Emergency stop switch and controller provided with emergency stop switch

Abstract

The present invention provides an emergency stop switch capable of improving the stability when a contact is engaged and disengaged. The emergency stop switch (1) is provided with a plurality of separating force application springs (14, 14 ') which apply force towards the separating direction to a plurality of contacts (C1, C2) which are separated from a switch center (O) by a distance (R) in the radial direction, and the separating force application springs (14, 14') are arranged on the outer sides of the contacts (C1, C2) in the radial direction. When a contact circle CC which passes through the contacts C1 and C2 with the switch center O as the center is drawn, the separating force applying springs 14 and 14'are arranged on the outer side of the contact circle CC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency stop switch, and more particularly to an improvement in a structure for improving stability when contacts are engaged and separated. Background Art

[0002] The push button switch for emergency stop is described in Japanese Patent No. 3899281. As shown in paragraph

[0053] , Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the push button switch (1) comprises: first and second contacts (17, 21) that can be engaged and disengaged freely, and a spring (31) as a separation urging mechanism for urging the second contact (21) in a non-contact separation direction relative to the first contact (17).

[0003] According to such a push button switch (1), by providing a spring (31) as a separation urging mechanism, the first and second contacts (17, 21) in the contact state are urged in the separation direction to become non-contact, so that the force of the spring (31) after the push button is pushed in is smaller than the force of the spring (31) before the push button is pushed in. Thus, even if any component of the push button switch (1) is damaged, the first and second contacts (17, 21) can be prevented from returning to the contact state (see paragraphs

[0071] to

[0072] of the publication).

[0004] A push button switch is described in Japanese Patent No. 5059594. As shown in paragraphs

[0028] and Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the push button switch has a stress transmission shaft (62) that moves by operating an operating handle (11), and the contacts are engaged and separated in conjunction with the movement of the stress transmission shaft (62).

[0005] An emergency stop push button switch is described in Japanese Patent No. 7042136. Figure 1 , Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 As shown in (B), the emergency stop push button switch (1) comprises: a button (101) and a housing (301) for holding the button (101). Figure 5 In (B), the button (101) has an outer annular portion (101) disposed on the outer circumference, and an inner annular portion disposed radially inward at a predetermined interval. Although the inner annular portion is not given a reference symbol, it is shaded in the same direction (diagonally downward to the right) as the outer annular portion (101). The inner annular portion is formed with a plurality of outer circumferential convex portions protruding radially outward.

[0006] exist Figure 5In (B), although no reference sign is assigned to the housing (301), the housing (301) is an annular member disposed between the outer annular portion (101) and the inner annular portion of the button (101), and is shaded in the upper right oblique direction. Multiple inner peripheral convex portions protruding radially inward are formed on the housing (301), and the inner peripheral convex portions are disposed between adjacent outer peripheral convex portions of the button (101). The outer peripheral convex portions of the button (101) are in contact with the corresponding inner peripheral convex portions of the housing (301) in the circumferential direction, whereby the button (101) is stopped from rotating so that it will not rotate excessively.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3899281 (see paragraphs

[0053] ,

[0071] to

[0072] , Figure 1 , Figure 2 )

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5059594 (see paragraph

[0028] , Figures 5 to 10 )

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 7042136 (see Figure 1 , Figure 5 (A), Figure 5 (B)) Summary of the Invention

[0012] In the push-button switch described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 3899281, as shown in the figures of this publication, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , only one spring (31) is provided as a spring that is separated from the biasing mechanism, and it is disposed below (directly below) the first and second contacts (17, 21) disposed on one side across the switch central axis. The spring (31) and the first and second contacts (17, 21) are disposed at positions equidistant from the switch central axis (i.e., at the same radial position).

[0013] Thus, in the above push-button switch (1), since the spring (31) is provided only on one side across the switch central axis, especially in the case of a layout where the first and second contacts (17, 21) are disposed at positions away from the switch central axis, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the acting force of the spring (31) disposed on one side across the switch central axis does not sufficiently act on the first and second contacts (17, 21) disposed on the other side across the switch central axis. Assuming that such a situation occurs, it will hinder the stability of the contacts, especially when they are separated.

[0014] In the pushbutton switch described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5059594, as shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 (cross-sectional views taken along lines A-A', B-B', and C-C' of Figure 1 respectively), the stress transmission shaft (62) is only supported from the outer peripheral side by the state fixing claws (64, 66). Therefore, regarding the support from the outer peripheral side, it cannot be said that it is necessarily sufficient support, nor can it be said that the stress transmission shaft (62) does not wobble in the radial direction (i.e., the radius direction) during operation.

[0015] In the pushbutton switch described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7042136, as shown in Figure 5 (B), the side surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portions of the button (101) and the side surfaces of the inner peripheral convex portions of the housing (301) in contact therewith both extend in the radial direction (i.e., toward the center of the switch). When an excessive rotational force acts on the button (101), an excessive pushing force acts on the front end side of the side surface of the outer peripheral convex portion of the button (101) from the side surface of the inner peripheral convex portion of the housing (301), and an excessive pushing force acts on the front end side of the side surface of the inner peripheral convex portion of the housing (301) from the side surface of the outer peripheral convex portion of the button (101). Due to the action of this excessive pushing force, the torsional strength of the button (101) is reduced, and the anti-rotation function of the button (101) may not be exerted.

[0016] The present invention has been completed in view of such a prior situation, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an emergency stop switch capable of improving the stability during contact engagement and separation. In addition, in the emergency stop switch of the present invention, the stability during contact engagement and separation can be further improved by reducing the wobbling of the shaft portion. Furthermore, in such an emergency stop switch of the present invention, it is desired to enhance the torsional strength of the button.

