Safety switch and gated device

Abstract

A safety switch capable of improving visibility of display of a detection result of an anomaly detected by the safety switch is provided. The safety switch (200) includes a sensor body (210) and an actuator (250). The sensor body (210) includes a detection unit that detects the actuator (250) when the actuator (250) is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the sensor body (210), and a light projection unit configured to project light in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit. The actuator (250) includes a light emission unit configured to emit visible light in response to receiving the light projected by the light projection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to safety switches and devices with doors. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, safety switches are known to be attached to the front door of a machine tool or machine tool, the door portion of a safety fence surrounding an industrial robot, etc., and to detect the opening and closing of the door. In such safety switches, a dedicated actuator attached to the door (movable side) approaches the sensor body by closing the door, and transmits a signal when a detection element in the body detects the approach. It is well known in the prior art that in safety switches including a sensor body and an actuator, the sensor body includes a display unit that detects the opening and closing of the door and displays the open and closed status of the door (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2019-139877 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The safety switches in the prior art have room for improvement in displaying the detection results of anomalies detected by the safety switch (e.g., the open and closed states of the door).

[0008] This disclosure provides a safety switch and a device with a door that improves the visibility of the detection results of anomalies detected by the safety switch.

[0009] Problem-solving methods

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is a safety switch comprising a sensor body and an actuator. The sensor body includes a detection unit and a light projection unit. The detection unit is configured to detect the actuator when the actuator is positioned at a predetermined location relative to the sensor body. The light projection unit is configured to project light based on the detection result of the detection unit. The actuator includes a light emitting unit configured to emit visible light in response to receiving light projected by the light projection unit.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is a device with a door, the device with a door including a door and a safety switch described above, the door including a fixed frame, a movable frame and a door body, the sensor body of the safety switch being disposed on the fixed frame, and the actuator of the safety switch being disposed on the movable frame.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0013] According to this disclosure, the visibility of the detection results of anomalies detected by safety switches can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a device with a door.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of the construction of a door.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view showing an example of the sensor body of a safety switch.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a rear perspective view showing an example of the sensor body.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an illustration showing an example of a substrate on which electronic components are mounted within a sensor body.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view showing an example of an actuator for a safety switch.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view showing an example of an actuator.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an actuator.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a light-transmitting component of an actuator.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of light reflection in the light-emitting unit of the light-transmitting component of the actuator.

[0024] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing the door closure detection and the display of the closure detection results.

[0025] Figure 11B This is a diagram showing the door opening detection and the display of the opening detection results.

[0026] Figure 12A This is a diagram showing an example of a closing detection result obtained by a safety switch installed in a door.

[0027] Figure 12B This is a diagram showing an example of an opening detection result obtained by a safety switch installed in a door.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the extended options for the actuator.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of a modified construction of a safety switch. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, well-known things or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This avoids unnecessary redundancy in the following specification and facilitates understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described within the scope of the claims.

[0031] (Description of the content of the example)

[0032] The sensor body and actuator of the safety switch are attached to the door frame (e.g., an aluminum frame). In this case, the sensor body and actuator are typically attached to the rear surface of the door frame. This is because when the sensor body and actuator are attached to the front surface, objects can collide with and damage them, people can come into contact with and be injured, or the appearance around the safety switch will deteriorate. Furthermore, it is difficult to inspect the display unit of the sensor body attached to the rear surface of the door frame from the outside of the door, resulting in insufficient visibility. Specifically, when viewed from the front of the door, the display unit is obstructed by the door frame and difficult to inspect; even when viewed from a position other than the front of the door, it is difficult to visually identify the display unit from the angle range obstructed by the frame, and the visible range is limited.

[0033] The following section describes safety switches and door-mounted devices that can improve the visibility of anomaly detection results.

[0034] (Example)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example construction of a door-equipped device 10 according to an embodiment. The door-equipped device 10 includes one or more doors 100 and one or more safety switches 200. Doors 100 may broadly include those involving doors such as openings and gates, and may include windows. The door-equipped device 10 (e.g., manufacturing equipment and, for example, the manufacturing equipment body) is housed inside the door-equipped device 10.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of the construction of a door 100. Each door 100 includes a fixed frame 111, a movable frame 112, and a door body 113.

[0037] The fixed frame 111 is connected to a component (housing, etc.) that covers the outer periphery of the device 10 equipped with a door. The fixed frame 111 is, for example, an aluminum frame, but may also be a frame made of other materials. The fixed frame 111 does not have a translucent portion.

[0038] The movable frame 112 is movable relative to the fixed frame 111. As a result, the door 100 can be opened and closed. The movable frame 112 is, for example, an aluminum frame, but can also be a frame made of other materials. The movable frame 112 does not have a translucent portion.

[0039] In the door body 113, the periphery of the door body 113 is surrounded by a movable frame 112. The door body 113 is constructed of, for example, a light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member may be made of, for example, transparent plastic or glass, and the same applies to the following description of the light-transmitting member.

[0040] It should be noted that the methods for opening and closing door 100 may include hinged door methods, sliding door methods, folding door methods, bellows methods, double door methods, gull wing methods, etc.

