Safety switch and apparatus with door

A safety switch includes a detection unit, an output unit, an input unit; and a display unit. The detection unit is configured to detect presence or absence of abnormality. The output unit is configured to output an abnormality detection signal indicating a detection result of the presence or absence of the abnormality. The input unit is configured to input a display control signal. The display unit is configured to perform display based on the display control signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a safety switch and an apparatus with a door.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, there has been known a safety switch that is attached to a front door of a machine tool, a door portion of a safety fence around an industrial robot, or the like, and detects opening and closing of the door. In this safety switch, a dedicated actuator attached to the door (movable side) approaches a sensor main body by closing the door, and transmits a signal when a detection element in the main body detects the approaching. In the related art, it is known that in a safety switch including a sensor main body and an actuator, the sensor main body includes a display unit that detects opening and closing of a door and displays an opening and closed state of the door (see Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The safety switch in the related art has a room for improvement in display of a detection result (for example, the opening and closed state of the door) of abnormality detected by the safety switch.

The present disclosure provides a safety switch and an apparatus with a door capable of improving visibility of a display of a detection result of abnormality detected by the safety switch.

Solution to Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure is a safety switch including a sensor main body and an actuator, the sensor main body includes a detection unit configured to detect the actuator when the actuator is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the sensor main body, and a light projection unit configured to project light in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit, and the actuator includes a light emitting unit configured to emit visible light in response to reception of the light projected by the light projection unit.

An aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus with a door including the safety switch described above and a door, the door includes a fixed frame, a movable frame, and a door main body, the sensor main body of the safety switch is provided on the fixed frame, and the actuator of the safety switch is provided on the movable frame.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, the visibility of the display of the detection result of the abnormality detected by the safety switch can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, an unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of a well-known matter or repeated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding of those skilled in the art. The attached diagrams and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to sufficiently understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the matters described in the scope of the claims.

Introduction to Contents of Embodiment

A sensor main body and an actuator of a safety switch are attached to a frame (for example, an aluminum frame) of a door. At this time, the sensor main body and the actuator are generally attached to a rear surface side of the frame of the door. This is because, when the sensor main body and the actuator are attached to a front surface side, an object collides with the sensor main body and the actuator and is damaged, a person comes into contact with the sensor main body and the actuator and is injured, or an appearance around the safety switch is deteriorated. Further, a display unit of the sensor main body attached to the rear surface side of the frame of the door is difficult to be checked from an outside of the door, and visibility is insufficient. Specifically, when viewed from a front of the door, the display unit is blocked by the frame of the door and it is difficult to be checked, and even when viewed from a position other than the front of the door, it is difficult to visually recognize the display unit from an angular range blocked by the frame, and a visible range is limited.

Hereinafter, a safety switch and an apparatus with a door that can improve visibility of display of a detection result of an abnormality will be described.

Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram showing a configuration example of a door-equipped apparatus10according to an embodiment. The door-equipped apparatus10includes one or more doors100and one or more safety switches200. The door100may widely include those related to a door such as an opening and a gate, and may include a window. The door-equipped apparatus10is, for example, a manufacturing apparatus, and, for example, a manufacturing apparatus main body is accommodated inside the door-equipped apparatus10.

FIG.2is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the door100. Each of the doors100includes a fixed frame111, a movable frame112, and a door main body113.

The fixed frame111is connected to a member (a housing or the like) that covers an outer periphery of the door-equipped apparatus10. The fixed frame111is, for example, an aluminum frame, and may be a frame formed of the other materials. The fixed frame111does not have translucency.

The movable frame112is movable with respect to the fixed frame111. As a result, the door100can be opened and closed. The movable frame112is, for example, an aluminum frame, and may be a frame formed of the other materials. The movable frame112does not have the translucency.

In the door main body113, periphery of the door main body113is surrounded by the movable frame112. The door main body113is formed of, for example, a light transmissive member. The light transmissive member may be formed of, for example, transparent plastic or glass, and the same applies to the following description of the light transmissive member.

It should be noted that a method of opening and closing the door100may include a hinged door method, a sliding door method, a folding door method, a bellows method, a double door method, a gull wing method, and the like.

A safety switch200functions as a door sensor that detects an opening and closed state of the door100. The safety switch200includes a sensor main body210and an actuator250. The sensor main body210is provided on the fixed frame111inside the door-equipped apparatus10. The actuator250is provided on the movable frame112inside the door-equipped apparatus10. Therefore, when viewed from a checker who checks from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10, the safety switch200is located on the rear surface side of the fixed frame111and the movable frame112.