[0017] The emergency stop switch according to the present invention includes: a plurality of separating biasing springs that bias a plurality of contacts arranged at a distance from the center of the switch in the radial direction toward the separating direction, and each separating biasing spring is arranged outside the radial direction of each contact.

[0018] According to the present invention, since there are multiple release biasing springs provided, the force in the release direction applied by the release biasing springs can fully act on the multiple contacts, thereby improving the stability when each contact engages and separates (i.e., contacts and leaves). Moreover, the load necessary for the safety voltage (Safety potential, registered trademark) in which the force acts in the non-contact release direction towards the contacts can be separated at multiple positions relative to the switch center, so that the effect of dualization (or multiplexing) of the force in the release direction can be achieved. And according to the present invention, since the release biasing springs are arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of each contact arranged at a distance in the radial direction from the switch center, the stability when each contact engages and separates (contacts and leaves) can be further improved, and the emergency stop switch can be made slender, thereby enabling the realization of a short-barrel type emergency stop switch.

[0019] In the present invention, when drawing a contact circle passing through each contact with the switch center as the center, each release biasing spring is arranged outside the contact circle.

[0020] In the present invention, each release biasing spring is substantially arranged at equal intervals on the circumference.

[0021] In the present invention, the contact is composed of multiple fixed contacts and multiple movable contacts respectively corresponding to these multiple fixed contacts, and each release biasing spring biases each movable contact in the direction of leaving from the corresponding fixed contact.

[0022] In the present invention, a button is provided and has a shaft portion that can be moved by operating the button. Around the shaft portion, a pair of first holding members for holding the button in the pre-pushed operation position are arranged opposite to each other across the shaft portion, and in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of each first holding member, a pair of second holding members for holding the shaft portion from the outer peripheral side are arranged opposite to each other across the shaft portion.

[0023] According to the present invention, the shaft portion is held from the outer peripheral side in mutually intersecting directions by the first and second holding members, so that the shaft portion can be reliably held from the outer peripheral side, thereby preventing the shaft portion from shaking in the radial direction (radial direction) during operation. Accordingly, the stability when each contact engages and separates (contacts and leaves) can be further improved.

[0024] In the present invention, the first holding member is composed of an engaging member and a biasing member that biases the engaging member towards the shaft portion side, and the engaging member has an engaging surface that engages with an engaged surface formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion in a manner that can engage and disengage.

[0025] In the present invention, the second holding member has an inner peripheral surface that extends along the outer periphery of the shaft portion in the circumferential direction.

[0026] In the present invention, there are provided: a button, and a main body portion that holds the button rotatably. A rotation stop portion is provided on the main body portion. The rotation stop portion has a restricting surface for restricting the rotation of the button. An abutting portion is provided on the button. The abutting portion has an abutting surface that can abut against the restricting surface of the rotation stop portion. The rotation stop portion protrudes toward the inner side in the radial direction, and the restricting surface has a conical surface that becomes narrower at the front end as it tends toward the outer peripheral side. Moreover, the abutting portion protrudes toward the outer side in the radial direction, and the abutting surface has a conical surface that becomes narrower at the front end as it tends toward the inner peripheral side. Or, the rotation stop portion protrudes toward the outer side in the radial direction, and the restricting surface has a conical surface that becomes narrower at the front end as it tends toward the inner peripheral side. Moreover, the abutting portion protrudes toward the inner side in the radial direction, and the abutting surface has a conical surface that becomes narrower at the front end as it tends toward the outer peripheral side.

[0027] According to the present invention, when an excessive rotational force acts on the button, an excessive pressing force acts from the abutting portion of the button on the restricting surface of the rotation stop portion of the main body portion, and an excessive pressing force acts from the rotation stop portion of the main body portion on the abutting surface of the abutting portion of the button. At this time, the radial components of these pressing forces act in a direction that causes the abutting portion of the button and the rotation stop portion of the main body portion to engage more firmly. Accordingly, the torsional strength of the button can be improved.

[0028] In the present invention, the restricting surface is disposed on both side surfaces of the rotation stop portion, and the both side surfaces are conical. Moreover, the abutting surface is disposed on both side surfaces of the abutting portion, and the both side surfaces are conical.

[0029] The controller according to the present invention includes the above-described emergency stop switch.

[0030] In the present invention, a plurality of rotation stop portions are circumferentially disposed, and a plurality of abutting portions are circumferentially disposed between adjacent rotation stop portions in the circumferential direction.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] As described above, according to the present invention, an emergency stop switch capable of improving the stability at the time of contact engagement and separation can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of an emergency stop switch to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0034] Figure 2 is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ).

[0035] Figure 2A is a diagram for explaining Figure 2 the positional relationship of each contact and each position where the force-applying spring departs in

[0036] Figure 2B is a diagram showing Figure 2A a modified example of

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 2 ) viewed from the lower left obliquely in the figure.

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 2 ) viewed from the lower right obliquely in the figure.

[0039] Figure 5 is a diagram showing that Figure 3 the front end of the fixed terminal in the emergency stop switch (

[0040] Figure 6 is a diagram showing that Figure 4 the front end of the fixed terminal in the emergency stop switch (

[0041] Figure 7 is a diagram showing that Figure 5 the button in the emergency stop switch (

[0042] Figure 8 is a top view of the cross-section of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ) viewed from above (button side), and shows the support structure of the shaft portion.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 8 ) viewed from the upper left obliquely in the figure.

[0044] Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the support structure ( Figure 8 ), and is an internal structure diagram of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ) with the button, main body portion, holding frame, etc. removed, viewed from the front side.

[0045] Figure 11 is a diagram showing Figure 10 turned upside down and omitting the shaft portion.

[0046] Figure 12 is a top view of Figure 10 viewed from above in the figure.

[0047] Figure 13is a diagram for explaining the rotation stop structure of the button in the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ), and it is a top view observed from the top side of the button head.

