Enabling Switch

Abstract

To easily perform an adjustment according to a switch of a contact point.SOLUTION: In an enable switch 1, a contact point 13 is moved from an open to a close at an ON switch position between a first position and a second position when a movable member 12 is depressed. Also, the contact point 13 is moved from the close to the open at an OFF switch position between the second position and a third position. When the movable member 12 is depressed between the first position and the ON switch position, a second magnetic body 52 moves against a force by a magnetic action generated between itself and a first magnetic body 51. A load required for the movement of the second magnetic body 52 against the force by the magnetic action includes a magnetic peak that temporally rises and then drops. The maximum load at the magnetic peak is equal to or larger than a load required for depressing the movable member 12 at the ON switch position in the case where it is assumed that a magnetic force part 15 is not provided. Thus, an adjustment according to the switch of the contact point 13 can be easily performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an enable switch that allows an operation of an operation target by an operation unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, switches are known in which the state of the switch changes from OFF to ON and then back to OFF depending on the amount of depression of the switch's movable member. Such switches are used as "enable switches" in the operation unit, which is the terminal through which the worker inputs information when operating a robot or machine. The worker keeps the switch in the ON state while inputting information. When the switch is in the OFF state, the worker's input is blocked and is not transmitted to the robot or other controlled object. This ensures the safety of the worker, as the input to the operation unit is not transmitted to the controlled object if the worker releases their hand from the operation unit or grips it forcefully due to being startled.

[0003] To detect malfunctions such as contact welding, some enable switches have two contacts that switch in parallel when the movable member is pressed, and a structure is adopted in which if the timing of the switching of the two contacts differs significantly, it is detected as an error.In such enable switches, if the movable member is pressed slowly while tilted, the difference in the timing of the switching of the two contacts becomes large, and an error may be falsely detected even when no malfunction has occurred.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which, when the movable member of an enabling switch is pressed, an engaging portion connected to the movable member engages with a recess before a switching position where the two contacts switch from OFF to ON, suddenly increasing the load required to press the movable member, and then the engagement is released to suddenly decrease the load, thereby switching the two contacts in one go. In this enabling switch, by causing a sudden increase and decrease in the load (i.e., creating a clicking sensation) before the switching position, it becomes difficult to slowly press the movable member near the switching position. As a result, the lag in the switching timing of the two contacts is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-53328 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the enable switch of Patent Document 1, if one tries to change the magnitude of the above-mentioned click feeling or the position where the click feeling occurs, it is necessary to change the shapes of the engaging portion and recess, the depth of engagement between the engaging portion and recess, the magnitude of friction, etc., and it is not easy to adjust the click feeling.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to easily perform adjustments relating to switching of contacts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is an enable switch provided in an operating unit to allow the operating unit to operate an object to be operated, the enable switch comprising: a holding unit; a movable member that is pushed toward the holding unit; contacts; a contact mechanism that transitions the open / closed state of the contacts from a first state, which is one of open and closed, to a second state, which is the other of open and closed, and then from the second state to the first state as the movable member is pushed toward the holding unit; and a magnetic unit having a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body, at least one of which is a magnet. The first magnetic body is fixed to the holding unit. The second magnetic body moves as the movable member moves in the pushing direction. The position of the movable member relative to the holding unit when the movable member is not pushed in is defined as a first position. The position of the movable member relative to the holding unit when the movable member is fully pushed in is defined as a third position. The second position is defined as the position at which the load required to push the movable member rises and reaches its maximum as the rate of increase in load relative to the amount of pushing increases between the first position and the third position. When the movable member is pushed in, the contacts transition from the first state to the second state at an ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transition from the second state to the first state at an OFF switching position between the second position and the third position. When the movable member is pushed in between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against a force caused by magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body. The load required to move the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic interaction has a magnetic force peak that rises and then decreases. The maximum load of the magnetic force peak is equal to or greater than the load required to push the movable member in at the ON switching position if the magnetic force unit were not provided.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of the first aspect, further comprising another contact. When the movable member is pushed, the other contact transitions from the first state to the second state at another ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transitions from the second state to the first state at another OFF switching position between the second position and the third position. The maximum load of the magnetic force peak is equal to or greater than the load required to push the movable member at the other ON switching position if the magnetic force unit is not provided.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is an enable switch that is provided in an operating unit and allows the operating unit to operate an object to be operated, the enable switch comprising: a holding unit; a movable member that is pushed toward the holding unit; contacts; a contact mechanism that transitions the open / closed state of the contacts from a first state, which is one of open and closed, to a second state, which is the other of open and closed, and then from the second state to the first state as the movable member is pushed toward the holding unit; and a magnetic unit having a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body, at least one of which is a magnet. The first magnetic body is fixed to the holding unit. The second magnetic body moves as the movable member moves in the pushing direction. The position of the movable member relative to the holding unit when the movable member is not pushed in is defined as a first position. The position of the movable member relative to the holding unit when the movable member is fully pushed in is defined as a third position. The second position is defined as a position where the load required to push the movable member starts to rise to its maximum as the rate of increase in load relative to the amount of pushing increases between the first position and the third position. When the movable member is pushed in, the contacts transition from the first state to the second state at an ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transition from the second state to the first state at an OFF switching position between the second position and the third position. When the movable member is pushed in between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against a force caused by a magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body. The load required to move the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic interaction has a magnetic force peak that rises and then decreases. The ON switching position is a position where the movable member is pushed in further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic force peak.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of the third aspect, further comprising another contact. When the movable member is pushed in, the other contact transitions from the first state to the second state at another ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transitions from the second state to the first state at another OFF switching position between the second position and the third position. The other ON switching position is a position where the movable member is pushed in further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic force peak.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the direction of relative movement of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body is parallel to the pushing direction.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an enable switch according to any one of the first to fourth aspects (or any one of the first to fifth aspects), in which, when the movable member returns from the second position to the first position, the movement of the movable member is promoted by a force due to magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (or any one of aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction. The monitor unit includes a first monitor contact, a first monitor switching unit that switches the open / close state of the first monitor contact by moving a portion of the first monitor contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, and a second monitor contact, and a second monitor switching unit that switches the open / close state of the second monitor contact by moving a portion of the second monitor contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction. When the movable member is pushed in, the open / close state of the first monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the open / close state of the second monitor contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / close state of the first monitor contact and the open / close state of the second monitor contact. The magnetic unit further includes a magnetic body moving unit having a structure similar to that of the first monitor switching unit or the second monitor switching unit. The second magnetic body of the magnetic force unit corresponds to the part of the first monitor contact or the part of the second monitor contact, and the magnetic body moving unit moves the second magnetic body in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction, thereby changing the position of the second magnetic body relative to the first magnetic body.

[0015] Aspect 8 of the present invention is the enable switch of any one of Aspects 1 to 4 (or any one of Aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction. The monitor unit comprises a monitor contact and a monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact by moving a portion of the monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction. When the movable member is pushed, the open / closed state of the monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position. The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact. The magnetic unit further comprises a magnetic body moving unit having a structure similar to that of the monitor switching unit. The second magnetic body in the magnetic unit corresponds to the portion of the monitor contact. The magnetic body moving unit moves the second magnetic body in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (or may be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction. The monitor unit comprises a first monitor contact, a first monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the first monitor contact by moving a portion of the first monitor contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction, a second monitor contact, and a second monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the second monitor contact by moving a portion of the second monitor contact as the movable member moves in the pushing direction. When the movable member is pushed in, the open / closed state of the first monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and the open / closed state of the second monitor contact is switched between the second position and the third position. The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / closed states of the first monitor contact and the second monitor contact. The second magnetic body is moved together with the portion of the first monitor contact by the first monitor switching unit, or moved together with the portion of the second monitor contact by the second monitor switching unit, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body to the first magnetic body.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the enable switch of any one of aspects 1 to 4 (or may be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member in the pushing direction. The monitor unit comprises a monitor contact and a monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact by moving a portion of the monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction. When the movable member is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, or between the second position and the third position. The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact. The monitor switching unit moves the second magnetic body together with the portion of the monitor contact, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In the present invention, adjustments relating to contact switching can be easily made. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an enable switch according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of depression of the enable switch and the load. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an enable switch according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an enable switch according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an enable switch according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the enable switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an enable switch 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the enable switch 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross section of the enable switch 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross section of the enable switch 1 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the cross sections of some components are shown at different positions to facilitate understanding of the internal structure of the enable switch 1. Furthermore, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the parallel diagonal lines in the cross sections of some components are omitted. This also applies to FIGS. 6 and 8-10, which correspond to FIG. 3 and will be described later, and to FIGS. 7 and 11, which correspond to FIG. 4 and will be described later. This also applies to FIGS. 12-24.

[0021] The enable switch 1 is provided on an operation unit such as a robot teaching pendant or a work machine controller. The robot, work machine, etc. are the operation targets of the operation unit. The enable switch 1 allows operation of the operation target from the operation unit. When the enable switch 1 is in the ON state, operation of the operation target is allowed, and when the worker inputs something into the operation unit, a signal from the operation unit according to the input is transmitted to the operation target. When the enable switch 1 is in the OFF state, operation of the operation target is not allowed, and the worker's input is not transmitted to the operation target.

[0022] In the following description, the up-down direction in Figs. 2 to 4 will be simply referred to as the "up-down direction." The up-down direction is also the direction in which the movable member 12, which will be described later, is pushed into the holding portion 11, and is also referred to as the "pushing direction." The up-down direction does not necessarily have to coincide with the actual up-down direction (i.e., the direction of gravity) when the enable switch 1 is provided in the operating portion. In the following description, the left-right direction in Figs. 1 to 3 will be referred to as the "lateral direction" or "left-right direction," and the left-right direction in Fig. 4 will also be referred to as the "thickness direction."

