Device for emergency stop of industrial machine or facility

Abstract

An emergency stop device for a machine or an industrial facility comprises an emergency button, a rigid protective element proximate to the emergency button, and a light signal generating device for generating a light signal associated with the protective element, wherein the guard element comprises at least one signal generating portion which is transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an emergency device applicable to the field of industrial automation, in particular to an emergency stop for dangerous operations of machines or industrial facilities. Background Art

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, it is known to provide an emergency button near a machine or facility to allow an operator to stop a dangerous operation of the machine or facility in an emergency.

[0003] In some cases, for example in large industrial facilities, such as production lines for the production of steel, aluminum, food, rubber, etc., or in large vehicles or machinery, etc., it is known to provide multiple emergency buttons along the extension of the industrial facility or machine to allow an operator to quickly stop the facility or machine from any position.

[0004] In this context, known emergency buttons have some disadvantages and inconveniences.

[0005] The first disadvantage is that in an emergency, particularly when the facility or machine is large and complex and / or operates in an environment with poor visibility, obstructions, or other conditions, it can be difficult for an operator to quickly locate the nearest emergency button.

[0006] Emergency devices are also known, such as the type described in DE 4341501, which includes a mushroom-shaped emergency button having a green portion and a red portion that is movable relative to the green portion. When the emergency button is not pressed, both the green and red portions are visible, while when the emergency button is pressed, the red portion covers the green portion, making the pressed state of the button visible. DE 4341501 also describes a protective device for protecting the emergency button, which includes a transparent portion through which the green and / or red portion of the emergency button can be seen to distinguish whether it is pressed.

[0007] DE4341501 also describes that the emergency button can emit green or red light through two lights to distinguish whether it is pressed.

[0008] The second disadvantage is partially the opposite of the first disadvantage. It can be difficult to identify which emergency button was previously pressed in order to restart the machine or facility after pressing the emergency button, making it difficult to reset it. This disadvantage is also common when a machine or facility has a large number of emergency buttons, and / or when the facility or machine is very large and complex, and / or when the working environment is characterized by poor visibility, obstructions, or other conditions.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to create a panic button that overcomes the shortcomings of known technologies.

[0010] Scope of the Invention

[0011] In particular, the object of the present application is to provide an emergency device that can be easily found by an operator in an emergency situation.

[0012] Another object of the present application is to provide an emergency device that can be easily located after being pressed in an emergency situation.

[0013] Another object of the present application is to provide an emergency device that can prevent accidental or unintentional activation.

[0014] Another object of the present application is to provide an emergency device that is economical and easy to industrialize. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of a safety device according to various embodiments of the present application;

[0016] Figure 2 and Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the safety equipment;

[0017] Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of the safety equipment;

[0018] Figure 8 Simplified electrical diagram of the safety equipment for this application. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The present application relates to a device for emergency stopping of a machine or industrial facility, comprising:

[0020] an emergency button designed to pass through a standby state in which the machine or industrial installation is allowed to operate and an activated state in which the machine or industrial installation is stopped or prohibited from operating, the emergency button having an actuating element defining an actuating axis, the actuating element being adapted to be pressed along the actuating axis and being designed to actuate a switching element adapted to be connected to an external circuit of the machine or industrial installation;

[0021] - A rigid protective element, adjacent to said actuating element.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present application, the emergency device further comprises an optical signal generating device, which is designed to generate an optical signal and is associated with the protective element. In addition, the protective element comprises at least one signal generating portion which is at least partially transparent or translucent with respect to the optical signal.

[0023] According to other embodiments, the safety device comprises a power supply and a control circuit for the light signal generating means, which power supply and control circuit are designed or adapted to be designed to modify the properties of the light signal depending on the state of the emergency button or the machine.

[0024] The property of the light signal is selected from the group consisting of a flashing frequency, a color, and a light intensity of the light signal.

[0025] According to other embodiments, the device further comprises a housing which accommodates the switching element and is provided with a wall to which the actuating element is fixed.

[0026] According to other embodiments, the protective element is made integrally with the wall, and the optical signal generating device is accommodated inside the housing.

[0027] According to other embodiments, the wall of the housing is also transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal.

[0028] According to other embodiments, the light signal generating device is housed inside the housing, and the protective element is secured to the wall at an opening formed in the wall and aligned with the light signal generating device.

