Remote security release for a security switch for access control to industrial machines and plants, and a security switch to control access to industrial machines or plants.

Abstract

Remote security release for a security switch for access control to industrial machines and plants, and a security switch to control access to industrial machines or plants.A remote safety release for a safety switch comprises an actuator (13) adapted to interact with the locking mechanism of the associated switch (1) to cause its forced release, the actuator (13) being adapted to move between an inoperative position in which it does not interact with the locking mechanism and at least one operative position in which it interacts with the locking mechanism, a remote control device (14) adapted to be actuated by an operator to remotely control said actuator (13) and promote its movement from the inoperative position to an operative position, a transfer mechanism (15) adapted to transfer a force from the remote control device (14) to the actuator (13) following the command given by the operator to promote the movement of the actuator (13).The transfer mechanism (15) is adapted to exert a first request on the actuator (13) in order to promote its automatic passage from the inoperative position to an operative position, while the remote control device (14) constantly exerts on the actuator (13) a second request of opposite contrast to the first request and having at least equal value to cancel the said first request and retain the actuator (13) in the inoperative position, allowing the automatic passage of the actuator (13) from the inoperative position to an operative position in the absence of the second request for the release of the locking mechanism.

Description

1 / 19 Remote security release for a security switch for access control to industrial machines and plants, and a security switch to control access to... INDUSTRIAL MACHINES OR PLANTS Description Technical Field

[001] The present invention finds application in the field of electrical devices for industrial use and has, in particular, as its objective a remote safety release adapted for application to a safety switch, in particular of the type designed for the protection of movable guards, such as barriers, guards, service panels or similar, for access control to industrial machines and plants, whose remote actuation allows an operator to release the switch even remotely. State of the art

[002] Switches known for controlling access to barriers and / or safety perimeters for industrial machines or plants generally comprise a switching device anchored to the fixed part of the access and an actuator device anchored to the moving part.

[003] These switches are intended to lock the system when access is opened for obvious security reasons, while simultaneously activating one or more signaling or service circuits, and also keeping access locked if the system is not in a secure condition.

[004] Similarly, switches can allow the immediate restart of the machine or system when access is closed, unless conditions occur that require specific operator intervention.

[005] The control of the switching means for opening and closing the power supply circuit of the machine or system can be carried out by means Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 11 / 35 2 / 19 of a mechanical or electronic type actuator.

[006] In the first case, a switch actuator is usually associated with the mobile device and adapted to fit into a slot in the switching device to interact with a mechanism to actuate the switching means to open / close the power supply circuit and any auxiliary circuits.

[007] At the same time, the key actuator is engaged by a locking slider controlled by a suitable locking / unlocking mechanism, whose function is to keep the actuator inside the slot to prevent the access from being opened under unsafe conditions and also to prevent the same actuator from escaping as a result of vibrations transmitted through the access.

[008] Electronically operated switches, as described, for example, in application WO2015083143 on behalf of this Applicant, provide that the two devices are supplied with respective electronic circuits adapted to interact with each other by a presence signal sent by the circuit associated with the actuator device in order to allow the opening or closing of the main power supply circuit according to the mutual distance.

[009] Generally, also for this second type of switch, the movable actuating device is provided with a centering and retaining element adapted to be inserted into a suitable hole in the fixed switching device, within which is the locking / unlocking mechanism with a slide that engages the centering pin to prevent its unauthorized extraction.

[010] Regardless of the specific configuration of the switch, the release of the holding element, whether it is the actuator itself or the element of Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 12 / 35 3 / 19 centering and retention above, can be produced by a special electrical command sent to the element's control mechanism or given by means of an auxiliary mechanical emergency release command placed directly in the housing of the switching device and adapted to act directly on the retention element.

[011] Some switches may also be fitted with an additional remotely operated emergency release device.

[012] This solution is generally adopted in cases where it is not possible, or not desired, to arrange the switch in a position that is easily accessible by the operators.

[013] Remote unlocking devices generally comprise a housing integrated or adapted to be applied to the housing of the operating device and within which there is an auxiliary actuator adapted to interact with the locking / unlocking mechanism to remove the lock from the retaining element following a command given remotely via an actuator.

[014] An example of a security key with a remote unlocking device is described in DE102006020500, in which remote activation of the auxiliary unlocking device is performed by pulling a Bowden cable.

