Patent Publication Number: US-10332703-B2

Title: Safety switch assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to a safety switch assembly having a switch installation having at least one switching member and at least one actuation installation having an assigned actuator, wherein a transmission installation having at least one transmission member which is coupleable or coupled to the switching member, on the one hand, and to the at least one actuator, on the other hand, is provided between the actuation installation and the switch installation. 
     Switch and key transfer systems are employed as safety installations in industrial production facilities. Said switch and key transfer systems serve as a protection for operators who operate dangerous machinery. Said switch and key transfer systems thus are a safety installation for at least one isolating protective installation or blockage installation, or a device for monitoring the state of a protective installation of a machine or a plant, in particular key transfer systems, safety switches, or hybrids derived therefrom or the like, for monitoring the safe state of machines, plants, or the like. 
     Such systems are known in principle, and are commonly used in the case of safety switches. The design of safety switches herein is based on various concepts in terms of functionality, application and set-up potentials of the safety level to be achieved and in terms of the effort to be invested. First, electromechanical locking mechanisms which are constructed in a single-channel and thus in such a simple manner such that any fault arising rapidly leads to a malfunction or to a loss in functionality are thus known in the prior art for instance from U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,484 A, CN 102150230 A, GB 2305964 A, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,102 A, which is why a plurality of locking mechanisms of this type are often installed in machines and plants having an increased risk potential. An actuation element of an electromechanical locking mechanism that is constructed from two parts is known for instance from DE 102 009 053 717 A1, said electromechanical locking mechanism however by virtue of the still single-channel structure thereof not representing any improvement at this point. 
     In order for this disadvantage to be alleviated, the safety switches can also be provided with electronic locking mechanisms. On account thereof, individual faults become capable of being diagnosed, but a type of wiring which renders the respective systems sensitive to environmental influences is required to this end; however, these systems can be readily combined with command stations and interfaces with HMI functions. 
     A mechanical locking system as a key transfer system which by virtue of the conception thereof does not provide/require any wiring but in terms of the coupling of the elements thereof is again constructed in a single-channel manner is known from patent document US 2003/140669 A1. At this point, the potential for integrating further functions such as command buttons and/or HMI interfaces is missing. 
     EP 1489694 A1 discloses a key transfer system that is constructed from modules and combined with an electronic system. Despite the potential for integrating command functions, the system in mechanical terms is again structured in a single-channel manner. The modules therein by virtue of the construction thereof are not alignable in an arbitrary manner and prevent a transfer of electrical or electronic command functions across mechanical modules. Moreover, said modules are susceptible to faulty sealing and to this extent sensitive to ingress of water into the modules, as such ingress can lead to short circuits. Moreover, electrical connections of the system are sensitive to stress by way of bending moments. 
     EP 1 984 932 A1 discloses a modular mechanical key transfer system which is combined with the functional capabilities of electrical locking mechanisms. This system herein is capable of diagnosing individual faults in the mechanical train thereof; however problems in transferring electrical or electronic functions so as to bypass mechanical modules arise here too, such that these functional capabilities in modules are to be disposed on one side above or below mechanical units. Moreover, a transmission of force that is subject to improvement complicates any miniaturization of the internal gearbox therein. 
     Finally, a possibility for directing electrical or electronic functions as signals so as to bypass mechanical functions or modules in the sense of an external conduit is known from DE 10 2011 121 235 A1, this being sensitive to interruptions, on the one hand, and also susceptible to potential manipulations in an undesirable manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     There is therefore the object of providing a key transfer switch system which avoids the disadvantages that arise in the prior art and in the case of which a mechanical fault does not lead to a failure of that functionality that optionally permits the integration of a diagnostics function in order for the system in the case of a fault being detected to be able to be brought back to a safe state and that permits a transfer of mechanical as well as of electrical/electronic functions across the entire system. 
     This object is achieved by a key transfer switch system of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the transmission installation is provided with a plurality of separate transmission members which in the actuation of the actuator of the actuation installation are drivable or driven in a synchronous manner, and in that each of the transmission members by way of a rotary movement converts an actuation movement of the at least one actuator to a translatory movement of at least in each case one separate switching member of the switch installation. Thus, in this conversion, the respective switching member can be forcibly guided, in particular forcibly driven by the associated transmission member. 