[0041] Safety switch 200 functions as a door sensor to detect the open and closed state of door 100. Safety switch 200 includes a sensor body 210 and an actuator 250. Sensor body 210 is mounted on fixed frame 111, located inside the device 10 with the door. Actuator 250 is mounted on movable frame 112, also located inside the device 10 with the door. Therefore, when viewed from the outside by an inspector (who is inspecting the device 10 with the door), safety switch 200 appears to be located on the rear surface of both fixed frame 111 and movable frame 112.

[0042] The sensor body 210 detects the state of the door (e.g., open and closed) and projects light based on the detection result. For example, the sensor body 210 projects the detection result to the actuator 250. The actuator 250 receives the projected light and emits visible light based on the light. The light emitted from the actuator 250 can be visually identified from the outside of the device 10 with the door through the door body 113, which is made of a light-transmitting member.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view (perspective view seen from the positive direction side in the z direction) showing an example of the sensor body 210. Figure 4 This is a rear perspective view (perspective view seen from the negative z-direction side) showing an example of the sensor body 210. Figure 5 This is an illustration showing an example of a substrate on which electronic components are mounted in a sensor body 210.

[0044] It should be noted that the x, y, and z directions are shown in the accompanying drawings as needed. In this embodiment, the z direction is the arrangement direction of the sensor body 210 and the actuator 250. The sensor body 210 is located on the positive side along the z direction, and the actuator 250 is located on the negative side along the z direction. The y direction is the arrangement direction of the fixed frame 111 and the sensor body 210 or the arrangement direction of the movable frame 112 and the actuator 250. The x direction is, for example, the extension direction of the fixed frame 111 (in which the sensor body 210 is disposed) or the extension direction of the movable frame 112 (in which the actuator 250 is disposed).

[0045] The sensor body 210 includes a processor 211, a coil 212, a first light source 213, a first light projection port 214, a second light source 215, a second light projection port 216, a substrate 217, a housing 218, and a cable 219. The housing 218 includes a cover 218a and a shell 218b, and houses the substrate 217. Electronic components included in the sensor body 210 are mounted on the substrate 217. The electronic components may include the processor 211, the coil 212, the first light source 213, and the second light source 215.

[0046] The processor 211 works in conjunction with the memory included in the sensor body 210 to perform various functions. The processor 211 may include a microprocessor (MPU) / central processing unit (CPU) / digital processor (DSP), etc. The processor 211 controls the overall operation of the sensor body 210.

[0047] Coil 212 receives power from an external source via cable 219 and transmits the power to an external device via a wireless power transmission device. The wireless power transmission device may be, for example, an electromagnetic induction system or a magnetic resonance system. Upon receiving a predetermined signal from the external device, coil 212 notifies processor 211 that the predetermined signal has been received. The external device is, for example, actuator 250, and more specifically, RFID tag 280 of actuator 250 (described later). Coil 212 detects an off state (in an example without anomalies) by receiving the predetermined signal and an on state (in an example with anomalies) by not receiving the predetermined signal.

[0048] The first light source 213 operates as an indicator light to display the result of an anomaly detection of the door 100 detected by the safety switch 200. One or more first light sources 213 may exist, and... Figure 5 Three first light sources 213 are provided. The first light sources 213 project light (display) depending on whether they receive the predetermined signal from the actuator 250 under the control of the processor 211. The first light sources 213 can display in various display modes. The display modes can be displaying colors, displaying patterns, light intensity, etc.

[0049] Multiple first light sources 213 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the arrangement position of coil 212. For example, in Figure 5 In this arrangement, the three first light sources 213 are arranged linearly symmetrically along the z-direction with respect to the center line cc of the coil 212. Therefore, the sensor body 210 can emit light symmetrically (e.g., linearly symmetrically) from the position of the first light sources 213 relative to the coil 212 (as a reference position). Thus, the light emitted by the actuator 250 based on the light from the sensor body 210 is also symmetrical with respect to the reference position. Furthermore, since the multiple first light sources 213 are arranged along the longitudinal direction facing the actuator's surface, the area of ​​light from the light projection source (from which light is transmitted to the actuator 250) can be expanded. Therefore, the visibility of the safety switch 200 is improved.

[0050] Light from the first light source 213 is projected, for example, by being transmitted through a first light projection port 214. The first light projection port 214 is constructed of a light-transmitting member. The light projection direction of the first light projection port 214 is the direction in which the actuator 250 attached to the door 100 exists or follows when the door 100 is in the closed state. It should be noted that the first light projection port 214 may be constructed by replacing the light-transmitting member with a reflective cylinder or the like.

[0051] The second light source 215 operates as an indicator light to display the result of an anomaly detection of the door 100 detected by the safety switch 200. One or more second light sources 215 may exist, and... Figure 5 A second light source 215 is provided. The second light source 215 projects light (displays) depending on whether it receives the predetermined signal from the actuator 250 under the control of the processor 211. The second light source 215 can display in various display modes.

[0052] Light from the second light source 215 is projected, for example, by being transmitted through a second light projection port 216. The second light projection port 216 is constructed of a light-transmitting member. The light projection direction of the second light projection port 216 is a different direction from the direction followed by the actuator 250 attached to the door 100 when the door 100 is in the closed state, and is, for example, opposite to the direction followed by the actuator 250. It should be noted that the second light projection port 216 may be constructed using a reflective cylinder or the like instead of the light-transmitting member.

