Adjustment tool and safety switch

Abstract

To facilitate position adjustment when a safety switch is installed.SOLUTION: An adjustment tool 1 which is used when performing position adjustment of a safety switch 100 including a switch body 200 and an actuator 300, includes: a first guide part for guiding a position of an electromagnet to guide a relative position relationship between an attracting surface formed on the electromagnet 201 of the switch body and an attracted surface formed on a magnetized member 301 of the actuator when the actuator is in a predetermined range from the switch body; a second guide part for guiding a position of the magnetized member to guide the relative position relationship, and at least one of a first mounting part for mounting the electromagnet of which the position is being guided, on the switch body, and a second mounting part for mounting the magnetized member of which the position is being guided, on the actuator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0008] , , ,

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment tool used when adjusting the position of a safety switch having a locking function using an electromagnet and a magnetizing member, and a safety switch in which position adjustment using the adjustment tool has been performed.

Background Art

[0002] In a factory or the like, a surrounding area around a mechanical hazard source such as a press device or a working robot is partitioned by a partitioning member such as a safety fence. By stopping the operation of the mechanical hazard source when there is a possibility of a human body entering the surrounding area or when it is detected that a human body has actually entered the surrounding area, the human body can be protected from the mechanical hazard source.

[0003] The partitioning member is provided with an opening / closing part for a human body to enter and exit the surrounding area. A typical example of the opening / closing part is a door.

[0004] A safety switch is installed in the opening / closing part. The safety switch has a detection function for detecting the open / closed state of the opening / closing part.

[0005] A safety system including the safety switch stops the mechanical hazard source when the opening / closing part changes from the closed state to the open state.

[0006] When there is no possibility of a human body entering the surrounding area or when it is confirmed that no human body has actually entered the surrounding area and that state is maintained, the safety system is in a "safe state". In the "safe state", an ON signal is output as a safety signal from the safety switch, and the mechanical hazard source operates.

[0007] Then, when the opening / closing part changes to the open state and the surrounding area is opened from the "safe state", the safety system is no longer in the "safe state", so an OFF signal is output as a safety signal from the safety switch, and the mechanical hazard source stops.

[0008] Furthermore, in the safety system, once an OFF signal is output as a safety signal from the safety switch, the mechanical hazard will not reactivate simply by closing the opening / closing mechanism. The mechanical hazard will only reactivate when a separate reset signal is input. The reason a separate reset signal is required is that once the surrounding area is opened, even if the opening / closing mechanism is subsequently closed, it cannot be confirmed that there is no possibility of a human body entering the surrounding area, or that a human body has not entered the surrounding area.

[0009] Some safety switches not only have a detection function to detect the open / closed state of the opening / closing part, but also a locking function to restrict the opening of the opening / closing part (see, for example, Patent Document 1). If an operator accidentally opens the opening / closing part from the closed state, the mechanical hazard stops, which reduces the production efficiency of factories, etc. The locking function of the safety switch can prevent operators from accidentally opening the opening / closing part from the closed state, thus contributing to improved production efficiency in factories, etc.

[0010] One example of the above-mentioned locking mechanism is one that uses an electromagnet and a magnetizing element. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-510382 (Figure 6B) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In a locking mechanism using an electromagnet and a magnetized member, if the positional relationship between the electromagnet and the magnetized member is not appropriate when the opening / closing part is in the closed state, a non-contact area will occur where the magnetized member does not come into contact with the magnetizing member's surface when the opening / closing part is closed. As a result, the magnetic flux leaking from this non-contact area does not contribute to attraction, and the attractive force between the electromagnet and the magnetized member weakens.

[0013] Therefore, the safety switch is installed by adjusting the installation position of the switch body equipped with the electromagnet and the installation position of the actuator equipped with the magnetizing member so that the positional relationship between the electromagnet and the magnetizing member is appropriate when the opening / closing part is in the closed position.

[0014] In this case, if the positional relationship between the electromagnet and the magnetized member when the opening / closing part is in the closed state changes after the safety switch is installed due to the opening / closing part shifting position over time, the attractive force may decrease. Therefore, a safety switch is known in which the surface area of ​​the magnetized member that is attracted is larger than the surface area of ​​the electromagnet, so as to suppress the decrease in attractive force even if the opening / closing part shifts position over time.

[0015] However, in a configuration where the surface area of ​​the magnetized member that is attracted is larger than the surface area of ​​the electromagnet, it becomes difficult to determine the appropriate positional relationship between the electromagnet and the magnetized member when the opening / closing part is in the closed state by relying on the outer shapes of the magnetized member and the electromagnet.

[0016] Furthermore, when a safety switch is installed within the aforementioned surrounding area, at least one of the switch body and actuator that constitute the safety switch tends to be installed in a location that is difficult for the installer to see. When at least one of the switch body and actuator that constitute the safety switch is installed in a location that is difficult for the installer to see, even if the outer shape of the surface to be attracted to the magnetized member and the outer shape of the surface to be attracted to the electromagnet are the same shape, it becomes difficult to determine the appropriate positional relationship between the electromagnet and the magnetized member when the opening / closing part is in the closed state by relying on the outer shapes of the magnetized member and the electromagnet.

[0017] In other words, in a method where the switch body and actuator are directly brought into contact and the installation positions of the switch body and actuator are adjusted, there was a risk that position adjustment would become difficult.

