CN102484005A - Control unit with signal display - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device, which is used for switching a switch unit and has a display having a display surface (14) and an illumination element. The invention is characterized in that the illumination element is designed as an LED (10), wherein the light of the LED (10) is guided by a light conductor (7) which is arranged directly above the LED (10) in the operating state.

Description

Control unit with signal display

technical field

The invention relates to an operating device, which is provided for switching a switching unit and has a display with a display surface and a lighting element.

Background technique

Such operating devices are regularly used to input commands into so-called human-machine interfaces. In this case, it is not only conceivable for switching the control current, but also for power switching by using the actuating device as a trigger for the circuit breaker. High demands are placed on the operating device in terms of service life, durability and tightness of the electrical components against water and contamination. In addition, it should be produced as cost-effectively and process-safely as possible.

The command device is installed in a switchboard, control panel, switch cabinet door or housing cover. The command device is usually of modular design. This means that it consists of a push button, a fixing (for example a ring nut or mounting bracket) and one or more switching elements configured to open or close the contact elements. For assembly, the actuating device is usually guided from the front through a hole in the switchboard and mounted from the rear by means of a fastening element. The switching element is then mechanically fastened to the actuating device or to the holder by means of screws, hooks or fastening pins. The electrical connection between the switching element and the control system is realized through terminal blocks.

In safety applications, for example in emergency stop control devices, it is provided that a signal is generated by opening positively open contacts. That is, when the emergency stop command device is not operated, the contact and its associated circuit are closed. In the event of a fault or emergency, the disconnecting contact is interrupted by striking the emergency stop control located in front of the switchboard, and the plant or machine is brought into a safe state. However, this is only effective if a spatial correspondence between the actuating device and the switching element is ensured. Mechanical disconnection of the switching element from the actuating device can occur due to faulty mounting or due to violent effects. In this case, the emergency stop command device is no longer effective. That is to say, for operation in emergency situations, the contacts are not opened and therefore a dangerous state is not excluded. This can cause significant damage to people and machines. A secure connection between the actuating device and the switching element is therefore of great importance.

Optical displays are mechanical and/or electrical switching displays, the requirement to integrate this display leads to problems with the placement of the required components, since the total volume of the device, especially based on a standardized mounting diameter (eg 22.5mm) can only be achieved in extremely small change within limits. Until now, if it was not possible to integrate the display in the command device, an additional command position, for example with a signal lamp, was usually installed. This solution is not preferred due to the additional space requirements eg on the switchboard of the installation unit and the mandatory use of a separate display.

The emergency stop button known from DE 10011624C1 has a mushroom-shaped actuating head and a base body assembled from different parts with a permanently arranged push button guide with at least one movable part and a locking device , the locking device holds the emergency stop button in the "pressed" position when it is pressed, wherein the emergency stop button can be unlocked by pulling and/or rotating the operating head. The manipulating head has an opening into which a lens closing the opening can be inserted, which can be illuminated by a light-emitting element arranged at the opposite end of the manipulating head, wherein the locking device is arranged between the light-emitting element and the manipulating head, and wherein , the locking device is designed or arranged in a light-transmissive form, and wherein the fixed and movable parts have an axial light path opening.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the blocking device is arranged between the luminous element and the actuating head, so that the light cannot reach the actuating head without hindrance.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an operating device with an illuminated signal display, in which light can reach the operating head unhindered.

This object is achieved by an actuating device having the features of claim 1 . Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of the subclaims, which can be used individually or in combination.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an operating device which is provided for switching a switching unit and has a display with a window and a lighting element. The invention is characterized in that the lighting element is designed as an LED, wherein the light of the LED is guided by a light guide which is arranged directly, ie immediately adjacent or without obstruction, above the LED in the operating state.

The actuating device according to the invention is preferably composed of two parts and has an actuating head and a socket. The manipulation head is preferably configured in a mushroom shape and overlaps the socket. The housing guide is inserted into the socket from the manipulator head. The housing guide includes a spring element. There is a window-like recess on the cover of the control head, which serves as a display surface.

Description of drawings

Next, further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

Which is shown schematically:

1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an operating device with a signal display in a non-operating state according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operating device according to the invention with a signal display visible from the outside.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 shows an actuating device 1 according to the invention with a two-part housing, preferably formed by an actuating head 2 and a socket 3 . The manipulating head 2 is preferably configured in the shape of a mushroom and overlaps the socket 3 . On the upper part of the operating head 2 there is a preferably annular display surface 14 . The base 3 can be fastened to the actuating head 2 by eg clamping elements and stops. Inside the actuating device there is a preferably concentrically arranged housing guide 4 , in whose interior 5 a spring element 6 is arranged. The spring element 6 is preferably designed helically, a light guide 7 fastened to the actuating head 2 located in the interior of the spring element. The housing guide 4 engages at the lower end in a sleeve 8 which is likewise designed concentrically and has a chimney 9 (Kamin) and an LED 10 arranged in its interior. Arranged in the lower part of the sleeve 8 are two slide valves 11 which are arranged to abut against the chimney 9 and are in operative connection with a stop 15 of the housing guide 4 . The actuating device 1 is operatively connected to a switching element 12 arranged below the actuating device 1 .

FIG. 2 shows the externally visible signal display 13 , which is not illuminated in the non-operating state.

The actuating device described here according to the invention with a preferably ring-shaped signal display has the advantage that the corresponding switching state of the actuating device is clearly visible, wherein the actuating device is based on an easy-to-install structure.

Claims (5)

1. An operating device, provided for switching a switching unit, and having a display, the display having a display surface (14) and a lighting element, characterized in that the lighting element is designed as an LED (10), wherein the LED The light rays of ( 10 ) are guided by a light guide ( 7 ) arranged directly above said LED ( 10 ) in the operating state. 2. Actuating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the LED (10) is arranged on a chimney (9) operatively connected to the switching element (12). 3. Manipulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of slide valves (11) are arranged to abut against said chimney (9), said slide valves being connected with housing guides ( 4) The stopper (15) is functionally connected. 4. The actuating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the light guide (7) is fastened to the actuating head (2). 5. The operating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the signal indicator (13) is designed as a ring.

Images