Operation switch with operation support function, emergency stop switch with operation support function, and operation switch

Abstract

To enable safer operation support without a mechanical latch mechanism.SOLUTION: An emergency stop switch 1 with an operation support function includes a push button 2 that can be manually pushed in, an operation axis 3 connected to the push button, a compression spring 4 that exerts first force F1 along the pushing direction of the push button 2 on the operation shaft 3, and a solenoid body 51 that acts second force F2 in the direction opposite to the action direction of the first force F1 on the operation shaft 3. Before the manual pushing operation of the push button 2, the second force F2 is larger than the first force F1 and a contact 11 is in the ON state. After the manual push operation of the push button 2 or after the operation support of the push button 2, the first force F1 is larger than the second force F2, and the contact 11 is in the OFF state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation switch with an operation support function that has an operation portion that can be manually pressed in, an emergency stop switch with an operation support function, and an operation switch. [Background technology]

[0002] An emergency stop switch generally comprises a push button that can be pressed by an operator, an operating shaft that moves when the push button is pressed, and contacts that are made and broken in response to the movement of the operating shaft (see FIG. 1 of JP 2001-35302 A). When the push button is pressed, the operating shaft moves and the contacts switch from an ON state to an OFF state, thereby breaking the electrical circuit and bringing the machine or system to an emergency stop. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In an emergency stop switch, before the push button is pressed (i.e., when the contacts are in the ON state), the push button is held in place by a mechanical latch mechanism, and in order for an operator to press the push button, the operator must apply a pressing force sufficient to overcome the retaining force of this mechanical latch mechanism.

[0004] In addition, with emergency stop switches, the operator must be close to the emergency stop switch when pressing the button, and cannot operate it from a distance. Therefore, there was a demand for an emergency stop switch with an operation assistance function that could provide safer operation assistance even from a distance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an operation switch with an operation assistance function, an emergency stop switch with an operation assistance function, and an operation switch that do not have a mechanical latch mechanism and can provide operation assistance more safely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The operation switch with operation assistance function according to the present invention includes an operation unit that can be manually pushed in, an operation shaft that is connected to the operation unit and switches the contacts, a first acting means for applying a first force along the pushing direction of the operation unit to the operation shaft, and a second acting means for applying a second force to the operation shaft in a direction opposite to the acting direction of the first force by the first acting means. Before the operation unit is manually pushed in, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, and the contacts are in a first state. After the operation unit is manually pushed in or after operation assistance for the operation unit, the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contacts are in a second state different from the first state.

[0007] According to the present invention, before the operation unit is manually pushed in, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, and the contact is in a first state, and after the operation unit is manually pushed in, the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state. Therefore, in order to manually push in the operation unit, it is necessary to apply a pressing force from the outside along the pushing direction of the operation unit, which is the acting direction of the first force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual pushing operation from being performed inadvertently without using a mechanical latch mechanism. Moreover, in order to manually return the operation unit, it is necessary to apply a tensile force from the outside to the operation unit in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual return operation from being easily performed without using a mechanical latch mechanism. In this way, an operation switch with an operation support function that does not have a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the present invention, before the manual pushing operation of the operating unit, if the second force applied by the second acting means is made smaller than the first force applied by the first acting means, the contact will transition from the first state to the second state, making it easy to provide operational assistance.

[0009] In the present invention, the first acting means is an elastic member.

[0010] In the present invention, the second acting means is an actuator, and the actuator applies a second force to the operating shaft when energized at least in the first state. This makes it possible to realize an operating switch with an operation assistance function that takes fail-safe into consideration and is capable of providing safer operation assistance.

[0011] In the present invention, the first acting means is a compression spring, and the second acting means is an electromagnetic solenoid.

[0012] In the present invention, the operating shaft has a first operating shaft on which a first force is applied by a first acting means, and a second operating shaft on which a second force is applied by a second acting means and which switches the contacts, and the first and second operating shafts are provided separably.

[0013] In the present invention, after the operating unit is manually pressed or after operation assistance of the operating unit is provided, the second operating shaft does not move together with the first operating shaft after the operating unit is manually returned to its original position, and the contact maintains the second state.

[0014] The present invention further includes a detection section that detects a change in the state of the contacts.

[0015] The present invention further comprises a holding means for applying a holding force to the operating shaft from the outer circumferential side.

[0016] The operation switch with operation support function according to the present invention includes an operation unit that can be manually pushed in, a first operation shaft connected to the operation unit, a second operation shaft that is separable from the first operation shaft and moves together with the first operation shaft when the operation unit is pushed in to switch the contacts, a first acting means for applying a first force along the pushing direction of the operation unit to the first operation shaft, a first' acting means for applying a first' force along the pushing direction of the operation unit to the second operation shaft, and a second acting means for applying a second force to the second operation shaft in a direction opposite to the acting directions of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means. Before the operation unit is manually pushed in, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means, and the contacts are in a first state. After manual pushing operation of the operating unit or assisted operation of the operating unit, the resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state.

[0017] According to the present invention, before the operation of manually pushing the operation unit, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means, and the contact is in a first state, and after the operation of manually pushing the operation unit, the resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state. Therefore, in order to manually push the operation unit, it is necessary to apply a pressing force from the outside along the pushing direction of the operation unit, which is the acting direction of the resultant force of the first and first' forces, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual pushing operation from being performed inadvertently without using a mechanical latch mechanism. Moreover, in order to manually return the operation unit, it is necessary to apply a tensile force from the outside to the operation unit in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual return operation from being performed easily without using a mechanical latch mechanism. In this manner, an operating switch that does not have a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, before the operating portion is manually pressed in, if the second force by the second acting means is made smaller than the resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means, the contact will transition from the first state to the second state, making it easy to assist operation.

