EP1821264A2 - Interrupteur de sécurité - Google Patents

Interrupteur de sécurité Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1821264A2
EP1821264A2 EP07250333A EP07250333A EP1821264A2 EP 1821264 A2 EP1821264 A2 EP 1821264A2 EP 07250333 A EP07250333 A EP 07250333A EP 07250333 A EP07250333 A EP 07250333A EP 1821264 A2 EP1821264 A2 EP 1821264A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
safety switch
biological information
sensor module
biometric sensor
switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07250333A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1821264A3 (fr
Inventor
Julian Poyner
Derek Clamhan Cottage Jones
Suresh Nair
Derek Sawyer
Gillian Parker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rockwell Automation Ltd
Original Assignee
EJA Ltd
Rockwell Automation Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EJA Ltd, Rockwell Automation Ltd filed Critical EJA Ltd
Publication of EP1821264A2 publication Critical patent/EP1821264A2/fr
Publication of EP1821264A3 publication Critical patent/EP1821264A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00563—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/30—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/32—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check
    • G07C9/37—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H27/00—Switches operated by a removable member, e.g. key, plug or plate; Switches operated by setting members according to a single predetermined combination out of several possible settings
    • H01H27/002—Switches operated by a removable member, e.g. key, plug or plate; Switches operated by setting members according to a single predetermined combination out of several possible settings wherein one single insertion movement of a key comprises an unlocking stroke and a switch actuating stroke, e.g. security switch for safety guards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to safety switches.
  • a safety switch may be considered as an emergency electrical shut off switch, and either allows or prevents electricity from passing through it (i.e. it provides a closed circuit or an open circuit). If the safety switch is activated, such that it forms an open circuit, electricity will not pass to any apparatus to which the safety switch is connected.
  • Safety switches are often used in places where access to particular enclosures is to be restricted, such enclosures enclosing electrically operated machinery.
  • safety switches are often found in factories that use kinetic machinery powered by electricity.
  • the safety switch may be used to prevent access to an enclosure containing the machinery when the machinery is in operation. Specifically, power will only be supplied to the machinery when the switch is closed, and this is conveniently achieved by the closure of a gate incorporated in the enclosure.
  • the gate When the gate is opened, the safety switch is activated, the circuit is broken, and the electrical power supply to the machinery is interrupted (i.e. the machinery cannot run when the gate is opened and the safety switch is thereby activated).
  • Safety switches are well known in the art, and come in a variety of different forms.
  • a safety switch will usually comprise a switch mechanism that is housed in a housing and attached to part of a structure forming the enclosure.
  • a protruding actuator i.e. a key
  • a gate which is movable relative to the enclosure and the safety switch mechanism. When the gate is closed, the actuator engages with the switch mechanism to allow supply of electrical power to the machinery.
  • the actuator may not be attached to the gate.
  • the mechanism can be located at any suitable point, and the actuator may be carried around by a user and used as and when necessary (i.e. in the same manner as a house key).
  • While safety switches are intended to be beneficial to workers using and moving around dangerous machinery within a factory (for example), it is not uncommon for the safety features to be circumvented or abused. For example, it may be that workers wish to inspect dangerous machinery while it is in operation. In order to do this a worker may obtain a replacement key, or fabricate a makeshift one for him/herself to engage with the safety switch mechanism such that the machinery may be operable even when the gate remains open. Since the purpose of the safety switch is to prevent such access to the enclosure when machinery is in operation, thereby maintaining the safety of the workers, the use of a replacement or unauthorised key is not desirable.
  • a safety switch arranged to allow the control of power supplied to an apparatus, wherein the safety switch is provided with a biometric sensor module arranged to obtain biological information from a user of the safety switch, such that activation of the safety switch is controlled via the biological information obtained
  • a safety switch arranged to receive biological information from a biometric sensor module.
  • a method of operating a safety switch the safety switch being arranged to allow the control of power supplied to an apparatus, and wherein the safety switch is provided with a biometric sensor module arranged to obtain biological information from a user of the safety switch, such that activation of the safety switch is controlled via the biological information obtained, and wherein the method comprises: obtaining biological information from a user wishing to activate the safety switch via the biometric sensor module to; comparing the obtained biological information with authorised biological information from one or more users authorised to activate the safety switch; and activating the switch if the biological information obtained from the user matches the authorised biological information.
  • the safety switch may be provided with a fingerprint reader.
  • the fingerprints read by the fingerprint reader may be compared with one or more stored (and authorised) fingerprints. Only users with authorised fingerprints can gain access to the enclosure.
  • Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an enclosure 1 enclosing electrically powered machinery 2. Access to the machinery 2 within the enclosure 1 is gained via a gate 3.
  • the gate 3 is provided with a prior art safety switch 4.
  • the gate 3 is opened by activation of the safety switch 4.
