safety switch

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety switch. Close contact between an attracted surface and an attracting surface is established at a high level when a door that can be opened and closed is closed, thereby forming a state in which the attracted surface and the attracting surface overlap each other without a gap. An electromagnetic lock type safety switch includes an actuator including a member to be magnetized on which an attracted surface corresponding to an attracting surface formed on an electromagnet of a switch body is formed, an actuator attachment portion for attaching the actuator to a movable portion, i.e., a door that can be opened and closed, and a moving mechanism for supporting the member to be magnetized so as to be movable with respect to the actuator attachment portion.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of the application filed on August 2, 2023, with application number 202310963992.7 and title "Safety Switch".) Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to safety switches. Background Technology

[0003] In an environment where equipment is operated, there is a possibility of injury to a person if they have free access to the operating equipment. To prevent injury, protective barriers or partitions are used to separate the operating area, thus achieving a safe state. One method of achieving safety by separating the operating area is to use fixed components such as protective barriers to prevent people from entering the operating area (i.e., separating the operating area from the area where people are present). Another method is to construct a partition system capable of separating the operating area and restricting equipment operation. In this system, the operating area is separated by fixed components such as protective barriers, and then an opening in a part of the partition, along with a movable part for opening and closing, is installed, thus forming a partition that allows the operator to enter the operating area. In this system, a control system is constructed to monitor the movable part and, based on the monitoring results, control the equipment operating in the operating area to prevent injury to a person. In this system, a safety switch for monitoring the opening and closing of the movable part is installed in the area where the opening of the movable part is located.

[0004] The safety switch includes a switch body disposed at the fixed part of the partition and an actuator disposed on an openable and closeable door of the movable part constituting the partition. As a function to maintain the operating area in a safe state, the safety switch detects and outputs an indication of the door being opened (the movable part), and throughout the partition system, in response to the output from the safety switch, controls the equipment in the operating area to a state that prevents harm to the human body. For example, by employing a system configuration that stops the equipment in the operating area in response to the output from the safety switch, safety measures are taken for the environment in which the equipment is operated.

[0005] As a type of safety switch, a safety switch with a locking mechanism is disclosed in JP 2019-183541A. The safety switch with a locking mechanism includes an actuator latch mounted in a partition fixing portion and a switch body mounted in a door, and the switch body is provided with a locking pin. The actuator latch and the switch body are arranged in opposite positions facing each other when the door is closed. In the locking mechanism, a locked state is formed by mechanically engaging the locking pin with the actuator latch, thus physically integrating the actuator latch and the locking pin. The safety switch with a locking mechanism is provided with a detection mechanism capable of detecting the locked state of the safety switch with a locking mechanism, and outputting an indication of an unlocked state, at least when a locked state is not formed. When the door is closed and the locking mechanism is engaged into the locked state, the openable and closeable door in the closed state is fixed in a state integrated with the partition fixing portion. Conversely, when the locking pin is removed from the actuator latch, an unlocked state is formed, and the door can be opened.

[0006] JP 2016-510382A discloses a safety switch with an electromagnetic locking mechanism as another type of safety switch. Specifically, the safety switch with the electromagnetic locking mechanism includes an electromagnet and an actuator magnetizing member attracted to the electromagnet. The actuator magnetizing member is installed in a door constituting a movable part, and the switch body including the electromagnet is installed in a partition fixed part such as a protective fence. Driving the electromagnet causes the actuator magnetizing member to be attracted to it, thereby creating a locked door state. The safety switch includes a display unit. The display unit displays the safety status of the operating area.

[0007] JP 2016-510382A also discloses a module including a monitoring sensor and a monitoring actuator for monitoring the opening and closing of a door. The monitoring actuator is mounted in an openable and closeable door, and the monitoring sensor is mounted in a partition fixing part. When the monitoring actuator moves away from or towards the monitoring sensor according to the opening and closing of the door, which is a movable part, the monitoring sensor generates a door signal including a first state signal indicating "the door is open" or a second state signal indicating "the door is closed".

[0008] In a safety switch that includes a door lock mechanism, the function of safely maintaining the operating area is to monitor the opening and closing of the openable and closeable door, and output the monitoring results to a control device that can control the equipment operating in the operating area, and the door lock function helps to maintain the closed state of the openable and closeable door.

[0009] As a safety switch that includes an electromagnetic lock mechanism as a door lock mechanism, it is necessary for the attracting surface of the electromagnet and the attracted surface of the actuator to be in close contact with each other in order to exhibit an attractive force sufficient to maintain the closed state of the openable and closable door. In other words, if there is a gap between the attracting and attracted surfaces, it is difficult to exhibit the designed attractive force. Therefore, even when the attracting and attracted surfaces are not in close contact with each other in the closed state of the openable and closable door (for example, when the movement range of the openable and closable door is limited due to the door stop of the openable and closable door or the displacement of the openable and closable door after the installation of the safety switch, so that the attracted surface of the actuator arranged on the openable and closable door is not in contact with the attracting surface), the designed attractive force is sometimes not exhibited.

[0010] In JP 2005-528738A, regarding a configuration for ensuring close contact between the attracting and attracted surfaces, in a configuration where a metal sheet (corresponding element) is fixed to a base element via a connecting element, a stretchable and deformable socket is provided between the connecting element and the base element. When the door is closed, the metal sheet collides with the electromagnet. At this time, the metal sheet is pushed in as the socket deforms, and thus the impact when the metal sheet collides with the electromagnet is absorbed by the socket. According to this configuration, the safety switch can be arranged in such a positional relationship that the electromagnet and the actuator collide with each other when the door is closed, ensuring close contact between the attracting and attracted surfaces.

[0011] That is, JP 2005-528738A discloses a configuration that moves the attracted surface in the direction of being pushed in, as a configuration for bringing the attracting surface and the attracted surface into close contact with each other.

[0012] As mentioned above, even with a tiny gap, for example about the size of a sheet of paper, partially existing between the attracting and attracted surfaces when the door is closed, it is difficult to exhibit the electromagnetic force as designed. Therefore, for example, a safety switch is used to stop the rotation of a door that is to be closed, such that the attracting and attracted surfaces actually come into contact with each other when the door is closed. Therefore, although some of the impact is absorbed by the deformable element, the impact generated by the door colliding when it rotates to the closed state is applied to the safety switch, thus requiring a robust and relatively large housing capable of withstanding the impact. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a small safety switch with an electromagnetic locking mechanism that enables close contact at a high level between the attracted surface and the attracting surface when the openable and closeable door is closed, and forms a state in which the attracted surface and the attracting surface overlap each other without gaps.

[0014] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a safety switch comprising: a switch body disposed in a partition fixing portion of a partition system for partitioning an operating area for operating a device; and an actuator mounted in a movable portion movable relative to the partition fixing portion, the safety switch detecting that the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body. The actuator comprises: a member to be magnetized, on which an attracted surface is formed, the attracted surface corresponding to an attracted surface formed on an electromagnet disposed in the switch body; an actuator attachment portion configured to attach the actuator to the movable portion; and a moving mechanism supporting the member to enable it to move relative to the actuator attachment portion, thereby setting the relative position of the attracted surface of the member relative to the actuator attachment portion at a position offset towards the attracted surface of the switch body when the actuator is within the predetermined range relative to the switch body, compared to a position where the actuator is not within the predetermined range relative to the switch body.

[0015] According to the present invention, in the process of closing an openable and closable door, the actuator is offset toward the switch body side. Therefore, if the openable and closable door can be moved to a position where the attracted surface can contact the attracting surface by means of the offset of the actuator, a close contact state between the attracting surface and the attracted surface is formed by the moving mechanism. As a result, a close contact state between the attracted surface and the attracting surface can be established at a high level.

[0016] The operational effects and other objectives of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred aspects for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 It is a front view of a protective fence with the safety switch of the embodiment installed and an openable and closable door;

[0018] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a box-type device for safety switches to which the present invention is applicable;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the actuator included in the safety switch of the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the switch body included in the safety switch of the embodiment, viewed from the oblique front and oblique top.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5The front view of the switch body shown;

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The side view of the switch body shown;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch body.