[0019] The emergency stop switch with operation assistance function according to the present invention includes a push button that can be manually pressed, an operation shaft connected to the push button for switching a contact, a first acting means for applying a first force along the pressing direction of the push button to the operation shaft, and a second acting means for applying a second force opposite to the acting direction of the first force by the first acting means to the operation shaft. Before the push button is manually pressed, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, and the contact is in a first state. After the push button is manually pressed or after operation assistance of the push button is provided, the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state.

[0020] According to the present invention, before the push button is manually pressed, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, and the contact is in a first state, and after the push button is manually pressed, the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state. Therefore, to manually press the push button, it is necessary to apply a pressing force from the outside along the pressing direction of the operating part, which is the acting direction of the first force, and this makes it possible to prevent manual pressing from being performed inadvertently without using a mechanical latch mechanism. Moreover, to manually return the push button, it is necessary to apply a pulling force from the outside to the push button in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent manual return from being easily performed without using a mechanical latch mechanism. In this way, an emergency stop switch without a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, before the push button is manually pressed, if the second force applied by the second acting means is made smaller than the first force applied by the first acting means, the contacts will transition from the first state to the second state, making it easy to assist in operation.

[0022] The operation switch according to the present invention includes an operating section that can be pressed, an operating shaft that is connected to the operating section and switches the contacts, a first acting means for applying a first force corresponding to the pressing stroke of the operating section to the operating shaft along a pressing direction, and a second acting means for applying a second force corresponding to the pressing stroke of the operating section to the operating shaft in a direction opposite to the acting direction of the first force by the first acting means. When the second force by the second acting means is larger than the first force by the first acting means, the contacts are in a first state. When the first force by the first acting means is larger than the second force by the second acting means, the contacts are in a second state different from the first state.

[0023] According to the present invention, when the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, the contact is in the first state, and when the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, the contact is in the second state different from the first state. Therefore, in order to manually push the operating unit, it is necessary to apply a pressing force from the outside along the pushing direction of the operating unit, which is the acting direction of the first force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual pushing operation from being performed inadvertently without using a mechanical latch mechanism. Moreover, in order to manually return the operating unit, it is necessary to apply a pulling force from the outside to the operating unit in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual return operation from being easily performed without using a mechanical latch mechanism. In this way, an operating switch without a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, if the second force applied by the second acting means is made smaller than the first force applied by the first acting means before the operating unit is manually pressed in, the contact will transition from the first state to the second state, making it easy to provide operational assistance. Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, not only can an operation switch / emergency stop switch without a mechanical latch mechanism be realized, but it also makes it easy to provide safer operation assistance that takes fail-safe into consideration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an emergency stop switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before a push button is pressed. [Diagram 2] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1) when the push button is manually pressed. [Diagram 3] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1) after the push button has been manually pressed. [Figure 4] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (Fig. 1) during the manual reset operation of the push button. [Diagram 5] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1) after the push button has been manually reset. [Figure 6] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1) when assisting with the operation of the push button. [Figure 7] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1) after a recovery operation from the operation assistance of the push button. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between a first force F1 applied by a first acting means and a second force F2 applied by a second acting means and the depression stroke of the push button in the emergency stop switch (FIG. 1), showing the change when the push button is manually depressed. [Figure 8B] This is a graph showing the relationship between the first force F1 applied by the first acting means and the second force F2 applied by the second acting means and the depression stroke of the push button in the emergency stop switch (Figure 1), and shows the change during manual reset operation of the push button. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a push button portion of an emergency stop switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an emergency stop switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before a push button is pressed. [Figure 11] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10) when the push button is manually pressed. [Figure 12] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10) after the push button has been manually pressed. [Figure 13] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10) during manual reset of the push button. [Figure 14] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10) after the push button has been manually reset. [Figure 15] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10) when assisting with the operation of the push button. [Figure 16] In the emergency stop switch (FIG. 10), a state after a recovery operation from the operation assistance of the push button is shown. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an emergency stop switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before the push button is pressed. [Figure 18] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 17) when the push button is manually pressed. [Figure 19] In the emergency stop switch (FIG. 17), the electromagnetic solenoid is turned off after the push button is manually pressed. [Figure 20] This shows the state of the emergency stop switch (FIG. 19) during manual resetting of the push button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <First Example> 1 to 8B are diagrams for explaining an emergency stop switch with an operation support function according to a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an "emergency stop switch"). FIG. 1 shows the state before the push button of the emergency stop switch is pressed, FIG. 2 shows the state when the push button is manually pressed, FIG. 3 shows the state after the push button is manually pressed, FIG. 4 shows the state when the push button is manually returned, FIG. 5 shows the state after the push button is manually returned, FIG. 6 shows the state when the push button is assisted in operation, and FIG. 7 shows the state after the manual return operation from the assisted operation of the push button. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are graphs showing the relationship between the first force F1 by the first acting means and the second force F2 by the second acting means and the pressing stroke of the push button. In FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, Roman numerals I to V correspond to the states of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, respectively (see Roman numerals I to V written at the bottom of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5).

[0028] 1 to 7 show a vertical cross section of an emergency stop switch, but for convenience of illustration, hatching representing a cross section is omitted in some parts of each figure (this also applies to the other embodiments below). Also, for convenience of explanation, the up-down direction in each figure will be referred to as the up-down direction. In this first embodiment, an emergency stop switch is taken as an example of an operation switch (this also applies to the other embodiments below).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the emergency stop switch 1 has a push button (operation unit) 2 that can be manually depressed. An operating shaft 3 extending in an axial direction (up and down direction) is disposed below the push button 2. The upper end of the operating shaft 3 is connected to the lower part of the push button 2. The operating shaft 3 is supported inside a housing 10A and a housing 10B that is integrally provided at the lower part of the housing 10A so as to be movable in the axial direction. A contact (main contact) 11 is provided at the lower end of the operating shaft 3. The contact 11 has a fixed contact 111 and a movable contact 112 that is connected to the lower end of the operating shaft 3 and moves together with the operating shaft 3 to open and close relative to the fixed contact 111.