[0023] The enable switch 1 includes a holding portion 11 and a movable member 12. The holding portion 11 supports the other components of the enable switch 1. When operating the enable switch 1, the movable member 12 is pushed toward the holding portion 11 by an operator, and moves downward relative to the holding portion 11. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the movable member 12 is elongated in the left-right direction and can move in the up-down direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable member 12 extends. An upward force (i.e., a force from the holding portion 11 toward the movable member 12) is applied to the movable member 12 by a coil spring 121 housed in the holding portion 11. In FIG. 3, the coil spring 121 and other coil springs are shown simplified with dashed lines (the same applies to other cross-sectional views). When an operator pushes the movable member 12 into the holding portion 11 with a finger and then releases the finger from the movable member 12, the restoring force of the coil spring 121 returns the movable member 12 to its original position.

[0024] The enable switch 1 includes two contacts 13, a contact mechanism 20, a magnetic portion 15, a guide portion 16, and a monitor portion 17. The two contacts 13, the contact mechanism 20, the magnetic portion 15, the guide portion 16, and the monitor portion 17 are housed inside the holder portion 11. Each contact 13 includes a lower fixed terminal 131 and a movable terminal 132. More precisely, an upper fixed terminal is also present, and a connection terminal group 134 consisting of three connection terminals connected to the upper fixed terminal, the lower fixed terminal 131, and the movable terminal 132, respectively, is located below the holder portion 11. When the contacts 13 are in an open state, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. When the contacts 13 are in a closed state, the lower fixed terminal 131 and the movable terminal 132 are in direct contact. When the contacts 13 are in an open state, the enable switch 1 is in an OFF state, and when the contacts 13 are in a closed state, the enable switch 1 is in an ON state.

[0025] An OFF switching mechanism 14 is disposed inside the movable member 12. The OFF switching mechanism 14 includes three vertical coil springs 241, an abutment member 242 that houses the vertical coil springs 241, two sliders 243, two horizontal coil springs 244, and two pushing members 245. In FIG. 3, the abutment member 242 is shown divided into three sections (sections labeled 242, 242a) that house the three vertical coil springs 241, but these are actually a single member. A hole is formed in the lower member 12a of the movable member 12, and the abutment member 242 is fitted into the hole in the lower member 12a. The slider 243 and the horizontal coil springs 244 are disposed in the space between the upper portion of the movable member 12 and the lower member 12a.

[0026] 3, the abutting member 242 receives a downward force from the vertical coil spring 241. The slider 243 receives a laterally inward force from the horizontal coil spring 244. The tip of the slider 243 is located above the abutting member 242. The upper end of the pushing member 245 is close to the lower end of the rear end 243a, which is the outer end of the slider 243 in the laterally direction.

[0027] At each contact 13, a movable terminal 132 is connected to a snap mechanism 133. As will be described later, when the push-in member 245 is pushed to a predetermined position, the spring of the snap mechanism 133 causes the movable terminal 132 to quickly move toward the lower fixed terminal 131, and the movable terminal 132 and the lower fixed terminal 131 come into contact with each other. In other words, the contact 13 is closed.

[0028] As will be described later, the OFF switching mechanism 14 and the snap mechanism 133 constitute a contact mechanism 20 that transitions the open / closed state of the contact 13 from open to closed and then from closed to open as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. Because the enable switch 1 has two contacts 13, if these are distinguished as a "first contact 13" and a "second contact 13," the contact mechanism 20 transitions the states of the first contact 13 and the second contact 13 from open to closed and then from closed to open as the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding portion 11. The first contact 13 and the second contact 13 are arranged spaced apart in the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction in which the movable member 12 extends).

[0029] The guide part 16 includes a rotating member 261 that is long in the horizontal direction. The rotating member 261 is formed by bending both ends of a metal rod in the horizontal direction twice, each end bending by approximately 90° so that the ends face inward in the horizontal direction. Note that the rotating member 261 may also be formed by bending both ends of a metal rod by 90°, and then further bending the end portions so that they face outward.

[0030] The rotating member 261 is rotatably attached directly to the movable member 12. Specifically, an upper portion of the rotating member 261 rotatably engages with the lower member 12a of the movable member 12. The rotating member 261 is rotatable about a rotation axis J1 (see FIG. 4) that is parallel to the horizontal direction along which the rotating member 261 extends. Lower end portions 263 at both horizontal ends of the rotating member 261 are sandwiched between the lower member 262 and the upper member 111a in the up-down direction. The rotating member 261 rotates with the lower end portions 263 at both horizontal ends in contact with the member 262 located below. As a result, the movable member 12, which is long in the horizontal direction, is pushed into the holding portion 11 without being significantly tilted in the horizontal direction.

[0031] As described below, the magnetic unit 15 is a structure that generates a clicking sensation with the operator's finger when the operator presses the movable member 12. The magnetic unit 15 is disposed below the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 and between the two contact points 13 in the horizontal direction. The magnetic unit 15 includes a first magnetic body 51 and a second magnetic body 52, each of which is a magnetic body. At least one of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 is a magnet. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first magnetic body 51 is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, and the second magnetic body 52 is a substantially flat, non-magnetic member made of a metal such as iron. The first magnetic body 51 is held by the holder 11 below the lower member 12a of the movable member 12. The second magnetic body 52 is disposed below the first magnetic body 51 and faces the first magnetic body 51 in the vertical direction. 3, the second magnetic body 52 is attracted to the first magnetic body 51 by a force (i.e., magnetic attractive force) due to a magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52. ​​When the movable member 12 is pushed downward, the second magnetic body 52 can move downward against the magnetic attractive force.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first magnetic body 51 has two magnet pieces 511 each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The two magnet pieces 511 are arranged laterally spaced apart. Each magnet piece 511 is housed in an upwardly opening recess provided in a base member 111, which is one of the components constituting the holder 11, and is fixed to the holder 11. The second magnetic body 52 is fixed to a substantially columnar magnetic body holder 53 extending in the vertical direction. The magnetic body holder 53 is inserted into a through-hole provided in the holder 11 between the two magnet pieces 511 and is held by the holder 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The second magnetic body 52 is attracted to each magnet piece 511 via the bottom plate of the recess in which each magnet piece 511 is housed, and is in indirect contact with each magnet piece 511 via the bottom plate. In other words, the second magnetic body 52 is indirectly attracted to the first magnetic body 51 via the bottom plate. The shapes of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 may be changed in various ways. For example, the first magnetic body 51 may be a single magnet having a substantially cylindrical or annular plate shape with the magnetic body holder 53 at its center.

[0033] When the movable member 12 is pushed downward by the operator, the magnetic body holder 53 comes into contact with the movable member 12 and moves downward together with the movable member 12. At this time, the second magnetic body 52 fixed to the magnetic body holder 53 also moves downward (i.e., in the vertical direction away from the first magnetic body 51) against the magnetic attractive force. That is, the magnetic body holder 53 is a magnetic body moving unit that changes the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51 by moving the second magnetic body 52 in accordance with the vertical movement of the movable member 12. To release the attraction between the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51 against the magnetic attractive force (i.e., to move the second magnetic body 52 downward away from the bottom plate), the operator needs to press the movable member 12 with a relatively large force. Once the attraction is released, the force required to press the movable member 12 decreases rapidly. This produces a clicking sensation in the operator's finger as he presses the movable member 12.

[0034] When the operator releases the pushing of the movable member 12, the movable member 12 moves upward as described above. The second magnetic body 52 moves upward together with the magnetic body holder 53 due to the restoring force of the coil spring 54 provided between the lower surface of the second magnetic body 52 and the bottom of the holding portion 11, and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51 via the bottom plate. That is, as the movable member 12 moves in the up-down direction (i.e., the pushing direction), the second magnetic body 52 moves relative to the first magnetic body 51 in a direction substantially parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the coil spring 54 extends in the up-down direction along the magnetic body holder 53, centered on the magnetic body holder 53. Note that the upward movement of the second magnetic body 52 may be achieved by, for example, a force due to a magnetic interaction (i.e., magnetic attractive force) generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52, other than the restoring force of the coil spring 54.

[0035] Next, a description will be given of changes in the load required to push the movable member 12 (i.e., the downward force that needs to be applied to the movable member 12) when the movable member 12 is pushed in. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of movement of the movable member 12 (i.e., the amount of pushing of the enable switch 1) and the load required to push it in. Below, the position of the movable member 12 corresponding to the amount of pushing will be described with reference to the symbols attached in Fig. 5.

[0036] In FIG. 5, position 301 is the initial position. Hereinafter, position 301 will be referred to as the "first position." First position 301 is the relative position of movable member 12 with respect to holder 11 when movable member 12 is not pushed in. Position 303 is the relative position of movable member 12 with respect to holder 11 when movable member 12 is pushed in to the fullest extent. Hereinafter, position 303 will be referred to as the "third position." In first position 301 and third position 303, enable switch 1 is in the OFF state.

[0037] Position 302 is a position where the operator can push the movable member 12 to a certain extent from the initial state and stably hold the movable member 12 while feeling a certain degree of resistance (i.e., a force trying to push the movable member 12 upward). This allows the enable switch 1 to be stably held in the ON state. Hereinafter, position 302 will be referred to as the "second position." Second position 302 is located between first position 301 and third position 303. Second position 302 is the rise start position of maximum rise 343, where the load required to press the movable member 12 rises and reaches its maximum as the rate of increase in load relative to the amount of pressing increases.

