Safety device

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device (1) with a safety module comprising a locking device (8). The locking device (8) is arranged on the outside of a side wall of the safety module and has a spring-loaded centering cone (9) and a locking bolt (10) guided through an opening (11) of the centering cone (9). Locking is effected by the centering bolt being inserted into a locking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a safety device.

[0002] Such safety devices are used in the field of safety engineering, particularly in the area of ​​machine safety.

[0003] A typical monitoring function of a safety device consists of monitoring a separating protective device, such as a safety door, through which access to a danger area on a machine or system is enabled.

[0004] Known safety devices feature safety switches.

[0005] The operation of a hazardous system within the danger zone is only authorized by a safety controller if the safety switch detects that the separating protective device is in its closed position. For this purpose, the safety switch can, for example, include an RFID unit that detects a transponder assigned to the separating protective device. The functionality of the safety switch can be extended by a locking mechanism that interlocks the separating protective device in its closed position. The locking mechanism engages by retracting a locking element of a locking device, in particular a locking bolt, into a locked position. An actuator in the form of an electric or electromagnetic drive is provided to retract the locking element into the locked position.

[0006] DE 20 2022 100 498 U1 relates to a locking device for a safety switch, wherein the locking device has a locking element movable in a direction of movement between an unlocking position and a locking position, and a locking unit associated with the locking element, which is to be moved in a plane of movement perpendicular to the direction of movement onto the locking element in order to move the locking element from the unlocking position to the locking position. The locking unit is to be moved steplessly from any direction in the plane of movement onto the locking element until the locking position is reached.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a safety device with high functionality.

[0008] The features of claim 1 are provided to solve this problem. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a safety device comprising a safety module with a locking device. The locking device is arranged on the outside of a side wall of the safety module and has a spring-loaded centering cone and a locking bolt guided through an opening in the centering cone. Locking is effected by the centering bolt being inserted into a locking position.

[0010] The safety device according to the invention is used in the field of safety technology, in particular in the field of machine safety, and advantageously has a fail-safe design that complies with the normative requirements.

[0011] The safety device can generally be designed as a safety locking system. As a safety module, the safety device can, for example, include a locking module, a sensor module, or a control and evaluation module.

[0012] The safety device according to the invention advantageously comprises, as a safety module, a safety switch and an actuator associated with it and movably arranged relative to it. The safety switch with the actuator can serve to secure a separating protective device.

[0013] A particularly advantageous separating protective device is a safety door that can close off access to a hazardous area of ​​a machine within the system. Generally, the separating protective device can also be a flap, a door, or the like.

[0014] The safety switch checks whether the actuator is in its closed position. For this purpose, the safety switch can have an RFID unit that reads data from a transponder in the actuator when the actuator is in its closed position at the safety switch.

[0015] If such a safety switch is used to secure a separating protective device as access to a danger zone on a system, the operation of the system is only enabled if the safety switch determines that the actuator, and thus the separating protective device to which the actuator is attached, is in its closed position and, if applicable, whether this closed position is locked with a holding device.

[0016] The locking device according to the invention is arranged on the outside of the safety module and has a spring-loaded centering cone and a locking bolt guided through an opening in the centering cone, whereby locking is effected by inserting the locking bolt.

[0017] Generally, the locking action is performed on a counter module assigned to one of the safety modules.

[0018] The safety device advantageously features an actuator that is movable relative to the safety module, the safety module being a safety switch. The actuator is locked in a closed position relative to the safety switch by means of the holding device.

[0019] The centering cone of the holding device according to the invention achieves automatic centering on the counter module, in particular an actuator, wherein the contour of the counter module, especially the actuator, is advantageously adapted to the contour of the centering cone. This centering occurs automatically as soon as the counter module or the actuator approaches, and upon force-applied contact with the counter module or the actuator, the centering cone springs back, thereby promoting automatic centering of the holding device.

[0020] Another significant advantage of the holding device according to the invention is that it can achieve high holding forces. When a tensile force is applied to the counter module or the actuator, the spring force of the compressed centering cone must first be overcome and the centering bolt released from its locking position. By dimensioning the centering cone sufficiently large, high detent and centering forces can be achieved with minimal wear.