[0025] Figure 9 It is shown in the housing from Figure 4 The diagram shows the switch body in a disassembled state.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operational effects related to the arrangement of the display unit included in the safety switch of the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 11 It is a diagram used to describe the state in which the attracting surface of an electromagnet and the attracted surface of an actuator overlap each other;

[0028] Figure 12 It is a block diagram used to describe the electrical configuration of the switch body included in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The functional block diagram of the first MCU is shown below;

[0030] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The functional block diagram of the second MCU is shown below;

[0031] Figure 15 It is a list used to describe the display modes of the display unit;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to describe a method for determining whether the attracting surface and the attracted surface are in close contact with each other;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the actuator included in the safety switch of the embodiment;

[0034] Figure 18 It is used to describe Figure 17 The diagram shows the operation of the compression coil spring included in the actuator, wherein... Figure 18 (A) is a plan view of a compression coil spring. Figure 18 (B) is a side view of a compressed coil spring in an unloaded state, and Figure 18 (C) is a side view of a compressed helical spring under applied load;

[0035] Figure 19This diagram illustrates the process of aligning the orientation of the attracting surface and the attracted surface in the safety switch of this embodiment. Figure 19 (A) shows the standby state of the actuator when the door is open. Figure 19 (B) shows the state in the process of closing the door where, as the actuator approaches the electromagnet, the attracted surface moves forward towards the attracting surface under the attraction of the permanent magnet, and Figure 19 (C) indicates the state in which the attracted surface is in close contact with the attracted surface under the attraction of the permanent magnet;

[0036] Figure 20 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the actuator included in the safety switch of this embodiment, wherein... Figure 20 (A) indicates the standby state. Figure 20 (B) shows the state in which the attracted face is moved forward to its maximum extent by the forward moving mechanism, and Figure 20 (C) shows the state in which the orientation of the attracted surface is changed by the swing mechanism;

[0037] Figure 21 It is a flowchart used to describe the process of aligning the orientation of the attracted surface with the orientation of the attracting surface under the attraction of a permanent magnet, maintaining the current supply of the electromagnet in an OFF state, and turning on the current supply of the electromagnet as a condition after the attracted surface and the attracting surface are brought into close contact.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a diagram used to describe the configuration of a first variation of the invention;

[0039] Figure 23 This is a diagram used to describe the configuration of a second variation of the invention;

[0040] Figure 24 This is a diagram used to describe the configuration of a third variation of the invention; and

[0041] Figure 25 This is a diagram used to describe the configuration of a fourth variation of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] [Example]

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an illustration of an openable and closable door and protective fence of the partition system 1, which is equipped with a safety switch (i.e., a safety switch with an electromagnetic lock mechanism) as described in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view taken from line II-II. In the figure, the reference numeral PF indicates a protective fence, and the reference numeral PD indicates an openable and closable gate. Figure 1This is an explanatory diagram showing the partition system 1 as viewed from the outside of the operating area S separated by the partition system 1. The partition system 1 includes: a protective fence PF serving as a fixed partition; a door PD constituting a movable part that is movable relative to the fixed partition; and a safety switch 100.

[0044] By restricting the operation of equipment within the operating area S based on safety-related outputs from the safety switch 100, the partition system 1 maintains the operating area S in a safe state. In this embodiment, the safety switch 100 is arranged in the operating area S. A protective fence PF constitutes a partition fixing part of the partition system 1 for separating the operating area S where equipment is operated. An opening formed by a door opening frame 2 is provided relative to the partition fixing part, forming a movable part. (See reference) Figure 1 Multiple hinges 4, which are separated vertically, are provided on one side of the door PD, which constitutes the movable part, and the door PD is attached to the vertical frame portion 2a of the door opening frame 2 via these multiple hinges 4. That is to say, the door PD is a single door.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The door PD includes a door frame 6 and a transparent panel 8 surrounded by the door frame 6. The door PD has a hinge 4 attached to one side and a door operating part 10 attached to the other side. Figure 1 When the door operating unit 10 is operated, the latch (not shown) that is disengaged from the door opening frame 2 is opened, and the door PD can be opened.

[0046] Figure 2 The image shows the door PD in the closed state, and the door frame 6 constituting the door PD is in contact with and positioned against the door stop 110. Figure 2 In the middle, the operating area S is separated by a protective fence PF and an openable and closable door PD. Figure 2 The area on the paper is located to the right of the protective fence PF and the door PD. The safety switch 100 is arranged on the operating area S side relative to the door PD when it is in the closed state. With the door PD closed, the safety switch 100 is arranged on the operating area S side relative to the door PD, thus placing the safety switch 100 within the operating area S. (Reference) Figure 2 The safety switch 100 includes a switch body 102 and an actuator 104. The switch body 102 is arranged within the operating area S. Specifically, the switch body 102 is fixed to the surface of the upper horizontal frame portion 2b of the door opening frame 2 on the operating area S side via a first bracket 106. The switch body 102 includes an electromagnet 130 having an attraction surface 130a. In the closed state of the door PD, the switch body 102 is mounted in the door opening frame such that the attraction surface 130a faces the door PD, in other words, faces the outside of the operating area S. Note that the arrows X, Y, and Z indicating three mutually orthogonal directions are... Figure 2It is shown in the figure, but is related to the arrangement of the safety switch 100 as will be described later.

[0047] As will be referred to later Figure 7 As described above, the switch body 102 of the safety switch 100 in the embodiment includes an electromagnet 130. Figure 8 ) and plate receiving portion 132, and plates Cb(1) and Cb(2) Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is housed in the plate housing 132.

[0048] On the other hand, the actuator 104 is arranged on the surface of the door frame 6 on the operating area S side, and specifically, the actuator 104 is fixed to the upper frame portion 6a of the door frame 6 via the second bracket 108. Figure 2 Both door opening frame 2 and door frame 6 have closed rectangular cross sections as known structures, but as variations, door opening frame 2 and door frame 6 can have U-shaped or L-shaped cross sections.

[0049] The door PD relates to the openable and closable door described in JP 2016-510382 W. On the other hand, Figure 3 The box-shaped equipment 500, each housing the operating system, is shown. Figure 3 In the middle, three devices 500 are arranged side by side. As an example of a door PD, a double-hinged openable and closeable door 506 is attached to the respective housing 502 of each device 500, allowing the operator to manually access the device 504 installed therein. Regarding the openable and closeable door 506, a safety switch 100 may be installed in the housing device 500.

[0050] In the following text, as a typical example, we will base it on applicable Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments of the invention are described using the gate PD embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 4 This is a basic front view of the actuator 104 included in the safety switch 100, and is a diagram used to describe the front shape of the actuator 104. The actuator 104 includes an iron sheet 120 as a component to be magnetized as a main component, and includes a plastic molding 122, an actuator communication unit 124, and an attachment fitting 126 as an actuator attachment part. The iron sheet 120 has a circular shape in the front view, and has an attracted surface 120a on the front side that is attracted to an attracted surface 130a. The diameter of the iron sheet 120 is indicated by reference numeral D1. The iron sheet 120 is attached to the plastic molding 122. The outer periphery of the iron sheet 120 is covered by the plastic molding 122, and the actuator communication unit 124 is arranged in a manner covered by the plastic molding 122. The attachment fitting 126 is provided on the side opposite to the plastic molding 122 and the iron sheet 120, and has a... Figure 4The shape extends to the left and right on the paper. In the attachment 126, a pair of attachment holes are provided in the portion viewed from the front of the actuator 104, through which screws for fastening the attachment are inserted. The pair of attachments 126 are fastened to the second bracket 108, and the actuator 104 is fixed to the door PD via the second bracket 108. Figure 2 In the closed state of the door PD, the actuator 104 and the switch body 102 have the following relative positional relationship, wherein the actuator 104 is located on the surface of the door frame 6 on the operating area S side. That is, in the closed state of the door PD, the actuator 104 is mounted on the door frame 6 such that the attracted surface 120a of the iron sheet 120 is oriented towards the operating area S. On the other hand, the switch body 102 is located within the operating area S. Note that in this embodiment, the actuator 104 is fixed to the door PD via the second bracket 108, but it can be configured such that the attachment fitting 126 is directly fastened to the door frame 6 to fix the actuator 104 to the door PD.

[0051] Based on Figure 2 The arrangement example shown is used to specifically describe the arrangement example when the actuator 104 is fixed to the door PD. As described above, the actuator 104 is fixed to the upper frame portion 6a of the door frame 6. In this embodiment, the attachment fittings 126 are fixed such that the attachment holes of a pair of attachment fittings 126 of the actuator 104 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame portion 6a). In this installation example, Figure 4 The reference numeral Ha indicates the height q of the sheet metal 120, which is included in the actuator 104 and has a circular shape in the front view. Figure 2 In the installation example, the actuator 104 is fixed to the door frame 6 with its height Ha aligned with the width Wdf of the upper frame 6a. The height Ha of the actuator 104 is equal to or less than the average width Wdf of the door frame 6, which has a rectangular cross-section. Figure 2 A portion of the actuator 104 mounted on the door frame 6 may protrude into the inside of the door frame 6, i.e., into the transparent panel 8, but it is desirable that the amount of protrusion is as small as possible. As a result, the presence of the actuator 104 that obstructs operation can be reduced.