[0038] Position 311 is an "ON switching position" where, when the movable member 12 is pushed, the contact 13 transitions from open to closed, and the enabling switch 1 transitions from an OFF state to an ON state. Position 312 is an "OFF switching position" where, when the movable member 12 is pushed, the contact 13 transitions from closed to open, and the enabling switch 1 transitions from an ON state to an OFF state. Therefore, in the enabling switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pushed, the contact 13 transitions from open to closed at the ON switching position 311 between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the contact 13 transitions from closed to open at the OFF switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0039] To be precise, because the enabling switch 1 has two contacts 13, if these are distinguished as a "first contact 13" and a "second contact 13," when the movable member 12 is pressed in, the first contact 13 transitions from open to closed at a first ON switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and transitions from closed to open at a first OFF switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303. Furthermore, the second contact 13 transitions from open to closed at a second ON switching position between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and transitions from closed to open at a second OFF switching position between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0040] 5 corresponds to the first ON switching position in the case of the first contact 13, and position 312 corresponds to the first OFF switching position. In the case of the second contact 13, position 311 corresponds to the second ON switching position, and position 312 corresponds to the second OFF switching position. The first ON switching position and the second ON switching position are coincident with or close to each other, and the first OFF switching position and the second OFF switching position are coincident with or close to each other.

[0041] In the enable switch 1, a peak 341 where the load rises once and then decreases when the movable member 12 is pressed in exists between the first position 301 and the ON switching position 311. The peak 341 is a small peak where the maximum value of the load is smaller than the maximum rise 343. As will be described later, the peak 341 is generated by the magnetic force unit 15 moving the second magnetic body 52 downward against the above-mentioned magnetic attractive force. In the following description, the peak 341 generated by the magnetic force unit 15 will be referred to as the "magnetic force peak 341."

[0042] In Fig. 5, the position where the rise of magnetic force peak 341 begins is indicated by reference numeral 321. At magnetic force peak 341, the load increases with almost no change in the amount of depression at position 321, and reaches its maximum value at magnetic force peak 341. In other words, magnetic force peak 341 rises almost vertically at position 321. Therefore, position 321 is both the position where the rise of magnetic force peak 341 ends and the position where the fall begins. In Fig. 5, the position where the fall of magnetic force peak 341 ends is indicated by reference numeral 324.

[0043] Note that these positions do not need to be clearly defined, and if they are not clearly defined, these positions may be identified using various methods. For example, if the rising start position 321 and the falling end position 324 of the magnetic force peak 341 are located on a curve, the positions where the curvature is greatest may be identified as positions 321 and 324. Alternatively, the position where the gradient of the load when the pressing amount is increased exceeds a certain positive value may be identified as the rising start position 321, and the position where the gradient exceeds a certain negative value may be identified as the falling end position 324.

[0044] For the peak including maximum rise 343 between second position 302 and third position 303 (hereinafter referred to as "main peak 342"), the rise start position (i.e., second position 302) and fall end position 334 may be determined by various methods, as long as they are positions that roughly indicate their meaning, similarly to magnetic force peak 341. The same applies to position 332 where the rise of main peak 342 ends and position 333 where the fall of main peak 342 starts. For main peak 342, rise end position 332 and fall start position 333 may coincide.

[0045] 5, the ON switching position 311 is a position where the movable member 12 is pushed further than the position 321 corresponding to the maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341, and is located between the falling edge end position 324 of the magnetic force peak 341 and the second position 302. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 is equal to or greater than the load A2 at the ON switching position 311 (more specifically, the larger of the load at the first ON switching position and the load at the second ON switching position). The maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 is also smaller than the load A3 at the OFF switching position 312 (more specifically, the smaller of the load at the first OFF switching position and the load at the second OFF switching position).

[0046] As a result, when the operator pushes the movable member 12 downward from the initial state, the movable member 12 feels a slight clicking sensation, and then is pushed in all at once to transition to the second position 302. That is, when the operator operates the enable switch 1 normally, if the force pushing the movable member 12 exceeds the maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341, the downward movement of the movable member 12 cannot be stopped midway (i.e., above the second position 302), and the movable member 12 quickly transitions to the second position 302 with a sensation of hitting something. As a result, the operator can clearly sense that the movable member 12 has reached the second position 302. In other words, the operator can clearly sense the increase in load relative to the amount of pushing, even before the movable member 12 transitions from the ON state of the second position 302 to the OFF state of the third position 303 by further pushing it. In addition, since the movable member 12 quickly passes through the ON switching position 311 (more specifically, the first ON switching position and the second ON switching position), the difference in timing at which the two contacts 13 switch from open to closed is reduced, and inconsistencies in the open / closed states of the two contacts 13 are suppressed.

[0047] From the above viewpoint, the ON switch position 311 is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 5. The ON switch position 311 may be located between the fall start position of the magnetic force peak 341 (position 321 in the example shown in Fig. 5) and the second position 302. In other words, the ON switch position 311 may be substantially the same position as the fall end position 324 of the magnetic force peak 341. Alternatively, the ON switch position 311 may be located between the positions 321 and 324.

[0048] From the viewpoint of quickly shifting the movable member 12 from the magnetic force peak 341 to the second position 302, it is preferable that the maximum load A1 at the magnetic force peak 341 is larger than the load A4 at the second position 302. Furthermore, in order to prevent the movable member 12 from shifting beyond the second position 302 and the OFF switch position 312 to shift to the OFF state after passing the magnetic force peak 341, the maximum load A1 at the magnetic force peak 341 is preferably smaller than the load at a position immediately before the OFF switch position 312 (more specifically, the load at a position immediately before the first OFF switch position and the second OFF switch position, which is usually the load at the position 332).

[0049] The rise start position 321 of the magnetic force peak 341 may be approximately aligned with the first position 301, or may be completely aligned with the first position 301. Even in such a case, the operator can feel the sticking when pushing the movable member 12. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the rise of the magnetic force peak 341 is approximately vertical, so the operator can feel the sticking even more clearly. Of course, even when the rise start position 321 of the magnetic force peak 341 is away from the first position 301, it is preferable that the rise of the magnetic force peak 341 be approximately vertical.

[0050] From the viewpoint of enabling the operator to clearly sense that the movable member 12 has moved to the second position 302 after feeling a catch when pushing in the movable member 12, it is preferable that the magnetic force peak 341 and the second position 302 are sufficiently separated from each other. Specifically, it is preferable that the position of the magnetic force peak 341 corresponding to the maximum load is closer to the first position 301 than to an intermediate position between the first position 301 and the second position 302. This can prevent the operator from mistaking the magnetic force peak 341 for the main peak 342.

[0051] In FIG. 5, the two-dot chain line shows the relationship between the amount of pushing of the movable member 12 and the load required for the pushing when the magnetic force peak 341 is not provided by the magnetic unit 15. At positions where the two-dot chain line is not shown, the relationship between the amount of pushing and the load when the magnetic force peak 341 is not provided is the same as that shown by the solid line (i.e., the relationship between the amount of pushing and the load when the magnetic force peak 341 is provided). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the load A2 at the ON switch position 311 is the same regardless of whether the magnetic force peak 341 is provided or not. Therefore, as described above, the maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 is equal to or greater than the load A2 at the ON switch position 311 when the magnetic unit 15 is provided, and is also equal to or greater than the load A2 at the ON switch position 311 when the magnetic unit 15 is not provided and the magnetic force peak 341 is not present (specifically, the larger of the loads at the first ON switch position and the second ON switch position).

[0052] Furthermore, in the enabling switch 1, the load A4 in the second position 302 is the same regardless of whether the magnetic force peak 341 is present or not. That is, in the enabling switch 1, even if the magnetic force peak 341 is provided, there is no need to change the design of the load required to hold the movable member 12 at the second position 302. Therefore, even if the operating unit having the enabling switch 1 is held at the second position 302 for a long period of time, the burden on the operator does not increase. Furthermore, by providing the magnetic force peak 341, it is possible to prevent the enabling switch 1 from being unintentionally turned on when the movable member 12 is accidentally touched or when another object comes into contact with the movable member 12.

[0053] 5, the change in load from when magnetic force peak 341 falls to second position 302 is shown as a straight line excluding the small step at ON switch position 311, but this is not limiting. The change in load may be changed in various ways as long as there is no large change, and for example, it may be a straight line including ON switch position 311.

[0054] Next, the operation of each component of the enable switch 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. The structure and operation of the monitor unit 17 will be described later. When an operator begins to push the movable member 12 downward from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 3, the coil spring 121 is compressed and the movable member 12 moves downward, as shown in FIG. 6. At this time, in the guide unit 16 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower end 263 of the rotating member 261 slides on the upper surface of the member 262, and the rotating member 261 rotates slightly around the rotation axis J1. The rotating member 261 suppresses lateral tilt of the movable member 12 even in the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0055] In the state shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end of the generally rod-shaped protruding portion 122 protruding downward from the lower member 12 a of the movable member 12 contacts the upper end of the magnetic body holder 53 of the magnetic unit 15. In the magnetic unit 15, the second magnetic body 52 is attracted to the first magnetic body 51 by magnetic attractive force. Therefore, when an attempt is made to push the movable member 12 downward from the state shown in FIG. 6 , the magnetic attractive force acts as a resistance force, increasing the load required to push the movable member 12. In other words, the position of the movable member 12 shown in FIG. 6 is the rising start position 321 of the magnetic force peak 341 in FIG. 5 . The rising start position 321 can be easily adjusted by, for example, changing the length of the protruding portion 122 of the movable member 12 or the position of the upper end of the magnetic body holder 53 held by the holding unit 11.