[0021] A further significant advantage is that the degree of freedom of the locking bolt in its direction of travel, once locked, is limited solely by the design of the locking device according to the invention. External elements for restricting the degree of freedom of the centering bolt, such as hoods or similar obstructions, which can also pose a risk of injury to persons, are not required.

[0022] Due to the centering effect achieved with the centering cone and the resulting high centering force, it is possible, even with a tensioned safety door, to release the locking mechanism into a wider area on safety doors and the like, on which an actuator is arranged, i.e., a "release with detent" is possible.

[0023] By restricting the degree of freedom of the locking bolt when locked, a defined response range is established for the sensors in the safety module. In a safety module in the form of a safety switch, data can therefore be reliably read from a transponder in the actuator using an integrated RFID unit, provided the actuator is locked in its closed position with the locking device.

[0024] Finally, it is advantageous that the centering cone surrounding the locking bolt forms a minimal, rounded interference contour on the safety module, thereby minimizing the risk of injury to persons and also preventing unwanted snagging of objects on the locking device.

[0025] According to a geometrically advantageous embodiment, the locking device is rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry oriented perpendicular to the side wall, wherein the centering cone is deflectable in the direction of the axis of symmetry. The opening of the centering cone and the locking bolt lie on the axis of symmetry, and the locking bolt is movable in the direction of the axis of symmetry between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0026] The locking device has a compact design and is arranged on the safety module in a space-saving manner, especially when the locking device is located on a longitudinal side of the safety module.

[0027] In the locking device, the locking bolt is driven by an actuator.

[0028] The locking bolt is thus moved between an unlocked position and a locked position by a motor.

[0029] Advantageously, the centering cone tapers continuously from its base, located in the area of ​​the side wall of the safety module, to its front end, which faces away from the side wall of the safety module, with the opening located at the front end.

[0030] The lateral surface of the centering cone has a continuous curvature, so that no disturbing edges or steps are formed.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous that when a force is applied to the front end of the centering cone, it is drawn into a recess in the side wall of the safety module against the spring force of spring elements.

[0032] In its extended state, the centering cone lies completely outside the safety module and surrounds the locking bolt. When a force is applied, particularly by the actuator, the centering cone is pressed into the recess against the spring force of the spring elements, and this compensating movement causes the locking device to self-center.

[0033] According to a structurally advantageous embodiment, a guide bushing is provided that is stationary in or on the safety module, the longitudinal axis of which runs in the axis of symmetry and which runs in a bore of the centering cone, which opens at the opening of the centering cone.

[0034] The guide bushing provides positive guidance for the centering bolt.

[0035] A particularly advantageous feature is the annular projection at the front outer edge of the guide bushing, which protrudes beyond the centering cone. Its diameter is larger than the diameter of the opening of the centering cone.

[0036] The ring-shaped design achieves an optimized adaptation to the assigned actuator of the safety device.

[0037] Advantageously, the actuator has a base with a recess on its upper surface. Two side parts project upwards from the base on opposite edges, their free edges forming a ramp that extends beyond the inner surface of the side part.

[0038] The upper surfaces of the ramps form concave surface sections that are adapted to the outer contour of the centering cone.

[0039] In this configuration, the locking device is inserted laterally into the actuator.

[0040] The actuator is open between the side parts, so that the locking device is inserted there when the actuator is retracted into its closed position.

[0041] Advantageously, when the actuator is retracted into the closed position, it is locked by the fact that the locking bolt is retracted into the recess in the base of the actuator.

[0042] The retaining bolt sits with play in the recess.

[0043] By inserting the locking bolt into the recess of the actuator, a secure locking mechanism is achieved, particularly because the degree of freedom of the locking bolt for movement in the axial direction is limited by the design of the locking device.

[0044] By having the locking bolt lie in the recess with preferably large play, a tolerance compensation is created that compensates for misalignments of the actuator on a safety door and the like.

[0045] Finally, it is advantageous that when the actuator is retracted into the closed position, the ring-shaped projection of the guide bushing rests against the lower edges of the actuator's ramps.

[0046] This prevents the locking mechanism from being released when force is applied to a safety door to which the actuator is attached.