[0030] Inside the housing 10A, the operating shaft 3 is provided with a flange portion 30 that protrudes from the outer periphery. A compression spring (first acting means) 4 is disposed around the operating shaft 3 above the flange portion 30. The upper end of the compression spring 4 is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 10A, and the lower end is in pressure contact with the flange portion 30. The compression spring 4 exerts an elastic repulsive force downward (i.e., in the direction along the pressing direction of the push button 2) on the operating shaft 3 via the flange portion 30, and here, this downward elastic repulsive force by the compression spring 4 is referred to as a first force F1. The first force F1 by the compression spring 4 acts in a direction that opens the contact 11.

[0031] An electromagnetic solenoid 5 is provided inside the housing 10B. The electromagnetic solenoid 5 has a solenoid body (second acting means) 51 made of a coil. In the internal space of the solenoid body 51, a fixed iron core 52 is fixed to the upper side, and a cylindrical plunger (movable iron core) 53 is arranged on the lower side. Both the fixed iron core 52 and the plunger 53 are magnetic bodies and have through holes 52c and 53c in the vertical direction, respectively, and the operating shaft 3 is movably inserted through these through holes 52c and 53c. The fixed iron core 52 has a fixed base 52A fixed to the upper part of the housing 10B and a cylindrical part 52B extending downward. The plunger 53 has a recess 53a opening to the upper side, and the cylindrical part 52B of the fixed iron core 52 is accommodated in the recess 53a. An upper end 53b of the plunger 53 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with a lower surface 52a of a fixed base 52A of a fixed iron core 52. Note that, before the push button 2 is pressed as shown in Fig. 1, a current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 and the solenoid body 51 is excited, and to clearly indicate this, the solenoid body 51 is shown in the figure with a thick line. This method of indication is the same in the following drawings and other embodiments.

[0032] Inside the housing 10B, the operating shaft 3 is provided with flange portions 31 and 32 that protrude from the outer periphery and are spaced apart in the axial direction. The flange portion 31 is disposed within the recess 53a of the plunger 53, and the flange portion 32 is disposed below the plunger 53.

[0033] When current is supplied (i.e., energized) to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 and the solenoid body 51 is excited, the solenoid body 51 exerts an upward force on the plunger 53. At this time, an upward force (i.e., in the opposite direction to the direction of action of the first downward force F1 due to the compression spring 4) is acting on the operating shaft 3 from the plunger 53 via the flange portion 31, and here, the upward force due to the action of the solenoid body 51 is referred to as the second force F2.

[0034] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. 1, before the push button 2 is pressed, the upper end 53b of the plunger 53 is in contact with the lower surface 52a of the fixed base 52A of the fixed iron core 52. At this time, as shown by "I" in FIG. 8A, the pressing stroke of the push button 2 is 0 (mm), the first force F1 and the second force F2 are at their maximum, and the magnitude relationship between the first force F1 and the second force F2 is as follows: F2>F1 At this time, the contact 11 is in an ON state (first state) with the movable contact 112 in contact with the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] The first force F1 is a downward elastic repulsive force by the compression spring 4, and since the length of the compression spring 4 increases as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases, the first force F1 decreases as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases (see the linear graph F1 in FIG. 8A). The second force is an upward force caused by the action of the electromagnetic force of the solenoid body 51 of the electromagnetic solenoid 5, and decreases as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases (see the curved graph F2 in the same figure). Therefore, the magnitudes of the first force F1 and the second force F2 are determined according to the depression stroke of the push button 2.

[0036] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, when the operator applies a pressing force F to the push button 2 to press the push button 2, the operating shaft 3 moves downward together with the push button 2.

[0037] At this time, the flange portion 31 of the operating shaft 3 abuts against the bottom of the recessed portion 53a of the plunger 53, and the operating shaft 3 is subjected to the action of an upward second force F2 from the plunger 53 via the flange portion 31. The operating shaft 3 moves downward while resisting this second force F2, but as the operating shaft 3 moves downward, the depression stroke of the push button 2 becomes larger, and so the second force F2 gradually decreases, as shown by the graph F2 in Fig. 8A.

[0038] Meanwhile, the elastic repulsive force of the compression spring 4 acts on the flange portion 30 of the operating shaft 3, and the operating shaft 3 is subjected to a downward first force F1 from the compression spring 4 via the flange portion 30. The operating shaft 3 moves downward while being subjected to the action of the first force F1, but as the operating shaft 3 moves downward, the depression stroke of the push button 2 becomes larger, so that the first force F1 gradually decreases, as shown by the graph F1 in Fig. 8A.

[0039] In the state in which the push button 2 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, a predetermined pressing stroke is generated in the push button 2 as shown in “II” in FIG. 8A. At this time, the magnitude relationship between the first force F1 and the second force F2 is as follows: F1>F2 At this time, the contact 11 is in an OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 2).

[0040] Thus, according to this embodiment, before the push button 2 is manually pressed, the second force F2 caused by the action of the solenoid body 51 is greater than the first force F1 caused by the compression spring 4, and the contact 11 is in the ON state, and after the push button 2 is manually pressed, the first force F1 caused by the compression spring 4 is greater than the second force F2 caused by the action of the solenoid body 51, and the contact 11 is in the OFF state. Therefore, to manually press the push button 2, it is necessary to apply a pressing force F from the outside to the push button 2 in the pressing direction of the push button 2, which is the acting direction of the first force F1, and this makes it possible to prevent inadvertent manual pressing without using a mechanical latch mechanism.