[0048] Figure 14 is a perspective view of observing the button ( Figure 13 ) from the inside, and it shows the abutting portion provided on the button.

[0049] Figure 15 is the rear view of the button ( Figure 13 ).

[0050] Figure 16 is a perspective view of observing the main body portion holding the button ( Figure 13 ) from obliquely above, and it shows the rotation stop portion provided on the main body portion.

[0051] Figure 17 is the top view of the main body portion ( Figure 16 ).

[0052] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the state when the abutting portion ( Figure 13 ) of the button and the rotation stop portion ( Figure 14 ) of the main body portion ( Figure 16 ) are engaged. Figure 16 )

[0053] Figure 19 is Figure 18 a partial enlarged view, and it is a diagram showing the pressing force acting on the restricting surface of the rotation stop portion in the engaged state ( Figure 18 ).

[0054] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the decomposition of the pressing force ( Figure 19 ) in the direction towards the center of the switch (radial direction) and the direction orthogonal thereto (circumferential direction).

[0055] Figure 21 is Figure 18 a partial enlarged view, and it is a diagram showing the pressing force acting on the abutting surface of the abutting portion in the engaged state ( Figure 18 ).

[0056] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the decomposition of the pressing force ( Figure 21 ) in the direction towards the center of the switch (radial direction) and the direction orthogonal thereto (circumferential direction).

[0057] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the rotation stop structure of a conventional button, compared with that of the present embodiment Figure 19Corresponding thereto, it is a diagram of the pressing force acting on the restricting surface of the rotation stop portion in the engaged state of the abutting portion and the rotation stop portion of the button.

[0058] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing the decomposition of the pressing force ( Figure 23 ) in the direction toward the center of the switch (radial direction) and the direction orthogonal thereto (circumferential direction).

[0059] Figure 25 It shows: in the Figure 23 engaged state, a diagram of the pressing force acting on the abutting surface of the abutting portion, corresponding to Figure 21 of this embodiment.

[0060] Figure 26 It is a diagram showing the decomposition of the pressing force ( Figure 25 ) in the direction toward the center of the switch (radial direction) and the direction orthogonal thereto (circumferential direction).

[0061] Figure 27 It is a diagram simulating the configuration of the abutting portion ( Figure 13 ) of the button ( Figure 15 ).

[0062] Figure 28 It is a diagram simulating the configuration of the rotation stop portion ( Figure 17 ) of the main body portion ( Figure 17 ).

[0063] Figure 29 It is a diagram showing Figure 27 a modified example.

[0064] Figure 30 It is a diagram showing Figure 28 a modified example. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figures 1 to 19 It is a diagram for explaining an emergency stop switch to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, Figure 1 is an external view of the emergency stop switch, Figures 2 to 7 is an internal structure diagram of the emergency stop switch.

[0066] As Figure 1 shown, the emergency stop switch 1 includes: a button 2, a main body 3 that holds the button 2 so as to be movable along the axial direction (the vertical direction in this figure) and rotatable in the circumferential direction, a lock nut 4 screwed to the external thread portion formed at the end 30 of the main body portion 3, a plurality of fixed terminals 5 extending downward from the lower surface of the end 30 of the main body portion 3 toward the lower side in the drawing, and a plurality of movable terminals (described later) corresponding to each of the fixed terminals 5.

[0067] The button 2 is set to be capable of being pushed in the pushing direction ( Figure 1 lower middle) manually by the operator and capable of being restored in the stretching direction (upper in this figure) and the circumferential direction. The lock nut 4 is used to mount the emergency stop switch 1 on a panel of a machine or a control machine, etc.

[0068] Figure 2 shows: the internal structure of the emergency stop switch 1 ( Figure 1 ) in a state where the button 2, the main body portion 3, the lock nut 4, etc. are disassembled. As Figure 2 shown, the emergency stop switch 1 has: a substantially cylindrical holding frame 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) mounted on the main body portion 3 ( Figures 5 to 7 ), and the holding frame 10 has a through hole 10a at the center. The point on the central axis of the holding frame 10 is called the switch center O. One end side of a shaft portion 11 extending along the axial direction ( Figure 2 the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure) is inserted into the through hole 10a of the holding frame 10, and the other end side of the shaft portion 11 extends to the depth side of the paper surface of this drawing and is extended inside the button 2 (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ). The shaft portion 11 can move along the axial direction (i.e., the pushing operation direction and the restoring operation direction opposite to the pushing operation direction) by operating the button 2.

[0069] A pair of first holding members 12, 13 (refer to Figures 3 to 7 ) are provided on the outer peripheral side of the holding frame 10. The above-mentioned first holding members 12, 13 are arranged opposite to each other with the shaft portion 11 interposed therebetween and are arranged at positions substantially 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. The first holding members 12, 13 are members that act on the shaft portion 11 from the outer peripheral side before the pushing operation of the button 2, thereby holding the button 2 in the position before the pushing operation.

[0070] The first holding member 12 is composed of an engaging member 12A and a spring 12B as a biasing member. The engaging member 12A has an engaging surface (described later) that engages with an engaged surface (described later) formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 11 in a manner that can engage or disengage, and the spring 12B biases the engaging member 12A toward the shaft portion 11. Similarly, the first holding member 13 is composed of an engaging member 13A and a spring 13B as a biasing member. The engaging member 13A has an engaging surface (described later) that engages with an engaged surface (described later) formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 11 in a manner that can engage or disengage, and the spring 13B biases the engaging member 13A toward the shaft portion 11.

