SWITCHING ASSEMBLY WITH SECURE ATTACHMENT SOLUTION FOR EMERGENCY STOP DEVICE

Abstract

A switching assembly intended to be joined onto a control assembly provided with an actuation member, the switching assembly comprising a body, an electrical circuit comprising two fixed contacts, the electrical circuit being able to be controlled both by a control switch of a normally-closed type and by a monitoring switch of a normally-open type, linked in series with the control switch. The monitoring switch makes it possible to monitor the correct secure attachment of the switching assembly onto the control assembly by keeping the electrical circuit open as long as the control assembly is mechanically disconnected from the switching assembly.

Claims

1. Switching assembly intended to be joined onto a control assembly provided with an actuation member that can take an idle position and an actuation position, said switching assembly comprising: A body, an electrical circuit comprising two fixed contacts, said electrical circuit being able to be controlled both by a control switch of normally-closed type comprising a first mobile contact bridge bearing a first mobile control contact and a second mobile control contact and by a monitoring switch of normally-open type, linked in series with said control switch and comprising a second mobile contact bridge bearing a first mobile monitoring contact and a second mobile monitoring contact, wherein: the first mobile control contact is arranged to cooperate with the first fixed contact and the first mobile monitoring contact is arranged to cooperate with the second fixed contact, and the second mobile control contact is arranged to cooperate directly with the second mobile monitoring contact.

2. Switching assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mobile contact bridge can be displaced in translation along a control axis between a closed first position and an open second position and in that its first mobile control contact can be in contact with the first fixed contact in the closed first position and away from the first fixed contact in the open second position.

3. Switching assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second mobile contact bridge can be displaced in translation along said control axis between an open first position and a closed second position and in that its first mobile monitoring contact can be away from the second fixed contact in the open first position and be in contact with the second fixed contact in the closed second position.

4. Switching assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second mobile monitoring contact and the second mobile control contact are arranged to be in contact when the first mobile contact bridge is in its closed first position and the second mobile contact bridge is in its closed second position.

5. Switching assembly according to claim 4, wherein, from its open position to its closed position, the first mobile contact bridge can be displaced in translation along said control axis in a first direction and in that, from its open position to its closed position, the second mobile contact bridge is displaced along said control axis, in a second direction which is opposite to said first direction.

6. Switching assembly according to claim 3, wherein the switching assembly comprises a first abutment produced on the body and arranged to cooperate with the first mobile contact bridge in its closed first position, this first abutment being positioned off-centre relative to the median axis of translation of the first mobile contact bridge and opposite its first mobile control contact relative to said axis.

7. Switching assembly according to claim 6, wherein the switching assembly comprises a second abutment produced on the body and arranged to cooperate with the second mobile contact bridge in its closed first position, this second abutment being positioned off-centre relative to the median axis of translation of the second mobile contact bridge and opposite its first mobile monitoring contact relative to said axis.

8. Switching assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mobile contact bridge is mounted by runner link on a control pushbutton and in that the switching assembly comprises a first contact pressure spring arranged between the control pushbutton and the first mobile contact bridge.

9. Switching assembly according to claim 8, wherein the switching assembly comprises a closure spring arranged between the body and the control pushbutton.

10. Switching assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second mobile contact bridge is mounted by runner link on a monitoring pushbutton and in that the switching assembly comprises a second contact pressure spring arranged between the monitoring pushbutton and the second mobile contact bridge.

11. Switching assembly according to claim 10, wherein the switching assembly comprises an opening spring arranged between the body and the monitoring pushbutton.

12. Switching device comprising a control assembly comprising an actuation member that can take an idle position and an actuation position, wherein the switching assembly comprises a switching assembly as defined in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Other features and advantages will emerge from the following detailed description, given with respect to the attached drawings in which:

[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B represent, from two different viewing angles and partially exploded, the internal part of the switching assembly of the invention,

[0025] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C represent the switching assembly of the invention, in a so-called free position, that is to say with the control assembly absent.

