Safety devices

Abstract

To improve the function of a safety device that secures safe entry / exit to / from a dangerous area.SOLUTION: With regard to a safety device (8) having a safety switch (7) and at least one actuator (9), when the actuator (9) is arranged in a reaction area to the safety switch (7), the actuator transmits a plurality of signals to the safety switch (7), and this enables the safety switch (7) to function. The actuator (9) is additionally configured so that the safety switch (7) is set by transmitting a setting signal to the safety switch (7) by the actuator (9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Such a safety device comprises a safety switch and at least one actuator arranged to be movable relative to the safety switch. Safety devices configured in this way are generally used in the field of safety technology. An example of such a use in the field of safety technology is securing an access to a hazardous area, the access being closable by a guard door. In this case, the actuator is generally arranged on the guard door, whereas the safety switch is arranged on a frame structure that defines the access. The term guard door includes doors, flaps, covers, lids, pivot doors, sliding doors and similar devices.

[0003] The known safety switch has an RFID system with a transponder integrated into the actuator and a reader unit integrated into the safety switch. This RFID system allows the closed position of the protective door to be monitored. Only when the door is in the closed position, the transponder in the actuator is spatially associated with the reader unit in the safety switch, so that the transponder signal of the transponder is received by the reader unit.

[0004] Furthermore, the safety device can secure the guard door in its closed position. For this purpose, the safety switch generally has a guard locking element in the form of a guard locking pin which can enter the receiving part, in particular a cut-out in the actuator, when the guard door is in the closed position, thereby guard locking the guard door.

[0005] The safety switch generates an enable signal for the operation of the equipment in the hazardous area only if, when the guard locking is activated, the transponder signal is detected in the reader unit, which also identifies the closed position of the actuator; otherwise, the safety switch generates a shutdown command for the equipment.

[0006] The enabling of the installation is generally effected via a safety output of a safety switch which is switched on for this purpose.

[0007] In such a safety device, different functions, particularly safety-related functions, can be predefined by setting the safety switch, so that adaptation to the respective application is possible.

[0008] For this purpose, in addition to an actuator which enables the function of the safety switch, a setting actuator which is used only to set the safety switch can be used.

[0009] The drawback here is that this setting actuator as an add-on unit of the safety device results in significant excess costs, especially in terms of production, inventory management and additional logistics costs, which on the one hand include the production and storage of several different safety devices, and on the other hand include the differentiation, support and avoidance of mix-ups.

[0010] The setting of the safety switch by means of the setting actuator cannot be verified later, since the setting cannot be read out on the safety switch, which presents a risk of misoperation or malfunction, especially when replacing the safety switch.

[0011] It is also known to set the safety switch using a DIP switch. The disadvantage here is that the safety switch must be opened in order to operate the DIP switch, which is not only cumbersome but also requires higher manufacturing costs and special measures for tightness, since the setting cannot be seen from the outside unless the switch is opened or the opening or sight glass is held in front, especially when replacing the safety switch to be set.

[0012] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a safety device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which an improved safety function is achieved.

[0013] To achieve this goal, the characterizing features of claim 1 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention relates to a safety device having a safety switch and at least one actuator, wherein when the actuator is positioned in a reaction area for the safety switch, the actuator transmits signals to the safety switch, thereby enabling a function of the safety switch, and the actuator is additionally configured to transmit a setting signal to the safety switch, thereby setting the safety switch.

[0015] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore that at least one actuator of the safety device has a dual function: besides the known function of enabling the function of the safety switch, the actuator can also perform the configuration of the safety switch.

[0016] Therefore, no additional units such as separate setting actuators are required for setting the safety switch, and no additional structural devices such as DIP switches, openings, sight glasses, setting inputs, serial interfaces or the like need to be provided on the safety switch.

[0017] The safety device is preferably provided if the safety switch and the actuator comprise data transmission means for contactless data transmission between the safety switch and the actuator when the actuator is placed in the reaction area of ​​the safety switch.