     In the case of a safety switch assembly that is optionally of modular construction, the entire mechanical drive train is accordingly constructed having a plurality of transmission members which in a synchronously driven manner by way of a rotary movement convert a force that is exerted by the actuator back to a translatory movement, wherein each transmission member is now assigned at least one switching member which is capable of in turn transferring this translatory movement. Accordingly, the transmission installation and the switch installation on the safety switch installation form a type of fixed gearbox which by way of the multi-channel structure thereof has an enhanced fail-safe reliability in terms of mechanical failure. 
     Optionally further reinforce A1, for example by means of the object, optionally by way of “further advantages and features of the invention are derived by means of the dependent claims (cf. Euchner). 
     In the case of one embodiment of the safety switch assembly according to the invention, which converts the translatory movement of the actuator that is carried out at the input end of the drive train in an appropriate manner to a likewise movement of the switching members, the transmission members of the transmission installation are expediently provided with a plurality of transmission elements. 
     Herein, one advantageous refinement which is capable of transferring the rotary movement of transmission elements to switching members of the assembly can be configured in such a manner that at least two transmission elements of in each case one transmission member of the transmission installation are interconnected in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, a transmission element on the respective drive train that faces away from the actuator herein can drive a switching member. 
     In order for the translatory movement of the actuator herein to initially be converted in a suitable manner to a rotary movement, in the case of one embodiment of the safety switch assembly in each case at least one transmission element of the transmission members is mounted so as to be pivotable about axes that extend between housing walls of a housing or part-housing of the safety switch assembly, said axes in particular being disposed so as to be mutually parallel. 
     As can be seen, one actuation portion of an actuator, one transmission member having a plurality of transmission elements, and one or a plurality of switching members on the safety switch assembly can quasi form one of a plurality of drive trains on the safety switch assembly. 
     In order for the plurality of switching members to carry out a translatory movement that has the same effective direction on the take-off side of the transmission members, in the case of one expedient embodiment of the safety switch assembly two transmission members of the transmission installation in the actuation of the actuator carry out a mutually opposing pivoting movement. 
     In order for the movement of the switching members of the safety switch assembly to be triggered, various types of movement are conceivable on the part of the actuator or actuators employed. In the case of one expedient embodiment of the safety switch assembly, the at least one actuator of the actuation installation when carrying out the actuation movement thereof can carry out a translatory or a rotary movement, for instance. In principle, a combination of such movements would also be conceivable herein, for example. 
     In the case of one advantageous refinement of the safety switch assembly according to the invention, the transmission of the actuation movement of the at least one actuator can be established in that the at least one actuator of the actuation installation is expediently assigned at least one gearbox part which is operatively connected to at least one first transmission element of a transmission member of the transmission installation. 
     In preferred refinements for transmitting the actuation movement, the respective gearbox part can be configured as an actuator portion that in each case is disposed in the region of a free end of the actuator, or as a cam gear, for instance. However, other configurations are also conceivable. 
     In the case of one expedient embodiment of the safety switch assembly, the cam gear transmits a rotary movement of the actuator to the transmission members, for instance. The cam gear herein can preferably be configured having at least one dog that engages in a respective entrainment opening, or can is configured having at least one gear drive. Other embodiments of the cam gear can also transmit the movement. 
     Synchronous driving of the switching members on the drive train mentioned can be achieved for example in that transmission elements of various transmission members have a mutual offset in a direction of actuation of the actuator. This applies in particular to translatory movements of an actuator. In this way, various portions that are disposed on an actuator in the actuation of said actuator can transmit the same movement to various trains in a synchronous manner, for instance. 
     In order for the transmission members of the transmission installation to be able to be driven, it can be provided in the case of one advantageous refinement of the safety switch assembly that a first transmission element of the transmission members in each case forms an interference fit for in each case one portion of the actuator, the introduction thereof into the interference fit or the retrieval thereof from the latter causing a rotary movement of the transmission element. 