[0071] A pair of movable terminals 6, 6' are arranged at positions opposite to each other across the center O of the switch. Each movable terminal 6 is a thin plate-like member extending along the length direction, and in this example, they are arranged parallel to each other. Movable contacts (contacts) C are provided at both ends of the movable terminal 6. 1 Similarly, movable contacts (contacts) C are provided at both ends of the movable terminal 6'. 2 . Each fixed contact (contact) 5c of the corresponding fixed terminal 5 (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ) is arranged opposite to each movable contact C 1 , C 2 respectively. The fixed terminal 5 is fixed to the main body portion 3 ( Figure 1 ). Each of the movable terminals 6, 6' is respectively biased toward the fixed terminal 5 by the action of spiral springs 7, 7' (refer to Figures 5 to 6 ), and each movable contact C 1 , C 2 of each of the movable terminals 6, 6' elastically abuts against each fixed contact 5c of the opposed fixed terminal 5 and applies a predetermined contact pressure to each fixed contact 5c.

[0072] Each of the movable terminals 6, 6' and each of the spiral springs 7, 7' are unitized into a movable terminal unit 15 (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ), and the movable terminal unit 15 can move along the axial direction ( Figure 2 the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure) together with the movement of the shaft portion 11 due to the operation of the button 2. When the button 2 is pushed in, due to the movement of the movable terminal unit 15, each of the movable terminals 6, 6' moves toward the side away from the fixed terminal 5, so that each movable contact C 1 , C 2 of each of the movable terminals 6, 6' separates from each fixed contact 5c of the fixed terminal 5. When the restoration operation is performed in the pulling direction of the button 2, due to the movement of the movable terminal unit 15, each of the movable terminals 6, 6' moves toward the side approaching the fixed terminal 5, so that each movable contact C 1 , C 2 of each of the movable terminals 6, 6' comes into contact with each fixed contact 5c of the fixed terminal 5. In this way, each movable contact C 1 , C 2 can be engaged or separated from each fixed contact 5c.

[0073] In Figure 2 , each fixed contact of a pair of fixed terminals 5m (refer to Figures 3 to 7 ) arranged between each of the movable terminals 6, 6', and a pair of movable terminals 6m (refer to Figures 5 to 7Each movable contact of () constitutes a monitoring contact for monitoring the operating state of the emergency stop switch. When the button 2 is pushed, the movable contact of the movable terminal 6m contacts the fixed contact of the fixed terminal 5m through the movement of the movable terminal unit 15. When the button 2 is restored, the movable contact of the movable terminal 6m separates from the fixed contact of the fixed terminal 5m through the movement of the movable terminal unit 15.

[0074] As Figure 2A shown, each movable contact C 1 、C 2 of each movable terminal 6, 6' is arranged at a position separated by a radial distance R from the switch center O, and when a circle (hereinafter referred to as "contact circle") CC with a radius R is drawn with the switch center O as the center, it is arranged on the contact circle CC. Each movable contact C 1 、C 2 can also be on the contact circle CC and be arranged substantially at equal intervals on the circumference. Separation biasing springs 14, 14' are provided at positions opposite to each other across the switch center O. Each separation biasing spring 14, 14' is arranged at a position separated by a radial distance R' (>R) from the switch center O. When a circle CC' with a radius R' is drawn with the switch center O as the center, the centers O 1 、O 2 of each separation biasing spring 14, 14' are arranged on the circle CC'. That is, the separation biasing springs 14, 14' are arranged outside the contact circle CC and are arranged outside the movable contacts C 1 、C 2 in the radial direction. In Figure 2 , the positions of each separation biasing spring 14, 14' are represented by the centers O 1 、O 2 respectively.

[0075] Each separation biasing spring 14, 14' is used to bias each movable contact C 1 、C 2 of each movable terminal 6, 6' in the separation direction away from each fixed contact 5c of the fixed terminal 5 and is mounted on the movable terminal unit 15. The separation biasing spring 14 is arranged near each movable contact C 1 and is preferably arranged at a position substantially equidistant from each movable contact C 1 . Similarly, the separation biasing spring 14' is arranged near each movable contact C 2 and is preferably arranged at a position substantially equidistant from each movable contact C 2 . The separation biasing spring 14 is mainly used to separate each movable contact C 1 , and the separation biasing spring 14' is mainly used to separate each movable contact C 2Leave.

[0076] In Figure 2A In the example of, as the contact configuration of the emergency stop switch 1, it is shown that: the movable contacts C 1 , C 2 (and the corresponding fixed contacts 5c respectively) constitute a two-contact type (excluding the monitoring contact), but the application of the present invention is not limited to this only, and it can be a three-contact type or include more contacts than it.

[0077] Figure 2B An example of the three-contact type is shown. Although in Figure 2A In the example of, it is shown that: the movable terminals are constituted by two movable terminals 6, 6' arranged parallel to each other, but in this Figure 2B In the example of, the movable terminals are constituted by three movable terminals 6, 6', 6". Each adjacent pair of movable terminals 6 and 6', 6' and 6", 6" and 6 intersect at an acute angle, and the movable terminals 6, 6', 6" are arranged in a substantially triangular shape.

[0078] Movable contacts (contacts) C are provided at both ends of the movable terminal 6 1 , movable contacts (contacts) C are provided at both ends of the movable terminal 6' 2 , and movable contacts (contacts) C are provided at both ends of the movable terminal 6" 3 . Each fixed contact (contact) (not shown) of the corresponding fixed terminal is disposed opposite to each movable contact C 1 , C 2 , C 3 respectively. Each movable contact C of each movable terminal 6, 6', 6" 1 , C 2 , C 3 elastically abuts against each fixed contact of the opposing fixed terminal and applies a prescribed contact pressure to each fixed contact.