[0018] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an adjustment tool for facilitating the position adjustment when a safety switch is installed, and a safety switch whose position has been adjusted by the adjustment tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] An adjustment tool for solving the above problems is used when installing a safety switch that includes a switch body and an actuator, which detects when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body and outputs a safety signal based on the detection result, and is used to adjust the position of the adsorption surface formed on the electromagnet of the switch body and the surface to be adsorbed formed on the magnetized member of the actuator, and comprises: a first guide part for guiding the position of the electromagnet in order to guide the relative position relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body; a second guide part for guiding the position of the magnetized member in order to guide the relative position relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body; and at least one of a first mounting part that is attached to the switch body while the position of the electromagnet is guided and a second mounting part that is attached to the actuator while the position of the magnetized member is guided.

[0020] Furthermore, a safety switch that solves the above problems comprises the switch body and the actuator, and the positional relationship between the switch body and the actuator is adjusted using the adjustment tool described above.

[0021] Further details regarding other features, elements, steps, advantages, and characteristics will become clearer from the embodiments for carrying out the invention and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an adjustment tool for facilitating position adjustment when a safety switch is installed, and a safety switch whose position has been adjusted by the adjustment tool. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1]Figure showing an application example of a safety switch [Figure 2] Perspective view showing an example of a switch body [Figure 3] Perspective view showing an example of an actuator [Figure 4] Front view showing an example of an adjustment tool [Figure 5] Rear view showing an example of an adjustment tool [Figure 6] Perspective view of an adjustment tool seen from the rear [Figure 7] Perspective view of an adjustment tool seen from the front [Figure 8] Perspective view when an adjustment tool is attached to the switch body [Figure 9] Perspective view when an adjustment tool is attached to the actuator [Figure 10] Figure showing the functional blocks of a safety switch

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] <Application Example of a Safety Switch> Figure 1 is a figure showing an application example of a safety switch. In this figure, a guard 400 surrounding mechanical hazard sources such as machine tools is shown. The guard 400 is an example of safety protection by isolation, and in this figure, a part of an enclosure box having a partition (especially around the door where the safety switch is provided) is depicted. However, the depiction in this figure is merely an example, and it can also be understood by replacing the partition wall in this figure with an iron fence or the like.

[0025] The guard 400 includes double-opening doors 401L and 401R as movable guards that can be opened and closed. The doors 401L and 401R may be made of transparent resin or tempered glass, etc. respectively. A safety switch 100L is provided at the upper right corner of the left door 401L. A safety switch 100R is provided at the upper left corner of the right door 401R.

[0026] The letters L and R following the reference number are used to distinguish between multiple identical or similar components. When describing aspects common to multiple components, the letters L and R are omitted.

[0027] The switch body 200L of safety switch 100L and the switch body 200R of safety switch 100R are fixed to the door frame 402 of guard 400, respectively. Thus, it is desirable to install the switch body 200 on a fixed door frame 402 rather than on a door 401 that can be opened and closed (moved).

[0028] On the other hand, the actuator 300L of the safety switch 100L is fixed to a support member 403L which is fixed to the door 401L. Also, the actuator 300R of the safety switch 100R is fixed to a support member 403R which is fixed to the door 401R.

[0029] Furthermore, the safety switch 100, as a safety function contributing to the safety system, detects whether the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200, and outputs the detection result as a safety signal. The safety signal is also called an OSSD (Output Signal Switching Device).

[0030] For example, when the door 401 of the guard 400 is closed, the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) of the actuator 300 installed on the door 401 comes into close proximity to the detection unit (antenna coil) of the switch body 200 installed on the door frame 402. At this time, the switch body 200 detects that the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200 because the RFID has been identified by the detection unit, and indirectly detects that the door 401 is closed. In this way, the safety switch 100 is arranged to detect the open / closed state of the corresponding door 401.

[0031] If at least one of doors 401L and 401R (door 401L in this diagram) is open, the operation of the mechanical hazard surrounded by guard 400 is prohibited. On the other hand, if both doors 401L and 401R are closed, the operation of the machine tool surrounded by guard 400 may be permitted (i.e., one of the conditions for permission to operate is met).

[0032] Thus, the safety switch 100 is a device for protective measures against mechanical hazards. In particular, the safety switch 100 is a type of safety protection that involves stopping. In this type, the surrounding area, which is the area around the hazard, is demarcated, and when a state is detected where there is a possibility of human intrusion into the surrounding area, or when a human intrusion has occurred, the operation of the mechanical hazard is stopped. Specifically, in a safety system equipped with the safety switch 100, the mechanical hazard is stopped when the door 401 changes from a closed state to an open state.

[0033] In other words, as long as certain conditions are met, such as no human body entering the surrounding area, and this state is maintained by closing door 401, the system is considered "safe," and an ON signal is output from the safety switch 100 as an OSSD, activating the mechanical hazard. On the other hand, when door 401 moves from the "safe state" and the surrounding area is opened, an OFF signal is output from the safety switch 100 as an OSSD, stopping the mechanical hazard.

[0034] In the overall safety system, once an OFF signal is output from the safety switch 100, even if the door 401 itself moves to the closed position, the mechanical hazard will not reactivate until a separate reset signal is input. This is because once the door 401 is opened, even if the door 401 is subsequently closed, it is not possible to confirm that a human body has entered the surrounding area.