[0041] Next, in the state after the push button 2 is pushed as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined push stroke is generated in the push button 2 as shown in "III" in FIG. 8B (similar to "II" in FIG. 8A). At this time, the magnitude relationship between the first force F1 and the second force F2 is as follows: F1>F2 At this time, the contact 11 is in an OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 3).

[0042] From this state, when the operator applies a pulling force F' to the push button 2 and pulls the push button 2, as shown in FIG. 4, the operating shaft 3 moves upward together with the push button 2.

[0043] At this time, the flange portion 31 of the operating shaft 3 abuts against the bottom of the recessed portion 53a of the plunger 53, and the operating shaft 3 is subjected to the action of the second upward force F2 from the plunger 53 via the flange portion 31. The operating shaft 3 moves upward while being subjected to the action of the second force F2, but as the operating shaft 3 moves upward, the depression stroke of the push button 2 becomes smaller, so that the second force F2 gradually increases, as shown by the graph F2 in Fig. 8B.

[0044] Meanwhile, the elastic repulsive force of the compression spring 4 acts on the flange portion 30 of the operating shaft 3, and the operating shaft 3 is subjected to a downward first force F1 from the compression spring 4 via the flange portion 30. The operating shaft 3 moves upward while resisting the first force F1, but as the operating shaft 3 moves upward, the depression stroke of the push button 2 becomes smaller, so that the first force F1 gradually increases, as shown by the graph F1 in Fig. 8B.

[0045] In the state in which the push button 2 is in the middle of its return motion as shown in FIG. 4, as shown by "IV" in FIG. 8B, the push button 2 still has a pressing stroke remaining. At this time, the magnitude relationship between the first force F1 and the second force F2 is as follows: F1>F2 At this time, the contact 11 is still in the OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 4).

[0046] When the push button 2 is pulled further from this state to move the operating shaft 3 upward, the push button 2 transitions to a state after the return operation, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the upper end 53b of the plunger 53 abuts against the lower surface 52a of the fixed base 52A of the fixed iron core 52. As shown by "V" in Fig. 8B, the depression stroke of the push button 2 is 0 (mm), the first force F1 and the second force F2 are at their maximum, and the magnitude relationship between the first force F1 and the second force F2 is F2>F1 At this time, the contact 11 is switched to the ON state (first state) with the movable contact 112 in contact with the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 5).

[0047] Thus, according to this embodiment, before the push button 2 is manually returned to its original position, the first force F1 by the compression spring 4 is greater than the second force F2 by the solenoid body 51, and the contact 11 is in the OFF state, and after the push button 2 is manually returned to its original position, the second force F2 by the solenoid body 51 is greater than the first force F1 by the compression spring 4, and the contact 11 is in the ON state. Therefore, to manually return the push button 2, it is necessary to apply an external tensile force to the push button 2 in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent manual return from being easily performed without using a mechanical latch mechanism.

[0048] In this manner, an emergency stop switch that does not have a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0049] Next, to assist the operation of the push button 2, from the state before the manual operation of the push button 2 shown in FIG. 1, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the solenoid body 51 is de-energized as shown in FIG.

[0050] Then, the electromagnetic force from the solenoid body 51 no longer acts on the plunger 53, and the second force F2 from the plunger 53 no longer acts on the operating shaft 3. As a result, the only force acting on the operating shaft 3 is the first force F1 from the compression spring 4. The operating shaft 3 moves downward under the action of this first force F1, and the plunger 53 also moves downward accordingly. At this time, the contact 11 is in the OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 6). Also, at this time, the bottom 53d of the plunger 53 abuts against the flange portion 32 of the operating shaft 3.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, if the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped before the push button 2 is manually pressed, the contacts will transition from the ON state to the OFF state, so that even if the worker does not actually press the push button 2 directly, a contact switching operation similar to that performed when the push button is pressed can be easily and safely performed on behalf of the worker, and operation assistance can be performed from a location away from the emergency stop switch 1. In this case, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 can be stopped based on an operation assistance signal issued from a location away from the emergency stop switch 1.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if a break occurs in the wiring supplying current to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 or if the system experiences a power outage, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the push button 2 is placed in a pressed-in state, making it possible to provide operational assistance more safely. This makes it possible to realize an emergency stop switch with an operational assistance function that takes fail-safe into consideration.

[0053] Next, when current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 from the state shown in FIG. 6 to excite the solenoid body 51, the second force F2 acting on the operating shaft 3 from the plunger 53 is restored, as shown in FIG. 7. In this state, when the operator applies an upward pulling force to the push button 2, the push button 2 returns to the state it was in before it was pressed (see FIG. 7).

[0054] <Second Example> 9 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a push button portion of an emergency stop switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, the upper end of the operating shaft 3 is connected inside the push button 2. The operating shaft 3 is provided with a protruding portion 35 protruding from the outer periphery. The protruding portion 35 has a tapered surface 351 disposed on the upper side and a vertical wall surface 352 disposed on the lower side thereof and extending in the vertical direction. On the other hand, on the housing side, a plurality of contact blocks 6 that elastically contact the vertical wall surface 352 of the protruding portion 35 are provided. The contact block 6 is biased toward the protruding portion 35 by the elastic repulsive force of the compression spring 7. The contact block 6 has a contact surface 61 that contacts the vertical wall surface 352 of the protruding portion 35. The contact block 6 and the compression spring 7 are accommodated in a housing portion 12 provided on the housing side, and the contact block 6 is movable in the left-right direction shown in the figure within the housing portion 12. Further, the housing portion 12 has a through hole 12a through which the operating shaft 3 is inserted in the vertical direction. The contact block 6 and the compression spring 7 function as holding means for applying a radial pressing force, that is, a holding force, to the vertical wall surface 352 of the protruding portion 35 of the operating shaft 3.