[0079] Each movable contact C of each movable terminal 6, 6', 6" 1 , C 2 , C 3 is disposed at a position separated from the switch center O by a radial distance R. When a circle (contact circle) CC with a radius R is drawn with the switch center O as the center, it is disposed on the contact circle CC. Each movable contact C 1 , C 2 , C 3They may also be disposed on the contact circle CC and substantially equidistantly on the circumference. When a circle CC' with a radius R' (>R) is drawn with the switch center O as the center, they are disposed on the circle CC' away from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14", and each is disposed at a position separated from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14" by a radial distance R' from the switch center O. Accordingly, each is disposed outside the contact circle CC away from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14", and is disposed outside the radius of the contacts C 1 、C 2 、C 3 in the radial direction outside. In this example, each is disposed on the circle CC' away from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14" and equidistantly in the circumferential direction.

[0080] In Figure 2B , it is exemplified that they are disposed between the respective ends of the movable terminals 6, 6' away from the biasing spring 14, between the respective ends of the movable terminals 6', 6" away from the biasing spring 14', and between the respective ends of the movable terminals 6", 6 away from the biasing spring 14", but the disposition of each away from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14" is not limited thereto.

[0081] Each may be disposed on the circle CC' at a position opposite to the respective central portions of the movable terminals 6, 6', 6" away from the biasing springs 14, 14', 14". That is, away from the biasing spring 14, it may be disposed on the circle CC' at an intermediate position between the movable contacts C 1 of the movable terminal 6, away from the biasing spring 14', it may be disposed on the circle CC' at an intermediate position between the movable contacts C 2 of the movable terminal 6', and away from the biasing spring 14", it may be disposed on the circle CC' at an intermediate position between the movable contacts C 3 of the movable terminal 6".

[0082] Thus, according to the present embodiment, since two or more biasing springs are provided as the biasing springs away, the acting force in the away direction caused by the biasing springs away can act sufficiently on the plurality of contacts, and accordingly, the stability at the time of engagement and separation (contact and separation) of each contact can be improved. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the load required for the safety potential (registered trademark), which acts in the away direction to make the force non-contact with the contact, can be separated at a plurality of positions with respect to the switch center, and accordingly, the effect of dualization (or multiplication) of the force in the away direction can be achieved.

[0083] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the biasing spring is disposed outside the radius of each contact disposed at a radial distance from the center of the switch, the stability during the engagement and separation (contact and separation) of each contact can be further improved, and the emergency stop switch can be made flat, thereby enabling a short-sized emergency stop switch to be realized.

[0084] Next, the support structure of the shaft portion 11 of the emergency stop switch 1 will be described using Figures 8 to 12 as an example. Figure 8 is a top view of a cross-section of the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ) viewed from above (button side), Figure 9 and is a perspective view thereof.

[0085] As Figure 8 shown, a pair of second holding members 31 and 32 are disposed in a direction (for example, an orthogonal direction) D2 that intersects the arrangement direction D1 of the pair of first holding members 12 and 13. The second holding members 31 and 32 are members that are integrally connected to the main body portion 3 inside the main body portion 3 and are disposed opposite to each other with the shaft portion 11 interposed therebetween, and are used to hold the shaft portion 11 from the outer peripheral side. The second holding members 31 and 32 are wall-like members that are arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction ( Figure 8 the up-and-down direction in Figure 9 ), and each has an inner peripheral surface 31a and 32a that extend in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the shaft portion 11. The inner peripheral surface 31a is disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface 11C of the shaft portion 11 1 , and the inner peripheral surface 32a is disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface 11C of the shaft portion 11 2 .

[0086] Figure 10 is an internal structure view of the state after removing the button, the main body portion, the holding frame, etc. in the emergency stop switch ( Figure 1 ) viewed from the front side, Figure 11 is a view showing the shaft portion in Figure 10 omitted, Figure 12 is a top view of Figure 10 viewed from above in the figure.

[0087] As Figure 10 shown, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 11 has a pair of flange portions 11A and 11B that protrude outward in the radial direction. Each flange portion 11A and 11B is disposed at a position opposite to each other across the axis, and both have a substantially mountain-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape. The flange portion 11A has an inclined surface (engaged surface) 11a disposed on the lower side in the figure 1 , and an inclined surface 11a disposed on the upper side in the figure 2Similarly, the flange portion 11B has an inclined surface (engaged surface) 11b disposed on the lower side in the figure. 1 , and the inclined surface 11b disposed on the upper side of the figure 2 .

[0088] On the other hand, each front end portion of each engaging member 12A, 13A of the first holding member 12, 13 has a substantially mountain-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape when viewed from the front. The front end portion of the engaging member 12A has an inclined surface 12a disposed on the upper side in the figure. 1 , and the inclined surface 12a arranged at the lower side in the figure 2 Similarly, the front end of the engaging member 12B has an inclined surface 13a disposed on the upper side of the figure. 1 , and the inclined surface 13a arranged at the lower side in the figure 2 (Refer to Figure 11 , Figure 12 ).

[0089] Before the button 2 is pushed, Figure 10 As shown, the inclined surface 12a of the front end portion of the engaging member 12A of the first holding member 12 1 The inclined surface 11a of the flange portion 11A of the shaft portion 11 is in contact with the inclined surface 11a. 1 Similarly, the inclined surface 13a of the front end portion of the engaging member 13A of the first holding member 13 is engaged with the engaging member 13. 1 The inclined surface 11b of the flange portion 11B of the shaft portion 11 is in contact with the inclined surface 11b of the flange portion 11B. 1 Thereby, the shaft portion 11 is held at the pre-pushing operation position by the first holding members 12 and 13 .

[0090] Thus, according to this embodiment, the shaft portion 11 is held from the outer circumference by the first holding members 12, 13 and the second holding members 31, 32 in mutually intersecting directions, so that the shaft portion 11 can be reliably held from the outer circumference, thereby reducing the shaking of the shaft portion, and preventing the shaft portion 11 from shaking in the radial direction (radial direction) during operation. Accordingly, the stability of each contact point when engaging and disengaging (contacting and leaving) can be further improved.

[0091] Next, use Figures 13 to 30 To illustrate the stop structure of the button 2 of the emergency stop switch 1. Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the button 2 has: an outer cylindrical portion 20, the outer cylindrical portion 20 has a cylindrical surface constituting the outer peripheral surface of the button 2, and at the bottom ( Figure 13The opening is formed on the depth side of the Chinese paper surface; and the inner cylindrical portion 21 is disposed concentrically with the outer cylindrical portion 20 at a predetermined distance inside the outer cylindrical portion 20 in the radial direction thereof, and is also open at the lower side. A pair of abutting portions 22, 23 protruding toward the outer side in the radial direction are integrally connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 21. Each of the abutting portions 22, 23 is disposed at a position opposite to each other on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 21 (that is, at equal intervals on the outer periphery). The left and right side surfaces of the abutting portion 22 constitute abutting surfaces 22a, 22b that can abut against the rotation stopping portion (described later) of the main body portion 3. Similarly, the left and right side surfaces of the abutting portion 23 constitute abutting surfaces 23a, 23b that can abut against the rotation stopping portion (described later) of the main body portion 3.

[0092] As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the main body portion 3 that holds the button 2 rotatably has a cylindrical portion 3A that constitutes the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 3. A pair of rotation stopping portions 33, 34 protruding toward the inner side in the radial direction are integrally connected to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3A. Each of the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 is disposed at a position opposite to each other on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3A (that is, at equal intervals on the inner periphery). The left and right side surfaces of the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 constitute restricting surfaces 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b that restrict the rotation of the button 2 by abutting against any one of the abutting surfaces 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b of the abutting portions 22, 23 of the button 2.

[0093] When the button 2 is assembled to the main body portion 3, the cylindrical portion 3A of the main body portion 3 is disposed in the internal space between the outer cylindrical portion 20 and the inner cylindrical portion 21 ( Figure 14 , Figure 15 ) of the button 2. At this time, each of the abutting portions 22, 23 of the button 2 is disposed between each of the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 of the main body portion 3. For example, when the abutting portion 22 is disposed in the upper internal space of the main body portion 3 shown in Figure 17 and the abutting portion 23 is disposed in the lower internal space of the main body portion 3 in the figure, once the button 2 is rotated counterclockwise Figure 13 , the abutting surface 22a of the abutting portion 22 abuts against the restricting surface 33a of the rotation stopping portion 33 of the main body portion 3, and the abutting surface 23a of the abutting portion 23 abuts against the restricting surface 34a of the rotation stopping portion 34 of the main body portion 3. Conversely, once the button 2 is rotated clockwise Figure 13 , the abutting surface 22b of the abutting portion 22 abuts against the restricting surface 34b of the rotation stopping portion 34 of the main body portion 3, and the abutting surface 23b of the abutting portion 23 abuts against the restricting surface 33b of the rotation stopping portion 33 of the main body portion 3.

[0094] At present, the contact surface 22a of the contact portion 22 contacts and engages with the restricting surface 33a of the rotation stop portion 33 of the main body portion 3 (refer to Figure 18 ), and at this time, Figure 19 and Figure 21 (and even Figure 20 and Figure 22 ) are used to examine the forces acting on the contact surface 22a and the restricting surface 33a.

[0095] As shown in the partial enlarged view of Figure 18 which is Figure 19 , the rotation stop portion 33 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, and the outer peripheral side length (upper base length) Lo is shorter than the inner peripheral side length (lower base length) Li. The restricting surfaces 33a, 33b of the rotation stop portion 33 are conical surfaces that become narrower at the front end as they approach the outer peripheral side (downward in this figure). On the other hand, the contact portion 22 has a substantially trapezoidal shape that is upside down with respect to the substantially trapezoidal shape of the rotation stop portion 33, and its inner peripheral side length (upper base length) Li' is shorter than the outer peripheral side length (lower base length) Lo'. The contact surfaces 22a, 22b of the contact portion 22 are conical surfaces that become narrower at the front end as they approach the inner peripheral side (upward in this figure). In addition, in this example, in the rotation stop portion 33, the angle α formed by the lower base and the inclined side is an acute angle. Similarly, in the contact portion 22, the angle β formed by the lower base and the inclined side is an acute angle.

[0096] In Figure 19 , a pressing force F acts from the contact surface 22a of the contact portion 22 on the restricting surface 33a of the rotation stop portion 33. The pressing force F is orthogonal to the contact surface 22a. Here, as shown in Figure 20 , when the pressing force F is decomposed into the radial direction (vertical direction in this figure) toward the switch center and the circumferential direction (horizontal direction in this figure) orthogonal thereto, the radial component Fr is directed toward the inside in the radial direction. The radial component Fr acts in a direction to make the engagement state of the restricting surface 33a with respect to the contact surface 22a more firm.

[0097] In Figure 21 , a pressing force F' acts from the restricting surface 33a of the rotation stop portion 33 on the contact surface 22a of the contact portion 22. Although the pressing force F' is equal to the pressing force F at the same acting point as the pressing force F, here, for the sake of illustration and explanation, attention is focused on the force acting on a different acting point from the pressing force F. The pressing force F' is orthogonal to the restricting surface 33a. Here, as shown in Figure 22 , when the pressing force F' is decomposed into the radial direction (vertical direction in this figure) toward the switch center and the circumferential direction (horizontal direction in this figure) orthogonal thereto, the radial component F'r is directed toward the outside in the radial direction. The radial component F'r acts in a direction to make the engagement state of the contact surface 22a with respect to the restricting surface 33a more firm.