[0052] In the safety switch 100 of this embodiment, the electromagnet 130 of the switch body 102 and the iron plate 120 of the actuator 104 serve as an electromagnetic lock mechanism. Historically, the electromagnetic lock mechanism of the safety switch was developed according to the technical concept of the locking pin mechanism described above. The design concept of the safety switch 100 having the electromagnetic lock mechanism of the embodiment will be described. Generally, when checking the function of a safety switch, the original request to maintain the operating area in a safe environment within the operating area where the operating equipment is located is achieved by detecting the opening and closing of the door, and the required function of the door lock is to allow the equipment to operate continuously within the operating area. Therefore, it can be said that it is sufficient for the door lock function to enable continuous operation of the equipment within the operating area. In other words, the basic requirement of the door lock function of the safety switch is to prevent the accidental opening of the openable and closable door during the operation of the equipment. This is because when the openable and closable door is accidentally opened, the operation of the equipment is restricted to the operating area by the function of the safety switch for maintaining the operating area in a safe environment. That is, it can be said that the basic function of the door lock function required by the safety switch is to prevent the equipment from being accidentally opened in the operating area S( Figure 2 ) or box 502 ( Figure 3 Operations in the ) are interrupted by the unexpected opening of gate PD or 506.

[0053] Traditionally, the door-locking function of safety switches has been designed to help maintain a safe operating environment. Therefore, electromagnetic lock mechanisms utilize electromagnets with strong magnetic forces, strong enough to prevent the door from opening even with relatively strong operating forces. However, from the perspective of considering the door-locking function as enabling continuous operation of the equipment rather than maintaining a safe environment, the magnetic force of the electromagnet used in safety switches with electromagnetic lock mechanisms can be the same as or weaker than in the traditional case. When an operator attempts to open the door (PD), the operating force required to open the PD can be such that it at least prompts the operator, "Do you now intend to open the door (PD)?", preventing accidental opening of an openable and closable door. If a certain operating force is obtained through the electromagnet to confirm the operator's intention in order to open the door (PD), accidental opening of the door (PD) can be prevented without requiring any additional operating force.

[0054] Therefore, optionally, when the magnetic force of the electromagnet 130 is set to be weaker than in conventional cases (e.g., when the door PD includes an operating part such as a door handle), the latch is released when an operating force for rotating the door handle is applied to the door handle, and an electromagnet 130 with a magnetic force stronger than the operating force used to release the latch is used. This makes it possible to prevent the operator from opening the door PD and to prevent accidental opening of the door PD. Unexpected interruptions to equipment operation caused by accidental opening of the door PD and 506 can then be avoided.

[0055] refer to Figure 5 The switch body 102 has screw holes 130c as attachments for fixing the switch body 102 to the door opening frame 2, which is a fixing part of the partition system 1.

[0056] More specifically, the electromagnet 130 has a protrusion 130b projecting outward from the center of the attraction surface 130a, and a screw hole 130c is provided in the protrusion 130b. (Referring to...) Figure 2 When the arrangement example shown is described, the switch body 102 is fixed to the upper horizontal frame portion 2b of the door opening frame 2 via a first bracket 106 having an L-shaped cross-section. Figure 2 (When referring to) Figure 2 When describing the arrangement example, the protrusion 130b is positioned such that it protrudes from the upper part of the electromagnet 130, the flat top surface of the protrusion 130b forms an attachment surface, and a screw hole 130c is provided in the attachment surface. This attachment surface may be formed on the side surface of the electromagnet 130.

[0057] For example, Figure 5 The arrows X, Y, and Z indicate three directions that are orthogonal to each other.

[0058] The directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z all correspond to the arrangement of the safety switch 100, and are respectively referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The Y-axis direction indicates the normal direction of the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130. The Z-axis direction indicates a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis and parallel to the attraction surface 130a, and in the Z-axis direction, the protrusion 130b protrudes relative to the center of the attraction surface 130a. The X-axis direction indicates a direction parallel to the attraction surface 130a and orthogonal to the Z-axis. (The text repeats itself here.) Figure 2As shown, since the safety switch 100 in this embodiment is arranged such that the suction surface 130a faces the door PD in the closed state, the normal direction of the door PD in the closed state is consistent with the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the safety switch 100 in this embodiment is arranged such that the direction in which the protrusion 130b protrudes relative to the center of the suction surface 130a is orthogonal to the extension direction of the upper frame portion 6a of the door PD in the closed state and the extension direction of the upper horizontal frame portion 2b of the door opening frame 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the extension directions of the upper frame portion 6a and the upper horizontal frame portion 2b are consistent with the X-axis direction, and the direction relative to the door PD toward the operating area S (i.e., the depth direction of the operating area S) is consistent with the Y-axis direction. Note that in the following description, the direction from the closed door PD toward the suction surface 130a in the Y-axis direction and its opposite direction are sometimes referred to as "rear or backward" and "forward or forward", respectively, and the direction from the suction surface 130a toward the protrusion 130b in the Z-axis direction and its opposite direction are sometimes referred to as "upper, upper side or above" and "lower, lower side or below", respectively.

[0059] Figure 5 to Figure 9 This is a diagram related to the switch body 102. Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the switch body 102. Figure 6 This is a front view. Figure 7 It's a side view. (As seen from...) Figure 5 and Figure 7 As can be clearly seen, the switch body 102 has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction (the normal direction of the attraction surface 130a). The switch body 102 includes an electromagnet 130, which includes an attraction surface 130a forming one end face in the Y-axis direction. The length L from the attraction surface 130a to the other end face is longer than the diameter of the attraction surface 130a.

[0060] The attraction surface 130a forms the main part of one end face of the switch body 102. More specifically, refer to... Figure 5 to Figure 7 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral Hg denotes the housing of the plate receiving portion 132. With the housing Hg located on the outer periphery of the electromagnet 130, the attraction surface 130a protrudes from the end face of the electromagnet 130, which is part of the housing Hg, and forms one end face of the switch body 102. As described above, when the door PD is closed, the attraction surface 130a faces the attracted surface 120a of the actuator 104.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the switch body 102 includes a housing Hg and a display unit 142. The housing Hg includes a plate receiving portion 132 for accommodating a plate. The display unit 142 displays a safety-related output corresponding to the output from the safety switch 100 based on the detection result of the actuator 104. The plate receiving portion 132 is located on the side opposite to the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the plate receiving portion 132 is located behind the electromagnet 130. Therefore, the dimensions of the entire switch body 102 in the X-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction are unlikely to be larger than the dimensions of the electromagnet 130 in the X-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the display unit 142 is located in the housing Hg on the side opposite to the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., behind the electromagnet 130. The switch body 102 has a shape in which the dimension in the Y-axis direction is larger than both the dimensions in the X-axis direction and the dimensions in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the area occupied by the opening formed in the door opening frame 2 may be smaller compared to other switch bodies that require the same capacity.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a front view of the switch body 102 as seen from the front. Figure 6 The normal direction of the paper surface is parallel to the Y-axis direction. As described above, the plate housing 132 is located behind the electromagnet 130. Therefore, when the switch body 102 is viewed from the front, as... Figure 6 As shown, most of the housing Hg, including the plate receiving portion 132, is hidden by the electromagnet 130. Therefore, the increase in the area occupied by the switch body 102 when viewed from the front due to the housing Hg can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the ratio of the area occupied by the housing Hg to the area occupied by the attraction surface 130a is small when viewed from the front.

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, in the area occupied by the housing Hg when viewed from the front, the area on the side where the screw hole 130c is located relative to the center of the attraction surface 130a is larger than the area on the opposite side. In other words, in the front view, most of the housing Hg is located above the center of the attraction surface 130a. When the switch body 102 is fixed through the screw hole 130c, a dead space is generated between the portion of the attraction surface 130a with the largest size in the X-axis direction and the door opening frame 2 to which the switch body 102 is attached. When the dead space is used as the area where the housing Hg is located, the operability through the door opening frame 2 is unlikely to deteriorate. Therefore, the housing Hg is configured such that the area occupied by the housing Hg in the front view is larger on the side where the screw hole 130c is located relative to the center of the attraction surface 130a, thereby ensuring the operability of operation through the door opening frame 2 to which the switch body 102 is arranged.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a side view of the switch body 102. The switch body 102 has a plate receiving portion 132 on the side opposite to the electromagnet 130 and the attraction surface 130a. Figure 8 The reference numeral Hg denotes the housing of the plate receiving portion 132. In the plate receiving portion 132, the connector connection portion 144 is provided on the end face 134 on the side opposite to the side where the attraction surface 130a is located in the Y-axis direction (i.e., on the rear side). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The rear end face 134 is also the end face of the switch body 102 on the side opposite to the side where the attraction surface 130a is located. The connector connection portion 144 extends along the Y-axis in a direction away from the attraction surface 130a. Since the connector connection portion 144 is provided on the end face 134 of the board receiving portion 132, it is not necessary to position the cable connected to the connector connection portion 144 around the switch body 102. Furthermore, since the connector connection portion 144 is provided on the end face 134 of the board receiving portion 132, at least a portion of the cable connected to the connector connection portion 144 near the connector connection portion 144 is located behind the switch body 102. Therefore, the cable reduces the possibility of deterioration in the visibility of the display unit 142 from the front. Furthermore, when the cable connected to the connector connection 144 is routed behind the switch body 102 or above the location of the screw hole 130c, the cable can be routed without being near the opening formed by the door opening frame 2, making it less likely that the operability of operations through the door opening frame 2 will be deteriorated.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch body 102 taken along the Z-axis. Figure 9This is a diagram used to describe the arrangement of two plates Cb(1) and Cb(2) arranged in the plate receiving part 132. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the switch body 102 as seen from the oblique front, with the housing Hg removed and the plate receiving part 132 exposed. Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnet 130 and the housing Hg, and a view of the switch body 102 viewed from the rear.