[0053] Various wiring, such as power supply lines and signal lines, are stored in cable 219. The signal lines may include, for example, a signal line through which another safety switch 200 transmits the anomaly detection result. Cable 219 supplies power to at least a portion of the electronic components on substrate 217. Therefore, in the actuator 250 located in the movable part, a power source for generating light is unnecessary, and the movable part can remain easily moved. It should be noted that the wiring from cable 219 to each electronic component is omitted from the illustration.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view (perspective view seen from the positive direction side in the z direction) showing an example of actuator 250. Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view (perspective view seen from the negative z-direction side) showing an example of actuator 250. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of actuator 250. Figure 9 This is a view of the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250 when viewed from the side of the light guiding unit 272 (the positive direction side along the y direction).

[0055] Actuator 250 includes housing 260, light-transmitting component 270, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 280. Light-transmitting component 270 includes a light receiving unit 271, a light guiding unit 272, and a light emitting unit 273. Light-transmitting component 270 may be made of, for example, transparent plastic or glass. Light-transmitting component 270 receives light from sensor body 210 and emits visible light.

[0056] When the door 100 is closed, the light receiving unit 271 faces the first light projection port 214 of the sensor body 210. The light receiving unit 271 receives light from the first light projection port 214 of the sensor body 210 and directs the light into the actuator 250. The light receiving unit 271 projects light from the surface of the housing 260 facing the sensor body 210 toward the sensor body 210. In this situation, the light receiving unit 271 readily captures light from the sensor body 210 into the light-transmitting member 270.

[0057] The light guiding unit 272 guides the light from the sensor body 210 from the light receiving unit 271 toward the light emitting unit 273. The light guiding unit 272 may have, for example... Figure 9 The linear light guiding path shown may also have a light guiding path of another shape. Multiple light guiding units 272 may be provided. When multiple light guiding units 272 are present, the light guiding units 272 may be provided to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0058] The light guiding unit 272 includes a first portion 272a formed by a part of the light-transmitting member 270, and a second portion 272b serving as a space in which there is no light-transmitting member 270. In FIG. 9, two light guiding units 272 are provided, and in each light guiding unit 272, the second portion 272b is formed between the two first portions 272a. Both the first portions 272a and the second portion 272b facilitate guiding light from the light receiving unit 271 to the light emitting unit 273.

[0059] The light emitting unit 273 emits light based on light guided by the light guiding unit 272. The light emitting unit 273 displays the anomaly detection result of the gate 100 by emitting light. For example, the light emitting unit 273 emits light guided by the light guiding unit 272 to the outside. The light emitting unit 273 is capable of emitting, reflecting, and diffusing light. The light emitting unit 273 has an outer peripheral surface 273a and an inner peripheral surface 273b. The outer peripheral surface 273a is located outside the inner peripheral surface 273b. Both the outer peripheral surface 273a and the inner peripheral surface 273b face the outside of the actuator and are located on the non-facing side (negative direction side along the z-direction) that does not face the sensor body 210.

[0060] The diameter of the outer peripheral surface 273a decreases from the facing side (positive z-direction side) towards the non-facing side (negative z-direction side) of the sensor body 210. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface 273a can scatter or diffuse the light guided by the light guiding unit 272 through refraction or the like. Thus, an inspector can easily see the light from the actuator 250 from various angles.

[0061] The diameter of the outer peripheral surface 273a decreases from the facing side (positive z-direction side) towards the non-facing side (negative z-direction side) of the sensor body 210. Therefore, due to refraction, etc., the inner peripheral surface 273b tends to deflect along the centerline c1 of the actuator 250 (see...). Figure 9 The light is diffused in the direction guided by the light guiding unit 272. Therefore, the intensity of the collected light is improved, and the light can be transmitted over a longer distance along the centerline of the actuator 250. Thus, the light from the actuator 250 can be easily seen by an inspector.

[0062] Additionally, the light emitting unit 273 may have optical transparency, optical reflectivity, or both. With both optical transparency and optical reflectivity, a portion of the light can be transmitted and other portions can be reflected. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the reflection of the light in the light emitting unit 273. Figure 10In this process, the light traveling through the light guiding unit 272 is reflected by the inner peripheral surface 273b, and the direction of travel of the light is changed to direction L1. It should be noted that it is sufficient for the light emitting unit 273 to at least emit the light to the outside, and the shapes of the outer peripheral surface 273a and the inner peripheral surface 273b are not limited to those described above.

[0063] Furthermore, the light emitting unit 273 can project light onto the outside from the end surface of the housing 260 on the side opposite to the end surface facing the sensor body 210 (the negative side along the z-direction). Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 273 is more easily diffused.

[0064] An RFID tag 280 is positioned within range of the coil 212 of the sensor body 210 when the door 100 is closed. The RFID tag 280 is positioned, for example, on the side of the light-receiving unit 271 of the light-transmitting member 270. The RFID tag 280 can be positioned between the two light-guiding units 272 of the light-transmitting member 270. The RFID tag 280 transmits a predetermined signal. The RFID tag 280 is, for example, a passive tag and operates by receiving a power supply from an external source. For example, the RFID tag 280 receives a power supply from the sensor body 210 via the coil 212 and transmits the predetermined signal to the sensor body 210. It should be noted that the predetermined signal includes at least ID information.