[0098] Thus, according to this embodiment, when an excessive rotational force acts on the button 2, an excessive pressing force acts on the respective restricting surfaces 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b of the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 of the main body portion 3 from the abutting portions 22, 23 of the button 2. Moreover, the excessive pressing force acts on the respective abutting surfaces 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b of the abutting portions 22, 23 of the button 2 from the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 of the main body portion 3. At this time, the radial components of these pressing forces all act in a direction that causes the abutting portions 22, 23 of the button 2 and the rotation stopping portions 33, 34 of the main body portion 3 to engage more firmly. Accordingly, the torsional strength of the button 2 can be improved.

[0099] Here, for reference, use Figures 23 to 26 to examine the force acting when the abutting portion of the button and the rotation stopping portion of the main body portion are engaged in a conventional button. Figures 23 to 26 respectively corresponding to Figures 19 to 22 of this embodiment.

[0100] As Figure 23 shown, the rotation stopping portion 33' has a substantially trapezoidal shape, and its inner peripheral side length (upper base length) li is shorter than its outer peripheral side length (lower base length) lo. The restricting surfaces 33'a, 33'b of the rotation stopping portion 33' are conical surfaces that become tapered with a smaller front end as they tend towards the inner peripheral side (upward in this figure). On the other hand, the abutting portion 22' has a substantially trapezoidal shape that is upside down from the substantially trapezoidal shape of the rotation stopping portion 33'. Its outer peripheral side length (upper base length) lo' is shorter than its inner peripheral side length (lower base length) li'. The abutting surfaces 22'a, 22'b of the abutting portion 22' are conical surfaces that become tapered with a smaller front end as they tend towards the outer peripheral side (downward in this figure). In addition, in this example, in the rotation stopping portion 33', the angle α' formed by the upper base and the hypotenuse is an obtuse angle. Similarly, in the abutting portion 22', the angle β' formed by the upper base and the hypotenuse is an obtuse angle.

[0101] In Figure 23 , a pressing force f acts on the restricting surface 33'a of the rotation stopping portion 33' from the abutting surface 22'a of the abutting portion 22'. The pressing force f is orthogonal to the abutting surface 22'a. Here, as Figure 24 shown, when the pressing force f is decomposed into a radial direction (vertical direction in this figure) towards the center of the switch and a circumferential direction (horizontal direction in this figure) orthogonal thereto, the radial component fr is directed towards the outside in the radial direction. The radial component fr acts in a direction in which the engagement state of the restricting surface 33'a with respect to the abutting surface 22'a is likely to become disengaged.

[0102] In Figure 25In this case, a pressing force f' acts on the contact surface 22'a of the contact portion 22' from the restricting surface 33'a of the rotation stop portion 33'. The pressing force f' is orthogonal to the restricting surface 33'a. Here, as Figure 26 shown, when the pressing force f' is decomposed into: the radial direction (the vertical direction in this figure) toward the switch center and the circumferential direction (the left-right direction in this figure) orthogonal thereto, the radial component f'r is directed toward the inner side in the radial direction. The radial component f'r acts in a direction in which the engagement state of the contact surface 22'a with respect to the restricting surface 33'a is likely to be released.

[0103] Here, Figure 27 and Figure 28 are diagrams schematically showing the configurations of the contact portions 22 and 23 of the button 2 and the rotation stop portions 33 and 34 of the main body portion 3 in the above-described embodiment, respectively corresponding to Figure 15 and Figure 17 . In Figure 27 and Figure 28 , the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, although it is shown that: the rotation stop portions 33 and 34 of the main body portion 3 project toward the inner side in the radial direction (see Figure 28 and Figure 17 ), and the restricting surfaces 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b have conical surfaces that become tapered toward the outer peripheral side (see Figure 28 ), the contact portions 22 and 23 of the button 2 project toward the outer side in the radial direction (see Figure 27 and Figure 15 ), and the contact surfaces 22a, 22b, 23a, and 23b have conical surfaces that become tapered toward the inner peripheral side (see Figure 27 ), the application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0105] Figure 29 and Figure 30 show modified examples of the above-described embodiment, Figure 29 corresponding to Figure 27 , Figure 30 corresponding to Figure 28 . In Figure 29 and Figure 30 , the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0106] As Figure 29 shown, the contact portions 22 1 , 23 1 of the button 2 project toward the inner side in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 20, and each contact surface 22 1 a, 22 1 b, 231 a, 23 1 b has: a conical surface that becomes tapered with a smaller tip as it approaches the outer peripheral side. As Figure 30 shown, the rotation stop portions 33 1 , 34 1 project from the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 3B disposed on the inner side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 3A toward the outer side in the radial direction, and each restricting surface 33 1 a, 33 1 b, 34 1 a, 34 1 b has: a conical surface that becomes tapered with a smaller tip as it approaches the inner peripheral side.

[0107] Even in such a modified example, similar to the above-described embodiment, when an excessive rotational force acts on the button 2, an excessive pressing force is applied from the abutting portions 22 1 , 23 1 of the button 2 to the restricting surfaces 33 1 , 34 1 of the rotation stop portions 33 1 a, 33 1 b, 34 1 a, 34 1 b of the main body portion 3, and further, an excessive pressing force is applied from the rotation stop portions 33 1 , 34 1 of the main body portion 3 to the abutting surfaces 22 1 , 23 1 of the button 2, but at this time, the radial component forces of these pressing forces all act in a direction that causes the abutting portions 22 1 a, 22 1 b, 23 1 a, 23 1 b of the button 2 and the rotation stop portions 33 1 , 23 1 of the main body portion 3 and 34 1 , 34 1 to engage more firmly, whereby the torsional strength of the button 2 can be improved.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, although it is illustrated that both side surfaces of each of the rotation stop portions 33, 34 are formed in a double-cone shape, it is also possible that only one side surface of the rotation stop portion 33 is formed in a cone shape, and the other side surface of the rotation stop portion 33 is a surface that extends along the radial direction toward the switch center O. Similarly, it is also possible that only one side surface of the rotation stop portion 34 is formed in a cone shape, and the other side surface of the rotation stop portion 34 is a surface that extends along the radial direction toward the switch center O. In this case, the side surfaces of the rotation stop portions 33, 34 are single-sided cones.