     Preferably the first transmission element of the transmission members herein can in each case be configured in a roller-type manner, for instance, and have a cross section that is curved so as to be approximately crescent-shaped. 
     A utilization of force that is simple because it saves force in the actuation of the actuator is achieved by an embodiment of the safety switch assembly in which the actuation portions of the actuator that are provided for engaging in the interference fit of first transmission elements have a shaping that is complementary to an engagement portion of the first transmission element. Ideally, a form-fit and force-fit of the mutually engaging portions arises approximately on this engagement portion. 
     The safety switch assembly according to the invention in the case of one embodiment can be safeguarded against unintentional actuation and also against undesirable manipulation in that faces of the first transmission element and of the assigned actuation portion of the respective actuator that in a closed position are mutually facing are provided with a mutually matching coding, in particular from protrusions and depressions. The coding of the actuation portions herein has a function like the web of a key, wherein other forms of coding are also possible and conceivable, for example the width of the portions transverse to the direction of actuation. 
     For a reliable transmission of the moments of the pivoting movement of the transmission members, that is to say of the rotary proportion of the movement, to yet again a translatory movement of the switching members, in the case of one further embodiment of the safety switch assembly a second transmission element of a transmission member that is connected to the first transmission element can in each case be provided as an eccentric which engages in a receptacle of the switching member assigned to said second transmission element. Thus, an eccentric that is connected to the first transmission element in a rotationally fixed manner and by way of which the pivoting movement of the first transmission element that is caused by the actuation of the actuator causes a translatory movement of the switching member to which said eccentric is operatively connected, can thus be assigned to each first transmission element as a second transmission element of the respective transmission member. This operative connection according to the invention can thus be designed in particular in the form of a forcible guiding. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art herein that such a forcible guiding can always be subject to a certain clearance between the mechanical parts. A forcible guiding in the exemplary embodiment discussed herein can be understood to be that the position of the respective switching member is unequivocally defined by the position of the associated transmission member. The second transmission element of the transmission member in the form of an eccentric can thus guide the switching member. The switching member in particular can thus be forcibly drivable or driven, respectively, by the transmission member. 
     A space-saving construction of the safety switch assembly that is readily manageable is achieved by an embodiment in which the switch installation and the actuation installation and optionally further actuation installations or like functional installations are configured as modules, and in each case have connectors for releasably connecting to one another, and in each case switching members that in the assembly position are aligned and by way of one or a plurality of switching means acting between modules are releasably connectable to one another. 
     Expedient refinements of the safety switch assembly can have various embodiments of switching members which advantageously can be configured as planar plate-type switching pieces which in the translatory movement of the latter are in each case guided in at least one guide on the safety switch assembly. This guide can be composed of a groove of the housing wall of a module, for instance. In a further configuration herein, the guide can be provided in a wall-proximate region of a housing wall which is oriented so as to be transverse to the housing wall previously mentioned such that the switching members are oriented so as to be substantially parallel with this housing wall and are movable along the latter. 
     For transferring the movement that is triggered by actuating the actuator, in the case of one refinement of the safety switch assembly the switching members on at least one end thereof in the direction of movement can have at least one switching means in order for a connection to the switching means of a switching member that is neighboring in the direction of movement to be established or severed. It is conceivable herein that switching means in this way transmit both between switching members that are located within the same module as well as across modules. These switching means can also be disposed on both ends of the respective switching member, particularly when the module is not peripheral. Preferably, the switching means herein can in each case be configured as switching protrusions which from the respective switching member protrude substantially in the direction of a switching member that is neighboring in the respective direction of movement. In the movement toward the neighboring switching member, said switching means preferably contact the switching means of said neighboring switching member that again is provided in the form of switching protrusions disposed in a mirror-image manner. The switching means can also be of a different configuration. 
     In order for a failure of one of the drive trains of the safety switch assembly to be able to be reliably detected, in the case of one advantageous refinement of the assembly a sensor installation having at least one position sensor is disposed between two switching members of the switch installation that are disposed so as to be mutually parallel, said sensor installation determining the mutual relative position of the two switching members. The sensor installation herein primarily detects the situation as to whether the two switching members move (or can be moved) in a mutually synchronous manner. Preferably, a configuration of the position sensor of the sensor installation can in a linear manner connect two sensor regions that are disposed in a mirror-image in relation to an imaginary central plane between the switching members. 