[0065] The housing 260 includes the interior of the actuator 250. The housing 260 includes a first housing 261 and a second housing 262. The first housing 261 surrounds the upper side (positive y-direction side) of the light-transmitting member 270 and, together with the second housing 262, surrounds the left and right sides (both sides in the x-direction) of the light-transmitting member 270. The second housing 262 surrounds the lower side (negative y-direction side) of the light-transmitting member 270 and, together with the first housing 261, surrounds the left and right sides (both sides in the x-direction) of the light-transmitting member 270. The housing 260 does not surround the light-receiving unit 271 and the light-emitting unit 273, and light can pass through the light-receiving unit 271 and the light-emitting unit 273. The housing 260 may be constructed of a non-opaque member. The non-opaque member may be, for example, an opaque plastic or rubber material. Since the housing 260 is made of the non-transparent component, for example, the light can be prevented from leaking and attenuating from the light guiding unit 272, and the light intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 273 can be maintained.

[0066] The manufacturing equipment will now be described.

[0067] The manufacturing equipment, as the door-equipped device 10, is equipment for manufacturing various products (e.g., electrical, mechanical, and chemical substances). The manufacturing equipment or the product is not limited, and is, for example, any manufacturing equipment or product to be processed. The manufacturing equipment can be operated according to the state of the safety switch 200. For example, the manufacturing equipment may be operable when the safety switch 200 detects that all doors 100 are closed, and may be inoperable when the safety switch 200 detects that at least one door 100 is open. Therefore, the door-equipped device 10 can be kept in a safe state relative to the manufacturing equipment or the product.

[0068] The operation of the manufacturing equipment can be enabled or disabled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) based on the state of the safety switch 200. The PLC is connected between the safety switch 200 and the main body of the manufacturing equipment. The PLC processor can enable the operation of the manufacturing equipment when the safety switch 200 detects that all doors 100 are closed, and can disable the operation of the manufacturing equipment when the safety switch 200 detects that at least one door 100 is open.

[0069] Next, the opening and closing detection of door 100 and the display of the opening and closing detection results will be described.

[0070] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram showing the opening and closing detection of door 100 and the display of the opening and closing detection results. Figure 11A The closing detection of door 100 and the display of the closing detection results are shown. Figure 11B The display shows the opening detection of door 100 and the result of the opening detection.

[0071] When actuator 250 is positioned relative to sensor body 210 at a predetermined location, sensor body 210 detects actuator 250. Specifically, when the RFID tag 280 of actuator 250 is within range of wireless power transmission from coil 212 of sensor body 210, sensor body 210 supplies power to actuator 250, and actuator 250 transmits a predetermined signal to sensor body 210. When coil 212 detects that it has received the predetermined signal from actuator 250, coil 212 detects actuator 250 and notifies processor 211. Upon receiving this notification, processor 211 identifies actuator 250.

[0072] When the sensor body 210 detects the actuator 250, the processor 211 determines that the movable frame 112 on which the actuator 250 is mounted faces the fixed frame 111 on which the sensor body 210 is mounted in a predetermined state, and the door 100 is in a closed state. When the sensor body 210 does not detect the actuator 250, it determines that the movable frame 112 on which the actuator 250 is mounted is not facing the fixed frame 111 on which the sensor body 210 is mounted in a predetermined state, and the door 100 is in an open state.

[0073] When the sensor body 210 detects the actuator 250, that is, when the door 100 is closed, the first light source 213 and the second light source 215 are displayed in a first display mode under the control of the processor 211. When the sensor body 210 detects the actuator 250, that is, when the door 100 is open, the first light source 213 and the second light source 215 are displayed in a second display mode under the control of the processor 211. The first display mode and the second display mode are different from each other. For example, the first display mode can be displayed by projecting green light or flashing, and the second display mode can be displayed by projecting red light or emitting light. The actuator 250 receives light from the sensor body 210 and emits light while maintaining the display mode, thereby displaying the opening and closing detection results of the door 100.

[0074] It should be noted that the detection of the opening and closing of door 100 can be the detection of the opening and closing state of door 100 (its own door) that is equipped with safety switch 200 (its own switch), or it can be the detection of the opening and closing state of another door 100 (another door) that is equipped with another safety switch (another switch), rather than the detection of the opening and closing state of its own door. In this case, the first light source 213 and the second light source 215 can be displayed based on the opening and closing detection results of their own doors, or they can be displayed based on the opening and closing detection results of another door instead of the opening and closing detection results of their own doors.

[0075] Next, a display example of obtaining the opening and closing detection results of door 100 by means of actuator 250 set in door 100 will be described.

[0076] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram showing an example of a display of the opening and closing detection results of the door 100 obtained by the actuator 250 provided in the door 100. Figure 12A This shows an example of displaying the detection results when they are turned off. Figure 12B This shows an example of displaying the detection results. Here, the direction downwards in the vertical direction is also called "down," and the direction upwards in the vertical direction is also called "up."

[0077] exist Figure 12A and Figure 12B In this design, the sensor body 210 is mounted on a fixed frame 111, such that the first light projection port 214 of the sensor body 210 is located at the lower side in the vertical direction (located on the negative direction side where the actuator 250 is mounted in the z-direction). Furthermore, the actuator 250 is mounted on a movable frame 112, such that the light receiving unit 271 of the actuator 250 is located at the upper side in the vertical direction (located on the positive direction side where the sensor body 210 is mounted in the z-direction), and the light emitting unit 273 is located at the lower side in the vertical direction (located on the negative direction side in the z-direction, the negative direction side being the side opposite to the side where the sensor body 210 is mounted). Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the process, at least a portion of the light emitting unit 273 of the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250 is projected downwards onto the lower end portion of the movable frame 112.