The sensor main body210detects a state (for example, the opening and closed state) of the door, and projects light based on a detection result. For example, the sensor main body210projects the detection result to the actuator250. The actuator250receives the projected light and emits visible light based on the light. The light emitted from the actuator250can be visually recognized from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10through the door main body113formed of the light transmissive member.

FIG.3is a front perspective view (perspective view seen from a positive side in a z direction) showing an example of the sensor main body210.FIG.4is a rear perspective view (perspective view seen from a negative side in the z direction) showing an example of the sensor main body210.FIG.5is a diagram showing an example of a substrate on which electronic components are mounted in the sensor main body210.

It should be noted that in the drawings, an x direction, a y direction, and the z direction are shown as necessary. In the present embodiment, the z direction is an arrangement direction of the sensor main body210and the actuator250. The sensor main body210is located on the positive side in the z direction, and the actuator250is located on the negative side in the z direction. The y direction is an arrangement direction of the fixed frame111and the sensor main body210or an arrangement direction of the movable frame112and the actuator250. The x direction is, for example, an extending direction of the fixed frame111in which the sensor main body210is provided, or an extending direction of the movable frame112in which the actuator250is provided.

The sensor main body210includes a processor211, a coil212, the first light sources213, a first light projection port214, a second light source215, a second light projection port216, a substrate217, a housing218, and a cable219. The housing218includes a cover218aand a case218b, and accommodates the substrate217. The electronic components included in the sensor main body210are mounted on the substrate217. The electronic component may include the processor211, the coil212, the first light sources213, and the second light source215.

The processor211implements various functions in cooperation with a memory included in the sensor main body210. The processor211may include a micro processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital processor (DSP), and the like. The processor211controls an overall operation of the sensor main body210.

The coil212receives power from the outside via the cable219, and transmits the power to an external device by wireless power transmission. The wireless power transmission may be, for example, an electromagnetic induction system or a magnetic field resonance system. Upon receiving a predetermined signal from the external device, the coil212notifies the processor211that the predetermined signal is received. The external device is, for example, the actuator250, more specifically, an RFID tag280(to be described later) of the actuator250. The coil212detects the closed state (an example of absence of abnormality) by receiving the predetermined signal, and detects the opening state (an example of presence of abnormality) by not receiving the predetermined signal.

The first light sources213operate as display lamps that display a detection result of abnormality of the door100detected by the safety switch200. There may be one or more first light sources213, and three first light sources213are provided inFIG.5. The first light sources213project light (display) according to whether the predetermined signal is received from the actuator250under the control of the processor211. The first light sources213can display in various display modes. The display mode may be a display color, a display pattern, light intensity, or the like.

The plurality of first light sources213may be arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to an arrangement position of the coil212. For example, inFIG.5, the three first light sources213are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a center line cc of the coil212along the z direction. Accordingly, the sensor main body210can transmit the light from first light sources213symmetrically (for example, line-symmetrically) with respect to the position of coil212as a reference position. Therefore, the light of the actuator250based on the light of the sensor main body210is also light having symmetry with respect to the reference position. Further, since the plurality of first light sources213are disposed along a longitudinal direction of a facing surface facing the actuator, it is possible to expand a region of light of a light projection source from which the light is projected to the actuator250. Therefore, the visibility of the safety switch200is improved.

The light of the first light sources213is projected by, for example, being transmitted through the first light projection port214. The first light projection port214is formed of a light transmissive member. A light projection direction of the first light projection port214is a direction in which the actuator250attached to the door100is present when the door100is in the closed state. It should be noted that the first light projection port214may be formed of a mirror body, a reflective cylinder, or the like instead of the light transmissive member.

The second light source215operates as the display lamp that displays a detection result of abnormality of the door100detected by the safety switch200. There may be one or more second light sources215, and one second light source215is provided inFIG.5. The second light source215projects light (displays) according to whether the predetermined signal is received from the actuator250under the control of the processor211. The second light source215can display in various display modes.

The light of the second light source215is projected by, for example, being transmitted through the second light projection port216. The second light projection port216is formed of a light transmissive member. A light projection direction of the second light projection port216is a direction different from the direction in which the actuator250attached to the door100is present when the door100is in the closed state, and is, for example, a direction opposite to the direction in which the actuator250is present. It should be noted that the second light projection port216may be formed of a mirror body, a reflective cylinder, or the like instead of the light transmissive member.