[0018] Radio signals are particularly suitable for data transmission, but basically magnetic or optical signals are also suitable.

[0019] The data can be stored in the safety switch.

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

[0021] The data stored in the transponder can be read by an RFID reader unit as soon as the transponder enters the reactive field of the RFID reader unit.

[0022] The data stored in the transponder may be in the form of a data code, e.g., a bit string, that can be transmitted to an RFID reader unit and typically contains identification data and data about functions and settings that can be enabled in the safety switch.

[0023] According to the invention, defined attributes of the data code, such as bits of a bit string or a hash value, form a setting signal which, when the data code is read into the safety switch, can determine and define a specific setting of the safety switch.

[0024] The actuator with the data code is advantageously configured in such a way that the data code determines the correct setting of the safety switch. This uniqueness ensures that incorrect configuration of the safety switch is avoided even under fault conditions. One setting may in particular include several functions of one safety switch.

[0025] In the simplest case, one bit in the bit string forms the set signal.

[0026] It may be necessary or advantageous for the setting signal, and thus the setting, to be generally defined by several bits.

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

[0028] Advantageously, an actuator is associated with the safety switch in which a number of different setting signals are stored in order to pre-set different settings.

[0029] This allows the safety switch to be set at the desired setting by appropriate selection of the actuator, which is a very simple option to set the safety switch in different ways.

[0030] When setting the safety switch by means of the actuator, the respective setting can be stored in the safety switch, which can help to prevent malfunctions and incorrect operation of the safety switch.

[0031] Particularly advantageously, after setting the safety switch by a first actuator, all further actuators with a different setting are disabled.

[0032] For many applications, it can be advantageous to have multiple actuators available to enable one function of the safety switch in the operating mode. This can be advantageous for reliably identifying different positions of a roller door, a rotary table or similar movable object. For this purpose, one safety switch is installed at each position to be identified.

[0033] In this case, it is advantageous if several identical actuators are associated with the safety switches.

[0034] These actuators have the same setting signal and therefore the same setting, so when the safety switch is set with this setting, all these actuators are available to enable their respective functions in the operating mode.

[0035] Particularly advantageously, the setting of the safety switch is carried out in a setting mode that is distinct from the operating mode of the safety switch, in which the enabling of a function is carried out by at least one actuator as soon as the actuator enters the reaction area of ​​the safety switch.

[0036] Advantageously, the safety switch automatically switches to the setting mode when powered on, i.e. when switched on or when operation is started, preferably for a predetermined time, during which time the user can use the actuator to set the safety switch.

[0037] Advantageously, it is possible to set, in particular reconfigure, the safety switch by performing a factory reset of the safety switch, which can be advantageously followed by a storage process in which the data code of the respective actuator is stored, although this is not essential.

[0038] For example, if at the start of operation the safety switch is configured by a first actuator with a corresponding first setting and it is later desired to change this in the operating mode of the safety switch, a factory reset can interrupt the operating mode and switch the safety switch into a setting mode in which the safety switch can be reconfigured by another actuator.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the safety switch has a device for a safety output, and enabling the function of the safety switch is switching on the safety output.

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

[0041] In this case, a safety device can be used to secure access to the danger zone in the installation. Access to the danger zone is typically via at least one protective door, or a flap, cover, lid, pivot door, sliding door or similar device that is monitored by the safety device.

[0042] According to a first embodiment, the safety device comprises a safety switch with a lock, i.e. the safety switch controls whether the guard door is in the closed position or not, and only in the closed position is operation of the installation enabled by switching on a safety output of the safety switch.

[0043] According to a second embodiment, the safety device comprises a safety switch with guard locking, whereby the activation of the installation is effected via a safety output of the safety switch only when the guard locking element of the safety switch has caused the guard locking of the protective door to be in its closed position.

[0044] Correspondingly, by means of actuators with different setting signals, different functions of locking or guard locking can be set depending on whether a safety switch with locking or guard locking is provided.

[0045] In safety switches with a lock, different locking positions can be set.