[0026] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C represent the switching assembly of the invention, in a so-called operational position, that is to say with the control assembly mounted on the switching assembly.

[0027] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C represent the switching assembly of the invention, in a so-called actuated operational position, that is to say with the control assembly mounted and control head actuated.

[0028] FIG. 5 represents the switching device of the invention, in a so-called non-operational position, corresponding to a malfunctioning mechanical association between control assembly and switching assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT

[0029] As is known, a device of emergency stop type, also called palm switch, comprises two distinct assemblies 1, 2 formed by a control assembly, also designated first assembly 1, and a switching assembly, also designated second assembly 2.

[0030] The first assembly 1 (visible in FIG. 5) comprises an actuation member 10 intended to be depressed in case of emergency by the operator along a control axis (X) to open an electrical circuit. The actuation member 10 can thus take an idle position, in which it is not depressed, leaving the electrical circuit closed, and an actuation position in which it is depressed to open the electrical circuit.

[0031] The second assembly 2 is a contact block intended to control the electrical circuit. The latter is represented in the attached FIGS. 1A to 5. This second assembly 2 comprises a body or housing 20, for example made of plastic material, comprising means 21a, 21b of attachment to the first assembly 1. According to the invention, the second assembly 2 comprises a control switch making it possible to control the electrical circuit according to the position of the actuation member 10. It also comprises a monitoring switch that makes it possible to monitor the correct attachment of the second assembly 2 to the first assembly 1 by keeping the electrical circuit open as long as the first assembly 1 is disconnected mechanically from the second assembly 2.

[0032] The second assembly 2 comprises a first contact terminal 22a and a second contact terminal 22b. It comprises a first fixed contact 23a linked electrically to its first terminal 22a and a second fixed contact 23b linked electrically to its second terminal 22b. The two terminals are for example conventional screw terminals.

[0033] The control switch comprises a control pushbutton 30 that can be actuated in translation along the axis (X) and a first mobile contact bridge 31 bearing a first set of two mobile so-called control contacts 32a, 32b, said bridge 31 being mounted by runner link on the control pushbutton 30. It also comprises a contact pressure spring R1 mounted between an abutment 33 of the control pushbutton 30 and the first mobile contact bridge 31. It also comprises a closure spring R2 mounted in a recess along the axis (X) between the control pushbutton 30 and the body 20 of the switching assembly 2. The closure spring R2 and the contact pressure spring R1 are of helical type and have their axis oriented along the axis (X).

[0034] The monitoring switch comprises a monitoring pushbutton 40 that can be actuated in translation along the axis (X) and a second mobile contact bridge 41 bearing a second set of two mobile so-called monitoring contacts 42a, 42b, said second mobile contact bridge 41 being mounted by runner link on the monitoring pushbutton. It comprises a contact pressure spring R3 mounted along the axis (X) between an abutment 43 of the monitoring pushbutton 40 and the mobile contact bridge 41. It also comprises an opening spring R4 mounted in a recess along the axis (X) between the monitoring pushbutton 40 and the body 20 of the switching assembly. The contact pressure spring R3 and the opening spring R4 are of helical type and have their axis oriented along the axis (X).

[0035] The first mobile contact bridge 31 can be displaced in translation between a closed first position and an open second position. It bears a first mobile control contact 32a arranged to cooperate with the first fixed contact 23a and a second mobile control contact 32b.

[0036] The second mobile contact bridge 41 can also be displaced in translation between an open first position and a closed second position. It bears a first mobile monitoring contact 42a arranged to cooperate with the second fixed contact 23b and a second mobile monitoring contact 42b.

[0037] The first mobile contact bridge 31 and the second mobile contact bridge 41 are produced in a metal material and make it possible to produce an electrical link between their two mobile contacts.

[0038] The solution of the invention offers the particular feature that the second mobile control contact 32b is arranged to cooperate with the second mobile monitoring contact 42b. Thus, when the first mobile contact bridge 31 and the second mobile contact bridge 41 are in their respective closed positions, the second mobile control contact 32b and the second mobile monitoring contact 42b are in contact, thus closing the electrical circuit.