[015] A common disadvantage of known solutions is represented by the fact that these known release devices do not have systems that allow the immediate release of the retention mechanism in case of damage or malfunction of the remote control, for example, the pull cable.

[016] As a consequence, the malfunction of the remote control becomes the cause of a potentially dangerous situation, making the corresponding switch potentially unsafe. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 13 / 35 4 / 19 Scope of the invention

[017] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages by providing a remote safety release that can be applied to a safety switch and that has characteristics of high efficiency and relative cost-effectiveness.

[018] A specific purpose objective is to provide a remote safety release adapted to be applied to a safety switch and which is designed to operate automatically on the locking / unlocking mechanism of the switch to which it is associated in the event of damage or malfunction of its actuator system in order to move the switch into a safe condition.

[019] Yet another particular objective is to provide a remote safety release adapted to be applied to a safety switch and whose damage or malfunction cannot represent a dangerous condition for the system to which the switch is applied.

[020] These objectives, as well as others that will become more evident below, are achieved by a remote safety unlock adapted to be applied to a safety switch and which, according to claim 1, comprises an actuator adapted to interact with the mechanical locking mechanism of the associated switch to cause its forced release, said actuator being adapted to move between a non-operational position in which it does not interact with the locking mechanism and at least one operational position in which it interacts with the locking mechanism, a remote control device adapted to be actuated by an operator to remotely control said actuator and promote its movement from said non-operational position to an operational position for its interaction with the locking mechanism and the consequent release thereof, Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 14 / 35 5 / 19 a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer a force from said control device to said actuator following the command given by the operator to promote the movement of said actuator from the inoperative position to at least one operative position.

[021] According to a peculiar feature of the invention, the transfer mechanism is adapted to exert a first request on said actuator, so as to promote its automatic passage from said inoperative position to said operative position, said remote control device being designed to constantly exert on said actuator, in the absence of the remote control, a second contrasting request opposite to said first request and having a value at least equal to cancel said first request and maintain said actuator in said inoperative position, allowing the automatic passage of said actuator from said non-operative position to said operative position in the absence of said second request for the release of the locking mechanism.

[022] Thanks to this combination of features, if there is a break, damage or malfunction of the control device that can be operated remotely, the contrast request that keeps the actuator in a non-operational position, i.e. not interacting with the locking mechanism, will become null.

[023] Consequently, the transfer mechanism, due to the constant demand it exerts on the actuator, will automatically cause it to move to an operating position, that is, to a position in which it interacts with the locking mechanism, so as to cause its release.

[024] The lock will thus be removed, resulting in a shutdown. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 15 / 35 6 / 19 contextual or timed operation of the plant, or its hazardous parts, and simultaneous release of access, in order to operate the system under safe conditions.

[025] According to another aspect of the invention, a safety switch is provided according to claim 9.

[026] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims. Brief unveiling of the drawings

[027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of remote safety release and of a safety switch comprising the release, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the attached drawing tables in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch provided for a security release in a first preferred embodiment and in which the switch is applied to an access from a security perimeter in an open access condition; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the switch in Fig. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the part of the switch in Fig. 1 where the safety release is not mounted; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the safety release according to the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 5 is a side view in section of the safety release of Fig. 4 applied to the switch and in an inoperative condition; FIG. 6 is a rear view of the safety release of Fig. 4 in three distinct operating conditions; FIG. 7 is a side view of the safety release of Fig. 4 under three distinct operating conditions; Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 16 / 35 7 / 19 FIG. 8 is a side view in section of the safety release of Fig. 4 in three distinct operating conditions; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an actuating element of a safety release according to Fig. 4 in two distinct operating conditions; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the detail in Fig. 9 under two different operating conditions; FIG. 11 is a rear view of the safety release of Fig. 4 rotated according to three configurations; FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the switch associated with a safety release in a second preferred embodiment; FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the safety release in Fig. 12; FIG. 14 is a side view in section of the safety release of Fig. 12 applied to the switch and in an inoperative condition; FIG. 15 is a side view in section of the safety release of Fig. 12 in three distinct operating conditions; FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the switch associated with a safety release in a preferred third embodiment; FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the safety release in Fig. 16; FIG. 18 is a side view in section of the safety release of Fig. 16 in two distinct operating conditions. Best ways to implement the invention

[028] With reference to the attached figures, a version is shown Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 17 / 35 8 / 19 preferential, but not exclusive, use of a security key to control access to industrial machines or plants and associated with a remote security release according to certain preferential, but not exclusive, modalities.