[0066] refer to Figure 9 A portion of the yoke of the electromagnet 130 is formed in a raised shape, and the protrusion 130b is formed from this raised portion, but this is not particularly limited. Although in Figure 2 In the configuration example shown, the switch body 102 is attached such that the protrusion 130b is located at the top, but the switch body 102 can also be attached such that the attachment portion 103b is located on the side.

[0067] As from Figure 5 and Figure 8 It can be seen that the protrusion 130b protruding in the Z-axis direction has two screw holes 130c separated in the front and back (i.e., in the Y-axis direction), and the protrusion 130b is fixed to the first bracket 106 having an L-shaped cross-section by using screws Sc screwed into the two screw holes 130c. Figure 2 ).

[0068] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first plate Cb(1) and the second plate Cb(2) are housed in the plate receiving portion 132, and the first plate Cb(1) and the second plate Cb(2) are arranged in an orthogonal state. Specifically, the first plate Cb(1) is arranged in an orientation such that it has a plate surface along the Y-axis direction, and the second plate Cb(2) is arranged in an orientation such that it has a plate surface along the Z-axis direction. The second plate Cb(2) is preferably arranged in an orientation such that it has a plate surface along the Z-axis direction. Figure 8 When the state is described as shown, it is arranged in a state where it is suspended downward from the rear end of the first plate Cb(1).

[0069] As described above, the switch body 102 includes at least a display unit 142. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The display unit displays the safety-related outputs output from the switch body 102.

[0070] The display unit 142 is positioned visible from the side opposite to the side where the screw hole 130c, which serves as an attachment portion, is located on the switch body 102. That is, the display unit 142 is positioned visible from the side where the attachment surface formed by the top surface of the protrusion 130b does not exist. When the switch body 102 is fixed to the door opening frame 2, the screw hole 130c is arranged and fixed such that it extends outward from the opening formed in the door opening frame 2. Therefore, the surface on the side opposite to the surface where the screw hole 130c is located faces inward toward the opening. Figure 2 In the example, the switch body 102 is fixed to the upper horizontal frame portion 2b of the door opening frame 2, and the direction from the opening to the outside is upward. Since the inside of the opening is below the upper horizontal frame portion 2b, the surface where the display unit 142 is located faces downward. In this embodiment, the switch body 102 is fixed to the frame portion of the door opening frame 2 on the side opposite to the side where the hinge 4 is located (…). Figure 1 In the case of the right frame portion on the paper (although the switch body 102 is fixed to the upper horizontal frame portion 2b of the door opening frame 2 that forms the opening), the display unit 142 is located in Figure 1 The left side of the paper. Since the display unit 142 is positioned on the side opposite to the screw hole 130c in this manner, the display unit 142 faces the side of the door opening frame 2 opposite to the frame portion to which the switch body 102 is attached (i.e., the inside of the opening). When viewing the operating area S from the outside of the door PD with the transparent plate 8, the transparent plate 8 is located inside the opening, and therefore the switch body is visible from the inside of the opening. Therefore, since the display unit 142 is located inside the opening when it is fixed to the door opening frame 2, the visibility of the display unit 142 is improved.

[0071] As from Figure 7 It can be clearly seen that the display unit 142 has a shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the switch body 102, and extends from the side opposite to the attachment portion 103b in the Z-axis direction to the middle portion of the sides facing each other in the X-axis direction in the Z-axis direction. As a result, when referring to... Figure 2 When the installation example is described, the operator viewing the operating area S from the outside can visually identify the display unit 142 not only from below but also from the side. This visibility can be achieved by setting up, for example... Figure 7 The disclosed display unit 142 with a curved cross-sectional shape improves visibility, and this visibility can be further improved by providing a display unit 142 having a shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the switch body 102. Furthermore, as from... Figure 7 It can be clearly seen that the outer surface of the display unit 142 has a tapered shape in the Y-axis direction toward the attraction surface 130a to enhance visibility.

[0072] refer toFigure 8 In the plate housing 132, a limited illumination space Ls is formed by a first plate Cb(1) and a second plate Cb(2). The surface of the first plate Cb(1) extends from front to back (i.e., along the Y-axis), and the surface of the second plate Cb(2) extends along the Z-axis. Then, light from an LED 150 mounted on the second plate Cb(2) is emitted toward the limited illumination space Ls, and as a result, the light is displayed through a light-transmitting material that forms part of the display unit 142 and part of the housing Hg. Of course, the LED 150 forming the light source can be disposed on the first plate Cb(1).

[0073] As described above, the switch body 102 is arranged within the operating area S. The illumination state of the display unit 142 is emitted from the outside of the openable and closable door PD through the transparent plate 8 of the openable and closable door PD. Figure 2 (See below.) (Refer to...) Figure 10 Describe the visibility of the display unit 142 when the switch body 102 is viewed from the outside. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram created to illustrate the visibility of display unit 142. In the drawing, the reference numeral Ey denotes the operator's eye.

[0074] exist Figure 10 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 142-1 indicates a display unit located near the attraction surface 130a. That is, the distance D-1 between the attraction surface 130a and the display unit 142-1 in the Y-axis direction is relatively small. Reference numeral 142-2 indicates a display unit located at the far end of the attraction surface 130a.

[0075] The distance D-2 between the attraction surface 130a and the display unit 142-2 in the Y-axis direction is relatively large.

[0076] As from Figure 10 It can be understood that, as can be seen, when the display unit is arranged at the far end of the attraction surface 130a rather than near the attraction surface 130a, the display unit 142 has better visibility when viewed from the outside through the openable and closable door PD. Preferably, the display unit 142 is arranged behind (including) the center line Imd, which has a total length L of the switch body 102 in the Y-axis direction. Figure 5 Half the length of ).

[0077] On the body Cb (body) of the first plate Cb (1), there are control circuits, power supply circuits, and communication circuits for generating drive signals for the electromagnet 130, etc. On the other hand, on the second plate Cb (2), there are indicator light control circuits, etc.

[0078] refer to Figure 9In the plate receiving portion 132, the first plate Cb(1) extending along the Y-axis has a pair of left and right plate extensions Cb(1ex) that are both long and thin and extend from the body Cb (body) located in the plate receiving portion 132 and on which control circuits and the like are mounted, to the vicinity of the attraction surface 130a in the Y-axis direction. The pair of plate extensions Cb(1ex) are located on both sides of the protrusion 130b in the X-axis direction, with the protrusion 130b located between the pair of plate extensions Cb(1ex). By arranging the pair of plate extensions Cb(1ex) on both sides of the protrusion 130b, the presence of the plate extensions Cb(1ex) can prevent an increase in the height dimension of the switch body 102 in the Z-axis direction. In addition, a portion of the plate extensions Cb(1ex) is arranged at a position that overlaps with the electromagnet 130 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the presence of the plate extensions Cb(1ex) can reduce the increase in the size of the switch body 102 in both the Z-axis and X-axis directions.

[0079] In the plate extension Cb(1ex), a sensor-side coil (antenna coil) 152 is mounted at the distal end of one plate extension Cb(1ex). Figure 9 The sensor-side coil 152 constitutes a detection unit for detecting the presence of the actuator 104 within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102. Since the sensor-side coil 152 is mounted at the distal end of a plate extension Cb(1ex), it can be positioned close to the attraction surface 130a in the Y-axis direction. This enhances the detection capability of the sensor-side coil 152. As is well known, the sensor-side coil 152 is arranged to correspond to the actuator communication unit 124 of the aforementioned actuator 104. In this case, to enable the sensor-side coil 152 to detect the actuator communication unit 124, a housing Hg made of plastic instead of metal is used to cover the sensor-side coil 152. Therefore, in the switch body, in addition to the attraction surface 130a, a portion of the housing Hg also exists on the surface facing the actuator 104. In this embodiment, as described above, by arranging a portion of the housing Hg in the dead space, the operability of the door opening frame 2 on which the switch body 102 is arranged can be maintained.