[0056] When a pressing force from the contact block 6 acts on the vertical wall surface 352 of the protruding portion 35 of the operating shaft 3, a frictional force in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the operating shaft 3 acts on the operating shaft 3 during the pushing operation and the return operation of the push button 2.

[0057] That is, during the pushing operation of the push button 2, the frictional force associated with the action of the pressing force from the contact block 6 acts upward on the operating shaft 3 and contributes to the second force F2. Therefore, in FIG. 8A of the first embodiment, the transition from F2>F1 to F2<F1 can be made with a small stroke. Thereby, the manual pushing operation of the push button 2 can be prevented from being inadvertently performed. For example, even if vibrations, impacts, etc. act, the push button 2 can be prevented from easily moving in the pushing direction.

[0058] Also, after the pushing operation of the push button 2, the contact block 6 is in contact with the tapered surface 351 of the protruding portion 35 of the operation shaft 3. To perform the return operation of the push button 2 from this state, while retracting the contact block 6, the operation shaft 3 needs to be moved upward, and the contact block 6 needs to be brought into contact with the vertical wall surface 352 of the protruding portion 35 of the operation shaft 3 to move the operation shaft 3 upward. At this time, a downward frictional force acts on the operation shaft 3 and is added to the first force F1. Therefore, during the return operation of the push button 2 (i.e., during the movement of the operation shaft 3), in FIG. 8B of the first embodiment, the transition from F1>F2 to F1<F2 can be prevented from occurring with a large stroke. Thereby, the manual return operation of the push button 2 can be prevented from being easily performed. Note that the pressing force (holding force) by the contact block 6 and the compression spring 7 is set to a magnitude that does not hinder the operation assistance of the push button 2.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> FIGS. 10 to 16 are diagrams for explaining an emergency stop switch with an operation assistance function (emergency stop switch) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the state before the pushing operation of the push button of the emergency stop switch, FIG. 11 shows the state during the manual pushing operation of the push button, FIG. 12 shows the state after the manual pushing operation of the push button, FIG. 13 shows the state during the manual return operation of the push button, FIG. 14 shows the state after the manual return operation of the push button, FIG. 15 shows the state during the operation assistance of the push button, and FIG. 16 shows the state after the manual return operation from the state during the operation assistance of the push button. In these figures, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0060] In this third embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that the operation shaft 3 in the first embodiment is composed of two operation shafts 3A and 3B, and a compression spring 8 is added as the first' acting means.

[0061] That is, as shown in FIG. 10, in the emergency stop switch 1, a first operating shaft 3A extending in the axial direction (up and down direction) is disposed below the push button (operating part) 2. In this example, an operating shaft with a larger diameter than the operating shaft 3 of the first embodiment is used. The upper end of the first operating shaft 3A is connected to the lower part of the push button 2. The first operating shaft 3A is supported inside the housing 10A so as to be movable in the axial direction. A boss part 30A is provided at the lower part of the flange part 30 of the first operating shaft 3A. The boss part 30A is a part with a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the through hole 52c of the fixed iron core 52 disposed below it. A first force F1, which is an elastic repulsive force of the compression spring (first acting means) 4, acts downward on the first operating shaft 3A via the flange part 30.

[0062] In the housing 10B, a second operating shaft 3B is disposed below the first operating shaft 3A, extending in the axial direction (vertical direction) and passing through the through hole 52c of the fixed iron core 52. In the state before the push button 2 is pressed as shown in FIG. 10, the upper end of the second operating shaft 3B extends to the inside of the housing 10A and abuts against the lower end of the boss portion 30A of the first operating shaft 3A. The second operating shaft 3B is provided separately from the first operating shaft 3A and is provided separable from the first operating shaft 3A. The second operating shaft 3B is supported inside the housing 10B so as to be movable in the axial direction. A contact (main contact) 11 consisting of a fixed contact 111 and a movable contact 112 is provided at the lower end of the second operating shaft 3B. A second force F2 acts upward on the second operating shaft 3B from the plunger 53 via the flange portion 31 due to the action of the solenoid body (second acting means) 51 excited by the supply of current to the electromagnetic solenoid 5.

[0063] A compression spring (first' acting means) 8 is disposed around the second operating shaft 3B within the recess 53a of the plunger 53 of the electromagnetic solenoid 5. The upper end of the compression spring 8 is in pressure contact with the lower end of the cylindrical portion 52B of the fixed iron core 52, and the lower end is in pressure contact with the flange portion 31 of the second operating shaft 3B. As a result, a first' force F1', which is the elastic repulsive force of the compression spring 8, acts on the second operating shaft 3B via the flange portion 31 in a downward direction along the pressing direction of the push button 2.

[0064] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the state before the push button 2 is pressed as shown in FIG. 10, the upper end 53b of the plunger 53 is in contact with the lower surface 52a of the fixed base 52A of the fixed iron core 52, the first force F1, the first' force F1', and the second force F2 are at their maximums, and the magnitude relationship between the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first' force F1' and the second force F2 is as follows: F2>F1+F1' At this time, the contact 11 is in an ON state (first state) with the movable contact 112 in contact with the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 10).

[0065] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when an operator applies a pressing force F to the push button 2 to press it, the first operating shaft 3A moves downward together with the push button 2. The first operating shaft 3 moves until the lower end of the boss portion 30A abuts against the upper surface of the fixed base 52A of the fixed iron core 52. At this time, since the upper end of the second operating shaft 3B abuts against the lower end of the boss portion 30A of the first operating shaft 3A, the second operating shaft 3B moves downward together with the first operating shaft 3A. At this time, the first operating shaft 3A is subjected to the action of the downward first force F1 by the compression spring 4, while the second operating shaft 3B is subjected to the action of the downward first' force F1' by the compression spring 8 and moves against the upward second force F2 by the action of the solenoid body 51.

