Safety device

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device comprising a safety module (1) with a locking device. The locking device has a locking element which can be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by means of an actuator (4). A mechanical auxiliary release is provided, which includes a manually operable operating element (15) exposed on the outside of the safety module (1). The operating element (15) forms an optical indicator.

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 reads 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, 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] Such safety devices may also have an auxiliary release mechanism, which allows an operator to mechanically release the locking mechanism in an emergency, such as a power failure, so that the separating protective device can be opened. The auxiliary release mechanism includes a control element that can be manually operated by the operator to release the locking mechanism against the force applied by the actuator.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a safety device which has a high level of functionality despite its compact and cost-effective design.

[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 has a locking element which can be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by means of an actuator. A mechanical auxiliary release is provided, which has a manually operable operating element exposed on the outside of the safety module. The operating element forms an optical indicator.

[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, a control module, or an 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 the 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 the holding device.

[0016] The locking device of the safety device according to the invention comprises a locking element and an actuator, which is formed by an electric drive or the like. The actuator can move the locking element between an unlocked position and a locked position, whereby in the locked position the locking element provides a locking action.

[0017] Furthermore, the safety device according to the invention has an auxiliary release mechanism. The auxiliary release mechanism allows the locking element to be mechanically released from the locked position. The auxiliary release mechanism has an operating element that can be actuated by a person and is located freely on the outside of the safety module.

[0018] By operating the control element, for example with a screwdriver, the locking element can be manually released from the locking position, so that in an emergency such as a power failure a locking effect of the locking device can be released, so that in particular a separating protective device can be opened.

[0019] According to the invention, the control element is additionally used as an optical indicator. This takes advantage of the fact that the control element is visibly mounted on the outside of the safety module. The optical indicator is achieved by coupling visible light into the transparent control element, as the light is emitted outwards via the control element.

[0020] The dual function of the control element eliminates the need for a separate display element, resulting in a compact, cost-effective design of the safety module, especially the safety switch of the safety device.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control element is at least partially designed as a light guide.

[0022] The entire control element is designed as a light guide, which is particularly advantageous.

[0023] The control element can consist of a plastic injection-molded part that forms a light guide.

[0024] The control element thus forms a molded part that can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0025] Visible light is emitted from the light source, which is located inside the safety module, guided in the light guide and emitted at the radiating surface of the control element, so that its clearly visible optical display from the outside is realized.

[0026] The components of the safety module are advantageously housed in a casing. The operating element is then mounted in a wall of the safety module's casing and is visible from the outside.

[0027] The radiating surface of the control element is conveniently located in a recess in the housing.

[0028] Through this recess, the control element protrudes into the interior of the safety module and can be coupled to the light source there.

[0029] The light from the light source can be directly coupled into the control element. Since the control element is movably mounted, an interface is advantageously provided on the control element which, in different positions of the control element, is located at a shorter distance from the light source, so that the light emitted by the light source can be coupled into the light guide of the control element efficiently and with low scattering losses.

[0030] According to a structurally advantageous embodiment, the operating element is rotatably mounted in a receptacle. By rotating the operating element, the locking element can be mechanically released from its locked position.

[0031] The front part of the control element with the radiating surface is then rotatably located in a recess in the housing of the safety module.

[0032] The radiating surface is structured in such a way that an operator can insert a tool such as a screwdriver into the radiating surface and thus rotate the control element around its longitudinal axis to release the locking mechanism.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the receptacle is designed as a light guide. Visible light emitted from a stationary light source is coupled into the control element via the receptacle.

[0034] The light from the stationary light source can be effectively coupled into the equally stationary receptacle. The receptacle's inner contour, adapted to the outer contour of the control element, ensures precise guidance of the control element within the receptacle and thus efficient transmission of light from the receptacle to the control element.