[0029] According to other embodiments, the protective element is fixed to the wall and the light signal generating device is integrated into the protective element.

[0030] According to other embodiments, the power supply and control circuit comprises at least two distinct parts, each of which is designed to cause the light signal generating device to generate a corresponding light signal with corresponding properties when powered on; and one or more auxiliary switching elements, each of which is associated with an actuating element to be actuated thereby and is designed to be connected to the power supply and to one of the two parts to power or not power the emergency button depending on its state.

[0031] According to other embodiments, the power supply and control circuit is of digital type and comprises a sensor of the state of the emergency button and an electronic control unit connected to the sensor and to said light signal generating means, said electronic control unit being designed to control its operation depending on the state of the emergency button.

[0032] According to other embodiments, the device further comprises an audible signal generating device arranged inside the housing and connected to the power supply and control circuit. The power supply and control circuit is designed or adapted to be designed to also modify the properties of the audible signal depending on the state of the emergency button.

[0033] According to other embodiments, the device comprises an electronic control unit connected to the light signal generating means and adapted to be connected to an external device to receive an external signal and to modify a property of the light signal depending on said external signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] refer to Figure 1 According to the present application, an emergency stop device for industrial machines or facilities (hereinafter referred to as emergency equipment 1 ) includes a housing 11 , an emergency button 12 fixed to the housing 11 , and a protective element 13 associated with the emergency button 12 .

[0035] The housing 11 comprises a protective element 13 and at least one wall 16 .

[0036] The emergency button 12 comprises an actuating element 14 fixed to a wall 16 of the housing 11 and movable along an actuating axis X in order to be pressed by an operator. In addition, the emergency button 12 comprises a switch element 15 ( Figure 3 ), the switching element 15 is contained in the housing 11 and is mechanically connected to the actuating element 14. Specifically, the switching element 15 is designed to be connected to an external circuit of the industrial machine or facility to switch the industrial machine or facility in response to the operator pressing the actuating element 14. The external circuit can be connected to a safety PLC, a safety module or a connector connected to the power supply of the machine or industrial facility, for example. In addition, preferably but not necessarily, the switching element 15 is a dual-channel type including two mechanical contact units. Alternatively, the switching element 15 is a dual-channel electronic type including two OSSDs (Output Signal Switching Devices). Further, the switching element 15 can be connected to an industrial communication bus to connect the emergency device 1 to the PLC of the machine or other external devices.

[0037] The emergency button 12 can be in a standby state, in which the actuating element 14 is in a standby position and is not pressed, and the switch element 15 allows the machine or industrial facility to operate. In addition, the emergency button 12 can be in an activated state, in which the actuating element 14 has been pressed to the emergency position, and the switch element 15 does not allow or stops the machine or industrial facility from operating.

[0038] The transition from the standby state to the active state is achieved by the operator pressing the actuating element 14, and the return from the active state to the standby state is achieved by the operator restoring the standby position of the actuating element 14. For example, the operator rotates or pulls the actuating element 14 to restore its standby position.

[0039] However, the actuating element 14 and the switching element 15 may be of any other known type without departing from the scope of protection of the present application.

[0040] The protective element 13 is adapted to protect the actuating element 14 of the emergency button 12 from accidental actuation or pressing due to unintentional impacts or knocks by an operator or a moving object.

[0041] Preferably, the protection element 13 extends substantially parallel to the actuation axis X, at least partially overlapping the actuation element 14 along at least one radial direction R, wherein the center of the radial direction R is located at a point on the actuation axis X.

[0042] In other words, the protective element 13 at least partially surrounds the actuating element 14 .

[0043] In this case, the protective element 13 comprises a rigid body which is close to the actuating element 14, for example at least partially surrounds the actuating element 14 around the actuating axis X, and which extends at least partially towards the outside of the housing 11 in a direction substantially parallel to the actuating axis X. In this way, the protective element 13 overlaps the actuating element 14 in at least one radial direction R, the center of which lies on the actuating axis X.

[0044] It should be noted that the protection element 13 can have any shape suitable for protecting the actuating element 14. For example, the protection element 13 can have a circular, partially circular, square planar shape, or a shape defined by any combination of straight and / or curved sections.

