Actuator unit and safety switch

Abstract

In the actuator unit, the sliding base can be easily locked relative to the fixed base, and a reliable locked state that prevents the sliding base from moving relative to the fixed base can be formed by an operation from the outside. The actuator unit (2) is provided with: a fixed base (2A) fixed to the movable door (D); a sliding base (2B) having an actuator (20) and slidably disposed on the fixed base (2A); a first locking element (26C1, 27) that locks the sliding base (2B) relative to the fixed base (2A) in a first locked state when the actuator (20) is in a separated position; a locking release element (26A, 26B, 26C) that can release the first locked state; and a lock head, i.e., a second locking element (22), that prevents the sliding base (2B) from moving relative to the fixed base (2A) by the operation of the key (22a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator unit for switching an output state of a switch, and more particularly, to an improvement of the above structure. Background Art

[0002] At the entrances and exits of dangerous areas where industrial equipment such as machine tools and industrial robots are installed, safety switches that are turned on and off according to the open and closed states of the doors are installed.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-227158 discloses Figures 2 to 4 The safety switch (10) described herein is composed of a door switch unit (11) and a slider unit (12), wherein the door switch unit (11) is arranged on a pillar (P) of an entrance and exit, and has a door switch (20) including an operating portion (22) and a sliding key mechanism (K), and the sliding unit (12) includes a slider fitting portion (37) supported in a freely sliding manner on a sliding base (25) arranged on an opening and closing door (D) and capable of being inserted into the sliding key mechanism (K), and a slider (26) having an actuator (33) capable of being inserted into the operating portion (22) (refer to paragraphs

[0051] and

[0052] of the publication).

[0004] The slide key mechanism (K) has a lock head (16) which holds a slide lock portion (17) which prevents a slider fitting portion (37) from being inserted into the slide key mechanism (K) so as to be rotatable. By inserting a key (18) into the lock head (16) and rotating it to rotate the slide lock portion (17), an interference protrusion (17A) at the lower end of the slide lock portion (17) can reach a position where the slider fitting portion (37) is prevented from being inserted into the slide key mechanism (K) and a position where the slider fitting portion (37) is allowed to be inserted into the slide key mechanism (K) (see paragraphs

[0053] and Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 to Figure 11 ).

[0005] In the safety switch (10) described in the above-mentioned gazette, when the operator closes the door (D) while the working robot (R) is in motion, the operator inserts the key (18) into the lock (16) and rotates the sliding lock portion (17), so that the interference protrusion (17A) of the sliding lock portion (17) moves to a position that allows the slider fitting portion (37) to be inserted into the sliding key mechanism (K). When the handle (30) is gripped from the above state to move the door (D) in the closing direction, the slider fitting portion (37) is inserted into the sliding key mechanism (K), and the actuator (33) is inserted into the operating portion (22), thereby switching the contacts inside the door switch (20), thereby forming a state in which the working robot (R) in the working area (S) can operate (refer to paragraphs

[0064] to

[0066] and Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Fig.11 ).

[0006] Furthermore, when the operator opens the door (D) during maintenance of the work robot (R), if the operator holds the handle (30) to move the door (D) in the opening direction after cutting off the power supply to the work robot (R), the slider fitting portion (37) is pulled out from the slide key mechanism (K) and the actuator (33) is pulled out from the operation portion (22). From the above state, the key (18) is inserted into the lock (16) and the slide lock portion (17) is rotated, so that the interference protrusion (17A) of the slide lock portion (17) moves to a position that prevents the slider fitting portion (37) from being inserted into the slide key mechanism (K). In the above state, even if the door (D) is to be closed, the slider fitting portion (37) interferes with the interference protrusion (17A) of the slide lock portion (17) disposed inside the slide key mechanism (K), thereby preventing the slider fitting portion (37) from being inserted into the slide key mechanism (K) (see paragraphs

[0068] to

[0069] and Fig. 9 ).

[0007] Therefore, even if the operator mistakenly closes the door (D) while being left in the working area (S) when the door (D) is opened, the slider fitting portion (37) cannot be inserted into the sliding key mechanism (K), and therefore the actuator (33) will not be inserted into the operating portion (22). As a result, the contacts inside the door switch (20) will not switch, thereby preventing the working robot (R) from becoming able to operate (see paragraph

[0070] of the bulletin).

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-227158 (see paragraphs

[0051] to

[0053] ,

[0064] to

[0066] ,

[0068] to

[0070] , Figure 2 to Figure 5 , Figure 8 to Figure 11 ). Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0012] However, in the above-mentioned conventional safety switch, when the door (D) is in the open state, the slider (26) slides freely relative to the slide base (25). Therefore, when the interference projection (17A) of the slide lock portion (17) is arranged at a position to prevent the slider fitting portion (37) from being inserted into the slide key mechanism (K), when the door (D) is closed due to the operator's carelessness or the influence of wind from outside, or when the door (D) is closed due to the collision between the operator's body and the handle (30), the slider (26) slides and moves, causing the slider fitting portion (37) to collide with the interference projection (17A) inside the slide key mechanism (K) (depending on the situation, the actuator (33) sometimes interferes with the operating portion (22)), resulting in the possibility of damage or breakage of the components. In addition, at this time, the moving slider fitting portion (37) and the actuator (33) may also collide with the operator's body, causing danger to the human body.

[0013] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned communiqué Figure 12 to Figure 2 In the safety switch (10) described in claim 6, when the door (D) is in an open state, the locking rods (40, 50) are operated by a key (18) to lock the slider (26) relative to the sliding base (25). In the above case, when the door (D) is opened, the slider (26) can be locked so that it does not slide relative to the sliding base (25). Therefore, even if the door (D) is closed due to the operator's carelessness, the actuator (33) can be prevented from being accidentally inserted into the operating part (22), and the contact switching inside the door switch (20) can be prevented. However, in the above case, in order to lock the slider (26), the operator needs to use the key (18) to operate the locking rods (40, 50) one by one, which makes the operation more troublesome.

[0014] The present invention is completed in view of the above-mentioned actual situation in the past. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an actuator unit that can simply lock the sliding base relative to the fixed base, and can achieve a reliable locking state in which the sliding base cannot move relative to the fixed base through external operation.

[0015] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0016] The present invention is an actuator unit for switching the output state of a switch. The actuator unit includes: a fixed base; a sliding base, the sliding base having an actuator acting on the switch and slidably arranged on the fixed base so that the actuator can reach a close position close to the switch and a separated position away from the switch; a first locking element, the first locking element locks the sliding base in a first locking state relative to the fixed base in the separated position of the actuator; a lock release element, the lock release element can release the first locking state achieved by the first locking element; and a second locking element, the second locking element can be operated from the outside so that the sliding base cannot be moved relative to the fixed base in the separated position of the actuator.

[0017] According to the present invention, in the proximity position of the actuator to the switch, the actuator acts on the switch and switches the output state of the switch. In the separation position of the brake away from the switch, the sliding base is locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base by the first locking element. At this time, no external operation such as key operation is required, so it can be simply locked in the first locking state. The above-mentioned first locking state can be released by the lock release element.

[0018] Then, through the operation from the outside, the second locking element makes the sliding base unable to move relative to the fixed base. Like this, the second locking element is locked through the operation from the outside, therefore, the sliding base can be in a reliable locking state relative to the fixed base.