Various wirings such as a power supply line and a signal line are stored in the cable219. The signal line may include, for example, a signal line through which the detection result of abnormality by another safety switch200is transmitted. The cable219supplies power to at least a part of the electronic components on the substrate217. Therefore, in the actuator250provided in the movable portion, power supply for generating the light is not necessary, and a state in which the movable portion is easily moved can be maintained. It should be noted that illustration of an electrical wiring from the cable219to each of the electronic components is omitted.

FIG.6is a front perspective view (perspective view seen from the positive side in the z direction) showing an example of the actuator250.FIG.7is a rear perspective view (perspective view seen from the negative side in the z direction) showing an example of the actuator250.FIG.8is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the actuator250.FIG.9is a view of a light transmissive member270of the actuator250as viewed from a light guiding unit272side (the positive side in the y direction).

The actuator250includes a housing260, the light transmissive member270, and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag280. The light transmissive member270includes a light receiving unit271, a light guiding unit272, and a light emitting unit273. The light transmissive member270may be formed of, for example, transparent plastic or glass. The light transmissive member270receives the light from the sensor main body210and emits the visible light.

When door100is in the closed state, the light receiving unit271faces the first light projection port214of the sensor main body210. The light receiving unit271receives the light from the first light projection port214of the sensor main body210and introduces the light into the actuator250. The light receiving unit271protrudes toward the sensor main body210from a surface of the housing260facing the sensor main body210. In this case, the light receiving unit271easily takes in the light from the sensor main body210into the light transmissive member270.

The light guiding unit272guides the light from the sensor main body210from the light receiving unit271toward the light emitting unit273. The light guiding unit272may have a linear light guide path as shown inFIG.9, or may have a light guide path of another shape. A plurality of light guiding units272may be provided. When there are a plurality of light guiding units272, the light guiding units272may be provided to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

The light guiding unit272includes first portions272aformed by a part of the light transmissive member270, and a second portion272bas a space in which the light transmissive member270is absent. InFIG.9, two light guiding units272are provided, and in each of the light guiding units272, the second portion272bis formed between two first portions272a. Both the first portions272aand the second portion272bcontribute to light guiding from the light receiving unit271to the light emitting unit273.

The light emitting unit273emits light based on the light guided through the light guiding unit272. The light emitting unit273displays the detection result of the abnormality of the door100by the light emission. For example, the light emitting unit273emits the light guided through the light guiding unit272to the outside. The light emitting unit273is capable of transmitting, reflecting, diffusing the light. The light emitting unit273has an outer peripheral surface273aand an inner peripheral surface273b. The outer peripheral surface273ais located outside the inner peripheral surface273b. Both the outer peripheral surface273aand the inner peripheral surface273bface the outside of the actuator on a non-facing side (negative side in the z direction) which does not face the sensor main body210.

The outer peripheral surface273ais reduced in diameter from the facing side (the positive side in the z direction) facing the sensor main body210toward the non-facing side (the negative side in the z direction) not facing the sensor main body210. Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface273acan spread and diffuse the light guided through the light guiding unit272by refraction or the like. Therefore, the checker can easily see the light of the actuator250from various angles.

The inner peripheral surface273bincreases in diameter from the facing side (the positive side in the z direction) facing the sensor main body210toward the non-facing side (the negative side in the z direction) not facing the sensor main body210. Accordingly, the inner peripheral surface273beasily diffuses the light guided through the light guiding unit272in a direction of a center line c1of the actuator250(seeFIG.9) due to refraction or the like. Therefore, an intensity of the collected light is improved, and the light can be transmitted by a long distance in a center line direction of the actuator250. Therefore, the checker can easily see the light of the actuator250.

Further, the light emitting unit273may have optical transparency, optical reflectivity, or both optical transparency and optical reflectivity. In a case of having both optical transparency and optical reflectivity, a part of the light may be transmitted and the other part of the light may be reflected.FIG.10is a diagram showing an example of reflection of the light in the light emitting unit273. InFIG.10, the light traveling through the light guiding unit272is reflected by the inner peripheral surface273b, and a traveling direction of the light is changed to a direction of L1. It should be noted that it is sufficient that the light emitting unit273at least be capable of emitting the light to the outside, and shapes of the outer peripheral surface273aand the inner peripheral surface273bare not limited to the above.