[0039] The cooperation of the two mobile contacts requires a reverse actuation of the first mobile contact bridge 31 and of the second mobile contact bridge 41.

[0040] In other words, from its open position to its closed position, the first mobile contact bridge 31 is displaced along the axis (X) in one direction and, from its open position to its closed position, the second mobile contact bridge 41 is displaced along the axis (X), but in the opposite direction. Likewise, the first fixed contact 23a and the second fixed contact 23b each have their contact face oriented in opposite directions to each cooperate respectively with the first mobile control contact 32a and with the first mobile monitoring contact 42a.

[0041] The second assembly 2 also comprises a first abutment 34 produced on the body 20 and arranged to cooperate with the first mobile contact bridge 31. This first abutment 34 is positioned off-centre relative to the median translation axis of the first mobile contact bridge 31 and opposite its first mobile control contact 32a relative to this axis, so as to keep the bridge 31 in its axis when it is in closed position and the second mobile contact bridge 41 is then in open position.

[0042] The second assembly 2 comprises a second abutment 44 produced on the body 20 and arranged to cooperate with the second mobile contact bridge 41. This second abutment 44 makes it possible to block the second mobile contact bridge 41 in translation when the latter comes into its closed position. This second abutment 44 is positioned off-centre relative to the median translation axis of the second mobile contact bridge 41 and opposite its first mobile monitoring contact 42a relative to said axis, so as to keep the bridge 41 in its axis when it is in closed position and avoid misaligning the contact established between the second mobile control contact 32b and the second mobile monitoring contact 42b.

[0043] Starting from this architecture, the principle of operation of the device is described hereinbelow in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A to 5:

[0044] FIGS. 2A to 2CFirst State of Operation

[0045] The switching assembly 2 and the control assembly 1 are separated.

[0046] The control pushbutton 30 is in its closed position and the monitoring pushbutton 40 is in its open position.

[0047] The head of the monitoring pushbutton 40 is offset upwards relative to the head of the control pushbutton 30.

[0048] The first mobile monitoring contact 42a of the second mobile contact bridge 41 is not therefore connected to the second fixed contact 23b and its second mobile monitoring contact 42b is not connected to the second mobile control contact 32b of the first mobile contact bridge 31.

[0049] The electrical circuit is therefore open.

[0050] In this state, stressed by the closure spring R2, the control pushbutton 30 comes to bear against an abutment 35 of the housing 20 and the first mobile contact bridge 31 is bearing against the first abutment 34 defined above, making it possible to stress the contact pressure spring R1 arranged between the first mobile contact bridge 31 and the control pushbutton 30. The first abutment 34 can be positioned on the housing to allow a slight rotation of the first mobile contact bridge 31 in the clockwise direction.

[0051] FIGS. 3A to 3CSecond State of Operation

[0052] The control assembly 1 (not represented) is attached to the switching assembly 2.

[0053] The attachment causes the translation of the monitoring pushbutton 40 from its open position to its closed position and forms a top upper abutment for the monitoring pushbutton 40.

[0054] In closed position, the first mobile monitoring contact 42a comes into contact with the second fixed contact 23b and the second mobile monitoring contact 42b comes into contact with the second mobile control contact 32b.

[0055] The opening spring R4 is thus stressed in compression upon the translation of the monitoring pushbutton 40. The contact pressure spring R3 is also stressed in compression, making it possible to apply a contact pressure of the first mobile monitoring contact 42a against the second fixed contact 23b and of the second mobile contact bridge 41 against the second abutment 44.

[0056] A translation of the control pushbutton 30 occurs also, freeing it from its abutment 35, this translation being absorbed by the closure spring R2. The first mobile contact bridge 31 remains in its closed position under the action of the contact pressure spring R1.

[0057] The second abutment 44 is positioned to meet a sufficient contact pressure between the second mobile monitoring contact 42b and the second mobile control contact 32b when the two bridges 31, 41 are in closed position.