[0019] In the present invention, the second locking element has an operating member that is operated by an operation from the outside, and the operating member acts on the first locking element.

[0020] In the present invention, the second locking element has an operating member that is operated by an operation from the outside, and the operating member acts on the fixed base.

[0021] In the present invention, the lock releasing element is formed integrally with the first lock element.

[0022] The safety switch of the present invention includes the above-mentioned actuator unit.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the actuator unit of the present invention, in the separated position of the actuator, the sliding base is locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base by the first locking element, so that it can be easily locked in the first locking state without external operation. In addition, the second locking element can be operated from the outside to make the sliding base unable to move relative to the fixed base, so that the sliding base can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a front view of a safety switch including an actuator unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the actuator moves to a proximity position close to a switch body and is inserted into the switch body when a door is closed.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0027] Figure 3 Indicates that the above safety switch ( Figure 1 ), when the door is opened, the actuator moves to a separation position away from the switch body, and the actuator is pulled out from the switch body.

[0028] Figure 4 is arranged at the above-mentioned proximity position ( Figure 1 ) is a partially cut-away side view of the actuator unit, which is equivalent to Figure 1 IV view.

[0029] Figure 5 is configured at the above separation position ( Figure 3 ) is a partially cut-away side view of the actuator unit, which is equivalent to Figure 3 , and indicates the first locked state.

[0030] Figure 6 is configured at the above separation position ( Figure 3 ) is a partially cut-away side view of the actuator unit, which is equivalent to Figure 3 VI is directed to the view and indicates the second locked state.

[0031] Figure 7 1 is a partially cutaway side view of an actuator unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which the actuator is arranged at a position close to the switch body when the door is closed, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 4 .

[0032] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of an actuator unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which shows that when the door is opened, the actuator is arranged in a separated position from the switch body and is switched to a first locking state or a second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 or Figure 6 .

[0033] Fig. 9 is the actuator unit ( Figure 7 ), which is equivalent to the front view of the first embodiment described above. Figure 1 The actuator unit in.

[0034] Fig.10 is the above-mentioned actuator unit ( Figure 8 ) is a front view showing a first locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The actuator unit in.

[0035] Fig.11 is the above-mentioned actuator unit ( Figure 8 ) is a front view showing a second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The actuator unit in.

[0036] Fig.12 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the third embodiment of the present invention, which shows the state in which the actuator is arranged at a position close to the switch body when the door is closed, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 4 .

[0037] Fig.13 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the third embodiment of the present invention, which shows the state in which the actuator is configured to be separated from the switch body and converted to the first locking state when the door is opened, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 .

[0038] Fig.14 Indicates that at the above separation position ( Fig.13 ) is converted to the second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 6 .

[0039] Fig.15 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which shows the state in which the actuator is arranged at a position close to the switch body when the door is closed, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 4 .

[0040] Fig.16 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which shows that when the door is opened, the actuator is configured in a separated position separated from the switch body and is converted to a first locked state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 .

[0041] Fig.17 Indicates that at the above separation position ( Fig.16 ) is converted to the second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 6 .

[0042] Fig.18 is the above-mentioned actuator unit ( Fig.15 ), which is equivalent to the front view of the first embodiment described above. Figure 1 The actuator unit in.

[0043] Fig.19 is the above-mentioned actuator unit ( Fig.16 ) is a front view showing a first locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The actuator unit in.

[0044] Fig. 20 is the above-mentioned actuator unit ( Fig.17 ) is a front view showing a second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The actuator unit in.

[0045] Fig.21 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which shows the state in which the actuator is arranged at a position close to the switch body when the door is closed, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 4 .

[0046] Fig. 22 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which shows that when the door is opened, the actuator is configured in a separated position separated from the switch body and is converted to a first locked state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 .

[0047] Fig.23 Indicates that at the above separation position ( Fig. 22 ) is converted to the second locking state, which is equivalent to the first embodiment described above. Figure 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] <First embodiment>

[0050] Figures 1 to 6 A safety switch including an actuator unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 , Figure 3 This is a front view of the safety switch. Figures 4 to 6 is a partially cut-away side view of the actuator unit. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 For the sake of convenience, except for Figure 2 In addition, in each figure, the left and right direction in the figure is referred to as the "front and back direction", and Figure 1 , Figure 3 The up and down directions in the figure and Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The direction perpendicular to the paper is called the "up and down direction".

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the safety switch 1 includes an actuator unit 2 disposed on a movable door D and a switch body 3 disposed on a wall (or fixed door) W at the entrance and exit of a dangerous area where industrial equipment such as a machine tool or an industrial robot is installed. The switch body 3 is inserted or removed from the switch body 3 by moving the actuator 20 disposed in the actuator unit 2 in the front-rear direction to switch the contacts inside the switch body 3, thereby switching the output state of the switch body 3. In addition, here, the "output state (of the switch body 3)" includes not only contact output but also contactless output such as transistor output.

[0052] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the actuator unit 2 includes a fixed base 2A fixed to a surface Da of the movable door D and a slide base 2B provided on the fixed base 2A so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixed base 2A is composed of a lower plate 2A1 and an upper plate 2A2, wherein the lower plate 2A1 is arranged on the surface Da of the movable door D and is fixed to the surface Da by screwing, and the upper plate 2A2 is fixed to the lower plate 2A1 and has an inverted T-shaped groove 2Aa. The groove 2Aa penetrates the fixed base 2A in the front-to-back direction and opens at the front end 2Af and the rear end 2Ar of the fixed base 2A (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lower part of the sliding base 2B has a base 2Ba, which has a shape that matches the groove 2Aa of the fixed base 2A and is engaged with the groove 2Aa in a manner that allows free sliding in the front-to-back direction. The lower part of the handle 21 is fixed to the base 2Ba. The handle 21 is a member that is U-shaped when viewed from the side and extends in the front-to-back direction, and has an opening 21a (see FIG. 21 ) for inserting the fingers of the operator. Figures 4 to 6 According to the above structure, the operator can open and close the movable door D by gripping the handle 21 and applying force in the front-rear direction, so that the sliding base 2B can slide relative to the fixed base 2A in the front-rear direction.

[0055] On the sliding base 2B, a lock 22 is installed in front of the handle 21 (see Figure 2 The key 22a is inserted into the lock cylinder 22 or removed from the lock cylinder 22 (each figure shows a state where the key 22a is inserted). The key 22a can be removed from the lock cylinder 22 only in the second lock state described later. The actuator 20 is connected to the lock cylinder 22 via the mounting member 22b ( Figure 1 , Figure 3) is mounted on the lock head 22. By moving the sliding base 2B, the actuator 20 can reach a close position (close to the switch body 3) where its front end is inserted into the interior of the switch body 3. Figure 1 ) and a separation position away from the switch body 3 ( Figure 3 ). When the movable door D is closed, the actuator 20 is configured at the approach position, and when the movable door D is opened, the actuator 20 is configured at the separation position.