[0056] When the operator increases the force applied to the movable member 12 and the force exceeds the maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 shown in FIG. 5, the attraction of the second magnetic member 52 by the first magnetic member 51 is released, and the downward movement of the second magnetic member 52, the magnetic member holder 53, and the movable member 12 resumes. When the second magnetic member 52 moves downward away from the first magnetic member 51 (more precisely, when the second magnetic member 52 moves downward away from the bottom plate of the recess in which the first magnetic member 51 is housed), the load required to push the movable member 12 decreases rapidly. As a result, as described above, the operator's finger pushing the movable member 12 feels a click, and the movable member 12 quickly moves from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 8 (i.e., the ON switching position 311) and quickly reaches the position shown in FIG. 9 (i.e., the second position 302). As described above, at the ON switching position 311 shown in FIG. 8, the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic unit 15 is spaced downward from the first magnetic body 51, and at the second position 302 shown in FIG. 9, the vertical distance between the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51 is increased.

[0057] The above-mentioned clicking sensation can be easily adjusted, for example, by changing the maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341. The maximum load A1 can be easily adjusted, for example, by changing the force due to the magnetic action (i.e., the magnetic attractive force) generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52. ​​The magnetic attractive force can be easily adjusted, for example, by changing the strength of the magnetic force of the first magnetic body 51, which is a magnet, the number and arrangement of the magnet pieces 511 that make up the first magnetic body 51, the material and surface condition of the second magnetic body 52, etc.

[0058] 6 and 7 to the position shown in Fig. 8, rear end 243a of slider 243 comes into contact with the upper end of push-in member 245, and push-in member 245 also descends as movable member 12 descends. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, when push-in member 245 descends to a predetermined position, a specific portion of snap mechanism 133 is pressed by push-in member 245. As a result, snap mechanism 133 instantly lowers movable terminal 132 by snap action, bringing it into contact with lower fixed terminal 131, and contact 13 enters a closed state.

[0059] When the movable member 12 reaches the second position 302 shown in FIG. 9, the lower end of the abutment member 242 comes into contact with the upper surface of the base member 111 of the holder 11. More specifically, a portion of the abutment member 242 designated by reference numeral 242a comes into contact with a part of the base member 111 (the above-mentioned member 111a in the example shown in FIG. 9). When a downward force is applied to the movable member 12 in the state shown in FIG. 9, an upward force acts on the abutment member 242 relative to the movable member 12. The upper surface of the central portion of the abutment member 242 includes an inclined surface 246 that slopes downward as it extends laterally outward. Meanwhile, the lower surface of the tip of the slider 243 includes an inclined surface 247 that slopes upward as it extends laterally inward. The inclined surfaces 246 and 247 are in contact and are substantially parallel to each other.

[0060] Therefore, when the load applied to the movable member 12 is increased and an upward force from the abutting member 242 acts on the slider 243, the slider 243 starts to move laterally outward against the force from the horizontal coil spring 244. At this time, the vertical coil spring 241 contracts. This state is the state in which the slider 243 moves from position 302 to position 333 via position 332 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0061] When the movable member 12 is pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 9 and the end of the inclined surface 246 coincides with the end of the inclined surface 247, the movable member 12 further descends as the outer surface of the upper end of the central portion of the abutting member 242 rubs against the tip of the slider 243. At this time, the load required to push the movable member 12 decreases rapidly. Therefore, the movable member 12 quickly reaches position 334 from position 333 shown in FIG. 5. For example, position 333 and position 334 may be approximately the same position. By the above operation, a main peak 342 is obtained.

[0062] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the movable member 12 in its fully pushed-in state. In the states shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the movable member 12 is located at the third position 303 (see FIG. 5). When the movable member 12 moves from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the position shown in FIG. 10, the slider 243 moves laterally outward at the OFF switching position 312 between the second position 302 and the third position 303, and the rear end 243a of the slider 243 and the pushing member 245 are released from vertical contact. As a result, the pushing member 245 rises under the force of the snap mechanism 133, and the contact 13 changes from closed to open.

[0063] 10 and 11, when the movable member 12 is pushed in all the way, the vertical coil spring 241 is further compressed, and the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 approaches the member 262 of the holding unit 11 and comes into contact with the base member 111. This prevents the movable member 12 from moving further downward. At this time, the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic unit 15 is located near the bottom of the holding unit 11 and is furthest away from the first magnetic body 51 in the vertical direction. In addition, the rotating member 261 of the guide unit 16 is lowered and is located in the narrow space between the movable member 12 and the member 262 of the holding unit 11.

[0064] 10 and 11, when the operator releases his / her finger from the movable member 12 (i.e., when the movable member 12 is released from being pushed), the movable member 12 rises while the rear end 243a of the slider 243 and the push-in member 245 remain laterally misaligned. When the slider 243 is positioned above the upper end of the push-in member 245, the slider 243 moves due to the restoring force of the horizontal coil spring 244, and the rear end 243a of the slider 243 is positioned directly above the push-in member 245, as shown in FIG. 3. As a result, the contact 13 remains open until the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301 shown in FIG. 3. In other words, when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303, the enable switch 1 remains in the OFF state. Note that when the operator releases his / her finger from the movable member 12 at the second position 302, the movable member 12 returns to the first position 301, and the enable switch 1 returns to the OFF state.

[0065] When the movable member 12 rises from the third position 303 and returns to the first position 301, the second magnetic body 52 of the magnetic unit 15 also rises together with the magnetic body holder 53 due to the restoring force of the coil spring 54. When the second magnetic body 52 rises to a certain extent (for example, when it rises to a position between the position shown in FIG. 9 and the position shown in FIG. 6), the second magnetic body 52 is attracted to the first magnetic body 51 due to the magnetic attractive force generated between the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51. This magnetic attractive force is applied to the protrusion 122 of the movable member 12 via the magnetic body holder 53, thereby promoting the rise of the movable member 12. The same applies when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301.

[0066] Next, the structure and operation of the monitor unit 17 of the enabling switch 1 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross section of the enabling switch 1 taken along line XII-XII in Figure 1. The monitor unit 17 generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member 12 in the up-down direction (i.e., the pushing direction) and sends it to the operating unit. The operating unit determines the position of the movable member 12 based on the monitor signal and displays that position to the operator.

[0067] The monitor unit 17 includes a first monitor unit 71 and a second monitor unit 72. The first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction below the lower member 12a of the movable member 12, and are disposed between the two contact points 13 in the horizontal direction.

[0068] The first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 have substantially the same configuration. The first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 each include a monitor contact 73 and a monitor contact holder 74. The monitor contact 73 includes an upper fixed terminal 731 and a movable terminal 732. The movable terminal 732 is fixed to the monitor contact holder 74, which is substantially columnar and extends substantially in the vertical direction, and faces the upper fixed terminal 731 in the vertical direction. The monitor contact holder 74 is inserted into a through-hole provided in the holder 11 and is held by the holder 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0069] In the state shown in FIG. 12 , the movable terminal 732 is biased by a coil spring 75 provided between the movable terminal 732 and the bottom of the holder 11 and is in direct contact with the upper fixed terminal 731, and the monitor contact 73 is in a closed state. When the movable member 12 of the enable switch 1 is pushed downward, the monitor contact holder 74 comes into contact with the movable member 12 and moves downward together with the movable member 12. At this time, the movable terminal 732 fixed to the monitor contact holder 74 also moves downward (i.e., in a direction away from the upper fixed terminal 731 in the vertical direction), and the monitor contact 73 is in an open state. In other words, the monitor contact holder 74 is a monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 by moving the movable terminal 732, which is a part of the monitor contact 73, in accordance with the vertical movement of the movable member 12. The monitor switching unit may include the movable member 12 or a portion of the movable member 12 that comes into contact with the monitor contact holder 74. In the monitor section 17, the monitor signal described above is generated based on the open / close state of the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor section 71 and the open / close state of the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor section 72.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12, when the movable member 12 is located at the first position 301, the monitor contacts 73 of the first monitor unit 71 and the monitor contacts 73 of the second monitor unit 72 are both closed. When the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 to the ON switch position 311 shown in FIG. 13 (i.e., the same position as in FIG. 8), the lower end of the generally rod-shaped protrusion 123 protruding downward from the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 comes into contact with the upper end of the monitor contact holder 74 of the first monitor unit 71, moving the monitor contact holder 74 downward. This causes the state of the monitor contacts 73 of the first monitor unit 71 to change from closed to open. At this time, the monitor contact holder 74 of the second monitor unit 72 is not in contact with the movable member 12, so the monitor contacts 73 of the second monitor unit 72 remains closed. As shown in Figure 14, when the movable member 12 reaches the second position 302 (i.e., the same position as in Figure 9), the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is open and the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is closed.

[0071] 14 to the third position 303 shown in FIG. 15 (i.e., the same position as in FIG. 10), the lower end of the protrusion 124 protruding downward from the lower member 12a of the movable member 12 comes into contact with the upper end of the monitor contact holder 74 of the second monitor unit 72, moving the monitor contact holder 74 downward. This causes the state of the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 to change from closed to open. As a result, the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 and the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 are both open.

[0072] As described above, in the enable switch 1, only the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, but the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is not switched. Furthermore, between the second position 302 and the third position 303, only the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is switched, but the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is not switched. That is, in the first position 301, the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is closed, and the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is also closed. Furthermore, in the second position 302, the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is open, and the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is closed. In the third position 303, the monitor contact 73 of the first monitor unit 71 is open, and the monitor contact 73 of the second monitor unit 72 is also open.

