction. The above-mentioned monitoring unit includes: a first monitoring contact; and a first monitoring switching unit that switches a part of the first monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the first monitoring. the opening and closing state of the contact; a second monitoring contact; and a second monitoring switching part that moves a part of the second monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the second monitoring contact. Monitor the opening and closing status of contacts. When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the second monitoring contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The open and closed status of the point. The monitoring unit generates the monitoring signal based on the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact and the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact. The second magnetic body moves together with the part of the first monitoring contact through the first monitoring switching part, or moves together with the part of the second monitoring contact through the second monitoring switching part , thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body.

Aspect 10 of the present invention is a start switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (it can also be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further including: a monitoring unit that generates the above-mentioned movable Monitoring signal of the position of the component in the above-mentioned pushing direction. The monitoring unit includes: a monitoring contact; and a monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact. When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position. In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned monitoring contact. The monitoring switching unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body by moving the second magnetic body together with the part of the monitoring contact.

The above objects and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a top view of the start switch 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of the start switch 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross section of the start switch 1 at the III-III position in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross section of the start switch 1 at the IV-IV position in FIG. 2 . In FIGS. 3 and 4 , in order to easily understand the internal structure of the starter switch 1 , there are also parts where the cross-sectional positions of each component are different. In FIGS. 3 and 4 , parallel oblique lines in the cross-sections of some components have been omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10 described below corresponding to FIG. 3 , and in FIGS. 7 and 11 described below corresponding to FIG. 4 . In addition, the same is true in FIGS. 12 to 24 .

The start switch 1 is provided on an operating portion of a robot's teach pendant or a controller of a work machine. Robots, working machines, etc. are the objects of operation of this operation part. Activating the switch 1 allows the self-operation part to operate the operation object. While the start switch 1 is in the ON state, it allows the operation object to be operated. When the operator inputs to the operation part, the signal from the operation part is transmitted to the operation object according to the input. When the start switch 1 is in the OFF state, the operation object is not allowed to be operated, and the operator's input is not transmitted to the operation object.

In the following description, the up-down direction in FIGS. 2 to 4 is simply called "up-down direction." In addition, this up-and-down direction is the direction in which the movable member 12 described later is pushed into the holding portion 11, and is also referred to as the "push direction". This up-down direction does not necessarily coincide with the actual up-down direction (ie, the direction of gravity) when the start switch 1 is installed on the operation part. In addition, in the following description, the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 to 3 is called "lateral direction" or "left-right direction", and the left-right direction in FIG. 4 is also called "thickness direction."

The start switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12 . The holding part 11 supports components other than the holding part 11 in the starter switch 1 . When the start switch 1 is operated, the movable member 12 is pushed toward the holding portion 11 by the operator and moves downward relative to the holding portion 11 . In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the movable member 12 extends laterally in the left-right direction and can move in the up-down direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable member 12 extends. The movable member 12 is biased upward by the coil spring 121 accommodated in the holding portion 11 (that is, a force in the direction from the holding portion 11 toward the movable member 12). In FIG. 3 , the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are schematically represented by dotted lines (the same is true in other cross-sectional views). When the operator pushes the movable member 12 into the holding part 11 with his finger and then removes the finger from the movable member 12 , the movable member 12 returns to its original position by the restoring force of the coil spring 121 .

The start switch 1 includes two contacts 13, a contact mechanism 20, a magnetic part 15, a guide part 16, and a monitoring part 17. The two contacts 13, the contact mechanism 20, the magnetic part 15, the guide part 16, and The monitoring unit 17 is accommodated inside the holding unit 11 . Each contact 13 is provided with a lower fixed terminal 131 and a movable terminal 132 . To be precise, there is also an upper fixed terminal, and the connection terminal group 134 composed of three connection terminals respectively connected to the upper fixed terminal, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 is located below the holding part 11 . When the contact 13 is in the open state, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 are separated in the up and down direction. When the contact point 13 is in a closed state, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 are in direct contact. When the contact 13 is in the open state, the start switch 1 is in the OFF state, and when the contact 13 is in the closed state, the start switch 1 is in the ON state.

An OFF switching mechanism 14 is arranged inside the movable member 12 . The OFF switching mechanism 14 includes three vertical coil springs 241 , a contact member 242 that accommodates the vertical coil springs 241 , two sliders 243 , two horizontal coil springs 244 , and two push members 245 . In FIG. 3 , the contact member 242 is shown as being divided into three parts (parts designated by reference numerals 242 and 242a) for accommodating the three vertical coil springs 241, but these are one member. A hole is provided in the lower member 12a of the movable member 12, and the contact member 242 is fitted into the hole of the lower member 12a. A slider 243 and a transverse coil spring 244 are arranged in the space between the upper part of the movable member 12 and the lower member 12a.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 3 , the contact member 242 receives downward force from the longitudinal coil spring 241 . In addition, the slider 243 receives a force inward in the lateral direction from the lateral coil spring 244 . The front end of the slider 243 is located above the contact member 242 . In addition, the upper end of the pushing member 245 is close to the laterally outer end of the slider 243, that is, the lower end of the rear end portion 243a.

In each contact 13 , the movable terminal 132 is connected to the snap mechanism 133 . As will be described later, when the pushing member 245 is pushed to a predetermined position, the movable terminal 132 quickly moves toward the lower fixed terminal 131 by the spring of the latch mechanism 133, and the movable terminal 132 and the lower fixed terminal 132 are moved to a predetermined position. Terminal 131 is connected. That is, the contact 13 is closed.

The OFF switching mechanism 14 and the locking mechanism 133 constitute the contact mechanism 20. As described later, the contact mechanism 20 transfers the opening and closing state of the contact 13 from open to closed as the movable member 12 is pushed toward the holding part 11. , and then transfer from closing to opening. The start switch 1 has two contacts 13. Therefore, when these are divided into the "first contact 13" and the "second contact 13", the contact mechanism 20 is pushed toward the holding part 11 along with the movable member 12. Enter, thereby transferring the state of the first contact 13 and the second contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open. The first contact point 13 and the second contact point 13 are arranged separately in the lateral direction (ie, the direction in which the movable member 12 extends).

The guide part 16 has a rotation member 261 that is longer in the transverse direction. The rotating member 261 is formed by bending both lateral ends of the metal rod twice and about 90° each time so that the lateral ends of the metal rod face inward in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the rotating member 261 may also be formed by bending both ends of the metal rod at 90° and then bending the parts on both end sides toward the outside.

The rotating member 261 may be directly and rotatably mounted to the movable member 12 . Specifically, the upper part of the rotating member 261 is rotatably engaged with the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 . The rotation member 261 is rotatable around a rotation axis J1 (see FIG. 4 ) parallel to the lateral direction in which the rotation member 261 extends. The lower end portions 263 at both lateral ends of the rotation member 261 are sandwiched between the lower member 262 and the upper member 111a in the up-down direction. The rotating member 261 rotates in a state where the lower end portions 263 at both ends in the lateral direction are in contact with the member 262 located below. Therefore, the movable member 12 which is long in the transverse direction is pushed into the holding part 11 without being greatly inclined in the transverse direction.

As will be described later, the magnetic portion 15 is a structure that creates a clicking sensation with the finger when the operator pushes in the movable member 12 . The magnetic part 15 is arranged below the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 and between the two contacts 13 in the lateral direction. The magnetic part 15 is provided with the 1st magnetic body 51 and the 2nd magnetic body 52 which are respectively magnetic bodies. At least one of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 is a magnet. In the example of FIG. 3 , the first magnetic body 51 is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, and the second magnetic body 52 is a substantially flat plate-shaped non-magnetic member made of metal such as iron. The first magnetic body 51 is held by the holding portion 11 below the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 . The second magnetic body 52 is arranged below the first magnetic body 51 and faces the first magnetic body 51 in the up-down direction. In the initial state shown in FIG. 3 , the second magnetic body 52 is attracted to the first magnetic body 52 by the force (that is, the magnetic attraction force) caused by the magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 . Magnetic body 51. When the movable member 12 is pushed downward, the second magnetic body 52 can move downward against the magnetic attraction force.

In the example of FIG. 3 , the first magnetic body 51 has two substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped magnet pieces 511 . The two magnet pieces 511 are spaced apart in the lateral direction. Each magnet piece 511 is accommodated in a recess that opens upward and is provided in the base member 111 , which is one component of the holding portion 11 , and is fixed to the holding portion 11 . The second magnetic body 52 is fixed to a substantially columnar magnetic body holder 53 extending in a substantially vertical direction. The magnetic body holder 53 is inserted into the through hole provided in the holding part 11 between the two magnet pieces 511, and is held by the holding part 11 movably in the up and down direction. The second magnetic body 52 is attracted to each magnet piece 511 via the bottom plate in which the recessed portion of each magnet piece 511 is accommodated, and indirectly contacts each magnet piece 511 via the bottom plate. In other words, the second magnetic body 52 is indirectly attracted to the first magnetic body 51 via the bottom plate. Furthermore, the shapes of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 can be variously changed. For example, the first magnetic body 51 may be a substantially cylindrical or substantially annular plate-shaped magnet with the magnetic body holder 53 as the center.