[0078] like Figure 12A As shown, when the door 100 is in the closed state, the movable frame 112 is present near the fixed frame 111. Therefore, light projected by the sensor body 210 attached to the fixed frame 111 is blocked by the movable frame 112. Consequently, the light projected by the sensor body 210 cannot be inspected from the outside of the device 10 with the door. However, the actuator 250 can introduce light projected from the sensor body 210, and the actuator 250 emits light. The light emitted from the actuator 250 attached to the movable frame 112 is diffused along the direction of the door body 113 and can be visually identified from the outside of the device 10 with the door through the light-transmitting member that is the door body 113. The display mode when the door 100 is in the closed state can be display mode D1.

[0079] When the door 100 is in the open state, the movable frame 112 is not present near the fixed frame 111. Therefore, the light projected by the sensor body 210 attached to the fixed frame 111 can be diffused without being blocked by the movable frame 112. Thus, even when the actuator 250 is not emitting light, the light projected by the sensor body 210 can be visually recognized from the outside of the device 10 with the door. The display mode when the door 100 is in the open state can be display mode D1.

[0080] In practice, when the sensor body 210 and the actuator 250 are substantially separated from each other in a state where the door 100 is not in a semi-closed state but substantially open, and the actuator 250 cannot introduce light projected from the sensor body 210, the actuator 250 does not emit light. In this case, the light transmitted through the sensor body 210 can be visually identified.

[0081] On the other hand, such as Figure 12B As shown, when the door 100 is in the open state but not as open as in the half-closed state and the actuator 250 can introduce a portion of the light projected from the sensor body 210, the actuator 250 emits light. In this case, at least the light emitted by the actuator 250 can be visually identified, and the light projected by the sensor body 210 can also be visually identified.

[0082] It should be noted that, here, the safety switch 200 is vertically positioned at the upper part of the door 100, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the sensor body 210 is disposed in the upper frame body of the fixed frame 111, and the actuator 250 is disposed in the upper frame body of the movable frame 112, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] For example, the safety switch 200 can be located at the side end of the door 100. That is, the sensor body 210 can be located within the frame body of the side portion of the fixed frame 111, and the actuator 250 can be located within the frame body of the side portion of the movable frame 112. In this case, the sensor body 210 is mounted on the fixed frame 111 such that its first light projection port 214 faces the actuator 250. Furthermore, the actuator 250 is mounted on the movable frame 112 such that its light receiving unit 271 faces the sensor body 210.

[0084] Next, we will describe the extended options for actuator 250. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the extended options of actuator 250.

[0085] For example, when the thickness (e.g., length in the vertical direction) of the fixed frame 111 or the movable frame 112 is large (e.g., long), it is difficult to inspect the light emitting unit 273 of the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250 or the emitted light. In response to this, the actuator 250 can be extended sufficiently to increase the light guiding distance of the actuator 250. Specifically, an extension member 290, which can be attached to and detached from the actuator 250, can be attached to the actuator 250. The extension member 290 guides and emits the light emitted by the actuator 250.

[0086] The extension member 290 includes at least a light-transmitting member. The extension member 290 may include components similar to those of the actuator 250 and may include a housing and a light-transmitting member. The housing and light-transmitting member of the extension member 290 may have the same shape as the housing 260 and light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250. In this case, the extension member 290 is easily formed. The light-guiding unit of the light-transmitting member of the extension member 290 may be longer than the light-guiding unit 272 of the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250. In this case, the light-guiding distance obtained by the extension member 290 can be increased. Additionally, the light-receiving unit of the light-transmitting member of the extension member 290 may be formed to engage with the shape of the distal end (the distal end located on the negative side along the z-direction) of the light-emitting unit 273 of the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250 along the emission direction. In this case, the actuator 250 and the extension member 290 can be easily attached and detached, and are easily integrated. Figure 13 The diagram shows a state in which light guided through the actuator 250 and the extension member 290 is emitted from the light-emitting unit 293 of the light-transmitting member of the extension member 290.

[0087] In this way, the extension member 290 can efficiently receive, guide, and emit light emitted from the actuator 250 to the extension member 290. Therefore, even when an inspector inspecting the actuator 250 from the outside of the door-equipped device 10 detects light from the extension member 290, the inspector can easily inspect the light. Thus, the light can be easily inspected based on the actuator's light, regardless of the thickness of the fixed frame 111 or the movable frame 112.

[0088] (Variant Example)

[0089] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variant construction example of the safety switch 200.

[0090] In the safety switch 200, the first light source 213 may not be housed within the housing 218 of the sensor body 210, and the first light source 213A may be housed outside the housing 218. In this case, with the light-transmitting member 270 located within the housing 260 of the actuator 250, light can be guided from outside the housing 260 toward the side opposite to the sensor body 210, and the light can be emitted by the light-emitting unit 273A. Even in this case, the actuator 250 can emit light based on the light from the sensor body 210. It should be noted that the light-emitting unit 273A does not need to be a light-transmitting member, as long as it can emit light by receiving light from the sensor body 210.

