Command and signalling devices

COMMAND AND SIGNALLING DEVICES

Command devices and alarm devices are always used when it is a question of fail-safe communication between humans and machines. Typical applications include the activation of critical machine functions or special operating modes, plus safe stopping of hazardous movements of plant and machine components. The Schmersal Group offers a range of products for (virtually) all areas of application. These also include a series of command and signalling devices that have been developed for dedicated use in industrial applications (series A), hygiene-sensitive areas (series N) as well as for extremely harsh ambient conditions (series E and R).

PULL-WIRE EMERGENCY STOP SWITCHES

When machines and systems cannot be protected by a safety cover or safety doors, pull-wire emergency stop switches are used. Their core area of application is, for example, transport and conveyor systems and large-scale plants. Unlike emergency off/emergency stop mushroom buttons, the emergency stop function on a pull-wire emergency stop switch can be triggered at any point along the wire.

SAFETY FOOT SWITCH

If activating the consent function manually is either impossible or does not make sense, safety foot switches can be used. Example applications include machines and systems in shaping engineering, timber processing and packaging technology. If the foot pedal is actuated as far as the pressure point, the NO contact is closed and the machine function is started. If the machine operator actuates the pedal beyond the pressure point, then the automatic NC contact is opened and the machine function is stopped and only released again once it has been unlocked manually. To prevent unintentional actuation, all safety foot switches are fitted with a safety hood.

EMERGENCY STOP COMMAND DEVICES

In machine and plant engineering, emergency off/emergency stop command devices are among the most frequently used safety switches. Therefore, Schmersal offers a wide range of products in this area. There are specialist ranges for dedicated use in specific environments, such as industrial applications, hygiene-sensitive areas and under tough operating conditions. Emergency off/emergency stop command devices ensure that movements and processes can be stopped immediately in the event of a hazard.

BUILT-IN PUSHBUTTONS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

Command and signalling devices are of great importance for the man-machine interface in the field of industrial applications. They are used, for instance, in control cabinets, control panels, two-hand control panels, in elevator construction or on conveyor and material handling plants. The manual actuation of the devices starts or stops operating sequences and functional processes

Command devices are available in the form of pushbuttons, joystick switches or key-operated switches. The actuating elements are connected to the switching element by a bayonet catch.

Schmersal offers a wide range of various built-in pushbuttons (illuminated pushbuttons), selector switches and selector pushbuttons, key switches, LED illuminated indicators and standard-compliant command devices with an emergency stop function. As a generalist for systems and components at the human-machine interface, the Schmersal Group offers an extremely wide range of products for almost all fields of application in this area. These include, amongst others, series of command and signalling devices that have been specifically developed for extremely rough application areas (E and R series) and for use in hygiene-sensitive areas (N series). All series are characterised by a very high quality level and a long service life. They have a modular design and can therefore be optimally adapted to the individual application

CONSENT SWITCH

When it comes to setting up a machine or observing processes, it can make sense to waive the effect of protective equipment either partially or fully. In this case, one of the options is to use enabling devices, which can ensure that a machine can be operated even though the safety door is open. Special safety measures are needed for these special operating modes, which are specified in the Machinery Directive and in some type C standards.

Two-hand control panels

Two handed control panels and panels guarantee that a start command for a hazardous situation can only be triggered if both of a person's hand are in a specific place. This guarantees that the operator of a system or machine is not in danger. Two-hand control panels are often used in machines and systems where manual insertion and removal is required, e.g. in presses, stamping systems and printing presses.