[0080] For example, in the process of closing the door PD, the metal piece 120 of the actuator 104 approaches the attraction surface 130a of the switch body 102 in conjunction with the closing operation of the door PD, and then the metal piece 120 overlaps with the attraction surface 130a of the switch body 102. The diameter D1 of the metal piece 120 (attracted surface 120a) is... Figure 4The diameter D1 of the iron sheet 120 is designed to be larger than the diameter D2 of the attraction surface 130a. Based on the state in which the iron sheet 120 overlaps with the switch body 102 in the normal state (i.e., the normal state in which the center O1 of the iron sheet 120 and the center O2 of the attraction surface 130a are aligned), the diameter D1 of the iron sheet 120 is set relative to the diameter D2 of the attraction surface 130a such that the outer edge of the attraction surface 130a is located within the attraction surface 120a of the iron sheet 120. As a result, even when the switch body 102 and / or the actuator 104 are displaced relative to each other in an allowable manner, the switch body 102 can fix the actuator 104 with a predetermined attraction force.

[0081] When the gate PD is closed (i.e., when the sensor-side coil 152 detects the actuator communication unit 124), a safety-related output is output to, for example, a device for controlling the actuator communication unit 124 installed in the operating area S when another condition is met. Figure 2 The PLC of the device in the first board Cb(1) is equipped with an RFID detection circuit (not shown) associated with the sensor-side coil 152 on the board extension Cb(1ex) of the first board Cb(1), and the electromagnet 130 is controlled based on the signal from the sensor-side coil (antenna coil) 152.

[0082] Figure 12 This is a block diagram describing the electrical configuration of the switch body 102. The control circuit 200 of the switch body 102 includes a first MCU 202 and a second MCU 204. The first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204 communicate with each other to monitor each other.

[0083] The first MCU 202 is connected to the transmitting circuit 206. The transmitting circuit 206 is connected to the sensor-side coil (antenna coil) 152. The sensor-side coil 152 is connected to the receiving circuit 208. The receiving circuit 208 is connected to both the first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204. The first MCU 202 drives the sensor-side coil 152 via the transmitting circuit 206 and supplies radio signals from the sensor-side coil 152 to the actuator communication unit 124. The actuator communication unit 124 includes at least coils and circuitry, and is arranged such that... Figure 4 The coil shown is located within a portion covered by a plastic molding 122. A first MCU 202 and a second MCU 204 receive radio signals from the actuator communication unit 124 via the sensor-side coil 152 and the receiving circuit 208. The RFID detection circuit includes the sensor-side coil 152 and a response circuit. The actuator communication unit 124 may be a radio tag (RF-ID tag). The response circuit operates using the induced current generated in the sensor-side coil 152 as its power source. The response circuit demodulates the radio signals received by the sensor-side coil 152 to obtain information and also transmits radio signals (response signals) via the sensor-side coil 152.

[0084] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The measurement unit 210a of the first MCU 202 and the measurement unit 210b of the second MCU 204 each measure the strength of the radio signal received from the actuator communication unit 124 via the sensor-side coil 152 and the receiving circuit 208, and estimate the distance d between the switch body 102 and the actuator 104 based on the strength of the radio signal. The safety judgment circuit 214a of the first MCU 202 and the safety judgment circuit 214b of the second MCU 204 each determine whether the estimated distance d is equal to or less than a threshold (i.e., whether the actuator 104 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102). In other words, the detection unit that detects that the actuator 104 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102 is implemented by at least the sensor-side coil 152, the receiving circuit 208, and the first MCU 202 or the second MCU 204. Note that instead of the distance d, the position of the actuator 104 can be detected by using the strength of the radio signal as is. The demodulation unit 212a of the first MCU 202 and the demodulation unit 212b of the second MCU 204 demodulate the information transmitted by the radio signal from the actuator communication unit 124 received via the sensor-side coil 152 and the receiving circuit 208, respectively, and identify the actuator 104 based on the information. This information may include unique identification information.

[0085] The safety judgment circuit 214a of the first MCU 202 determines whether two conditions are met (i.e., the estimated distance d is equal to or less than a threshold and the actuator 104 is identified as a predetermined actuator) based on the measurement performed by the measurement unit 210a and the identification performed by the demodulation unit 212a, and sends the judgment result to the second MCU 204. More specifically, there are two types of judgment results: the result that both conditions are met and the result that at least one of these conditions is not met. Similarly, the safety judgment circuit 214b of the second MCU 204 determines whether two conditions are met (i.e., the estimated distance d is equal to or less than a threshold and the actuator 104 is identified as a predetermined actuator) based on the measurement performed by the measurement unit 210b and the identification performed by the demodulation unit 212b, and sends the judgment result to the first MCU 202. When the self-judgment result matches the judgment result of the second MCU, the safety judgment circuit 214a of the first MCU 202 outputs a safety-related output, which determines that the actuator 104 identified as the predetermined actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102 (i.e., the gate PD is in the closed state). Similarly, when the self-judgment result matches the judgment result of the first MCU, the safety judgment circuit 214b of the second MCU 204 determines that the actuator 104 identified as the predetermined actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102 (i.e., the gate PD is in the closed state). Note that, as will be described later in this embodiment, when conditions related to the signal input via the input circuit 220 are also met, the first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204 output a safety-related output via the output signal switching device (OSSD), but the safety-related output can also be output based on the radio signal received via the receiving circuit 208 and the mutual judgment result of the first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance d between the switch body 102 and the actuator 104 is estimated and the actuator 104 is identified based on the wireless signal detected by the sensor-side coil 152. However, it can also be configured such that only the distance d is estimated without making a safety judgment related to the identification of the actuator 104, and the judgment circuit 214a or 214b outputs the judgment result related to whether the distance d is equal to or less than the threshold to other safety judgment circuits.

[0086] Return to Figure 12The input circuit 220 includes a first safety input unit 222, a second safety input unit 224, and a lock input unit 226. Another device capable of outputting safety-related outputs is connected to the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224. That is, the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224 are input circuits configured for daisy-chain connections between the switch body 102 and other devices. For example, in the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224, one terminal for outputting the safety-related output of another device is connected to the first safety input unit 222, and the other terminal for outputting the safety-related output of another device is connected to the second safety input unit 224.

[0087] The lock input unit 226 is connected to an external control device such as a safety PLC and a safety control device, receives a lock signal from the external control device for controlling the lock mechanism, and outputs the input signal to the second MCU 204. The second MCU 204 determines whether the signal input via the lock input unit 226 is an ON signal. The second MCU 204 can drive the electromagnet 130 based on the lock signal input via the lock input unit 226 to attract the electromagnet 130 to the iron plate 120 of the actuator 104. That is, the door PD is magnetically locked according to the signal input via the lock input unit 226. Note that the second MCU 204 can drive the electromagnet 130 when the signal input via the lock input unit 226 is an ON signal, or it can drive the electromagnet when it determines that another condition is met in addition to the condition that the signal input via the lock input unit 226 is an ON signal. For example, the above determination of the safety determination circuits 214a and 214b can be a condition for driving the electromagnet 130. In this case, when it is determined that the predetermined actuator 104 is in a state within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102, the drive electromagnet 130 improves the reliability of keeping the door PD in a closed state by using a lock signal output from an external control device.

[0088] The control circuit 200 includes a first OSSD 230a and a second OSSD 230b as a switching device 230. The first MCU 202 outputs a safety-related output via the first OSSD 230a, and the second MCU 204 outputs a safety-related output via the second OSSD 230b. Note that the external device to which the safety-related output is output via the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b is sent, and the external control device for outputting the lock signal input via the lock input unit 226, can be the same device or different devices, and these two constitute the partition system 1.

[0089] The first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b are configured using, for example, PNP transistors. When the PNP transistor is turned on, the positive power supply is connected to the output terminal, and an ON signal is output therefrom. On the other hand, when the PNP transistor is turned off, the output terminal is grounded via a pull-down resistor, and an OFF signal is output therefrom.

[0090] OSSD monitoring circuit 232 can be connected to each of the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b. OSSD monitoring circuit 232 is connected to the first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204. The first MCU 202 monitors the operation of the second OSSD 230b via OSSD monitoring circuit 232. The second MCU 204 monitors the operation of the first OSSD 230a via OSSD monitoring circuit 232. For example, when outputting an ON signal, the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b each periodically switch their output signal to OFF for a very short time. If a very short OFF period can be detected during the ON signal output time period, the OSSD monitoring circuit 232 determines that the OSSD is normal; if a very short OFF period cannot be detected, the OSSD is determined to be abnormal.

[0091] Note that the situation where the OSSD monitoring circuit 232 cannot detect a minute OFF and the ON signal persists is caused, for example, by a short circuit between the output terminal and the positive power supply. In this case, safety judgment circuits 214a and 214b output control signals to output an OFF signal to the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b, respectively. As a result, one of the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b outputs an OFF signal for normal operation. Note that the transition of the safety-related output to OFF for monitoring the OSSD monitoring circuit 232 is set to a minute time such that the external device to which the safety-related output is output does not react to the OFF.