  • a safety switch 4 When a safety switch 4 is activated, supply of electricity to the machinery 2 is interrupted such that when a user enters the enclosure 1 by opening the gate 3, the machinery 2 is not functioning. For example, if the machinery 2 is electrically operated kinetic machinery, activation of the safety switch 4 will deactivate the machinery, and stop any movement thereof.
  • Figure 1b shows how the safety switch 4 is activated.
  • the safety switch 4 is provided with an opening 5, which is arranged to receive an actuator (e.g. a key) 6. If the actuator 6 is of the correct shape, engagement of the actuator 6 with the safety switch 4 via the opening 5 will cause the safety switch 4 to activate. As described above, when activated, the safety switch 4 interrupts power supply to the machinery 2 enclosed in the enclosure 1.
  • an actuator e.g. a key
  • the known safety switch 4 provides a useful safety feature, whereby it is not possible to enter the enclosure 1 without electrical supply to machinery 2 enclosed therein being interrupted.
  • the safety switch 4 of figures 1a and 1b does not discriminate between different users. If the actuator 6 is of the correct shape, any user using that actuator 6 can gain access to the enclosure 1. It is therefore possible that unauthorised people may gain access to the enclosure 1 by obtaining copies of the actuator 6, or using the actuator 6 without authorisation. Such unauthorised use or copying circumvents the safety features provided by the safety switch 4, and this is undesirable.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a safety switch 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the safety switch 7 is provided with a biometric sensor module.
  • the biometric sensor module is provided with a fingerprint reader 8.
  • the fingerprint reader may be, for example, an EntréPad 4000 by AuthenTec, Melbourne USA, or an AT77C101B FingerChip TM by Atmel TM Corporation, San Jose, USA.
  • a user wishing to enter an enclosure such as that described in relation to figure 1a places a finger 9 on the fingerprint reader 8.
  • the fingerprint reader 8 reads the fingerprint of the finger 9 of the user in a known manner.
  • FIG. 3a schematically illustrates the operating principles of the safety switch of figure 2.
  • a fingerprint 100 is taken from the fingerprint reader 8.
  • the fingerprint 100 is then interpreted by two processors: a first processor 101 and a second processor 102.
  • the two processors 101, 102 are independent, in that the first processor 101 interprets the fingerprint 100 independently from the second processor 102.
  • Each processor 101, 102 interprets the fingerprint 100, and references a store of authorised fingerprints 103.
  • Each processor 101, 102 identifies if the obtained fingerprint 100 is an authorised (i.e. stored) fingerprint, and if so, which user it belongs to.
  • Figure 3b shows how the fingerprint 100 may be compared with a stored fingerprint. Fingerprints may be compared in a known manner, for example by a known software or hardware comparator.
  • the processors 101, 102 then pass fingerprint information 104, 105 to a comparator 106. If the fingerprint information 104, 105 sent to the comparator 106 relates to the same authorised user, then the comparator 106 generates a positive signal that is sent to a safety switch control 107. If the comparator 106 does not receive the same fingerprint information 104, 105 from both processors 101, 102, then the fingerprint 100 has not been correctly interpreted by one or both of the processors and a positive signal is not sent to the safety switch control 107. A positive signal is not sent to the safety switch control 107 if either processor 101, 102 identifies the fingerprint 100 as belonging to an unauthorised user.
  • the safety switch control 107 receives a positive signal from the comparator 106 the safety switch is activated, and the safety switch control 107 cuts the power to the machinery 2 while simultaneously (or after a short delay) unlocking a lock 108 incorporated in an access door to the enclosure, so that a user may gain access thereto.
  • a verification step is introduced. Only if all of the processors 101, 102 are able to identify the fingerprint 100 as an authorised fingerprint will access to the enclosure be allowed. This is a useful fail-safe if, for example, one of the processors has failed and always deems the obtained fingerprint to be an authorised fingerprint.
  • FIG. 3a The operating principles illustrated in figure 3a are given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that more than one store of authorised fingerprints 103 may be provided. A fingerprint store 103 may be provided for and accessed by each processor 101, 102. Comparative logic could be provided in each of the processors 101, 102, as opposed to being provided in a comparator 106. If the processors 101, 102 are provided with the comparative logic, there may be no need for the use of a comparator 106. Instead, the processors 101, 102 could communicate directly with the safety switch control 107. The processors 101, 102 could be in communication with one another to ensure that the safety switch is only activated when each processor 101, 102 independently interprets the fingerprint 100 as being that of the same authorised user.
  • the safety switch 7 of figure 2 is provided with a fingerprint reader 8 that may be used by a plurality of users.
  • each individual user may have an individual fingerprint reader which is connectable to a safety switch. This provides an additional level of security, whereby a user must not only have the correct fingerprint, but must also have access to a fingerprint reader that is connectable to the safety switch.
  • FIGS 4a and 4b describe a safety switch 10 which is arranged to receive and electrically connect with a removable biometric sensor module 11 via an opening 12 in the safety switch 10.
  • the biometric sensor module 11 is provided with a fingerprint reader 13 and a connector 14 arranged to be received by the safety switch 10.
  • the connector 14 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, or any other suitable connector.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • biometric sensor module 11 In use, an authorised user will have a biometric sensor module 11.