Further, the light emitting unit273may protrude to the outside from an end surface of the housing260on a side (the negative side in the z direction) opposite to an end surface facing the sensor main body210. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting unit273is more easily diffused.

The RFID tag280is arranged in a range in which the RFID tag280can communicate with the coil212of the sensor main body210when the door100is in the closed state. The RFID tag280is disposed, for example, on the light receiving unit271side of the light transmissive member270. The RFID tag280may be disposed between the two light guiding units272of the light transmissive member270. The RFID tag280transmits a predetermined signal. The RFID tag280is, for example, a passive tag, and operates by receiving power supply from the outside. For example, the RFID tag280receives the power supply from the sensor main body210via the coil212, and transmits the predetermined signal to the sensor main body210. It should be noted that the predetermined signal includes at least ID information.

The housing260protects an inside of the actuator250. The housing260includes a first housing261and a second housing262. The first housing261surrounds an upper side (the positive side in the y direction) of the light transmissive member270, and surrounds a left side and a right side (both sides in the x direction) of the light transmissive member270together with the second housing262. The second housing262surrounds a lower side (the negative side in the y direction) of the light transmissive member270, and surrounds the left side and the right side (both sides in the x direction) of the light transmissive member270together with the first housing261. The housing260does not surround the light receiving unit271and the light emitting unit273, and the light can pass through the light receiving unit271and the light emitting unit273. The housing260may be formed of a non-light-transmissive member. The non-light-transmissive member may be, for example, a non-translucent plastic or rubber material. Since the housing260is formed of the non-light-transmissive member, for example, it is possible to prevent leakage and attenuation of the light from the light guiding unit272, and it is possible to maintain the light intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit273.

Next, the manufacturing apparatus will be described.

The manufacturing apparatus as the door-equipped apparatus10is an apparatus that manufactures various products (for example, electrical, mechanical, and chemical substances). The manufacturing apparatus or the product is not limited, and is, for example, a manufacturing apparatus or a product to be handled in consideration. The manufacturing apparatus may operate according to a state of the safety switch200. For example, when the closed state of all the doors100is detected by the safety switch200, the manufacturing apparatus may be operable, and when the opening state of at least one door100is detected by the safety switch200, the manufacturing apparatus may be inoperable. Accordingly, the door-equipped apparatus10can be maintained in a safe state with respect to the manufacturing apparatus or the product.

Permission or prohibition of the operation of the manufacturing apparatus according to the state of the safety switch200may be performed by a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected between the safety switch200and the manufacturing apparatus main body. A processor of the PLC may permit the operation of the manufacturing apparatus when the closed state of all the doors100is detected by the safety switch200, and may prohibit the operation of the manufacturing apparatus when the opening state of at least one door100is detected by the safety switch200.

Next, opening and closing detection of the door100and display of an opening and closing detection result will be described.

FIGS.11A and11Bare diagrams showing the opening and closing detection of the door100and the display of the opening and closing detection result.FIG.11Ashows the closing detection of the door100and the display of the closing detection result.FIG.11Bshows the opening detection of the door100and the display of the opening detection result.

When the actuator250is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the sensor main body210, the sensor main body210detects the actuator250. Specifically, when the RFID tag280of the actuator250is located in a range in which the wireless power transmission from the coil212of the sensor main body210is possible, the sensor main body210supplies the power to the actuator250, and the actuator250transmits the predetermined signal to the sensor main body210. Upon detecting that the coil212receives the predetermined signal from the actuator250, the coil212detects the actuator250and notifies the processor211. Upon receiving this notification, the processor211recognizes the actuator250.

When the sensor main body210detects the actuator250, the processor211determines that the movable frame112on which the actuator250is provided faces the fixed frame111on which the sensor main body210is provided in a predetermined state, and the door100is in the closed state. When the sensor main body210does not detect the actuator250, it is determined that the movable frame112on which the actuator250is provided does not face the fixed frame111on which the sensor main body210is provided in the predetermined state, and the door100is in the opening state.

When the sensor main body210detects the actuator250, that is, when the door100is in the closed state, the first light sources213and the second light source215are displayed in a first display mode under the control of processor211. When the sensor main body210does not detect the actuator250, that is, when the door100is in the opening state, the first light sources213and the second light source215are displayed in a second display mode under the control of processor211. The first display mode and the second display mode are different from each other. For example, the first display mode may be display by projecting green light or blinking, and the second display mode may be display by projecting red light or lighting. The actuator250receives the light from the sensor main body210and emits the light while maintaining the display mode, thereby displaying the opening and closing detection result of the door100.