[0091] It should be noted that, as described above, when the first light source 213 is disposed within the housing 218 of the sensor body 210 and the light-transmitting member 270 is disposed within the housing 260 of the actuator 250 to emit light from the sensor body 210 from the light emitting unit 273, the light can be emitted from inside the actuator 250. Therefore, it is not necessary to place the first light source 213A outside the housing 218 of the sensor body 210 to pass through the outer side of the housing 260 of the actuator 250. Thus, the size of the sensor body 210 is reduced, and consequently, the size of the entire safety switch 200 is reduced. This is also effective when there is insufficient space to place the first light source 213A outside the housing 218 of the sensor body 210.

[0092] As described above, according to the safety switch 200, the sensor body 210 can project light from the light projection unit towards the actuator 250 through the first light projection port 214. The actuator 250 can also emit light outward from the safety switch 200 based on the light from the sensor body 210. Therefore, even when the safety switch 200 is positioned on the rear surface of the fixed frame 111 and the movable frame 112 and the light from the sensor body 210 cannot be seen by the inspector, the display of the detection result can be visually identified from outside the device 10 with doors via the actuator 250. This is because, for example, the actuator 250 is positioned vertically below the sensor body 210 and is easily projected from the rear surface of the frame. Additionally, for example, even when there are a large number of doors 100, it is easy to determine which door 100 is abnormal (e.g., door 100 is open) by checking the light from the actuator 250.

[0093] Although door 100 would normally advantageously display the open state as an anomaly, as described below, door 100 can also advantageously display the closed state (safe state).

[0094] When door 100 is closed, for example, when the display indicating the closed state of door 100 is not executed (closed), the inspector cannot determine whether the display is not executed because door 100 is closed or because safety switch 200 is malfunctioning. If the inspector does not immediately know that the display is not executed due to the malfunction when the display is not executed due to the malfunction, the inspector recognizes that safety switch 200 is malfunctioning, meaning that the safety switch is not working. Therefore, even when door 100 is closed, the display indicating that door 100 is closed is not executed, and the display is visually identifiable to the inspector, thereby maintaining a state where the function of the safety switch can be confirmed. As described above, even when door 100 is closed, safety switch 200 can distinguish the closed state of door 100 from the malfunction to notify the inspector because the malfunction display can be visually identified from a wider range.

[0095] While various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should also be understood that such changes and modifications fall within the technical scope of the invention. Furthermore, the respective components in the embodiments described above can be optionally combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096] The embodiments described above depict a manufacturing equipment body surrounded by a door 100 in a device 10 equipped with a door, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a storage cabinet or locker (e.g., a delivery locker) may be used instead of the manufacturing equipment body. Additionally, the door 100 may only enclose a predetermined space. That is, the device 10 equipped with a door may only separate the space.

[0097] In the embodiments described above, in Figure 1 In this invention, multiple doors 100 are provided to surround the main body of the manufacturing equipment. The equipment 10 with doors is formed into a rectangular shape in the plan view, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple doors 100 may be arranged in one direction, and the equipment 10 with doors may be formed into a linear shape.

[0098] In the embodiments described above, the light emitting units 273 and 293 may have shapes such as prism, corrugated, spherical, or planar. The light emitting units 273 and 293 may be made of frosted glass or the like.

[0099] In the embodiments described above, the processor can be configured on the physical surface in any manner. When a programmable processor is used, the processing content can be changed by altering the program, thus increasing the degree of freedom in processor design. The processor can be configured from a single semiconductor chip or from multiple semiconductor chips on the physical surface. When the processor is configured from multiple semiconductor chips, the control described in the embodiments above can be implemented by different semiconductor chips. In this case, it can be considered that one processor is configured from multiple semiconductor chips. The processor can be configured from semiconductor chips and components (such as capacitors) with different functions. One semiconductor chip can be configured to implement one function of the processor and another function. Multiple processors can be implemented from a single processor.

[0100] As described above, in the embodiments described above, the safety switch 200 includes a sensor body 210 and an actuator 250. When the actuator 250 is positioned relative to the sensor body 210 at a predetermined location, the sensor body 210 includes a detection unit (e.g., coil 212) for detecting the actuator 250 and a light projection unit (e.g., first light source 213) for projecting light based on the detection result of the detection unit. The actuator 250 includes light emitting units 273 and 273A that emit visible light in response to receiving light projected by the light projection unit.

[0101] Therefore, in the safety switch 200, the sensor body 210 can project light from the light projection unit toward the actuator 250. The actuator 250 can also emit light outward from the safety switch 200 based on the light from the sensor body 210. Therefore, even when the safety switch 200 is mounted on the rear surface of the fixed frame 111 and the movable frame 112, the inspector can visually identify the display of the detection results obtained by the safety switch 200 from the front surface of the door 100 (outside the device 10 with the door) through the actuator 250. Therefore, the safety switch 200 can improve the visibility of the display of the detection results of anomalies detected by the safety switch 200.

[0102] Since the actuator 250 emits light based on light from the sensor body 210, the light source does not need to be located on the actuator 250 side, and therefore no power supply line needs to be connected to the actuator 250. Therefore, the actuator 250 can be easily set up even when it is attached to the movable frame 112.

[0103] The light projection unit can project light through the facing surface of the actuator 250 (e.g., the surface of the first light projection port 214).