When the operator pushes the movable member 12 downward, the magnetic body holder 53 comes into contact with the movable member 12 and moves downward together with the movable member 12 . At this time, the second magnetic body 52 fixed on the magnetic body holder 53 also moves downward (ie, in the direction away from the first magnetic body 51 in the up and down direction) against the above-mentioned magnetic attraction force. That is, the magnetic body holder 53 is a magnetic body moving part that moves the second magnetic body 52 as the movable member 12 moves in the up and down direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51 . When the adsorption of the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51 is released against the magnetic attraction force (that is, the second magnetic body 52 is moved downward from the bottom plate), the operator needs to push in the movable member with a large force. 12. When the adsorption is released, the force required to push in the movable member 12 is rapidly reduced. In this way, the operator's finger that pushes in the movable member 12 produces a click feeling.

When the operator releases the push of the movable member 12, the movable member 12 moves upward as described above. The second magnetic body 52 moves upward together with the magnetic body holder 53 by the restoring force of the coil spring 54 provided between the lower surface of the second magnetic body 52 and the bottom of the holding part 11, and is attracted across the bottom plate. on the first magnetic body 51. That is, the second magnetic body 52 moves relatively to the first magnetic body 51 in a direction substantially parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 12 as the movable member 12 moves in the up-down direction (ie, the pushing direction). In the example of FIG. 3 , the coil spring 54 extends in the vertical direction along the magnetic body holder 53 with the magnetic body holder 53 as the center. Furthermore, in addition to being realized by the restoring force of the coil spring 54 , the upward movement of the second magnetic body 52 may also be caused by the magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 . force (i.e., magnetic attraction).

Next, changes in the load required for pushing in the movable member 12 (that is, the downward force that needs to be applied to the movable member 12) will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the movement amount of the movable member 12 (that is, the pushing amount of the start switch 1) and the load required for pushing. Hereinafter, the position of the movable member 12 corresponding to the pushing amount will be described with reference to the symbols attached in FIG. 5 .

In Figure 5, position 301 is the initial position. Hereinafter, the position 301 is referred to as the "first position". The first position 301 is the relative position of the movable member 12 to the holding part 11 in a state where the movable member 12 is not pushed. The position 303 is the relative position of the movable member 12 with respect to the holding part 11 when the movable member 12 is pushed the most. Hereinafter, the position 303 is referred to as the "third position". In the first position 301 and the third position 303, the start switch 1 is in the OFF state.

The position 302 is when the operator pushes the movable member 12 to a certain extent from the initial state and feels a certain degree of resistance (that is, a force to push the movable member 12 upward) and the movable member 12 can be stably held. location. Thereby, the start switch 1 is stably maintained in the ON state. Hereinafter, the position 302 is referred to as the "second position". The second position 302 is between the first position 301 and the third position 303. The second position 302 is a rising start position where the load required to push the movable member 12 is increased to reach the maximum maximum rise 343 by increasing the increase ratio of the load relative to the pushing amount.

Position 311 is the "ON switching position" where when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the contact 13 shifts from open to closed, and the start switch 1 shifts from the OFF state to the ON state. Position 312 is the "OFF switching position" where when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the contact 13 shifts from closed to open, and the start switch 1 shifts from the ON state to the OFF state. Therefore, in the start switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the contact 13 is transferred from open to closed at the ON switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and between the second position 302 and the second position 302, the contact 13 is switched from open to closed. OFF switching position 312 between 3 positions 303, contact 13 transfers from closed to open.

To be precise, the start switch 1 has two contacts 13. Therefore, when these are divided into "the first contact 13" and the "second contact 13", when the movable member 12 is pushed in, In the first ON switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, the first contact 13 transitions from open to closed, and in the first OFF switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the first contact 13 shifts from open to closed. 1Contact 13 changes from closed to open. In addition, at the second ON switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, the second contact 13 transitions from open to closed, and at the second OFF switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303 , the second contact 13 transfers from closed to open.

In the case of the first contact 13, position 311 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the first ON switching position, and position 312 corresponds to the first OFF switching position. In the case of the second contact 13, position 311 corresponds to the second ON switching position, and position 312 corresponds to the second OFF switching position. Furthermore, the first ON switching position is consistent with or close to the second ON switching position, and the first OFF switching position is consistent with or close to the second OFF switching position.

In the start switch 1, between the first position 301 and the ON switching position 311, there is a peak 341 in which the load first increases and then decreases when the movable member 12 is pushed. Peak 341 is a small peak where the maximum value of the load is less than the maximum rise 343. As will be described later, in the magnetic portion 15 , the second magnetic body 52 is moved downward against the magnetic attraction force, thereby generating the peak 341 . In the following description, the peak 341 generated by the magnetic unit 15 is referred to as the "magnetic peak 341".

In FIG. 5 , a symbol 321 is added to the position where the rise of the magnetic peak 341 starts. In the magnetic peak 341, at the position 321, the pushing amount is almost unchanged but the load increases, and reaches the maximum value of the load in the magnetic peak 341. In other words, magnetic peak 341 rises substantially vertically at position 321 . Therefore, position 321 is where the rise of magnetic peak 341 ends and where the fall begins. In FIG. 5 , a symbol 324 is added to the position where the magnetic peak 341 ends falling.

Furthermore, these positions do not have to appear clearly. When they do not appear clearly, these positions can be determined in various ways. For example, when the rising start position 321 or the falling end position 324 of the magnetic peak 341 is located on the curve, the position where the curvature becomes the largest can also be determined as the positions 321 and 324. Alternatively, when the push amount increases, the position where the gradient of the load exceeds a certain positive value may be determined as the rising start position 321, and the position where the load gradient exceeds a certain negative value may be determined as the falling end position 324.

The peak including the maximum rise 343 between the second position 302 and the third position 303 (hereinafter referred to as the "main peak 342") is also substantially the same as the magnetic peak 341, as long as it is a position that roughly expresses this meaning, that is, The rising start position (ie, the second position 302) and the falling end position 334 can be determined in various ways. In addition, the same is true for the position 332 where the rise of the main peak 342 ends and the position 333 where the fall of the main peak 342 starts. In the main peak 342, the rising end position 332 and the falling starting position 333 may be consistent.

In the example of FIG. 5 , the ON switching position 311 is a position in which the movable member 12 is pushed further than the position 321 corresponding to the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 , and is located at the end position of the magnetic peak 341 . Between 324 and the second position 302. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is greater than the load A2 of the ON switching position 311 (specifically, the load at the first ON switching position and the load at the second ON switching position, whichever is larger). In addition, the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is smaller than the load A3 of the OFF switching position 312 (specifically, the load of the first OFF switching position and the load of the second OFF switching position, whichever is smaller).

Thereby, when the operator pushes the movable member 12 downward from the initial state, the movable member 12 is pushed in one breath and transferred to the second position 302 after a slight click feeling like a stuck. That is, when the operator operates the start switch 1 normally and the force pushing the movable member 12 exceeds the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341, the movable member 12 cannot move downward (i.e., before the second The position 302 is further up) and stops, and the movable member 12 is quickly transferred to the second position 302 with a feeling as if it has hit something. As a result, the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 is located at the second position 302 . In other words, in the stage before further pushing from the ON state of the second position 302 to the OFF state of the third position 303, the operator can clearly feel the increase in load relative to the pushing amount. In addition, the movable member 12 quickly passes through the ON switching position 311 (specifically, the first ON switching position and the second ON switching position). Therefore, the shift in the switching timing from open to closed in the two contacts 13 is reduced. , and can suppress the inconsistency of the opening and closing states of the two contacts 13.

From the above point of view, the ON switching position 311 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5 . The ON switching position 311 only needs to be between the falling start position of the magnetic peak 341 (position 321 in the example of FIG. 5 ) and the second position 302 . In other words, the ON switching position 311 may be substantially the same position as the falling end position 324 of the magnetic peak 341 . Alternatively, the ON switching position 311 may also be located between the position 321 and the position 324.

In addition, from the viewpoint of quickly transferring the movable member 12 from the magnetic peak 341 to the second position 302, it is preferable that the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is larger than the load A4 of the second position 302. Furthermore, after exceeding the magnetic peak 341, in order not to exceed the second position 302 and the OFF switching position 312 and transfer to the OFF state, the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is preferably a load at a position immediately before the OFF switching position 312 (details). Generally speaking, the load at the position immediately before the first OFF switching position and the second OFF switching position (usually the load at position 332) is smaller.