[0035] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings which show: Fig. 1: External view of the safety module of the safety device according to the invention. Fig. 2: Components of the safety module with a locking element in an unlocked position. Fig. 3: Components of the safety module with a locking element in a locked position. Fig. 4: Components of the safety module with a locking element in the case of an auxiliary release. Fig. 5: Further embodiment of the safety module in a partial view a) in an unlocked position of the locking element. b) in a locking position of the retaining element.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows an external view of the safety module 1 of the safety device according to the invention, wherein the components of the safety module 1 are integrated in a housing 2. The safety module 1 can in particular be designed as a safety switch.

[0037] The housing 2 is multi-part and has a central base body 2a. A housing section 2b, which has electrical connections (not shown), is attached to the rear end of the base body 2a. A switch head, comprising two housing halves 2c joined to form a front housing head, is attached to the front end of the base body 2a. The switch head can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the safety switch relative to the base body 2a.

[0038] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows components of the safety module 1 with a holding device which is located in the housing 2 according to Fig. 1 are integrated. This shows Fig. 2 the arrangement of the components in the event of an unsuccessful locking action. Fig. Figure 3 shows the components in the case of an induced locking action. Fig. Figure 4 shows the components during an auxiliary unlocking procedure.

[0039] The components are mounted on a printed circuit board 3. Thus, the components on the printed circuit board 3 form a single unit that can be completely integrated into the housing.

[0040] The electrical component is an actuator 4 in the form of an electrically driven solenoid. The actuator 4 has a side enclosure 5. The enclosure 5 is open at its front. A bracket 6 is mounted there, which serves to fix the actuator 4 in position. The actuator 4 can also be directly connected to the circuit board 3.

[0041] Furthermore, an electrical connection to circuit board 3 is also provided.

[0042] Actuator 4 can move a locking element in the form of an elongated bolt 7. Actuator 4 can displace the bolt 7 along its longitudinal axis. The bolt 7 and actuator 4 are arranged coaxially.

[0043] A terminal block 8 mounted on the circuit board 3 serves for the electrical connection of the actuator 4 and the other electrical components.

[0044] Adjoining the housing 5 of the actuator 4 is a mounting plate 9 which is mounted on the circuit board 3.

[0045] The mounting plate 9 can also serve as part of an electromechanical safety switching element (not shown). Fixed switching contacts are connected to the circuit board 3 and can be connected to the terminal strip 8 in a potential-free manner. The movable contact bridges of the safety switching element are actuated by the slide guide 10 and other components, thereby opening or closing the contacts.

[0046] A slide guide 10, which receives the bolt 7, is mounted on the mounting plate 9. The slide guide 10 is slidable on the mounting plate 9 in the longitudinal direction of the bolt 7.

[0047] A first spring 11 is located between the slide guide 10 and the bracket 6. Furthermore, a second spring 12, connected to the bolt 7, is provided in the slide guide 10.

[0048] On one end face of the housing there is a bore 13 for an electrical connection.

[0049] The operating principle of this locking device is such that the actuator 4 allows the bolt 7 to be moved in an axial direction between an unlocking position and a locking position.

[0050] In the unlocked position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bolt 7 is retracted into the housing 2.

[0051] In the locked position, bolt 7 is extended and causes a locking action ( Fig. 3) If the safety module 1 is designed as a safety switch, the interlock locks an actuator in a closed position.

[0052] To enable the locking mechanism to be mechanically released in an emergency, especially in the event of a power outage, an auxiliary release is provided.

[0053] To form the auxiliary release mechanism, a receptacle 14 is mounted on the circuit board 3, oriented perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. The receptacle 14 has a circular opening 14a. The receptacle 14 is located on a lateral edge of the circuit board 3. A corresponding receptacle 14 is located on the opposite side of the circuit board 3.

[0054] A control element 15 can be inserted into the opening 14a of the receptacle 14, which is located in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 is shown separately. The control element 15 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis. The control element 15 is rotatably mounted with minimal play in the opening 14a of the receptacle 14 about its longitudinal axis. The control element 15, inserted into the opening 14a of the receptacle 14, rests with its head 15a in a recess of the housing 2, so that it is visibly mounted on the safety module 1 from the outside ( Fig. 1).

