Fanuc Corporation

Yoshiaki Kurobe

Hiroyuki Suwa

Jiro Kinoshita

Yuuki Terao

Tatsuro Kumakura

A touch switch includes a touch input section, a metal piece provided to the touch input section at a surface thereof, and at least two induction-type proximity sensors so provided as to face the metal piece. The induction-type proximity sensors are arranged in parallel to each other and each have an LC oscillation circuit that output signals that changes in accordance with the distance to the metal piece. A duplicated touch switch that requires no stroke and achieves switch duplication is thus provided.

Redundant touch switch using induction proximity sensors

Keyboard for controlling machine tools

A vertical keyboard, which is used with key top pressing direction set to a substantially horizontal direction, includes a housing having opening portions into which the key tops are fitted. A lower internal surface of the opening portion is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing, in a downward direction from the keyboard interior toward the keyboard surface side. This can reduce adhesion or accumulation of dust or dirt in a space between the lower internal surface of the opening portion and the lower internal surface of the key top.

Growing community of inventors

Yamanashi, Japan

Yoshiaki Kurobe