[0045] When actuating element 14 is in the standby state, actuating element 14 protrudes from wall 16 to the exterior of housing 11 to a first height H1, and protective element 13 protrudes from wall 16 to the exterior of housing 11 to a second height H2. Preferably, second height H2 is at least 50% of first height H1. Even more preferably, second height H2 is at least 80% of first height H1. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, second height H2 is greater than first height H1.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present application, the emergency device 1 further comprises an optical signal generating device 17 ( Figures 2 to 5 ), the optical signal generating device 17 is associated with the protection element 13 and is designed to generate an optical signal L( Figure 8 In addition, the protection element 13 includes at least one signal generating portion 18 ( Figure 1 ), which is at least partially transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal L. Preferably, the signal generating portion 18 is at least partially transparent or translucent with respect to natural light.

[0047] The housing 11 includes an optical signal generating device 17 .

[0048] The optical signal generating device 17 is at least partially superimposed on the protective element 13 so that the optical signal L can pass through the signal generating portion 18 and be visible from the outside.

[0049] In this case, the optical signal generating device 17 includes a plurality of LEDs, which are arranged below the signal generating portion 18 of the protective element 13 toward the interior of the housing 11 .

[0050] The surface of the signal generating portion 18 is preferably at least 50% of the entire outer surface of the protection element 13. Even more preferably, the signal generating portion 18 corresponds to the entire protection element 13. In this case, the entire protection element 13 is transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal L.

[0051] In one embodiment, Figure 4 As shown schematically, the light signal generating device 17 is contained in the housing 11 and the protective element 13 is fixed to the wall 16. In this embodiment, the wall 16 is opaque to the light signal L and includes an opening 19 between the light signal generating device 17 and the protective element 13.

[0052] In another embodiment, Figure 5 As shown schematically, the protective element 13 is fixed to a wall 16 and the optical signal generating device 17 is contained inside the protective element 13 .

[0053] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 In a further preferred embodiment schematically shown in FIG, the light signal generating device 17 is contained in the housing 11 and the protective element 13 is made integrally with the wall 16 without interruption. Preferably, in this embodiment, the protective element 13 and the wall 16 are completely transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal L.

[0054] The light signal generating device 17 is connected to a power supply and control circuit 20 designed or adapted to be designed to activate or deactivate the light signal L and to modify the properties of the light signal L as a function of the state of the emergency button 12. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply and control circuit 20 is designed or adapted to be designed to activate or deactivate the light signal L and to modify the properties of the light signal L as a function of the state of the machine or its parts.

[0055] By way of example, the modifiable properties of the light signal L may be selected among flashing frequency, color, light intensity, etc.

[0056] For example, when the emergency button 12 is in the standby state, i.e., when the actuating element 14 is not pressed, the light signal generating device 17 may emit a continuous light signal L, and when the emergency button 12 is switched to the active state, i.e., when the actuating element 14 is pressed, the light signal generating device 17 may generate an intermittent light signal L, and vice versa. Alternatively, when the emergency button 12 is in the standby state, the light signal generating device 17 may emit a continuous or intermittent light signal L, and when the emergency button 12 is switched to the active state, the light signal generating device 17 remains off and does not generate any light signal L, and vice versa. Alternatively, a first color or a first light intensity level of the light signal L may be associated with one state of the emergency button 12, while a second color or a second light intensity level of the light signal L may be assigned to another state of the emergency button 12, the second color or the second light intensity level being different from the first color or the first light intensity level, respectively.

[0057] In this way, on the one hand, operators in emergency situations can more easily find the nearest emergency device 1, and on the other hand, when it is necessary to restart a stopped machine or facility, it also facilitates and speeds up the search for the emergency device 1 that is subject to a specific operation. This is particularly advantageous for industrial machines or facilities with multiple emergency devices 1.

[0058] In other embodiments, the light signal L is activated when the machine is on and is deactivated when the machine is off, or vice versa, or to indicate any other state or operating cycle of the machine.

[0059] Optionally, the emergency device 1 further comprises an audible signal generating device 30 ( Figure 2 and Figure 8 ), the audible signal generating device 30 is arranged inside the housing 11 and is designed or adapted to be designed to generate an audible signal S according to the state of the emergency button 12. For example, the audible signal generating device 30 includes a buzzer, a speaker or any other sound source.