     The position sensor herein can advantageously be provided with a connection web that extends between the sensor regions and is connected to said sensor regions in each case in an articulated manner, and with at least one blocking means. The connection web in the use position herein, in which the connected and mutually opposite sensor regions of the switching members move in a synchronous manner, extends therebetween in a manner such that the connection web projects approximately transversely from the sensor regions, for example. This angular position is then modified in a mutually asynchronous movement of the switching members. Other types of position sensors which are not necessarily of a mechanical configuration are also readily conceivable. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one blocking means can be formed by arms that project from the connection web substantially in the direction of the connection or transversely to the latter. 
     A suitable manner for precluding the further mutually asynchronous movement of the switching members herein is formed by a refinement of the safety switch assembly in which the blocking means of the position sensor in a modification of the mutual relative position of the switching members moves to an interference fit with an assigned blocking piece. The respective interference fit herein is caused by the approximately right angle that is no longer adhered to at this point between the connection web and the sensor regions. The blocking piece herein can preferably be disposed on at least one housing wall of the respective module, said at least one housing wall being neighboring to the switching members or extending between the switching members. The blocking piece herein can be formed by a region of the respective housing wall per se, for example. 
     One embodiment of the blocking piece that is easy to implement can be implemented by an advantageous embodiment of the assembly in which the blocking piece is formed by a plurality of groove-type interference fits that in the direction of actuation of the switching members are disposed beside one another so as to be mutually adjacent. These groove-type interference fits that are disposed beside one another can again be a component part of the afore-mentioned housing wall. 
     The availability of additional space on the modules of the assembly can be advantageous for establishing additional functions, for example of the electrical or electronic type, for which reason in the case of one expedient embodiment of said assembly an available space that is free of movable or moving transmission and/or switching members and extends in a contiguous manner across the entire longitudinal extent of the module running in the direction of movement of the switching members is provided between two opposite switching members of a module that are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart. A plurality of moving switching members, in particular two moving switching members, herein can frame the respective available space, for example. If the switching members are formed by disk-type or plate-type switching pieces, the latter frame this available space approximately on two opposite sides. The available space mentioned herein can extend across a plurality of modules, in particular however also across all modules that are disposed beside one another such that a module-encompassing channel which can be utilized for example for transferring electrical signals across an encapsulated non-sensitive electrical train which is disposed in the available space or the channel, respectively, results from the lining-up of available spaces on the safety switch assembly. 
     In particular when a plurality of modules are provided for the assembly, it can be advantageous for a fundamentally arbitrary construction of the assembly from a plurality of modules for the contiguous space to be disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the module that is located between two switching members such that, on account thereof, no preferred direction that restricts the use is predefined. 
     At least one electrical and/or electronic signal transmission installation can herein advantageously be disposable or disposed in the available space that is located between the switching members of a module, such that the space made available on account thereof on the assembly is utilized for allocating additional functions to one or a plurality of modules. 
     Joining of modules in order for an assembly according to the invention to be formed is facilitated by one refinement in which a plurality of modules of the safety switch assembly are provided with connectors which are configured for assembly in various rotary positions of the modules, preferably at least in two assembly positions that are mutually rotated by approximately 90°. To this end, the modules preferably on the connector sides thereof can have moldings that engage in one another in a form-fitting manner, and a protrusion that deviates from a round shape, in particular a polygonal protrusion, can preferably be provided on one module, and a depression that is complementary to the protrusion can be provided on a module to be coupled. 
     In the case of one advantageous design embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the switching member in the safety switch assembly is forcibly guided by a transmission member. Such forcible guiding is particularly readily implementable for example in that a transmission element of the at least one transmission member that forcibly guides the switching member is configured in the form of an eccentric. This eccentric can engage in a matching interference fit of the switching member and thus implement form-fitting forcible guiding. By way of such forcible guiding it is avoidable, for example, that a switching member and the mechanical channel thus defined are in a non-defined state. It is thus in particular avoidable by way of such forcible guiding that the actuator can be retrieved from the safety switch assembly despite a switching member not being in the position that is envisaged for this state. By way of forcible guiding it is advantageous in the same manner that canting of the switching member is detectable directly on the actuator. A higher safety classification of the safety switch assembly is thus achievable overall by using such forcible guiding according to the invention. 