[029] The switch will generally be designed to be applied, preferably, but not exclusively, to a movable barrier or protective panel designed to prevent unsafe access to an industrial machine or plant during operation.

[030] Typically, the switch will be designed to be applied to protection on an access point in order to interrupt the operation of the machine or plant in a substantially immediate or timed manner in the event of the opening of a door or panel closing this access point.

[031] Fig.1 shows a typical application in which a switch, globally referred to as 1, is applied to an access A of a protective barrier.

[032] The switch 1 comprises a switching device 2 adapted to be fixed to the fixed panel F of access A and connected in a known manner to one or more electrical and / or electronic circuits for power supply and / or control of the main circuit and / or service and emergency circuits, not illustrated.

[033] The methods for connecting the switching device 2 to these circuits are of a known type and do not form part of the present invention, therefore they will not be disclosed in more detail hereafter.

[034] Instead, in the moving part M of access A is mounted an actuator device 3 adapted to interact with the switching device 2 after the opening or closing of access A to determine the opening or closing of one or more circuits according to the typical modes of such Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 18 / 35 9 / 19 safety switches.

[035] The switching device 2 comprises an enclosure 4 adapted to be anchored to the fixed part F of the access A to be controlled and housing the switching means for controlling one or more control and / or service circuits of the machine or plant.

[036] The switching means, not visible from the figures, as they are internal to the enclosure 4, can be selected from those commonly used in the field and can also vary depending on the functionality of the switch, without particular limitations.

[037] Inside the enclosure 4 there will also be actuation means, not shown, suitable for interacting with the switching means in opening / closing access A for opening / closing one or more circuits of the machine or plant after interaction between the switching device 2 and the actuator device 3, also in this case according to known techniques.

[038] An example of such a switch is disclosed in WO2017208124 or in WO2015083143, both in the name of the same Applicant, and provides that the actuator device 3 is provided with a retaining and centering element 5 that extends from the actuator device 3 to engage, as a consequence of the closing of access A, a centering hole 6 made in the housing 4.

[039] Inside the switching device 2 there is also a locking mechanism provided with a sliding pin, not shown, which will engage the retaining element 5 to lock it by mechanical interference and prevent it from being partially extracted from it when the plant is in unsafe conditions.

[040] The technical characteristics of the locking mechanism are not Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, p. 19 / 35 10 / 19 described in more detail below, as they are not significant to the present invention.

[041] Switch 1 may also be supplied with an auxiliary release command placed directly on the housing, such as release key 8 in the figures, to manually unlock the locking mechanism.

[042] The switch 1 illustrated in the figures is of the electronically operated type, that is, the action of the actuator device 3 in the switching means will be controlled by an electronic signal transmitted to the switching means according to known and described methods, for example, in the document WO2015083143 cited above.

[043] For this purpose, the switching device 2 may comprise a receiving element, for example, an RFID type antenna housed within this enclosure 4 in a suitably arranged and designed location to receive a remote control signal, or a presence signal, transmitted by a transmitting element or transponder housed in the mobile actuating device 3, when the latter is at a predetermined minimum distance from the switching device 2 such that access A can be considered closed under safe conditions.

[044] In particular, the transponder, not visible in the figures, will be supplied with a label with an identification code that must be recognized by the antenna to allow the machine or plant to start up.

[045] Code recognition can be unique or generic, depending on whether you want to make a high-level or low-level encoding exchange.

[046] However, according to an embodiment not shown, the switch 1 can also be operated electromechanically, i.e., with the actuator device 3 which will be supplied from a mechanical actuator, for example Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 20 / 35 11 / 19 a key, which will be inserted into a suitable slot to interact mechanically with the switching means and at the same time engage the sliding pin of the locking mechanism.

[047] Figs. 2 and 3 show the switching device 2 belonging to an electronically operated switch 1 and associated with a remote safety release 9 according to a first embodiment.

[048] In particular, the remote safety release 9 comprises a housing 10 adapted to be fixedly, but possibly removablely, anchored to the housing 4 of the switching device 2 corresponding to a suitable passage 11 provided in its upper head 12 in such a position as to allow direct access to the locking mechanism and its interaction with it to operate directly or indirectly on the release pin of the retaining element 5.

[049] In the illustrated embodiment, the safety release 9 will operate against the upper end of a locking slider 7 integrated into or connected to the sliding pin that locks the retaining element 5, preferably rigidly, so that after the translation of the slider 7, a translation of the retaining element 5 will occur.

[050] Release 9 comprises a movable actuator 13 disposed in the housing 10 to interact with the mechanical locking mechanism of the switch and cause its forced release.

[051] In particular, the actuator 13 will be adapted to move between an inoperative position where it does not interact with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism and an operating position where it interacts with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism.

[052] Security release 9 is also provided with a remote control device 14 that can be operated by an operator to Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 21 / 35 12 / 19 remotely control actuator 13 and promote its movement between the above positions for its subsequent interaction with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism and the subsequent release thereof, as described more clearly below.

[053] The connection between the actuator 13 and the remote control device 14 will be obtained by means of a suitable transfer mechanism 15 located in the housing 10 and which will be designed to transfer a force from the remote control device 14 to the actuator 13 following the command given by the operator, in order to promote the movement of the actuator 13.

[054] In addition, the transfer mechanism 15 will be connected to the actuator 13 to exert a suitable first request to promote the automatic transition from the inoperative position to an operative position.

[055] At the same time, the remote control device 14 will be designed to constantly exert on the actuator 13, in the absence of the remote control, a second contrast request opposite to the first request and having a value at least equal to it to make it null and thus keep the actuator 13 in the inoperative position.

[056] As can be seen in the exploded view of Fig. 4 and from the section of Fig. 5, the actuator 13 comprises a release pin 16 movable in the housing 10 and having a first end 17 connected to the transfer mechanism 15 and a second end 18 adapted to project externally from the housing 10 to fit into the head 12 of the switching device 2, through the appropriate passage 11, and interact with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism.

[057] In this configuration, the movable pin 16 will be rotatably mounted in the housing 10 to rotate around its central axis. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 22 / 35 13 / 19

[058] In turn, the transfer mechanism 15 comprises a preloaded elastic element 19 defined by a spring wound around the pin 16 and preloaded with a first stress to constantly exert this first stress on the movable release pin 16, directly or indirectly.

[059] The second end 18 of the latter will be suitably shaped with an axial projection 20 adapted to interact with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism after rotation of the release pin 16 in any direction, while its configuration will be such that when the release pin 16 is in the inoperative position, it will be spaced from the slider 7.

[060] The operation of safety release 9 will appear more clearly from the comparison of Figs. 6, 7 and 8, in which release 9 is shown, from left to right, respectively in the condition where release pin 16 is not activated and is therefore in the inoperative position, in the condition where release pin 16 is operated by means of remote control device 14, and is therefore in a first operating position and, finally, in the condition where remote control device 14 no longer exerts the contrast request, for example due to breakage or malfunction, with the consequence that the release device of pin 16 will be moved to an additional operating position by means of the elastic element 19.

[061] In the illustrated embodiment, the remote control device 14 comprises a traction element 21, such as a rope, cable or similar, having one end connected to the transfer mechanism 15 and the opposite end adapted to be fixed to an actuation element 30, such as a button, a mushroom or other element, anchored to a support. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 23 / 35 14 / 19 fixed.

[062] An example of a mushroom-shaped drive element 30 is shown in Fig. 9 in which it is shown in the non-actuated condition.

[063] In Fig. 10 instead, it is possible to observe the mushroom-shaped drive element 30 in the two conditions: not activated, on the left, and activated, on the right.

[064] According to this configuration, the drive element 30 comprises a box-type body 31 adapted to be applied to a fixed support 40 and which houses a bistable lever 32 connected to one end of the traction element 21.

[065] The movement of the lever system 32 and the consequent traction of the traction element 21 will be produced by the actuation of a mushroom button 33, in particular by its pressure, which will be connected to the lever system 32 at the non-articulated end of the latter.

[066] The connection between the traction element 21 and the transfer mechanism 15 will be such that it transforms the linear traction motion of the former into the rotary motion of the pin 16.

[067] The tensile element 21 is also constantly placed under tension to always exert the above contrast request.

[068] Preferably, the traction element 21 can be supplied with a tension indicator which also allows tension adjustment.

[069] For example, as most clearly visible from Fig. 4, the voltage indicator 34 is a cam element provided with a cylindrical body which will be integrated into pin 16 to rotate coaxially with it.

[070] Indicator 34 will be inserted into a special seat in housing 10 so that one of the faces of its cylindrical body is visible from the outside. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, p. 24 / 35 15 / 19

[071] On this face there will be a reference mark 35, for example, a line, a notch or other distinctive element, which must be aligned with an arrow 36 or other reference mark present on the back face of the housing 10.

[072] The alignment between reference element 35 and arrow 36 will indicate the correct tensioning of the transfer mechanism 15.

[073] Furthermore, the voltage can be precisely adjusted by means of one or more registers. For example, a first register 37 can be arranged at the end of the traction element 21 near the housing 10, while a second register 38 can be arranged at the end of the traction element 21 next to the drive element 30.

[074] While the remote control device 14 exerts its contrast request, canceling the impulse of the elastic element 19, the release pin 16 will remain stationary in its inoperative position in which the axial projection 20 is not in contact with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism.

[075] If an operator applies additional traction to the traction element 21, the elastic element 19 will undergo an additional stress that will cause the release pin 16 to rotate around its axis and, consequently, cause the projection 20 to be pushed into the slider 7, which will effect translation downwards, releasing (freeing) the retaining element 5 from the actuator device 3.

[076] In the event that the traction element 21 is damaged or cut and will no longer be suitable for applying the contrast request, the pre-loaded elastic element 19 will cause the release pin 16 to rotate in the opposite direction to the previous movement, but always causing the projection 20 to act on the slider 7, which in this case will also perform a downward translation, moving the sliding pin of the mechanism. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 25 / 35 16 / 19 releasing and releasing the retaining element 5 of the actuator device 3.

[077] Projection 20 of release pin 16 can be shaped to act on slider 7 following a 90° rotation in both directions.

[078] From Fig. 11 it is also visible that the safety release 9 can be applied to the housing 4 of the switching device 2 according to different angular orientations, according to the positioning requirements of the remote control device 14 and / or the switching device 2 itself, significantly increasing the flexibility of application of the release 9 and the switch associated with it.

[079] Preferably, but not exclusively, the housing 10 may rotate around a central axis of the passage 11 in which the pin 16 is inserted with a minimum rotation angle of 90° in both directions.

[080] Fig. 12 shows a second embodiment of the safety release 9 which differs from the previous one essentially in that the connection between the traction element 21 and the release pin 16 is obtained by means of a guide 22 suitable for promoting the translation of the pin 16 from the inoperative position to the operative position after the application of an additional traction on the traction element 21 or if the contrast request is cancelled.

[081] In this case, the preloaded elastic element is a linear spring 23 acting indirectly on the first end 17 of the pin 16, while the second end 18 can protrude to a greater or lesser extent depending on its position.

[082] Furthermore, the second end 18 of pin 16 will be shaped as an inclined plane so that its contact with the upper end of the slider 7 will cause the subsequent and gradual downward slide.

[083] The security release operation 9 is illustrated in Fig. 15, Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 26 / 35 17 / 19 where, from left to right, the release pin 16 is visible respectively in the condition where it is not activated and is therefore in the inoperative position, in the condition where it is operated by means of the remote control device 14 and is therefore in a first operative position and, finally, in the condition where the remote control device 14 no longer exerts the contrast request, for example, due to breakage or malfunction, with the consequence that the release pin 16 will always be moved to the operative position by means of the linear spring 23.

[084] The translational movement will be produced by the effect of a guide element 24 connected to one end of the traction element 21 being dragged by it inside the housing 10 and against which the elastic element 23 will act.

[085] The guide element 24 will be provided with a molded guide path 25 in which the first end 17 of the pin 16 will slide and whose configuration will be such that the pin 16 always translates in the same direction, i.e., from the inoperative retracted position within the housing 10 to the extracted operating position, whether the guide element 24 translates in a first direction due to additional traction or when it translates in the opposite direction due to the impulse of the elastic element 23.

[086] Also for this embodiment, the traction element 21 will have one end connected to the transfer mechanism 15 and the opposite end adapted to be fixed to an operating element 30, such as a button, a mushroom or other element, anchored to a fixed support, in a manner technically equivalent to that described for the previous configuration; for example, the drive element 30 may be the same mushroom-shaped element described above.

[087] It is also possible to provide the presence for this configuration. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 27 / 35 18 / 19 of a voltage indicator, as well as the precise adjustment records of the traction element 21.

[088] For example, the voltage indicator may be the same translation guide element 24 showing on its outer surface a scale drawn, having in the figure an ascending-descending profile, having the reference element 35 and which will be visible from the outside through a window 39 provided on the visible face of the housing 10, in correspondence with which the arrow 36 or other reference mark present on the rear face of the housing 10 will be provided.

[089] In this case as well, the alignment between the reference element 35 and the arrow 36 will indicate the correct tensioning of the transfer mechanism 15.

[090] Fig. 16 shows a third mode of safety release 9 always applied to the same switching device 2 of the safety switch 1.

[091] Safety release 9 differs from previous ones firstly because the remote control device 14 is of the oleodynamic, pneumatic or hydraulic type or can be operated by another type of fluid and comprises a pipe 26 adapted to send fluid under pressure in the movable pin 16.

[092] As can be seen more clearly from Fig. 18, the movable pin 16 slides inside the housing 10 and is shaped to define within it a sealed chamber 27 designed to receive the pressurized fluid, also by means of suitable gaskets 28 placed around the pin 16.

[093] In turn, the elastic element is defined by a linear operating spring 29 that acts on the first inner end 17 of the pin 16 to push it outwards. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 28 / 35 19 / 19

[094] When release 9 is not activated, the pressure generated by the remote control device 14 will be such that it counteracts the tension produced by the spring 29, so as to keep the pin 16 in the inoperative retracted position in which it is completely contained in the housing 10 or slightly protruding so as not to interact with the slider 7 of the locking mechanism.

[095] To operate pin 16 it will be sufficient to reduce or stop the contrast pressure so that spring 29 pushes pin 16 into the operating position.

[096] Similarly, if there is a malfunction or breakage of the remote control device 14, the absence of pressure will cause the pin 16 to be activated immediately due to the impulse of the spring 29.

[097] The second end 18 of pin 16 will be shaped as an inclined plane so that its contact with the upper end of the slider 7 causes it to slide progressively downwards.

[098] Lastly, but no less importantly, it will also be possible to provide voltage indicator means for this modality, not illustrated.

[099] From above it is evident that the safety release and the switch according to the invention achieve the intended objectives.

[100] The release and the switch according to the invention are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all covered by the inventive concept expressed in the appended claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 29 / 35

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Remote safety release for a safety switch for access control to industrial machines and plants, wherein a safety switch (1) comprises an enclosure (4) housing an access locking mechanism, the remote safety release comprising: - an actuator (13) adapted to interact with the locking mechanism of the associated switch (1) to cause its forced release, said actuator (13) being adapted to move between an inoperative position in which it does not interact with the locking mechanism and at least one operative position in which it interacts with the locking mechanism; - a remote control device (14) adapted to be actuated by an operator to remotely control said actuator (13) and promote its movement from the inoperative position to an operative position for its interaction with the locking mechanism and the consequent release thereof;- a transfer mechanism (15) adapted to transfer a force from said remote control device (14) to said actuator (13) following the command given by the operator to promote the movement of said actuator (13) from the inoperative position to an operative position;characterized by the fact that the said transfer mechanism (15) is adapted to exert a first request with a respective value on the said actuator (13) to promote its automatic passage from the inoperative position to an operative position, the said remote control device (14) constantly exerting on the said actuator (13), when the said remote control command was not given by the operator, a second request of contrast opposite to the said first request and having a value at least equal to the value of the said first request to cancel Petition 870260016507, of 23 / 02 / 2026, page 30 / 35 2 / 6 the said first request and retain the said actuator (13) in the said inoperative position, allowing the passage of the said actuator (13) from the inoperative position to an operative position in the absence of the said second request for the release of the locking mechanism.; 2. Safety release, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a housing (10) adapted to be fixedly anchored to the housing (4) of the switch (1) and housing within said actuator (13) and said transfer mechanism (15).

3. Safety release, according to claim 2, characterized in that said actuator (13) comprises a movable release pin (16) in said housing (10) and having a first end (17) connected with said transfer mechanism (15) and a second end (18) adapted to project out of said housing (10) at least when said release pin (16) is in an operating position to interact with the locking mechanism of the switch (1).

4. Safety release, according to claim 3, characterized in that said actuator (13) comprises an elastic element (19, 23, 29) pre-loaded with said first request to constantly exert said first request on said unlocking pin (16).

5. Safety release, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said remote control device (14) comprises a traction element (21) having one end connected to said transfer mechanism (15) and the opposite end adapted to be fixed to a drive element (30) connected to a fixed support (40), said traction element (21) being constantly tensioned with Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 31 / 35 3 / 6 said second request for contrast.

6. Safety release, according to claim 5, characterized in that said actuating element (30) comprises a box-type body (31) adapted to be attached to said fixed support (40) and housing within a bistable type lever (32) connected to one end of said traction element (21) and associated at the other end with a movable control element (33), such as a handle, an emergency button, a button, a selector or similar, suitable for causing the movement of said lever (32) and the consequent traction of said traction element (21).

7. Safety release, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said unlocking pin (16) rotates around its central axis and has a second formed end (18) provided with an axial projection (20) adapted to interact with the locking mechanism following the rotation of said unlocking pin (16) in any direction, said preloaded elastic element (19) being a spiral spring.

8. Safety release, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said pre-loaded elastic element (23) is a linear spring acting on said first end (17) of said unlocking pin (16), said transfer mechanism (15) comprising guiding means (22) adapted to promote the translation of said unlocking pin (16) from said inoperative position to said operative position, both following the application of an additional traction on said traction element (21) and following the cancellation of said second counterclaim.

9. Safety release, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said remote control device (14) is Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page 32 / 35 4 / 6 of the hydraulic, pneumatic, oil-dynamic, fluid-dynamic type and comprises a tube (26) suitable for sending fluid under pressure in said unlocking pin (16) to exercise said second contrast request.

10. Safety release, according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that said remote control device (14) comprises a voltage indicator (24, 34) provided with a reference element (35) adapted to translate according to the value of said second claim to be aligned with a reference mark (36) present in said housing (10).

11. Safety switch for controlling access to industrial machines or plants, comprising: - a switching device (2) having an enclosure (4) housing switching means for one or more circuits of the machine or plant and adapted to be anchored to a fixed part (F) of an access (A); - an actuator device (3) adapted to be anchored to a moving part (M) of the access (A) to interact with said switching means when the access is closed (A); wherein said actuator device (3) comprises a retaining element (5) adapted to interact with said housing of the switching device (4) when the access (A) is closed to engage a locking mechanism present in said housing (4) and adapted to prevent the removal of said retaining element (5);wherein the said switching device (2) is associated with a remote safety release (9) comprising: - an actuator (13) adapted to interact with said locking mechanism to cause its forced release, said actuator (13) being adapted to move between an inoperative position in which it does not interact with said locking mechanism and at least one operative position in which it interacts with said locking mechanism; - a remote control device (14) adapted to be actuated by an operator to remotely control said actuator (13) and promote its movement from said inoperative position to an operative position for its interaction with said locking mechanism and consequent release thereof;- a transfer mechanism (15) adapted to transfer a force from said remote control device (14) to said actuator (13) following a remote control command given by the operator to promote the movement of said actuator (13) from said inoperative position to an operative position;characterized by the fact that said transfer mechanism (15) is adapted to exert a first request on said actuator (13) in order to promote the passage of said actuator (13) from said inoperative position to said at least one operative position, said remote control device (14) exerting on said actuator (13), when said remote control command was not given by the operator, a second request of opposite contrast to said first request and having at least equal value to cancel said first request and maintain said actuator (13) in said inoperative position, allowing said actuator (13) to pass from said inoperative position to said at least one operative position in the absence of said second request for the release of the locking mechanism and the consequent shutdown of the plant.

12. Switch, according to claim 11, characterized in that said housing (4) comprises a head (12) having at least one hole (6) for said retaining element (5) and a passage Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, page. 34 / 35 6 / 6 (11) for said actuator (13), said remote safety release (9) comprising a housing (10) adapted to be fixedly anchored to said enclosure (4) in said passage (11) and housing within said actuator (13) and said transfer mechanism (15), said actuator (13) comprising a movable unlocking pin (16) in said housing (10) and having a first end (17) connected with said transfer mechanism (15) and a second end (18) adapted to the design from said housing (10) to interact with said locking mechanism through said passage (11).

13. Switch, according to claim 12, characterized in that said housing (10) is rotatably anchored to said enclosure (4) to rotate around a central axis of said passage (11) in both directions. Petition 870260016507, dated 23 / 02 / 2026, p. 35 / 35

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