[0060] The audible signal generating means 30 are also connected to the power supply and control circuit 20 which is also designed or adapted to be designed to activate or deactivate the audible signal S and to modify the properties of the audible signal S depending on the state of the emergency button 12 or the machine.

[0061] For example, the modifiable properties of the audible signal S may be selected among frequency, volume and other aspects.

[0062] For example, when the emergency button 12 is in the standby state, the audible signal generating device 30 remains in the off state and does not generate any audible signal S, and when the emergency button 12 is switched to the active state, the audible signal generating device 30 generates a continuous or intermittent audible signal S, and vice versa.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply and control circuit 20 is designed or adapted to be designed to activate or deactivate the audible signal S and to modify properties of the audible signal S depending on the state of the machine or its components.

[0064] In one embodiment, the power supply and control circuit 20 is of analog type and comprises at least two distinct parts 21, 22 ( Figure 8 ), each part being suitable for causing the light signal generating means 17 to generate a corresponding light signal L having corresponding properties when energized. In addition, the power supply and control circuit 20 comprises one or more auxiliary switching devices 23, 24 associated with the actuating element 14, operated by the actuating element 14 and suitable for being connected to a power source 25 and at least one of the two parts 21, 22, so as to power one or the other of the two parts 21, 22 according to the state of the emergency button 12.

[0065] For example, the power supply and control circuit 20 includes a first portion 21, which, when powered on, is adapted to cause the optical signal generating device 17 to generate a continuous optical signal L. Furthermore, the power supply and control circuit 20 includes a second portion 22, which, when powered on, is adapted to cause the optical signal generating device 17 to generate an intermittent optical signal L.

[0066] The auxiliary switching devices 23 , 24 may be of the normally open or normally closed type and may be connected to the continuous light signal portion 21 and / or the intermittent light signal portion 22 to obtain a specific desired behavior of the emergency device 1 .

[0067] Preferably, each part 21, 22 is associated with reversible connection means (not shown, such as terminals) of each part 21, 22 to auxiliary switching means 23, 24. This is advantageous because it allows the operator installing the emergency device 1 of the present application to set the desired light signal effect.

[0068] For example, the normally closed auxiliary switch device 23 may be connected to the continuous light signal portion 21, and the normally open auxiliary switch device 24 may be connected to the intermittent light signal portion 22, so that the light signal generating device 17 emits a continuous light signal L when the emergency button 12 is in the standby state, and emits an intermittent light signal when the emergency button 12 is in the activated state. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the auxiliary switch devices 23, 24 may be of any known type or combination and may be arbitrarily connected to the continuous light signal portion 21 and / or the intermittent light signal portion 22 or to only one of them to achieve the desired light signal generating effect.

[0069] Optionally, the power supply and control circuit 20 includes a third portion 26, which, when powered, is adapted to cause the audible signal generating device 30 to generate a continuous audible signal S. Furthermore, the power supply and control circuit 20 includes a fourth portion 27, which, when powered, is adapted to cause the audible signal generating device 30 to generate an intermittent audible signal S.

[0070] In this case, the auxiliary switching devices 23 , 24 are also designed to be connected to the continuous audible signal portion 26 and / or the intermittent audible signal portion 27 .

[0071] For example, the normally open auxiliary switch device 24 can be connected to the intermittent or continuous audible signal portion 26 or 27, so that when the emergency button 12 is in the activated state, the audible signal generating device 20 emits a continuous or intermittent signal. In addition, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the auxiliary switch devices 23, 24 can be of any known type or combination and can be connected to either the continuous audible signal portion 26 and / or the intermittent audible signal portion 27 or only one of them to obtain the desired audible signal generation effect.

[0072] In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the power supply and control circuit 20 may be of digital type and include a sensor for detecting whether the actuating element 14 is in the standby state or in the active state and a programmable electronic control unit connected to the sensor and the light signal generating device 17 to control them according to the state of the actuating element 14. Optionally, in these embodiments, the control unit may also be connected to the audible signal generating device 30 to control the audible signal generating device 30 according to the state of the actuating element 14.

[0073] Alternatively, in these embodiments, the control unit can be connected to an external device via an industrial communication protocol or bus (IO-Link, ProfiNET, ProfiSafe or other) to receive an external signal encoding the desired properties of the light signal L and / or the audible signal S. In this case, the control unit is designed to control the light signal generating device 17 and / or the audible signal generating device 30 according to the external signal encoding the desired properties of the light signal L and / or the audible signal S.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may control the operation of the optical signal generating device 17 and / or the audible signal generating device 30 according to the external signal.