[0058] In this state, the contact pressure applied by each contact pressure spring R1, R3 at these two mobile contacts 32b, 42b makes it possible to compensate for the slight rotation of the first mobile contact bridge 31 (slight rotation present in the absence of the control assemblysee above) and to restore the latter to the axis.

[0059] The electrical circuit is therefore closed and the switching device formed by the joining of the control assembly 1 onto the switching assembly 2 is operational.

[0060] FIGS. 4A to 4CThird State of Operation

[0061] The actuation member 10, that is to say the emergency stop head, is actuated. In actuated position, the actuation member 10 forms a bottom upper abutment for the two pushbuttons.

[0062] The actuation of the head therefore causes both the translation of the control pushbutton 30 and the translation of the monitoring pushbutton 40.

[0063] Since the second mobile contact bridge 41 is in closed position and blocked in translation by the second abutment 44, said bridge cannot be translated. The translation of the monitoring pushbutton 40 is therefore absorbed by the opening spring R4 and by the contact pressure spring R3.

[0064] In its translational movement, the control pushbutton 30 causes, by virtue of an abutment 36 produced on its stem, the translation of the first mobile contact bridge 31 from its closed position to its open position. The translation of the control pushbutton 30 is made possible by compression of the closure spring R2, causing the release of the contact pressure spring R1 and the return of the first mobile contact bridge 31 against said abutment 36. The first mobile control contact 32a is then away from the first fixed contact 23a and the second mobile control contact 32b is away from the second mobile monitoring contact 42b, thus causing the opening of the electrical circuit.

[0065] FIG. 5Fourth State of Operation

[0066] This FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the invention when the control assembly 1 is badly attached to the switching assembly 2.

[0067] In this situation, the monitoring pushbutton 40 can thus be in an intermediate position situated between its position corresponding to the control assembly 1 not being attached (FIGS. 2A to 2C) and its position corresponding to the control assembly 1 being attached operationally (FIGS. 3A to 3C). In this intermediate position, the translation of the monitoring pushbutton 40 is made possible by compression of the opening spring R4 but it is insufficient to drive the second mobile contact bridge 41 to its closed position. The electrical circuit then remains open, as long as the mechanical attachment is not correctly made between the two assemblies, which makes it possible to guarantee a high level of safety.

[0068] In case of complete ejection of the control assembly 1 relative to the switching assembly, that is to say in case of complete detachment of the head, the device reverts automatically to the first state of operation described above. In this situation, since the control assembly is no longer in any way attached to the switching assembly, the monitoring pushbutton 40 reverts to its initial position, stressed by the two springs R3 and R4.

[0069] Moreover, it can be noted that when the switching device is provided with multiple adjacent switching assemblies, the so-called main switching assembly, corresponding to that of the invention described above, can be provided with mechanical means capable of acting on each adjacent switching assembly to ensure their operational mechanical attachment. The aim is thus to secure the attachment of at least one other switching assembly using the main switching assembly whose attachment is already monitored by virtue of the solution of the invention described above. According to the invention, the main switching assembly 2 therefore makes it possible to secure the joining of one or two auxiliary switching assemblies onto the control assembly 1. For that, each auxiliary switching assembly must be positioned adjacent to the main switching assembly 2. If the device comprises two auxiliary switching assemblies, these assemblies must be positioned on either side of the main switching assembly 2.

[0070] These mechanical securing means can comprise a protruding part produced on the housing 20 of the assembly and cooperating with a rear face of the adjacent auxiliary switching assembly when the main switching assembly 2 is attached mechanically to the control assembly 1. This protruding part can consist of a fin 220 produced at right angles to the main axis. It is visible in the attached figures.

[0071] It will be understood from the above that the invention offers many advantages, for example: [0072] It makes it possible to keep the electrical circuit open and the device non-operational, as long as the mechanical attachment between the two assemblies is not correctly made; [0073] It offers simple and reliable operation, involving a minimum of additional components; [0074] It offers a particularly limited bulk, because the two contact bridges are connected directly in series, via the two central contacts; [0075] It also offers a solution that makes it possible to monitor the mechanical attachment of the adjacent blocks.