[0104] Therefore, the safety switch 200 can expand the area of ​​light from the light source by projecting light toward the facing surface of the actuator via the light projection unit. For example, instead of placing the light source outside the housing 218 of the sensor body 210, a plurality of first light sources 213 are arranged to correspond to the facing surface, and thus the area of ​​light from the light source can be expanded. In addition, since the light projection unit projects light via the facing surface of the actuator, light from the sensor body 210 can be transmitted to the actuator 250 with high efficiency, and the display efficiency is improved. Therefore, the visibility of the safety switch 200 is improved.

[0105] In addition, the light projection unit can project visible light. The light emitting unit 273 can be composed of a light-transmitting member 270.

[0106] Therefore, the actuator 250 can emit light in a simple configuration. Since the light is transmitted through the light-transmitting member 270 of the actuator 250, for example, there is no need to provide a configuration for guiding light from the sensor body 210 to the outside of the housing 260 of the actuator 250, which will result in the miniaturization of the actuator 250.

[0107] The light emitting unit 273 may have an outer peripheral surface 273a and an inner peripheral surface 273b. The outer peripheral surface 273a may face the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side, which is the side opposite to the sensor body 210, from the outer side of the inner peripheral surface 273b. The inner surface of the outer peripheral surface 273a may face the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side. The diameter of the outer peripheral surface 273a may decrease from the facing side facing the sensor body 210 toward the non-facing side.

[0108] Therefore, when the actuator 250 receives light from the sensor body 210 and emits light toward the side opposite to the sensor body 210, the actuator 250 can expand and diffuse the range along the direction in which the light travels due to refraction on the outer peripheral surface 273a, etc. Thus, the range of light emitted from the actuator 250 that can be visually recognized is broadened, and an inspector can easily see the light from the actuator 250 from various angles.

[0109] The light emitting unit 273 may have an outer peripheral surface 273a and an inner peripheral surface 273b. The outer peripheral surface 273a may face the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side, which is the side opposite to the sensor body 210, from the outer side of the inner peripheral surface 273b. The inner surface of the outer peripheral surface 273a may face the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 273b may increase from the facing side facing the sensor body 210 toward the non-facing side.

[0110] Therefore, when the actuator 250 receives light from the sensor body 210 and emits light towards the side opposite to the sensor body 210, the light is easily diffused along the direction of the center line c1 of the actuator 250 due to refraction on the inner peripheral surface 273b, etc. Thus, the intensity of the scattered light is improved, and the scattered light can be transmitted over a long distance along the direction of the center line c1 of the actuator 250. Therefore, the light from the actuator 250 can be easily seen by an inspector.

[0111] The actuator 250 may include a light guiding unit 272 and a non-transparent component (e.g., housing 260), the light guiding unit 272 being formed by the transparent component 270 and guiding light from the sensor body 210 to the light emitting unit 273, the non-transparent component surrounding the outer perimeter of the light guiding unit 272.

[0112] Therefore, actuator 250 can prevent light from the light projection unit from leaking out of the actuator through the light-transmitting member 270 inside the actuator. Therefore, actuator 250 can prevent the attenuation of light emitted by light emitting unit 273 and can improve the visibility of light from the actuator.

[0113] The light projection unit may include multiple indicator lights. The actuator 250 may include a wireless transmission unit (e.g., an RFID tag 280) facing the sensor body 210 and transmitting predetermined signals. The detection unit may be configured to face the wireless transmission unit and receive predetermined signals. Within the sensor body 210, the multiple indicator lights may be positioned symmetrically relative to the detection unit.

[0114] Therefore, in the sensor body 210, since multiple indicator lights are arranged symmetrically relative to the detection unit, the light projected by the light projection unit can be uniformly transmitted to the actuator 250. Thus, the actuator 250 can uniformly emit light and symmetrically project the light outside the actuator. Therefore, an inspector can easily see the light emitted from the actuator 250.

[0115] The light emitting unit 273 may include a reflective surface (e.g., an inner peripheral surface 273b) and an emitting surface (e.g., an outer peripheral surface 273a). On the reflective surface, light from the light projection unit is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction (e.g., the z-direction) of the sensor body 210 and the actuator 250. On the emitting surface, light reflected by the reflective surface is emitted outside the actuator.

[0116] Therefore, actuator 250 can use the reflection to change the direction of light from sensor body 210 and diffuse the light over a wider range. Thus, an inspector can visually identify light from a wider range.

[0117] The end portion of the light emitting unit 273 located on the side opposite to the sensor body 210 can protrude from the end portion of the non-transparent member located on the side opposite to the sensor body 210.

[0118] Therefore, since the light emitting unit 273 is present in a way that protrudes from a non-transparent component (e.g., housing 260), for example, an inspector can easily see the door 100 from the front, even when the actuator is set on the rear surface of the movable frame 112.

[0119] The safety switch 200 may also include an extension member 290 that is attachable to and detachable from the actuator 250. The extension member 290 may guide and emit light emitted by the actuator 250.