[0066] Here, the first force F1 and the first' force F1' are elastic repulsive forces due to the compression springs 4 and 8, respectively, and since the lengths of the compression springs 4 and 8 increase as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases, the first force F1 and the first' force F1' decrease as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases. The second force is a force due to the action of the electromagnetic force of the solenoid body 51 of the electromagnetic solenoid 5, and decreases as the depression stroke of the push button 2 increases (see the curved graph F2 in FIG. 8A). Therefore, the first force F1, the first' force F1', and the second force F2 have magnitudes according to the depression stroke of the push button 2.

[0067] In the state in which the push button 2 is pressed as shown in FIG. 11, the magnitude relationship between the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first force F1' and the second force F2 is as follows: F1+F1'>F2 At this time, the contact 11 is in an OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 11).

[0068] Thus, according to this embodiment, before the push button 2 is manually pressed, the second force F2 due to the action of the solenoid body 51 is greater than the resultant force of the first force F1 due to the compression spring 4 and the first' force F1' due to the compression spring 8, and the contact 11 is in the ON state, and after the push button 2 is manually pressed, the resultant force of the first force F1 due to the compression spring 4 and the first' force F1' due to the compression spring 8 is greater than the second force F2 due to the solenoid body 51, and the contact 11 is in the OFF state. Therefore, to manually press the push button 2, it is necessary to apply a pressing force F from the outside to the push button 2 in the pressing direction of the push button 2, which is the direction in which the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first' force F1' acts, and this makes it possible to prevent inadvertent manual pressing without using a mechanical latch mechanism.

[0069] Next, in the state after the push button 2 is pressed as shown in FIG. 12, the magnitude relationship between the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first force F1' and the second force F2 is as follows: F1+F1'>F2 At this time, the contact 11 is in an OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 12).

[0070] From this state, as shown in Fig. 13, when the operator applies a pulling force F' to the push button 2 and pulls it, the first operating shaft 3A moves upward together with the push button 2. Since the upper end of the second operating shaft 3B abuts against the lower end of the boss portion 30A of the first operating shaft 3A, the second operating shaft 3B moves upward together with the first operating shaft 3A. At this time, the first and second operating shafts 3A and 3B move while receiving the action of the upward second force F2 from the solenoid body 51, and resisting the downward first force F1 from the compression spring 4 and the downward first' force F1' from the compression spring 8.

[0071] Here, the first force F1 and the first' force F1' are elastic repulsive forces due to the compression springs 4 and 8, respectively, and since the lengths of the compression springs 4 and 8 are shortened as the depression stroke of the push button 2 decreases, the first force F1 and the first' force F1' increase as the depression stroke of the push button 2 decreases. The second force is a force due to the action of the electromagnetic force of the solenoid body 51 of the electromagnetic solenoid 5, and increases as the depression stroke of the push button 2 decreases (see the curved graph F2 in FIG. 8B). Therefore, the first force F1, the first' force F1', and the second force F2 have magnitudes according to the depression stroke of the push button 2.

[0072] In the state in which the push button 2 is in the middle of its return motion as shown in FIG. 13, the magnitude relationship between the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first force F1' and the second force F2 is as follows: F1+F1'>F2 At this time, the movable contact 112 is separated from the fixed contact 111 and the contact 11 is still in the OFF state (second state) (see FIG. 13). Note that if the operator releases the push button 2 during this return operation, the contact 11 will return to the OFF state (the second state shown in FIG. 12) due to the inequality above.

[0073] When the first and second operating shafts 3A, 3B move further upward together with the push button 2 from this state, the push button 2 transitions to the state after the return operation shown in Figure 14. At this time, the upper end 53b of the plunger 53 abuts against the lower surface 52a of the fixed base 52A of the fixed iron core 52, and the first force F1, the first' force F1' and the second force F2 are at their maximum. In this state, the magnitude relationship between the resultant force of the first force F1 and the first' force F1' and the second force F2 is as follows: F2>F1+F1' At this time, the contact 11 is switched to the ON state (first state) with the movable contact 112 in contact with the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 14).

[0074] Thus, according to this embodiment, before the push button 2 is manually returned to its original position, the resultant force of the first force F1 by the compression spring 4 and the first' force F1' by the compression spring 8 is greater than the second force F2 by the action of the solenoid body 51, and the contact 11 is in the OFF state, and after the push button 2 is manually returned to its original position, the second force F2 by the action of the solenoid body 51 is greater than the resultant force of the first force F1 by the compression spring 4 and the first' force F1' by the compression spring 8, and the contact 11 is in the ON state. Therefore, to manually return the push button 2, it is necessary to apply an external tensile force to the push button 2 in the same direction as the acting direction of the second force, and this makes it possible to prevent the manual return operation from being easily performed without using a mechanical latch mechanism.

[0075] In this manner, an emergency stop switch that does not have a mechanical latch mechanism can be realized.

[0076] Next, to assist the operation of the push button 2, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the solenoid body 51 is de-energized as shown in FIG. 15 from the state before the manual operation of the push button 2 shown in FIG.

[0077] Then, the electromagnetic force from the solenoid body 51 is no longer applied to the plunger 53, and the second force F2 from the plunger 53 is no longer applied to the second operating shaft 3B. As a result, the force acting on the second operating shaft 3B is only the first force F1' from the compression spring 8. The second operating shaft 3B moves downward under the action of the first force F1', and the plunger 53 also moves downward accordingly. Since the first downward force F1 from the compression spring 4 is applied to the first operating shaft 3A, the first operating shaft 3A moves downward together with the second operating shaft 3B. At this time, the contact 11 is switched to the OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111 (see FIG. 15). At this time, the bottom 53d of the plunger 53 is in contact with the flange portion 32 of the operating shaft 3.