     Further advantageous features and properties of the safety switch assembly are derived from the dependent claims. 
     In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the afore-described safety switch assembly forms a key transfer system, for example. Moreover, the safety switch assembly according to the invention by way of the functions thereof can also be used in the case of other systems, for example in the case of guard controls, motion switches that operate in a non-contacting manner, or in modules which process command functions or form human-machine interfaces, or in like modules more. Apart from actuator modules in various embodiments and switch modules, guard control modules having at least one actuator and having one locking system can also be provided. Moreover, the actuator modules can have a plurality of introduction openings of various orientations for actuators, keys, or the like; the modules moreover can have housings with assembly bores for attaching to a door post or a like support part, for example, or to be provided with assembly parts which make available this functional capability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be explained in more detail hereunder by means of exemplary embodiments in the drawing. In the drawing and in part in a schematic manner, 
         FIGS. 1, 2  show a first exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly according to the invention, having a plurality of modules; 
         FIGS. 3-10  show the interaction of an actuation installation, a transmission installation, and a switch installation on a further exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly; 
         FIGS. 11-14  show the interaction of an actuation installation, a transmission installation, and a switch installation on a further exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly, the effective direction being reversed in relation to the preceding example; 
         FIGS. 15-22  show a mechanical transfer of functions across module boundaries in the case of a further exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly; 
         FIGS. 23-28  show the monitoring of the function of the mechanical multi-channel construction of an exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly; 
         FIGS. 29-41  show the arrangement of additional functions in a available free space of modules of a further exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly that are disposed so as to be mutually neighboring; 
         FIG. 42  shows a lateral sectional view of a connection web as a position sensor of  FIGS. 27 and 28 ; 
         FIG. 43  shows a perspective lateral view of a module; 
         FIG. 44  shows a sectional end-side view of the module of  FIG. 43  for highlighting the central region about a central longitudinal axis that has been left free; and 
         FIGS. 45-48  show a further exemplary embodiment of the safety switch assembly according to the invention, in which a key-shaped actuator carries out a rotary movement which by first and second transmission elements of a transmission installation drives switching members that are set in translatory motion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A safety switch assembly  100  according to the invention, having a construction from a plurality of modules  1  can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The assembly  100  herein in the views illustrated in the figures is always constructed from a plurality of modules  1 , that is to say at least two modules  1 , which on their part are interconnected by fitting rings  2 . To this end, two modules which when moved toward one another in the respective direction of the arrow can be interconnected at the connector pieces  5  thereof and which in the use position the fitting rings that frame the connector pieces  5  can establish the assembly  100  in an overall manner can be seen in  FIG. 1 . The modules  1  herein, like the fitting rings  2 , have a substantially square basic cross section such that said modules  1  and said fitting rings  2  are fundamentally capable of being joined together so as to assume a position having overall flush exterior walls and so as to be spaced apart in angular steps of 90°. 
     The respective assembly  100  herein can also form a key transfer system such as can be derived from  FIG. 2 , for example. The modules  1  can contain various functions such as, for example, key modules  3 , actuator modules  4 , but also switch modules, command function modules, electrical/electronic connection modules or like modules  1  can also be provided on the assembly  100 . Herein, combinations of functions in one module  1  are also possible, for example a module  1  which contains a command function as well as an electronic connection function. Two key modules  3 ,  3 ′ having an actuator module  4  which to the observer is connected to the upper one of the key modules  3  can be seen in  FIG. 2 . Actuators  13  or  14 , respectively, are in each case introduced into actuation openings  6  on the central key module  3  and on the actuator module  4  that can be seen above said central key module  3 , while the respective opening of the lower key module  3  is free. The actuator  13  herein has the form of a socket key. 