[0056] The front end 2Bf of the sliding base 2B is arranged in a close position so as to be substantially coplanar with the front end 2Af of the fixed base 2A (see Figure 1 ), and moves to a position behind the front end 2Af of the fixed base 2A in the separated position (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the rear end 2Br of the sliding base 2B is arranged at a position closer to the front than the rear end 2Ar of the fixed base 2A (see Figure 1 ), in the separation position, it is arranged near the rear end 2Ar of the fixed base 2A and slightly forward of the rear end 2Ar. In the above separation position, the rear end 2Br of the sliding base 2B abuts against the mounting screw 25 of the fixed base 2A (refer to Figure 3 ). That is, in this example, the mounting screw 25 is a stopper for the sliding base 2B to slide backward.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front portion of the slide base 2B has a latch member 23 extending in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, a latch receiving portion 30 is provided above the switch body 3 in the wall W, and the latch receiving portion 30 can receive the latch member 23 in a manner that allows the latch member 23 to be inserted and removed. A through hole 30a is formed in the latch receiving portion 30 for the latch member 23 to be inserted. The latch member 23 is inserted into the through hole 30a of the latch receiving portion 30 at a position close to the actuator 20 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ), away from the latch receiving portion 30 at the separated position of the actuator 20. In addition, a padlock hole 23a for locking a padlock (not shown) is formed at the front end of the latch member 23.

[0058] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the actuator unit 2 includes an operating rod unit 26, which is extended from the opening 21a of the handle 21 to the inside of the slide base 2B. The operating rod unit 26 is configured to be substantially in an inverted Z shape (or a Z shape / S shape) when viewed from the side. The operating rod unit 26 is composed of a first straight portion 26A and a second straight portion 26B (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2) and a third straight portion 26C, wherein one end of the first straight portion 26A is freely rotatably connected to the corner of the rear side of the opening 21a of the handle 21 via a fulcrum 26A1, one end of the second straight portion 26B is connected to the other end of the first straight portion 26A in the opening 21a and extends linearly into the base 2Ba of the sliding base 2B, and one end of the third straight portion 26C is connected to the other end of the second straight portion 26B in the base 2Ba, substantially extending linearly in the front-back direction, and has a locking portion 26C1 at the front end, and the locking portion 26C1 protrudes toward the fixed base 2A side and abuts against the lower plate 2A1. The first straight portion 26A, the second straight portion 26B, and the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 are formed by, for example, bending a thin metal plate.

[0059] A coil spring 27 is compressed and installed in the base 2Ba of the sliding base 2B, and one end of the coil spring 27 is pressed against the third straight line portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26. As a result, the elastic force (elastic reaction force) of the coil spring 27 acts on the third straight line portion 26C, and the third straight line portion 26C is urged toward the fixed base 2A. On the other hand, an engagement hole 2Ab is formed in the fixed base 2A, and the above-mentioned engagement hole 2Ab can be engaged with the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight line portion 26C.

[0060] When the actuator 20 is close to the switch body 3 ( Figure 1 , Figure 4 ), the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 is arranged in front of the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A. At this time, the bottom 22c of the lock head 22 is opposite to the locking portion 26C1 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0061] In the separated position ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 ), the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 engages with the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A, and at this time, the sliding base 2B is locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A. Therefore, the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C and the coil spring 27 function as a first locking mechanism (first locking element) that sets the sliding base 2B to the first locking state. At this time, a gap e is formed between the locking portion 26C1 and the bottom 22c of the lock head 22 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0062] Here, focusing on the side shape of the operating lever unit 26, it can be seen that Figure 4 The status shown is from Figure 5At the start of the first locked state shown in the figure, the first straight portion 26A rotates around the fulcrum 26A1 while overcoming the elastic force of the coil spring 27, thereby the third straight portion 26C moves to the side away from the fixed base 2A via the second straight portion 26B, and the first locked state is released. Therefore, the first straight portion 26A, the second straight portion 26B, and the third straight portion 26C function as a lock release element that releases the first locked state.

[0063] also, Figure 6 The status shown is from Figure 5 Starting from the first locked state shown in the figure, the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 is protruded into the gap e by operating the key 22a and abuts against the locking portion 26C1. At this time, the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 cannot move to the side away from the fixed base 2A, so that the lock release element cannot be used to release the lock, and the sliding base 2B is locked in the second locked state relative to the fixed base 2A. Therefore, the lock head 22 functions as a second locking element that forms the second locked state in which the sliding base 2B cannot move relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0064] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0065] In the closed state of the movable door D ( Figure 1 ), as described above, the sliding base 2B of the actuator unit 2 on the movable door D side slides forward relative to the fixed base 2A, the actuator 20 is arranged at a position close to the switch body 3 on the side close to the wall W and inserted into the inside of the switch body 3, and the latch member 23 is inserted into the latch receiving portion 30. At this time, Figure 4 As shown, the locking portion 26C1 of the third linear portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 is arranged in front of the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A, the bottom 22c of the lock head 22 faces the locking portion 26C1, and the elastic force of the coil spring 27 acts on the third linear portion 26C.

[0066] From the above state, in order to open the movable door D, the operator grasps the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 and moves the handle 21 backward (ie, Figure 4 At this time, the lower part of the handle 21 is fixed to the sliding base 2B, so the handle 21 is smoothly moved backward by the sliding movement of the sliding base 2B, and the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 slides on the lower plate 2A1. The actuator 20 is pulled out of the switch body 3 by the sliding movement of the sliding base 2B, and the latch member 23 is pulled out of the latch receiving portion 30. Next, when the rear end 2Br of the sliding base 2B abuts against the mounting screw 25 and the sliding base 2B stops (refer to Figure 3),like Figure 5 As shown, the actuator 20 is arranged in a separated position away from the switch body 3 .

[0067] In the above-mentioned separation position, under the elastic force of the coil spring 27, the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 moves toward the fixed base 2A side so that the front locking portion 26C1 engages with the engagement hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A, and the sliding base 2B is locked relative to the fixed base 2A in the first locking state (refer to Figure 5 At this time, the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 rotates downward about the fulcrum 26A1, and a gap e is formed between the locking portion 26C1 and the bottom 22 c of the lock head 22 .

[0068] In this way, when opening the movable door D, the sliding base 2B can be locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A only by grasping the handle 21 and moving it in the opening direction of the movable door D. At this time, no unnecessary operation from the outside such as key operation is required, so the sliding base 2B can be simply locked in the first locking state.

[0069] In the first locked state ( Figure 5 ), even if the operator's body collides with the handle 21 and the movable door D is about to be closed, or if the movable door D is about to be closed due to the influence of wind from outside, the sliding base 2B still maintains the first locking state, so the actuator 20 will not protrude toward the switch body 3 side, thereby preventing the actuator 20 from colliding with the outer side of the switch body 3 and interfering with people, resulting in the prevention of damage and breakage of components and danger to the human body. In addition, the actuator 20 does not move to the proximity position, so the contacts inside the switch body C are not switched, thereby ensuring the safety of people.

[0070] Then, by Figure 5 The first locking state shown starts the operation of the key 22a, such as Figure 6 As shown, the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 is made to protrude into the gap e and abut against the locking portion 26C1, so that the slide base 2B is in the second locking state relative to the fixed base 2A. At this time, the actuator 20 maintains the separated position.

[0071] In the second locking state ( Figure 6), as long as the operator pulls out the key 22a when entering the dangerous area and brings the key 22a into the dangerous area, even if other operators accidentally grasp the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 to close the movable door D, the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 will overcome the elastic force of the coil spring 27 and rotate around the fulcrum 26A1, and the operating member 22d of the lock 22 will also abut against the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26, so that the locking portion 26C1 cannot be separated from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A. That is, Figure 6 The second locked state shown is a locked state in which the lock cannot be released by the lock releasing element, so that the slide base 2B cannot move relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0072] In this way, the second locked state is achieved by key operation, and therefore, in the second locked state, the slide base 2B can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0073] Next, when the movable door D is closed, the movable door D is locked from the second locked state ( Figure 6 ) starts to operate the key 22a to retract the operating member 22d of the lock 22 (refer to Figure 5 ), thereby releasing the second locking state and restoring to the first locking state.