The rising start position 321 of the magnetic peak 341 may be substantially consistent with the first position 301, or may be completely consistent with the first position 301. Even in this case, the operator may still feel stuck when pushing in the movable member 12 . In the example of FIG. 5 , the rise of the magnetic peak 341 is substantially vertical, so the operator can feel the jam more clearly. Of course, even when the rising start position 321 of the magnetic peak 341 is away from the first position 301, it is preferable that the magnetic peak 341 rises substantially vertically.

When the operator feels stuck when pushing in the movable member 12, from the perspective of clearly feeling that the movable member 12 has been transferred to the second position 302, it is preferable that the magnetic peak 341 and the second position 302 are sufficiently separated. Specifically, the position corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic peak 341 is preferably closer to the first position 301 than the intermediate position between the first position 301 and the second position 302 . This can prevent the operator from mistaking the magnetic peak 341 for the main peak 342 .

In FIG. 5 , a two-point chain line represents the relationship between the pushing amount of the movable member 12 and the load required for pushing if the magnetic force peak 341 caused by the magnetic part 15 is not provided. At the position where the two-point chain line is not shown, the relationship between the pushing amount and the load when the magnetic peak 341 is not provided is the same as that shown by the solid line (that is, the relationship between the pushing amount and the load when the magnetic peak 341 is provided). . In the example of FIG. 5 , the load A2 at the ON switching position 311 is the same regardless of the presence or absence of the magnetic peak 341 . Therefore, as described above, the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is greater than the load A2 of the ON switching position 311 when the magnetic part 15 is provided, and is also the ON switching when the magnetic part 15 is not provided and the magnetic peak 341 does not exist. The load A2 at position 311 (specifically, the load at the first ON switching position and the load at the second ON switching position, whichever is larger) is greater than or equal to the load.

In addition, in the start switch 1, the load A4 of the second position 302 is the same regardless of whether there is the magnetic peak 341 or not. That is, even if the magnetic peak 341 is provided in the start switch 1, there is no need to change the load required to hold the movable member 12 in the second position 302 in terms of design. Therefore, even if the operating part with the start switch 1 is held in the second position 302 for a long time, the operator's burden will not increase. In addition, by providing the magnetic peak 341, it is also possible to prevent the start switch 1 from accidentally turning on when the movable member 12 is accidentally touched or when other objects come into contact with the movable member 12.

Furthermore, in FIG. 5 , except for the slight step of the ON switching position 311 , the change in load from the fall of the magnetic peak 341 to the second position 302 is represented by a straight line, but it is not limited thereto. The load can be changed in various ways as long as there is no significant change. For example, it can be a straight line including the ON switching position 311 .

Next, the details of the operation of each component of the start switch 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 . In addition, the structure and operation of the monitoring unit 17 will be described later. When the operator starts to push the movable member 12 downward from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 3 , as shown in FIG. 6 , the coil spring 121 is compressed and the movable member 12 moves downward. At this time, in the guide part 16 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the lower end 263 of the rotating member 261 slides on the upper surface of the member 262 , and the rotating member 261 slightly rotates around the rotating axis J1 . In the states shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the rotating member 261 still suppresses the movable member 12 from tilting in the lateral direction.

In the state shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end of the substantially rod-shaped protruding portion 122 protruding downward from the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 contacts the upper end of the magnetic body holder 53 of the magnetic portion 15 . In the magnetic part 15, the second magnetic body 52 is attracted to the first magnetic body 51 due to magnetic attraction. Therefore, when the movable member 12 is pushed downward from the state shown in FIG. 6 , the magnetic attractive force acts as a resisting force, and the load required to push the movable member 12 increases. That is, the position of the movable member 12 shown in FIG. 6 is the rising start position 321 of the magnetic peak 341 in FIG. 5 . The rising start position 321 can be easily adjusted by, for example, changing the length of the protruding portion 122 of the movable member 12 or the position of the upper end of the magnetic holder 53 held by the holding portion 11 .

When the operator increases the force applied to the movable member 12 and the force exceeds the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 shown in FIG. 5 , the adsorption of the first magnetic body 51 to the second magnetic body 52 is released, and the second magnetic body 52 is released. The magnetic body 52, the magnetic body holder 53, and the movable member 12 start moving downward again. When the second magnetic body 52 is separated downward from the first magnetic body 51 (to be precise, when it is separated downward from the bottom plate of the recess in which the first magnetic body 51 is accommodated), the load required to push the movable member 12 is sharp. land decrease. Thereby, as described above, a click feeling is generated when the operator's finger pushes in the movable member 12, and the movable member 12 quickly passes from the position shown in Fig. 6 to the position shown in Fig. 8 (ie, the ON switching position 311). And quickly reach the position shown in Figure 9 (ie, the second position 302). As described above, in the ON switching position 311 shown in FIG. 8 , the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic part 15 is separated downward from the first magnetic body 51 , and in the second position 302 shown in FIG. 9 , the second magnetic body 52 The distance in the vertical direction from the first magnetic body 51 increases.

The above-mentioned click feeling can be easily adjusted by changing the maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 or the like. The maximum load A1 can be easily adjusted, for example, by changing the force due to the magnetic interaction (that is, the magnetic attraction force) generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 . This magnetic attractive force can be easily achieved by changing, for example, the magnitude of the magnetic force of the first magnetic body 51 that is the magnet, the number or arrangement of the magnet pieces 511 constituting the first magnetic body 51, the material or surface state of the second magnetic body 52, etc. Make adjustments.

When the movable member 12 moves from the position shown in Figures 6 and 7 to the position shown in Figure 8, the rear end 243a of the slider 243 contacts the upper end of the pushing member 245. As the movable member 12 descends, the push member 12 moves downward. The entry member 245 also lowers. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the pushing member 245 drops to a predetermined position, a specific part of the locking mechanism 133 is pushed by the pushing member 245 . As a result, the latching mechanism 133 instantly lowers the movable terminal 132 by the latching action and makes it contact the lower fixed terminal 131, and the contact 13 becomes a closed state.

When the movable member 12 reaches the second position 302 shown in FIG. 9 , the lower end of the contact member 242 comes into contact with the upper surface of the base member 111 of the holding part 11 . Specifically, the portion designated by reference numeral 242a of the contact member 242 is in contact with a part of the base member 111 (in the example of FIG. 9 , the above-mentioned member 111a). When a downward force is applied to the movable member 12 in the state shown in FIG. 9 , a relatively upward force acts on the movable member 12 at the contact member 242 . The upper surface of the central portion of the contact member 242 includes an inclined surface 246 that goes downward toward the lateral outer side. On the other hand, the lower surface of the front end of the slider 243 includes an inclined surface 247 that faces upward as it goes inward in the lateral direction. The inclined surface 246 and the inclined surface 247 are substantially parallel to each other.

Therefore, when the load applied to the movable member 12 increases and an upward force from the abutting member 242 acts on the slider 243 , the slider 243 starts to move laterally outward against the force from the horizontal coil spring 244 . At this time, the longitudinal coil spring 241 contracts. This state is a state from position 302 shown in FIG. 5 to position 333 via position 332.

When the movable member 12 is pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 9 and the end of the inclined surface 246 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 247, the outer surface of the upper end of the central part of the abutting member 242 is aligned with the front end of the slider 243. friction, and the movable member 12 descends further. At this time, the load required to push the movable member 12 is drastically reduced. Therefore, position 334 is quickly reached from position 333 shown in FIG. 5 . For example, position 333 and position 334 may also be substantially the same position. Through the above actions, you can obtain the main peak 342.

10 and 11 are diagrams showing the state in which the movable member 12 is pushed the most. In the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the movable member 12 is in the third position 303 (see FIG. 5 ). When the movable member 12 moves from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 10, in the OFF switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the slider 243 moves laterally outward. The contact state between the rear end portion 243a of 243 and the pushing member 245 in the up-down direction is released. As a result, the pushing member 245 receives the force from the locking mechanism 133 and rises, and the contact 13 switches from closing to opening.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , when the movable member 12 is most pushed in, the longitudinal coil spring 241 is further compressed, and the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 approaches the member 262 of the holding portion 11 and contacts the base member. 111. Thereby, the movable member 12 becomes unable to move further downward. At this time, the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic part 15 is located near the bottom of the holding part 11 and is furthest away from the first magnetic body 51 in the up-down direction. In addition, the rotating member 261 of the guide part 16 lies down and is located in the narrow space between the movable member 12 and the member 262 of the holding part 11 .

In the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , when the operator removes his finger from the movable member 12 (that is, when the pushing of the movable member 12 is released), the movable member 12 is maintained at the rear end of the slider 243 243a and the pushing member 245 rise while being offset in the transverse direction. When the sliding member 243 is positioned higher than the upper end of the pushing member 245, the sliding member 243 moves by the restoring force of the transverse coil spring 244, and as shown in FIG. 3, the rear end 243a of the sliding member 243 is located at the pushing member 245. directly above the entry member 245. Thereby, the contact 13 is maintained in the open state until the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301 in FIG. 3 . That is, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the OFF state of the start switch 1 is maintained. Furthermore, when the operator removes his finger from the movable member 12 at the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301 and the start switch 1 returns to the OFF state.

