Safety Device

Abstract

A safety device (8) with a safety switch (7) and at least one actuator (9), wherein when an actuator (9) is arranged within a response range relative to the safety switch (7), signals are transmitted from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7), by which means a function of the safety switch (7) is released. The actuator (9) is additionally designed for configuring the safety switch in that a configuration signal is transmissible from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7).

Claims

1. A safety device (8) with a safety switch (7) and at least one actuator (9), wherein when the actuator (9) is arranged within a response range relative to the safety switch (7), signals are transmitted from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7), by which means a function of the safety switch (7) is released, characterized in that the actuator (9) is additionally designed for configuring the safety switch (7) in that a configuration signal is transmissible from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7).

2. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety switch (7) and the actuator (9) have data transmission means by means of which, when the actuator (9) is arranged within the response range of the safety switch (7), data can be wirelessly transmitted between them.

3. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (9) has a transponder (11) and the safety switch (7) has an RFID reading unit (12).

4. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that a data code is transmitted from the actuator (9) to the safety switch (7), wherein a preset characteristic of the data code constitutes the configuration signal.

5. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple actuators (9) are assigned to the safety switch (7).

6. The safety device (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that multiple identical actuators (9) are assigned to the safety switch (7).

7. The safety device (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that actuators (9) are assigned to the safety switch (7) in which actuators (9) different configuration signals for setting various configurations are stored.

8. The safety device (8) according to claim 7, characterized in that following a configuration of the safety switch (7) with a first actuator (9) all other actuators (9) with configurations differing from this are rendered inoperative.

9. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that, during a working operation of the safety switch (7), with an actuator (9) it is only possible to release functions.

10. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that in a configuration mode of the safety switch (7), it can be configured by means of an actuator (9).

11. The safety device (8) according to claim 10, characterized in that after a factory reset, during a commissioning or after a switching-on operation, the safety switch enters the configuration mode.

12. The safety device (8) according to claim 11, characterized in that the safety switch (7) enters the configuration mode for a preset time interval.

13. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety switch (7) has an arrangement of safety outputs, wherein the releasing of a function of the safety switch (7) consists of a switching-on of safety outputs.

14. The safety device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that a safety switch (7) with latching or guard locking is provided and that different functions of the latching or guard locking are configurable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention is explained below based on the drawings. They show:

[0049] FIG. 1: Schematic depiction of a safety device for securing a hazard area.

[0050] FIG. 2: Schematic depiction of a safety device with a safety switch with latching and an assigned actuator.

[0051] FIG. 3: Schematic depiction of a safety device with a safety switch with guard locking and an assigned actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of a safety system 1 for safe operation of a system 2. The system 2 can present hazards, especially for persons. Accordingly a hazard area 3 around the system 2 is secured with a surrounding fence 4. A safety door 5 is provided in the surrounding fence through which safety door 5 persons can gain access to the hazard area 3.

[0053] The safety system 1 comprises a safety controller 6 that controls the operation of the system 2. Furthermore, a safety switch 7 is provided that is used to monitor whether the safety door 5 is closed or guard locked, or not. The safety controller 6 controls the operation of the system 2 dependent on the signals generated by the safety switch 7.

[0054] To this end, the safety switch 7 has an arrangement of safety outputs via which the signals are output to the safety controller 6. The safety switch 7 generates signals such that the operation of the system 2 is only released when the safety door 5 is closed in its closed position (protection of process) or closed and guard locked (protection of persons).

[0055] The safety device 8 according to the invention is intended especially for safety systems 1 as depicted in FIG. 1, wherein FIGS. 2 and 3 show examples of this safety device 8.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of a safety device 8 with a safety switch 7 with latching, to which one or preferably multiple actuators 9 of identical construction are assigned. For simplicity, only one such actuator 9 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] The safety device 8 is used, for example, to monitor the closed position of a safety door 5 as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the actuator 9 can be arranged on the safety door 5 for this purpose.

[0058] The closed position is achieved when the actuator 9 has entered the response range of the safety switch 7, wherein in the embodiment from FIG. 2, this is the case when the actuator 9 has entered into a recess 10 of the safety switch 7.

[0059] Then a transponder 11 inside the actuator 9 is located in the response range of an RFID reading unit 12 of the safety switch 7, such that data stored by the RFID reading unit 12 in the transponder 11 is read and processed in the safety switch 7, preferably in a memory unit of a computer unit.