[0074] From the above state, the operator grasps the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26. Then, the first straight portion 26A rotates around the fulcrum 26A1 while overcoming the elastic force of the coil spring 27, whereby the third straight portion 26C moves to the side away from the fixed base 2A via the second straight portion 26B, so that the locking portion 26C1 at the front end is disengaged from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A.

[0075] When the operator holds the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26, the handle 21 is directed forward (i.e. Figure 5 When the locking portion 26C1 slides on the lower plate 2A1, the sliding base 2B slides forward, so that the actuator 20 and the latch member 23 protrude toward the switch body 3 (refer to Figure 4 Then, when the movable door D is closed and the actuator 20 is disposed at a position close to the switch body 3 on the side close to the wall W, the actuator 20 is inserted into the switch body 3 to switch the contacts inside the switch body 3, and the latch member 23 is inserted into the latch receiving portion 30.

[0076] According to the present embodiment described above, the slide base 2B is locked in the first locked state by the first locking mechanism when it moves to the separated position of the actuator 20, so it can be easily locked in the first locked state. In addition, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by the second locking element through the operation of the key 22a, so it can be reliably locked in the second locked state. Moreover, when the movable door D is opened, the actuator 20 is maintained in the separated position, so it is possible to avoid damage, breakage, etc. of the components of the safety switch.

[0077] <Second embodiment>

[0078] Figures 7 to 11 An actuator unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 , Figure 8 is a partially cut-away side view of the actuator unit. Figures 9 to 11 is a front view of the actuator unit. In each figure, the same symbols as those in the first embodiment represent the same or equivalent parts. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the left and right directions in each figure are referred to as the "front and rear directions", and the left and right directions in each figure are referred to as the "front and rear directions". Figure 7 , Figure 8 The vertical direction of the paper and Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 The up-down direction in the diagram is referred to as the “up-down direction”.

[0079] In this embodiment, the actuator unit 2 includes the operating rod unit 26 and the coil spring 27 (see FIG. 2 ) that applies elastic force (elastic reaction force) to the third linear portion 26C of the operating rod unit 26, as in the first embodiment. Figure 7 ), the first locking state is achieved by engaging the locking portion 26C1 of the third linear portion 26C with the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A (see Figure 8 ), in addition, the operator grasps the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 together with the handle 21, and moves the third straight portion 26C toward a side away from the fixed base 2A via the second straight portion 26B of the operating lever unit 26, so that the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C is disengaged from the engaging hole 2Ab, thereby releasing the first locking state.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second locking element is different from the second locking element of the first embodiment described above. Figures 9 to 11 As shown in FIG. 1 , a lock head 22 is provided at the rear end side of the fixed base 2A of the actuator unit 2. The lock head 22 has a rotating piece (operating member) 22d, which is rotated by the operation of the key 22a. The rotating piece 22d is, for example, a rectangular member when viewed from the front. Fig. 9 , Fig.10As shown, the long side direction of the rotating piece 22d can be reached to be consistent with the front-to-back direction. Fig.11 As shown, the vertical position where the longitudinal direction of the rotating piece 22d coincides with the vertical direction can be reached.

[0081] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, on the rear end side of the fixed base 2A of the actuator unit 2, a coil spring 28 extending in the front-to-back direction is arranged near the lock head 22, and a cover member 28A is installed at the front end of the coil spring 28. On the other hand, in the sliding base 2B, the operating lever unit 26 is provided with an extension portion 26C2 extending downward. The extension portion 26C2 is a member that is rectangular when viewed from the front, and one end of the extension portion 26C2 is fixed to the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26. The extension portion 26C2 is Fig. 9 The approach position of the actuator 20 shown is arranged at a position away from the cover member 28A of the coil spring 28 in the front direction. Fig.10 , Fig.11 The separated position of the actuator 20 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be a position where the cover member 28A of the coil spring 28 abuts against the cover member 28A of the coil spring 28 and the coil spring 28 is retracted. Fig.11 In the separated position shown, the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is arranged on the front side of the extending portion 26C2 in the drawing and is opposite to the extending portion 26C2, abutting against the extending portion 26C2 or arranged near the front of the extending portion 26C2.

[0082] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] When the movable door is closed, the sliding base 2B of the actuator unit 2 slides forward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 is arranged at a position close to the switch body (see FIG. Figure 7 , Fig. 9 When the movable door is opened from the above state, the operator grasps the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 and moves the handle 21 backward ( Figure 7 , Fig. 9 The sliding base 2B is moved to the right in the figure, so that the sliding base 2B slides backward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 is moved to a separation position away from the switch body.

[0084] In the above-mentioned separated position, similar to the above-mentioned first embodiment, under the elastic force of the coil spring 27, the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 moves toward the side close to the fixed base 2A so that the front end locking portion 26C1 is engaged with the engagement hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A (see Figure 8 , Fig.10), the sliding base 2B is locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A. In addition, at this time, the extension portion 26C2 of the operating lever unit 26 abuts against the cover member 28A of the coil spring 28 to retract the coil spring 28 (refer to Fig.10 ).

[0085] In the above case, when opening the movable door, the sliding base 2B can be locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A only by grasping the handle 21 and moving the movable door in the opening direction. At this time, no unnecessary operation from the outside such as key operation is required, so the sliding base 2B can be simply locked in the first locking state.

[0086] In the first locked state ( Fig.10 ), as in the first embodiment, even when the operator's body collides with the handle 21 or the movable door is to be closed due to the influence of wind from outside, since the sliding base 2B maintains the first locking state, the actuator 20 will not protrude toward the switch body and collide with the outer side of the switch body or interfere with the person, thereby preventing damage or breakage of the components and danger to the human body, and the actuator 20 will not move to a close position to switch the contacts inside the switch body, thereby ensuring the safety of the person.

[0087] Then, by Figure 8 , Fig.10 The first locking state shown starts the operation of the key 22a, such as Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is rotated from the front-rear direction position to the up-down direction position. Thus, the rotating piece 22d is arranged to be aligned with the extending portion 26C2 of the operating lever unit 26. Fig.11 The slide base 2B is locked in the second locking state relative to the fixed base 2A. At this time, the actuator 20 maintains the separated position.

[0088] In the second locking state ( Fig.11 ), as long as the operator pulls out the key 22a when entering the dangerous area and brings the key 22a into the dangerous area, even if other operators accidentally want to close the movable door and grasp the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26, the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 will try to overcome the elastic force of the coil spring 27 and rotate around the fulcrum 26A1. At this time, the extension 26C2 of the third straight portion 26C fixed to the operating lever unit 26 will also interfere with the rotating piece 22d of the lock 22, resulting in that the locking portion 26C1 cannot be disengaged from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A. That is, Fig.11The second locked state shown is a locked state in which the lock cannot be released by the lock releasing element, and the slide base 2B cannot move relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0089] In this way, the second locked state is achieved by key operation, and therefore, in the second locked state, the slide base 2B can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0090] Next, when the movable door is closed, the movable door is locked from the second locked state ( Fig.11 ) starts to operate the key 22a to rotate the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 from the vertical position to the front-back position (refer to Fig.10 ), release the second locking state and restore to the first locking state.