[0092] The power supply circuit 240 is a DC-DC converter that receives DC +24V and 0V from an external source and generates DC voltages such as DC +10V, +5V, and +3.3V. The power supply circuit 240 supplies power to all circuits requiring power, such as the control circuit 200, the sensor-side coil 152, and the display unit 142. On the other hand, if the voltage supplied from the external power source or the voltage output from the power supply circuit 240 is outside a predetermined range, there is a possibility that the control circuit 200 and other components may not operate normally. Therefore, the power monitoring circuit 242 determines whether the voltage supplied from the external power source is within a predetermined range, determines whether the voltage output from the power supply circuit 240 is within a predetermined range, and outputs the determination results to the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b. When a determination result indicating that the power supply circuit 240 is not operating normally is input, the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b do not set their safety-related outputs to OFF according to the control signal output from the control circuit 200. When the input indicates that the power supply circuit 240 is operating normally, the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b each output safety-related outputs based on the control signals output from the control circuit 200.

[0093] The control circuit 200 includes an indicator control unit 252 for controlling the display unit 142, and the indicator control unit 252 of the second MCU 204 supplies at least a display status signal based on the safety-related output via the second OSSD 230b to the indicator control unit 252. (See reference...) Figure 15 Describe the relationship between the ON or OFF of the safety-related output and the judgment results in the first MCU 202 and the second MCU 204.

[0094] Figure 15 The column "Indicator Light" indicates the illumination pattern of the display unit 142 controlled based on the display status signal supplied to the indicator light control unit 252. The column "Status" is further subdivided into "OSSD," "Safety Input," "Lock Control Input," and "Actuator." The column "OSSD" indicates whether the safety-related output to the external control device via the first OSSD 230a and the second OSSD 230b, which are switching devices 230, is ON or OFF. Furthermore, the columns "Safety Input," "Lock Control Input," and "Actuator" indicate the decision items used when determining whether to set the safety-related output output via the switching device 230 to ON or OFF. The column "Safety Input" indicates whether the safety-related output input via the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224 is ON or OFF.

[0095] The column “Lock Control Input” indicates whether the lock signal input from the external control device via the lock input unit 226 is ON or OFF. The column “Actuator” indicates whether the actuator 104, identified as a predetermined actuator based on the radio signal received via the sensor-side coil 152 and the receiving circuit 208, has been detected as being within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102.

[0096] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, when the safety-related outputs input via the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224 are ON, the lock signal input via the lock input unit 226 is ON, and the actuator 104 has been detected, the safety-related outputs output via the switching device 230 are set to ON. At this time, the light-emitting pattern of the display unit 142 is lit in green. Furthermore, when the actuator 104 is not detected, regardless of the safety-related outputs and lock signal input via the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224, the safety-related outputs output via the switching device 230 are set to OFF, and the light-emitting pattern of the display unit 142 is lit in red. In this embodiment, the safety switch 100 detects whether the actuator 104 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102 to maintain the operating area S in a safe environment. When the actuator 104 is not detected, the door PD is not in a closed state, and the operating area S is not maintained as a safe environment. Therefore, regardless of the input state of other signals, the safety-related outputs output via the switching device 230 are set to OFF.

[0097] In addition to the detection by actuator 104, the safety switch 100 in this embodiment refers to the input states of various signals and determines whether to set the safety-related output output via switching device 230 to ON or OFF. At this time, compared to the detection by actuator 104, it is difficult for the operator to determine the state of the safety-related output or lock signal input via the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224. More specifically, whether actuator 104 is detected is somewhat correlated with whether the door PD is in the closed state. Therefore, if actuator 104 is not detected and the safety-related output output from switch body 102 via switching device 230 is set to OFF, the operator can easily specify the reason. On the other hand, regarding the safety-related output or lock signal input via the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224, the operator can visually confirm whether the corresponding cable is connected, but it is difficult to visually determine any state of the signal supplied via such cable. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the safety-related output output via the switching device 230 is OFF due to the input state of various signals, the light emission pattern of the display unit 142 changes according to the input state of various signals in this embodiment, so that the operator can easily specify the reason why the safety-related output output from the switch body 102 via the switching device 230 is OFF.

[0098] Note that in this embodiment, since another device capable of outputting safety-related outputs is connected to the first safety input unit 222 and the second safety input unit 224, the safety-related outputs from the switch body 102 and the light-emitting pattern of the display unit 142 are based on... Figure 15 The safety-related output from the switch body 102 and the illumination pattern of the display unit 142 are changed based on the column "Security Input". However, without connecting another device, the safety-related output from the switch body 102 and the illumination pattern of the display unit 142 can be determined based on the column "Lock Control Input" and the column "Actuator". In this case, when the column "Lock Control Input" is "ON" and the column "Actuator" is "Detected", the safety-related output from the switch body 102 is set to "ON", and the illumination pattern of the display unit 142 is lit in green. Furthermore, in this case, there is no such... Figure 15 The light emission pattern of the display unit 142 shown is either "orange" or "orange flashing".

[0099] As described above, the distance d from the switch body 102 to the actuator 104 is estimated based on the strength of the radio signal. Figure 11 When the distance d is within a predetermined range, the ID is obtained from the actuator communication unit 124, and it is confirmed that the obtained ID matches the recorded ID. Then, it is determined whether the electromagnet 130 and the iron sheet 120 are in close contact with each other.

[0100] ReferenceFigure 16 The specific description relates to the judgment regarding whether the distance d2 is equal to or less than a threshold. The second MCU 204 supplies a check current to the electromagnet 130 and monitors the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 at this time. Figure 16 In diagram (A), a rectangular wave of the check current is shown. The value of the check current is less than the value of the locking current supplied to the electromagnet 130 to maintain the door PD in the closed state (i.e., to form the locked state of the safety switch 100). If a current with the same value as the locking current is used for checking, even if the lock signal is not ON, the electromagnet 130 will attract the metal piece 120 with an attractive force sufficient to keep the door PD in the closed state, thereby hindering the operation of opening the door PD and degrading the operator's workability. In this respect, when the value of the check current is set to a value less than the value of the locking current (especially when it is set to a weak value such that the electromagnet 130 hardly exhibits any attractive force), the operator's workability can be maintained.

[0101] exist Figure 16 In diagram (B), it is shown that when the electromagnet 130 and the iron sheet 120 are not in close contact with each other (i.e., when the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a is greater than a threshold), the flow to the electromagnet 130 is such that it interacts with the iron sheet 120a. Figure 16 The monitoring current corresponding to the check current of the rectangular wave in (A). Figure 16 In diagram (C), it is shown that when the electromagnet 130 and the iron sheet 120 are in close contact with each other (i.e., when the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a is equal to or less than a threshold), the flow to the electromagnet 130 is... Figure 16 The monitoring current corresponding to the check current of the rectangular wave in (A). For example, from... Figure 16 A comparison between (B) and (C) shows that the inductance is higher when the electromagnet 130 and the iron sheet 120 are in close contact with each other (i.e., when the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a is equal to or less than the threshold). Therefore, the time interval from when the current supply is first checked to when the monitored current value reaches a certain value is increased.

[0102] If there is a difference in the value of the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 during the time period from when the current supply was first checked until the monitored current value reaches a certain value, then there is a difference in the value of the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 during a time period after the current supply was first checked. In order to... Figure 16A comparison is made between (B) and (C). The time elapsed from the start of supplying the check current to the electromagnet 130 is designated as the check confirmation time. The monitoring current flowing through the electromagnet 130 at the check confirmation time is the value of the current when the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a is greater than a threshold. Figure 16 The first monitoring current value I1 is shown in (B). Furthermore, the monitoring current flowing through the electromagnet 130 when the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a is equal to or less than a threshold value is the current value at the check confirmation timing. Figure 16 The second monitoring current value I2 is shown in (C). When comparing the first monitoring current value I1 and the second monitoring current value I2, the first monitoring current value I1 is larger. That is, the monitoring current that reaches a certain value within a short period of time from the point when the inspection current was supplied (C). Figure 16 (B) (in other words, the monitoring current with higher responsiveness) and the monitoring current with lower responsiveness ( Figure 16 Compared to (C), the current value is larger during the check confirmation timing. Therefore, by comparing the value of the monitoring current during the check confirmation timing, it is possible to determine whether the responsiveness of the monitoring current flowing through the electromagnet 130 is high or low, whether the inductance associated with the responsiveness level is high or low, and whether the distance d2 between the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a, which is associated with the magnitude of the inductance, is long or short. More specifically, a threshold value for the current value is set at least between the first monitoring current value I1 and the second monitoring current value I2, such that the magnitude relationship between the distance d2 and the threshold value can be determined, and whether the distance d2 is greater than, equal to, or less than the threshold value is determined based on whether the monitoring current value during the check confirmation timing is greater than, equal to, or less than the threshold value.

[0103] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of actuator 104. Figure 17 The actuator 104 is shown attached to the door PD, in which the door frame 6 is attached parallel to the door opening frame 2, and the switch body 102 is attached to the door PD. Figure 2 The pattern is attached to the door opening frame 2. Therefore, the normal direction of the door frame 6 (PD) coincides with the Y-axis direction, which is the normal direction of the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130 included in the switch body 102. Furthermore, Figure 19 The actuator 104 is in a state where the normal direction of the attracted surface 120a of the iron sheet 120 included in the actuator 104 is consistent with the Y-axis direction.