[0060] In working operation of the safety switch 7, when the closed position of the safety door 5 is detected in this manner, the safety outputs of the system 2 are switched on, thereby releasing the operation of the system 2.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows an additional embodiment of the safety device 8, which again comprises a safety switch 7 and preferably multiple actuators 9 of identical construction, of which only one is shown.

[0062] With the safety device 8 shown in FIG. 3, a guard locking of a safety door 5 in its closed position is effected and monitored.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows the position of the actuator 9 on the safety door 5 when it is in its closed position. Then the transponder 11 of the actuator 9 is again located within the response range of the RFID reading unit 12 of the safety switch 7, such that with the RFID reading unit 12, data can be read from the transponder 11. Again, the data is stored in the safety switch 7.

[0064] Additionally, the safety switch 7 has a guard locking element 13 that is displaceable between a closed and open position and can be formed by a displaceable guard locking bolt. The displacement of the guard locking bolt can be accomplished by means of an electromagnet, for example. FIG. 3 shows the guard locking bolt in the closed position, in which the guard locking element 13 is inserted into a recess 14 of the actuator 9, which effects the guard locking of the safety door 5.

[0065] The data is stored in the form of a data code in each actuator 9 of the safety device 8 from FIGS. 2 and 3, i.e. in its transponder 11. In this regard, identification data and data regarding the functions of the actuator 9 are stored in the characteristics of the data code. According to the invention, for each actuator 9, a configuration signal is encoded in the characteristics of the data code, which signal defines a configuration of the safety switch 7. In the simplest case, only one bit is provided for this. In general, multiple bits can also be provided for this. The characteristics of a data code can also be constituted by hash values and similar.

[0066] In the present case, multiple actuators 9 are assigned to the safety switch 7 for every safety device 8 from FIGS. 2 and 3. Different configuration signals for setting different configurations are stored in the transponders 11 of the individual actuators 9. In principle, multiple actuators 9 can also be provided with respectively identical configuration signals.

[0067] During working operation of the safety switch 7, it is advantageous for an actuator 9 to be only used for releasing a function, such as a switching on of the safety outputs when the transponder 11 of the actuator 9 is located in the response range of the RFID reading unit 12. Conversely, in a configuration mode, an actuator 9 is used to set a configuration of the safety switch 7.

[0068] In general, it is also possible to set a configuration during the working operation of the safety switch 7.

[0069] Upon commissioning of a safety switch 7 or after powering up (switching on) the safety switch 7, it is advantageous for it to enter the configuration mode for a preset time interval, such that the safety switch 7 can be configured with an actuator 9. Furthermore, the safety switch 7 can be switched to the configuration mode by a factory reset. Such a factory reset can be used, in particular, for a reconfiguration with an additional actuator 9.

[0070] It is especially advantageous for the configuration in the configuration mode to occur such that when an actuator 9 with its transponder 11 is brought into the response range of the RFID reading unit of the safety switch 7, the configuration signals of this actuator 9 are read into the safety switch 7 and stored there. The safety switch 7 then adopts the configuration corresponding to the configuration signals for the subsequent working operation. All other actuators 9 with other configuration signals are then automatically rendered inoperative.

[0071] The configuration of the safety switch 7 remains intact until it is reconfigured. This reconfiguration is advantageously initiated by a factory reset.

[0072] In the safety switch 7 with latching from FIG. 2, for example, a position detection of different door positions of the safety door 5 is possible, wherein such positions can be set by way of a configuration.

[0073] In the safety switch 7 with guard locking from FIG. 3, for example, the functions “protection of persons” and “protection of process” can be configured, wherein in the first case, the safety outputs of the safety switch 7 are switched on, thereby releasing operation of the system 2 only when the safety door 5 is in its closed position and the guard locking is active. Conversely, in the second case, the safety outputs are switched on already once the safety door 5 is closed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0074] (1) Safety system

[0075] (2) System

[0076] (3) Hazard area

[0077] (4) Surrounding fence

[0078] (5) Safety door

[0079] (6) Safety controller

[0080] (7) Safety switch

[0081] (8) Safety device

[0082] (9) Actuator

[0083] (10) Recess

[0084] (11) Transponder

[0085] (12) RFID reading unit

[0086] (13) Guard locking element

[0087] (14) Recess