[0078] Thus, according to this embodiment, if the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped before the push button 2 is manually pressed, the contacts will transition from the ON state to the OFF state, so that even if the worker does not actually press the push button 2 directly, a contact switching operation similar to that performed when the push button is pressed can be easily and safely performed on behalf of the worker, and operation assistance can be provided from a location away from the emergency stop switch 1. In this case, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 can be stopped based on an operation assistance signal issued from a location away from the emergency stop switch 1.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if a break occurs in the wiring supplying current to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 or if the system experiences a power outage, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the push button 2 is placed in a pressed-in state, making it possible to provide operational assistance more safely. This makes it possible to realize an emergency stop switch with an operational assistance function that takes fail-safe into consideration.

[0080] Next, when current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 from the state shown in FIG. 15 to excite the solenoid body 51, the second force F2 acting from the plunger 53 to the second operating shaft 3B is restored, as shown in FIG. 16. In this state, when the operator applies an upward pulling force to the push button 2, the push button 2 returns to the state it was in before it was pressed.

[0081] <Fourth Example> Fig. 17 to Fig. 20 are diagrams for explaining an emergency stop switch with operation assistance function (emergency stop switch) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows the state before the push button of the emergency stop switch is pressed, Fig. 18 shows the state when the push button is manually pressed, Fig. 19 shows the state when the push button is being assisted in operation, and Fig. 20 shows the state after a manual return operation from the assisted operation of the push button. In these figures, the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0082] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a monitor contact (detection unit) 15 is provided at the lower end of the second operating shaft 3B. The monitor contact 15 is for detecting state changes of a contact (main contact) caused by the push operation of the push button 2, the completion of the return operation of the push button 2, and the operation support of the emergency stop switch 1, by the movement of the second operating shaft 3B, and has a fixed contact 151 and a movable contact 152 that is connected to the second operating shaft 3B and moves together with the second operating shaft 3B to open and close with respect to the fixed contact 151, and the drive of the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is controlled based on a signal from the monitor contact 15.

[0083] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the state before the push button 2 is pressed as shown in FIG. 17, the contact (main contact) 11 is in an ON state (first state) with the movable contact 112 in contact with the fixed contact 111, and the monitor contact 15 is in an OFF state with the movable contact 152 separated from the fixed contact 151. (See Figure 17).

[0084] Next, as shown in Fig. 18, when the operator applies a pressing force F to the push button 2 to press it, the first operating shaft 3A moves downward together with the push button 2. Since the upper end of the second operating shaft 3B abuts against the lower end of the boss portion 30A of the first operating shaft 3A, the second operating shaft 3B moves downward together with the first operating shaft 3A. At this time, the contact 11 switches to the OFF state (second state) with the movable contact 112 separated from the fixed contact 111, and the monitor contact 15 switches to the ON state with the movable contact 152 coming into contact with the fixed contact 151 (see Fig. 18).

[0085] 19, based on the contact signal of the monitor contact 15, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the solenoid body 51 is de-energized. Then, the electromagnetic force from the solenoid body 51 no longer acts on the plunger 53, and the second force F2 from the plunger 53 no longer acts on the second operating shaft 3B. As a result, the force acting on the second operating shaft 3B is only the first force F1' from the compression spring 8.

[0086] From this state, when the operator applies a pulling force F' to the push button 2 and pulls it, as shown in Fig. 20, the push button 2 moves upward and the first operating shaft 3A moves upward, but at this time, the second force F2 is not applied to the second operating shaft 3B from the plunger 53, so the second operating shaft 3B cannot follow the upward movement of the first operating shaft 3A and is separated from the first operating shaft 3A and remains inside the housing 10 (see Fig. 20). As a result, as shown in Fig. 20, the contact 11 remains in the OFF state (second state) in which the movable contact 112 is separated from the fixed contact 111.

[0087] 19 is similar to the state in FIG. 15 which shows the state in the third embodiment where operational assistance has been provided before the push button 2 is pressed (hence, the provision of operational assistance can also be detected by the monitor contact 15). Therefore, when the push button 2 is returned to its original position after the solenoid body 51 is de-energized, the second operating shaft 3B does not follow the upward movement of the first operating shaft 3A but remains inside the housing 10, causing the contact 11 to remain in the OFF state, which occurs not only after the push button 2 is manually pressed, but also after operational assistance has been provided for the push button 2.

[0088] In the case where the operating shaft is composed of the first operating shaft 3A and the second operating shaft 3B which can be separated therefrom, as in the third and fourth embodiments, if no current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5, the contact 11 cannot be turned ON even if the push button 2 is manually reset (i.e. the emergency stop state cannot be reset). In other words, the emergency stop state cannot be reset unless the two conditions of the manual resetting of the push button 2 and the supply of current to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 are met. This improves the safety of the emergency stop switch and is expected to prevent accidents.

[0089] <Fifth Example> In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which a current is constantly supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 except when the operation of the push button 2 is being assisted, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. A current may be supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 at least when the contact 1 is in the ON state (i.e., the first state, i.e., the state before the push button 2 is pressed).

[0090] <Sixth Example> In the first embodiment, the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped when assisting the operation of the push button 2, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 may be limited to reduce the second force F2 acting on the operating shaft 3 from the plunger 53, thereby making the relational expression F1>F2 hold.

[0091] <Seventh Example> In each of the above-described embodiments, after the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is stopped and the operation of the push button 2 is assisted, a signal by, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) may be used as a signal to allow the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 5 again. In this case, after the worker has performed an emergency stop and confirmed the safety of the device, the RF tag carried by each worker may be read by a tag reader.

[0092] <Eighth Example> In each of the above-described embodiments, the solenoid body 51 of the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is used as the second operating means according to the present invention, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the electromagnetic solenoid 5, a cylinder, a motor, or other (electrical / electrically-driven) actuator may be used.