When the movable member 12 rises from the third position 303 and returns to the first position 301 , the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic part 15 also rises together with the magnetic body holder 53 by the restoring force of the coil spring 54 . Then, when the second magnetic body 52 rises to a certain level (for example, when it rises to between the position shown in FIG. 9 and the position shown in FIG. 6 ), then by connecting the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body The second magnetic body 52 is attracted toward the first magnetic body 51 due to the magnetic attraction force generated between the bodies 51 . This magnetic attractive force is imparted to the protruding portion 122 of the movable member 12 via the magnetic body holder 53, thereby promoting the rise of the movable member 12. The same applies when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301 .

Next, the structure of the monitoring unit 17 of the start switch 1 and the operation of the monitoring unit 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15 . FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch 1 taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 1 . The monitoring unit 17 generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member 12 in the up-and-down direction (that is, the pushing direction), and sends it to the operating unit. On the operating unit side, the position of the movable member 12 is determined based on the monitoring signal, and the position is displayed to the operator.

The monitoring unit 17 includes a first monitoring unit 71 and a second monitoring unit 72 . The first monitoring part 71 and the second monitoring part 72 are horizontally adjacent to each other below the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 , and are arranged between the two contacts 13 in the horizontal direction.

The first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72 have substantially the same configuration. The first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72 each include a monitoring contact 73 and a monitoring contact holder 74 . The monitoring contact 73 includes an upper fixed terminal 731 and a movable terminal 732 . The movable terminal 732 is fixed to a substantially columnar monitoring contact bracket 74 extending substantially in the up-down direction, and faces the upper fixed terminal 731 in the up-down direction. The monitoring contact holder 74 is inserted into the through hole provided in the holding part 11 and is held by the holding part 11 so as to be movable in the up and down direction.

In the state shown in FIG. 12 , the movable terminal 732 exerts force on the upper fixed terminal 731 and makes direct contact with it through the coil spring 75 provided between the movable terminal 732 and the bottom of the holding part 11 , and the monitoring contact 73 is closed. condition. When the movable member 12 is pushed downward in the start switch 1 , the monitoring contact holder 74 comes into contact with the movable member 12 and moves downward together with the movable member 12 . At this time, the movable terminal 732 fixed to the monitoring contact bracket 74 also moves downward (that is, in the direction away from the upper fixed terminal 731 in the up and down direction), and the monitoring contact 73 becomes an open state. That is, the monitoring contact holder 74 is a monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the monitoring contact 73, that is, the movable terminal 732, as the movable member 12 moves in the up and down direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73. The monitoring switching part may also include the movable member 12 or a portion of the movable member 12 that is in contact with the monitoring contact bracket 74 . In the monitoring unit 17 , the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring unit 71 and the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 .

As shown in FIG. 12 , when the movable member 12 is in the first position 301 , the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 and the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring part 72 are both closed. When the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 toward the ON switching position 311 shown in FIG. 13 (ie, the same position as in FIG. 8 ), a substantially rod-shaped member protrudes downward from the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 . The lower end of the protruding portion 123 contacts the upper end of the monitoring contact holder 74 of the first monitoring unit 71, so that the monitoring contact holder 74 moves downward. Thereby, the state of the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 transitions from closed to open. At this time, the monitoring contact holder 74 of the second monitoring part 72 is not in contact with the movable member 12, and therefore the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring part 72 remains closed. As shown in FIG. 14 , similarly in the state where the movable member 12 reaches the second position 302 (that is, the same position as in FIG. 9 ), the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 is open, and the second monitoring part 72 The monitoring contact 73 is closed.

In addition, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in Figure 14 to the third position 303 shown in Figure 15 (ie, the same position as Figure 10), then the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 The lower end of the protruding portion 124 protruding downward comes into contact with the upper end of the monitoring contact holder 74 of the second monitoring unit 72, so that the monitoring contact holder 74 moves downward. Thereby, the state of the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 is shifted from closed to open. As a result, the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring unit 71 and the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 are both turned on.

In this way, in the start switch 1, between the first position 301 and the second position 302, only the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 is switched, and the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring part 72 is switched. The status has not been switched. In addition, between the second position 302 and the third position 303, only the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 is switched, and the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring unit 71 is not switched. That is, in the first position 301, the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 is closed, and the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring part 72 is also closed. In addition, at the second position 302, the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring unit 71 is open, and the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 is closed. In the third position 303, the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring part 71 is open, and the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring part 72 is also open.

In the operation part that accepts the monitoring signal from the monitoring part 17, for example, when the start switch 1 is in the OFF state, if the monitoring contacts 73 of both the first monitoring part 71 and the second monitoring part 72 are closed, it can be determined that The 12 movable members are at the first position 301. In addition, when the start switch 1 is in the OFF state, if the monitoring contacts 73 of both the first monitoring part 71 and the second monitoring part 72 are closed, it can be determined that the movable member 12 is in the third position 303.

Furthermore, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73 in the first monitoring unit 71 may be opposite to the above example. The opening and closing states of the monitoring contacts 73 in the second monitoring unit 72 are also the same. Specifically, the monitoring contact 73 of the first monitoring unit 71 may be open at the first position 301 and closed at the second position 302 and third position 303 . In addition, the monitoring contact 73 of the second monitoring unit 72 may be open at the first position 301 and the second position 302, and may be closed at the third position 303.

When the movable member 12 rises from the third position 303 and returns to the first position 301 , the movable terminals 732 of the first monitoring part 71 and the second monitoring part 72 are also in contact with the monitoring contact bracket 74 by the restoring force of the coil spring 75 They rise together and contact the upper fixed terminal 731 as shown in FIG. 12 . The same applies when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301 .

When comparing the first monitoring part 71 with the above-mentioned magnetic part 15 (see FIG. 3 ), the upper fixed terminal 731 , the movable terminal 732 and the monitoring contact bracket 74 of the first monitoring part 71 can be compared with the third magnetic part 15 The first magnetic body 51, the second magnetic body 52 and the magnetic body holder 53 establish correspondence. In addition, the upper fixed terminal 731 , the movable terminal 732 and the monitoring contact holder 74 of the second monitoring part 72 may also be associated with the first magnetic body 51 , the second magnetic body 52 and the magnetic body holder 53 of the magnetic part 15 .

The monitoring contact holder 74 , which is the monitoring switching unit that moves the movable terminal 732 in the up and down direction in the first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72 , has the same magnetic body as the magnetic body in the magnetic unit 15 that moves the second magnetic body 52 in the up and down direction. The magnetic body holder 53 which is the moving part has substantially the same structure. Specifically, what the magnetic body holder 53 and the monitoring contact holder 74 have in common is a substantially rod-shaped member extending in the up-and-down direction. In addition, what the magnetic body bracket 53 and the monitoring contact bracket 74 have in common is that they both contact the movable member 12 pushed in by the operator, and move along with the movement of the movable member 12 in the up and down direction. The magnetic body holder 53 and the monitoring contact holder 74 also have something in common in that the direction in which they move as the movable member 12 moves is substantially parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 12 and is the same direction as this direction. The magnetic body holder 53 and the monitoring contact holder 74 also have something in common in that they move the moving object (that is, the second magnetic body 52 and the movable terminal 732 ) substantially parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 12 .

In the following description, when the structure of the first monitoring unit 71 and the structure of the second monitoring unit 72 are distinguished, the monitoring contact 73 and the monitoring contact holder 74 of the first monitoring unit 71 (that is, the monitoring switching unit) They are called "the first monitoring contact 73" and the "first monitoring contact holder 74 (that is, the first monitoring switching part)". In addition, the monitoring contact 73 and the monitoring contact holder 74 (ie, the monitoring switching unit) of the second monitoring unit 72 are referred to as the “second monitoring contact 73” and the “second monitoring contact holder 74” (ie, the second monitoring contact holder 74). Monitoring switching unit)".

What the first monitoring contact holder 74 of the first monitoring unit 71 and the magnetic body holder 53 have in common is that when the movable member 12 moves from the first position 301 to the second position 302, the above-mentioned moving object (that is, the first monitoring object) The movable terminal 732 of the contact 73 and the second magnetic body 52) start to move. From this, it can be said that the first monitoring contact holder 74 has substantially the same structure as the magnetic body holder 53 . Furthermore, the time point when the magnetic body holder 53 starts moving the second magnetic body 52 and the time point when the monitoring contact holder 74 starts moving the movable terminal 732 may be the same or different.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in the start switch 1 , another second monitoring part 72 is provided at a position adjacent to the magnetic part 15 . The structure and operation of the other second monitoring unit 72 are the same as those of the second monitoring unit 72 described above, and the opening and closing state is switched at substantially the same time as the second monitoring unit 72 . The opening and closing state of the other second monitoring unit 72 is also included in the above-mentioned monitoring signal and transmitted to the operating unit. In this way, by providing the two second monitoring units 72 , even if one of the second monitoring units 72 fails, the position of the movable member 12 (that is, the state of the start switch 1 ) can still be detected by the monitoring unit 17 .