[0109] Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, although it is illustrated that both side surfaces of the abutting portions 22 and 23 are formed in a two-cone shape, only one side surface of the abutting portion 22 may be formed in a cone shape, and the other side surface of the abutting portion 22 may be a surface that extends in the radial direction toward the switch center O. Similarly, only one side surface of the abutting portion 23 may be formed in a cone shape, and the other side surface of the abutting portion 23 may be a surface that extends in the radial direction toward the switch center O. In this case, the side surfaces of the abutting portions 22 and 23 are single-sided cones.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, although it is illustrated that two rotation stop portions 33 and 34 are provided in the circumferential direction, and two are provided between the respective rotation stop portions 33 and 34 adjacent in the circumferential direction of the abutting portions 22 and 23, the number of the rotation stop portions and the abutting portions is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0111] In addition, the emergency stop switch to which the present invention is applied is provided in various controllers such as, for example, machine equipment used in factories or the like, its control machine, and a teaching device connected to the control machine. When the emergency stop switch is operated, the machine equipment is stopped urgently.

[0112] 〔Other Embodiments and Modification Examples〕

[0113] Regarding all points of the above-described embodiment, they should be regarded as merely illustrative of the present invention and not as limiting content. Even when not explicitly described in this specification, those skilled in the art related to the present invention can, in consideration of the above teachings, construct various modification examples or other embodiments that adopt the principles of the present invention without departing from the gist and essential features of the present invention.

[0114] Industrial Applicability

[0115] The present invention is useful in terms of an emergency stop switch, and is particularly suitable for a structure for improving the stability at the time of contact engagement and separation.

[0116] Description of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1: Emergency stop switch, 2: Button, 22, 23: Abutting portion, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b: Abutting surface, 3: Main body portion, 33, 34: Rotation stop portion, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b: Restricting surface, 5c: Fixed contact (contact), 11: Shaft portion, 11a 1 、11b 1 : Engaged surface, 12, 13: First holding member, 12A, 13A: Engaging member, 12a 1 、13a 1: Engaging surface, 12B, 13B: Springs (biasing members), 14, 14’, 14”: Biasing springs disengaged, 31, 32: Second retaining members, 31a, 32a: Inner peripheral surfaces, C 1 ~C 3 : Movable contact (contact), O: Switch center, R: Radial distance, CC: Contact circle.

Claims

1. An emergency stop switch, characterized in that, the emergency stop switch has: a plurality of separating biasing springs that bias a plurality of contacts arranged at a distance in the radial direction from the center of the switch toward the separating direction, each of the separating biasing springs is arranged outside the corresponding contact in the radial direction.

2. The emergency stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, when drawing a contact circle passing through each of the contacts with the center of the switch as the center, each of the separating biasing springs is arranged outside the contact circle.

3. The emergency stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, each of the separating biasing springs is substantially equally spaced on the circumference.

4. The emergency stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, the contacts are composed of a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of movable contacts respectively corresponding to the plurality of fixed contacts, and each of the separating biasing springs biases each of the movable contacts toward the direction of separating from the corresponding fixed contact.

5. The emergency stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, the emergency stop switch includes a button, the emergency stop switch has: a shaft portion that can be moved by operating the button, around the shaft portion, a pair of first holding members for holding the button in the pre-pushing operation position are arranged opposite to each other across the shaft portion, and in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of each of the first holding members, a pair of second holding members for holding the shaft portion from the outer peripheral side are arranged opposite to each other across the shaft portion.

6. The emergency stop switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, the first holding member is composed of an engaging member and a biasing member that biases the engaging member toward the shaft portion side, and the engaging member has: an engaging surface that engages with an engaged surface formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion in a manner that can engage and disengage.

7. The emergency stop switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, the second holding member has: an inner peripheral surface that extends along the outer periphery of the shaft portion in the circumferential direction.

8. The emergency stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, the emergency stop switch includes: a button and a main body portion that holds the button to be rotatable, a rotation stop portion is provided on the main body portion, and the rotation stop portion has: a restricting surface for restricting the rotation of the button, a contact portion is provided on the button, and the contact portion has: a contact surface that can contact the restricting surface of the rotation stop portion. The rotation stop portion projects toward the inner side in the radial direction, and the restricting surface has a conical surface that tapers toward the front end as it approaches the outer peripheral side. Further, the abutting portion projects toward the outer side in the radial direction, and the abutting surface has a conical surface that tapers toward the front end as it approaches the inner peripheral side. Alternatively, the rotation stop portion projects toward the outer side in the radial direction, and the restricting surface has a conical surface that tapers toward the front end as it approaches the inner peripheral side. Further, the abutting portion projects toward the inner side in the radial direction, and the abutting surface has a conical surface that tapers toward the front end as it approaches the outer peripheral side.

9. The emergency stop switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the restricting surface is disposed on both side surfaces of the rotation stop portion, and the both side surfaces are conical, and the abutting surface is disposed on both side surfaces of the abutting portion, and the both side surfaces are conical.

10. The emergency stop switch according to claim 8, characterized in that a plurality of the rotation stop portions are circumferentially disposed, and a plurality of the abutting portions are circumferentially disposed between adjacent ones of the rotation stop portions in the circumferential direction.

11. A controller, comprising: the emergency stop switch according to claim 1.

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