[0073] In the operation unit that receives the monitor signal from the monitor unit 17, for example, when the enable switch 1 is in the OFF state, if the monitor contacts 73 of both the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 are closed, it is determined that the movable member 12 is located at the first position 301. Also, when the enable switch 1 is in the OFF state, if the monitor contacts 73 of both the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 are closed, it is determined that the movable member 12 is located at the third position 303.

[0074] The open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 in the first monitor unit 71 may be opposite to that in the above example. The same applies to the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 in the second monitor unit 72. Specifically, the monitor contact 73 in the first monitor unit 71 may be open in the first position 301 and closed in the second position 302 and the third position 303. The monitor contact 73 in the second monitor unit 72 may be open in the first position 301 and the second position 302 and closed in the third position 303.

[0075] When the movable member 12 rises from the third position 303 and returns to the first position 301, the movable terminals 732 of the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72 also rise together with the monitor contact holder 74 due to the restoring force of the coil spring 75, and come into contact with the upper fixed terminal 731 as shown in Fig. 12. The same applies when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301.

[0076] Comparing the first monitor unit 71 with the above-described magnetic unit 15 (see FIG. 3), the upper fixed terminal 731, the movable terminal 732, and the monitor contact holder 74 of the first monitor unit 71 can be associated with the first magnetic body 51, the second magnetic body 52, and the magnetic body holder 53 of the magnetic unit 15. In addition, the upper fixed terminal 731, the movable terminal 732, and the monitor contact holder 74 of the second monitor unit 72 can also be associated with the first magnetic body 51, the second magnetic body 52, and the magnetic body holder 53 of the magnetic unit 15.

[0077] The monitor contact holder 74, which is a monitor switching unit that moves the movable terminal 732 in the up-down direction in the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72, has a structure substantially similar to that of the magnetic body holder 53, which is a magnetic body moving unit that moves the second magnetic body 52 in the up-down direction in the magnetic force unit 15. Specifically, the magnetic body holder 53 and the monitor contact holder 74 are common in that they are substantially rod-shaped members that extend in the up-down direction. The magnetic body holder 53 and the monitor contact holder 74 are also common in that they come into contact with the movable member 12 that is pushed in by the operator and move in conjunction with the up-down movement of the movable member 12. The magnetic body holder 53 and the monitor contact holder 74 are also common in that the direction in which they move in conjunction with the movement of the movable member 12 is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the movable member 12 and is in the same direction. The magnetic body holder 53 and the monitor contact holder 74 are also common in that they move the moving object (that is, the second magnetic body 52 and the movable terminal 732) in a direction substantially parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 12.

[0078] In the following description, when distinguishing between the configuration of the first monitor unit 71 and the configuration of the second monitor unit 72, the monitor contacts 73 and monitor contact holder 74 (i.e., monitor switching unit) of the first monitor unit 71 will be referred to as the "first monitor contacts 73" and the "first monitor contact holder 74 (i.e., first monitor switching unit)." Additionally, the monitor contacts 73 and monitor contact holder 74 (i.e., monitor switching unit) of the second monitor unit 72 will be referred to as the "second monitor contacts 73" and the "second monitor contact holder 74 (i.e., second monitor switching unit)."

[0079] The first monitor contact holder 74 of the first monitor unit 71 and the magnetic body holder 53 also have in common the fact that they start to move the above-mentioned moving objects (i.e., the movable terminal 732 of the first monitor contact 73 and the second magnetic body 52) when the movable member 12 moves from the first position 301 to the second position 302. From this, too, it can be said that the first monitor contact holder 74 has substantially the same structure as the magnetic body holder 53. Note that the timing at which the magnetic body holder 53 starts to move the second magnetic body 52 and the timing at which the monitor contact holder 74 starts to move the movable terminal 732 may be the same or different.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3 , the enabling switch 1 has another second monitor unit 72 provided adjacent to the magnetic unit 15. The structure and operation of the other second monitor unit 72 are similar to those of the second monitor unit 72 described above, and the open / closed state is switched at approximately the same timing as the second monitor unit 72. The open / closed state of the other second monitor unit 72 is also included in the monitor signal described above and sent to the operating unit. In this way, by providing two second monitor units 72, the position of the movable member 12 (i.e., the state of the enabling switch 1) can be detected by the monitor unit 17 even if one of the second monitor units 72 fails.

[0081] As described above, in the enable switch 1, the contact 13 transitions from open to closed at the ON switching position 311, causing the enable switch 1 to transition from the OFF state to the ON state, and the contact 13 transitions from closed to open at the OFF switching position 312, causing the enable switch 1 to transition from the ON state to the OFF state, but this is not limiting. For example, in the ON switching position 311, the contact 13 may transition from closed to open, causing the enable switch 1 to transition from the OFF state to the ON state. Also, in the OFF switching position 312, the contact 13 may transition from open to closed, causing the enable switch 1 to transition from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0082] The above-described enable switch 1 is provided with two contacts 13, but the number of contacts 13 may be one or three or more. Furthermore, the enable switch 1 is provided with one first monitor unit 71 and two second monitor units 72 in the monitor unit 17, but the number of first monitor units 71 and second monitor units 72 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of first monitor units 71 may be two or more. Furthermore, the number of second monitor units 72 may be one or three or more.

[0083] The monitor unit 17 may be provided with only one of the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72. In this case, the monitor unit 17 switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 when the movable member 12 moves either between the first position 301 and the second position 302 or between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0084] As described above, the enabling switch 1 is a switch provided in an operating unit that allows the operating unit to operate an object. The enabling switch 1 includes a holding unit 11, a movable member 12, a contact 13 (e.g., the first contact 13), a contact mechanism 20 (in the above example, the OFF switch mechanism 14 and the snap mechanism 133), and a magnetic unit 15. The movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding unit 11. As the movable member 12 is pressed toward the holding unit 11, the contact mechanism 20 transitions the open / closed state of the contact 13 from a first state, which is either open or closed, to a second state, which is the other of open and closed, and then from the second state back to the first state. The magnetic unit 15 includes a first magnetic body 51 and a second magnetic body 52. ​​At least one of the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 is a magnet. The first magnetic body 51 is fixed to the holding unit 11. The second magnetic body 52 moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction.

[0085] As described above, the position of the movable member 12 relative to the holder 11 when the movable member 12 is not pressed in is defined as first position 301. The position of the movable member 12 relative to the holder 11 when the movable member 12 is pressed to the maximum is defined as third position 303. Furthermore, between first position 301 and third position 303, the second position 302 is defined as the position at which maximum rise 343 begins, where the load required to press the movable member 12 rises and reaches its maximum as the rate of increase in load relative to the amount of pressing increases.

[0086] When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the contact 13 transitions from the first state to the second state (from open to closed in the above example) at an ON switching position 311 (for example, a first ON switching position) between the first position 301 and the second position 302. The contact 13 also transitions from the second state to the first state (from closed to open in the above example) at an OFF switching position 312 (for example, a first OFF switching position) between the second position 302 and the third position 303.

[0087] When the movable member 12 is pushed between the first position 301 and the ON switching position 311, the second magnetic body 52 moves against the force (the magnetic attractive force described above) due to the magnetic action generated between the second magnetic body 52 and the first magnetic body 51. The load required to move the second magnetic body 52 against the force due to the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak 341 that rises and then decreases. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 is equal to or greater than the load A2 required to push the movable member 12 into the ON switching position 311 when it is assumed that the magnetic unit 15 is not provided.

[0088] As described above, in the enable switch 1, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301, the operator's finger experiences a clicking sensation due to the magnetic force peak 341 before the contact 13 switches at the ON switch position 311. After the clicking sensation occurs, the movable member 12 quickly passes the ON switch position 311, and the contact 13 switches quickly. This allows the operator to easily recognize the switching of the contact 13 at the ON switch position 311. Furthermore, by using the magnetic unit 15 having the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 to generate the magnetic force peak 341, the clicking sensation felt by the operator and the position at which the clicking sensation occurs (i.e., the rising start position 321 of the magnetic force peak 341) can be easily adjusted, as described above. In other words, the enable switch 1 allows easy adjustment of the switching of the contact 13.

[0089] As described above, the enable switch 1 preferably further includes another contact 13 (e.g., a second contact 13) in addition to the contact 13. When the movable member 12 is pressed, the other contact 13 transitions from the first state to the second state (from open to closed in the above example) at another ON switching position 311 (e.g., a second ON switching position) between the first position 301 and the second position 302. The other contact 13 also transitions from the second state to the first state (from closed to open in the above example) at another OFF switching position 312 (e.g., a second OFF switching position) between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The maximum load A1 of the magnetic force peak 341 is equal to or greater than the load A2 required to press the movable member 12 at the other ON switching position 311 in the absence of the magnetic unit 15.

[0090] In the enable switch 1, as described above, after the clicking sensation caused by the magnetic force peak 341 occurs, the downward movement of the movable member 12 cannot be stopped midway, and the movable member 12 quickly passes the ON switching position 311. This makes it possible to prevent the timing of the two contacts 13 (i.e., the first contact 13 and the second contact 13) from shifting from the first state to the second state described above from being different. In other words, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies in the open / closed states of the two contacts 13. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inconsistencies in the open / closed states from being detected as an error.

