A safety switch (2) with a latching unit (12), by means of which an associated actuator (3) is held in a latched position. The latching unit (12) has an arrangement of latching jaws (14). Each latching jaw (14) is spring-mounted by means of a spring unit (15). The latching jaws (14) are concentrically arranged and each face one another with a first free end and delimit an insertion opening (A). The latching jaws (14) are held in latched position by the spring forces generated by the spring units (15). The latching jaws (14) can be displaced against the spring forces of the spring unit (15), which serves to enlarge the insertion opening (A).

A method for signaling the position of a safety device with respect to a safety zone to be monitored with regard to the safety device, as well as a safety switch system suitable for carrying out the method. For monitoring the safety zone, the position of the safety device with respect to the safety zone is detected with a detection device, and the safety zone is divided into a first subzone and at least a second subzone. If the position of the safety device is detected within the first subzone, this is recognized as the first condition; if the position of the safety device is detected in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a second condition; and if the position of the safety device is not detected within the first subzone or in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a third condition. Furthermore, recognition of the third condition is signaled by a safety-oriented release signal for releasing of a predetermined safety-oriented reaction and/or recognition of the first and/or second condition(s) is signaled by an information signal with data pertaining to the respective condition to a display device, in particular a display device in a wireless connection.

A method for signaling the position of a safety device with respect to a safety zone to be monitored with regard to the safety device, as well as a safety switch system suitable for carrying out the method. For monitoring the safety zone, the position of the safety device with respect to the safety zone is detected with a detection device, and the safety zone is divided into a first subzone and at least a second subzone. If the position of the safety device is detected within the first subzone, this is recognized as the first condition; if the position of the safety device is detected in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a second condition; and if the position of the safety device is not detected within the first subzone or in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a third condition. Furthermore, recognition of the third condition is signaled by a safety-oriented release signal for releasing of a predetermined safety-oriented reaction and/or recognition of the first and/or second condition(s) is signaled by an information signal with data pertaining to the respective condition to a display device, in particular a display device in a wireless connection.

A safety switch (1) having an input/output structure and means for generating a switching signal. Depending on the switching signal, the operation of the system can be released. The input/output structure forms means of connection for connecting a start button (5). By manually actuating the start button (5), an acknowledgment signal for releasing the system is generated. The means of connection are detected automatically in the safety switch (1).

A safety switch (1) having an input/output structure and means for generating a switching signal. Depending on the switching signal, the operation of the system can be released. The input/output structure forms means of connection for connecting a start button (5). By manually actuating the start button (5), an acknowledgment signal for releasing the system is generated. The means of connection are detected automatically in the safety switch (1).

The present invention relates to a safety device for securing a machine having a sensor that is configured to detect the presence of an object in a monitored zone and to output a detection signal when an object is located in the monitored zone and having an evaluation unit that is configured to receive the detection signal from the senor and to generate an output signal in dependence on the detection signal. Provision is made in accordance with the invention that the evaluation unit is adapted furthermore to generate the output signal in dependence on at least one additional criterion.

The present invention relates to a safety device for securing a machine having a sensor that is configured to detect the presence of an object in a monitored zone and to output a detection signal when an object is located in the monitored zone and having an evaluation unit that is configured to receive the detection signal from the senor and to generate an output signal in dependence on the detection signal. Provision is made in accordance with the invention that the evaluation unit is adapted furthermore to generate the output signal in dependence on at least one additional criterion.

A safety switch (1) having a reading head (2) and an actuator (3) having a transponder (4) and being movable relative to the reading head (2). Encoded signals of the transponder (4) are detectable by means of the reading head (2). As a means for detecting encoded signals, the reading head (2) has a resonant circuit (6) controlled by a processor unit, with the distance between the actuator (3) and reading head (2) being determined by means of an amplitude evaluation of the signals of the transponder (4) detected with the resonant circuit (6). Control signals are generated as a function of the distance signals thus determined.

A safety switch (1) having a reading head (2) and an actuator (3) having a transponder (4) and being movable relative to the reading head (2). Encoded signals of the transponder (4) are detectable by means of the reading head (2). As a means for detecting encoded signals, the reading head (2) has a resonant circuit (6) controlled by a processor unit, with the distance between the actuator (3) and reading head (2) being determined by means of an amplitude evaluation of the signals of the transponder (4) detected with the resonant circuit (6). Control signals are generated as a function of the distance signals thus determined.

A latch mechanism includes a latch having a first latch protrusion and a second latch protrusion, and a catch having a first catch protrusion and a second catch protrusion. The first catch protrusion engages the first latch protrusion in a first catch position. The second catch protrusion engages the second latch protrusion in a second catch position following release of the first catch position.