As described above, in the start switch 1, by moving the contact 13 from open to closed at the ON switching position 311, the start switch 1 is transferred from the OFF state to the ON state, and by moving the contact 13 from the OFF switching position 312. The transition from OFF to ON causes the start switch 1 to transition from the ON state to the OFF state, but it is not limited to this. For example, at the ON switching position 311, the contact 13 may be moved from closed to open, thereby moving the start switch 1 from the OFF state to the ON state. In addition, it is also possible to shift the contact 13 from open to closed at the OFF switching position 312, thereby shifting the start switch 1 from the ON state to the OFF state.

In the above-mentioned start switch 1, two contacts 13 are provided, but the number of contacts 13 may be one or more than three. In addition, in the start switch 1, one first monitoring unit 71 and two second monitoring units 72 are provided in the monitoring unit 17, but the number of the first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72 can be changed appropriately. For example, the number of first monitoring units 71 may be two or more. In addition, the number of the second monitoring unit 72 may be one, or three or more.

The monitoring unit 17 may be provided with only one of the first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72 . In this case, in the monitoring part 17, when the movable member 12 moves between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the monitoring contact 73 is switched. open and closed status.

As described above, the start switch 1 is a switch provided in the operation part and allows the operation object to be operated by the operation part. The starter switch 1 includes a holding part 11, a movable member 12, a contact 13 (for example, the first contact 13), a contact mechanism 20 (in the above example, the OFF switching mechanism 14 and the snap mechanism 133), and a magnetic part 15. The movable member 12 is pushed toward the holding portion 11 . As the movable member 12 is pushed toward the holding portion 11, the contact mechanism 20 shifts the opening and closing state of the contact 13 from the first state, which is one of opening and closing, to the second state, which is the other of opening and closing. Then, it transitions from the 2nd state to the 1st state. The magnetic unit 15 includes a first magnetic body 51 and a second magnetic body 52 . At least one of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 is a magnet. The first magnetic body 51 is fixed to the holding part 11 . The second magnetic body 52 moves as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction.

As described above, in a state where the movable member 12 is not pushed in, the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 is set to the first position 301. In addition, in the state where the movable member 12 is pushed the most, the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding part 11 is set to the third position 303. Furthermore, the second position 302 is set between the first position 301 and the third position 303. By increasing the increase ratio of the load relative to the pushing amount, the load required to push the movable member 12 is increased and Reach the rising start position of the maximum maximum rise of 343.

When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the contact 13 is in the ON switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302 (for example, the first ON switching position), from the above-mentioned first state to the second state (in In the above example, from opening to closing). In addition, the contact 13 moves from the above-mentioned second state to the first state (in the above example, from closed to Turn on) transfer.

When the movable member 12 is pushed between the first position 301 and the ON switching position 311, the second magnetic body 52 resists the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51 (the above-mentioned magnetic attraction force). Move. The load required to move the second magnetic body 52 against the force caused by the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak 341 that first increases and then decreases. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is greater than the load A2 required to push the movable member 12 into the ON switching position 311 assuming that the magnetic part 15 is not provided.

In this way, in the start switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301, the operator's finger generates a magnetic force peak 341 before the contact 13 is switched to the ON switching position 311. Clicky feeling. In addition, after the click feeling is generated, the movable member 12 quickly passes through the ON switching position 311 and switches the contact 13 quickly. Thereby, the operator can easily identify the switching of the contact 13 at the ON switching position 311 . In addition, with regard to the generation of the magnetic peak 341, by using the magnetic part 15 having the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52, the clicking feeling felt by the operator or the position where the clicking feeling is generated can be easily adjusted as described above. (That is, the rising start position 321 of the magnetic force peak 341) and so on. In other words, in the start switch 1, adjustment related to switching of the contact point 13 can be easily performed.

As described above, the start switch 1 is preferably provided with another contact 13 (for example, the second contact 13) in addition to the above-mentioned contact 13. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the other contact 13 moves from the above-mentioned first state to the second ON switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302 (for example, the second ON switching position). State (in the above example, from open to closed) transition. In addition, the other OFF switching position 312 (for example, the second OFF switching position) between the second position 302 and the third position 303 is from the above-mentioned second state to the first state (in the above example, from closed to open) transfer. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic peak 341 is greater than the load A2 required to push the movable member 12 into the other ON switching position 311 assuming that the magnetic part 15 is not provided.

As described above, in the start switch 1 , after the click sensation caused by the magnetic peak 341 is generated, the downward movement of the movable member 12 cannot be stopped midway, and the movable member 12 quickly passes through the ON switching position 311 . Therefore, in the two contacts 13 (that is, the first contact 13 and the second contact 13), it is possible to suppress a shift in the timing of switching from the first state to the second state. In other words, it can prevent the opening and closing states of the two contacts 13 from being inconsistent. As a result, it is possible to prevent the opening and closing state inconsistency from being detected as an error.

As mentioned above, the relative movement direction of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51 is preferably parallel to the above-mentioned pushing direction. Thereby, the structure related to the relative movement of the second magnetic body 52 (in the above example, the magnetic body bracket 53 and the protruding portion 122 of the movable member 12) can be simplified. As a result, the structure of the start switch 1 can be simplified.

As described above, in the start switch 1, it is preferable that when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301, the magnetism generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 The force caused by the action promotes the movement of the movable member 12 . Thereby, the time required for the pushed movable member 12 to return toward the first position 301 can be shortened. Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is returned from the third position 303 to the second position 302, the movement of the movable member 12 may be accelerated by the force due to the magnetic effect.

As mentioned above, it is preferable that the start switch 1 further includes the monitoring unit 17 . The monitoring unit 17 generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. The monitoring unit 17 includes a monitoring contact 73 and a monitoring switching unit (in the above example, the monitoring contact holder 74 ). The monitoring switching unit moves a part of the monitoring contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732 ) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73 . When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, or between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The monitoring unit 17 generates a monitoring signal based on the opening and closing status of the monitoring contact 73 . The magnetic unit 15 further includes a magnetic moving unit (in the above example, the magnetic holder 53 ) having the same structure as the monitoring switching unit. The second magnetic body 52 in the magnetic part 15 corresponds to the above-mentioned part of the monitoring contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732). The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body 52 as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 to the first magnetic body 51 .

By providing the monitoring unit 17 in the start switch 1, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, by extending the structure of the monitoring portion 17 for detecting the position of the movable member 12 to the magnetic portion 15, the structure of the start switch 1 can be suppressed from becoming complicated, and the magnetic portion 15 that generates the above-mentioned click feeling can be provided.

As described above, the monitoring unit 17 preferably includes the first monitoring contact 73, the first monitoring switching unit (in the above example, the first monitoring contact holder 74), the second monitoring contact 73, and the second monitoring switching unit. (in the above example, the second monitoring contact holder 74). The first monitoring switching unit moves a part of the first monitoring contact 73 as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the first monitoring contact 73 . The second monitoring switching unit moves a part of the second monitoring contact 73 as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the second monitoring contact 73 . When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the second monitoring contact 73 is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The open and closed status of contact 73. The monitoring unit 17 generates a monitoring signal based on the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact 73 and the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact 73 . The magnetic unit 15 further includes a magnetic body moving unit (in the above example, the magnetic body holder 53 ) having the same structure as the first monitoring switching unit or the second monitoring switching unit. The second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic part 15 corresponds to the above-mentioned part of the first monitoring contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732 of the first monitoring part 71) or the above-mentioned part of the second monitoring contact 73 (in the above-mentioned example). For example, the movable terminal 732 of the second monitoring part 72). The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body 52 as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 to the first magnetic body 51 .

The start switch 1 is provided with the above-mentioned monitoring portion 17 including the first monitoring contact 73 and the second monitoring contact 73 , so that the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with greater accuracy. Furthermore, by extending the structure of the monitoring part 17 for detecting the position of the movable member 12 to the magnetic part 15, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure of the start switch 1 and to provide the magnetic part 15 that generates the above-mentioned click feeling.

In the start switch 1, the structure of the magnetic portion 15 is not limited to the above example, and various changes can be made. For example, in the start switch 1a of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 , a magnetic part 15a having a different structure from the magnetic part 15 may be provided instead of the magnetic part 15. 16 to 18 are longitudinal sectional views of the start switch 1a provided with the magnetic portion 15a. The positions of the movable member 12 in the up and down direction (ie, the pushing direction) in FIGS. 16 to 18 are respectively the first position 301, the second position 302, and the third position 303. In the following description, among the respective components of the start switch 1a, the same components as those of the start switch 1 are assigned the same reference numerals (the same symbols apply to the start switches 1b and 1c to be described later).