[0091] When the operator grasps the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 from the above state, the first straight portion 26A rotates around the fulcrum 26A1 while overcoming the elastic force of the coil spring 27, thereby the third straight portion 26C moves toward the side away from the fixed base 2A through the second straight portion 26B, and the locking portion 26C1 at the front end disengages from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A.

[0092] When the operator holds the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26, the handle 21 is directed forward (i.e. Figure 8 When the locking portion 26C1 slides on the lower plate 2A1, the sliding base 2B slides forward, so that the actuator 20 is arranged at a close position of the switch body close to the wall side (refer to Figure 7 , Fig. 9 ).

[0093] When the actuator 20 moves from the separated position to the close position, the extended portion 26C2 of the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 gradually moves away from the cover member 28A of the coil spring 28. As a result, the coil spring 28, which is retracted due to the contact of the extended portion 26C2 with the cover member 28A, gradually extends. At the moment when the extended portion 26C2 completely leaves the cover member 28A, the cover member 28A is Fig. 9 In the above state, even if the operator operates the key 22a to rotate the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 from the front-to-back position to the up-down position, the rotating piece 22d will interfere with the cover member 28A, so the rotating piece 22d cannot be rotated.

[0094] According to the above-described embodiment, when the actuator 20 moves to the separated position, the slide base 2B is locked in the first locked state, so that it can be easily locked in the first locked state. In addition, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by the operation of the key 22a, so that it can be reliably locked in the second locked state. Moreover, when the movable door is opened, the actuator 20 is maintained in the separated position, so that damage, breakage, etc. of the components of the safety switch can be avoided.

[0095] <Third embodiment>

[0096] Figure 12 to Figure 14 A schematic side view of the actuator unit of the third embodiment of the present invention. In each figure, the same symbols as those of the first and second embodiments represent the same or equivalent parts. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the left and right directions in each figure are referred to as "front and back directions", and the direction perpendicular to the paper in each figure is referred to as "up and down directions". In this embodiment, the first locking element and the second locking element are different from the first and second embodiments.

[0097] like Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown in the figure, the sliding base 2B has a base 24, which extends in the front-to-back direction and has an inclined surface 24a at the front end. The inclined surface 24a is inclined in such a manner that it gradually moves away from the switch body side (i.e., the left side in each figure) as it moves toward the fixed base 2A side. A lock head 22 is provided on the rear end side of the fixed base 2A. The lock head 22 has a rotating piece (operating member) 22d, and the rotating piece 22d is rotated by the operation of the key 22a. The rotating piece 22d is, for example, a rectangular member, such as Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, the vertical position where the long side direction of the rotating piece 22d is consistent with the vertical direction can be reached, such as Fig.14 As shown, the longitudinal direction of the rotating piece 22d can reach a longitudinal position where the longitudinal direction of the rotating piece 22d coincides with the longitudinal direction.

[0098] On the rear end side of the fixed base 2A, a coil spring 27 is provided near the front of the lock head 22, and a cover member 29 is attached to one end of the coil spring 27. The cover member 29 is, for example, a soft elastic member with a low elastic coefficient and easy elastic deformation, and has a quadrangular pyramid shape and a large-diameter bottom surface 29A on the side opposite to the fixed base 2A. An inclined surface 29a is formed on the side surface of the cover member 29, and the inclined surface 29a is opposite to the inclined surface 24a of the front end of the base 24 of the sliding base 2B and has a slope corresponding to the inclined surface 24a.

[0099] In the proximity position ( Fig.12), the base 24 of the sliding base 2B is pressed against the upper surface 29B of the cover member 29, so that the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 are compressed and deformed, so that the elastic force of the coil spring 27 acts on the base 24. In addition, in the separation position ( Fig.13 , Fig.14 ), the coil spring 27 is extended so that the inclined surface 24a at the front end of the base 24 of the sliding base 2B faces the inclined surface 29a of the side surface of the cover member 29. At this time, a gap e' is formed between the bottom surface 29A of the cover member 29 and the bottom surface of the fixed base 2A. The gap e' is large enough for the rotating piece 22d of the lock 22 to be inserted.

[0100] Fig.13 The state shown is that when the sliding base 2B is about to move to the left in the figure from the above state, the inclined surface 24a of the base 24 of the sliding base 2B interferes with the inclined surface 29a of the side surface of the cover member 29, so that it cannot simply cross the inclined surface 29a, which is the first locked state of the sliding base 2B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the base 24, the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 constitute the first locking element.

[0101] In order to release the first locked state and transfer to Fig.12 In the state, it is necessary to apply a pressing force to the inclined surface 29a of the cover member 29 through the inclined surface 24a of the base 24, so that the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 are compressed and deformed. During the above compression deformation, the gap e' between the bottom surface 29A of the cover member 29 and the bottom surface of the fixed base 2A is zero or very small (refer to Fig.12 ). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inclined surface 24a of the base 24 of the slide base 2B and the inclined surface 29a of the cover member 29 constitute the lock releasing element.

[0102] Fig.14 The state shown is a state in which the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is inserted into the gap e' formed between the bottom surface 29A of the cover member 29 and the bottom surface of the fixed base 2A. Fig.12 In the state, the compression deformation of the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 is also blocked by the rotating piece 22d, so the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 cannot be compressed and deformed, and the first locking state cannot be released, which is the second locking state that makes the sliding base 2B unable to move relative to the fixed base 2A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lock head 22 also constitutes a second locking element.

[0103] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0104] In the closed state of the movable door, similar to the first and second embodiments, the sliding base 2B of the actuator unit 2 slides forward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 is arranged at a position close to the switch body (see Fig.12 When the movable door is opened from the above state, the operator grasps the upper part of the handle 21 and moves the handle 21 to the rear ( Fig.12 The sliding base 2B slides backward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 moves to a separation position away from the switch body (refer to Fig.13 ).

[0105] In the separated position, the base 24 of the sliding base 2B moves to the rear side of the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27, so that the inclined surface 24a of the base 24 faces the inclined surface 29a of the cover member 29, so that the sliding base 2B is locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A (see Fig.13 ). In addition, at this time, the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 are Fig.12 The compressed deformation state begins to stretch.

[0106] Even in the above case, when opening the movable door, the sliding base 2B can be locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A only by grasping the handle 21 and moving the movable door in the opening direction. At this time, no unnecessary operation from the outside such as key operation is required, so the sliding base 2B can be simply locked in the first locking state.

[0107] In the first locked state ( Fig.13 ), as in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, even when the operator's body collides with the handle 21 or the movable door is to be closed due to the influence of wind from outside the house, the sliding base 2B still maintains the first locking state. Therefore, the actuator 20 will not protrude toward the side of the switch body and collide with the outer side of the switch body or interfere with people, which can prevent damage and breakage of components and avoid danger to the human body. The actuator 20 will not move to a close position to switch the contacts inside the switch body, thereby ensuring the safety of people.

[0108] Then, by Fig.13 The first locking state shown starts the operation of the key 22a, such as Fig.14 As shown, the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is rotated from the vertical position to the front-back position. As a result, the rotating piece 22d is inserted into the gap e' between the bottom surface 29A of the cover member 29 and the bottom surface of the fixed base 2A, so that the sliding base 2B is locked in the second locking state relative to the fixed base 2A. At this time, the actuator 20 maintains the separated position.

[0109] In the second locking state ( Fig.14 ) When an operator enters the danger zone, he pulls out the key 22a and brings the key 22a into the danger zone. Even if other operators accidentally want to close the movable door and grasp the upper part of the handle 21 to move the movable door in the closing direction, the inclined surface 24a of the base 24 of the sliding base 2B will interfere with the inclined surface 29a of the side of the cover member 29. The inclined surface 24a causes the pressing force to act on the inclined surface 29a. However, at this time, the compression deformation of the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 is hindered by the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22. As a result, the base 24 of the sliding base 2B cannot pass over the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 and move toward the switch body. That is, Fig.14 The second locked state shown is a locked state in which the lock cannot be released by the lock releasing element and the slide base 2B cannot be moved relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0110] In this way, the second locked state is achieved by key operation, and therefore, in the second locked state, the slide base 2B can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0111] Next, when the movable door is closed, the movable door is locked from the second locked state ( Fig.14 ) starts to operate the key 22a, so that the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is rotated from the front-to-back direction position to the up-down direction position (refer to Fig.13 ), release the second locking state and restore to the first locking state.

[0112] When the operator starts from the above state, he grasps the handle 21 and moves the sliding base 2B forward (i.e. Fig.13 When the base 24 of the sliding base 2B moves to the left in the figure (i.e., the switch body side), the inclined surface 24a of the front end of the base 24 of the sliding base 2B contacts the inclined surface 29a of the side of the cover member 29, and the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 are compressed and deformed, so that the base 24 of the sliding base 2B passes over the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27 and moves to the left in the figure (i.e., the switch body side), and the actuator 20 is arranged at the close position of the switch body on the side close to the wall (refer to Fig.12 ).

[0113] When the actuator 20 is transferred from the separated position to the close position, the base 24 of the sliding base 2B compresses and deforms the cover member 29 and the coil spring 27, thereby forming no gap e' between the bottom surface 29A of the cover member 29 and the fixed base 2A. In the above state, even if the operator operates the key 22a to rotate the rotating piece 22d of the lock 22 from the vertical position to the front-back position, the rotating piece 22d will interfere with the cover member 29, so the rotating piece 22d cannot be rotated.

[0114] According to the present embodiment described above, when the actuator 20 moves to the separated position, the slide base 2B is locked in the first locked state, so it can be easily locked in the first locked state. In addition, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by the operation of the key 22a, so it can be reliably locked in the second locked state. Moreover, when the movable door is opened, the actuator 20 is maintained in the separated position, so it is possible to avoid damage, breakage, etc. of the components of the safety switch.

[0115] <Fourth embodiment>

[0116] Figures 15 to 20 An actuator unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 15 to 17 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit. Figures 18 to 20 is a front view of the actuator unit. In each figure, the same symbols as those in the first to third embodiments represent the same or equivalent parts. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the left and right directions in each figure are referred to as the "front and rear directions", and the Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.17 The vertical direction of the paper and Fig.18 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 The up-down direction in each figure is referred to as the “up-down direction.” In this embodiment, the first locking element and the second locking element are different from the first locking element and the second locking element of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0117] like Fig.15 and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the actuator unit 3 includes a small knob 2D. The knob 2D is disposed in the opening 21a of the handle 21 and is sized to allow an operator to grip the handle 21 with two fingers. The knob 2D is fixed to one end of a support shaft 2d (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.15 ), the support shaft 2d is inserted through the sliding base 2B and extends. In the sliding base 2B, a compression spring (not shown) is arranged around the support shaft 2d, and the elastic force of the compression spring always applies force to the other end (front end) of the support shaft 2d toward the side protruding toward the fixed base 2A.

[0118] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the fixed base 2A is formed with an engagement hole 2e, and the engagement hole 2e can be engaged with the front end of the support shaft 2d. The front end of the support shaft 2d engages with the engagement hole 2e in the separated position of the actuator 20 (refer to Fig.19 ), at this time, the sliding base 2B is in a first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A (refer to Fig.16 , Fig.19). Therefore, in this embodiment, the support shaft 2d, the compression spring and the engaging hole 2e constitute a first locking element. In addition, the operator pinches the knob 2D with two fingers and pulls it toward the front side, so that the front end of the support shaft 2d falls off from the engaging hole 2e of the fixed base 2A, thereby releasing the first locked state. Therefore, the knob 2D constitutes a lock releasing element.

[0119] like Figures 15 to 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , a lock head 22 is provided at the rear end side of the fixed base 2A. The lock head 22 has a rotating piece (operating member) 22d, and the rotating piece 22d is rotated by the operation of the key 22a. The rotating piece 22d is, for example, a rectangular member when viewed from the front, such as Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.18 , Fig.19 As shown, the long side direction of the rotating piece 22d can be reached to be consistent with the front-to-back direction. Fig.17 , Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the long side direction of the rotating piece 22d can reach the vertical position where the long side direction of the rotating piece 22d is consistent with the vertical direction. A notch 22d1 is formed at the front end of the rotating piece 22d (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 , Fig.19 ), the notch 22d1 is engaged with an engaged portion (not shown) such as a notch or a locking plate provided on the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D at the separated position of the actuator 20 (see Fig. 20 ). Thus, the movement of the front end of the support shaft 2d toward the side where it falls out of the engagement hole 2e of the fixed base 2A is restricted.

[0120] Fig. 20 The state is that the first locking state is not released and the sliding base 2B cannot be moved relative to the fixed base 2A, which is the second locking state of the sliding base 2B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lock head 22 also constitutes a second locking element.

[0121] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0122] In the closed state of the movable door, similar to the first to third embodiments, the sliding base 2B of the actuator unit 2 slides forward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 is arranged at a position close to the switch body (see Fig.15 , Fig.18 When the movable door is opened from the above state, the operator grasps the upper part of the handle 21 and moves the handle 21 to the rear ( Fig.15 , Fig.18 The sliding base 2B slides backward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 moves to a separation position away from the switch body (refer to Fig.16 , Fig.19 ).

[0123] In the separated position, the front end of the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D moving together with the sliding base 2B is engaged with the engagement hole 2e of the fixed base 2A (see Fig.19 ), the sliding base 2B is locked in a first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0124] Even in the above case, when opening the movable door, the sliding base 2B can be locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A only by grasping the handle 21 and moving the movable door in the opening direction. At this time, no unnecessary operation from the outside such as key operation is required, so the sliding base 2B can be simply locked in the first locking state.

[0125] In the first locked state ( Fig.16 , Fig.19 ), as in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, even when the operator's body collides with the handle 21 or the movable door is to be closed due to the influence of wind from outside the house, the sliding base 2B still maintains the first locking state. Therefore, the actuator 20 will not protrude toward the side of the switch body and collide with the outer side of the switch body or interfere with people, which can prevent damage and breakage of components and avoid danger to the human body. The actuator 20 will not move to a close position to switch the contacts inside the switch body, thereby ensuring the safety of people.

[0126] Then, by Fig.16 , Fig.19 The first locking state shown starts the operation of the key 22a, such as Fig.17 , Fig. 20 As shown, the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is rotated from the front-to-back position to the up-down position. As a result, the notch 22d1 at the front end of the rotating piece 22d is engaged with the engaged portion (not shown) of the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D (see Fig. 20 ), thereby locking the sliding base 2B relative to the fixed base 2A in the second locking state. At this time, the actuator 20 maintains the separated position.