[0047] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1: Exemplary embodiment of the safety device according to the invention with a safety switch having a locking device and an actuator. Fig. 2: Individual view of the safety switch with the locking device. Fig. 3: Sectional view of a section of the arrangement according to Fig. 2. Fig. 4: Safety device according to Fig. 1 with the actuator in a closed position and with the locking mechanism engaged. Fig. 5: Sectional view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the safety device 1 according to the invention with a safety module in the form of a safety switch 2 and an actuator 3.

[0049] The safety switch 2 is stationary, mounted on a profile 4 which is part of a frame that restricts access to a hazardous area. The actuator 3 is arranged on a door profile 5 of a safety door 6, which can be used to close the access. The actuator 3 is therefore movable relative to the safety switch 2.

[0050] The components of the safety switch 2 are integrated into an elongated, cuboid housing 7. The housing 7 contains (not shown) an RFID unit, a multi-channel computer structure, and a safe output structure. The RFID unit can read data from a transponder (also not shown) of the actuator 3 when the actuator is in a closed position (as in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown) has been driven in.

[0051] As shown in the figures, the safety switch 2 has a locking device 8. The locking device 8 can be used to lock the actuator 3 in its closed position.

[0052] The safety switch 2 generates an output signal with which the operation of a system in the danger zone is enabled when the actuator 3 is detected in its closed position by reading the data from the transponder with the safety switch 2 (which signals a closed safety door 6) and optionally when the locking of the actuator 3 is effected by the locking device 8.

[0053] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the locking device 8 is rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry S, which runs perpendicular to the plane of the side wall of the safety switch 2, on which the locking device 8 is arranged.

[0054] The locking device 8 has as its central components a centering cone 9 and a locking bolt 10, wherein the locking bolt 10 is guided through a central circular opening 11 in the centering cone 9, symmetrically shaped with respect to the axis of symmetry S, as shown in particular by the Fig. 3 and Fig. Show 5.

[0055] How in particular the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the centering cone 9 tapers continuously from its base, located in the area of ​​the side wall of the safety module, to its front end, which faces away from the side wall of the safety module, with the opening 11 being located at the front end.

[0056] The centering cone 9 is resiliently mounted by means of spring elements 12. When an external force is applied, the centering cone 9 is pushed against the spring force of the spring elements 12 into a recess 13 in the safety module ( Fig. 5), i.e. the centering cone 9 is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of the axis of symmetry S.

[0057] If no force acts on the centering cone 9, the base connects to the outside of the housing 7 ( Fig. 3).

[0058] The bolt is guided in a stationary, hollow cylindrical guide bushing 14, which runs in a bore of the centering cone 9. The bore opens at the opening 11 of the centering cone 9.

[0059] At the front edge of the guide bushing 14, which protrudes beyond the centering cone 9, an annular projection 14a is attached to its outer side, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the opening 11 of the centering cone 9.

[0060] If no force acts on the centering cone 9, the ring-shaped projection 14a rests on the edge region of the centering cone 9 that limits the opening 11 ( Fig. 3).

[0061] The locking bolt 10 is driven by an actuator so that the locking bolt 10 moves along the axis of symmetry S between an unlocked position ( Fig. 3) and a locking position ( Fig. 5) can be done.

[0062] The actuator consists of an electric drive 15, whose rotary motion is converted into a translational motion of the centering bolt by a mechanical transmission 16. The deflection of the centering bolt is against a compression spring 17.

[0063] As can be seen particularly from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the actuator 3 has a base part 18 and two identical, mirror-symmetrical side parts 19, which extend upwards from opposite edges of the base part 18. The side parts 19 are oriented perpendicular to the base part 18.

[0064] There is a recess 20 on the top side of the base part 18 ( Fig. 5).

[0065] The free edges of the side parts 19 each form a ramp 21. The upper surface of each ramp 21 is adapted to the outer contour of the centering cone 9. The underside of each ramp 21 projects beyond the inner surface of the respective side part 19 and forms a step 22.

[0066] The actuator 3 is open on two sides. This means that when the safety door 6 is closed, the locking device 8 is retracted laterally into the actuator 3.

[0067] The centering cone 9 provides automatic centering of the locking device 8 relative to the actuator 3, whereby upon contact with the ramps 21 of the actuator 3 the centering cone 9 springs back into the recess 13.