  • the biometric sensor module 11 will be brought into engagement with the safety switch 10 such that the fingerprint reader 13 is in electrical connection with the switch 10. Thereafter, the safety switch 10 and the fingerprint reader 13 of figure 4b work in exactly the same way as described in relation to the safety switch 7 and the fingertip reader 8 of figure 2. After use, the biometric sensor module 11 may be removed from connection with the safety switch.
  • control of the switch can be configured such that power cannot be supplied to the machinery until the same specific user has left the enclosure and placed his/her finger on the fingerprint reader, i.e. the biometric sensor module serves as an advanced off-on switch. In this way, another user cannot inadvertently activate the machinery after it has been turned off, even if the other user is an authorised user.
  • the safety switch may be configured such that it may only be activated and/or deactivated when more than one fingerprint is used in succession.
  • the safety switch may require the fingerprints of two different authorised users to be activated and/or deactivated.
  • each safety switch can be configured to allow access to a specific set of authorised users. For example, untrained employees may only be allowed into a first, peripheral enclosure, whereas trained employees may be allowed into a central enclosure, which is more dangerous due to the presence of machinery.
  • control circuitry used to obtain the fingerprint may be located in the biometric sensor module, the safety switch or a computer system (e.g. a server) connected to the biometric sensor module and/or the safety switch.
  • a server which may be remote from the safety switch and fingerprint reader, the store of authorised fingerprints may be centrally managed. This makes it easier to control who is authorised to access the enclosure.
  • the safety switch may be programmed with a unique identification number. To activate the safety switch the biometric sensor module or the server would have to match the fingerprint data with the switch identification number. This would restrict activation of individual safety switches to certain users.
  • the safety switch could be programmed with the unique identification number and fingerprint data from one individual source (e.g. the computer system or server). The source may be protected from unauthorised access in a conventional manner (e.g. password protection).
  • An access log may be provided which details authorised and attempted non-authorised use of the safety switch.
  • the access log may be stored in the safety switch, the biometric sensor module or the computer system. Fingerprints of non-authorised users who attempt to activate the switch may be stored so that the non-authorised user can be identified (if necessary) at a later date.
  • the biometric sensor module 11 may be provided with a power source sufficient to activate the safety switch 10.
  • the biometric sensor module 11 may be a passive device.
  • a fingerprint reader any suitable biometric sensor may be used.
  • a retina scanner may be used, or any other biometric sensor that is able to uniquely identify a user by obtaining biological information therefrom.
  • a fingerprint reader is preferable as these devices are cheaper and more reliable than many other biometric sensors.
  • Any suitable fingerprint reader may be used. For example, a fingerprint reader requiring a single impression of a fingerprint may be used. Alternatively, a fingerprint reader requiring a fingerprint to be dragged across a sensor may be used.
  • Authorised and appropriate biological information may be stored in the biometric sensor module or the safety switch.
  • activation of a safety switch may involve an electrical signal being generated, which causes an electromagnet to be energised that in turn causes a pair of contacts within the safety switch to open. Opening of these contacts may cause a break in a circuit which interrupts the power supplied to machinery within the enclosure. It is to be appreciated, however, that any suitable switch mechanism may be employed.
  • the biometric sensor module as being in electrical connection with the safety switch or connectable to the safety switch.
  • the connection may be wireless.
  • the obtained biological information e.g. a fingerprint
  • the electromagnetic waves may be radio waves.
  • the safety switch may be operated remotely, or may not require an opening that could become contaminated with dirt.
  • the biometric sensor module make be provided with a radio-wave emitter that is arranged to emit a specific signal (i.e. a signal specific to and therefore identifying an individual biometric sensor module). Only if the fingerprint and radio signal are deemed to be authorised will the switch be activated, i.e. the radio signal acts as a further security check. Alternatively or additionally, the detection by the switch of such a specific radio signal may allow the switch to prepare for an expected user. For example, rather than having to compare the fingerprint with a store of fingerprints, the received radio signal can be used to identify and retrieve a specific fingerprint. When the user tries to access the enclosure using the fingerprint reader, the safety switch need only check that the fingerprint is the one that it is expecting. This may improve the efficiency of checking whether a user is authorised, i.e. make access or denial quicker.
  • a specific signal i.e. a signal specific to and therefore identifying an individual biometric sensor module.
  • an enclosure may be anything which encloses powered apparatus (e.g. machinery), the power supply to which is controlled by a safety switch.
  • An enclosure may be, for example, a room, a cage or a fully or partially fenced off area.
  • the apparatus may be powered electrically, and the supply of electrical power to the machinery may cause activation of a pneumatic or hydraulic system. These systems will also be shutdown when the supply of electrical power to the machinery is interrupted.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP07250333A 2006-02-01 2007-01-26 Interrupteur de sécurité Withdrawn EP1821264A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0601990.5A GB0601990D0 (en) 2006-02-01 2006-02-01 Safety switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1821264A2 true EP1821264A2 (fr) 2007-08-22
EP1821264A3 EP1821264A3 (fr) 2009-03-04

