Start switch

Abstract

In the start switch, the initial position is set as the first position (301), the position where the movable part is pressed to the end is set as the third position (303), the starting position where the load rises to the maximum between the first position (301) and the third position (303) is set as the second position (302), and there is a small peak (341) with load between the first position (301) and the second position (302). The on-switching position (311) is located between the descending starting position (323) of the small peak (341) and the second position (302). The maximum load of the small peak (341) is greater than the load of the on-switching position (311), and the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load of the off-switching position (312).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a start switch for permitting an operation of an operation object by an operation unit. Background Art

[0002] In the past, it was known that the state of a switch changes from off to on, and then from on to off, depending on the amount of pressure on the movable part of the switch. Such a switch is used as a "start switch" in an operating part that is a terminal for an operator to input when operating a robot or equipment. The operator maintains the switch in the on state while inputting. When the switch is in the off state, the operator's input is cut off and not transmitted to the robot or other operating object. As a result, when the operator's hand leaves the operating part or when the operator grabs the operating part with force due to being startled, the input to the operating part is not transmitted to the operating object, thereby ensuring the safety of the operator. As examples of such a start switch, the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-35300, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-42606, International Publication No. 2002 / 061779, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-56635 can be cited.

[0003] In addition, the switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-75121 operates in three positions of OFF-ON-OFF, similar to the above switch. The switch from the initial OFF operation to the ON operation is performed by the snap action of the switch operating member, and the switch from the subsequent ON operation to the OFF operation is also performed by the snap action of the switch operating member. Thus, the operator is given an operating feeling when the state is switched.

[0004] In addition, in the switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-75121, when the plunger as the movable member is pressed to shift from the off state to the on state, the load as the pressing force gradually increases relative to the pressing amount. Therefore, the click feeling (Japanese: クリック feeling) when shifting from the off state to the on state is small, and even after the shift to the on state, the operator gradually presses the movable member. As a result, even if the load increases relative to the pressing amount when the shift from the on state to the off state is about to be further made, the increase may not be clearly felt.

[0005] When the load as the pressing force gradually increases relative to the pressing amount, the movable part can be easily pressed in slowly. However, in order to improve the reliability of the start switch, there is a method of using the start switch as follows: two contacts are provided in the start switch, and when the switching timing of the two contacts deviates greatly, the operating unit determines that the start switch has failed.

[0006] In the case of this usage, if the movable member is slowly pushed in while the movable member is slightly tilted, the timing of switching between the two contacts will vary greatly, which may lead to erroneous detection as an error. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a starter switch which allows a clear sense of an increase in load relative to a pressed amount at a stage before the switch is shifted from an on state to an off state by further pressing the switch.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a starting switch capable of reducing the variation in switching timing of the two contacts when the starting switch is provided with two contacts.

[0009] The present invention is directed to a start switch provided in an operation unit and permitting the operation of an operation object by the operation unit.

[0010] A starting switch of a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a holding portion; a movable component that is pressed toward the holding portion; a contact; and a contact mechanism that causes the state of the contact to change from open to closed, and then from closed to open, as the movable component is pressed toward the holding portion.

[0011] Here, the position of the movable part relative to the holding part when the movable part is not pressed in is set as the first position, the position of the movable part relative to the holding part when the movable part is pressed in to the end is set as the third position, and the load required for pressing the movable part between the first position and the third position increases to the maximum due to the increase ratio of the load relative to the pressing amount. The rising starting position of the maximum rise is set as the second position.

[0012] When the movable member is pressed in, the contact shifts from open to closed at the on-switching position between the first position and the second position, and shifts from closed to open at the off-switching position between the second position and the third position. There is a small peak between the first position and the second position, and at the small peak, the load first increases and then decreases when the movable member is pressed in. The on-switching position is between the descending start position of the small peak and the second position. The maximum load of the small peak is greater than the load at the on-switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at the off-switching position.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a starter switch in which an increase in load relative to the amount of pushing can be clearly felt at a stage before the switch is shifted to the off state by further pushing from the on state.

[0014] Preferably, the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before the cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, in the vicinity of the on-switching position, as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion, two terminals included in the contact gradually approach and come into contact with each other, whereby the contact is brought into a closed state.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the start switch further comprises: a first engaging portion; and a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being relatively moved relative to the first engaging portion by the movement of the movable member. When the movable member is pressed toward the retaining portion, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released at the small peak of the load.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the start switch further includes a second contact, and the contact is the first contact.

[0018] The contact mechanism causes the first and second contacts to switch from open to closed and then from closed to open as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion. The on-switching position is a first on-switching position, and the off-switching position is a first off-switching position.

[0019] When the movable member is pressed in, the second contact is shifted from open to closed at a second on-switching position between the first position and the second position, and the second contact is shifted from closed to open at a second off-switching position between the second position and the third position. 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.

[0020] The second on-switching position is located between the descending start position of the small peak and the second position. The maximum load of the small peak is greater than the load of the first on-switching position and the load of the second on-switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is less than the load of the first off-switching position and the load of the second off-switching position.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a starting switch capable of reducing the variation in switching timing between two contacts.

[0022] Preferably, in the above-mentioned starting switch, the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before reaching the second cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the start switch further comprises: a first engaging portion; and a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being relatively moved relative to the first engaging portion by the movement of the movable member. When the movable member is pressed toward the retaining portion, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released at the small peak of the load.

[0024] Preferably, in the above preferred embodiment, the movable part is a laterally long part, and the movable part is pressed into the holding part in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable part extends. The contact mechanism includes a rotating part, which can rotate around a rotating axis parallel to the direction in which the movable part extends, and is longer in the extending direction. The rotating part is directly or indirectly mounted on one of the movable part and the holding part in a rotatable manner. By the pressing of the movable part, the rotating sliding contact part and the fixed sliding contact part are in sliding contact, and the rotating part rotates, whereby the movable part is pressed into the holding part, the rotating sliding contact part is located at both ends of the rotating part in the length direction, and the fixed sliding contact part is directly or indirectly fixed to the other of the movable part and the holding part. The fixed sliding contact part has the first engaging part, and the rotating sliding contact part is the second engaging part.

[0025] Preferably, the start switch further comprises an elastic body, which applies a force between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. When the movable member is pressed toward the retaining portion, at the small peak of the load, the second engaging portion overcomes the force from the elastic body and moves, thereby releasing the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0026] Preferably, the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before reaching the second cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic body is directly or indirectly fixed to one of the movable member and the holding portion. The second engaging portion is directly or indirectly mounted to the elastic body. The first engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other of the movable member and the holding portion.

[0028] In any of the above-mentioned starting switches, preferably, the small peak rises approximately vertically.

[0029] More preferably, the maximum load position of the small peak is closer to the first position than a middle position between the first position and the second position.

[0030] The above-mentioned object and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of depression of the starter switch and the load.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the second position.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch when the cut-off switching mechanism is raised.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position.

[0038] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing another example of the resistance mechanism.

[0039] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing another example of the resistance mechanism.

[0040] Fig.10 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0041] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0042] Fig.12 This is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of depression of the starter switch and the load.

[0043] Fig.13 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0044] Fig.14 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0045] Fig.15 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0046] Fig.16 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable part in the on switching position.

[0047] Fig.17It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the second position.

[0048] Fig.18 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position.

[0049] Fig.19 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position.

[0050] Fig. 20 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0051] Fig.21 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0052] Fig. 22 This is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of depression of the starter switch and the load.

[0053] Fig.23 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0054] Fig.24 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0055] Fig.25 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0056] Fig.26 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable part in the on switching position.

[0057] Fig. 27 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the second position.

[0058] Fig.28 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable part in the cut-off switching position.

[0059] Fig.29 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position.

[0060] Fig.30 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0061] Fig.31 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0062] Fig.32 It is a cross-sectional view of the start switch.

[0063] Fig.33 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0064] Fig.34 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0065] Fig.35 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the resistance mechanism.

[0066] Fig.36 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable part in the on switching position.

[0067] Fig.37 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the second position.

[0068] Fig.38 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located at a position close to the cut-off switching position.

[0069] Fig.39 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable part in the cut-off switching position.

[0070] Fig.40 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position.

[0071] Fig.41 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch when the movable part is returning.

[0072] Fig.42 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0073] Fig.43 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch.

[0074] Fig.44 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the second position.

[0075] Fig.45 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch with the movable member located in the third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a start switch 1 provided in an operating unit such as a teaching pendant of a robot or a controller of an operating device. The robot, the operating device, etc. are the operating objects of the operating unit. The start switch 1 permits the operating unit to operate the operating object. While the start switch 1 is in the on state, the operation of the operating object is permitted, and when the operator inputs to the operating unit, the input is transmitted to the operating object. When the start switch 1 is in the off state, the operation of the operating object is not permitted, and the operator's input is not transmitted to the operating object.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the figure, parallel oblique lines in the cross section of the detailed parts and the parts not important for the description are omitted. The start switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12. When the start switch 1 is operated, the movable member 12 is moved toward the inside of the holding portion 11 by the operator. Figure 1 Press in from below. Figure 1 The vertical direction of the movable member 12 does not need to be consistent with the gravity direction. The holding portion 11 supports the components other than the holding portion 11 of the starter switch 1. The coil spring 121 in the holding portion 11 applies a force to the movable member 12 to move in the direction of Figure 1 The force above . Figure 1 In the figure, the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are simplified by dotted lines. When the operator's finger pushes the movable member 12 into the holding portion 11 and then removes the finger from the movable member 12, the movable member 12 returns to its original position due to the force of the coil spring 121.

[0078] The starter switch 1 includes two contacts 13 and a contact mechanism 20 that sets the state of the contacts 13 to open and close in a holding portion 11. Each contact 13 is a combination of an upper terminal 131 and a lower terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the upper terminal 131 is separated from the lower terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in a closed state, the upper terminal 131 is in contact with the lower terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the starter switch 1 is in a disconnected state, and when the contact 13 is in a closed state, the starter switch 1 is in an on state.

[0079] The movable member 12 has a hole 122 that is recessed upward. The hole 122 includes a Figure 1 The cut-off switching mechanism 14 is arranged in the hole 122. The cut-off switching mechanism 14 includes: a support portion 141, two engaging portions 142, two coil springs 143, a lower abutment portion 144 and a coil spring 145. The support portion 141 and the lower abutment portion 144 are part of a component connected via a connecting portion 146. The support portion 141 has a support hole opened to the left and right. The engaging portion 142 and the coil spring 143 are located in the support hole, and the coil spring 143 presses the engaging portion 142 from the support hole toward the lateral outside.

[0080] exist Figure 1 In the initial state, the cut-off switching mechanism 14 receives an upward force from the coil spring 145, so that the engaging portion 142 abuts against and engages with the inclined surface 123. Thus, the support portion 141 is located at a position substantially at the height of the inclined surface 123.

