EP1906418B1 - Control device with a control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The command switch (1) has a checking device (9) which includes an actuating element (16) and fixing element (17). A switching element (6) is actuated by actuating element and the actuating tappet (10) is actuated to another switching element (8) during normal assembling of the command switch with checking device. An independent claim is also included for the checking device.

Description

The invention relates to a control device with control device, wherein the control device comprises an actuating element and a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is provided for attachment to a first mounting plate and / or to an operating unit mounted on the first mounting plate, wherein the actuating element for actuating one on a second Mounting plate mounted first switching element is provided, wherein the mounted on the first mounting plate operating unit is provided with proper assembly without control device for actuating the first switching element by means of an actuating plunger. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for a command device.

The command device may be a command switch, for example an emergency stop switch, which has a pot-shaped or mushroom-shaped cap as an actuator. For safety reasons, the cap or actuator is fixedly connected to the actuating tappet, e.g. screwed. If the command device is actuated, the actuating tappet of the command device is brought from the rest position to the actuated position. The actuating plunger inevitably interrupts the contacts of at least one NC switching element, so that the associated circuit is interrupted, for example, a connected electrical machine. In addition, depending on the application, openers and / or closer switching elements can be mounted, which are actuated together via the actuating plunger.

For safety reasons, the command device and its control part usually work according to the principle of forced operation or forced opening.

Alternatively, the switching state of the switching elements can also be interrogated by a monitoring device, for example by coupling in a bit pattern via the closed NC contacts of an NC switching element and continuously checking the received result. Such a monitoring device is, for example, the ASI-F monitoring device from Siemens. This device is also bus-capable, so that in the absence of the expected bit pattern via a bus data technically achievable plant parts can be brought into a safe state.

The command device is also designed in two parts. The separability is required to attach the command device, for example, to a cabinet door, front panel or panel. For this purpose, for example, an actuating unit for mounting through a relatively small hole in a cabinet door or the like out and connected by means of a fastening nut or a clamping ring with this. Subsequently, the actuating plunger on the actuator, usually by means of a snap or screw, be attached. By contrast, the voltage-carrying parts that are used in the switching elements can be safely installed or accommodated within the control cabinet. For this purpose, the command device is divided into an actuating unit and a switching unit, which can be installed separately, but must be brought together in a spatially precise manner for optimal operation.

If the attachment of the actuating plunger on the actuator is not performed properly or the actuator is not correctly placed or mounted, or has the screw of the actuating plunger solved by vibration, the operation of at least one switching element by the actuator may not be guaranteed without this is noticed. An emergency stop circuit then remains closed despite the operation of the emergency stop switch. The emergency stop switch thus loses its functionality and thus its protective function. this applies in a similar way also for command devices in general. This can lead to unpredictable damage to people and plant components in control systems.

Out DE 103 48 884 is a command device is known in which a spatial assignment is monitored by a mounted on the actuator transponder and a corresponding reading unit on the device.

From the DE 203 05 818 is a fuse element for a command device is known, which is a sealable additional part, wherein the sealable additional part is located behind the cabinet door or inside a housing and is unsuitable for a visual or mechanical control.

The DE 10 2005 010661 A1 describes a command switch having an actuator and a separate contactor designed for this purpose. The actuator comprises a housing and a guided in this ram with a rest and actuation position. The contactor has an opener-switching element, which can be brought into the actuated position by means of the plunger in a cocked position. In addition, the command switch on another switching element with a first contact piece and a second contact piece, which are mounted separately on the actuator and / in the contactor. The other switching element closes only when the contactor is properly attached to the actuator. Due to the separate execution of the command switch the switching pieces of the further switching element are advantageously forcibly separated, since they are attached to different components of the command switch. An axial offset, a tilting or rotation between the actuator and contactor cause the contacts of the contact pieces with each other no conductive connection.

The invention has for its object to provide a control device for a command device, which allows a safe and cost-effective manner, a function control of the command device.

The invention is further based on the finding that transponder-based solutions are quite complex and therefore cost-intensive.

The object of the invention is achieved with a command device of the type mentioned above, wherein at the proper assembly of the control device by means of the actuating plunger, at least a second switching element is actuated and at the same time the first switching element is actuated by means of the actuating element.