     The interaction of a first embodiment of the safety switch assembly  100  having an actuation installation  110 , a transmission installation  130  and a switch installation  120  is explained in  FIGS. 3 to 10 . The figures herein, supported by the illustrations of  FIGS. 43 and 44 , permit a view into the interior of the actuator modules  3 ,  4 . In a manner so as to be substantially retrieved from the respective module housing, first transmission elements  8  of the transmission installation  120  that in each case are configured as rollers having a crescent-shaped cross section can be seen for the respective modules in  FIG. 3  in the interior of the latter; said first transmission elements  8  being mounted in mutually opposite recesses  9  of the internal walls  11  of the module housing that in each case are neighboring to the ends thereof so as to be freely pivotable about axes  22  and to this extent and in a mutually independent manner.  FIG. 44  shows a section E-E that can be seen in  FIG. 43 . As can be seen, the roller-type first transmission elements  8  are disposed between the switching members  12 , but so as to be eccentric in relation to the central axis  66  of the module  1 . On account of this eccentric positioning of the first transmission elements  8 , there are no “collisions” with items such as cables or like additional conduits that are optionally to be disposed in the region of the central axis  66  of the respective module  1 . 
     A second transmission element  10  that is configured as an eccentric is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to each of the first transmission elements  8 . The two transmission elements  8 ,  10  in each case collectively form one transmission member  135  which is movable independently of one or a plurality of further transmission members  135 . Two switching members  12  that are disposed so as to be mutually parallel and configured as slide plates can furthermore be seen, said switching members  12  being disposed on mutually parallel pivot axes  22  of the first transmission elements  8  and being placed in guides (not illustrated in more detail) of the module housing and being guided in the latter. Interacting switching members  12  and transmission members  135  in each case form a type of mechanical channel. 
     The switching members  12  can carry out a translatory movement along the two arrows in a direction that to the observer is downward. This translatory movement is achieved in that the eccentric of the second transmission element  10  in each case engages in a square interference fit  21  of one of the switching members  12 . Should the first roller-shaped first transmission elements  8  rotate, the second transmission elements  10  also rotate. The eccentrics of the latter impact on the wall of the square interference fit  21  and thus urge the plate of the first transmission element  8  away in an upward or downward manner. It can thus be seen by means of this explanation that the switching members  12  are forcibly guided by the eccentrics of the second transmission element  10  of the respective transmission members  135 . This means in particular that the switching members  12  are forcibly drivable or driven, respectively, by the respective transmission members  135 . 
     In each case one first transmission element  8  by way of an eccentric of a second transmission element  10  drives in each case only one switching member  12  with a slide plate. Since the two first transmission elements  8  are mounted in a mutually independent manner in the recesses  9  of the housing wall, the switching members  12  can also be set in motion in a mutually independent manner. The mechanism which is formed by the roller-shaped first transmission elements  8 , the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10 , and the switching members  12  is an actuation mechanism as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 . The first transmission elements  8  herein are set in rotation by means of an actuator  13 ,  14 , for instance in the form of a key or a slide. 