[0104] refer to Figure 17The aforementioned attachment 126 forms the base component of the actuator 104. The attachment 126 has a U-shaped cross-section with flanges at both ends and includes a through-hole 126a at the center of its flat top. The actuator 104 includes a movable pin 320 inserted into the through-hole 126a of the attachment 126, and one end of the movable pin 320 is fixed to a metal plate 120. The metal plate 120 has a permanent magnet 120b with a circular shape in the front view at the center of the attracted surface 120a. The movable pin 320, inserted into the through-hole 126a of the attachment 126, is movable relative to the attachment 126 in the axial direction of the movable pin 320. This configuration provides a movement mechanism that allows the attracted surface 120a to move relative to the attachment 126.

[0105] The movable pin 320 includes a pin head 320a at one end located on the attachment side 126. The movable pin 320 is inserted into a sleeve 322. The sleeve 322 has a length in the axial direction of the movable pin 320 and has a first end flange 322a and a second end flange 322b extending radially outward and circumferentially. The first end flange 322a and the second end flange 322b of the sleeve 322 are used to set a constant position of the sheet 120 relative to the movable pin 320, and the sheet 120, the movable pin 320, and the sleeve 322 are movable relative to the attachment 126.

[0106] Since the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 322 is guided into the through hole 126a, the movable pin 320 and the sleeve 322 can move in the axial direction of the movable pin 320. The sleeve 322 has a guiding function for guiding the movement of the movable pin 320 in the axial direction. The movable pin 320 can also swing together with the sleeve 322 within the through hole 126a. That is, the diameter of the sleeve 322 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 126a, and the sleeve 322 fits loosely into the through hole 126a. With this configuration, a swinging mechanism for swinging the attracted surface 120a is configured.

[0107] A compression coil spring 324 is provided between the first end flange 322a of the sleeve 322 and the attachment fitting 126. The compression coil spring 324 constitutes a force-applying unit that applies force to the movable pin 320 and the attracted surface 120a in the direction approaching the door frame 6 (i.e., in the retraction direction).

[0108] exist Figure 18 In the diagram, (A) is a plan view of the compression coil spring 324. Figure 18 In the image, (B) is a side view of the compressed helical spring 324 under no-load conditions. Figure 18 In the middle, (C) is a side view of the compressed coil spring 324 under a load. (See diagram from...) Figure 18As can be seen from (A), the compression coil spring 324 is configured using a spiral spring with a trapezoidal shape whose diameter gradually decreases in the axial direction in the side view.

[0109] In the compressed state, the compression coil spring 324, which has a spiral shape, can have a flat shape in the side view. Therefore, the range of movement when the movable pin 320 moves extends in the direction in which the compression coil spring 324 is compressed.

[0110] In this embodiment, Figure 17 The state of the actuator 104 shown (i.e., the state in which the iron piece 120 is moved in the direction close to the door frame 6 by compressing the coil spring 324 (in other words, in the direction away from the electromagnet 130)) is defined as the standby state, and the position of the iron piece 120 in this state is defined as the standby position. Note that variations of the compression coil spring 324 may include an elastomer such as a disc spring or rubber.

[0111] A buffer member 326 is provided between the second end flange 322b of the sleeve 322 and the attachment 126 and the iron plate 120. Figure 17 As will be described later, the impact when the iron sheet 120 overlaps with the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130 due to the attraction of the permanent magnet 120b, can be mitigated by compressing the helical spring 324 and the buffer member 326.

[0112] Figure 19 This is a diagram used to describe the operation of actuator 104. Figure 19 In the diagram, (A) shows the actuator 104 in standby mode, and corresponds to... Figure 17 .Notice, Figure 19 The actuator communication unit 124 indicates the position of the actuator coil included in the actuator communication unit 124.

[0113] exist Figure 19 In diagram (B), it is shown that during the process of changing the door PD from an open state to a closed state (i.e., during the process of the operator closing the door PD), when the door PD is closed, the actuator 104 is close to the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130 included in the switch body 102. At this time, the electromagnet 130 is not driven. Figure 19As shown in (B), when the actuator 104 approaches the electromagnet 130, the attractive force of the permanent magnet 120b included in the actuator 104 acts on the attractive surface 130a of the electromagnet 130. When the attractive force becomes greater than the spring force of the compression coil spring 324, the compression coil spring 324 begins to compress. Then, under the attractive force of the permanent magnet 120b, the movable pin 320 and the iron plate 120 move together with the plastic molding 122 in a direction away from the door frame 6 (i.e., in a direction close to the attractive surface 130a). Therefore, for example, when the door PD is closed and the distance between the actuator 104 and the switch body 102 falls within a certain range, the movable pin 320 and the iron plate 120 move together with the plastic molding 122 in a direction close to the attractive surface 130a along the Y-axis. According to this configuration, when the actuator 104 is outside a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102, the relative position of the attracted surface 120a with respect to the attachment accessory 126 is offset toward the attracting surface 130a compared to when the actuator 104 is within the predetermined range relative to the switch body 102. Therefore, a close contact state between the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a can be easily achieved. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the actuator communication unit 124, together with the attracted surface 120a, is offset toward the attracting surface 130a relative to the attachment accessory 126. That is, regardless of the position of the attracted surface 120a in the actuator 104, the distance between the actuator communication unit 124 and the sensor-side coil 152 becomes constant when the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a are in contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the actuator 104 is within the predetermined range relative to the switch body without setting a threshold to compare with the distance d based on the position of the attracted surface 120a in the actuator 104.

[0114] exist Figure 19 In the middle, (C) shows the above... Figure 19 The (B) process utilizes the attractive force of the permanent magnet 120b to bring the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a into close contact with each other. A threshold is set for the distance d such that, in this state, the distance d estimated based on the strength of the radio signal received from the actuator communication unit 124 via the sensor-side coil 152 is equal to or less than the threshold (i.e., such that, in this state, the actuator communication unit 124 determines that the actuator 104 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102). Furthermore, in Figure 19In state (C), the second MCU 204 supplies a detection current to the electromagnet 130 and monitors the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 to determine whether the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a are in close contact with each other. When it is determined that the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a are in close contact with each other, the second MCU 204 drives the electromagnet 130 to attract the iron piece 120, thereby maintaining the closed state of the door PD. Note that in this embodiment, the iron piece 120 moves towards the attracting surface 130a by the attraction force of the permanent magnet 120b included in the actuator 104, so that the attracting surface 130a and the attracted surface 120a are in close contact with each other when the door PD is closed. However, the movement of the iron piece 120 towards the attracting surface 130a can be achieved by another unit. For example, it can be configured such that when the door PD is set to the closed state (i.e., when the door PD is closed), the iron piece 120 moves towards the attracting surface 130a by inertia. Furthermore, the electromagnet 130 can be configured such that the electromagnet 130 is driven to generate an attractive force weaker than the attractive force used to maintain the closed state of the door PD, and the iron sheet 120 moves toward the attraction surface 130a by the attractive force.

[0115] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the state changes of actuator 104. Figure 20 In the middle, (A) corresponds to Figure 19 (A), and actuator 104 is in standby mode. Figure 20 In diagram (B), it is shown that the metal plate 120 of actuator 104 has advanced to the maximum value to be set at the maximum operating position (i.e., the movable pin 320 is set at the maximum stroke position of displacement in the axial direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction)). This state can be generated by the attractive force of permanent magnet 120b. Figure 20 In diagram (C), it is used to describe the state in which the attracted surface 120a is parallel to the attracted surface 130a when the iron sheet 120 can swing to achieve the state when the iron sheet 120 and the attracted surface 130a overlap each other under the attraction of the permanent magnet 120b. The parallel state between the attracted surface 120a and the attracted surface 130a is established by swinging (i.e., tilting motion of the axis Ax of the movable pin 320).

[0116] As described above, the actuator communication unit 124 is disposed in the plastic molding 122 surrounding the outer periphery of the iron sheet 120. Figure 3 On the other hand, the sensor-side coil 152 is disposed in the switch body 102. Figure 9 Based on the strength of the radio signal received from the actuator communication unit 124 via the sensor-side coil 152, it is determined whether the actuator 104 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 102, that is, whether the distance d is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0117] Figure 21 This is a flowchart describing the power control of the electromagnet 130 by the second MCU 204 during the process of closing the door PD. When the door PD is open, no power is supplied to the electromagnet 130 (S1). In the process of setting the door PD to the closed state (i.e., closing the door PD), the actuator 104 approaches the switch body 102. In step S2, it is determined between the actuator communication unit 124 and the sensor-side coil 152 whether the distance d between the attracted surface 120a and the attracted surface 130a is within a predetermined value. When it is determined in step S2 that the distance d is within the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether the distance d2 is equal to or less than a threshold. When it is determined in step S3 that the distance d2 is equal to or less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, power is supplied to the electromagnet 130 under another condition. When the electromagnet 130 is driven, the actuator 104 is attracted to the electromagnet 130 by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet 130, and the door PD is set to an electromagnetically locked state. Note that in this embodiment, control is performed in step S1 to prevent power supply to the electromagnet 130, and control is performed in step S4 to supply power to the electromagnet 130. However, any configuration can be used to control the electromagnet 130 to generate an attractive force sufficient to keep the door PD in the closed state based on the determination result in step S3. For example, the electromagnet 130 can be driven in step S1 to generate an attractive force smaller than sufficient to keep the door PD in the closed state, and control can be performed in step S4 to increase the attractive force to a level sufficient to keep the door PD in the closed state.