According to the invention, the control device, which is provided for use in a command device, an actuating element and a fastening element. Due to the two-part versions of the control device, the operating unit, which is often called simply actuator, on a first mounting plate mounted, wherein the fastening element of the control device, here in dependence on the position of the component to be controlled, on the mounting plate and / or on the attached actuating element can be fastened. For the attachment of the control device, in particular, the components of the actuating unit, which do not participate in the actuation movement of the actuator.

Furthermore, the command device has at least one first switching element which is fastened on a second mounting plate. This first switching element optionally together with other switching elements forms the second part of the command device. When the operator of the command device is actuated by the user, the actuator transmits the actuating movement to the actuating tappet. The actuating tappet in turn is provided for actuating the first and a second and / or the optionally existing further switching elements. When properly mounted control device, the first switching element is actuated permanently by means of the actuating element of the control device. In this case, the second or optionally existing further switching elements remain operable by the actuating plunger. The first switching element, however, is assigned a new function, namely the function control of the installed command device. A mounting error of the actuating unit in the first mounting plate or the switching elements on the second mounting plate and an unwanted position of the mounting plates to each other are thus detectable by means of the first switching element. Likewise, malfunctions that occur during use of the command device, such as a deposition by shaking, detectable.

Advantageously, the control device can be used in conventional command devices, since an already existing in the command device switching element for position control in conjunction with the control device is used. The first switching element controls a circuit connected to the Detection of an error is used. This can be done for example by an optical signal, so that the user can immediately recognize whether the command device is ready for use or not functional.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first switching element is provided for opening and closing a control circuit, so that a multiple application is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is provided for detecting the relative position of at least the second switching element to the operating unit, for checking the function of the control device and / or for installation control of the control device. Thus, the control extends to the installation phase and the use phase of the command device. In addition, also positions of components that are not part of the control device, verifiable. This guarantees the fitter and the user optimal safety conditions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed in two parts, wherein a first part is a first fastening part and a second part is a second fastening part. In a two-part design, the operating depth of the control device is variable, which, for example, the use in differently sized control devices is possible, or the dimensions of the housing can be taken into account by the distances of the switching elements of the actuator is variable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first and / or the second mounting plate are each fastened to a first or second housing part or each form at least a first and / or a second housing part. For simpler structures, it makes sense to install the command device directly into the housing, which saves components and material. On the other hand it is with more complex devices makes sense to install the command device by means of at least one mounting plate, so that the housing choice remains flexible.

Further advantageous embodiments and preferred developments of the invention can be taken from the description of the figures and / or the dependent claims.

In the following the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

FIG 1

einen installierten Not-Aus-Schalter mit Kontroll- vorrichtung,

FIG 2

den Not-Aus-Schalter der FIG 1 im betätigten Zu- stand,

FIG 3

den Not-Aus-Schalter der FIG 1 in einem Montagezu- stand und

FIG 4

eine zweiteilig ausgeführte Kontrollvorrichtung in einem Not-Aus-Schalter.

Show it:

FIG. 1

an installed emergency stop switch with control device,

FIG. 2

the emergency stop switch the FIG. 1 in the actuated state,

FIG. 3

the emergency stop switch the FIG. 1 in an assembly state and

FIG. 4

a two-piece running control device in an emergency stop switch.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an installed emergency stop switch 1 with a control device 9, wherein the emergency stop switch 1 in FIG. 1 unactuated and in FIG. 2 is pressed.

In both figures, the control device 9 is shown, which has an actuating element 16 and a fastening element 17. The actuator 16 holds the switching element slider 11 in the actuated position. The associated first switching element 6 is thus provided for function or position control and indicates a proper mounting of the emergency stop switch 1 on. The actuating plunger 10 is connected to the actuator 2 directly, for example via a screw, so that via the actuator 2, a second Switching element 8 and a third switching element 7 via the switching element slide 13, 12 are actuated. Although the actuating tappet 10 is also provided for operating the switching element slider 11 of the first switching element 6, the switching state of the first switching element 6 is not changed during the actuating operation.