It should be noted that the opening and closing detection of the door100may be the detection of the opening and closing state of the door100(own door) in which the safety switch200(own switch) is provided, or may be the detection of the opening and closed state of another door100(another door) in which another safety switch (another switch) other than the safety switch (own switch) is provided instead of the detection of the opening and closing state of the own door. In this case, the first light sources213and the second light source215may display based on the opening and closing detection result of the own door, or may display based on the opening and closing detection result of another door instead of displaying based on the opening and closing detection result of the own door.

Next, a display example of the opening and closing detection result of the door100by the actuator250provided in the door100will be described.

FIGS.12A and12Bare diagrams showing the display example of the opening and closing detection result of the door100by the actuator250provided in the door100.FIG.12Ashows the display example of the closing detection result.FIG.12Bshows the display example of the opening detection result. Here, a downward direction in a vertical direction is also referred to as “lower”, and an upward direction in the vertical direction is also referred to as “upper”.

InFIGS.12A and12B, the sensor main body210is provided on the fixed frame111such that the first light projection port214of the sensor main body210is on the lower side in the vertical direction (the negative side in the z direction in which the actuator250is disposed). Further, the actuator250is provided on the movable frame112such that the light receiving unit271of the actuator250is on the upper side (the positive side in the z direction in which the sensor main body210is disposed) in the vertical direction and the light emitting unit273is on the lower side (the negative side in the z direction which is a side opposite to the side on which the sensor main body210is disposed) in the vertical direction. InFIGS.12A and12B, at least a part of the light emitting unit273of the light transmissive member270of the actuator250protrudes below a lower end portion of the movable frame112.

As shown inFIG.12A, when the door100is in the closed state, the movable frame112is present in the vicinity of the fixed frame111. Therefore, the light projected by the sensor main body210attached to the fixed frame111is blocked by the movable frame112. Therefore, the light projected by the sensor main body210cannot be checked from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10. However, the actuator250can introduce the light projected from the sensor main body210, and the actuator250emits the light. The light emitted from the actuator250attached to the movable frame112is diffused in the direction of the door main body113, and can be visually recognized from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10via the light transmissive member as the door main body113. The display mode when the door100is in the closed state may be a display mode D1.

When the door100is in the opening state, the movable frame112is absent in the vicinity of the fixed frame111. Therefore, the light projected by the sensor main body210attached to the fixed frame111can be diffused without being blocked by the movable frame112. Therefore, even when the actuator250does not emit the light, the light projected by the sensor main body210can be visually recognized from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10. The display mode when the door100is in the opening state may be a display mode D2.

Actually, when the sensor main body210and the actuator250are largely separated from each other in a state in which the door100is not in a half-closed state but is largely opened, and the actuator250cannot introduce the light projected from the sensor main body210, the actuator250does not emit the light. In this case, the light transmitted through the sensor main body210can be visually recognized.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.12B, when the door100is in the opening state but is not opened so much as in the half-closed state, and the actuator250can introduce a part of the light projected from the sensor main body210, the actuator250emits the light. In this case, at least the light emitted by the actuator250can be visually recognized, and the light projected by the sensor main body210can also be visually recognized.

It should be noted that, here, the safety switch200is provided at an upper end portion of the door100in the vertical direction, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the sensor main body210is provided in an upper frame body of the fixed frame111, the actuator250is provided in an upper frame body of the movable frame112, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

For example, the safety switch200may be provided at a side end portion of the door100. That is, the sensor main body210may be provided in a frame body of a side portion of the fixed frame111, and the actuator250may be provided in a frame body of a side portion of the movable frame112. In this case, the sensor main body210is provided on the fixed frame111such that the first light projection port214of the sensor main body210faces the actuator250. Further, the actuator250is provided on the movable frame112such that the light receiving unit271of the actuator250faces the sensor main body210.

Next, an extension option of the actuator250will be described.FIG.13is a diagram showing the extension option of the actuator250.

For example, when a thickness (for example, a length in the vertical direction) of the fixed frame111or the movable frame112is large (for example, long), it may be difficult to check the light emitting unit273of the light transmissive member270of the actuator250or the emitted light. In response to this, the actuator250may be substantially extended such that a light guiding distance of the actuator250becomes long. Specifically, an extension member290that is attachable to and detachable from the actuator250may be attached to the actuator250. The extension member290guides and emits the light emitted by the actuator250.