Family

ID=36100816

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07250333A Withdrawn EP1821264A3 (fr) 2006-02-01 2007-01-26 Interrupteur de sécurité

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1821264A3 (fr)
GB (1) GB0601990D0 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014002877A1 (de) * 2014-03-05 2015-09-10 Abb Ag Elektrisches lnstallationsgerät mit Bedienteil
US10162313B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2018-12-25 Remsafe Pty Ltd. Equipment isolation system
US10163592B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2018-12-25 Remsafe Pty Ltd. Equipment isolation switch assembly
US10222763B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2019-03-05 Remsafe Pty Ltd Remote isolation system and mobile device for use in the remote isolation system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19711588A1 (de) * 1997-03-20 1998-09-24 Euchner Gmbh & Co Sicherheitsschalter
US20020060243A1 (en) * 2000-11-13 2002-05-23 Janiak Martin J. Biometric authentication device for use in mobile telecommunications
EP1363306A2 (fr) * 2002-05-18 2003-11-19 K.A. SCHMERSAL GmbH & Co. Interrupteur de sécurité, circuit de sécurité et procédé de commande d'un interrupteur de sécurité
DE10315526A1 (de) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-28 Siemens Ag Verfahren und Einrichtung zur sicheren Betriebsartenumschaltung einer industriellen Steuerung oder Regelung für Werkzeug- oder Produktionsmaschinen
EP1677167A2 (fr) * 2005-01-03 2006-07-05 Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co. KG Commutateur de sélection de modes de fonctionnement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19711588A1 (de) * 1997-03-20 1998-09-24 Euchner Gmbh & Co Sicherheitsschalter
US20020060243A1 (en) * 2000-11-13 2002-05-23 Janiak Martin J. Biometric authentication device for use in mobile telecommunications
EP1363306A2 (fr) * 2002-05-18 2003-11-19 K.A. SCHMERSAL GmbH & Co. Interrupteur de sécurité, circuit de sécurité et procédé de commande d'un interrupteur de sécurité
DE10315526A1 (de) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-28 Siemens Ag Verfahren und Einrichtung zur sicheren Betriebsartenumschaltung einer industriellen Steuerung oder Regelung für Werkzeug- oder Produktionsmaschinen
EP1677167A2 (fr) * 2005-01-03 2006-07-05 Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co. KG Commutateur de sélection de modes de fonctionnement

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014002877A1 (de) * 2014-03-05 2015-09-10 Abb Ag Elektrisches lnstallationsgerät mit Bedienteil
US10162313B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2018-12-25 Remsafe Pty Ltd. Equipment isolation system
US10163592B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2018-12-25 Remsafe Pty Ltd. Equipment isolation switch assembly
US10222763B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2019-03-05 Remsafe Pty Ltd Remote isolation system and mobile device for use in the remote isolation system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0601990D0 (en) 2006-03-15
EP1821264A3 (fr) 2009-03-04

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