[0091] As described above, it is preferable that the direction of relative movement of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51 is parallel to the above-mentioned pushing direction. This simplifies the structure related to the relative movement of the second magnetic body 52 (in the above example, the magnetic body holder 53 and the protrusion 122 of the movable member 12). As a result, the structure of the enable switch 1 can be simplified.

[0092] As described above, in the enable switch 1, when the movable member 12 returns from the second position 302 to the first position 301, it is preferable that the movement of the movable member 12 be promoted by the force of magnetic action generated between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52. ​​This can shorten the time required for the pushed-in movable member 12 to return to the first position 301. Note that when the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the second position 302, the movement of the movable member 12 may also be promoted by the force of magnetic action.

[0093] As described above, it is preferable that the enable switch 1 further includes a monitor unit 17. The monitor unit 17 generates a monitor signal indicating the position of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. The monitor unit 17 includes a monitor contact 73 and a monitor switching unit (a monitor contact holder 74 in the above example). The monitor switching unit switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 by moving a part of the monitor contact 73 (the movable terminal 732 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, or between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The monitor unit 17 generates a monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73. The magnetic unit 15 further includes a magnetic body moving unit (a magnetic body holder 53 in the above example) having a structure similar to that of the monitor switching unit. The second magnetic body 52 in the magnetic force unit 15 corresponds to the part of the monitor contact 73 (in the above example, the movable terminal 732). The magnetic body moving unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51 by moving the second magnetic body 52 in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction.

[0094] By providing the monitor unit 17 in the enable switch 1, it is possible to accurately detect the position of the movable member 12. Furthermore, by using the structure of the monitor unit 17 for detecting the position of the movable member 12 for the magnetic unit 15, it is possible to provide the magnetic unit 15 that generates the above-mentioned clicking sensation while preventing the structure of the enable switch 1 from becoming complicated.

[0095] As described above, the monitor unit 17 preferably includes the first monitor contact 73, a first monitor switching unit (the first monitor contact holder 74 in the above example), the second monitor contact 73, and a second monitor switching unit (the second monitor contact holder 74 in the above example). The first monitor switching unit switches the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 by moving a portion of the first monitor contact 73 in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. The second monitor switching unit switches the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73 by moving a portion of the second monitor contact 73 in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, and the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73 is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The monitor unit 17 generates a monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 and the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73. The magnetic unit 15 further includes a magnetic body moving unit (magnetic body holder 53 in the above example) having a structure similar to that of the first monitor switching unit or the second monitor switching unit. The second magnetic body 52 in the magnetic unit 15 corresponds to the part of the first monitor contact 73 (movable terminal 732 of the first monitor unit 71 in the above example) or the part of the second monitor contact 73 (movable terminal 732 of the second monitor unit 72 in the above example). The magnetic body moving unit moves the second magnetic body 52 in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52 with respect to the first magnetic body 51.

[0096] In the enable switch 1, by providing the monitor unit 17 including the first monitor contact 73 and the second monitor contact 73, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with even greater accuracy. Furthermore, by using the structure of the monitor unit 17 for detecting the position of the movable member 12 for the magnetic unit 15, it is possible to provide the magnetic unit 15 that generates the above-mentioned clicking sensation while preventing the structure of the enable switch 1 from becoming complicated.

[0097] In the enable switch 1, the structure of the magnetic force portion 15 is not limited to the above example and may be modified in various ways. For example, in an enable switch 1a according to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a magnetic force portion 15a having a different structure from the magnetic force portion 15 may be provided instead of the magnetic force portion 15. FIGS. 16 to 18 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the enable switch 1a provided with the magnetic force portion 15a. The positions of the movable member 12 in the up-down direction (i.e., the pushing direction) in FIGS. 16 to 18 are a first position 301, a second position 302, and a third position 303, respectively. In the following description, among the components of the enable switch 1a, components similar to those of the enable switch 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals (the same applies to enable switches 1b and 1c described later).

[0098] The magnetic unit 15a is disposed between the two contacts 13. The magnetic unit 15a includes a first magnetic body 51a, a second magnetic body 52a, and a magnetic body moving unit 53a. Like the first magnetic body 51, the first magnetic body 51a is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet and is held by the holder 11. The second magnetic body 52a is a substantially plate-shaped, non-magnetic member made of a metal such as iron. The right-hand portion of the second magnetic body 52a in the figure defines a bent portion 521a that is bent relative to the other portions. In the state shown in FIG. 16, the bent portion 521a of the second magnetic body 52a is located below the first magnetic body 51a and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a. The left-hand end of the second magnetic body 52a in the figure is attached to a rotation shaft 522a provided on the holder 11. The second magnetic body 52a is rotatable around the rotation shaft 522a.

[0099] The magnetic body moving part 53a is a generally columnar member extending in the vertical direction, and has a step in the vertical center, similar to the magnetic body holder 53. The magnetic body moving part 53a is inserted into a through-hole provided in the holding part 11 on the side of the first magnetic body 51a (on the left side in the example shown in FIG. 16), and is held by the holding part 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0100] In the enable switch 1a, when the movable member 12 is being pushed from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 16 to the second position 302 shown in FIG. 17, the lower end of the protruding portion 122 of the movable member 12 comes into contact with the upper end of the magnetic body moving portion 53a, causing the magnetic body moving portion 53a to move downward. Then, the step of the magnetic body moving portion 53a comes into contact with the second magnetic body 52a from above, applying a downward force to the second magnetic body 52a. As described above, the second magnetic body 52a is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a, and the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic body 51a and the second magnetic body 52a generates the magnetic force peak 341 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the second magnetic body 52a is released from attraction against the magnetic attraction force, a clicking sensation is felt by the operator's finger, and the second magnetic body 52a moves downward away from the first magnetic body 51a (more precisely, moves downward away from the bottom plate of the recess in the holding portion 11 in which the first magnetic body 51a is housed), and quickly moves to the second position 302 shown in Figure 17.

[0101] 17 to the third position 303 shown in Fig. 18, the second magnetic body 52a is pushed down by the magnetic body moving part 53a and moves further downward. When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the second magnetic body 52a is pushed up by the restoring force of the coil spring 54a and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51a via the bottom plate.

[0102] In the enable switch 1a provided with the magnetic portion 15a, it is possible to easily adjust the switching of the contacts 13 in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, it is possible to prevent discrepancies between the open and closed states of the two contacts 13.

[0103] 19 to 21, an enable switch 1b according to a third embodiment is provided with a magnetic part 15b having a different structure from the magnetic part 15, instead of the magnetic part 15. FIGS. 19 to 21 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the enable switch 1b provided with the magnetic part 15b. The positions of the movable member 12 in the up-down direction (i.e., the pushing direction) in FIGS. 19 to 21 are a first position 301, a second position 302, and a third position 303, respectively.

[0104] The magnetic unit 15b includes a first magnetic body 51b and a second magnetic body 52b, each of which is a magnetic body. The second magnetic body 52b is the rotating member 261 of the guide unit 16 described above. Specifically, a lower end 263 of the rotating member 261, which is made of a metal but not a magnet, is bent so as to face inward in the horizontal direction at the horizontal end and is used as the second magnetic body 52b of the magnetic unit 15b. The first magnetic body 51b is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, and is disposed adjacent to the second magnetic body 52b on the rear side of the second magnetic body 52b in the thickness direction (i.e., on the right side in FIG. 19). The first magnetic body 51b is fixed to the holder 11. In the state shown in FIG. 19, the second magnetic body 52b is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b.

[0105] In the enable switch 1b, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 shown in FIG. 19 to the second position 302 shown in FIG. 20, a force is applied to the second magnetic body 52b toward the user in the thickness direction (i.e., toward the user away from the first magnetic body 51b). As described above, the second magnetic body 52b is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b, and therefore the magnetic force peak 341 (see FIG. 5) described above is generated by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic body 51b and the second magnetic body 52b. Thereafter, the second magnetic body 52b is released from the attraction against the magnetic attraction, causing a clicking sensation in the user's finger, and the rotating member 261 rotates clockwise in FIG. 19, causing the second magnetic body 52b to move away from the first magnetic body 51b toward the user and quickly move to the second position 302 shown in FIG. 20.

[0106] When the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in Fig. 20 to the third position 303 shown in Fig. 21, the second magnetic body 52b moves further toward the front. When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the upper end of the turning member 261 is pulled up by the movable member 12, causing the turning member 261 to turn counterclockwise in Fig. 21, and the second magnetic body 52b moves toward the rear and is attracted to the first magnetic body 51b.

[0107] In the enable switch 1b provided with the magnetic portion 15b, it is possible to easily adjust the switching of the contacts 13 in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, it is possible to prevent discrepancies between the open and closed states of the two contacts 13.

[0108] Next, an enabling switch 1c according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 22 to 24 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the enabling switch 1c. In Figures 22 to 24, the positions of the movable member 12 in the up-down direction (i.e., the pushing direction) are a first position 301, a second position 302, and a third position 303, respectively.

[0109] In the enable switch 1c, a magnetic unit 15c is provided instead of the magnetic unit 15. The magnetic unit 15c is disposed adjacent to the second monitor unit 72 between the two contacts 13. The magnetic unit 15c includes a first magnetic body 51c and a second magnetic body 52c, each of which is a magnetic body, and a magnetic body holder 53c. Similar to the magnetic body holder 53 described above, the magnetic body holder 53c is a substantially columnar member extending substantially in the vertical direction. The magnetic body holder 53c is inserted into a through-hole provided in the holding unit 11 and is held by the holding unit 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0110] The second magnetic body 52c is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat plate shape. The second magnetic body 52c is located to the right of the magnetic body holder 53c in FIG. 22 and is fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c. The second magnetic body 52c moves vertically together with the magnetic body holder 53c. That is, the magnetic body holder 53c is a magnetic body moving unit that moves the second magnetic body 52c vertically. The first magnetic body 51c is accommodated in a recess provided in the holder 11 at a position facing the second magnetic body 52c in the vertical direction and is held by the holder 11. The first magnetic body 51c is a non-magnetic member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat plate shape made of metal such as iron. In the state shown in FIG. 22, the first magnetic body 51c is attracted to the second magnetic body 52c via the bottom plate of the recess by magnetic attraction.