The extension member290includes at least a light transmissive member. The extension member290may include a component similar to that of the actuator250, and may include a housing and the light transmissive member. The housing and the light transmissive member of the extension member290may have the same shapes as those of the housing260and the light transmissive member270of the actuator250. In this case, the extension member290is easily formed. A light guiding unit of the light transmissive member of the extension member290may be longer than the light guiding unit272of the light transmissive member270of the actuator250. In this case, the light guiding distance by the extension member290can be increased. Further, a light receiving unit of the light transmissive member of the extension member290may be formed so as to be engaged with a shape of a distal end (distal end on the negative side in the z direction) in an emission direction of the light emitting unit273of the light transmissive member270of the actuator250. In this case, the actuator250and the extension member290are easily attached and detached, and are easily integrated.FIG.13shows a state in which the light guided through the actuator250and the extension member290is emitted from a light emitting unit293of the light transmissive member of the extension member290.

In this manner, the extension member290can efficiently receive, guide, and emit the light emitted from the actuator250to the extension member290. Therefore, even when it is difficult for the checker who checks the light of the actuator250from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10to check the light of the extension member290, the checker can easily check the light. Therefore, it is easy to check the light based on the light of the actuator regardless of the thickness of the fixed frame111or the movable frame112.

Modification

FIG.14is a schematic diagram showing a modification configuration example of the safety switch200.

In the safety switch200, the first light source213may not be provided inside the housing218of the sensor main body210, and a first light source213A may be provided outside the housing218. In this case, without the light transmissive member270inside the housing260of the actuator250, the light may be guided from the outside of the housing260toward a side opposite to the sensor main body210, and the light may be emitted by a light emitting unit273A emitting light. Even in this case, the actuator250can emit the light in accordance with the light from the sensor main body210. It should be noted that the light emitting unit273A may not necessarily be a light transmissive member as long as it can emit the light by receiving the light from the sensor main body210.

It should be noted that, as described above, when the first light sources213are provided inside the housing218of the sensor main body210and the light transmissive member270is provided inside the housing260of the actuator250to emit the light from the sensor main body210from the light emitting unit273, the light can be transmitted inside the actuator250. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the first light source213A outside the housing218of the sensor main body210so as to pass through the outside of the housing260of the actuator250. Therefore, the sensor main body210is reduced in size, and thus the entire safety switch200is reduced in size. This is also effective when there is no sufficient space for providing the first light source213A outside the housing218of the sensor main body210.

As described above, according to the safety switch200, the sensor main body210can project the light from the light projection unit toward the actuator250via the first light projecting port214. The actuator250can further emit the light toward the outside of the safety switch200based on the light from the sensor main body210. Therefore, even when the safety switch200is disposed on the rear surfaces of the fixed frame111and the movable frame112and the light of the sensor main body210is not seen from the checker, the display of the detection result can be visually recognized from the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10via the actuator250. This is because, for example, the actuator250is disposed below the sensor main body210in the vertical direction and easily protrudes from the rear surface of the frame. Further, for example, even when there are a large number of doors100, it is possible to easily grasp which door100is abnormal (for example, the door100is opened) by checking the light of the actuator250.

Although the door100is originally advantageous in displaying the opening state as the abnormality, the door100is also advantageous in displaying that the door100is in the closed state (safe state) as follows.

When the door100is closed, for example, when the display indicating the closed state of the door100is not performed (turned off), the checker cannot grasp whether the display is not performed because the door100is closed or the display is not performed because the safety switch200is in failure. When the display is not performed due to the failure, if the checker does not immediately know that the display is not performed due to the failure, the checker recognizes that the safety switch200is in failure, which means the safety switch does not function. Therefore, even when the door100is in the closed state, the display indicating that the door100is in the closed state is performed, and the display is visually recognized by the checker, whereby it is possible to maintain a state in which it is possible to confirm that the function of the safety switch is performed. As described above, even when the door100is in the closed state, the safety switch200can notify the checker that the door100is in the closed state in distinction from the failure because the display thereof can be visually recognized from a wider range.

Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it is also understood that the various changes and modifications belong to the technical scope of the invention. In addition, the respective components in the above-described embodiments may be optionally combined within a range not departing from the scope of the present invention.

The above-described embodiment describes that in the door-equipped apparatus10, the manufacturing apparatus main body is surrounded by the doors100, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, lockers (for example, delivery lockers) may be disposed instead of the manufacturing apparatus main body. Further, the doors100may simply surround a predetermined space. That is, the door-equipped apparatus10may simply partition the space.