[0055] The rear part of the control element 15 is operatively connected to the slide guide 10.

[0056] In the front face of the control element 15 there are notches 16, so that it can be operated with a screwdriver.

[0057] The auxiliary release is effected by an operator using a screwdriver to rotate the operating element 15 around its axis of symmetry, thereby manually moving the slide guide 10 and thus the bolt 7 towards the actuator 4 and releasing the locking mechanism ( Fig. 4). For this purpose, there is an axial play between bolt 7 and actuator 4, which allows this displacement.

[0058] According to the invention, the control element 15 forms an optical display element. For this purpose, the control element 15 consists of a transparent material and forms a light guide.

[0059] Advantageously, an optical display is achieved by coupling visible light from a light source into the light guide of the control element 15 and emitting it via a radiating surface of the light guide of the control element 15.

[0060] In the present case, the recess 14 is also designed as a light guide. A light source in the form of a light-emitting diode 17 is mounted in a recess at the lower edge of the recess 14.

[0061] The light-emitting diode 17 emits visible light, which is first coupled into the receptacle 14 and from there into the control element 15. There, the light travels to the head 15a of the control element 15 and is emitted via its front face, which forms a radiating surface, thereby creating an optical indication visible on the outside of the safety module 1.

[0062] The Fig. 5a, Fig. Figure 5b shows the area of ​​the switch head of a variant of the safety switch according to the invention.

[0063] The components of the switch head are again housed in a housing head consisting of the housing half-shells 2c.

[0064] In the embodiment of the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b provides a mechanical locking mechanism. This has a switching disc 18 and two locking discs 20 which are spring-mounted by means of spring elements 19.

[0065] Fig. Figure 5a shows the situation where the actuator is located outside the switch head. The switching disc 18 is held in place by the locking discs 20 in the Fig. The position shown in 5a is fixed. Therefore, operation using the simplest means is not possible.

[0066] When the actuator is inserted into the switch head, the locking discs 20 are rotated out of engagement with the switching disc 18. This allows the switching disc 18 to be rotated into a position where it can be blocked by the bolt 7. The locking mechanism is thus engaged. Fig. 5b). Reference symbol list (1) Safety module (2) Housing (2a) Basic body (2b) Housing section (2c) Housing half shell (3) Printed circuit board (4) Actuator (5) Enclosure (6) bracket (7) bolts (8) Connection strip (9) Mounting plate (10) Slide guide (11) first spring (12) second spring (13) Bore (14) Recording (14a) Opening (15) Control element (15a) Headboard (16) Indentation (17) Light-emitting diode (18) Switch disc (19) Spring element (20) Locking disc

Claims

[1] Safety device with a safety module (1) having a locking device, wherein the locking device has a locking element which can be moved from an unlocking position to a locking position by means of an actuator (4), and wherein a mechanical auxiliary release is provided which has a manually operable operating element (15) exposed on the outside of the safety module (1), characterized by , that the control element (15) forms an optical display element. [2] Safety device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control element (15) is at least partially designed as a light guide. [3] Safety device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the control element (15) consists of a plastic injection-molded part forming a light guide. [4] Safety device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by, that an optical display is achieved by coupling visible light from a light source into the light guide of the control element (15) and emitting it via a radiating surface of the light guide of the control element (15). [5] Safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the control element (15) is mounted in a wall of a housing (2) of the safety module (1) so that it is visible from the outside. [6] Safety device according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized by , that the emission surface of the control element (15) is freely exposed in a recess of the housing (2). [7] Safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the control element (15) is rotatably mounted in a receptacle (14), wherein the locking element can be mechanically released from its locking position by rotating the control element (15). [8] Safety device according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized by, that the emission surface of the control element (15) is designed for actuation with a tool. [9] Safety device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that the receptacle (14) is designed as a light guide, and that visible light emitted from a stationary light source is coupled into the control element (15) via the receptacle (14). [10] Safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that this has a safety module (1) designed as a safety switch and an actuator movable relative to it, wherein the actuator can be locked in a closed position by means of the locking device.

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