     The actuators  13 ,  14  are assembled from two plate-type actuator parts  15  that lie flat on top of one another. Each of the two actuator parts  15  herein has embodied with an actuation portion  16  which is formed by half a cylinder, that is to say by a cylinder which is split along the longitudinal axis thereof such that an approximately semi-circular cross section results. The cylinder longitudinal axis herein is oriented transversely to the direction of actuation of the actuator  13 ,  14 . The actuation portions  16  in each case engage in a form-fitting manner in the interference fits  17  of the first transmission element  8  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     It can also be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6  that the actuation portions  16  in a translatory movement of the respective actuator  13 ,  14  in the direction of the arrow  18  ( FIG. 4 ) engage in the interference fits  17  of the roller-shaped transmission elements  8  and set the latter in pivoting motion. On account of the pivoting movement of the rollers of the first transmission elements  8 , the eccentrics  10  also rotate in the direction of the arrows  19 ,  20  and in turn set the plates of the switching members  12  in translatory motion ( FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 ). Since the rollers of the first transmission elements  8  on account of this form of drive are moved in opposite pivoting directions, the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  are mutually offset by 180°. Consequently, the switching members  12  on account of the pivoting movement of the first and second transmission elements  8 ,  10  as a result are driven in a mutually straight and parallel manner, that is to say in the same direction and so as to have the same path. It can moreover be seen in  FIGS. 4 to 6  that the actuation parts  15  by way of the actuation portions  16  thereof, in the exact same manner as the first transmission elements  8  of the transmission installation  130 , have an offset in the direction of actuation. 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 7  how an actuator  13  in the form of a key is plugged into a key module  3 . In  FIG. 9  the same key module  3  is shown in that state in which said key module  3  is located upon reaching the terminal position of the actuator  13 .  FIG. 8  herein shows the position of the switching members  12  and of the second transmission elements  10  with eccentrics when the actuator  13  has again not yet been plugged in.  FIG. 10  shows the position of the switching members  12  with the slide plates thereof and of the second transmission elements  10  with the eccentrics when the actuator  13  has been plugged in up to the terminal position of the latter. When the actuator  13  is fully plugged in ( FIG. 9 ) the switching members  12  are located in the lower position thereof ( FIG. 10 ), and the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  have rotated to the respective position of said eccentrics that in relation to the previous position of said eccentrics is offset by 90°, specifically in respectively opposite directions in the case of the two eccentrics. This change can be seen both by means of a positional change in terms of an imaginary height in relation to the dashed auxiliary line that is drawn between  FIGS. 8 and 10 , as well as by means of the situation that switching protrusions  26  that are disposed on the lower ends of the switching members  12  project from the lower connector piece  5  on the module  3  of  FIG. 9 , said module  3  corresponding to this position of the switching members  12 . 
     It can be seen in both  FIG. 4  as well as in  FIG. 44  that the transmission installation  130  having the transmission elements  8 ,  10  thereof is disposed between regions of the switching members  12  of the switch installation that project counter to the direction of actuation of the actuators  13 ,  14 . On account thereof, an available space  60  that is free of moving transmission elements  8 ,  10  and of switching members  12  and extends in the manner of a channel along the direction of movement of the switching members  12 , specifically across the entire length of the module  1 , is formed between the two switching members  12  of the module  1  that are mutually opposite in a spaced apart manner. This space is to be found about the central longitudinal axis of a module portion having an approximately square cross section. 
     The direction of movement of the two mutually opposite switching members  12  herein is not limited to the direction of movement as has just been described, but can also be directed in the direction counter thereto. This can be achieved by reversing the effective direction of the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 14 . To this end, a key module  3  into which the assigned actuator  13  that is to be plug-fitted in the direction of the arrow  18  has not yet been plugged can be seen in  FIG. 11 . The positions of the switching members  12  and the second transmission elements  10  with eccentrics are shown in  FIG. 12 . When the actuator  13  ( FIG. 13 ) is plugged in, the switching members  12  are displaced in an upward manner. As is the case in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the dashed line  23  serves for explaining the various positions of the switching members  12 . 
     In the intervening time referring to  FIG. 23 , it can be derived from the latter how the plates of the switching members  12  in the module housing  11  are disposed so as to be mutually parallel. The switching members  12  herein are disposed in such a manner that the switching protrusions  26  among one another form a square symmetry within the module housing  11 , such as can also be derived from  FIG. 30 , for instance. 
     If fundamentally arbitrary modules  1  are interconnected, the switching protrusions  26  are at all times located along identical effective axes  61 , such as is indicated in  FIG. 38 , said switching protrusions  26  are independent of the direction of assembly  28  of the module  1 . The length of the switching protrusions  26  herein is provided such that the latter do not contact one another in the case of modules in the assembled state and when the switching members  12  of the modules  1  are in the same position, but that said switching protrusions  26  also do not provide any wiggle room  27 , as can be seen in  FIG. 16 . On account thereof, it is guaranteed that when a module  1  is to be operated the latter has to have its operability cleared by another module  1 . The action of switching members  12  of the switch assembly  120  and of the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  of the transmission installation  130  and the effects thereof on the functioning of the safety switch assembly  100  is explained in  FIG. 15  up to and including  22  with the aid of an exemplary safety switch assembly  100 . 