In the above embodiment, inFIG.1, the plurality of doors100are provided so as to surround the manufacturing apparatus main body, the door-equipped apparatus10is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of doors100may be arranged in one direction, and the door-equipped apparatus10may be formed in a linear shape.

In the above-described embodiment, shapes of the light emitting units273and293may have, for example, a prism shape, a wave shape, a spherical shape, or a planar shape. The light emitting units273and293may be formed of frosted glass or the like.

In the above embodiment, the processor may be physically configured in any manner. When a programmable processor is used, processing contents can be changed by changing a program, and thus a degree of freedom in designing the processor can be increased. The processor may be configured with one semiconductor chip, or may be physically configured with a plurality of semiconductor chips. When the processor is configured with a plurality of semiconductor chips, controls in the embodiment described above may be respectively implemented by different semiconductor chips. In this case, it can be considered that one processor is configured with the plurality of semiconductor chips. The processor may be configured with a semiconductor chip and a member (such as a capacitor) having a different function. One semiconductor chip may be configured to implement a function of the processor and another function. A plurality of processors may be implemented by one processor.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the safety switch200includes the sensor main body210and the actuator250. When the actuator250is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to sensor main body210, the sensor main body210includes the detection unit (for example, the coil212) that detects the actuator250and the light projection unit (for example, the first light sources213) that projects the light according to the detection result of the detection unit. The actuator250includes the light emitting units273and273A that emit the visible light in response to reception of the light projected by the light projection unit.

Accordingly, in the safety switch200, the sensor main body210can project the light from the light projection unit toward the actuator250. The actuator250can further emit the light toward the outside of the safety switch200based on the light from the sensor main body210. Therefore, even when the safety switch200is disposed on the rear surfaces of the fixed frame111and the movable frame112, the checker can visually recognize the display of the detection result by the safety switch200from the front surface of the door100(the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10) via the actuator250. Therefore, the safety switch200can improve the visibility of the display of the detection result of the abnormality detected by the safety switch200.

Since the actuator250emits the light based on the light from the sensor main body210, a light source is not necessary on the actuator250side, and thus it is not necessary to connect a power supply line to the actuator250. Therefore, even when the actuator250is attached to the movable frame112, the actuator250can be easily provided.

The light projection unit may project the light through the facing surface (for example, a surface of the first light projection port214) facing the actuator250.

Accordingly, the safety switch200can expand the region of the light of the light projection source by the light projection unit projecting the light via the facing surface facing the actuator. For example, instead of providing the light source outside the housing218of the sensor main body210, the plurality of first light sources213are arranged so as to correspond to the facing surface, and thus it is possible to expand the region of the light of the light projection source. Further, since the light projection unit projects the light via the facing surface of the actuator, the light from the sensor main body210can be transmitted to the actuator250with high efficiency, and display efficiency is improved. Therefore, the visibility of the safety switch200is improved.

Further, the light projection unit may project the visible light. The light emitting unit273may be formed of the light transmissive member270.

Accordingly, the actuator250can emit the light with the simple configuration. Since the light is transmitted by the light transmissive member270of the actuator250, for example, it is not necessary to provide a configuration for guiding the light from the sensor main body210outside the housing260of the actuator250, which leads to miniaturization of the actuator250.

The light emitting unit273may have the outer peripheral surface273aand the inner peripheral surface273b. The outer peripheral surface273a, on the outer side of the inner peripheral surface273b, may face the outside of the actuator on the non-facing side that is a side opposite to the sensor main body210. The inner peripheral surface273b, on the inner side of the outer peripheral surface273a, may face the outside of the actuator on the non-facing side. The diameter of the outer peripheral surface273amay be reduced from the facing side facing the sensor main body210toward the non-facing side.

Accordingly, when the actuator250receives the light from the sensor main body210and emits the light toward the side opposite to the sensor main body210, the actuator250can expand and diffuse the range in the direction in which the light travels due to refraction or the like on the outer peripheral surface273a. Therefore, the range in which the light emitted from the actuator250can be visually recognized is widened, and the checker can easily see the light of the actuator250from various angles.

The light emitting unit273may have the outer peripheral surface273aand the inner peripheral surface273b. The outer peripheral surface273a, on the outer side of the inner peripheral surface273b, may face the outside of the actuator on the non-facing side that is a side opposite to the sensor main body210. The inner peripheral surface273b, on the inner side of the outer peripheral surface273a, may face the outside of the actuator on the non-facing side. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface273bmay increase from the facing side facing the sensor main body210toward the non-facing side.