[0081] The upper terminal 131 is provided on a metal plate 171 in contact with the lower abutment portion 144. A coil spring 151 is arranged between the metal plate 171 and the support portion 141. The coil spring 151 serves to press the metal plate 171 downward onto the lower abutment portion 144. The contact force when the upper terminal 131 and the lower terminal 132 are in contact is adjusted by the elasticity of the coil spring 151 and the long metal plate 172. The lower terminal 132 is provided at the upper end of the long metal plate 172. The lower end of the metal plate 172 is fixed to the bottom surface of the retaining portion 11. The metal plate 172 is bent and functions as a leaf spring.

[0082] As described later, the disconnection switching mechanism 14 and the metal plates 171 and 172 constitute the contact mechanism 20, which changes the state of the contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open, as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. As described later, the lower portion 124 of the movable member 12 has a function of maintaining the on state of the contact 13 when the movable member 12 returns to the original position after being pressed to the end, so the lower portion 124 can also be considered to be included in the contact mechanism 20. The starter switch 1 has two contacts 13, so when they are divided into "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11, the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the first contact 13 and the second contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open.

[0083] Two resistance mechanisms 16 are provided on the sides of the movable member 12 in the retaining portion 11. The resistance mechanism 16 is provided in a hole that is recessed laterally outward in the retaining portion 11. The resistance mechanism 16 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 161 and a coil spring 162. To be precise, the portion of the retaining portion 11 near the snap-fit ​​portion 161 and the coil spring 162 is also a part of the resistance mechanism 16. The coil spring 162 presses the snap-fit ​​portion 161 laterally inward of the retaining portion 11, that is, toward the movable member 12. Figure 1 In the initial state shown, the top end of the engagement portion 161 is located below the lower end of the outer side surface of the movable member 12. As described later, in the initial stage of the push-in of the movable member 12, the resistance mechanism 16 acts on the movable member 12 to resist the movement of the movable member 12.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of a preferred change in the load as the force required to push the start switch 1 when the movable member 12 is pushed in. Figure 2 1 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the movable member 12, that is, the amount of depression of the starter switch 1 and the load. Figure 2 The position of the movable member 12 corresponding to the amount of push-in will be described with reference to the symbols indicated in FIG.

[0085] exist Figure 2 In the figure, position 301 is the initial position. Hereinafter, position 301 is referred to as the "first position". The first position 301 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is not pressed in. Position 303 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is pressed in to the end. Hereinafter, position 303 is referred to as the "third position". In the third position 303, the start switch 1 is in the off state.

[0086] The position 302 is to press the movable member 12 to a certain extent so that the operator can stably maintain the position of the movable member 12 while feeling a certain degree of resistance. As a result, 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 a rising start position between the first position 301 and the third position 303, where the load required for pressing the movable member 12 increases to the maximum maximum rise 343 due to the increase ratio of the load relative to the amount of pressing.

[0087] Position 311 is an "on switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from open to closed when pressed, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the off state to the on state. Position 312 is an "off switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from closed to open, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the on state to the off state. Therefore, in the starter switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pressed, the contact 13 shifts from open to closed at the on switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the contact 13 shifts from closed to open at the off switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0088] To be precise, since the start switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are distinguished as "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", when the movable member 12 is pressed, the first contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the first connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the first contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the first disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the second contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the second connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the second contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the second disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0089] In the case of the first contact 13, Figure 2 The position 311 corresponds to the first on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the first off-switching position 312. In the case of the second contact 13, the position 311 corresponds to the second on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the second off-switching position 312. 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.

[0090] In the starter switch 1, there is a small peak 341 between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the movable member 12 is pressed in, the load temporarily rises to the small peak 341 and then decreases. Figure 2In the figure, the position where the rise of the small peak 341 starts is marked with a symbol 321, the position where the rise ends and a certain degree of load is maintained is marked with a symbol 322, the position where the decline starts is marked with a symbol 323, and the position where the decline ends is marked with a symbol 324. However, these positions do not need to be clearly displayed, and in the case where they are not clearly displayed, these positions can be determined by various methods. For example, in the case where the rise start position 321 and the decline end position 324 are located on the curve, the position where the curvature becomes the largest can be determined as the position 321 and the position 324. The position 322 and the position 323 can also be determined in the same way, or these positions 322 and 323 can also be consistent. For example, in the case where the top of the small peak 341 is steep, the position 322 and the position 323 are determined as the same position.

[0091] As another method, for example, the position where the slope of the load when the pressing amount is increased exceeds a certain positive value is determined as the rising start position 321, and the position where the slope is lower than a certain value is determined as the rising end position 322, and further, the position where the slope is lower than a certain negative value is determined as the falling start position 323, and the position where the slope is greater than a certain value is determined as the falling end position 324.

[0092] Similarly, the rising start position (second position 302), rising end position 332, falling start position 333, and falling end position 334 of the peak between the second position 302 and the third position 303 can be determined by various methods as long as they are positions that roughly express the meaning. The rising end position 332 and the falling start position 333 may also coincide. Hereinafter, the peak from the position 302 to the position 334 is referred to as the "main peak 342".

[0093] exist Figure 1 In the start switch 1, the on-switching position 311 (when there are two contacts 13, it is the first on-switching position and the second on-switching position, and the same applies hereinafter) is located between the descending end position 324 and the second position 302 of the small peak 341. In addition, the maximum load A1 of the small peak is greater than the load A2 on the on-switching position 311 (when there are two contacts 13, it is the larger load of the load of the first on-switching position and the load of the second on-switching position), and the maximum load A1 of the small peak is smaller than the load A3 on the off-switching position 312 (when there are two contacts 13, it is the smaller load of the load of the first off-switching position and the load of the second off-switching position).

[0094] Thus, when the movable member 12 starts to be pressed, the movable member 12 is pressed in all at once after a click feeling as if it is slightly caught, and moves to the second position 302. That is, in normal operation, when the small peak 341 is exceeded, the movable member 12 cannot be stopped on the way, and moves to the second position 302 quickly with a feeling as if the movable member 12 is in contact with something. As a result, the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 is located in the second position 302. In other words, the operator can clearly feel the increase in load relative to the amount of pressing in the stage before the movable member 12 moves from the on state of the second position 302 to the off state of the third position 303 by further pressing.

[0095] According to the above viewpoint, the switch position 311 is not limited to Figure 2 The on-switching position 311 only needs to be between the descending start position 323 of the small peak 341 and the second position 302. In addition, from the viewpoint of allowing the movable part 12 to quickly transfer from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, the maximum load A1 of the small peak 341 is preferably greater than the load A4 at the second position 302. Moreover, in order to transfer to the cut-off state after exceeding the small peak 341 and exceeding the second position 302, the maximum load of the small peak 341 is preferably smaller than the load at the position just before reaching the cut-off switching position 312 (in the case where there are two contacts 13, it is the load at the position just before reaching the first cut-off switching position and the second cut-off switching position, usually the load at the position 332).

[0096] The rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 may be roughly consistent with the first position 301, or may be consistent with the first position 301. Even in such a case, the operator can feel that the movable member 12 is hooked when it is pressed in. In particular, when the small peak 341 rises roughly vertically, that is, when the position 321 is roughly consistent with the position 322, the operator can clearly feel that it is hooked. Of course, even when the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 is separated from the first position 301, the rise of the small peak 341 is preferably roughly vertical.

[0097] Furthermore, in order for the operator to clearly feel the movement to the second position 302 after the movable member 12 is caught when being pressed, the small peak 341 is preferably sufficiently away from the second position 302. Specifically, it is preferred that the maximum load position of the small peak 341 is closer to the first position 301 than the middle position between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the small peak 341 is close to the second position 302, the small peak 341 may be mistaken for the main peak 342.

[0098] In having Figure 2In the start switch 1 having the characteristic of the invention, even if the small peak 341 is provided, it is not necessary to change the load required to keep the movable member 12 at the second position 302 in the design, so even if the operator of the start switch 1 is held at the second position 302 for a long time, the burden on the operator is not increased. In addition, by providing the small peak 341, it is also possible to prevent the start switch 1 from accidentally becoming turned on when the movable member 12 is touched by mistake or when other objects come into contact with the movable member 12.

[0099] In addition, Figure 2 In the figure, the change of the load from the small peak 341 to the second position 302 is represented by a straight line, but it is not limited to a straight line as long as there is no large change. For example, the load change rate may change at the on-switching position 311, so that the load curve is curved, or the load may change slightly in a step-like manner at the on-switching position 311.

[0100] Next, Figure 1 The startup switch 1 shown is implemented Figure 2 The situation of the characteristics shown is explained.

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the movable member 12 is pressed from the first position 301, the coil spring 121 and the coil spring 145 are compressed, and the inclined surface 126 located at the lower part of the movable member 12 abuts against the inclined surface 163 located at the top end of the engaging portion 161 of the resistance mechanism 16. Hereinafter, the portion 125 near the inclined surface 126 of the movable member 12 is referred to as the "engaging portion". As a result, the load pressing the movable member 12 increases. Figure 3 The position of the movable part 12 shown is the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341. Figure 1 As shown, in the first position 301, the inclined surface 126 is slightly separated from the inclined surface 163 (at Figure 1 The symbol is omitted), the first position 301 is close to the position 321.

[0102] The inclined surface 126 is inclined upward as it moves toward the outside in the horizontal direction. The inclined surface 163 is inclined downward as it moves toward the inside in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the load applied to the movable member 12 is increased, the engaging portion 161 begins to move laterally outward against the force of the coil spring 162 . This state is a state from the position 321 to the position 323 .

[0103] When the end of the inclined surface 126 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 163, the engagement between the engaging portion 161 and the engaging portion 125 is released, and the movable member 12 moves downward, so that the outer side surface of the movable member 12 rubs against the top of the engaging portion 161. At this time, the load is immediately reduced. That is, it quickly reaches the position 324 from the position 323. Figure 1 In the case of the start switch 1, the position 323 is substantially the same as the position 324. Figure 5 As shown, when the movable member 12 further descends, the contact 13 closes at the position 311 . When the movable member 12 further descends, the lower end of the lower abutting portion 144 contacts the center of the inner bottom surface of the holding portion 11 . Figure 5 The position of the movable member 12 shown is the second position 302. As the metal plate 172 bends, the lower terminal 132 moves downward.

[0104] When Figure 5 When the movable member 12 is forced downward in the state, the upward force relative to the movable member 12 acts on the cut-off switching mechanism 14. As described above, there is an inclined surface 123 that faces upward as it faces laterally inward at the lower part of the hole 122 of the movable member 12. The top end of the engaging portion 142 has an inclined surface 147 that faces downward as it faces laterally outward.

[0105] Therefore, when the load applied to the movable part 12 is increased, the force acting upward on the cut-off switching mechanism 14 relative to the movable part 12 increases, and the engaging portion 142 overcomes the force from the coil spring 143 and begins to move laterally inward. This state is a state from position 302 to position 333 via position 332. When the end of the inclined surface 123 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 147, the cut-off switching mechanism 14 is quickly moved upward by the coil spring 145, so that the top end of the engaging portion 142 rubs against the inner surface of the hole 122. At this time, the load is immediately reduced. Then, from Figure 6 The state shown on the left side of the image changes to the state shown on the right side in an instant. That is, it quickly reaches the position 334 from the position 333. Figure 1 When the switch 1 is turned on, the position 333 is roughly the same as the position 334. Through the above operation, the main peak 342 is obtained.

[0106] like Figure 6 As shown, when the cut-off switching mechanism 14 rises, the upper surface of the support portion 141 contacts the top of the hole 122. The contact 13 is disconnected from being closed. On the other hand, the top of the metal plate 172 contacts the lower end of the lower portion 124 of the movable member 12, so that the metal plate 172 is maintained in a state of being bent to a certain extent.

[0107] like Figure 7As shown, when the movable part 12 is further pressed in, the coil spring 145 is compressed again, and the lower abutment portion 144 contacts the bottom surface of the retaining portion 11 again. This state is the third position 303, and the movable part 12 becomes unable to move downward. At this time, the upper terminal 131 and the lower terminal 132 of the contact 13 are in a position where they are forcibly separated. Therefore, even if the upper terminal 131 and the lower terminal 132 are fused, by pressing the movable part 12 into the third position 303, the fusion state can be eliminated and the start switch 1 can be forced to be in the cut-off state. Even if the coil spring 145 is damaged and the lower abutment portion 144 does not rise sufficiently, the start switch 1 can be forced to be in the cut-off state by pressing the movable part 12 with force.

[0108] When the operator Figure 7 When the finger is removed from the start switch 1 in the state shown, the movable member 12 begins to rise due to the coil spring 121 and the coil spring 145 while the top of the metal plate 172 is in contact with the lower portion 124 of the movable member 12 and the support portion 141 is in contact with the movable member 12 in the vertical direction. Figure 1 Before the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, the contact 13 is maintained in the disconnected state. That is, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the starter switch 1 is maintained in the disconnected state. In addition, when the operator removes the finger from the movable member 12 from the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, and the starter switch 1 returns to the disconnected state.

[0109] As described above, in the start switch 1, due to the presence of the small peak 341, in normal operation, the operation cannot be stopped between the small peak 341 and the second position 302, so that the operator can clearly feel that the movable part 12 has reached the second position 302. In addition, in the start switch 1, the two contacts 13 are connected in series and set as a set of double-cut contacts, but more than two sets of double-cut contacts can also be set in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In this case, by quickly transferring from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, even if the movable part 12 is tilted, the time when the states of the two sets of double-cut contacts are different can be made very short. That is, the deviation of the switching timing of the two sets of double-cut contacts can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent errors from being detected due to the states of the two contacts 13 being different for more than a certain period of time.

[0110] In addition, in the starter switch 1, near the on-switching position 311, as the movable member 12 is pressed into the holding portion 11, the two terminals 131 and 132 included in the contact 13 gradually approach and contact each other, thereby the contact 13 is in a closed state. In this case, by quickly moving from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, it is possible to suppress discharge when the contact 13 is in a closed state, thereby suppressing welding of the contact 13.

[0111] The resistance mechanism 16 in the start switch 1 can be variously modified. The combination of the engaging portion 161 and the coil spring 162 can be set at various positions as long as it is between the movable member 12 and the holding portion 11. Figure 8 As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 1 , the engaging portion 161 and the coil spring 162 may be provided in the movable member 12 . In this case, the holding portion 11 is provided with an inclined surface 112 that comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface 163 at the tip of the engaging portion 161 .

[0112] The resistance mechanism 16 may also be provided on the cutoff switching mechanism 14 . Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing an example in which the resistance mechanism 16 is provided on the lower contact portion 144. In this way, the resistance mechanism 16 can be provided at various locations that move together with the movable member 12 when the movable member 12 moves from the first position 301. Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The arrangement direction of the engaging portion 161 and the coil spring 162 is not limited to the left-right direction of the paper surface, but can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0113] As described above, the engagement structure of the resistance mechanism 16 can be modified in various ways. Figure 3 In the case where the engaging portion 125 is regarded as the second engaging portion, the second engaging portion moves relatively to the first engaging portion due to the movement of the movable member 12. Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is pressed toward the retaining portion 11, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released, thereby generating a small peak 341 of load. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be separated at the first position 301, and when the movable member 12 is pressed, they are first engaged and then released, or they are already engaged at the first position 301. By utilizing the engagement between the engaging portions, the small peak 341 can be obtained with a simple structure.

[0114] Furthermore, the first engaging portion does not necessarily need to receive a force from an elastic body such as a spring, and the first engaging portion may engage with the second engaging portion by gravity or magnetic force, for example, when the movable member 12 is located at the position 321 .

[0115] In the case where the first engaging portion is subjected to a force from an elastomer, a leaf spring, a bendable portion of a resin, etc. can be used as an elastomer other than a coil spring. The elastomer can act by various techniques to exert a force for engaging the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion. Generally speaking, the elastomer is directly or indirectly fixed to one side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. The second engaging portion is directly or indirectly mounted on the elastomer, and the first engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. Furthermore, when the movable component 12 is pressed in, the second engaging portion overcomes the force from the elastomer and moves, so that the engagement is released, thereby obtaining a small peak 341.

[0116] In the start switch 1, the small peak 341 can be obtained without using the engaging portion. For example, a rubber pad that is sharply depressed by being pressed in can be provided between the movable member 12 and the coil spring 121. The small peak 341 can also be obtained by passing one of a pair of magnets that repel or attract each other near the other.

[0117] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The starter switch 1 described above can be modified in various ways.

[0118] In the start switch 1, there is a set of double-cut contacts, but as already described, more than two sets of double-cut contacts may be provided. A set of double-cut contacts consisting of four terminals may also be a single-cut contact consisting of two terminals. The number of the single-cut contacts may be one or more than two. The movable member 12 may also be a rod that rotates due to being pressed in. In the case where the movable member 12 is a rotating type, the amount of pressing of the movable member 12 corresponds to the rotation angle, and the position of the movable member 12 is the rotation position or the position of a specific part of the movable member 12.

[0119] Figure 2 The characteristics of the starter switch 1 shown can be applied to starter switches of various structures. For example, it can also be applied to starter switches disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-42606, International Publication No. 2002 / 061779, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-56635 as examples of existing documents. As disclosed in these documents, various structures can be adopted as the contact mechanism 20.

[0120] The operating unit provided with the start switch 1 is not limited to a teaching pendant, but can be used for various operating units such as an operating unit of heavy machinery such as a crane, an operating unit of a vehicle, and an operating unit of an electric wheelchair.

[0121] Fig.10 and Fig.11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of a start switch 1 provided in an operating unit such as a teaching pendant of a robot or a controller of an operating device. The robot, the operating device, etc. are the operating objects of the operating unit. Fig.10is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch 1 as viewed from the front direction, Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view seen from the side. In these sectional views, the positions of the sections of the various components are appropriately different in order to easily understand the internal structure. The start switch 1 permits the operation of the operation object by the operating part. During the period when the start switch 1 is in the on state, the operation of the operation object is permitted, and when the operator inputs to the operating part, the input signal from the operating part is transmitted to the operation object. When the start switch 1 is in the off state, the operation of the operation object is not permitted, and the operator's input is not transmitted to the operation object.

[0122] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment, parallel oblique lines in the cross-section of the details and parts not important for the description are omitted. Figures 1 to 9 The same reference numerals are used to denote components having the same functions as the starter switch 1 shown in the figure. The starter switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12. When the starter switch 1 is operated, the movable member 12 is moved toward the inside of the holding portion 11 by the operator. Fig.10 and Fig.11 Press in from below. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The vertical direction of the switch 1 does not need to be consistent with the gravity direction. The holding portion 11 supports components other than the holding portion 11 of the start switch 1. Fig.10 The coil spring 121 in the holding portion 11 shown in the figure applies a force to the movable member 12 toward Fig.10 The force is applied from above (i.e., from the retaining portion 11 toward the movable member 12, the same applies below). Fig.10 In the figure, the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are simplified by dotted lines. When the operator's finger pushes the movable member 12 into the holding portion 11 and then releases the finger from the movable member 12, the movable member 12 returns to its original position due to the force of the coil spring 121.

[0123] The starter switch 1 includes two contacts 13, a contact mechanism 20 for setting the state of the contacts 13 to open and close, and two auxiliary switches 21 in the holding portion 11. Each contact 13 is a combination of a lower fixed terminal 131 and a movable terminal 132. To be precise, there is also an upper fixed terminal, and a connection terminal group 134 consisting 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 portion 11. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is separated from the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in a closed state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is connected to the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the starter switch 1 is in a disconnected state, and when the contact 13 is in a closed state, the starter switch 1 is in an on state.

[0124] The movable part 12 is Fig.10 The movable part 12 is horizontally long in the left-right direction, and is pressed into the holding part 11 in the downward direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable part 12 extends. A cut-off switching mechanism 14 is arranged inside the movable part 12. The cut-off switching mechanism 14 includes: three longitudinal coil springs 241, abutment parts 242 for accommodating the longitudinal coil springs 241, two sliding bodies 243, two transverse coil springs 244, and two pressing parts 245. Fig.10 In the figure, the contact member 242 is shown as three parts (parts marked with symbols 242 and 242a) that accommodate the three longitudinal coil springs 241, but these are one part. A hole is provided in the lower part 12a of the movable part 12, and the contact member 242 is embedded in the hole of the lower part 12a. The sliding body 243 and the transverse coil spring 244 are arranged in the space between the upper part of the movable part 12 and the lower part 12a.

[0125] exist Fig.10 In the initial state, the sliding body 243 receives a force inwardly from the transverse coil spring 244, and the contact part 242 receives a force downwardly from the longitudinal coil spring 241, and the top end of the sliding body 243 is located above the contact part 242. In addition, the upper end of the pressing part 245 is close to the lower end of the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243.

[0126] The movable terminal 132 is connected to the snap-action mechanism 133. As described later, when the press-in member 245 is pressed to a predetermined position, the movable terminal 132 is quickly moved toward the lower fixed terminal 131 by the spring of the snap-action mechanism 133, so that the movable terminal 132 is in contact with the lower fixed terminal 131. That is, the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0127] As described later, the disconnection switching mechanism 14 and the snap-action mechanism 133 constitute a contact mechanism 20, and the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open, as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. Since the starter switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are divided into "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11, the contact mechanism 20 changes 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 13 and the second contact 13 are arranged in the direction in which the movable member 12 extends.

[0128] The contact mechanism 20 further includes a resistance mechanism 16 disposed below the cut-off switching mechanism 14. The resistance mechanism 16 includes a rotating member 261 that is long in the direction in which the movable member 12 extends. The rotating member 261 is formed by bending the two ends of a metal rod twice by 90 degrees so that the two ends face inward. Alternatively, the rotating member 261 may be formed by bending the two ends of a metal rod by 90 degrees and then further bending the two end sides to face outward. Fig.11 As shown, the rotating member 261 can rotate around a rotation axis J1 parallel to the direction in which the rotating member 261 extends. The two ends of the rotating member 261 are sandwiched between the lower member 262 and the upper member (see Fig.17 The rotating member 261 is rotated in such a manner that both ends of the rotating member 261 do not move away from the member 262 located below, thereby achieving the pressing of the laterally long movable member 12 into the retaining portion 11 without a large inclination.

[0129] The upper portion of the rotating member 261 engages with the lower member 12a of the movable member 12, and the rotating member 261 is directly mounted on the movable member 12 in a rotatable manner. A portion of a member 262 located below the rotating member 261 is also included in the resistance mechanism 16. The member 262 includes a recess 264 in which the lower portion 263 of the rotating member 261 is embedded. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the initial state shown, the lower portion 263 of the rotating member 261 is located outside the recess 264 .

[0130] Next, a description will be given of a preferred change in the load as the force required to push the start switch 1 when the movable member 12 is pushed in. FIG. Fig.12 1 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the movable member 12, that is, the amount of depression of the starter switch 1 and the load. Fig.12 The position of the movable member 12 corresponding to the amount of push-in will be described with reference to the symbols indicated in FIG.

[0131] exist Fig.12 In the figure, position 301 is the initial position. Hereinafter, position 301 is referred to as the "first position". The first position 301 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is not pressed in. Position 303 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is pressed in to the end. Hereinafter, position 303 is referred to as the "third position". In the third position 303, the start switch 1 is in the off state.

[0132] The position 302 is to press the movable member 12 to a certain extent so that the operator can stably maintain the position of the movable member 12 while feeling a certain degree of resistance. As a result, 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 a rising start position between the first position 301 and the third position 303, where the load required for pressing the movable member 12 increases to the maximum maximum rise 343 due to the increase ratio of the load relative to the amount of pressing.

[0133] Position 311 is an "on switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from open to closed when pressed, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the off state to the on state. Position 312 is an "off switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from closed to open, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the on state to the off state. Therefore, in the starter switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pressed, the contact 13 shifts from open to closed at the on switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the contact 13 shifts from closed to open at the off switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0134] To be precise, since the start switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are distinguished as "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", when the movable member 12 is pressed, the first contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the first connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the first contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the first disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the second contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the second connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the second contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the second disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0135] In the case of the first contact 13, Fig.12 The position 311 corresponds to the first on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the first off-switching position 312. In the case of the second contact 13, the position 311 corresponds to the second on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the second off-switching position 312. 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.

[0136] In the starter switch 1, there is a small peak 341 between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the movable member 12 is pressed in, the load temporarily rises to the small peak 341 and then decreases. Fig.12In the figure, the position where the rise of the small peak 341 starts is marked with a symbol 321, the position where the rise ends and a certain degree of load is maintained is marked with a symbol 322, the position where the decline starts is marked with a symbol 323, and the position where the decline ends is marked with a symbol 324. However, these positions do not need to be clearly displayed, and in the case where they are not clearly displayed, these positions can be determined by various methods. For example, in the case where the rise start position 321 and the decline end position 324 are located on the curve, the position where the curvature becomes the largest can be determined as the position 321 and the position 324. The position 322 and the position 323 can also be determined in the same way, or these positions 322 and 323 can also be consistent. For example, in the case where the top of the small peak 341 is steep, the position 322 and the position 323 are determined as the same position.

[0137] As another method, for example, the position where the slope of the load when the pressing amount is increased exceeds a certain positive value is determined as the rising start position 321, and the position where the slope is lower than a certain value is determined as the rising end position 322, and further, the position where the slope is lower than a certain negative value is determined as the falling start position 323, and the position where the slope is greater than a certain value is determined as the falling end position 324.

[0138] Similarly, the rising start position (second position 302), rising end position 332, falling start position 333, and falling end position 334 of the peak between the second position 302 and the third position 303 can be determined by various methods as long as they are positions that roughly express the meaning. The rising end position 332 and the falling start position 333 may also coincide. Hereinafter, the peak from the position 302 to the position 334 is referred to as the "main peak 342".

[0139] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the start switch 1, the on-switching position 311 (specifically, the first on-switching position and the second on-switching position, the same applies hereinafter) is located between the descending end position 324 of the small peak 341 and the second position 302. In addition, the maximum load A1 of the small peak is greater than the load A2 of the on-switching position 311 (specifically, the larger load of the load of the first on-switching position and the load of the second on-switching position), and the maximum load A1 of the small peak is smaller than the load A3 of the off-switching position 312 (specifically, the smaller load of the load of the first off-switching position and the load of the second off-switching position).

[0140] Thus, when the movable member 12 starts to be pressed, the movable member 12 is pressed in all at once and moves to the second position 302 after a click feeling as if it is slightly caught. That is, in normal operation, when the small peak 341 is exceeded, the movable member 12 cannot be stopped on the way, and it moves to the second position 302 quickly with a feeling as if the movable member 12 is in contact with something. As a result, the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 is located in the second position 302. In other words, the operator can clearly feel the increase in load relative to the amount of pressing in the stage before the movable member 12 moves from the on state of the second position 302 to the off state of the third position 303 by further pressing.

[0141] According to the above viewpoint, the switch position 311 is not limited to Fig.12 The on-switching position 311 only needs to be between the descending start position 323 of the small peak 341 and the second position 302. In addition, from the viewpoint of allowing the movable part 12 to quickly transfer from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, the maximum load A1 of the small peak 341 is preferably greater than the load A4 at the second position 302. Moreover, in order to transfer to the cut-off state after exceeding the small peak 341 and exceeding the second position 302, the maximum load of the small peak 341 is preferably smaller than the load at the position just before reaching the cut-off switching position 312 (specifically, the load at the position just before reaching the first cut-off switching position and the second cut-off switching position, usually the load at the position 332).

[0142] The rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 may be roughly consistent with the first position 301, or may be consistent with the first position 301. Even in such a case, the operator can feel that the movable member 12 is hooked when it is pressed in. In particular, when the small peak 341 rises roughly vertically, that is, when the position 321 is roughly consistent with the position 322, the operator can clearly feel that it is hooked. Of course, even when the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 is separated from the first position 301, the rise of the small peak 341 is preferably roughly vertical.

[0143] Furthermore, in order for the operator to clearly feel the movement to the second position 302 after the movable member 12 is caught when being pressed, the small peak 341 is preferably sufficiently away from the second position 302. Specifically, it is preferred that the maximum load position of the small peak 341 is closer to the first position 301 than the middle position between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the small peak 341 is close to the second position 302, the small peak 341 may be mistaken for the main peak 342.

[0144] In having Fig.12In the start switch 1 having the characteristic of the invention, even if the small peak 341 is provided, it is not necessary to change the load required to keep the movable member 12 at the second position 302 in the design, so even if the operator of the start switch 1 is held at the second position 302 for a long time, the burden on the operator is not increased. In addition, by providing the small peak 341, it is also possible to prevent the start switch 1 from accidentally becoming turned on when the movable member 12 is touched by mistake or when other objects come into contact with the movable member 12.

[0145] In addition, Fig.12 In the figure, the change of the load from the small peak 341 to the second position 302 is represented by a straight line, but it is not limited to a straight line as long as there is no large change. For example, the load change rate may change at the on-switching position 311, so that the load curve is curved, or the load may change slightly in a step-like manner at the on-switching position 311.

[0146] Next, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The startup switch 1 shown is implemented Fig.12 The situation of the characteristics shown is explained.

[0147] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the movable member 12 is pressed from the first position 301, the coil spring 121 is compressed, and the lower portion 263 of the rotating member 261 slides on the upper surface of the member 262. Hereinafter, the lower portion 263 of the rotating member 261 is referred to as a "rotating sliding contact portion", and the member 262 is referred to as a "fixed sliding contact portion". When the rotating member 261 is slightly rotated around the rotation axis J1, the rotating sliding contact portion 263 engages with the recessed portion 264 in a manner of being embedded in the recessed portion 264. As a result, the load pressing the movable member 12 increases. Fig.13 The position of the movable part 12 shown is the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341. Fig.11 As shown, in the first position 301 , the rotational sliding contact portion 263 and the recessed portion 264 are slightly separated, and the first position 301 is close to the position 321 .

[0148] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the load applied to the movable member 12 is increased, the rotational sliding contact portion 263 starts to move in a direction away from the recessed portion 264 . This state is a state from the position 321 toward the position 322 .

[0149] When the rotating sliding contact portion 263 leaves the recessed portion 264, the load is immediately reduced. That is, the position 324 is quickly reached from the position 323. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the case of the start switch 1, the position 323 is substantially the same as the position 324. Fig.15As shown, in the starter switch 1, the rear end 243a of the slider 243 contacts the upper end of the push-in member 245 substantially simultaneously with the load reduction or immediately after the load reduction. As the movable member 12 descends, the push-in member 245 also descends, and the push-in member 245 presses a specific portion of the snap-action mechanism 133. Fig.16 As shown, when the push-in member 245 is lowered to a preset position, the snap action mechanism 133 causes the movable terminal 132 to drop instantly by snap action, so that the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0150] like Fig.17 As shown, when the movable member 12 further descends, the lower end of the contact member 242 contacts the upper surface of the base member 111, which is one of the members constituting the holding portion 11. In addition, the portion of the contact member 242 marked with a symbol 242a contacts the portion of the base member 111 marked with a symbol 111a. Fig.17 The position of the movable component 12 shown is the second position 302 .

[0151] When Fig.17 When a downward force is applied to the movable member 12 in the state of being ...

[0152] Therefore, when the load applied to the movable member 12 is increased and the upward force from the abutment member 242 acts on the sliding body 243, the sliding body 243 overcomes the force from the transverse coil spring 244 and starts to move laterally outward. At this time, the longitudinal coil spring 241 contracts. This state is a state from the position 302 to the position 333 via the position 332.

[0153] When the end of the inclined surface 246 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 247, the movable member 12 descends, so that the outer side surface of the upper end of the central portion of the abutment member 242 rubs against the top end of the sliding body 243. At this time, the load is immediately reduced. Therefore, the position 334 is quickly reached from the position 333. Fig.10 and Fig.11 When the switch 1 is turned on, the position 333 is roughly the same as the position 334. Through the above operation, the main peak 342 is obtained.

[0154] Fig.18 and Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing a state where the movable member 12 is pushed in to the limit. Fig.18 and Fig.19In the disconnection switching position 312 before the state shown, when the slider 243 moves laterally outward, the vertical contact state between the rear end 243a of the slider 243 and the push-in member 245 is released. As a result, the push-in member 245 is lifted by the force from the snap-action mechanism 133, and the contact 13 is changed from closed to open.

[0155] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the movable member 12 is pushed in to the end, the longitudinal coil spring 241 is further compressed. Fig.19 As shown, the lower part 12a of the movable part 12 is close to the fixed sliding contact part 262 and is in contact with the base part 111 (see Fig.17 ) contact. This state is the third position 303, and the movable member 12 becomes unable to move downward. Fig.19 As shown, the rotating member 261 is located in a narrow space between the movable member 12 and the fixed sliding contact portion 262 of the holding portion 11 .

[0156] When the operator Fig.18 and Fig.19 When the finger is removed from the start switch 1 in the state shown, the movable member 12 rises while the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243 and the pressing member 245 are kept offset in the lateral direction. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the sliding body 243 is located above the upper end of the pressing member 245, the sliding body 243 is subjected to the force from the transverse coil spring 244, so that the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243 is located close to the upper part of the pressing member 245. As a result, the movable member 12 returns to the Fig.10 Before the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, the contact 13 is maintained in the disconnected state. That is, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the starter switch 1 is maintained in the disconnected state. In addition, when the operator removes the finger from the movable member 12 from the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, and the starter switch 1 returns to the disconnected state.

[0157] exist Fig.10 In the state of Fig.16 and Fig.17 In the state, only one party is connected. Fig.18 In the state of, both are in the cut-off state. The signal from the auxiliary switch 21 is used in various ways on the operating unit side. For example, when the start switch 1 is in the cut-off state, if the auxiliary switches 21 on both sides are in the on state, the operating unit determines that the start switch 1 is in the first position 301. When the start switch 1 is in the cut-off state, if the auxiliary switches 21 on both sides are in the cut-off state, the operating unit determines that the start switch 1 is in the third position 303.

[0158] As described above, in the start switch 1, due to the presence of the small peak 341, the operation cannot be stopped between the small peak 341 and the second position 302 during normal operation, so that the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 has reached the second position 302. In addition, in the case where there are two contacts 13 to improve reliability, as in the start switch 1, by quickly transferring from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, even if the movable member 12 is tilted, the time during which the states of the two contacts 13 are different can be made very short. That is, the deviation of the switching timing of the two contacts 13 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error from being detected by mistake due to the states of the two contacts 13 being different for more than a certain period of time.

[0159] The deviation of the action timing of the two contacts 13 becomes significant when the movable member 12 is tilted due to pressing the end of the movable member 12. Therefore, it is conceivable that the small peak 341 may not exist when the center of the movable member 12 is pressed. As described above, in the start switch 1, the small peak 341 of the load is obtained by the engagement of the rotating sliding contact portion 263 of the rotating member 261 with the recessed portion 264 of the fixed sliding contact portion 262. In addition, the rotating sliding contact portion 263 only exists at the two ends of the rotating member 261 in the longitudinal direction.

[0160] Therefore, the recess 264 may be made very shallow, so that when the center of the movable member 12 is pressed, the rotational sliding contact portion 263 moves in a sliding manner on the recess 264, and when the end of the rotating member 261 is pressed, the rotational sliding contact portion 263 at the end of the rotating member 261 is firmly embedded in the recess 264, thereby obtaining a small peak 341 of the load. In this way, when the center of the rotating member 261 is pressed, the small peak 341 disappears or is made smaller, and when the end of the rotating member 261 is pressed, a large small peak 341 is obtained.

[0161] The resistance mechanism 16 in the start switch 1 can be deformed in various ways. For example, the rotation axis J1 of the rotating member 261 can be set near the fixed sliding contact portion 262, and the recessed portion can be set on the side of the lower member 12a. That is, the rotating member 261 can also rotate around the lower portion. A convex portion (including a step) can also be provided instead of the recessed portion. The rotating member 261 can be directly or indirectly mounted on one side of the movable member 12 and the retaining portion 11 in a rotatable manner, and the fixed sliding contact portion 262 can be directly or indirectly fixed to the other side of the movable member 12 or the retaining portion 11. The rotating sliding contact portion 263 is in sliding contact with the fixed sliding contact portion 262 while the rotating member 261 is rotating, thereby pressing the movable member 12 into the retaining portion 11 while maintaining the posture of the movable member 12.

[0162] The resistance mechanism 16 may also be provided by a structure other than the rotating member 261. For example, as the resistance mechanism 16, an engaging portion and a coil spring disposed between the retaining portion 11 and the engaging portion may also be provided. In this case, the engaging portion receiving the force from the coil spring engages with the movable member 12, and after the movable member 12 is pressed, the engaging portion overcomes the force from the coil spring and moves, and the engagement is released, thereby obtaining the small peak 341. As the resistance mechanism 16, an engaging portion and a coil spring disposed between the movable member 12 and the engaging portion may also be provided. In this case, the engaging portion receiving the force from the coil spring engages with the retaining portion 11, and the movable member 12 is pressed, and the engagement is released, thereby obtaining the small peak 341. Of course, the resistance mechanism 16 may also be indirectly provided between the retaining portion 11 and the movable member 12.

[0163] As described above, the engagement structure of the resistance mechanism 16 can be modified in various ways. Fig.11 In the case of, the recessed portion 264) is regarded as the first engaging portion, and the engaging portion ( Fig.11 In the case where the rotating sliding contact portion 263 is regarded as the second engaging portion, the second engaging portion moves relatively to the first engaging portion due to the movement of the movable member 12. Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is pressed toward the retaining portion 11, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released, thereby generating a small peak 341 of load. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be separated at the first position 301, and when the movable member 12 is pressed, they are first engaged and then released, or they are already engaged at the first position 301. By utilizing the engagement between the engaging portions, the small peak 341 can be obtained with a simple structure.

[0164] In addition, the first engaging portion does not necessarily need to receive force from an elastic body such as a spring. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As in the example of FIG. 3 , when the movable member 12 is located at the position 321, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be engaged by utilizing gravity. Magnetic force may also be utilized for the engagement.

[0165] In the case where the first engaging portion is subjected to a force from an elastomer, a leaf spring, a bendable portion of a resin, etc. can be used as an elastomer other than a coil spring. The elastomer can act by various techniques to exert a force for engaging the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion. Generally speaking, the elastomer is directly or indirectly fixed to one side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. The second engaging portion is directly or indirectly mounted on the elastomer, and the first engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. Furthermore, when the movable component 12 is pressed in, the second engaging portion overcomes the force from the elastomer and moves, so that the engagement is released, thereby obtaining a small peak 341.

[0166] In the start switch 1, the small peak 341 can be obtained without using the engaging portion. For example, a rubber pad that is sharply depressed by being pressed in can be provided between the movable member 12 and the coil spring 121. The small peak 341 can also be obtained by passing one of a pair of magnets that repel or attract each other near the other.

[0167] Reference Figures 10 to 19 The starter switch 1 described above can be modified in various ways.

[0168] In the starter switch 1, the number of contacts may be three or more. The movable member 12 may be a rod that rotates by being pushed in. In the case where the movable member 12 is a rotating type, the amount of pushing of the movable member 12 corresponds to the rotation angle.

[0169] Fig.12 The characteristics of the starter switch 1 shown can be applied to starter switches of various structures. For example, it can also be applied to starter switches disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-35300, International Publication No. 2002 / 061779, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-56635 as examples of existing documents. As disclosed in these documents, various structures can be adopted as the contact mechanism 20.

[0170] In the above-mentioned starter switch 1, the contact 13 is opened and closed by snap action, but in the starter switch 1, near the on-switching position 311, as the movable member 12 is pressed into the holding portion 11, the two terminals included in the contact 13 gradually approach and contact, so that the contact is in a closed state. In this case, by quickly moving from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, it is possible to suppress discharge when the contact 13 is in a closed state, thereby suppressing welding of the contact 13.

[0171] The operating unit provided with the start switch 1 is not limited to a teaching pendant, but can be used for various operating units such as an operating unit of heavy machinery such as a crane, an operating unit of a vehicle, and an operating unit of an electric wheelchair.

[0172] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 This is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of a start switch 1 provided in an operating unit such as a teaching pendant of a robot or a controller of an operating device. The robot, the operating device, etc. are the operating objects of the operating unit. Fig. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch 1 as viewed from the front direction, Fig.21It is a longitudinal sectional view seen from the side. In these sectional views, the positions of the sections of the various components are appropriately different in order to easily understand the internal structure. The same is true in the following other examples of the starting switch. The starting switch 1 permits the operation of the operating part on the operating object. While the starting switch 1 is in the on state, the operation of the operating object is permitted, and when the operator inputs to the operating part, the input signal from the operating part is transmitted to the operating object. When the starting switch 1 is in the off state, the operation of the operating object is not permitted, and the operator's input is not transmitted to the operating object.

[0173] exist Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the figure, parallel oblique lines in the cross-section of the details and the parts not important for the description are omitted. The same is true for the starter switches of the following other examples. The starter switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12. When the starter switch 1 is operated, the movable member 12 is moved toward the inside of the holding portion 11 by the operator. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Press in from below. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The vertical direction of the switch 1 does not need to be consistent with the gravity direction. The holding portion 11 supports components other than the holding portion 11 of the start switch 1. Fig. 20 The coil spring 121 in the holding portion 11 shown in the figure applies a force to the movable member 12 toward Fig. 20 The force above . Fig. 20 In the figure, the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are simplified by dotted lines. When the operator's finger pushes the movable member 12 into the holding portion 11 and then removes the finger from the movable member 12, the movable member 12 returns to its original position due to the force of the coil spring 121. When the movable member 12 is pushed into the holding portion 11, the movable member 12 rotates around the fulcrum 123a.

[0174] The start switch 1 includes two contacts 13 in the holding portion 11 (see Fig.21 ) and a contact mechanism 20 that sets the state of the contact 13 to open and close. Each contact 13 is a combination of a lower fixed terminal 131 and a movable terminal 132. To be precise, there is also an upper fixed terminal, and a connection terminal group 134 consisting of three connection terminals respectively connected to the fixed terminal, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 is located below the retaining portion 11. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is separated from the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in a closed state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is connected to the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the start switch 1 is in a disconnected state, and when the contact 13 is in a closed state, the start switch 1 is in an on state.

[0175] The movable part 12 is covered with a cover 124a made of soft resin. The movable part 12 is pressed from above the cover 124a. Therefore, the cover 124a bends in the middle of the movable part 12 being pressed in, but in the following figures, the bending of the cover 124a is ignored. A cut-off switching mechanism 14 is arranged inside the movable part 12. The cut-off switching mechanism 14 includes: a longitudinal coil spring 241, a contact part 242 for accommodating the longitudinal coil spring 241, a sliding body 243, a transverse coil spring 244 and a pressing part 245. A hole is provided in the lower part 12a of the movable part 12, and the contact part 242 is embedded in the hole of the lower part 12a. The sliding body 243 and the transverse coil spring 244 are arranged in the space between the upper part of the movable part 12 and the lower part 12a.

[0176] exist Fig. 20 In the initial state, the sliding body 243 is forced to the left by the transverse coil spring 244, and the contact member 242 is forced to the downward by the longitudinal coil spring 241, and the left side portion 243b of the top end portion of the right side of the sliding body 243 is located above the right side portion 242b of the contact member 242. In addition, the upper end of the pressing member 245 is close to the lower end of the rear end portion 243a of the sliding body 243.

[0177] The movable terminal 132 is connected to the snap-action mechanism 133. As described later, when the press-in member 245 is pressed to a predetermined position, the movable terminal 132 is quickly moved toward the lower fixed terminal 131 by the spring of the snap-action mechanism 133, so that the movable terminal 132 is in contact with the lower fixed terminal 131. That is, the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0178] As described later, the disconnection switching mechanism 14 and the snap-action mechanism 133 constitute a contact mechanism 20, and the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open, as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. Since the starter switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are divided into "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11, the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the first contact 13 and the second contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open.

[0179] The contact mechanism 20 further includes a resistance mechanism 16 disposed near the coil spring 121. The resistance mechanism 16 is disposed at the holding portion 11. Fig. 20 The resistance mechanism 16 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 161 and a coil spring 162. To be precise, the portion of the retaining portion 11 near the snap-fit ​​portion 161 and the coil spring 162 is also a part of the resistance mechanism 16. The coil spring 162 pushes the snap-fit ​​portion 161 toward Fig. 20, i.e., toward the lower portion 125 of the inner wall of the movable member 12. Fig. 20 In the initial state shown, the tip of the engagement portion 161 is in contact with the lower portion 125 of the inner wall. As will be described later, in the initial stage of the push-in of the movable member 12, the resistance mechanism 16 applies a force to the movable member 12 to resist the movement of the movable member 12.

[0180] Next, a description will be given of a preferred change in the load as the force required to push the start switch 1 when the movable member 12 is pushed in. FIG. Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the rotational position of the movable member 12, that is, the amount of movement of a specific portion of the movable member 12, and the load of the push-in amount of the start switch 1. Fig. 22 The position of the movable member 12 corresponding to the amount of push-in will be described with reference to the symbols indicated in FIG.

[0181] exist Fig. 22 In the figure, position 301 is the initial position. Hereinafter, position 301 is referred to as the "first position". The first position 301 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is not pressed in. Position 303 is the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holding portion 11 when the movable member 12 is pressed in to the end. Hereinafter, position 303 is referred to as the "third position". In the third position 303, the start switch 1 is in the off state.

[0182] The position 302 is to press the movable member 12 to a certain extent so that the operator can stably maintain the position of the movable member 12 while feeling a certain degree of resistance. As a result, 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 a rising start position between the first position 301 and the third position 303, where the load required for pressing the movable member 12 increases to the maximum maximum rise 343 due to the increase ratio of the load relative to the amount of pressing.

[0183] Position 311 is an "on switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from open to closed when pressed, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the off state to the on state. Position 312 is an "off switching position" where the contact 13 shifts from closed to open, thereby shifting the starter switch 1 from the on state to the off state. Therefore, in the starter switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pressed, the contact 13 shifts from open to closed at the on switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the contact 13 shifts from closed to open at the off switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0184] To be precise, since the start switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are distinguished as "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", when the movable member 12 is pressed, the first contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the first connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the first contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the first disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303, the second contact 13 is transferred from open to closed in the second connection switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the second contact 13 is transferred from closed to open in the second disconnection switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0185] In the case of the first contact 13, Fig. 22 The position 311 corresponds to the first on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the first off-switching position 312. In the case of the second contact 13, the position 311 corresponds to the second on-switching position, and the position 312 corresponds to the second off-switching position 312. 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.

[0186] In the starter switch 1, there is a small peak 341 between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the movable member 12 is pressed in, the load temporarily rises to the small peak 341 and then decreases. Fig. 22 In the figure, the position where the rise of the small peak 341 starts is marked with a symbol 321, the position where the rise ends and a certain degree of load is maintained is marked with a symbol 322, the position where the decline starts is marked with a symbol 323, and the position where the decline ends is marked with a symbol 324. However, these positions do not need to be clearly displayed, and in the case where they are not clearly displayed, these positions can be determined by various methods. For example, in the case where the rise start position 321 and the decline end position 324 are located on the curve, the position where the curvature becomes the largest can be determined as the position 321 and the position 324. The position 322 and the position 323 can also be determined in the same way, or these positions 322 and 323 can also be consistent. For example, in the case where the top of the small peak 341 is steep, the position 322 and the position 323 are determined as the same position.

[0187] As another method, for example, the position where the slope of the load when the pressing amount is increased exceeds a certain positive value is determined as the rising start position 321, and the position where the slope is lower than a certain value is determined as the rising end position 322, and further, the position where the slope is lower than a certain negative value is determined as the falling start position 323, and the position where the slope is greater than a certain value is determined as the falling end position 324.

[0188] Similarly, the rising start position (second position 302), rising end position 332, falling start position 333, and falling end position 334 of the peak between the second position 302 and the third position 303 can be determined by various methods as long as they are positions that roughly express the meaning. The rising end position 332 and the falling start position 333 may also coincide. Hereinafter, the peak from the position 302 to the position 334 is referred to as the "main peak 342".

[0189] exist Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the start switch 1, the on-switching position 311 (specifically, the first on-switching position and the second on-switching position, the same applies hereinafter) is located between the descending end position 324 of the small peak 341 and the second position 302. In addition, the maximum load A1 of the small peak is greater than the load A2 on the on-switching position 311 (specifically, the larger load of the load of the first on-switching position and the load of the second on-switching position), and the maximum load A1 of the small peak is smaller than the load A3 on the off-switching position 312 (specifically, the smaller load of the load of the first off-switching position and the load of the second off-switching position).

[0190] Thus, when the movable member 12 starts to be pressed, the movable member 12 is pressed in all at once and moves to the second position 302 after a click feeling as if it is slightly caught. That is, in normal operation, when the small peak 341 is exceeded, the movable member 12 cannot be stopped on the way, and it moves to the second position 302 quickly with a feeling as if the movable member 12 is in contact with something. As a result, the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 is located in the second position 302. In other words, the operator can clearly feel the increase in load relative to the amount of pressing in the stage before the movable member 12 moves from the on state of the second position 302 to the off state of the third position 303 by further pressing.

[0191] According to the above viewpoint, the switch position 311 is not limited to Fig.12 The on-switching position 311 only needs to be between the descending start position 323 of the small peak 341 and the second position 302. In addition, from the viewpoint of allowing the movable part 12 to quickly transfer from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, the maximum load A1 of the small peak 341 is preferably greater than the load A4 at the second position 302. Moreover, in order to transfer to the cut-off state after exceeding the small peak 341 and exceeding the second position 302, the maximum load of the small peak 341 is preferably smaller than the load at the position just before reaching the cut-off switching position 312 (specifically, the load at the position just before reaching the first cut-off switching position and the second cut-off switching position, usually the load at the position 332).

[0192] The rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 may be roughly consistent with the first position 301, or may be consistent with the first position 301. Even in such a case, the operator can feel that the movable member 12 is hooked when it is pressed in. In particular, when the small peak 341 rises roughly vertically, that is, when the position 321 is roughly consistent with the position 322, the operator can clearly feel that it is hooked. Of course, even when the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 is separated from the first position 301, the rise of the small peak 341 is preferably roughly vertical.

[0193] Furthermore, in order for the operator to clearly feel the movement to the second position 302 after the movable member 12 is caught when being pressed, the small peak 341 is preferably sufficiently away from the second position 302. Specifically, it is preferred that the maximum load position of the small peak 341 is closer to the first position 301 than the middle position between the first position 301 and the second position 302. When the small peak 341 is close to the second position 302, the small peak 341 may be mistaken for the main peak 342.

[0194] In having Fig. 22 In the start switch 1 having the characteristic of the invention, even if the small peak 341 is provided, it is not necessary to change the load required to keep the movable member 12 at the second position 302 in the design, so even if the operator of the start switch 1 is held at the second position 302 for a long time, the burden on the operator is not increased. In addition, by providing the small peak 341, it is also possible to prevent the start switch 1 from accidentally becoming turned on when the movable member 12 is touched by mistake or when other objects come into contact with the movable member 12.

[0195] In addition, Fig.12 In the figure, the change of the load from the small peak 341 to the second position 302 is represented by a straight line, but it is not limited to a straight line as long as there is no large change. For example, the load change rate may change at the on-switching position 311, so that the load curve is curved, or the load may change slightly in a step-like manner at the on-switching position 311.

[0196] Next, Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The startup switch 1 shown is implemented Fig. 22 The situation of the characteristics shown is explained.

[0197] Fig.23 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view showing the resistance mechanism 16 when the movable member 12 is located at the first position 301. The top end of the engagement portion 161 has an inclined surface 163. The lower portion 125 of the inner wall of the movable member 12 has an inclined surface 126. Fig.23In the state, the engaging portion 161 engages with the lower portion 125, so that the inclined surface 163 and the inclined surface 126 are parallel to each other. Hereinafter, the lower portion 125 of the inner wall of the movable member 12 is referred to as the "engaging portion". The inclined surface 163 is Fig.23 The inclined surface 126 is directed upward as it goes to the left.

[0198] When the movable member 12 is pressed from the first position 301, the coil spring 121 is compressed, and the movable member 12 rotates counterclockwise, and the inclined surface 126 moves to the lower right direction while pressing the inclined surface 163. Fig.24 As shown, the engaging portion 161 overcomes the force from the coil spring 162 and moves to the left. By the above action, the load required to press the movable member 12 increases sharply. That is, in the start switch 1, Fig. 22 The rising start position 321 of the small peak 341 is consistent with the first position 301. Of course, when the movable member 12 is located at the first position 301, the inclined surface 163 and the inclined surface 126 can also be separated. In this case, the first position 301 does not coincide with the rising start position 321.

[0199] During the period when the inclined surface 163 and the inclined surface 126 are in sliding contact, the load increases, and the movable member 12 reaches the position 322 and moves toward the position 323. When the end of the inclined surface 163 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 126, the engagement between the engaging portion 161 and the engaging portion 125 is released, and the load is greatly reduced. That is, the movable member 12 moves from the position 323 to the position 324. Fig. 20 In the case of the start switch 1, position 323 is close to position 324. Fig.25 As shown, after reaching the position 324 , the end of the inclined surface 163 moves smoothly on the curved surface 127 located above the inclined surface 126 .

[0200] In the start switch 1, if Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 1 , at about the same time as the load is lowered or immediately after the load is lowered, the rear end 243a of the slide body 243 contacts the upper end of the press member 245. As the movable member 12 is lowered, the press member 245 is also lowered, so that the press member 245 presses a specific part of the quick-acting mechanism 133. Fig.26 As shown, when the push-in member 245 is lowered to a predetermined position, the snap action mechanism 133 causes the movable terminal 132 to drop instantly by snap action, so that the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0201] like Fig. 27 As shown, when the movable member 12 further descends, the lower end of the abutting member 242 comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower abutting member 113 which is one of the members constituting the holding portion 11 . Fig. 27The position of the movable component 12 shown is the second position 302 .

[0202] When Fig. 27 When a downward force is applied to the movable member 12 in the state of being ...

[0203] Therefore, if Fig.28 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the load acting on the movable member 12 is increased, and the upward force from the abutment member 242 acts on the sliding body 243, the sliding body 243 overcomes the force from the transverse coil spring 244 and starts to move to the right. At this time, the longitudinal coil spring 241 contracts. This state is a state from the position 302 to the position 333 via the position 332.

[0204] When the slider 243 moves to the right, the vertical contact between the rear end 243a of the slider 243 and the push member 245 is released. As a result, the push member 245 is lifted by the force from the snap action mechanism 133, and the contact 13 is opened from closed.

[0205] When the end of the inclined surface 246 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 247, the movable member 12 descends, so that the right side portion 242b of the contact member 242 rubs against the left side portion 243b of the top end portion of the sliding body 243. At this time, the load is immediately reduced. Therefore, the position 334 is quickly reached from the position 333. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 When the switch 1 is turned on, the position 333 is roughly the same as the position 334. Through the above operation, the main peak 342 is obtained.

[0206] like Fig.29 As shown, when the movable member 12 is pushed in to the limit, the longitudinal coil spring 241 is further compressed, and the lower end of the movable member 12 contacts the upper surface of the base member 111 of the holding portion 11. This state is the third position 303, and the movable member 12 cannot move downward.

[0207] When the operator Fig.29 When the finger is removed from the start switch 1 in the state shown, the movable member 12 rises while the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243 and the pressing member 245 are kept offset in the lateral direction. Fig. 20As shown in FIG. 1 , when the slider 243 is located above the upper end of the press-fit member 245, the rear end 243a of the slider 243 is located close to the press-fit member 245 by the force of the horizontal coil spring 244. Thus, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the starter switch 1 is maintained in the off state. In addition, when the operator removes his finger from the movable member 12 from the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, and the starter switch 1 returns to the off state.

[0208] As described above, in the start switch 1, due to the presence of the small peak 341, the operation cannot be stopped between the small peak 341 and the second position 302 during normal operation, so that the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 has reached the second position 302. In addition, in the case where there are two contacts 13 to improve reliability, as in the start switch 1, by quickly transferring from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, even if the movable member 12 is tilted, the time during which the states of the two contacts 13 are different can be made very short. That is, the deviation of the switching timing of the two contacts 13 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error from being detected by mistake due to the states of the two contacts 13 being different for more than a certain period of time.

[0209] Fig.30 and Fig.31 It is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of the starter switch 1. Fig.30 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch 1 as viewed from the front direction, Fig.31 It is a longitudinal sectional view viewed from the side. Fig.32 yes Fig.30 A cross-sectional view of the start switch 1 at the position XIII-XIII.

[0210] The start switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12. When the start switch 1 is operated, the movable member 12 is moved toward the inside of the holding portion 11 by the operator. Fig.30 and Fig.31 Press in from below. Fig.30 and Fig.31 The vertical direction of the switch 1 does not need to be consistent with the gravity direction. The holding portion 11 supports components other than the holding portion 11 of the start switch 1. Fig.30 The coil spring 121 in the holding portion 11 shown in the figure indirectly applies a force to the movable member 12 toward Fig.30 The force above . Fig.30 In the figure, the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are simplified by dotted lines. When the operator's finger pushes the movable member 12 into the holding portion 11 and then removes the finger from the movable member 12, the movable member 12 returns to its original position due to the force of the coil spring 121 (or the coil spring 121 and the longitudinal coil spring 241 described later).

[0211] The start switch 1 includes two contacts 13 in the holding portion 11 (see Fig.31 ) and a contact mechanism 20 that sets the state of the contact 13 to open and close. There is also an upper fixed terminal, and a connection terminal group 134 consisting of three connection terminals connected to the fixed terminal, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 is located below the holding portion 11. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is separated from the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in a closed state, the lower fixed terminal 131 is connected to the movable terminal 132. When the contact 13 is in an open state, the start switch 1 is in a disconnected state, and when the contact 13 is in a closed state, the start switch 1 is in an on state.

[0212] The cut-off switching mechanism 14 is disposed inside and below the movable member 12. The cut-off switching mechanism 14 includes a longitudinal coil spring 241, a contact member 242 that receives the longitudinal coil spring 241, a sliding body 243, and two transverse coil springs 244 (see Fig.32 ) and a press-fitting member 245. A hole is provided in the lower member 12a of the movable member 12, and the contact member 242 is embedded in the hole of the lower member 12a. Fig.32 As shown, two transverse coil springs 244 are located on both sides of the sliding body 243 and exert force on the sliding body 243 to Fig.30 A sliding body 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.

[0213] exist Fig.30 In the initial state, the sliding body 243 receives a force toward the left from the transverse coil spring 244, and the contact member 242 receives a force toward the downward direction from the longitudinal coil spring 241, and the top end portion of the right side of the sliding body 243 is located above the right side portion of the contact member 242. In addition, the upper end of the pressing member 245 is close to the lower end of the rear end portion 243a of the sliding body 243.

[0214] The movable terminal 132 is connected to the snap-action mechanism 133. As described later, when the press-in member 245 is pressed to a predetermined position, the movable terminal 132 is quickly moved toward the lower fixed terminal 131 by the spring of the snap-action mechanism 133, so that the movable terminal 132 is in contact with the lower fixed terminal 131. That is, the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0215] As described later, the disconnection switching mechanism 14 and the snap-action mechanism 133 constitute a contact mechanism 20, and the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open, as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. Since the starter switch 1 has two contacts 13, when they are divided into "first contact 13" and "second contact 13", as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11, the contact mechanism 20 changes the state of the first contact 13 and the second contact 13 from open to closed, and then from closed to open.

[0216] The contact mechanism 20 further includes a resistance mechanism 16 disposed near the lower portion of the lower member 12a. The resistance mechanism 16 is disposed in a hole opened to the right in the central member 114 as a part of the holding member 11. The resistance mechanism 16 includes a snap-fitting portion 161 and a coil spring 162. To be precise, the portion of the central member 114 near the snap-fitting portion 161 and the coil spring 162 is also a part of the resistance mechanism 16. The coil spring 162 pushes the snap-fitting portion 161 toward the Fig.30 , i.e., toward the lower portion 125 of the lower member 12a. Fig.30 In the initial state shown, the engagement portion 161 is in contact with the lower portion 125. As will be described later, in the initial stage of the push-in of the movable member 12, the resistance mechanism 16 applies a force to the movable member 12 to resist the movement of the movable member 12.

[0217] Next, Figure 30 to Figure 32 The startup switch 1 shown is implemented Fig. 22 The situation of the characteristics shown is explained.

[0218] Fig.33 1 is an enlarged view showing the resistance mechanism 16 when the movable member 12 is located at the first position 301. The top end of the engagement portion 161 has an inclined surface 163. The lower portion 125 of the lower member 12a has an inclined surface 126. Fig.33 In the state, the inclined surface 163 and the inclined surface 126 are slightly separated and parallel to each other. Hereinafter, the lower portion 125 of the lower member 12a is referred to as the "engaging portion". Fig.33 The inclined surface 126 is directed upward as it goes to the left.

[0219] When the movable member 12 is pressed from the first position 301, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 As shown, the coil spring 121 is compressed, and the inclined surface 163 comes into contact with the inclined surface 126. As a result, the load of the push-fit movable member 12 increases. Fig.34 The position of the movable part 12 in the embodiment is the rising start position 321 of the small peak 341. Fig.33As shown, in the first position 301 , the inclined surface 126 is only slightly separated from the inclined surface 163 , and therefore, the first position 301 is close to the position 321 .

[0220] When the load applied to the movable member 12 is increased, the engaging portion 161 overcomes the force from the coil spring 162 and starts to move to the left. This state is from position 321 to position 322. When the end of the inclined surface 163 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 126, the engagement between the engaging portion 161 and the engaging portion 125 is released, and the load is greatly reduced. That is, the movable member 12 quickly moves from position 323 to position 324. Fig.30 In the case of the start switch 1, the position 323 is substantially consistent with the position 324. Fig.35 As shown, the engaging portion 125 moves downward, so that the side surface of the engaging portion 125 rubs against the top end of the engaging portion 161 .

[0221] In the starter switch 1, at approximately the same time as the load is reduced or immediately after the load is reduced, the rear end portion 243a of the slide body 243 contacts the upper end of the press-fit member 245 (see Fig.36 ). As the movable member 12 descends, the pressing member 245 also descends, so that the pressing member 245 presses a specific part of the quick-acting mechanism 133. Fig.36 As shown, when the push-in member 245 is lowered to a predetermined position, the snap action mechanism 133 causes the movable terminal 132 to drop instantly by snap action, so that the contact 13 is in a closed state.

[0222] like Fig.37 As shown, when the movable member 12 further descends, the lower surface of the step portion 242 a of the contact member 242 comes into contact with the upper surface of the central member 114 . Fig.37 The position of the movable component 12 shown is the second position 302 .

[0223] When Fig.37 When a downward force is applied to the movable member 12 in the state of being ...

[0224] Therefore, if Fig.38 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the load acting on the movable member 12 is increased and the upward force from the abutment member 242 acts on the sliding body 243, the sliding body 243 overcomes the force from the transverse coil spring 244 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.32) force and starts to move toward the right. At this time, the longitudinal coil spring 241 contracts. This state is a state from position 302 to position 333 via position 332.

[0225] When the sliding body 243 moves to the right, the vertical contact state between the rear end portion 243a of the sliding body 243 and the pressing member 245 is released. Fig.39 As shown, the press-fit member 245 is lifted by the force from the snap-action mechanism 133, so that the contact 13 changes from closed to open.

[0226] like Fig.40 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the end of the inclined surface 246 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 247, the movable member 12 descends, so that the right side surface of the upper portion of the abutment member 242 rubs against the left side surface of the right top portion of the sliding body 243. At this time, the load is immediately reduced. Therefore, the position 334 is quickly reached from the position 333. Figure 30 to Figure 32 When the switch 1 is turned on, the position 333 is roughly the same as the position 334. Through the above operation, the main peak 342 is obtained.

[0227] like Fig.40 As shown, when the movable member 12 is pushed in to the limit, the longitudinal coil spring 241 is further compressed, and the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 contacts the upper surface of the central member 114. This state is the third position 303, and the movable member 12 cannot move downward.

[0228] like Fig.41 As shown, when the operator Fig.40 In the state shown, when the finger is removed from the start switch 1, the longitudinal coil spring 241 expands earlier than the coil spring 121, so that the movable member 12 rises while the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243 and the pressing member 245 are kept offset in the lateral direction. Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the sliding body 243 is located above the upper end of the pressing member 245, the rear end 243a of the sliding body 243 is located above the pressing member 245 by the force from the horizontal coil spring 244. Then, the coil spring 121 is stretched. Fig.30 Before the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, the contact 13 is maintained in the disconnected state. That is, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the starter switch 1 is maintained in the disconnected state. In addition, when the operator removes the finger from the movable member 12 from the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, and the starter switch 1 returns to the disconnected state.

[0229] As explained above, in Figure 30 to Figure 32In the start switch 1 shown, due to the presence of the small peak 341, the operation cannot be stopped between the small peak 341 and the second position 302 during normal operation, so that the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 has reached the second position 302. In addition, by quickly transferring from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, even if the movable member 12 is tilted, the time during which the states of the two contacts 13 are different can be made very short. In other words, the deviation of the switching timing of the two contacts 13 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error from being detected due to the states of the two contacts 13 being different for more than a certain period of time.

[0230] Fig.42 and Fig.43 It is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of the starter switch 1. Fig.42 is a longitudinal sectional view of the start switch 1 as viewed from the front direction, Fig.43 This is a longitudinal section view from the side. Fig.42 and Fig.43 , the movable component 12 is located at the first position 301 .

[0231] Fig.42 and Fig.43 The starter switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 has the same structure as the starter switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 except that the shapes of the holding portion 11 and the movable member 12 are different. Figure 30 to Figure 32 The same structure as the start switch 1 shown. Fig.42 and Fig.43 In, for Fig.30 and Fig.31 The same structural elements are denoted by the same symbols.

[0232] exist Fig.44 In the embodiment, the movable member 12 is located at the second position 302, and the contact member 242 is in contact with the central member 114. Fig.45 In the embodiment, the movable component 12 is located at the third position 303 , and the lower component 12 a of the movable component 12 is connected to the central component 114 . Fig.42 and Fig.43 The contact mechanism 20 of the start switch 1 shown is connected to Figure 30 to Figure 32 The contact mechanism 20 of the start switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 is the same, so the detailed description is omitted. Fig.42 and Fig.43 The start switch 1 shown in FIG. Figure 30 to Figure 32 Similar to the starter switch 1 shown, the operator can clearly feel that the movable member 12 has reached the second position 302, and can prevent an erroneous detection error caused by the states of the two contacts 13 being different for a certain period of time or more.

[0233] The resistance mechanism 16 in the start switch 1 can be variously deformed. In the above embodiment, as the resistance mechanism 16, a snap-fitting portion 161 and a coil spring 162 disposed between the retaining portion 11 and the snap-fitting portion 161 are provided, and the snap-fitting portion 161 is snap-fitted with the movable member 12 by the force from the coil spring 162, and the movable member 12 is pressed so that the snap-fitting is released, thereby obtaining a small peak 341. In contrast, as the resistance mechanism 16, a snap-fitting portion and a coil spring disposed between the movable member 12 and the snap-fitting portion may also be provided. In this case, the snap-fitting portion is snap-fitted with the retaining portion 11 by the force from the coil spring, and the movable member 12 is pressed so that the snap-fitting is released, thereby obtaining a small peak 341. Of course, the resistance mechanism 16 may also be indirectly provided between the retaining portion 11 and the movable member 12.

[0234] As described above, the engagement structure of the resistance mechanism 16 can be modified in various ways. Fig.23 and Fig.33 In the case of, the engaging portion 125) is regarded as the first engaging portion, and the engaging portion ( Fig.23 and Fig.33 In the case where the engaging portion 161 is regarded as the second engaging portion, the second engaging portion moves relative to the first engaging portion due to the movement of the movable member 12. Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is pressed toward the retaining portion 11, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released, thereby generating a small peak 341 of load. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be separated at the first position 301, and when the movable member 12 is pressed, they are first engaged and then released, or they are already engaged at the first position 301. By utilizing the engagement between the engaging portions, the small peak 341 can be obtained with a simple structure.

[0235] Furthermore, the first engaging portion does not necessarily need to receive a force from an elastic body such as a spring, and the first engaging portion may engage with the second engaging portion by gravity or magnetic force, for example, when the movable member 12 is located at the position 321 .

[0236] In the case where the first engaging portion is subjected to a force from an elastomer, a leaf spring, a bendable portion of a resin, etc. can be used as an elastomer other than a coil spring. The elastomer can act by various techniques to exert a force for engaging the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion. Generally speaking, the elastomer is directly or indirectly fixed to one side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. The second engaging portion is directly or indirectly mounted on the elastomer, and the first engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other side of the movable component 12 and the retaining portion 11. Furthermore, when the movable component 12 is pressed in, the second engaging portion overcomes the force from the elastomer and moves, so that the engagement is released, thereby obtaining a small peak 341.

[0237] In the start switch 1, the small peak 341 can be obtained without using the engaging portion. For example, a rubber pad that is sharply depressed by being pressed in can be provided between the movable member 12 and the coil spring 121. The small peak 341 can also be obtained by passing one of a pair of magnets that repel or attract each other near the other.

[0238] Reference Figure 20 to Figure 45 The starter switch 1 described above can be modified in various ways.

[0239] In starter switch 1 , the number of contacts may be three or more.

[0240] Fig. 22 The characteristics of the starter switch 1 shown can be applied to starter switches of various structures. For example, it can also be applied to starter switches disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-35300 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-42606 as examples of existing documents. As disclosed in these documents, various structures can be adopted as the contact mechanism 20.

[0241] In the above-mentioned starter switch 1, the contact 13 is opened and closed by snap action, but in the starter switch 1, near the on-switching position 311, as the movable member 12 is pressed into the holding portion 11, the two terminals included in the contact 13 gradually approach and contact, so that the contact is in a closed state. In this case, by quickly moving from the small peak 341 to the second position 302, it is possible to suppress discharge when the contact 13 is in a closed state, thereby suppressing welding of the contact 13.

[0242] The operating unit provided with the start switch 1 is not limited to a teaching pendant, but can be used for various operating units such as an operating unit of heavy machinery such as a crane, an operating unit of a vehicle, and an operating unit of an electric wheelchair.

[0243] The configurations in the above-described embodiment and the various modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0244] Although the invention has been described in detail, the above description is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, various modifications and aspects are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0245] Possibility of Industrial Application

[0246] The present invention can be used as a start switch of an operation portion used for operating various operation objects such as an industrial robot, a crane, and a wheelchair.

[0247] Explanation of symbols

[0248] 1 Start switch

[0249] 11. Maintaining part

[0250] 12 Moving parts

[0251] 13 contacts (first contact and second contact)

[0252] 20 Contact mechanism

[0253] 125 snap-fit ​​part

[0254] 131 Upper terminal

[0255] 132 lower terminal

[0256] 161 snap-fit ​​part

[0257] 162 Coil spring (elastic body)

[0258] 261 Rotating parts

[0259] 262 Fixed sliding contact part

[0260] 263 Rotating sliding contact part

[0261] 264 recess

[0262] 301 First Position

[0263] 302 Second position

[0264] 303 Third position

[0265] 311 On-switch position (first on-switch position, second on-switch position)

[0266] 312 Cut-off switch position (first cut-off switch position, second cut-off switch position)

[0267] 323 (small peak) descent start position

[0268] 341 Xiaofeng

[0269] 343 Maximum Ascent

[0270] J1 Rotation axis

Claims

1. A start switch, provided on an operating unit, for permitting the operating unit to operate an operation object, the start switch being characterized in that: Maintaining Department; a movable member pressed toward the holding portion; Contacts; a contact mechanism that causes the state of the contact to shift from open to closed and then from closed to open as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion; a first engaging portion; as well as a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being relatively moved with respect to the first engaging portion by movement of the movable member, The position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is not pressed in is set as a first position, the position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is pressed in to the end is set as a third position, and the maximum rise start position where the load required for pressing in the movable member increases to the maximum due to the increase ratio of the load to the pressing amount between the first position and the third position is set as a second position, When the movable member is pressed in, the contact is shifted from open to closed in the on-switching position between the first position and the second position, and the contact is shifted from closed to open in the off-switching position between the second position and the third position. There is a small peak between the first position and the second position. At this small peak, the load first increases and then decreases when the movable member is pressed in. The on-switching position is located between the descending start position of the small peak and the second position, The maximum load of the small peak is greater than the load at the on-switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at the off-switching position, When the movable member is pushed toward the holding portion, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released at the small peak of the load.

2. The starting switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before the cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

3. The starting switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: As the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion near the on-switching position, two terminals included in the contact gradually approach and come into contact with each other, whereby the contact is brought into a closed state.

4. The starting switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a second contact point. The contact is a first contact, By the contact mechanism, as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion, the states of the first contact and the second contact change from open to closed, and then from closed to open. The on-switching position is a first on-switching position, the off-switching position is a first off-switching position, When the movable member is pressed in, the second contact is shifted from open to closed in a second on-switching position between the first position and the second position, and the second contact is shifted from closed to open in a second off-switching position between the second position and the third position, 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, The second switch-on position is located between the descending start position of the small peak and the second position. The maximum load of the small peak is greater than the load of the first on-switching position and the load of the second on-switching position, and is smaller than the load of the first off-switching position and the load of the second off-switching position.

5. The starting switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before reaching the second cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

6. The starting switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable member is a member that is long in the horizontal direction, and the movable member is pressed into the holding portion in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the movable member extends. The contact mechanism includes a rotating member, the rotating member can rotate around a rotating axis parallel to the direction in which the movable member extends and is long in the extending direction. The rotating member is directly or indirectly mounted to one of the movable member and the holding portion in a rotatable manner. By pressing the movable member, the rotating sliding contact portion and the fixed sliding contact portion are in sliding contact, and the rotating member rotates, whereby the movable member is pressed into the holding portion. The rotating sliding contact portion is located at both ends of the rotating member in the length direction, and the fixed sliding contact portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other of the movable member and the holding portion. The fixed sliding contact portion has the first engaging portion, and the rotating sliding contact portion is the second engaging portion.

7. The starting switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: An elastic body is further provided, the elastic body causing a force to act between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, When the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion, the second engaging portion moves against the force from the elastic body at the small peak of the load, so that the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released.

8. The start switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The maximum load of the small peak is smaller than the load at a position immediately before reaching the second cutoff switching position, and the maximum load of the small peak is larger than the load at the second position.

9. The starting switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic body is directly or indirectly fixed to one of the movable member and the holding portion. The second engaging portion is directly or indirectly mounted on the elastic body. The first engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the other of the movable member and the holding portion.

10. The starting switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The small peaks rise approximately vertically.

11. The starting switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The maximum load position of the small peak is closer to the first position than a middle position between the first position and the second position.

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