[0111] In the enable switch 1c, a monitor contact 73c is provided to the left of the magnetic body holder 53c in FIG. 22. The monitor contact 73c is part of the monitor unit 17c. The monitor contact 73c includes a reed switch 733 and a monitor magnet 734. The monitor magnet 734 is a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or substantially flat shape. The monitor magnet 734 is disposed to the left of the magnetic body holder 53c in FIG. 22 and fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c. The monitor magnet 734 is aligned laterally with the second magnetic body 52c across the magnetic body holder 53c. The monitor magnet 734 has, for example, substantially the same shape as the second magnetic body 52c. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the second magnetic body 52c and the monitor magnet 734 are separate magnets. The second magnetic body 52c and the monitor magnet 734 may be the same or different in terms of the type, magnetic force, shape, etc. of the magnet. The second magnetic body 52c and the monitor magnet 734 may be a single magnet having a substantially cylindrical or annular plate shape centered on the magnetic body holder 53c.

[0112] The reed switch 733 is accommodated in a recess provided in the holder 11 at a position facing the monitor magnet 734 in the vertical direction and is held by the holder 11. The reed switch 733 is aligned horizontally with the first magnetic body 51c, with the magnetic body holder 53c in between. The reed switch 733 is a switch whose open / closed state changes depending on the distance from the monitor magnet 734. Specifically, when the monitor magnet 734 is present within a predetermined distance, the reed switch 733 is closed by the magnetic field of the monitor magnet 734, and opens when the monitor magnet 734 moves beyond the predetermined distance. The monitor magnet 734 moves up and down together with the magnetic body holder 53c. In other words, the magnetic body holder 53c also functions as a monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c by moving the monitor magnet 734, which is part of the monitor contact 73c.

[0113] In the enable switch 1c, when the movable member 12 is being pushed from the first position 301 shown in Fig. 22 to the second position 302 shown in Fig. 23, the lower end of the protrusion 122 of the movable member 12 comes into contact with the upper end of the magnetic body holder 53c, and a downward force is applied to the magnetic body holder 53c. As described above, the second magnetic body 52c fixed to the magnetic body holder 53c attracts the first magnetic body 51c held by the holding portion 11, and therefore the magnetic attractive force between the second magnetic body 52c and the first magnetic body 51c generates the above-mentioned magnetic force peak 341 (see Fig. 5). Thereafter, the first magnetic body 51c is released from attraction against the magnetic attraction force, a clicking sensation is felt by the operator's finger, and the second magnetic body 52c moves downward away from the first magnetic body 51c (more precisely, moves downward away from the bottom plate of the recess in the holding portion 11 in which the first magnetic body 51c is housed), and quickly moves to the second position 302 shown in Figure 23.

[0114] Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 to the second position 302, the monitor magnet 734 moves downward away from the reed switch 733 at the monitor contact 73c, causing the state of the reed switch 733 to change from closed to open.

[0115] When the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 shown in Fig. 23 to the third position 303 shown in Fig. 24, the second magnetic body 52c moves further downward together with the magnetic body holder 53c. Similarly, the monitor magnet 734 also moves further downward, so that the reed switch 733 is maintained in the open state.

[0116] Similar to the first monitor unit 71 described above, the monitor contact 73c is closed in the first position 301 and is open in the second position 302 and the third position 303. In the enable switch 1c, the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic holder 53c form the first monitor unit 71c. Note that in the enable switch 1c, the first monitor unit 71 and another second monitor unit 72 are arranged further back in the thickness direction than the first monitor unit 71c and the second monitor unit 72, similar to the enable switch 1. The monitor signal described above is generated based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c as well as the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73 in the first monitor unit 71 and the second monitor unit 72.

[0117] When the movable member 12 returns from the third position 303 to the first position 301, the second magnetic body 52c, the monitor magnet 734, and the magnetic body holder 53c are pushed up by the restoring force of the coil spring 54c. The second magnetic body 52c attracts the first magnetic body 51c via the bottom plate.

[0118] In the enable switch 1c provided with the magnetic portion 15c, it is possible to easily adjust the switching of the contacts 13 in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, it is possible to prevent discrepancies between the open and closed states of the two contacts 13.

[0119] In the above-described monitor contact 73c, the position of the monitor magnet 734 at which the reed switch 733 switches between an open and closed state can be easily adjusted by changing the magnetic force of the monitor magnet 734 or the type of reed switch 733. For example, by increasing the magnetic force of the monitor magnet 734, the reed switch 733 may be maintained in a closed state while the movable member 12 is pushed from the first position 301 to the second position 302, and the state of the reed switch 733 may transition from closed to open when the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 to the third position 303. In this case, the monitor contact 73c is closed at the first position 301 and the second position 302 and open at the third position 303, similar to the above-described second monitor unit 72. In other words, the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c constitute a second monitor unit.

[0120] As described above, in the enable switch 1c, the monitor unit 17c includes the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c. The magnetic body holder 53c is a monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c by moving a part of the monitor contact 73c (the monitor magnet 734 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, or between the second position 302 and the third position 303. The monitor unit 17c generates a monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c. ​​The magnetic body holder 53c moves the second magnetic body 52c together with the part of the monitor contact 73c (the monitor magnet 734 in the above example), thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52c with respect to the first magnetic body 51c.

[0121] In the enable switch 1c, by providing a monitor unit 17c including a monitor contact 73c and the like, it is possible to accurately detect the position of the movable member 12. Furthermore, by sharing one component (the magnetic body holder 53c in the above example) as both the monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body moving unit that moves the second magnetic body 52c, it is possible to simplify the structure of the enable switch 1c.

[0122] As described above, when the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c constitute the first monitor unit 71c, the monitor unit 17c includes the monitor contact 73c as the first monitor contact, the magnetic body holder 53c as the first monitor switching unit, the second monitor contact 73, and the second monitor contact holder 74 as the second monitor switching unit. The magnetic body holder 53c switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c by moving a part of the monitor contact 73c (the monitor magnet 734 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. The second monitor contact holder 74 switches the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73 by moving a part of the second monitor contact 73 (the movable terminal 732 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, but the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73 is not switched. Furthermore, when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73 is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303, but the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c is not switched. In the monitor unit 17c, a monitor signal is generated based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c and the open / closed state of the second monitor contact 73. In the enable switch 1c, the second magnetic body 52c is moved together with the part of the monitor contact 73c (in the above example, the monitor magnet 734) by the magnetic body holder 53c, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52c with respect to the first magnetic body 51c.

[0123] In the enable switch 1c, by providing a monitor unit 17c including a monitor contact 73c and a second monitor contact 73, the position of the movable member 12 can be detected with even greater accuracy. Furthermore, by sharing one component (the magnetic body holder 53c in the above example) as both the monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body moving unit that moves the second magnetic body 52c, the structure of the enable switch 1c can be simplified.

[0124] As described above, when the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body holder 53c constitute the second monitor unit, the monitor unit 17c includes the first monitor contact 73 (see FIGS. 12 to 15), the first monitor contact holder 74 which is the first monitor switching unit, the monitor contact 73c which is the second monitor contact, and the magnetic body holder 53c which is the second monitor switching unit. The first monitor contact holder 74 switches the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 by moving a part of the first monitor contact 73 (the movable terminal 732 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. The magnetic body holder 53c switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c by moving a part of the monitor contact 73c (the monitor magnet 734 in the above example) in accordance with the movement of the movable member 12 in the pushing direction. When the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 is switched between the first position 301 and the second position 302, but the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c cannot be switched. Also, when the movable member 12 is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c is switched between the second position 302 and the third position 303, but the open / closed state of the first monitor contact 73 cannot be switched. In the monitor unit 17c, a monitor signal is generated based on the open / closed states of the first monitor contact 73 and the open / closed states of the monitor contact 73c. ​​In the enable switch 1c, the second magnetic body 52c is moved together with the part of the monitor contact 73c (the monitor magnet 734 in the above example) by the magnetic body holder 53c, thereby changing the relative position of the second magnetic body 52c with respect to the first magnetic body 51c.

[0125] In the enable switch 1c, by providing a monitor unit 17c including the first monitor contact 73 and the monitor contact 73c, etc., it is possible to more accurately detect the position of the movable member 12. Furthermore, by sharing one component (the magnetic body holder 53c in the above example) as both the monitor switching unit that switches the open / closed state of the monitor contact 73c and the magnetic body moving unit that moves the second magnetic body 52c, it is possible to simplify the structure of the enable switch 1c.

[0126] The above-described enable switches 1, 1a to 1c can be modified in various ways.

[0127] For example, in the magnetic force unit 15 of the enable switch 1, the first magnetic body 51 may be another type of magnet, such as an electromagnet, rather than a permanent magnet. Also, in the magnetic force unit 15, the second magnetic body 52 may be a magnet, and the first magnetic body 51 may be a non-magnetic member made of a metal such as iron. In the magnetic force unit 15, both the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52 may be magnets. The same applies to the magnetic force units 15a to 15c.