In encapsulated command devices, as well as in this emergency stop switch 1, the switching elements 6, 8, 7 are snapped or screwed in the lower housing part 4.

The actuation of the switching element 6 by the actuator 16 of the control device 9 is also given only if a proper mounting of the switching units, which are usually installed as a block, the operating unit and the housing plates 4, 5 are present.

In this embodiment, the first housing part is designed as a housing upper part 5. Accordingly, the second housing part is designed as a lower housing part 4. It makes sense that the control device 9 is attached by means of the fastening element 17 on the guide 18, which belong to the non-movable elements of the emergency stop switch 1. The actuating unit is fastened to the upper housing part 5 by means of a fastening part 3, such as a ring nut.

It may be advantageous for the control device 9 to be part of the actuating device, the actuator 2, the fastening part 3, the upper housing part 5 or a separate part. The control device 9 is connected in accordance with the respective components mentioned and does not affect the positive actuation movement of the switching element slide 12, 13.

It is advantageous that no special monitoring switching elements are required, but is realized with one or more conventional, already existing switching elements. This feature also allows the retrofitting of command devices in existing plants and machines.

The embodiment represents a particularly reliable and economical solution, since it is mechanical and manages without monitoring by an evaluation. Furthermore, a corresponding control device in other command devices, such as in push buttons, selectors or similar switches applicable. Furthermore, it is up to the user whether he wants to work with normally closed or normally open switching elements or a combination of both. This applies both to the first switching element 6, as well as for the second and third switching element 7,8.

The control circuit which is switched by the first switching element 6 can also be used very variably. The corresponding signal can be implemented as desired in terms of tax, it being possible to use acoustic and / or visual alarms or even to shut down the system. A message to a control center is also easy to implement by means of the control circuit.

Advantageously, in addition to a realization of an additional mechanical positive or non-positive locking by the control device 9 against shaking the actuator also a mechanical orientation or security against incorrect assembly of the modular control device or its installation can be used within a housing.

FIG. 3 shows the emergency stop switch 1 of FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

The actuating unit and the switching elements 6, 8, 7 are already installed on the upper housing part 5 or on the lower housing part 4. It can be seen that the proper installation, which also includes the proper connection of the housing parts 4, 5, the necessary spatial association between actuator unit and the switching elements 7, 8, 6 entails.

Removes the upper housing part 5 with the mounted therein actuator unit (for example, as a result of loosening screws), so removed also the control device 9 from the first switching element 6, which has taken over the function of a monitoring switching element and thus gives the switching element slide 11 in contrast to the preceding Figures free. From a certain distance, the first switching element 6 changes its switching state. A signal of the switching state change will then be used in a controller of a machine or plant to establish a safe state and / or to generate an alarm or message.

Advantageously, the control device 9 and the switching point of the first switching element 6 are tuned so that the signal of the first switching element 6 is generated before the actuator has moved so far from the switching elements 7, 8, that they no longer properly in an emergency, for example would be pressing.

In contrast to non-mechanically generated signals (for example, a transponder), the signal of the mechanical switching element 6 can easily be processed by conventional controls, as they are common in simple machines or equipment. In this sense, the first switching element 6 can be connected to other contacts of the controller as desired in parallel or in series to initiate the necessary measures (for example, stop, alarm) in the case of signaling. In this embodiment, the first switching element 6 with the other switching elements 7, 8 identical, but it can be used in other embodiments, other types of mechanical contacts, such as micro-switches, for the monitoring of the spatial associations. A combination of different switching elements is also conceivable.

Are on the upper housing part 5, which is designed for example as a cabinet door and carries a plurality of command devices, all or more actuators monitored with a control device 9 and the associated monitoring switching element, thus ensuring that even with unilateral opening of the cabinet door an incorrect assignment of actuator units and the associated switching elements is detected.

In addition, different alarms can be generated which detect a misallocation or a multiple false assignment. Probably the simplest realization would presumably be a series connection of the monitoring switching elements, which draws the triggering of a (single) alarm signal in the event of any misallocation. Detecting certain misalignments is however also feasible by means of different alarm signals.