The magnetic part 15a is arranged between the two contacts 13. The magnetic part 15a includes a first magnetic body 51a and a second magnetic body 52a, which are respectively magnetic bodies, and a magnetic body moving part 53a. Like the first magnetic body 51 , the first magnetic body 51 a is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, and is held by the holding part 11 . The second magnetic body 52a is a substantially plate-shaped non-magnetic member made of metal such as iron, and the right portion in the figure serves as a bent portion 521a that is bent relative to other portions. In the state shown in FIG. 16 , the bent portion 521a of the second magnetic body 52a is located below the first magnetic body 51a and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a. The end portion on the left side of the second magnetic body 52a in the figure is attached to the rotation shaft 522a provided in the holding part 11. The second magnetic body 52a can rotate about the rotation axis 522a.

The magnetic body moving part 53a is a substantially columnar member extending in the up-and-down direction substantially the same as the magnetic body holder 53, and has a step in the center part in the up-and-down direction. The magnetic body moving part 53a is inserted into the through hole provided in the holding part 11 on the side (left side in the example of FIG. 16) of the first magnetic body 51a, and is held by the holding part 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

When the switch 1a is activated and the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 16 to the second position 302 shown in FIG. 17 , the lower end of the protruding part 122 of the movable member 12 contacts the magnetic body moving part. At the upper end of 53a, the magnetic body moving part 53a moves downward. Next, the above-mentioned step of the magnetic body moving part 53a contacts the second magnetic body 52a from the upper side, thereby exerting a downward force on the second magnetic body 52a. As described above, the second magnetic body 52a is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a. Therefore, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic body 51a and the second magnetic body 52a generates the above-mentioned magnetic force peak 341 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the adsorption of the second magnetic body 52a is released against the magnetic attraction force, causing a clicking sensation on the operator's finger, and the second magnetic body 52a is separated downward from the first magnetic body 51a (to be precise, from the position where the first magnetic body 51a is housed). The bottom plate of the recessed portion of the holding portion 11 of the magnetic body 51a moves downward) and moves rapidly toward the second position 302 shown in FIG. 17 .

When the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in FIG. 17 toward the third position 303 shown in FIG. 18 , the second magnetic body 52 a is pressed down by the magnetic body moving part 53 a and further moves downward. When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the second magnetic body 52a is pushed up by the restoring force of the coil spring 54a, and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a via the bottom plate.

In the start switch 1a provided with the magnetic portion 15a, adjustment related to switching of the contact 13 can be easily performed in the same manner as described above. In addition, it can prevent the opening and closing states of the two contacts 13 from being inconsistent.

In the start switch 1b of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, a magnetic part 15b having a different structure from the magnetic part 15 is provided instead of the magnetic part 15. 19 to 21 are longitudinal sectional views of the start switch 1b provided with the magnetic portion 15b. In FIGS. 19 to 21 , the positions of the movable member 12 in the up and down direction (ie, the pushing direction) are the first position 301, the second position 302, and the third position 303 respectively.

The magnetic part 15b is provided with the 1st magnetic body 51b and the 2nd magnetic body 52b, which are respectively a magnetic body. The second magnetic body 52b is the rotation member 261 of the guide part 16 mentioned above. Specifically, the lower end 263 of the non-magnetic metal rotating member 261 is used as the second magnetic body 52b of the magnetic part 15b. The lower end 263 is such that the end of the rotating member 261 in the lateral direction faces inward in the lateral direction. It is formed after being bent in a certain way. The first magnetic body 51b is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, and is arranged adjacent to the second magnetic body 52b on the deep side of the second magnetic body 52b in the thickness direction (that is, on the right side in FIG. 19). The first magnetic body 51b is fixed to the holding part 11. In the state shown in FIG. 19, the second magnetic body 52b is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b.

In the start switch 1b, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 shown in Fig. 19 toward the second position 302 shown in Fig. 20, it exerts a force on the second magnetic body 52b in the thickness direction. The force on the front side (that is, in the direction away from the first magnetic body 51b). As described above, the second magnetic body 52b is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b. Therefore, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic body 51b and the second magnetic body 52b generates the above-mentioned magnetic force peak 341 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the adsorption of the second magnetic body 52b is released against the magnetic attraction force, causing a clicking sensation on the operator's finger, and the rotating member 261 rotates clockwise in FIG. 19 , so that the second magnetic body 52b moves toward the first magnetic body 51b from the first magnetic body 51b. The near side leaves and quickly moves toward the second position 302 shown in FIG. 20 .

When the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in FIG. 20 toward the third position 303 shown in FIG. 21 , the second magnetic body 52 b further moves toward the front side. When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the upper end of the rotating member 261 is pulled up by the movable member 12, whereby the rotating member 261 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 21, and the second magnetic body 52b moves toward the deeper side and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b.

In the start switch 1b provided with the magnetic portion 15b, adjustment related to switching of the contact 13 can be easily performed in the same manner as described above. In addition, it can prevent the opening and closing states of the two contacts 13 from being inconsistent.

Next, the start switch 1c according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 22 to 24 are longitudinal sectional views of the start switch 1c. In Figures 22 to 24, the positions of the movable member 12 in the up and down direction (ie, the pushing direction) are the first position 301, the second position 302, and the third position 303 respectively.

In the start switch 1c, a magnetic part 15c is provided instead of the magnetic part 15. The magnetic unit 15c is arranged adjacent to the second monitoring unit 72 between the two contacts 13 . The magnetic part 15c includes a first magnetic body 51c and a second magnetic body 52c, which are magnetic bodies respectively, and a magnetic body holder 53c. The magnetic body holder 53c is a substantially columnar member extending substantially in the up-down direction, similarly to the above-mentioned magnetic body holder 53. The magnetic body holder 53c is inserted into the through hole provided in the holding part 11, and is held by the holding part 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

The second magnetic body 52 c is a permanent magnet such as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat plate-shaped neodymium magnet. The second magnetic body 52c is arranged on the right side of the magnetic body holder 53c in FIG. 22 and is fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c. The second magnetic body 52c moves in the up and down direction together with the magnetic body holder 53c. That is, the magnetic body holder 53c is a magnetic body moving part which moves the 2nd magnetic body 52c in the up-down direction. The first magnetic body 51 c is accommodated in a recess provided in the holding part 11 at a position facing the second magnetic body 52 c in the up-down direction, and is held by the holding part 11 . The first magnetic body 51c is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat plate-shaped non-magnetic member made of metal such as iron. In the state shown in FIG. 22, the first magnetic body 51c is attracted to the second magnetic body 52c via the bottom plate of the recessed portion by magnetic attraction.

In the start switch 1 c, a monitoring contact 73 c is provided on the left side of the magnetic body holder 53 c in FIG. 22 . The monitoring contact 73c is a part of the monitoring part 17c. The monitoring contact 73c is provided with a reed switch 733 and a monitoring magnet 734. The monitoring magnet 734 is a permanent magnet such as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat plate-shaped neodymium magnet. The monitoring magnet 734 is arranged on the left side of the magnetic body holder 53c in FIG. 22 and is fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c. The monitoring magnet 734 is aligned with the second magnetic body 52c in the lateral direction across the magnetic body holder 53c. The monitoring magnet 734 has, for example, substantially the same shape as the second magnetic body 52c. In the example of FIG. 22 , the second magnetic body 52 c and the monitoring magnet 734 are different magnets. The type, magnetic force, shape, etc. of the magnets may be the same or different in the second magnetic body 52c and the monitoring magnet 734. Furthermore, the second magnetic body 52c and the monitoring magnet 734 may be a substantially cylindrical or substantially annular plate-shaped magnet with the magnetic body holder 53c as the center.

The reed switch 733 is accommodated in a recess provided in the holding part 11 at a position facing the monitoring magnet 734 in the up-down direction, and is held by the holding part 11 . The reed switch 733 is aligned with the first magnetic body 51c in the lateral direction across the magnetic body holder 53c. The reed switch 733 is a switch that switches an open and closed state in accordance with the distance from the monitoring magnet 734 . Specifically, when the monitoring magnet 734 is present within a predetermined distance, the reed switch 733 is turned off due to the magnetic field of the monitoring magnet 734. When the monitoring magnet 734 is farther away than the predetermined distance, the reed switch 733 is turned off. Turn on. The monitoring magnet 734 moves in the up and down direction together with the magnetic body holder 53c. That is, the magnetic body holder 53c also serves as a monitoring switching unit that switches the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c by moving the monitoring magnet 734, which is a part of the monitoring contact 73c.