[0118] Although the safety switch 100 and the system including the safety switch 100 of the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and includes, for example, the variations described below. (Refer to...) Figure 22 to Figure 25 Describe these variations.

[0119] exist Figure 22 In the first modified example 410 shown, the actuator 104 is fixed to the door frame 6 using an installation tool 412. The installation tool 412 has a guide surface Gf that guides the actuator 104 in the forward and retraction directions (i.e., the Y-axis direction), and the actuator 104 is guided by the guide surface Gf within the installation tool 412, is displaceable in the Y-axis direction, and can move forward to approach the attraction surface 130a of the electromagnet 130. A force is applied to the actuator 104 in the retraction direction away from the electromagnet 130 by an elastic body 414 such as a coil spring. In the de-energized state of the electromagnet 130, the actuator 104 moves forward in the Y-axis direction against the biasing force of the elastic body 414 by the attraction force of the permanent magnet 120b located at the center portion of the iron sheet 120, and then forms a state in which the attracted surface 120a and the attraction surface 130a are in close contact with each other under the attraction force of the permanent magnet 120b.

[0120] Figure 23 The second modification 420 is shown. In the second modification 420, only the electromagnet 130 included in the switch body 102 can move forward in the Y-axis direction via the guide surface Gf to approach the permanent magnet 120b of the actuator 104. An elastic body 422, such as a helical spring, applies force to the electromagnet 130 in the retraction direction. In the de-energized state of the electromagnet 130, the electromagnet 130 moves forward in the Y-axis direction against the biasing force of the elastic body 422 by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 120b, and then forms a state in which the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a are in close contact with each other under the attractive force of the permanent magnet 120b.

[0121] Figure 24 A third variation 430 is shown. In this third variation 430, a movable member 432 and an elastic body 434, such as a coil spring, are provided between the switch body 102 and the first bracket 106. The movable member 432 can be displaced in the Y-axis direction via the guide surface Gf. The switch body 102 is fixed to the movable member 432. When the movable member 432 is displaced in the Y-axis direction, the switch body 102 moves in the Y-axis direction along with the displacement and can move forward to approach the iron plate 120 of the actuator 104. A force is applied to the movable member 432 in the retraction direction by means of the elastic body 434, such as a coil spring. When the electromagnet 130 is de-energized, the electromagnet 130 moves forward together with the movable member 432 by resisting the biasing force of the elastic body 434 through the attraction of the permanent magnet 120b of the iron sheet 120, and then forms a state in which the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a are in close contact with each other under the attraction of the permanent magnet 120b.

[0122] exist Figure 25 In the fourth variation 440 shown, the switch body 102 is movable relative to the first bracket 106. The switch body 102 is guided by the guide surface Gf and is displaceable in the Y-axis direction. Then, in the switch body 102, an elastic body 442, such as a helical spring, applies a force to the switch body 102 in the retraction direction. In the de-energized state of the electromagnet 130, the electromagnet 130 moves forward together with the movable member 432 against the biasing force of the elastic body 442 by the attraction force of the permanent magnet 120b of the iron sheet 120, and then forms a state in which the attracted surface 120a and the attracting surface 130a are in close contact with each other under the attraction force of the permanent magnet 120b.

[0123] Furthermore, in each of the above-described first to fourth modifications, an object that can be oscillatingly held to move in the Y-axis direction is present. For example, in the first modification 410, an actuator 104 that can be oscillatingly held to move relative to the mounting tool 412 is present.

[0124] Although in the above embodiments and the first to fourth modifications, only one of the switch body 102, actuator 104, and components for holding the switch body 102 and actuator 104 included in the safety switch 100 is held movable in the Y-axis direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the iron sheet 120 can be movably held in the actuator 104 as in the above embodiments, and the electromagnet 130 can be movably held as in the second modification.

Claims

1. A safety switch, comprising: The switch body is arranged in the partition fixing part of the partition system, which is used to partition the operating area where the device is operated. as well as An actuator, mounted in a movable portion movable relative to the fixed partition, is used by the safety switch to detect when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body. The actuator includes: The component to be magnetized has an attraction surface formed on it, which corresponds to the attraction surface formed on the electromagnet provided in the switch body. The actuator is characterized in that it further includes: An actuator attachment portion, configured to attach the actuator to the movable portion; and A moving mechanism is provided to support the member so that it can move relative to the actuator attachment, thereby setting the relative position of the attracted surface of the member with respect to the actuator attachment at a position offset towards the attracted surface of the switch body compared to a position when the actuator is not within the predetermined range relative to the switch body. The moving mechanism includes: A through hole is provided in the actuator attachment portion; A movable pin, wherein the component to be magnetized is fixed to one end of the movable pin, the movable pin is inserted into the through hole and is movable in the axial direction relative to the through hole; and A sleeve, into which the movable pin is inserted, the sleeve moving as the movable pin moves, and The movement of the component toward the electromagnet is guided by the through hole and the sleeve.

2. A safety switch, comprising: The switch body is arranged in the partition fixing part of the partition system, which is used to partition the operating area where the device is operated. as well as An actuator, mounted in a movable portion movable relative to the fixed partition, is used by the safety switch to detect when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body. The actuator includes: The component to be magnetized has an attraction surface formed on it, which corresponds to the attraction surface formed on the electromagnet provided in the switch body. The actuator is characterized in that it further includes: An actuator attachment portion, configured to attach the actuator to the movable portion; and A moving mechanism is provided to support the member so that it can move relative to the actuator attachment, thereby setting the relative position of the attracted surface of the member with respect to the actuator attachment at a position offset towards the attracted surface of the switch body compared to a position when the actuator is not within the predetermined range relative to the switch body. The moving mechanism includes: A through hole is provided in the actuator attachment portion; A movable pin, wherein the component to be magnetized is fixed to one end of the movable pin, the movable pin is inserted into the through hole and is movable in the axial direction relative to the through hole; and A sleeve, inserted by the movable pin, loosely fits into the through hole and moves with the movement of the movable pin, and The movable pin is supported so that it can swing relative to the actuator attachment.

3. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator includes an actuator coil, which corresponds to a detection unit disposed in the switch body and used to detect the actuator relative to the switch body within a predetermined range. The moving mechanism supports the component and the actuator coil so that the component and the actuator coil can move relative to the actuator attachment, thereby allowing the relative position of the actuator coil relative to the actuator attachment to move together with the relative position of the attracted surface relative to the actuator attachment.

4. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator includes a permanent magnet, and The component to be magnetized is moved to a position relative to the attracted surface by the attraction force of the permanent magnet, offset from the attracting surface.

5. The safety switch according to claim 4, wherein, The permanent magnet is arranged in the central portion of the attracted surface.

6. The safety switch according to claim 4, wherein, After the attracting surface and the attracted surface come into contact with each other, the electromagnet attracts the component to be magnetized.

7. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The safety switch is configured as follows: The magnetized component is moved to a position offset from the attracted surface by the first attractive force of the electromagnet. After the attracted surface and the attracting surface come into contact with each other, the component is attracted to the electromagnet by a second attraction that is stronger than the first attraction.

8. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator includes a oscillating mechanism for supporting the member to be magnetized so that the member can oscillate relative to the actuator attachment. When the attracted surface overlaps with the attracting surface, the swing mechanism aligns the orientation of the attracted surface with the orientation of the attracting surface.

9. The safety switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator further includes a force-applying member for applying force to the component to be magnetized in the retraction direction.

10. The safety switch according to claim 9, wherein, The actuator further includes a first end flange extending in the radial direction of the sleeve, and The force-applying component is arranged between the first end flange and the actuator attachment.

11. The safety switch according to claim 10, wherein, The actuator also includes a second end flange on the side of the sleeve opposite to the first end flange, and The buffer member is arranged between the second end flange and the actuator attachment.

12. The safety switch according to claim 9, wherein, The force-applying component is a compression helical spring.

13. The safety switch according to claim 12, wherein, The compression helical spring is formed from a spiral spring, which has a trapezoidal shape in the side view and a diameter that gradually decreases in the axial direction, and the compression helical spring has a flat shape in the side view when compressed.

Images