Advantageously, in the case of a physical separation from a monitoring switching element or the first switching element 6, the circuit is reliably interrupted and remains interrupted if a positively-opening switching element 6 is used. However, not only the spatial separation is detectable, but also an incorrect or changed assignment of the switching elements to the associated operating units can be reconstructed, which would be detectable, for example, a warped cabinet door.

Advantageously, the control device 9 is provided as a separate part to keep the actuator unit in the event of unwanted detachment of the upper housing part 5 at least in the upper housing part 5, although the proper position is no longer given. The same applies to mounting walls, mounting plates or other housing parts.

FIG. 4 shows a two-part running control device, the control device 9 of the emergency stop switch 1 of FIG. 1 can replace.

The control device consists of two parts, wherein a first fastening part 14, the fastening element 17 and a second fastening part 15 has the actuating element 16. Both parts can be pushed into each other, with different connections for the two-part solution are conceivable.

Advantageously, the first fastening part 14 and the second fastening part 15 are mutually adjustable, for example by an adjusting screw, which is not shown, wherein the distance of the two parts of the triggering time of the first switching element 6 in the event of detachment of the operating unit can be fixed. It is also conceivable that by a flexible length adjustment, the switching elements 6,7,8 can take a different operational relative position to the operating unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, a self-adjustment of the first and second fastening part 14, 15 to each other is provided. Thus, for example, could be provided on the introduced into the first fastening part 14 pin-like end of the second fastening part 15, a latch provided with appropriate force during installation to determine the distance between the two parts. In this case, it is important that the restoring force, which acts on the second fastening part 15 by the switching element slider 11, is insufficient to further introduce the second fastening part 15 into the first fastening part 14. Also conceivable are other fastening mechanisms that allow insertion of the second fastening part 15 into the first fastening part 14, but prevent the removal of the first fastening part 14 from the second fastening part 15 after insertion, for example in connection with barbs.

In particular, when closing or screwing the housing parts 4, 5 is hereby by self-adjustment a backlash-free and thus optimal assignment between the second fastening part 15 and the first switching element 6 automatically. The assignment of the first fastening part 14 to the second fastening part 15 forms after completion of said adjustment a quasi-rigid system by force and / or positive connection.

In summary, the invention relates to a control device with control device, wherein the control device comprises an actuating element and a fastening element. In addition, the command device is designed in two parts and has an actuating unit and switching elements. The required spatial allocation between actuator and switching elements should be monitored in a cost effective and safe way. For this purpose, with proper assembly of the control device by means of an actuator at least a second switching element operable and simultaneously actuates a first switching element by means of the actuating element of the control device.

Claims (8)

1. Control unit (1) with a monitoring apparatus (9), with the monitoring apparatus (9) having an operating element (16) and an attachment element (17), with the attachment element (17) being provided for attachment to a first mounting plate and/or to an operating unit which is mounted on the first mounting plate, with the operating element (16) being provided for operation of a first switching element (6), which is mounted on a second mounting plate, wherein, when the control unit is installed correctly, with a monitoring apparatus (9), at least one second switching element (8) can be operated by means of the operating plunger (10), and the first switching element (6) is operated at the same time by means of the operating element (16), characterized in that, the monitoring apparatus (9) is in two parts, with a first attachment part (14) and a second attachment part (15).
2. Control unit according to Claim 1, wherein the first switching element (6) is provided for opening and/or closing a monitoring circuit.
3. Control unit according to one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein correct operation at least of the second switching element (8) can be monitored.
4. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring apparatus (9) is provided for operation of the first switching element (6) only when installed correctly.
5. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring apparatus (9) is provided for detection of correct installation and/or position of the operating unit, of the first mounting plate, of the second mounting plate and/or of the switching elements (6, 7, 8).
6. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring apparatus (9) is provided for identification of the relative position of at least the second switching element (8) with respect to the operating element, for functional monitoring of the control unit, and/or for installation monitoring of the control unit.
7. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or the second mounting plate can respectively be attached to a first housing part (5) and to a second housing part (4), or form a first housing part (5) or a second housing part (4), respectively.
8. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is a circuit breaker, a safety switch, a push-button switch, a selection switch or an emergency-off switch.

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