When the switch 1c is activated and the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 22 to the second position 302 shown in FIG. The upper ends are in contact, and a downward force is exerted on the magnetic body holder 53c. As described above, the second magnetic body 52c fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c attracts the first magnetic body 51c held by the holding part 11. Therefore, by the magnetic attraction force between the second magnetic body 52c and the first magnetic body 51c, The above-mentioned magnetic force peak 341 is generated (see FIG. 5 ). Thereafter, the adsorption of the first magnetic body 51c is released against the magnetic attraction force, causing a clicking sensation on the operator's finger, and the second magnetic body 52c is separated downward from the first magnetic body 51c (to be precise, from the position where the second magnetic body 52c is stored). 1. The bottom plate of the recessed portion of the holding portion 11 of the magnetic body 51c moves downward) and quickly moves toward the second position 302 shown in FIG. 23.

In addition, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 to the second position 302, the monitoring magnet 734 moves downward from the reed switch 733 at the monitoring contact 73c, whereby the state of the reed switch 733 changes from closed to downward. Enable transfer.

When the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in FIG. 23 toward the third position 303 shown in FIG. 24 , the second magnetic body 52 c further moves downward together with the magnetic body holder 53 c. Similarly, since the monitoring magnet 734 further moves downward, the reed switch 733 is maintained in the open state.

The monitoring contact 73c is closed at the first position 301 and open at the second position 302 and the third position 303, similarly to the first monitoring unit 71 described above. In the start switch 1c, the first monitoring part 71c is composed of the monitoring contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c. In addition, in the start switch 1c, the first monitoring part 71 and another second monitoring part are arranged on the deeper side in the thickness direction than the first monitoring part 71c and the second monitoring part 72, similarly to the starting switch 1. Department 72. The above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing status of the monitoring contact 73c in the first monitoring unit 71 and the second monitoring unit 72, in addition to the opening and closing status of the monitoring contact 73c.

When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the second magnetic body 52c, the monitoring magnet 734 and the magnetic body bracket 53c are pushed up by the restoring force of the coil spring 54c. The second magnetic body 52c attracts the first magnetic body 51c via the bottom plate.

In the start switch 1c provided with the magnetic portion 15c, adjustment related to switching of the contact 13 can be easily performed in the same manner as described above. In addition, it can prevent the opening and closing states of the two contacts 13 from being inconsistent.

In the above-mentioned monitoring contact 73c, by changing the magnetic force of the monitoring magnet 734 or the type of the reed switch 733, the position of the monitoring magnet 734 can be easily adjusted. The monitoring magnet 734 switches the opening and closing states of the reed switch 733. . For example, by increasing the magnetic force of the monitoring magnet 734, the reed switch 733 may be maintained in the closed state while the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 to the second position 302. When the second position 302 is pushed toward the third position 303, the state of the reed switch 733 is transferred from closed to open. In this case, the monitoring contact 73c is closed at the first position 301 and the second position 302, and is open at the third position 303, similarly to the second monitoring unit 72 described above. That is, the second monitoring unit is constituted by the monitoring contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c.

As described above, in the start switch 1c, the monitoring part 17c is provided with the monitoring contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c. The magnetic body holder 53c is a monitoring switching part that moves a part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the monitoring contact 73c. open and closed status. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, it switches the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c between the first position 301 and the second position 302, or between the second position 302 and the third position 303. In the monitoring unit 17c, a monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c. The magnetic body holder 53c moves the second magnetic body 52c together with the part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734), thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52c to the first magnetic body 51c.

By providing the monitoring part 17c having the monitoring contact 73c and the like in the start switch 1c, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, by sharing one structure (in the above example, the magnetic body holder 53c) as the monitoring switching part for switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c, and the magnetic body moving part for moving the second magnetic body 52c, it is possible to simplify the startup. Structure of switch 1c.

As described above, when the first monitoring part 71c is constituted by the monitoring contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c, the monitoring part 17c includes the monitoring contact 73c which is the first monitoring contact, the magnetic body holder 53c which is the first monitoring switching part, The second monitoring contact 73 and the second monitoring contact holder 74 which is the second monitoring switching unit. The magnetic body holder 53c moves a part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c. The second monitoring contact holder 74 moves a part of the second monitoring contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732 ) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the second monitoring contact 73 open and closed status. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact 73 is not switched. In addition, when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact 73 is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303, and the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c is not switched. In the monitoring unit 17c, a monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c and the opening and closing state of the second monitoring contact 73. In the start switch 1c, the second magnetic body 52c moves together with the above-mentioned part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734) through the magnetic body holder 53c, thereby changing the relationship between the second magnetic body 52c and the second magnetic body 52c. 1. The relative position of the magnetic body 51c.

By providing the monitoring part 17c including the monitoring contact 73c, the second monitoring contact 73, etc. in the start switch 1c, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with higher accuracy. In addition, by sharing one structure (in the above example, the magnetic body holder 53c) as the monitoring switching part for switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c, and the magnetic body moving part for moving the second magnetic body 52c, it is possible to simplify the startup. Structure of switch 1c.

As described above, when the second monitoring part is constituted by the monitoring contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c, the monitoring part 17c includes the first monitoring contact 73 (see FIGS. 12 to 15 ), the first monitoring switching part, that is, the first The monitoring contact holder 74, the monitoring contact 73c which is the second monitoring contact, and the magnetic body holder 53c which is the second monitoring switching unit. The first monitoring contact holder 74 moves a part of the first monitoring contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732 ) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the first monitoring contact 73 open and closed status. The magnetic body holder 53c moves a part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734) as the movable member 12 moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, but the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c is not switched. In addition, when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303, and the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact 73 is not switched. In the monitoring unit 17c, a monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact 73 and the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact 73c. In the start switch 1c, the second magnetic body 52c moves together with the above-mentioned part of the monitoring contact 73c (in the above example, the monitoring magnet 734) through the magnetic body holder 53c, thereby changing the relationship between the second magnetic body 52c and the second magnetic body 52c. 1. The relative position of the magnetic body 51c.

By providing the monitoring part 17c including the first monitoring contact 73 and the monitoring contact 73c in the start switch 1c, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with greater accuracy. In addition, by sharing one structure (in the above example, the magnetic body holder 53c) as the monitoring switching part for switching the open and closed state of the monitoring contact 73c, and the magnetic body moving part for moving the second magnetic body 52c, it is possible to simplify the startup. Structure of switch 1c.

Among the above-mentioned start switches 1, 1a to 1c, various changes can be made.

For example, in the magnetic part 15 of the start switch 1 , the first magnetic body 51 may be an electromagnet other than a permanent magnet or other types of magnets. In addition, in the magnetic part 15, the second magnetic body 52 may be a magnet, and the first magnetic body 51 may be a non-magnetic member made of metal such as iron. In the magnetic part 15, both the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 may be magnets. The same applies to the magnetic portions 15a to 15c.

In the magnetic part 15 , the magnetic peak 341 is generated by the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 , but it is not limited thereto. The magnetic repulsion between the two magnetic bodies 52 is generated. The same applies to the magnetic portions 15a to 15c.

In the above-mentioned magnetic parts 15, 15a, 15c, the second magnetic bodies 52, 52a, 52c move in a direction substantially parallel to the pushing direction of the movable member 12. In the magnetic part 15b, the second magnetic body 52b is a rotating member. The lower end 263 of 261 moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pushing direction, but it is not limited thereto. The moving directions of the second magnetic bodies 52 and 52a to 52c in the magnetic parts 15 and 15a to 15c may be non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the pushing direction.

In the start switch 1, the number of contacts 13 may be three or more. In addition, the structure of the contact mechanism 20 that switches the opening and closing states of the contact 13 can be variously changed. The movable member 12 may also be a lever that is rotated by pushing in. When the movable member 12 is of the rotating type, the pushing amount of the movable member 12 corresponds to the rotation angle. The same applies to the start switches 1a to 1c.

In the starter switch 1, the contact 13 is opened and closed using a snap operation, but it is not limited to this. For example, near the ON switching position 311, as the movable member 12 is pushed into the holding part 11, the two terminals included in the contact 13 gradually come closer and come into contact, thereby closing the contact. In this case, by quickly moving from the magnetic peak 341 to the second position 302, it is possible to suppress discharge when the contact 13 becomes closed and to suppress welding of the contact 13. The same applies to the start switches 1a to 1c.

In the start switch 1, the main peak 342 (see FIG. 5) between the second position 302 and the third position 303 does not necessarily need to use the above-mentioned longitudinal coil spring 241, abutment member 242, slider 243, horizontal coil spring 244, etc. To achieve, it can also be achieved through various other structures. For example, the main peak 342 can also be realized using magnetic force in much the same way as the magnetic peak 341 . Specifically, for example, in the second monitoring part 72, two magnetic bodies are provided, at least one of which is a magnet, instead of the upper fixed terminal 731 and the movable terminal 732 of the monitoring contact 73, and the magnetism of one of them is used. The body is fixed to a magnetic body holder having substantially the same shape as the monitoring contact holder 74. Thereby, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 to the third position 303, the magnetic body of one moves downward against the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic body and the magnetic body of the other one. Move to achieve main spike 342. In this way, by also using magnetic force to realize the main peak 342, it can further simplify the structure of the activation switch 1. Furthermore, the shape of the main peak 342 can be easily adjusted by changing the force due to the magnetic interaction generated between the two magnetic bodies. The same applies to the start switch 1a.