[0093] Even in this case, if a break (fault) occurs in the wiring (path) for supplying power to the (electric / electric) actuator, or if the system experiences a power outage, the power supply to the (electric / electric) actuator will be stopped and push button 2 will be placed in a pressed-in state, making it possible to provide operational assistance more safely. This makes it possible to realize an emergency stop switch with an operational assistance function that takes fail-safe into consideration.

[0094] <Tenth Example> In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been shown in which the compression spring 4 is used as the elastic member, but an elastic member such as a tension (coil) spring, a torsion (coil) spring, or a leaf spring may be used instead of the compression spring 4. The tension spring is disposed, for example, below the flange portion 30 of the operating shaft 3, and applies a first downward force F to the operating shaft 3.

[0095] <Eleventh Example> The ON / OFF state of the monitor contact 15 in the fourth embodiment may be set inversely. That is, the monitor contact may be set to ON before the push button 2 is pressed, and the monitor contact may be set to OFF after the push button 2 is manually pressed and after the operation assistance is provided.

[0096] [Other Modifications] The above-described embodiments should be considered in all respects as merely illustrative of the present invention, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may, in consideration of the teachings set forth above, construct various modifications and other embodiments that incorporate the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention, even if not expressly described herein.

[0097] [Other application examples] In each of the above embodiments, an emergency stop switch has been described as an example of an operation switch according to the present invention, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to push button switches other than emergency stop switches. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for an operation switch with an operation support function, an emergency stop switch with an operation support function, and an operation switch having an operation portion that can be manually pressed in. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Emergency stop switch with operation support function (operation switch with operation support function) 2: Push button (operation part) 3: Operation axis 3A: 1st control axis 3B: Second axis of action 4: Compression spring (first acting means) 5: Electromagnetic solenoid 51: Solenoid body (second action means) 6, 7: Retention means 8: Compression spring (first' action means) 11: Contact 15: Monitor contact (detection part) F1: First Force F1': The power of the first F2: Second Power [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0100] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-35302 A (see FIG. 1)

Claims

1. In operation switches with operation support functions, An operation unit that can be manually pressed; an operating shaft connected to the operating unit for switching the contacts; a first acting means for acting a first force along a pushing direction of the operating portion on the operating shaft; a second acting means for acting on the operation shaft a second force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first force is applied by the first acting means, before a manual pushing operation of the operation portion, the second force by the second acting means is greater than the first force by the first acting means, and the contact is in a first state; After a manual pushing operation of the operation unit or after an operation assistance of the operation unit, the first force by the first acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state. An operation switch with an operation support function.

2. In claim 1, The first acting means is an elastic member. An operation switch with an operation support function.

3. In claim 1, the second acting means is an actuator, and the actuator acts on the operating shaft when energized, at least in the first state; An operation switch with an operation support function.

4. In claim 1, The first actuating means is a compression spring, and the second actuating means is an electromagnetic solenoid. An operation switch with an operation support function.

5. In claim 1, the operation shaft includes a first operation shaft on which the first force is applied by the first acting means, and a second operation shaft on which the second force is applied by the second acting means and which switches the contacts, the first and second operation shafts being provided separably; An operation switch with an operation support function.

6. In claim 5, After the operation unit is manually pressed or after operation assistance for the operation unit is performed, the second operation shaft does not move together with the first operation shaft after the operation unit is manually returned to its original position, and the contact maintains the second state. An operation switch with an operation support function.

7. In claim 1, A detection unit that detects a change in the state of the contact is further provided. An operation switch with an operation support function.

8. In claim 1, The operating shaft further includes a holding means for applying a holding force to the operating shaft from an outer circumferential side. An operation switch with an operation support function.

9. In operation switches with operation support functions, An operation unit that can be manually pressed; A first operating shaft connected to the operating unit; a second operating shaft that is provided separably from the first operating shaft and moves together with the first operating shaft when the operating unit is pressed to switch the contacts; a first acting means for acting a first force along a pushing direction of the operating portion on the first operating shaft; a first' acting means for applying a first' force along a pushing direction of the operating portion to the second operating shaft; a second acting means for acting on the second operating shaft a second force in a direction opposite to the directions of action of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means, before a manual pushing operation of the operation portion, the second force by the second acting means is greater than a resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means, and the contact is in a first state; after a manual pushing operation of the operation unit or after an operation assistance of the operation unit, a resultant force of the first force by the first acting means and the first' force by the first' acting means is greater than the second force by the second acting means, and the contact is in a second state different from the first state. An operation switch with an operation support function.

10. In emergency stop switches with operation assistance functions, A push button that can be manually depressed; an operating shaft connected to the push button for switching a contact; a first acting means for acting a first force along a pressing direction of the push button on the operating shaft; a second acting means for acting on the operation shaft a second force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first force is applied by the first acting means, before the push button is manually pressed, the second force applied by the second applying means is greater than the first force applied by the first applying means, and the contacts are in a first state; After the push button is manually pressed or after operation assistance of the push button is performed, the first force applied by the first application means is greater than the second force applied by the second application means, and the contacts are in a second state different from the first state. An emergency stop switch with an operation assistance function.

11. In the operation switch, An operation unit that can be operated by pressing; an operating shaft connected to the operating unit for switching the contacts; a first acting means for acting on the operating shaft along a pushing direction of the operating portion with a first force corresponding to a pushing stroke of the operating portion; a second acting means for acting on the operating shaft a second force corresponding to a pressing stroke of the operating portion in a direction opposite to a direction of acting of the first force by the first acting means, when the second force applied by the second applying means is greater than the first force applied by the first applying means, the contacts are in a first state; When the first force applied by the first applying means is greater than the second force applied by the second applying means, the contact is placed in a second state different from the first state. An operating switch characterized by the above.

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