[0120] Therefore, the extension member 290 can extend the transmission distance of the light emitted by the actuator 250. Thus, for example, even when the actuator 250 is mounted on a movable frame 112 that is longer along the arrangement direction (z-direction) of the actuator 250 and the sensor body 210, or when the sensor body 210 is mounted on a fixed frame 111 that is longer along that direction, an inspector can easily visually identify the light emitted by the actuator 250.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the device 10 equipped with a door includes a door 100 and a safety switch 200. The door 100 includes a fixed frame 111, a movable frame 112, and a door body 113. The sensor body 210 of the safety switch 200 is disposed on the fixed frame 111. The actuator 250 of the safety switch 200 is disposed on the movable frame 112.

[0122] Therefore, even when the sensor body 210 and actuator 250 are mounted on the rear surfaces of the fixed frame 111 and the movable frame 112, the door-mounted device 10 allows the display of the detection results obtained by the safety switch 200 to be visually recognized from the front surface of the door 100 (outside the door-mounted device 10) via the actuator 250. Thus, the door-mounted device 10 can improve the visibility of the display of detection results for anomalies detected by the door-mounted device 10.

[0123] Additionally, at least a portion of the light emitting unit 273 of the actuator 250 may be configured to protrude from the end portion of the movable frame 112 located on the side opposite to the fixed frame 111.

[0124] Therefore, even when the actuator 250 is disposed on the rear surface of the movable frame 112, the door-equipped device 10 can reliably inspect the light emission position in the actuator 250 from the front surface side of the door-equipped device 10.

[0125] Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0126] This disclosure is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-010407, filed on January 24, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] Industrial applicability

[0128] This disclosure is applicable to safety switches, devices with doors, etc., and can improve the visibility of the detection results of anomalies detected by safety switches.

[0129] List of reference numerals

[0130] 10 Equipment with doors

[0131] 100 doors

[0132] 111 Fixed Frame

[0133] 112 Movable Frame

[0134] 113 Main body

[0135] 200 Safety Switch

[0136] 210 Sensor Body

[0137] 211 processor

[0138] 212 coil

[0139] 213 First Light Source

[0140] 214 First light projection port

[0141] 215 Second Light Source

[0142] 216 Second light projection port

[0143] 217 substrate

[0144] 218 Housing

[0145] 219 cable

[0146] 250 actuators

[0147] 260 housing

[0148] 261 First Shell

[0149] 262 Second shell

[0150] 270 Light transmission component

[0151] 271 Optical Receiver Unit

[0152] 272 light guiding units

[0153] 273 optical emitting units

[0154] 273a Outer peripheral surface

[0155] 273b inner peripheral surface

[0156] 280 RFID tags

[0157] 290 Extension Member

[0158] 293. Optical emission unit.

Claims

1. A safety switch, comprising: Sensor body; as well as Actuator The sensor body includes: A detection unit configured to detect the actuator when the actuator is positioned at a predetermined location relative to the sensor body; and A light projection unit configured to project light based on the detection result of the detection unit. The actuator includes: A light emitting unit configured to emit visible light in response to receiving light projected by the light projection unit. The actuator includes: A light guiding unit, comprising a light-transmitting member and configured to guide light from the sensor body to the light emitting unit; and A non-transparent component surrounds the outer periphery of the light guiding unit. The end portion of the light emitting unit located on the side opposite to the sensor body protrudes from the end portion of the opaque member located on the side opposite to the sensor body. Light is emitted from the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the end portion of the light emitting unit located on the side opposite to the sensor body. The sensor body is disposed on the rear surface side of the fixed frame of the door, and the actuator is disposed on the rear surface side of the movable frame of the door. The diameter of the inner circumferential surface increases from the facing side toward the non-facing side of the sensor body, such that light guided by the light guiding unit is scattered or diffused along the centerline of the actuator by refraction.

2. The safety switch according to claim 1, in, The light projection unit projects light through a surface facing the actuator.

3. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, in, The light projection unit projects the visible light, and The light emitting unit is composed of a light-transmitting component.

4. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, in, The outer peripheral surface faces the actuator from the outside of the inner peripheral surface on the non-facing side, which is the side opposite to the sensor body. Wherein, the inner peripheral surface is located on the inner side of the outer peripheral surface, facing the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side, and The diameter of the outer peripheral surface decreases from the facing side toward the non-facing side of the sensor body.

5. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, in, The outer peripheral surface faces the actuator from the outside of the inner peripheral surface on the non-facing side, which is the side opposite to the sensor body. The inner circumferential surface is located on the outer side of the actuator on the non-facing side, within the inner surface of the outer circumferential surface.

6. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, in, The light projection unit includes multiple indicator lights. The actuator includes a wireless transmission unit that faces the sensor body and is configured to transmit a predetermined signal. The detection unit is configured to face the wireless transmission unit and receive the predetermined signal. The plurality of indicator lights are arranged in the sensor body in a symmetrical manner relative to the detection unit.

7. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, in, The optical emitting unit includes: The light from the light projection unit is reflected on the reflective surface in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the sensor body and the actuator. The emitting surface, on which light reflected by the reflective surface is emitted to the outside of the actuator.

8. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An extension member that can be attached to and detached from the actuator. The extension member is configured to guide and emit light emitted by the actuator.

9. A device with a door, comprising: Safety switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as Door, The door includes a fixed frame, a movable frame, and a door body. The sensor body of the safety switch is mounted on the fixed frame, and The actuator of the safety switch is mounted on the movable frame.

10. The device according to claim 9, in, At least a portion of the light-emitting unit of the actuator is configured to protrude from the end portion of the movable frame located on the side opposite to the fixed frame.

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