The operating portion provided with the start switches 1, 1a to 1c is not limited to the operating portion of the teaching pendant, but can also be used in various operating portions such as the operating portion of heavy machinery such as cranes, the operating portion of vehicles, and the operating portion of electric wheelchairs.

The configurations in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail above, these descriptions are only illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, as long as it does not depart from the scope of the present invention, there may be various modifications or aspects. (industrial availability)

The present invention can be used as a start switch of an operating unit, and can be used to operate various operating objects such as industrial robots, cranes, and wheelchairs.

1. 1a~1c: Start switch 11:Maintenance Department 12: Movable components 12a: Lower member 13:Contact 14:OFF switching mechanism 15. 15a~15c: Magnetic Department 16: Guidance Department 17, 17c: Surveillance Department 20:Contact mechanism 51, 51a~51c: first magnetic body 52, 52a~52c: second magnetic body 53, 53c: Magnetic holder 53a: Magnetic body moving part 54, 54a, 54c: coil spring 71, 71c: 1st Surveillance Department 72:Second Surveillance Department 73: Monitoring contact (1st monitoring contact and 2nd monitoring contact) 73c:Monitoring contact 74:Monitoring contact bracket 75:coil spring 111:Base component 111a:Component 121:coil spring 122, 123, 124:Protrusion 131: Lower fixed terminal 132: Movable terminal 133:Seizure agency 134:Connect terminal group 241:Longitudinal coil spring 242, 242a: contact member 243:Sliding piece 243a:Rear end part 244:Horizontal coil spring 245:Push component 246, 247: Inclined surface 261:Rotating member 262:Component 263:Lower end 301: 1st position 302: 2nd position 303: 3rd position 311:ON switching position 312:OFF switching position 321: rising start position 324, 334: Falling end position 332: rising end position 333: Drop starting position 341:Magnetic Spike 342: Main spike 343: Maximum rise 511:Magnet piece 521a: Bending part 522a:Rotation axis 731: Upper fixed terminal 732: Movable terminal 733:Reed switch 734:Monitoring Magnet A1: (magnetic peak) maximum load A2: (ON switching position) load A3: (OFF switching position) load A4:(2nd position) load J1:Rotation axis

Fig. 1 is a top view of the start switch of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the start switch. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the push amount of the starter switch and the load. Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Fig. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch of the second embodiment. Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch of the third embodiment. Figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch. Figure 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

1: Start switch

11:Maintenance Department

12: Movable components

12a: Lower member

13:Contact

14:OFF switching mechanism

15:Magnetic Department

16: Guidance Department

20:Contact mechanism

51: The first magnetic body

52:Second magnetic body

53:Magnetic holder

54:coil spring

72:Second Surveillance Department

111:Base component

111a:Component

121:coil spring

131: Lower fixed terminal

132: Movable terminal

133:Seizure agency

134:Connect terminal group

241:Longitudinal coil spring

242, 242a: contact member

243:Sliding piece

243a:Rear end part

244:Horizontal coil spring

245:Push component

261:Rotating member

262:Component

263:Lower end

511:Magnet piece

Claims (10)

A start switch, which is provided on the operating part and allows the operation object to be operated by the above-mentioned operating part; it has: maintenance department; A movable member that is pushed toward the above-mentioned holding part; contact point; a contact mechanism that transfers the opening and closing state of the contact from the first state, which is one of opening and closing, to the second state, which is the other of opening and closing, as the movable member is pushed toward the holding portion, and then transfer it from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state; and The magnetic part has at least one first magnetic body and a second magnetic body which are magnets; The above-mentioned first magnetic body is fixed to the above-mentioned holding part, The above-mentioned second magnetic body moves in accordance with the movement of the above-mentioned movable member in the pushing direction, In a state where the movable member is not pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the first position, In the state where the movable member is pushed the most, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the third position, The second position is set to a position where, between the first position and the third position, the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches the maximum by increasing the increase ratio of the load to the pushing amount. The rising start position of the maximum rise, When the above-mentioned movable member is pushed in, the above-mentioned contact is transferred from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state at the ON switching position between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned third position The OFF switching position between positions shifts from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state, When the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body, The load required to move the above-mentioned second magnetic body against the force caused by the above-mentioned magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that first rises and then decreases. The maximum load of the magnetic peak is greater than the load required to push the movable member into the ON switching position if the magnetic part is not provided. Such as the start switch of request item 1, where, It further has other contacts, When the above-mentioned other contacts are pushed in, the other ON switching positions between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position shift from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned second position The other OFF switching positions between the 3 positions transition from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state, The maximum load of the magnetic peak is greater than the load required to push the movable member in the other ON switching position if the magnetic part is not provided. A start switch, which is provided on the operating part and allows the operation object to be operated from the above operating part; it has: maintenance department; A movable member that is pushed toward the above-mentioned holding part; contact point; a contact mechanism that transfers the opening and closing state of the contact from the first state, which is one of opening and closing, to the second state, which is the other of opening and closing, as the movable member is pushed toward the holding portion, and then transfer it from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state; and The magnetic part has at least one first magnetic body and a second magnetic body which are magnets; The above-mentioned first magnetic body is fixed to the above-mentioned holding part, The above-mentioned second magnetic body moves in accordance with the movement of the above-mentioned movable member in the pushing direction, In a state where the movable member is not pushed in, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the first position, In the state where the movable member is pushed the most, the position of the movable member relative to the holding part is set to the third position, The second position is set to a position where, between the first position and the third position, the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches the maximum by increasing the increase ratio of the load to the pushing amount. The rising start position of the maximum rise, When the above-mentioned movable member is pushed in, the above-mentioned contact is transferred from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state at the ON switching position between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned third position The OFF switching position between positions shifts from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state, When the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against the force caused by the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body, The load required to move the above-mentioned second magnetic body against the force caused by the above-mentioned magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that first rises and then decreases. The ON switching position is a position in which the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic peak. Such as the start switch of request item 3, wherein, It further has other contacts, When the above-mentioned other contacts are pushed in, the other ON switching positions between the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position shift from the above-mentioned first state to the above-mentioned second state, and between the above-mentioned second position and the above-mentioned second position The other OFF switching positions between the 3 positions transition from the above-mentioned second state to the above-mentioned first state, The other ON switching positions are positions in which the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic peak. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, The relative movement direction of the second magnetic body relative to the first magnetic body is parallel to the pushing direction. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, When the movable member returns from the second position to the first position, the movement of the movable member is promoted by the force due to the magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, It further includes: a monitoring unit that generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction; The above-mentioned monitoring department includes: 1st monitoring contact; a first monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the first monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact; 2nd monitoring contact; and a second monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the second monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the second monitoring contact; When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the second monitoring contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The open and closed status of the point, In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned first monitoring contact and the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned second monitoring contact, The magnetic unit further includes: a magnetic body moving unit having the same structure as the first monitoring switching unit or the second monitoring switching unit; The second magnetic body in the magnetic part corresponds to the part of the first monitoring contact or the part of the second monitoring contact, The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, It further includes: a monitoring unit that generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction; The above-mentioned monitoring department includes: monitoring contacts; and a monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the monitoring contact; When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position, In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned monitoring contact, The magnetic unit further includes: a magnetic moving unit having the same structure as the monitoring switching unit; The second magnetic body in the magnetic part corresponds to the part of the monitoring contact, The magnetic body moving part moves the second magnetic body as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, It further includes: a monitoring unit that generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction; The above-mentioned monitoring department includes: 1st monitoring contact; a first monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the first monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact; 2nd monitoring contact; and a second monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the second monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the second monitoring contact; When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the first monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the second monitoring contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The open and closed status of the point, In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned first monitoring contact and the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned second monitoring contact, The second magnetic body moves together with the part of the first monitoring contact through the first monitoring switching part, or moves together with the part of the second monitoring contact through the second monitoring switching part , thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body. Such as requesting the start switch of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, It further includes: a monitoring unit that generates a monitoring signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction; The above-mentioned monitoring department includes: monitoring contacts; and a monitoring switching unit that moves a part of the monitoring contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, thereby switching the opening and closing states of the monitoring contact; When the movable member is pushed in, the opening and closing state of the monitoring contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position, In the above-mentioned monitoring unit, the above-mentioned monitoring signal is generated based on the opening and closing state of the above-mentioned monitoring contact, The monitoring switching unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body by moving the second magnetic body together with the part of the monitoring contact.