Switches provide safety and access management.

Press Release Summary:



Electronic Key System (EKS) consists of electronic key and matching key mount, and is used to manage access to PCs and control systems. CES Safety Switch consists of actuator, read head and evaluation unit. Coding of each actuator allows highest level of safety (Category 4) to be maintained. TZ Safety Switch connects directly to AS-i bus. Safety Switch TX meets requirements according to EN 1088 Chapter 3.4 of guard-locking device, preventing premature user access to machines and installations.



Original Press Release:


Euchner to Showcase Safety Switches at IMTS


SYRACUSE, NY-New technology and products will be highlighted at Euchner-USA's booth at IMTS, # D4670. The company will have several new products, including one encompassing a technology update designed to eliminate magnetic switches from some applications.

Included in the mix are the following products:

Euchner's Electronic Key System (EKS)

This new product will make passwords a distant memory by managing access to PCs and control systems. EKS consists of two components: an electronic key and the matching key mount. A memory chip and an antenna are integrated into the key in the form of a robust tag. The chip is a battery-free 125 kHz transponder, which transfers its data inductively to an antenna with evaluation electronics in the key mount. The key's memory includes the user's name, department and access rights. Only those with a key can gain access--simply by inserting the key. Removing it logs the user out. With EKS, Euchner has already aroused considerable interest in the automotive industry and
manufacturers of control systems, as well as for securing painting systems, bolt control systems and in visualization applications.

The EUCHNER Safety Switch CES

The Euchner CES Safety Switch includes new transponder technology that can provide a safer option than coded magnetic switches. The name "transponder" comes from the terms "transmitter" and "responder." The transponder (actuator) receives an electromagnetic field from a transceiver station (read head), processes it and sends data signals back to the receiver (evaluation unit) as a response in accordance with the transponder coding. It's been used in safety engineering applications since Euchner launched the industry's first noncontact switch CES. This technology is leading the way towards a new concept in safety.

The basic components of the noncontact safety switch CES are the actuator, read head and evaluation unit. Its benefits over conventional magnetic switches include:

- Absolutely tamperproof actuator.

- Every transponder is unique.

- During servicing, a new actuator can be taught in a matter of seconds.

- The actuator and read head have a wide sensing range with hysteresis. Misalignment of the doors does not result in the system being switched off. Furthermore, if the actuator is positioned at the very limit of the switch-on distance, vibration of the safety guard does not cause the machine to stop.

- The actuator sends signals to the read head via a uniform field so rotation of the actuator in the operating range of the read head is permitted.

- The two-core cable to the evaluation unit is either fixed to the read head or has to be connected using an M8 round plug connector. This keeps the amount of wiring required to an absolute minimum.

- Scanning of the read head in the "actuator ready" state occurs dynamically over a single channel. All possible errors that can occur (e.g., cable break, short-circuit, actuator failure) are detected.

- Up to four actuators and read heads available with one evaluation unit. Unique coding of each actuator allows the highest level of safety (Category 4) to be maintained.

Euchner's TZ Safety Switch with AS-i

Safety switch wiring is going to be much easier in the future now that Euchner has made its proven TZ Safety Switch bus compatible. Up to now, wiring control for category three or four safety switches has been highly complex, especially if more than one switch is being used, for example, an Emergency Stop switch. Euchner has moved ahead of the industry by making its popular TZ Safety Switch connect directly to the AS-i bus.

The switch is linked to the bus via M12 connectors attached to a distribution box. In turn, the box is linked to the AS-i. A safety monitor is used to ensure safety on the bus. The monitor is also available from Euchner, while all further components of the bus are standard components.

Euchner's TX Safety Switch

Euchner is pleased to introduce the Safety Switch TX in slim and compact housing. The TX meets the requirements according to EN 1088 Chapter 3.4 of a guard-locking device. It prevents premature user access to machines and installations and can be used for a variety of operations.

The switch features the following advantages:

- high environmental protection degree (IP67);

- housing material in anodized die-cast light alloy;

- high-quality, immersion-lacquered housing surface;

- resistance to many oils and aggressive liquids;

- high retaining force of 1500 N in locked position; and

- the switch can be unlocked even when high back-loading forces are applied to the actuator.

Euchner's switch also can overcome the issue of high back-loading forces being applied to actuators. For example, on machines with a very fast cycle time, the operator tends to pull on the loading door prematurely, trying to open the door before the safety switch unlocks. As soon as high back-loading forces are applied to the actuator, the common safety switch available on the market today cannot be unlocked.

The new Euchner safety switch TX 3/TX 4 overcomes this problem. Even when high back-loading forces are applied to the actuator, the TX switch can be unlocked safely.

For more information on these and all other Euchner products, visit their booth at IMTS, # D4670.

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