[0127] In the second locking state ( Fig.17 , Fig. 20), as long as the operator pulls out the key 22a and brings it into the dangerous area when entering the dangerous area, even if other operators accidentally want to close the movable door and grasp the upper part of the handle 21 and pinch the knob 2D with two fingers and pull it toward the front side, the notch 22d1 of the rotating piece 22d is engaged with the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D, so the front end of the support shaft 2d will not fall off from the engagement hole 2e of the fixed base 2A to release the first locking state. As a result, even if the movable door moves in the closing direction, the movement of the sliding base 2B will be blocked by the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22, so that the sliding base 2B cannot move. That is, Fig.17 , Fig. 20 The second locked state shown is a locked state in which the lock cannot be released by the lock releasing element and the slide base 2B cannot be moved relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0128] In this way, the second locked state is achieved by key operation, and therefore, in the second locked state, the slide base 2B can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0129] Next, when the movable door is closed, the movable door is locked from the second locked state ( Fig.17 , Fig. 20 ) starts to operate the key 22a, which can rotate the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 from the vertical position to the front-back position, releasing the second locked state and returning to the first locked state (refer to Fig.16 , Fig.19 ).

[0130] When the operator grasps the handle 21 and pinches the knob 2D with two fingers and pulls it toward the front side, the front end of the support shaft 2d will fall out of the engagement hole 2e of the fixed base 2A and the first locking state will be released. Fig.16 and Fig.19 When the actuator 20 moves to the left of the switch body, the actuator 20 is arranged at a close position of the switch body close to the wall (refer to Fig.15 , Fig.18 ).

[0131] According to the present embodiment described above, when the actuator 20 moves to the separated position, the slide base 2B is locked in the first locked state, so it can be easily locked in the first locked state. In addition, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by the operation of the key 22a, so it can be reliably locked in the second locked state. Moreover, when the movable door is opened, the actuator 20 is maintained in the separated position, so it is possible to avoid damage, breakage, etc. of the components of the safety switch.

[0132] <Fifth embodiment>

[0133] Figure 21 to Figure 23 1 is a schematic side view of the actuator unit of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In each figure, the same symbols as those of the first embodiment represent the same or equivalent parts. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the left and right directions in each figure are referred to as "front and back directions", and the directions perpendicular to the paper in each figure are referred to as "up and down directions".

[0134] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the actuator unit 2 includes an operating rod unit 26 and a coil spring 27 that applies elastic force (elastic reaction force) to the third straight line portion 26C of the operating rod unit 26. The first locking state is achieved by engaging the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight line portion 26C with the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A (see FIG. Fig. 22 ), in addition, by the operator grasping the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 together with the handle 21, and moving the third straight portion 26C toward the side away from the fixed base 2A through the second straight portion 26B of the operating lever unit 26, the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C can be disengaged from the engaging hole 2Ab, thereby releasing the first locking state.

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 26C1 of the third straight portion 26C and the coil spring 27 also function as the first locking element for setting the slide base 2B to the first locked state, and the first straight portion 26A, the second straight portion 26B, and the third straight portion 26C function as the lock releasing element for releasing the first locked state. In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the locking portion 26C1 is arranged at the front end of the third straight portion 26C, whereas in this embodiment, the locking portion 26C1 is arranged at the rear end of the straight portion 26C.

[0136] In this embodiment, the lock head 22 also functions as a second locking element for forming a second locked state in which the fixed base 2B cannot move relative to the fixed base 2A. However, the object on which the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 acts is different from that in the above embodiment.

[0137] like Figure 21 to Figure 23 As shown, the fixed base 2A is formed with an engagement hole 2Ac into which the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 can be engaged. The engagement hole 2Ac is arranged at a position deviated from the path in the front-rear direction when the lock portion 26C1 slides on the fixed base 2A.

[0138] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0139] When the movable door is closed, the sliding base 2B of the actuator unit 2 slides forward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 is arranged at a position close to the switch body (see FIG. Fig.21 When the movable door is opened from the above state, the operator grasps the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 and moves the handle 21 backward ( Fig.21 The sliding base 2B slides backward relative to the fixed base 2A, and the actuator 20 moves to a separation position away from the switch body.

[0140] In the above-mentioned separated position, similar to the above-mentioned first embodiment, under the elastic force of the coil spring 27, the third straight portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 moves toward the side close to the fixed base 2A, so that the locking portion 26C1 is engaged with the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A, and the sliding base 2B is locked relative to the fixed base 2A in the first locking state (refer to Fig. 22 ).

[0141] Even in the above case, when opening the movable door, the sliding base 2B can be locked in the first locking state relative to the fixed base 2A only by grasping the handle 21 and moving the movable door in the opening direction. At this time, no unnecessary operation from the outside such as key operation is required, so the sliding base 2B can be simply locked in the first locking state.

[0142] In the first locked state ( Fig. 22 ), as in the above-mentioned first embodiment, even when the operator's body collides with the handle 21 or the movable door is to be closed due to the influence of wind from outside, the sliding base 2B still maintains the first locking state. Therefore, the actuator 20 will not protrude toward the side of the switch body and collide with the outer side of the switch body or interfere with people, which can prevent damage and breakage of components and danger to the human body. In addition, the actuator 20 will not move to a close position to switch the contacts inside the switch body, thereby ensuring the safety of people.

[0143] Then, by Fig. 22 The first locking state shown starts the operation of the key 22a, such as Fig.23 As shown, the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 is protruded and engaged with the engagement hole 2Ac, so that the slide base 2B is in the second locked state relative to the fixed base 2A. At this time, the actuator 20 maintains the separated position.

[0144] In the second locking state ( Fig.23), when the operator enters the danger zone, he pulls out the key 22a and brings it into the danger zone. In the above case, when another operator accidentally wants to close the movable door and grasps the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26, the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 overcomes the elastic force of the coil spring 27 and rotates around the fulcrum 26A1, and the third straight portion 26C moves to the side away from the fixed base 2A through the second straight portion 26B, resulting in the locking portion 26C1 being disengaged from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A.

[0145] However, even in the above case, the operating member 22d of the lock head 22 is still in the state of being engaged with the engagement hole 2Ac, thereby maintaining the second locked state. Fig.23 The second locked state shown is a locked state in which the slide base 2B cannot be moved relative to the fixed base 2A even in a state after the first locked state is released by the lock release element.

[0146] In this way, the second locked state is achieved by key operation, and therefore, in the second locked state, the slide base 2B can be reliably locked relative to the fixed base 2A.

[0147] Next, when the movable door is closed, the movable door is locked from the second locked state ( Fig.23 ) starts to operate the key 22a, which can cause the rotating piece 22d of the lock 22 to retreat and disengage from the engaging hole 2Ac (refer to Fig. 22 ), thereby releasing the second locking state and restoring to the first locking state.

[0148] When the operator grasps the upper part of the handle 21 together with the first straight portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26 from the above state, the first straight portion 26A overcomes the elastic force of the coil spring 27 and rotates around the fulcrum 26A1, whereby the third straight portion 26C and the locking portion 26C1 move toward the side away from the fixed base 2A through the second straight portion 26B and disengage from the engaging hole 2Ab of the fixed base 2A.