[0068] When actuator 3 is retracted into its closed position, this is detected by the RFID unit reading the data from the transponder in actuator 3.

[0069] The actuator 3 is then locked in its closed position by the holding device 8. This situation is described in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0070] The locking is achieved by extending the locking bolt 10 into its locking position, in which the locking bolt 10 engages in the recess 20 of the base part 18 of the actuator 3.

[0071] The retaining bolt 10 lies with considerable play in the recess 20, thereby compensating for tolerances.

[0072] Due to contact with the ramps 21, the centering cone 9 is slightly recessed into the recess 13. The annular projection 14a thus extends beyond the centering cone 9 and rests against the shoulders 22 of the ramps 21 of the actuator 3, thereby preventing the locking device 8 from being undesirably dislodged from the actuator 3 when forces act in an axial direction. Reference symbol list 1 safety device 2 safety switches 3 actuators 4 Profile 5 Door profile 6 safety door 7 cases 8 Holding device 9 centering cones 10 retaining bolts 11 Opening 12 spring element 13 recess 14 Guide bushing 14a Approach 15 Drive 16 Implementation 17 Compression spring 18 Base section 19 Side panel 20 In-depth study 21 Ramp Paragraph 22 S axis of symmetry

Claims

[1] Safety device (1) with a safety module comprising a locking device (8), wherein the locking device (8) is arranged on the outside of a side wall of the safety module and wherein the locking device (8) comprises a centering cone (9) and a locking bolt (10) guided through an opening (11) of the centering cone (9), wherein locking is effected by the centering bolt being inserted into a locking position, characterized by , that the centering cone (9) is spring-mounted. [2] Safety device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that this has an actuator (3) that is movable relative to the safety module, wherein the safety module is a safety switch (2) and that the actuator (3) is locked in a closed position relative to the safety switch (2) by means of the locking device (8). [3] Safety device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the locking device (8) is designed rotationally symmetrical to a symmetry axis (S) oriented perpendicular to the side wall, wherein the centering cone (9) is deflectable in the direction of the symmetry axis (S), and wherein the opening (11) of the centering cone (9) and the locking bolt (10) lie in the symmetry axis (S) and the locking bolt (10) is movable in the direction of the symmetry axis (S) between an unlocking position and a locking position. [4] Safety device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the retaining bolt (10) is driven by means of an actuator. [5] Safety device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by , that the centering cone (9) tapers continuously from its base located in the area of ​​the side wall of the safety module to its front end facing away from the side wall of the safety module, with the opening (11) being located at the front end. [6] Safety device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that when a force is applied to the front end of the centering cone (9) it is drawn into a recess (13) in the side wall of the safety module against the spring force of spring elements (12). [7] Safety device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that a stationary guide bushing (14) is provided in or on the safety module, the longitudinal axis of which runs in the axis of symmetry (S), wherein the guide bushing (14) runs in a bore of the centering cone (9) which opens at the opening (11) of the centering cone (9). [8] Safety device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that an annular projection (14a) is attached to the front outer edge of the guide bushing (14) which protrudes beyond the centering cone (9), the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the opening (11) of the centering cone (9). [9] Safety device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by , that the actuator (3) has a base part (18) on the upper side of which a recess (20) is present, and that on opposite edges of the base part (18) there are two side parts (19) projecting upwards from it, the free edges of which form ramps (21). [10] Safety device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the upper surfaces of the ramps (21) form concave surface sections that are adapted to the outer contour of the centering cone (9). [11] Safety device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized by , that the locking device (8) is inserted laterally into the actuator (3). [12] Safety device (1) according to one of claims 9 and 11, characterized by, that when the actuator (3) is retracted into the closed position, it is locked by the fact that the retaining bolt (10) is retracted into the recess (20) in the base part (18) of the actuator (3). [13] Safety device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the retaining bolt (10) lies with play in the recess (20). [14] Safety device (1) according to one of claims 9 and 11, characterized by , that when the actuator (3) is retracted into the closed position, the annular projection (14a) of the guide bushing (14) rests against the lower edges of the ramps (21) of the actuator (3).

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