[0075] For example, the external signal may change the properties of the light signal L and / or the audible signal S according to the activation state of the machine or industrial facility or other factors. Alternatively, the switch element 15 may be connected to an external device, i.e., a machine, and the external device may transmit an external signal to change the properties of the light signal L and / or the audible signal S according to the state of the emergency button 12.

[0076] The emergency device 1 of the present application can be integrated into any known industrial automation device, and in these cases, the housing 11 can also include elements of the industrial automation device in which the emergency device 1 is integrated.

[0077] For example, in Figure 6 In one embodiment shown, the emergency device 1 of the present application is integrated into a safety switch for a movable protective device. Figure 7 In another embodiment shown, the emergency device 1 of the present application is integrated into a button panel having other buttons (for example, having two other buttons).

Claims

1. Equipment for emergency stopping of machinery or industrial installations (1), comprising: - an emergency button (12) designed to undergo a standby state and an activated state, wherein the standby state allows the machine or industrial facility to operate and the activated state stops or prohibits the machine or industrial facility from operating, the emergency button (12) having an actuating element (14) defining an actuating axis (X), the actuating element (14) being suitable for being pressed along the actuating axis (X) and being designed to actuate a switch element (15) suitable for being connected to an external circuit of the machine or industrial facility; as well as - a rigid protective element (13), close to said actuating element (14); The device (1) comprises an optical signal generating device (17), which is designed to generate an optical signal (L) and is associated with the protection element (13), and the protection element (13) comprises at least one signal generating part (18), and the at least one signal generating part (18) is at least partially transparent or semi-transparent relative to the optical signal (L).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The invention comprises a housing (11), wherein the housing (11) is provided with a wall (16), and the actuating element (14) is fixed to the wall (16).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The housing (11) further comprises the protection element (13) and contains the optical signal generating device (17) and the switch element (15).

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The protection element (13) is fixed to or made integrally with the wall (16), and the optical signal generating device (17) is accommodated in the housing (11).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The protection element (13) extends substantially parallel to the actuation axis (X) and at least partially overlaps the actuation element (14) along at least one radial direction (R) centered at a point of the actuation axis (X).

6. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A power supply and control circuit (20) comprising the light signal generating device (17) is designed or adapted to be designed to modify the properties of the light signal (L) depending on the state of the emergency button (12) or the machine.

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that Said property of said light signal (L) is selected from the group consisting of a flashing frequency, a color and a light intensity of said light signal (L).

8. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The protection element (13) is formed integrally with the wall (16), and the optical signal generating device (17) is accommodated in the housing (11).

9. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The wall (16) is also transparent or translucent with respect to the light signal (L).

10. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The optical signal generating device (17) is accommodated in the housing (11), and the protective element (13) is fixed to the wall (16) at an opening (19) formed in the wall (16) and aligned with the optical signal generating device (17).

11. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The protection element (13) is fixed to the wall (16), and the optical signal generating device (17) is integrated into the protection element (13).

12. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The power supply and control circuit (20) comprises at least two distinct parts (21, 22), each part being adapted, when powered on, to cause the optical signal generating means (17) to generate a respective optical signal (L) having respective properties; and One or more auxiliary switch devices (23, 24), each of which is associated with the actuating element (14) to be actuated and is designed to be connected to a power source (25) and to one of the two different parts (21, 22) in order to supply or not supply power to the one of the two different parts (21, 22) depending on the state of the emergency button (12).

13. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The power supply and control circuit (20) is of digital type and comprises a sensor of the state of the emergency button (12) and an electronic control unit connected to the sensor and the light signal generating device (17), the electronic control unit being designed to control the operation of the light signal generating device depending on the state of the emergency button (12).

14. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes an audible signal generating device (30), which is arranged in the housing (11) and connected to the power supply and control circuit (20) to generate an audible signal (S), wherein the power supply and control circuit (20) is designed or suitable for being designed to modify the properties of the audible signal (S) also according to the state of the emergency button (12).

15. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that It comprises an electronic control unit connected to the optical signal generating device (17) and adapted to be connected to an external device to receive an external signal and to modify the property of the optical signal (L) according to the external signal.

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