[0149] When the operator holds the upper portion of the handle 21 together with the first linear portion 26A of the operating lever unit 26, the handle 21 is directed forward (i.e. Fig. 22 When the locking portion 26C1 slides on the lower plate 2A1, and the slide base 2B slides forward, the actuator 20 is arranged at a close position of the switch body close to the wall (refer to Fig.21 ).

[0150] According to the present embodiment described above, when the actuator 20 moves to the separated position, the slide base 2B is locked in the first locked state, so it can be easily locked in the first locked state. In addition, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by the operation of the key 22a, so it can be reliably locked in the second locked state. Moreover, when the movable door is opened, the actuator 20 is maintained in the separated position, so it is possible to avoid damage, breakage, etc. of the components of the safety switch.

[0151] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention includes various modifications. A plurality of examples of the modifications are listed below.

[0152] (First Modification)

[0153] In the first embodiment, the slide base 2B is locked in the second locked state by causing the operating member 22 d of the lock head 22 to protrude toward the locking portion 26C1 of the third linear portion 26C of the operating lever unit 26 , but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0154] The same member as that of the second embodiment may also be used as the lock head 22. In the above case, a rotating piece (operating member) 22d that is rotated by the operation of the key 22a is provided on the lock head 22, and the lock position and the unlocking position can be reached as follows: in the locked position, the rotating piece 22d moves to a position relative to the locking portion 26C1 to restrict the movement of the locking portion 26C1 toward the side away from the fixed base 2A, thereby forming a second locked state; in the unlocking position, the rotating piece 22d moves to a position deviating from the relative position of the locking portion 26C1 to release the second locked state.

[0155] (Second Modification)

[0156] In the second embodiment described above, the cover member 28A is provided at one end of the coil spring 28, and the cover member 28A is provided at the separated position ( Figure 7 , Fig. 9 ), the cover member 28 is opposite to the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 arranged in the front-to-back direction position, and the rotating piece 22d will not be rotated from the front-to-back direction position to the up-down direction position by the operation of the key 22a in the above-mentioned separation position, but in the present invention, the coil spring 28 and the cover member 28A can also be omitted.

[0157] (Third Modification)

[0158] In the third embodiment, a soft elastic member with a low elastic coefficient and easy elastic deformation is used as the cover member 29, but the cover member 29 can also be composed of a hard elastic member with a high elastic coefficient and not easy to be elastically deformed. In addition, as the cover member 29, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped cover member is used as an example, but the shape of the cover member 29 is not limited to this, as long as it has an inclined surface on the side opposite to the inclined surface 24a of the base 24 of the fixed base 2A, any shape can be used.

[0159] (Fourth Modification)

[0160] In the fourth embodiment, the lock head 22 is arranged on the fixed base 2A side, and the engaged portion (i.e., the notch of the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D) for engaging the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 is arranged on the sliding base 2B side, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0161] The lock head 22 may be arranged on the side of the sliding base 2B, and the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 may be engaged with the notch of the support shaft 2d of the knob 2D when the actuator 20 is in the separated position. Alternatively, the lock head 22 may be arranged on the side of the sliding base 2B, and the engaged portion that can be engaged with the rotating piece 22d of the lock head 22 when the actuator 20 is in the separated position may be provided on the side of the fixed base 2A.

[0162] (Fifth Modification)

[0163] In the above-mentioned first embodiment and second embodiment, the following example is shown, that is, the first straight portion 26A, the second straight portion 26B, and the third straight portion 26C that function as lock release elements are integrally formed with the locking portion 26C1 that functions as a part of the first locking element, but the locking portion 26C1 can also be provided separately from the third straight portion 26C (that is, as different components), and a connecting component (not shown) is provided between the two components to associate the above two components.

[0164] (Sixth Modification)

[0165] In the first to fifth embodiments, the second locking state is achieved by operating the key 22a, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. As a substitute for the mechanical key such as the key 22a, a detachable plug-in, a contactless card such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card, or a contactless key using magnetism, light, etc. may be used.

[0166] (Seventh Modification)

[0167] In the first to fifth embodiments, the safety switch 1 of the present invention is applied to a combination of a movable door D and a wall (or fixed door) W, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a combination of movable doors, and is not limited to sliding doors, but can also be applied to rotating doors. Moreover, the safety switch of the present invention can also be applied to a non-contact safety switch using magnetism, light, etc.

[0168] (Other application examples)

[0169] In the above embodiments and modifications, the actuator unit of the present invention is applied to a safety switch, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition to the safety switch, the present invention can also be applied to switches such as limit switches.

[0170] Industrial Applicability

[0171] The present invention is preferably applicable to an actuator unit, and is particularly suitable for a structure that can simply lock a sliding base relative to a fixed base and can put the sliding base in a reliably locked state relative to the fixed base by key operation.

[0172] (Explanation of symbols)

[0173] 1 Safety switch

[0174] 2 Actuator unit

[0175] 2A Fixed base

[0176] 2B Sliding base

[0177] 20 Actuator

[0178] 22 Lock (second locking element)

[0179] 22a Key

[0180] 22d Operation components

[0181] 26C1 Locking part

[0182] 27 Coil spring

[0183] 26C1, 27 First locking mechanism (first locking element)

[0184] 26A First straight line portion

[0185] 26B Second straight line portion

[0186] 26C Third straight line portion

[0187] 26A, 26B, 26C Lock release element

[0188] 3 Switch body (switch)

[0189] D Movable door

Claims

1. An actuator unit, the actuator unit is used to switch the output state of a switch, characterized in that: include: Fixed base; a sliding base, the sliding base having an actuator acting on the switch and slidably disposed on the fixed base so that the actuator can reach a close position close to the switch and a separated position away from the switch; a first locking element, the first locking element locking the sliding base relative to the fixed base in a first locking state in the disengaged position of the actuator; a lock releasing element capable of releasing the first locked state achieved by the first locking element; as well as The second locking element, when in the separated position of the actuator, acts on the first locking element through an external operation to lock the first locking element in a second locking state that cannot be unlocked, and the second locking state is not unlocked unless an external operation is performed. The first locking state achieved by the first locking element can be released only after the second locking state achieved by the second locking element is released.

2. An actuator unit, the actuator unit is used to switch the output state of a switch, characterized in that: include: A fixed base, the fixed base being arranged on the door side; a sliding base, the sliding base having a latch member, the latch member being insertable into and removable from a latch receiving portion on a wall side, the sliding base being slidably disposed on the fixed base so that the latch member can reach an approach position close to the latch receiving portion and a separation position away from the latch receiving portion; a first locking element that locks the sliding base relative to the fixed base in a first locked state in the disengaged position of the latch member; a lock releasing element capable of releasing the first locked state achieved by the first locking element; as well as The second locking element, at the separated position of the latch member, acts on the first locking element through an external operation to lock the first locking element in a second locking state that cannot be unlocked, and the second locking state is not unlocked unless an external operation is performed. The first locking state achieved by the first locking element can be released only after the second locking state achieved by the second locking element is released.

3. The actuator unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second locking element has an operating member that is operated by an operation from the outside, and the operating member acts on the first locking element.

4. The actuator unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The operating member can be operated by operation of a key.

5. The actuator unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first locking element is provided integrally with an operating lever unit operated by an operator.

6. A safety switch, characterized in that: Comprising the actuator unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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