[0046] With a safety switch with guard locking, for example, the functions "personnel protection" and "process protection" can be configured: in the first case, the safety outputs of the safety switch are switched on, and thus the operation of the installation is enabled, only if the guard door has its guard locking activated in its closed position, whereas in the second case, the safety outputs are switched on as long as the guard door is closed.

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

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a safety device for securing a hazardous area. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a safety device having a lock and a safety switch with a corresponding actuator. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of a safety device with a guard lock and a safety switch with a corresponding actuator.

[0049] 1 shows a schematic representation of a safety system 1 for the safe operation of an installation 2. The installation 2 may pose a risk, particularly to personnel. Correspondingly, a danger zone 3 is secured around the installation 2 by a fence 4. The fence 4 is provided with a protective door 5 that allows personnel to enter and exit the danger zone 3.

[0050] The safety system 1 has a safety control unit 6 that controls the operation of the equipment 2. Furthermore, a safety switch 7 is provided that monitors whether the protective door 5 is closed or guard locked. The safety control unit 6 controls the operation of the equipment 2 in response to a signal generated by the safety switch 7.

[0051] For this purpose, the safety switch 7 has a safety output device which outputs a signal to the safety control 6. Here, a signal is generated by the safety switch 7 in such a way that operation of the installation 2 is enabled only if the guard door 5 is closed in its closed position (process protection) or closed and guard locked (personnel protection).

[0052] In particular, a safety system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a safety device 8 according to the invention, an embodiment of which is shown in FIGS.

[0053] 2 shows a schematic representation of a safety device 8 having a safety switch 7 with a lock to which one or preferably several identically constructed actuators 9 are associated. For the sake of clarity, only one such actuator 9 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] The safety device 8 controls the closed position of a guard door 5, for example as shown in FIG. 1, and for this purpose an actuator 9 can be arranged on the guard door 5.

[0055] The closed position is obtained when the actuator 9 enters the reaction area of ​​the safety switch 7, which in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is when the actuator 9 enters the cut-out 10 of the safety switch 7.

[0056] In this case, the transponder 11 in the actuator 9 is in the reactive field of the RFID reader unit 12 of the safety switch 7, so that the RFID reader unit 12 reads out the data stored in the transponder 11 and processes it in the safety switch 7, preferably in a storage unit of a computing unit.

[0057] In the operating mode of the safety switch 7, if the closed position of the guard door 5 is detected in this way, the safety output is switched on and thus the operation of the installation 2 is enabled.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a safety device 8, which again comprises a safety switch 7 and a number of actuators 9, preferably of the same construction, only one of which is shown here.

[0059] The safety device 8 shown in Figure 3 provides and controls the guard locking of the protective door 5 in its closed position.

[0060] 3 shows the position of the actuator 9 on the guard door 5 when the guard door 5 is in its closed position. In this case, the transponder 11 of the actuator 9 is again in the reactive field of the RFID reader unit 12 of the safety switch 7, so that data can be read out from the transponder 11 by this RFID reader unit 12. The data is again stored in the safety switch 7.

[0061] Furthermore, the safety switch 7 has a guard locking element 13 which is movable between a closed position and an open position, and which may be formed by a movable guard locking pin. The movement of the guard locking pin may be effected, for example, by an electromagnet. Figure 3 shows the guard locking pin in the closed position, in which the guard locking element 13 enters a recess 14 in the actuator 9, thereby guard locking the protective door 5.

[0062] In each actuator 9 of the safety device 8 of FIGS. 2 and 3, i.e. in its transponder 11, data is stored in the form of a data code. Here, identification data and data related to the function of the actuator 9 are stored in attributes of the data code. In the present invention, a setting signal defining the setting of the safety switch 7 is coded in the attributes of the data code for each actuator 9. In the simplest case, one bit is provided for this purpose. It is generally also possible to provide several bits for this purpose. The attributes of the data code can also be formed, for example, from a hash value.