[0128] In the magnetic force unit 15, the magnetic force peak 341 is generated by the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52, but is not limited to this and may be generated by the magnetic repulsive force between the first magnetic body 51 and the second magnetic body 52. ​​The same applies to the magnetic force units 15a to 15c.

[0129] In the magnetic force units 15, 15a, 15c described above, the second magnetic bodies 52, 52a, 52c move in a direction substantially parallel to the pushing direction of the movable member 12, and in the magnetic force unit 15b, the lower end portion 263 of the rotating member 261, which is the second magnetic body 52b, moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pushing direction, but this is not limited to this. The moving direction of the second magnetic bodies 52, 52a to 52c in the magnetic force units 15, 15a to 15c may be a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the pushing direction.

[0130] The number of contacts 13 in the enable switch 1 may be three or more. The structure of the contact mechanism 20 that switches the open / closed state of the contacts 13 may be modified in various ways. The movable member 12 may be a lever that rotates when pressed. If the movable member 12 is of a rotating type, the amount of pressing of the movable member 12 corresponds to the rotation angle. The same applies to the enable switches 1a to 1c.

[0131] In the enable switch 1, the contact 13 is opened and closed using a snap action, but is not limited to this. For example, near the ON switching position 311, as the movable member 12 is pushed into the holding portion 11, two terminals included in the contact 13 gradually approach each other and come into contact, thereby closing the contact. In this case, by quickly moving from the magnetic force peak 341 to the second position 302, it is possible to suppress discharge when the contact 13 is closed, and to suppress welding of the contact 13. The same applies to the enable switches 1a to 1c.

[0132] In the enable switch 1, the main peak 342 (see FIG. 5 ) between the second position 302 and the third position 303 does not necessarily have to be realized by using the vertical coil spring 241, the abutting member 242, the slider 243, the horizontal coil spring 244, etc. described above, but may be realized by various other structures. For example, the main peak 341 may be realized by using magnetic force in a manner similar to the magnetic force peak 341. Specifically, for example, in the second monitor unit 72, two magnetic bodies, at least one of which is a magnet, are provided instead of the upper fixed terminal 731 and the movable terminal 732 of the monitor contact 73, and one of the magnetic bodies is fixed to a magnetic body holder having substantially the same shape as the monitor contact holder 74. As a result, when the movable member 12 is pushed from the second position 302 to the third position 303, one of the magnetic bodies moves downward against the force due to the magnetic interaction generated between it and the other magnetic body, thereby realizing the main peak 342. In this way, by utilizing magnetic force to realize the main peak 342, it is possible to further simplify the structure of the enable switch 1. The shape of the main peak 342 can be easily adjusted by changing the force due to the magnetic interaction generated between the two magnetic bodies. The same applies to the enable switch 1a.

[0133] The operation unit provided with the enable switches 1, 1a to 1c is not limited to the operation unit of a teaching pendant, but can be used for various operation units such as the operation unit of a heavy machine such as a hoist, the operation unit of a vehicle, the operation unit of an electric wheelchair, etc.

[0134] The configurations of the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present invention can be used as an enable switch for an operating unit used to operate a wide range of operating objects such as industrial robots, hoists, and wheelchairs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1, 1a~1c Enable switch 11 Holding part 12 Movable parts 13 Contacts 15,15a~15c Magnetic part 17,17c Monitor section 51,51a~51c 1st magnetic body 52,52a~52c Second magnetic body 53,53c Magnetic holder 53a Magnetic material moving part 73 Monitor contacts (first monitor contact and second monitor contact) 73c Monitor Contact 74 Monitor contact holder 132 Movable terminal 301 1st position 302 Second Position 303 Third Position 311 ON switch position 312 OFF switching position 341 Magnetic Peak 343 Maximum Rise 732 Movable terminal 734 Monitor Magnet

Claims

1. An enable switch provided in an operation unit to allow operation of an operation target by the operation unit, A holding portion; a movable member that is pushed toward the holding portion; Contact points and a contact mechanism that transitions the open / closed state of the contact from a first state that is one of open and closed to a second state that is the other of open and closed, and further transitions from the second state to the first state as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion; a magnetic force unit having a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body, at least one of which is a magnet; Equipped with the first magnetic body is fixed to the holding portion, the second magnetic body moves in association with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction, a position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is not pressed in a first position; a third position is a position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is pushed in to the fullest extent; a second position is a position where the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches a maximum as the rate of increase in the load relative to the amount of push-in increases between the first position and the third position, and the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches a maximum; When the movable member is pushed in, the contacts transition from the first state to the second state at an ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transition from the second state to the first state at an OFF switching position between the second position and the third position; when the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against a force caused by a magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body, a load required for moving the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that rises and then decreases; An enable switch characterized in that the maximum load of the magnetic force peak is equal to or greater than the load required to push the movable member to the ON switching position in a case where the magnetic force portion is not provided.

2. 2. The enable switch according to claim 1, Further provided with other contacts, when the movable member is pushed in, the other contact transitions from the first state to the second state at another ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transitions from the second state to the first state at another OFF switching position between the second position and the third position; An enable switch characterized in that the maximum load of the magnetic force peak is equal to or greater than the load required to push the movable member in at the other ON switching position if the magnetic force portion is not provided.

3. An enable switch provided in an operation unit to allow operation of an operation target by the operation unit, A holding portion; a movable member that is pushed toward the holding portion; Contact points and a contact mechanism that transitions the open / closed state of the contact from a first state that is one of open and closed to a second state that is the other of open and closed, and further transitions from the second state to the first state as the movable member is pressed toward the holding portion; a magnetic force unit having a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body, at least one of which is a magnet; Equipped with the first magnetic body is fixed to the holding portion, the second magnetic body moves in association with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction, a position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is not pressed in a first position; a third position is a position of the movable member relative to the holding portion when the movable member is pushed in to the fullest extent; a second position is a position where the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches a maximum as the rate of increase in the load relative to the amount of push-in increases between the first position and the third position, and the load required to push the movable member increases and reaches a maximum; When the movable member is pushed in, the contacts transition from the first state to the second state at an ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transition from the second state to the first state at an OFF switching position between the second position and the third position; when the movable member is pushed between the first position and the ON switching position, the second magnetic body moves against a force caused by a magnetic interaction between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body, a load required for moving the second magnetic body against the force caused by the magnetic action has a magnetic force peak that rises and then decreases; The enable switch is characterized in that the ON switching position is a position where the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic force peak.

4. 4. The enable switch according to claim 3, Further provided with other contacts, when the movable member is pushed in, the other contact transitions from the first state to the second state at another ON switching position between the first position and the second position, and transitions from the second state to the first state at another OFF switching position between the second position and the third position; The enable switch is characterized in that the other ON switching position is a position where the movable member is pushed further than the position of the movable member corresponding to the maximum load of the magnetic force peak.

5. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, An enable switch, characterized in that the direction of relative movement of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body is parallel to the pushing direction.

6. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, an enable switch characterized in that, when the movable member returns from the second position to the first position, movement of the movable member is promoted by a force due to magnetic interaction generated between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

7. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal that indicates a position of the movable member in the pushing direction, The monitor unit a first monitor contact; a first monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the first monitor contact by moving a part of the first monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; a second monitor contact; a second monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the second monitor contact by moving a part of the second monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; Equipped with When the movable member is pushed in, an open / closed state of the first monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and an open / closed state of the second monitor contact is switched between the second position and the third position, the monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / close state of the first monitor contact and the open / close state of the second monitor contact; the magnetic unit further includes a magnetic body moving unit having a structure similar to that of the first monitor switching unit or the second monitor switching unit, the second magnetic body in the magnetic force unit corresponds to the portion of the first monitor contact or the portion of the second monitor contact, The magnetic body moving unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body by moving the second magnetic body in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction.

8. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal that indicates a position of the movable member in the pushing direction, The monitor unit a monitor contact; a monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the monitor contact by moving a part of the monitor contact in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; Equipped with When the movable member is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position or between the second position and the third position, The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact, the magnetic unit further includes a magnetic body moving unit having a structure similar to that of the monitor switching unit, the second magnetic body in the magnetic force unit corresponds to the portion of the monitor contact, The magnetic body moving unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body by moving the second magnetic body in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction.

9. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal that indicates a position of the movable member in the pushing direction, The monitor unit a first monitor contact; a first monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the first monitor contact by moving a part of the first monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; a second monitor contact; a second monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the second monitor contact by moving a part of the second monitor contact in accordance with movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; Equipped with When the movable member is pushed in, an open / closed state of the first monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position, and an open / closed state of the second monitor contact is switched between the second position and the third position, the monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / close state of the first monitor contact and the open / close state of the second monitor contact; an enable switch characterized in that the relative position of the second magnetic body to the first magnetic body is changed by the first monitor switching unit moving the second magnetic body together with the portion of the first monitor contact, or by the second monitor switching unit moving the second magnetic body together with the portion of the second monitor contact.

10. 5. The enable switch according to claim 1, a monitor unit that generates a monitor signal that indicates a position of the movable member in the pushing direction, The monitor unit a monitor contact; a monitor switching unit that switches an open / closed state of the monitor contact by moving a part of the monitor contact in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the pushing direction; Equipped with When the movable member is pushed in, the open / closed state of the monitor contact is switched between the first position and the second position or between the second position and the third position, The monitor unit generates the monitor signal based on the open / closed state of the monitor contact, The enable switch is characterized in that the monitor switching unit changes the relative position of the second magnetic body with respect to the first magnetic body by moving the second magnetic body together with the portion of the monitor contact.

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