[0035] In addition to the safety functions described above, the safety switch 100 also has a locking function to restrict the opening of the door 401.

[0036] For example, the safety switch 100 detects that the door 401 is closed by detecting that the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200, and then drives the electromagnet of the switch body 200 when it receives a lock input output from an external device. At this time, the iron plate of the actuator 300 is magnetized. As a result, the electromagnet is attracted to the iron plate, and the opening of the door 401 is restricted. The safety switch 100 may also be configured not to release the lock on the door 401 unless a specific signal is input from the external device.

[0037] If the safety switch 100 has a locking function, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as the mechanical hazard being shut off based on the OSSD output every time the worker accidentally opens the door 401.

[0038] Thus, the locking function of the safety switch 100 can be understood as an auxiliary function (=non-safety function) for maintaining the smooth operation of the mechanical hazard. In other words, the safety function of the safety system is realized solely through the OSSD output of the safety switch 100.

[0039] <Mechanical structure of safety switch and shape of adjustment tool> Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the switch body 200. The X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 2 are orthogonal to each other.

[0040] The X direction corresponds to the orientation of the safety switch 100, or more specifically, the orientation of the switch body 200, which is part of the safety switch 100. Specifically, the X-axis direction is the axial direction parallel to the normal direction of the adsorption surfaces 208A and 208B. One of the X-axis directions, the X direction, is the direction from the coil provided on the electromagnet 201 toward the adsorption surfaces 208A and 208B. The other X-axis direction, the -X direction, is the direction opposite to the X direction.

[0041] The Y direction also corresponds to the orientation of the safety switch 100, or more specifically, the orientation of the switch body 200, which is part of the safety switch 100. Specifically, the Y-axis direction is the axial direction along the axis direction of the screw hole of the mounting portion 204 provided on the switch body 200. One of the Y-axis directions, the -Y direction, is the direction from the non-opening end to the opening end of the mounting portion 204. The other Y-axis direction, the Y direction, is the direction opposite to the -Y direction.

[0042] The Z-direction also corresponds to the orientation of the safety switch 100, or more specifically, the orientation of the switch body 200, which is part of the safety switch 100. The Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The Z-axis direction includes the Z-direction and the -Z-direction, which is the direction opposite to the Z-direction.

[0043] For the sake of explanation, the X direction will be defined as the forward direction, the -X direction as the backward direction, the Y direction as the upward direction, the -Y direction as the downward direction, the Z direction as the right direction, and the -Z direction as the left direction. However, this example does not limit the orientation of the safety switch 100. The X, Y, and Z directions shown in figures other than Figure 2 are the same as the X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 2.

[0044] The switch body 200 comprises an electromagnet 201, a housing 202, and terminals 203. The housing 202 is located above the electromagnet 201.

[0045] Terminal 203 protrudes backward from the rear (back) of the housing 202. A cable connector is connected to terminal 203. This cable electrically connects the switch body 200 to an external device.

[0046] The housing 202 houses a detection unit that detects whether the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200, an output unit that outputs a signal based on the detection result from the detection unit, and a control unit that supplies a drive signal to the electromagnet 201, etc.

[0047] On the upper surface of the electromagnet 201, a mounting portion 204 is formed for fixing the switch body 200 to its installation location (for example, the door frame 402 shown in Figure 1). In the example shown in Figure 2, the mounting portion 204 is a screw hole extending in the vertical direction. Also, in the example shown in Figure 2, two mounting portions 204 are provided along the front-to-back direction.

[0048] The switch body 200 may be directly attached to the installation location of the switch body 200 by the mounting portion 204, or it may be indirectly attached to the installation location of the switch body 200 by being attached to a support member by the mounting portion 204, as shown in the example in Figure 1.

[0049] The electromagnet 201 comprises a cylindrical core portion 205, a bobbin 206 provided radially outside the core portion 205 around which a coil is wound, and a yoke portion 207 provided radially outside the bobbin 206. The core portion 205 and the yoke portion 207 are both made of magnetic material.

[0050] The electromagnet 201 has suction surfaces 208A and 208B that can be attracted to the iron plate 301 of the actuator 300 (see Figure 3). Suction surface 208A is the front surface of the core portion 205. Suction surface 208B is the foremost surface of the yoke portion 207. The front-rear position of suction surface 208A and suction surface 208B are the same. Suction surface 208A is circular, and suction surface 208B is an annular shape with a larger diameter than the circular surface and is concentric with the circular surface.

[0051] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an actuator 300. The actuator 300 comprises a steel plate 301, a housing 302, and mounting parts 303 and 304.

[0052] The iron plate 301 is a magnetizing member that is magnetized by the electromagnet 201. The iron plate 301 is located at the rear of the housing 302. The back (rear) surface of the iron plate 301 is the surface to be attracted.

[0053] The housing 302 houses the communication unit 310 (see Figure 10), etc.

[0054] Mounting portions 303 and 304 are used to fix the actuator 300 to its installation location (for example, the door 401 shown in Figure 1). Mounting portions 303 and 304 are provided on the left and right sides of the front end of the housing 302, respectively.

[0055] The actuator 300 may be directly attached to its installation location by mounting portions 303 and 304, or it may be indirectly attached to its installation location by being attached to the support member 403 by mounting portions 303 and 304, as shown in the example in Figure 1.

[0056] The housing 302 and the mounting parts 303 and 304 are 、 The fixed part is part or all of the fixed part that is fixed to the installation location of the actuator 300. On the other hand, the iron plate 301 is part or all of the movable part that is movable relative to the fixed part. The movable part is connected to the fixed part, for example, via an elastic member. As the iron plate 301 moves, the surface contact accuracy when the attracted surface of the iron plate 301 and the attracted surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201 come into contact is improved, and the attractive force between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301 is strengthened.

[0057] Next, the shape of the adjustment tool 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of the adjustment tool 1. Figure 5 is a rear view showing an example of the adjustment tool 1. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing an example of the adjustment tool 1. Figure 7 is a front perspective view showing an example of the adjustment tool 1. Figure 8 is a perspective view when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the switch body 200. Figure 9 is a perspective view when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the actuator 300.

[0058] The adjustment tool 1 is used to adjust the position of the safety switch 100, which includes a switch body 200 and an actuator 300.

[0059] The adjustment tool 1 has a first guide portion for guiding the position of the electromagnet 201, a first surface 2 that can contact the suction surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201, and an adjustment portion for the switch body 200. The actuator 300 includes a first mounting portion 4 for attaching the adjustment tool 1. The adjustment tool 1 also includes a second guide portion that guides the position of the iron plate 301 of the actuator 300, which has a second surface 3 facing the first surface 2 and capable of contacting the surface of the iron plate 301 that is to be attracted, and a second mounting portion 5 for attaching the adjustment tool 1 to the actuator 300.

[0060] When the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the switch body 200 by the first mounting part 4 as shown in Figure 8, the adjustment worker does not need to hold the adjustment tool 1 separately from the switch body 200, improving work efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the actuator 300 by the second mounting part 5 as shown in Figure 9, the adjustment worker does not need to hold the adjustment tool 1 separately from the actuator 300, improving work efficiency.

[0062] Since workability is improved when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to at least one of the switch body 200 and the actuator 300, the adjustment tool 1 may be configured without having either the first mounting portion 4 or the second mounting portion 5.

[0063] In the example adjustment tool 1 shown in Figures 4 to 9, when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the switch body 200 by the first mounting part 4 as shown in Figure 8, the first surface 2 of the adjustment tool 1 comes into contact with the adsorption surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201. Also, in the example adjustment tool 1 shown in Figures 4 to 9, when the adjustment tool 1 is attached to the actuator 300 by the second mounting part 5 as shown in Figure 9, the second surface 3 of the adjustment tool 1 comes into contact with the adsorption surface of the iron plate 301.

[0064] Unlike the examples shown in Figures 4 to 9, the first surface 2 of the adjustment tool 1 may be able to contact a component of the switch body 200 that is in a specific positional relationship with the suction surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201, instead of the suction surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201. Also, unlike the examples shown in Figures 4 to 9, the first surface 2 of the adjustment tool 1 may be able to contact a component of the switch body 200 that is in a specific positional relationship with the suction surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201, in addition to the suction surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201.

[0065] Furthermore, unlike the examples shown in Figures 4 to 9, the second surface 3 of the adjustment tool 1 may be able to contact a component of the actuator 300 that is in a specific positional relationship with the surface of the iron plate 301, instead of the surface of the iron plate 301 that is to be attracted.

[0066] With the first surface 2 of the adjustment tool 1 in contact with the adsorption surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201, and the second surface 3 of the adjustment tool 1 in contact with the adsorption surface of the iron plate 301, position adjustment based on the shape of the adjustment tool 1 makes it easy to derive an appropriate positional relationship between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301 in a state that approximates the state when the opening / closing part (for example, the door 401 shown in Figure 1) is closed (a state in which the adjustment tool 1 is sandwiched between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301). Once the appropriate positional relationship between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301 in a state that approximates the state when the opening / closing part (for example, the door 401 shown in Figure 1) is closed (a state in which the adjustment tool 1 is sandwiched between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301) has been determined, the adjustment worker fixes the switch body 200 and the actuator 300 to their respective installation locations while maintaining that positional relationship.

[0067] The adjustment tool 1 in the example shown in Figures 4 to 9 includes an outer edge surface 6 as a second guide portion that guides the position of the iron plate 301, corresponding to at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator 300 when the surface of the iron plate 301 to be attracted is viewed from the front. Therefore, the adjustment operator can visually or tactilely adjust the adjustment tool 1 so that the outer edge surface 6 of the adjustment tool 1 is aligned with the outer edge of the actuator 300. The positional relationship with the actuator 300 can be determined. Therefore, even if the adjustment tool 1 does not have a second mounting portion 5, the outer edge surface 6 makes it easy to position the adjustment tool 1 and the actuator 300. On the other hand, the positional relationship between the adjustment tool 1 and the switch body 200 is determined by the first mounting portion 4. Therefore, even if the outer shape of the surface of the iron plate 301 to be attracted is larger than the outer shapes of the attracting surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201 (see Figures 8 and 9), it becomes easy to derive an appropriate positional relationship between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301 in a state that approximates the state when the opening / closing part (for example, the door 401 shown in Figure 1) is closed (a state in which the adjustment tool 1 is sandwiched between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301).

[0068] In the example adjustment tool 1 shown in Figures 4 to 9, the first mounting portion 4 is provided with a first outer edge contact surface 4A that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch body 200 when the magnetic surfaces 208A and 208B of the electromagnet 201 are viewed from the front. The provision of the first outer edge contact surface 4A on the first mounting portion 4 makes it easier to attach the adjustment tool 1 to the switch body 200.

[0069] Furthermore, in the example adjustment tool 1 shown in Figures 4 to 9, the second mounting portion 5 is provided with a second outer edge contact surface 5A that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator 300 when the surface of the iron plate 301 to be adsorbed is viewed from the front. The provision of the second outer edge contact surface 5A in the second mounting portion 5 makes it easier to attach the adjustment tool 1 to the actuator 300.

[0070] The adjustment tool 1 in the example shown in Figures 4 to 9 further includes first rotation suppression parts 7 and 8 as first guide parts that guide the position of the electromagnet 201. These parts prevent the switch body 200 from rotating around a first axis (axis along the front-rear direction) that intersects the first surface 2 with the adjustment tool 1 when the adjustment tool 1 is mounted on the switch body 200 by the first mounting part 4. The first rotation suppression part 7 prevents the switch body 200 from rotating in a first rotational direction relative to the adjustment tool 1. On the other hand, the first rotation suppression part 8 prevents the switch body 200 from rotating in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the adjustment tool 1.

[0071] The adjustment tool 1 in the example shown in Figures 4 to 9 further includes second rotation suppression parts 9 and 10 as a second guide part, which suppress the actuator 300 from rotating around a second axis (axis along the front-rear direction) that intersects the second surface 3 with respect to the adjustment tool 1 when the adjustment tool 1 is mounted on the actuator 300 by the second mounting part 5. The second rotation suppression part 9 suppresses the actuator 300 from rotating in a first rotational direction relative to the adjustment tool 1. On the other hand, the second rotation suppression part 10 suppresses the actuator 300 from rotating in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the adjustment tool 1.

[0072] The first rotation suppression parts 7 and 8 and the second rotation suppression parts 9 and 10 suppress rotational misalignment around the axis in the front-rear direction between the switch body 200 and the actuator 300. As a result, The misalignment between the antenna coil 263 of the switch body 200 and the antenna coil 311 of the actuator 300 is suppressed, and as a result, the detection accuracy of the detection unit that detects whether the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200 is improved.

[0073] <Electrical structure of safety switches> Figure 10 shows the functional block of the safety switch 100. In the safety switch 100 of the configuration example shown in Figure 10, the switch body 200 includes a control circuit 210, an input / output circuit 220, a switching device 230, an OSSD monitoring circuit 240, a power supply unit 250, a communication unit 260, a display unit 270, and an electromagnet 201. In this figure, the components of the switch body 200 that are located near the actuator 300 are grouped together on the left side of the block. Also, the components of the switch body 200 that are located far from the actuator 300 are grouped together on the right side of the block.

[0074] The control circuit 210 includes a first MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 211 and a second MCU 212. The input / output circuit 220 includes a first safety input section 221, a second safety input section 222, a lock input section 223, and an AUX (auxiliary) output section 224. The switching device 230 includes a first safety output section 231 and a second safety output section 232. The power supply section 250 includes a power supply circuit 251 and a power supply monitoring circuit 252. The communication section 260 includes an antenna coil 263. The display section 270 includes an indicator light control section 271 and indicator lights 272.

[0075] Furthermore, in the safety switch 100 of the configuration example shown in Figure 10, the actuator 300 comprises a communication unit 310 and a metal plate 301. The communication unit 310 includes an antenna coil 311 and a response circuit 312.

[0076] The first MCU211 and the second MCU212 monitor each other by communicating with one another. The first MCU211 and the second MCU212 are connected to the antenna coil 263.

[0077] The first MCU 211 drives the antenna coil 263 and transmits a radio signal from the antenna coil 263 to the communication unit 310 (particularly the antenna coil 311) of the actuator 300. The communication unit 310 may be a radio tag (RF-ID tag).

[0078] The response circuit 312 operates using the induced current generated in the antenna coil 311 as its power source. The response circuit 312 also demodulates the radio signal received by the antenna coil 311 to obtain information, and then transmits a radio signal (response signal) via the antenna coil 311.

[0079] The first MCU 211 and the second MCU 212 each receive the radio signal (response signal) transmitted from the antenna coil 311 of the actuator 300 via the antenna coil 263.

[0080] The first MCU 211 includes a measurement unit 211a, a demodulation unit 211b, and a safety determination circuit 211c. The second MCU 212 includes a measurement unit 212a, a demodulation unit 212b, a safety determination circuit 212c, and a display control unit 212d.

[0081] Measurement units 211a and 212a each measure the strength of the radio signal (response signal) received via the antenna coil 263, and estimate the distance d between the antenna coil 263 of the switch body 200 and the antenna coil 311 of the actuator 300 (and consequently, the distance from the switch body 200 to the actuator 300) based on the measurement results. The antenna coil 263 functions as a detection unit that detects whether the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200. Alternatively, the strength of the radio signal may be used directly to detect the position of the actuator 300 instead of the distance d between the coils.

[0082] Furthermore, the method for detecting whether the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200 is not limited to the method using the antenna coil 263 described above. For example, a physical switch may be provided on the switch body 200, and a detection principle may be adopted in which the physical switch is pressed by a protruding member or the like provided on the actuator 300 when the door is closed and the actuator 300 approaches the switch body 200.

[0083] It is desirable that the antenna coil 263 has a different winding direction than the coil wound around the bobbin 206 of the electromagnet 201. This makes the antenna coil 263 less susceptible to the influence of magnetic field lines from the electromagnet 201, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection unit.

[0084] The demodulation units 211b and 212b each demodulate the information carried by the radio signal (response signal) received via the antenna coil 263, and identify the actuator 300 based on this information. This information may include unique identification information (ID information).

[0085] The safety determination circuit 211c of the first MCU 211 determines whether the distance d between coils measured by the measurement unit 211a is less than or equal to the threshold dth, and transmits the determination result to the second MCU 212. Similarly, the safety determination circuit 212c of the second MCU 212 determines whether the distance d between coils measured by the measurement unit 212a is less than or equal to the threshold dth, and transmits the determination result to the first MCU 211. Then, if the determination result of the safety determination circuits 211c and 212c matches the determination result of the other (both determine that the distance d between coils is less than or equal to the threshold dth), they determine that the actuator 300 is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body 200 (door closed state).

[0086] In the input / output circuit 220, the first safety input section 221 and the second safety input section 222 are input circuits for cascading multiple safety switches 100 in serial order. For example, the first safety input section 221 and the second safety input section 222 are connected to the first safety output section 231 and the second safety output section 232 of another safety switch 100 located upstream, respectively.

[0087] The first MCU 211 is connected to the first safety input unit 221. When an ON signal is input through the first safety input unit 221, the first MCU 211 controls the first safety output unit 231 based on the proximity state of the actuator 300 (= door open / closed state) and the locked state of the electromagnet 201. On the other hand, when an OFF signal is input through the first safety input unit 221, the first MCU 211 causes the first safety output unit 231 to output an OFF signal, regardless of the proximity state of the actuator 300 and the locked state of the electromagnet 201.

[0088] Similarly, the second MCU 212 is connected to the second safety input unit 222. When an ON signal is input through the second safety input unit 222, the second MCU 212 controls the second safety output unit 232 based on the proximity state of the actuator 300 and the locked state of the electromagnet 201. On the other hand, when an OFF signal is input through the second safety input unit 222, the second MCU 212 causes the second safety output unit 232 to output an OFF signal, without relying on the proximity state of the actuator 300 and the locked state of the electromagnet 201.

[0089] This makes it possible to cascade multiple safety switches 100. If any one of the safety switches 100 is not in a safe state, an OFF signal is output to the external device. Therefore, for example, if a fence surrounding a mechanical hazard has multiple doors, the mechanical hazard cannot operate unless all doors are in a safe state. On the other hand, if all of the safety switches 100 are in a safe state, an ON signal is output to the external device.

[0090] The lock input unit 423 is connected, for example, to another safety switch 100 located upstream, and transmits upstream communication data (including lock input) and receives downstream communication data (including bundled AUX output data).

[0091] The AUX output unit 424 is connected, for example, to another safety switch 100 located downstream, and transmits downstream communication data (including bundled AUX output data) and receives upstream communication data (including lock input).

[0092] For example, the control circuit 210, based on the communication data received via the lock input unit 223 (=communication data that bundles the upstream AUX outputs) and the state of the safety switch 100 itself, Directional communication data is generated and output from the AUX output unit 224.

[0093] The first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 each output OSSD outputs (OSSD1_O and OSSD2_O) to another safety switch 100, for example, located downstream.

[0094] For example, the control circuit 210 outputs OSSD outputs (OSSD1_O and OSSD2_O) from the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232, respectively, based on the OSSD inputs (OSSD1_I and OSSD2_I) received via the first safety input unit 221 and the second safety input unit 222, and the proximity state of the actuator 300 (= detection result by the detection unit).

[0095] In the switching device 230, the first safety output section 231 and the second safety output section 232 may be configured as, for example, an open collector output circuit using a PNP type transistor. In this case, when the PNP type transistor is turned ON, the + side power supply is connected to the output terminal, so an ON signal (= high level) is output. On the other hand, when the PNP type transistor is turned OFF, the output terminal is grounded via a pull-down resistor, so an OFF signal (= low level) is output.

[0096] Furthermore, the first safety output section 231 and the second safety output section 232 can each be configured as open-collector output circuits using NPN transistors. In this case, the output logic levels will be reversed from those described above. Specifically, the ON signal will be at a low level, and the OFF signal will be at a high level.

[0097] The first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 may each be connected to an OSSD monitoring circuit 240. The OSSD monitoring circuit 240 is connected to the first MCU 211 and the second MCU 212. The first MCU 211 monitors whether the operation of the second safety output unit 232 is normal through the OSSD monitoring circuit 240. The second MCU 212 monitors whether the operation of the first safety output unit 231 is normal through the OSSD monitoring circuit 240.

[0098] For example, the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 each periodically transition the output signal to OFF for a short period of time when outputting an ON signal. The OSSD monitoring circuit 240 determines that the OSSD is normal if it can detect a short period of OFF during the ON signal output period, and determines that the OSSD is not normal if it cannot detect a short period of OFF.

[0099] If the ON signal persists, it is due to a short circuit between the output terminal and the positive power supply. In this case, safety judgment circuits 211c and 212c output control signals to the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232, respectively, to output an OFF signal. As a result, the normal of the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 will output an OFF signal.

[0100] The external device is only capable of permitting the operation of the mechanical hazard when both the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 are outputting an ON signal. In other words, the external device will not permit the operation of the mechanical hazard when at least one of the first safety output unit 231 or the second safety output unit 232 is outputting an OFF signal. The external device is configured not to react to the minute OFF period in the aforementioned ON signal.

[0101] In the power supply unit 250, the power supply circuit 251 is a DC-DC converter that receives an input voltage VCC (e.g., DC +24V) and a ground voltage GND (e.g., 0V) from an external source and generates a desired output voltage VREG (e.g., DC +10V, +5V, or +3.3V). The power supply circuit 251 supplies power to each part of the switch body 200 (= all circuits that require power). To supply.

[0102] Incidentally, if the input voltage VCC or output voltage VREG is not within a predetermined range, the first MCU 211 and the second MCU 212 may not operate properly. Therefore, the power supply monitoring circuit 252 determines whether the input voltage VCC and output voltage VREG are within a predetermined range and outputs the determination result to the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232.

[0103] When the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 receive a determination result indicating that the power supply circuit 251 is not operating normally, they each output an OFF signal, independent of the control signals output from the first MCU 211 and the second MCU 212, respectively.

[0104] Meanwhile, when the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232 receive a determination result indicating that the power supply circuit 251 is operating normally, they output an ON signal or an OFF signal depending on the control signals output from the first MCU 211 and the second MCU 212, respectively.

[0105] The indicator light control unit 271, based on instructions from the control circuit 210 (for example, the indicator control unit 212d of the second MCU 212), turns the indicator light 272 on / off or on green / on red depending on the proximity state of the actuator 300 (= door open / closed state) and the lock / unlock state of the electromagnet 201.

[0106] Furthermore, the indicator light control unit 271 turns the indicator light 272 on / off or on green / red depending on the OSSD output, INPUT signal, and lock / unlock state. The OSSD output mentioned above refers to the output signals of the first safety output unit 231 and the second safety output unit 232, respectively.

[0107] The electromagnet 201 generates a magnetic force in response to a drive signal (drive current) supplied from the control circuit 210 (for example, the second MCU 212). At this time, the iron plate 301 (see Figure 3) of the actuator 300, which is close to the switch body 200, is magnetized. As a result, the door lock is achieved by the attractive force between the electromagnet 201 and the iron plate 301.

[0108] <Summary> The various embodiments described above will be summarized below.

[0109] For example, the adjustment tool disclosed herein is used when installing a safety switch comprising a switch body and an actuator, which detects when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body and outputs a safety signal based on the detection result, and is used to adjust the position between the adsorption surface formed on the electromagnet of the switch body and the surface to be adsorbed formed on the magnetized member of the actuator, and comprises a first guide portion for guiding the position of the electromagnet in order to guide the relative positional relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body, a second guide portion for guiding the position of the magnetized member in order to guide the relative positional relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body, and at least one of a first mounting portion that is mounted on the switch body while the position of the electromagnet is guided and a second mounting portion that is mounted on the actuator while the position of the magnetized member is guided (first configuration).

[0110] In the adjustment tool having the first configuration described above, the first guide portion may have a first surface that can contact at least one of the suction surface and a component of the switch body that is in a fixed positional relationship with the suction surface (second configuration).

[0111] In the adjustment tool having the first or second configuration described above, the second guide portion may have a second surface that can contact at least one of the surface to be adsorbed and a member of the actuator that is in a fixed positional relationship with the surface to be adsorbed (third configuration).

[0112] In an adjustment tool having any of the first to third configurations described above, the first mounting portion is provided, the second guide portion includes an outer edge surface corresponding to at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator when the surface to be attracted is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the surface to be attracted is larger than the outer shape of the suction surface, and the adjustment tool is attached to the switch body by the first mounting portion. and, The position of the electromagnet may be guided by the first guide portion (fourth configuration).

[0113] In the adjustment tool having the fourth configuration described above, the first mounting portion may also have a configuration (fifth configuration) that includes a first outer edge contact surface that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch body when the suction surface is viewed from the front.

[0114] An adjustment tool having any of the first to fifth configurations described above, comprising the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, wherein the outer shape of the surface to be adsorbed is larger than the outer shape of the adsorbed surface, and the adjustment tool is mounted on the switch body by the first mounting portion. and, The position of the electromagnet is guided by the first guide portion, and the adjustment tool is attached to the actuator by the second mounting portion. and, The position of the magnetizing member may be guided by the second guide portion (sixth configuration).

[0115] In the sixth configuration of the adjustment tool described above, the second mounting portion may be configured to have a second outer edge contact surface that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator when the surface to be adsorbed is viewed from the front (seventh configuration).

[0116] The above 2 In an adjustment tool having the above configuration, there may be a configuration (the eighth configuration) that includes the first mounting portion and a first rotation suppression portion that prevents the switch body from rotating around a first axis intersecting the first surface relative to the adjustment tool when the adjustment tool is mounted on the switch body by the first mounting portion.

[0117] The above 3 In the adjustment tool having the above configuration, there may also be a configuration (the ninth configuration) that includes the second mounting portion and a second rotation suppression portion that prevents the actuator from rotating around a second axis intersecting the second surface relative to the adjustment tool when the adjustment tool is mounted on the actuator by the second mounting portion.

[0118] For example, the safety switch disclosed herein comprises the switch body and the actuator, and the positional relationship between the switch body and the actuator is adjusted using an adjustment tool that has one of the first to ninth configurations (the tenth configuration).

[0119] The safety switch is the tenth configuration described above. In, The actuator is 、 The actuator may also have a configuration (the 11th configuration) that includes a fixed part that is fixed to the installation location of the actuator, and a movable part that includes the magnetizing member and is movable relative to the fixed part.

[0120] <Other variations> Furthermore, the various technical features disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, in addition to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. In other words, the embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the technical scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims and understood to include all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1. Adjustment Tool 2 Front page 3 Second side 4. First mounting section 4A First outer edge contact surface 5 Second attachment part 5A Second outer edge contact surface 6. Outer edge surface 7, 8 First rotation restraint section 9, 10 Second rotation restraint section 100, 100L, 100R safety switch 200, 200L, 200R Switch Body 201 Electromagnet 202 enclosures 203 terminals 204 Mounting section 205 Core section 206 Bobbins 207 York Section 208A, 208B Adsorption surface 210 Control circuit 211 First MCU 211a Measuring part 211b Demodulation section 211c Safety judgment circuit 212 Second MCU 212a Measuring part 212b Demodulation section 212c Safety judgment circuit 212d Display Control Unit 220 Input / Output Circuits 221 First safety input section 222 Second safety input section 223 Lock Input Section 224 AUX output section 230 Switching Devices 231 First safety output section 232 Second safety output section 240 OSSD monitoring circuit 250 Power supply section 251 Power supply circuit 252 Power supply monitoring circuit 260 Communications Department 263 Antenna coil 270 Display section 271 Indicator light control unit 272 Indicator light 300, 300L, 300R actuators 301 Iron Plate 302 enclosures 303, 304 Mounting section 310 Communications Department 311 Antenna coil 312 Response Circuit 400 Guard 401L, 401R Door 402 Door frame 403L, 403R Support Members

Claims

1. An adjustment tool used when installing a safety switch comprising a switch body and an actuator, which detects when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body and outputs a safety signal based on the detection result, for adjusting the position between the adsorption surface formed on the electromagnet of the switch body and the surface to be adsorbed formed on the magnetized member of the actuator, In order to guide the relative positional relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body, a first guide portion for guiding the position of the electromagnet is provided, A second guide portion for guiding the position of the magnetizing member is provided in order to guide the relative position relationship between the adsorption surface and the surface to be adsorbed when the actuator is within a predetermined range relative to the switch body. An adjustment tool comprising at least one of a first mounting portion that is attached to the switch body while guiding the position of the electromagnet, and a second mounting portion that is attached to the actuator while guiding the position of the magnetizing member.

2. The adjustment tool according to claim 1, wherein the first guide portion has a first surface that can contact at least one of the suction surface and a component of the switch body that is in a fixed positional relationship with the suction surface.

3. The adjustment tool according to claim 1, wherein the second guide portion has a second surface that can contact at least one of the surface to be adsorbed and a member of the actuator that is in a fixed positional relationship with the surface to be adsorbed.

4. The first mounting portion is provided, The second guide portion includes an outer edge surface that corresponds to at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator when the surface to be adsorbed is viewed from the front, The outer shape of the surface to be adsorbed is larger than the outer shape of the adsorbed surface. The adjustment tool according to claim 1, wherein when the adjustment tool is attached to the switch body by the first mounting portion, the position of the electromagnet is guided by the first guide portion.

5. The adjustment tool according to claim 4, wherein the first mounting portion includes a first outer edge contact surface that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch body when the suction surface is viewed from the front.

6. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are provided, The outer shape of the surface to be adsorbed is larger than the outer shape of the adsorbed surface. When the adjustment tool is attached to the switch body by the first mounting portion, the position of the electromagnet is guided by the first guide portion. The adjustment tool according to claim 1, wherein when the adjustment tool is attached to the actuator by the second mounting portion, the position of the magnetizing member is guided by the second guide portion.

7. The adjustment tool according to claim 6, wherein the second mounting portion includes a second outer edge contact surface that can contact at least a portion of the outer edge of the actuator when the surface to be adsorbed is viewed from the front.

8. The first mounting portion and, The adjustment tool according to claim 2, further comprising: a first rotation suppression part that prevents the switch body from rotating around a first axis intersecting the first surface with respect to the adjustment tool when the adjustment tool is mounted on the switch body by the first mounting part.

9. The second mounting portion and, The adjustment tool according to claim 3, further comprising: a second rotation suppression part that prevents the actuator from rotating around a second axis intersecting the second surface when the adjustment tool is mounted on the actuator by the second mounting part;

10. The aforementioned switch body, The actuator comprises, A safety switch in which the positional relationship between the switch body and the actuator is adjusted using the adjustment tool described in claim 1.

11. The actuator is A fixing part that is fixed to the installation location of the actuator, The safety switch according to claim 10, comprising the magnetizing member and a movable part that is movable relative to the fixed part.

Images