[0063] 2 and 3, in each case, several actuators 9 are associated with the safety switch 7. Different setting signals for setting different settings are stored in the transponders 11 of the individual actuators 9. In principle, several actuators 9 each having the same setting signal can also be provided.

[0064] Advantageously, during the operating mode of the safety switch 7, an actuator 9 only enables one function, such as switching on a safety output, if the transponder 11 of the actuator 9 is in the reactive field of the RFID reader unit 12. In contrast, in the setting mode, the actuator 9 sets the safety switch 7.

[0065] In general, it is also possible to make settings during the operating mode of the safety switch 7 .

[0066] When the safety switch 7 starts to operate or after it has been switched on, it advantageously goes into a setting mode for a predetermined time, whereby it can be set by the actuator 9. Furthermore, the safety switch 7 can be put into the setting mode by a factory reset. Such a factory reset can in particular be used for reconfiguration by another actuator 9.

[0067] Particularly advantageously, the setting in the setting mode is carried out in such a way that when an actuator 9 with a transponder 11 is brought into the reactive field of the RFID reader unit of the safety switch 7, the setting signal of this actuator 9 is read into and stored in the safety switch 7. The safety switch 7 then sets the setting corresponding to the setting signal for the subsequent operating mode, in which case all other actuators 9 with other setting signals are automatically deactivated.

[0068] The setting of the safety switch 7 is then retained until it is reset, which is preferably initiated by a factory reset.

[0069] The safety switch 7 with lock according to FIG. 2 allows, for example, position identification of different door positions of the guard door 5, whereby these positions can be set by one setting.

[0070] In the case of the safety switch 7 with guard locking according to Figure 3, for example, the functions "personnel protection" and "process protection" can be set, in the first case the safety outputs of the safety switch 7 are switched on, and thus the operation of the plant 2 is enabled, only if the guard locking is active for the guard door 5 in its closed position, whereas in the second case the safety outputs are switched on as long as the guard door 5 is closed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Safety System 2 Equipment 3 Danger Zone 4. Fence 5. Guard Door 6 Safety control section 7 Safety Switch 8 Safety equipment 9 Actuators 10 Cutout 11 Transponder 12 RFID reader unit 13 Guard Locking Elements 14 Recess

Claims

1. A safety device (8) having 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 reader unit (12), and when the transponder (11) enters a reactive area of ​​the RFID reader unit (12), the RFID reader unit (12) reads data stored in the transponder (11), thereby enabling one function of the safety switch (7). In the safety device (8), the actuator (9) is configured such that a setting signal contained in the data is transmitted by the transponder (11) of the actuator (9) to the RFID reader unit (12) of the safety switch (7), thereby setting the function of the safety switch (7). A safety device (8), characterized in that the setting signal is coded together with identification data into the attributes of a data code of the actuator (9).

2. 2. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the actuators (9) are associated with the safety switch (7).

3. 3. The safety device (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of identical actuators (9) are associated with the safety switch (7).

4. 3. The safety device (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that an actuator (9) is associated with the safety switch (7) in which a plurality of different setting signals are stored in order to pre-set different settings.

5. 5. The safety device (8) according to claim 4, characterized in that after setting the function of the safety switch (7) by a first actuator (9), all further actuators (9) having a setting different from that of the first actuator (9) are disabled.

6. 6. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, wherein in an operating mode of the safety switch (7), only one of a plurality of functions can be enabled by one actuator (9).

7. 7. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, wherein in a setting mode of the safety switch (7), the function of the safety switch (7) can be set by means of an actuator (9).

8. 8. The safety device (8) according to claim 7, characterized in that the safety switch (7) switches into the setting mode after a factory reset, at the start of operation or after a switch-on process.

9. 9. A safety device (8) according to claim 8, characterized in that the safety switch (7) switches into the setting mode for a predetermined time.

10. 10. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the safety switch (7) has a device for a safety output, and the enabling of the function of the safety switch (7) is the switching on of the safety output.

11. 11. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, further comprising a safety switch (7) with a lock or guard lock, wherein different functions of the lock or guard lock can be set.

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