Accordingly, when the actuator250receives the light from the sensor main body210and emits the light toward the side opposite to the sensor main body210, the light is easily diffused in the direction of the center line c1of the actuator250due to the refraction or the like on the inner peripheral surface273b. Therefore, the intensity of the diffused light is improved, and the diffused light can be transmitted by a long distance in the direction of the center line c1of the actuator250. Therefore, the checker can easily see the light of the actuator250.

The actuator250may include the light guiding unit272which is formed of the light transmissive member270and guides the light from the sensor main body210to the light emitting unit273, and the non-light-transmissive member (for example, the housing260) which surrounds the outer periphery of the light guiding unit272.

Accordingly, the actuator250can prevent leakage of the light from the light projection unit to the outside of the actuator through the light transmissive member270inside the actuator. Therefore, the actuator250can prevent the attenuation of the light emitted by the light emitting unit273, and can improve the visibility of the light of the actuator.

The light projection unit may include a plurality of display lamps. The actuator250may include the wireless transmission unit (for example, the RFID tag280) that faces the sensor main body210and transmits the predetermined signal. The detection unit may be disposed to face the wireless transmission unit and receive the predetermined signal. In the sensor main body210, the plurality of display lamps may be disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the detection unit.

Accordingly, in the sensor main body210, since the plurality of display lamps are disposed at the symmetrical positions with respect to the detection unit, the light projected by the light projection unit can be uniformly transmitted to the actuator250. Therefore, the actuator250can uniformly emit the light and can symmetrically emit the light to the outside of the actuator. Therefore, the checker can easily see the light emitted from the actuator250.

The light emitting unit273may include a reflection surface (for example, the inner peripheral surface273b) on which the light from the light projection unit is reflected in a direction (for example, the x direction) perpendicular to the arrangement direction (for example, the z direction) of the sensor main body210and the actuator250, and an emission surface (for example, the outer peripheral surface273a) on which the light reflected by the reflection surface is emitted to the outside of the actuator.

Accordingly, the actuator250can change the traveling direction of the light from the sensor main body210using the reflection, and can diffuse the light in a wider range. Therefore, the checker can visually recognize the light from a wider range.

The end portion of the light emitting unit273on a side opposite to the sensor main body210may protrude from an end portion of the non-light-transmissive member on a side opposite to the sensor main body210.

Accordingly, since the light emitting unit273is present so as to protrude from the non-light-transmissive member (for example, the housing260), for example, even when the actuator is disposed on the rear surface of the movable frame112, the checker can easily see the door100from the front side.

The safety switch200may further include the extension member290attachable to and detachable from the actuator250. The extension member290may guide and emit the light emitted by the actuator250.

Accordingly, the extension member290can extend a transmission distance of the light emitted by the actuator250. Therefore, for example, even when the actuator250is provided on the movable frame112which is long along the arrangement direction (z direction) of the actuator250and the sensor main body210, or when the sensor main body210is provided on the fixed frame111which is long in this direction, it is easy for the checker to visually recognize the light emitted by the actuator250.

The door-equipped apparatus10according to the embodiment includes the door100and the safety switch200. The door100includes the fixed frame111, the movable frame112, and the door main body113. The sensor main body210of the safety switch200is provided on the fixed frame111. The actuator250of the safety switch200is provided on the movable frame112.

Accordingly, even when the sensor main body210and the actuator250are disposed on the rear surfaces of the fixed frame111and the movable frame112, the door-equipped apparatus10can cause the display of the detection result by the safety switch200to be visually recognized from the front surface of the door100(the outside of the door-equipped apparatus10) via the actuator250. Therefore, the door-equipped apparatus10can improve the visibility of the display of the detection result of the abnormality detected by the safety switch200.

Further, at least a part of the light emitting unit273of the actuator250may be disposed so as to protrude from the end portion of the movable frame112on the side opposite to the fixed frame111.

Accordingly, even when the actuator250is disposed on the rear surface of the movable frame112, the door-equipped apparatus10can reliably check a light emitting position in the actuator250from the front surface side of the door-equipped apparatus10.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is based on Japanese Patent Application (Application No. 2020-010407) filed on Jan. 24, 2020, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein as reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is useful for a safety switch, an apparatus with a door, and the like capable of improving visibility of a display of a detection result of abnormality detected by the safety switch.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST