Safety devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device (8) comprising a safety switch (7) and at least one actuator (9), wherein, when the actuator (9) is arranged in a response range relative to the safety switch (7), the actuator transmits a signal to the safety switch (7), thereby activating a function of the safety switch (7). The actuator (9) is additionally designed for configuring the safety switch (7), in which case the actuator (9) can transmit a configuration signal to the safety switch (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device. Background Art

[0002] The safety device comprises a safety switch and at least one actuator arranged movably relative to the safety device. Safety devices constructed in this manner are often used in the field of safety technology. One example of such use in safety technology is access protection to hazardous areas, where the access can be closed by means of a protective door. In this case, the actuator is typically located on the protective door, while the safety switch is located on the frame structure that delimits the access. The term "protective door" encompasses doors, flaps, hoods, covers, pivoting and sliding doors, and similar devices.

[0003] Known safety switches have an RFID system with a transponder integrated in the actuator and a reader integrated in the safety switch. The closed position of a protective door can be controlled using this RFID system. Only when the door is in the closed position is the transponder in the actuator spatially associated with the reader in the safety switch such that the transponder signal is received by the reader.

[0004] Furthermore, the safety device can be used to secure the protective door in its closed position. For this purpose, the safety switch typically has a safety locking element in the form of a safety locking bolt, which can enter a receptacle, in particular a recess, in the actuator when the protective door is in the closed position, thereby achieving safety locking of the protective door.

[0005] Only when the closed position of the actuator is also detected in the reading unit by detecting the signal of the transponder when the guard is locked does the safety switch generate a permission signal for the operation of the installation in the hazardous area; otherwise, a shutdown command for the installation is generated in the safety switch.

[0006] The installation is usually opened via a safety output of a safety switch, which is switched on for this purpose.

[0007] In the case of such a safety device, different functions, in particular also safety-related functions, can be predefined by configuring the safety switch in order to be able to adapt it to the respective application.

[0008] For this purpose, in addition to the actuator, by means of which the function of the safety switch is activated, a configuration actuator can also be used, which serves only for configuring the safety switch.

[0009] The disadvantage here is that configuring the manipulator as an additional unit for the safety device results in significant additional costs, especially in terms of production, warehouse management, and additional logistics costs. This includes, on the one hand, the production and storage of the different safety devices, and, on the other hand, the differentiation, support, and avoidance of confusion.

[0010] The configuration of the safety switch by means of a configuration actuator cannot be rechecked, since it is not visible on the safety switch, which carries the risk of manipulation or malfunctions, particularly when replacing the safety switch.

[0011] It is also known to configure the safety switch using a DIP switch. A disadvantage of this is that the safety switch must be opened to operate the DIP switch, which is not only cumbersome but also requires increased manufacturing costs and special measures for sealing. This is because these settings cannot be detected from the outside, especially when replacing an already configured safety switch, unless the switch is opened or an opening or inspection window is provided in front. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a safety device of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which an increase in functional safety is achieved.

[0013] In order to achieve this object, the following features are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient refinements are described below.

[0014] The present invention relates to a safety device comprising a safety switch and at least one actuator, wherein, when the actuator is arranged in a response range relative to the safety switch, the actuator transmits a signal to the safety switch, thereby activating a function of the safety switch. The actuator is additionally designed for configuring the safety switch, wherein the actuator can transmit a configuration signal to the safety switch.

[0015] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore to give a dual function to at least one actuator of the safety device. In addition to the known function of activating the safety switch, the actuator can also be used to configure the safety switch.

[0016] Therefore, no additional units, such as a separate configuration actuator, are required for the configuration of the safety switch. No additional structural devices, such as DIP switches, openings, inspection windows, configuration inputs, serial interfaces or the like, need be provided on the safety switch.

[0017] The operating principle of the safety device is preferably such that the safety switch and the actuator have a data transmission mechanism, by means of which data are transmitted contactlessly between the safety switch and the actuator when the actuator is arranged in the response range of the safety switch.

[0018] In particular, radio signals are suitable for data transmission, but in principle magnetic signals or optical signals and the like are also suitable.

[0019] In this case, the data can be stored in the safety switch.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the actuator has a transponder and the safety switch has an RFID reading unit.

[0021] As long as the transponder is within the response range of the RFID reading unit, the data stored in the transponder can be read by means of the RFID reading unit.

[0022] The data stored in the transponder is in the form of a data code, for example a bit sequence that can be transmitted to an RFID reading unit. The data code usually contains identification data and data about functions and configurations that can be activated on the operator.

[0023] According to the invention, defined properties of the data code (eg bits of a bit sequence or a hash value) form a configuration signal, by means of which a specific configuration of the safety switch can be determined and defined when the data code is read into the safety switch.

[0024] The actuator is advantageously designed with the aid of a data code so that it predetermines the exact configuration of the safety switch. This uniqueness safely prevents incorrect configuration of the safety switch even under fault conditions. In particular, a single configuration can also include multiple functions of the safety switch.

[0025] In the simplest case, one bit of the bit sequence forms the configuration signal.

[0026] It may also generally be necessary or expedient for a plurality of bits to form a configuration signal and thus define a configuration.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of actuators are associated with the safety switch.

[0028] Advantageously, the safety switch is assigned an actuator in which different configuration signals are stored for predefining the various configurations.

[0029] Thus, by suitable selection of the actuator, the safety switch can be configured into a desired configuration. This is a very simple possibility to configure the safety switch in different ways.

[0030] It is possible that when the safety switch is configured using the operator, the corresponding configuration is stored in the safety switch. This can help prevent malfunctions and manipulation of the safety switch.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if, after the safety switch has been configured using a first actuator, all other actuators having a configuration different therefrom are deactivated.

[0032] For certain applications, it may be expedient to have multiple actuators available in order to be able to activate the safety switch function during operation. This can be useful in order to safely detect different positions of a rolling door, a rotary table, or similar moving objects. To this end, a safety switch is installed at each position to be detected.

[0033] In this case, a plurality of identical actuators are expediently assigned to the safety switch.

[0034] The plurality of actuators have the same configuration signal and thus achieve the same configuration. If the safety switch is already configured with this configuration, all such actuators can therefore be used to activate the corresponding function during operation.

[0035] The safety switch is particularly advantageously configured in a configuration mode which is separate from the operating mode of the safety switch, in which activation of a function is performed by means of at least one actuator as long as the actuator is within the response range of the safety switch.

[0036] Advantageously, the safety switch automatically switches to configuration mode when power is applied, that is, when switched on, or when the device is started. The safety switch is preferably switched to configuration mode for a predetermined time period. The user can then use this time period to configure the safety switch using the operator.

[0037] Advantageously, the safety switch can be configured, in particular reconfigured, by performing a factory reset of the safety switch, after which a learning process for learning the data code of the corresponding actuator can advantageously be carried out, although this is not mandatory.

[0038] If, for example, the safety switch is configured to a corresponding first configuration during startup using a first actuator, and this corresponding first configuration is subsequently to be changed during operation of the safety switch, the operation can be interrupted by restoring the factory settings and the safety switch can be switched to a configuration mode in which the safety switch can be reconfigured using another actuator.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the safety switch has an arrangement of safety outputs, wherein the activation of the function of the safety switch is effected by switching on the safety outputs.

[0040] By switching on the safety output, for example, the operation of a hazardous installation can be permitted.

[0041] The safety device can then be used on the installation to secure the entrance to the hazardous area. Typically, the entrance to the hazardous area is achieved via at least one protective door (e.g., a flap, a hood, a cover, a pivoting door, a sliding door, or similar devices), which is monitored by the safety device.

[0042] According to a first embodiment, the safety device has a safety switch with a locking mechanism, that is, the safety switch is used to control whether the protective door is in its closed position. Only when the protective door is in its closed position is the operation of the installation permitted by switching on the safety output of the safety switch.

[0043] According to a second embodiment, the safety device has a safety switch having a guard locking mechanism. In this case, only when the guard locking mechanism of the safety switch is used to protect the door in its closed position, the operation of the facility is permitted by the safety output of the safety switch.

[0044] Depending on whether the safety switch is provided with locking or guard locking, different functions of locking or guard locking can therefore be configured by the actuator using different configuration signals.

[0045] In the case of a safety switch with locking, for example, different locking positions can be configured.

[0046] In the case of a safety switch with guard locking, for example, the functions "personnel protection" and "process protection" can be configured. In the first case, the safety output of the safety switch is only switched, and thus the operation of the installation is authorized, when guard locking is active for the protective door in its closed position. In the second case, by contrast, the safety output is already switched when the protective door is closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram showing a safety device for hazardous area protection.

[0049] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of a safety device with a safety switch having a locking mechanism and an associated actuator is shown.

[0050] Figure 3: Shows a schematic diagram of a safety device with a safety switch and an associated actuator, the safety switch having a guard locking. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A safety system 1 for safely operating an installation 2 is schematically shown. Dangers, in particular for personnel, may arise from the installation 2. Therefore, a danger zone 3 surrounding the installation 2 is protected by means of a fence 4. A protective door 5 is provided in the fence 4, through which personnel can gain access to the danger zone 3.

[0052] The safety system 1 includes a safety control device 6 that controls the operation of the installation 2. A safety switch 7 is also provided, which monitors whether the protective door 5 is closed or guard locked. The safety control device 6 controls the operation of the installation 2 based on the signal generated by the safety switch 7.

[0053] For this purpose, the safety switch 7 has an arrangement of safety outputs, via which signals are output to the safety control device 6. The safety switch 7 generates a signal in such a way that operation of the installation 2 is permitted only when the protective door 5 is closed in its closed position (process protection) or closed and the guard is locked (personnel protection).

[0054] The safety device 8 according to the invention is particularly designed to Figure 1 The safety system 1 shown, wherein Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of the safety device 8 is shown.

[0055] Figure 2 A safety device 8 is schematically shown with a safety switch 7 having a locking mechanism, to which one or preferably several actuators 9 of the same design are assigned. Figure 2 Only one such manipulator 9 is shown in FIG.

[0056] For example, the safety device 8 is used to control Figure 1 The closed position of the protective door 5 is shown, wherein an actuator 9 can be arranged on the protective door 5 for this purpose.

[0057] The closed position is reached when the actuator 9 enters the response range of the safety switch 7, wherein Figure 2 In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , this is the case when the actuator 9 enters the recess 10 of the safety switch 7 .

[0058] The transponder 11 in the actuator 9 is then within the response range of the RFID reader 12 of the safety switch 7 , so that the data stored in the transponder 11 are read by the RFID reader 12 and processed in the safety switch 7 , preferably in a memory unit of a computing unit.

[0059] During operation of the safety switch 7 , the safety output is switched on and the operation of the installation 2 is authorized only when the closed position of the protective door 5 is detected in this way.

[0060] Figure 3 A further embodiment of a safety device 8 is shown, which likewise comprises a safety switch 7 and preferably a plurality of identically constructed actuators 9 , of which only one is shown.

[0061] With the help of Figure 3 The safety device 8 shown in FIG. 1 realizes and controls the protective locking of the protective door 5 in its closed position.

[0062] Figure 3 The position of the actuator 9 on the protective door 5 is shown when the protective door is in its closed position. Similarly, the transponder 11 of the actuator 9 is then within the response range of the RFID reader 12 of the safety switch 7, so that the data from the transponder 11 can be read by means of the RFID reader. These data are also stored in the safety switch 7.

[0063] Furthermore, the safety switch 7 has a safety locking element 13 that is movable between a closed position and an open position, which can be formed by a movable safety locking bolt. The movement of the safety locking bolt can be achieved, for example, by means of an electromagnet. Figure 3 The guard locking bolt is shown in the closed position, in which the guard locking element 13 enters a recess 14 of the actuator 9 , thereby achieving guard locking of the guard door 5 .

[0064] Data is stored in the form of data codes Figure 2 and Figure 3 In each actuator 9 of the safety device 8, that is, in the transponder 11 of each actuator. Identification data and data about the function of the actuator 9 are stored in attributes of the data code. According to the invention, for each actuator 9, a configuration signal is encoded in the attributes of the data code, which defines the configuration for the safety switch 7. In the simplest case, only one bit is provided for this purpose. Generally, multiple bits can also be provided for this purpose. The attributes of the data code can also be formed by hash values ​​or the like.

[0065] for Figure 2 and Figure 3In the present case, a plurality of actuators 9 are associated with each safety device 8 of the safety device 7. Different configuration signals for presetting different configurations are stored in the transponders 11 of the individual actuators 9. In principle, multiple actuators 9 can also be provided, each with the same configuration signal.

[0066] Advantageously, during operation of the safety switch 7, the actuator 9 only activates functions, such as switching on a safety output, when its transponder 11 is within the response range of the RFID reader 12. In contrast, in the configuration mode, the configuration of the safety switch 7 is predetermined by the actuator 9.

[0067] It is generally also possible to predefine the configuration during operation of the safety switch 7 .

[0068] When the safety switch 7 is put into operation or after it has been energized (switched on), it advantageously transitions to a configuration mode for a predetermined period of time, allowing the safety switch to be configured using the actuator 9. Furthermore, the safety switch 7 can be placed in the configuration mode by restoring the factory settings. This factory reset can be used, in particular, for reconfiguration using another actuator 9.

[0069] In configuration mode, the configuration is particularly advantageously performed such that when an actuator 9 with its transponder 11 is brought into the response range of the RFID reader unit of the safety switch 7, the configuration signal of this actuator 9 is read into the safety switch 7 and stored there. The safety switch 7 then adopts the configuration corresponding to the configuration signal for subsequent operation. All other actuators 9 with other configuration signals are then automatically deactivated.

[0070] The configuration of the safety switch 7 then remains unchanged until it is reconfigured. This reconfiguration is advantageously initiated by restoring the factory settings.

[0071] In accordance with Figure 2 In the case of a safety switch 7 with a locking mechanism, for example, position recognition of different door positions of the protective door 5 is possible, wherein such positions can be set by configuration.

[0072] In accordance with Figure 3 In the case of a safety switch 7 with guard locking, for example, the functions "personnel protection" and "process protection" can be configured, wherein in the first case, the safety output of the safety switch 7 is only switched, and thus the operation of the installation 2 is authorized, when the guard locking is active for the protective door 5 in its closed position. In contrast, in the second case, the safety output is already switched when the protective door 5 is closed.

[0073] Reference Signs List

[0074] (1) Security system

[0075] (2) Facilities

[0076] (3) Dangerous areas

[0077] (4) Fence

[0078] (5) Protective door

[0079] (6) Safety control device

[0080] (7) Safety switch

[0081] (8) Safety devices

[0082] (9) Manipulator

[0083] (10) Groove

[0084] (11) Transponder

[0085] (12) RFID reading unit

[0086] (13) Protective locking element

[0087] (14) Depression.

Claims

1. A safety device (8) comprising a safety switch (7) and at least one actuator (9), wherein: The actuator (9) has a transponder (11), and the safety switch (7) has an RFID reading unit (12), wherein, when the actuator (9) is arranged in a response range relative to the safety switch (7), a signal is transmitted from the actuator to the safety switch (7), thereby activating the function of the safety switch (7), characterized in that the actuator (9) is additionally constructed for configuring the safety switch (7), in which the actuator (9) can transmit a configuration signal to the safety switch (7), wherein different functions of the safety switch (7) can be predefined by configuring the safety switch (7), wherein the configuration of the safety switch (7) is realized in a configuration mode that is separate from the operating mode of the safety switch, wherein the safety switch (7) is associated with a plurality of actuators (9), in which different configuration signals are stored, the different configuration signals being used to predefined different configurations, and after the safety switch (7) is configured by means of one of the plurality of actuators (9), all other actuators (9) having a different configuration are deactivated.

2. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that The safety switch (7) and the actuator (9) have a data transmission mechanism, by means of which data are transmitted contactlessly between the safety switch and the actuator when the actuator (9) is arranged in the response range of the safety switch (7).

3. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that A data code is transmitted from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7), wherein predetermined properties of the data code form the configuration signal.

4. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The safety switch (7) is assigned a plurality of identical actuators (9).

5. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that During operation of the safety switch (7), only activation of the function is possible with the aid of the actuator (9).

6. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The safety switch (7) switches to the configuration mode after restoring the factory settings, during startup, or after a switch-on process.

7. The safety device (8) according to claim 6, characterized in that The safety switch (7) switches to the configuration mode for a predetermined period of time.

8. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The safety switch (7) has an arrangement of safety outputs, wherein the function of the safety switch (7) is activated by switching on the safety outputs.

9. The safety device (8) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that A safety switch (7) with a locking or guard locking is provided, and different functions of the locking or guard locking can be configured.

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