       FIGS. 15 to 22  show a safety switch assembly  100  in which an actuator  14  is plugged into the upper module  4 . An actuator  13  in the form of a key is plugged into the central module  3 . No actuator is plugged into the lower module  3 ; however, the plug-fitting of an actuator  13 ′ in the form of a key is possible. 
       FIG. 16  shows the positions of the switching members  12 , and how the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  in the assembly  100  of  FIG. 15  are positioned in the square interference fits  21 . For instance, if the key-shaped actuator  13  is to be retrieved from the central module  3 , the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  of this very module  3  will also rotate, and the switching member  12  will be displaced. Since the switching members  12  of the lower module  3  are in their upper position, the switching protrusions  26  of the central module  3  impact on the switching protrusions  26  of the lower module  3 . On account thereof, the switching members  12  of the central module  3  cannot move, on account of which the respective eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  also cannot move. Since the eccentrics of the second transmission elements  10  are incapable of moving the central module  3 , the first roller-shaped transmission elements  8  of said eccentrics also cannot be pivoted. However, since the key-shaped actuator  13  has two actuator portions  16  which are positioned in a form-fitting manner in the assigned interference fits  17  of the roller-shaped first transmission elements  8  and said transmission elements cannot be pivoted, the key-shaped actuator  13  also cannot be retrieved. This situation applies in an analogous manner also to the upper module  4 . 
     To this end,  FIG. 17  now shows how a key-shaped actuator  13 ′ has been plugged into the lower module  3 ′. On account thereof, the roller-shaped first transmission elements  8  like the second transmission elements  10  with eccentrics have been pivoted. This in turn has had the effect that the switching members  12  have been moved downward. On account thereof, a free space  28  has been created between the switching protrusions  26  of the central module  3  and the switching protrusions  26  of the lower module  3 ′. On account thereof it has become possible for the key-shaped actuator  13  to be retrieved from the central module  3 . 
       FIG. 19  shows the same safety switch assembly  100  as in  FIGS. 15 to 18 , wherein the key-shaped actuator  13  has been retrieved from the central module  3 .  FIG. 20  shows the state of the switching members  12  of the switch installation  120  of the assembly  100  of  FIG. 19 . The switching members  12  of the central module  3  have moved downward. On account thereof, the mechanism of the upper module  4  is now released; the mechanism of the lower module  3 ′ is simultaneously blocked, since in the retrieval of the key-shaped actuator  13 ′ of the lower module  3 ′ the mechanism of the latter should move upward, this however not being possible in this state since the switching protrusions  26  of the lower module  3 ′ and those of the central module  3  impact on one another. The key-shaped actuator  13 ′ of the lower module  3 ′ is now “trapped” and fixed in the safety switch assembly  100  of  FIG. 19 . The actuator  14  of the upper module is simultaneously free and can be retrieved. 
       FIG. 21  shows the state of the same safety switch assembly  100  as is illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 20 , however having the actuator  14  retrieved from the upper module  4 . In this state, the key-shaped actuators  13 ,  13 ′ of the central module  3  and of the lower module  3 ′ can neither be plug-fitted nor retrieved, respectively, since this is prevented by the actuation mechanisms of the three modules  3 ,  3 ′,  4  that form the safety switch assembly  100 . Only once the actuator  14  has been plug-fitted again will the switching members  12  of the mechanism of the module  4  move upward, such that the key-shaped actuator  13  of the central module  3  can be and consequently plug-fitted again. Consequently,  FIGS. 15 to 22  thus show the effect of the positions of the switching members and how interdependencies are achieved in a safety switch assembly  100 . 
     By contrast,  FIGS. 3 to 10  show the effect of the actuation mechanisms within the modules  3 ,  3 ′,  4  and moreover show that this mechanism is constructed from two effective lines (channels). Each effective line, or each channel, respectively, at this point is composed of in each case one transmission member  135  having a roller-shaped first transmission element  8 , and of one second transmission element  10  with the eccentric that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to said first transmission element  8 , and of one switching member  12  of a switch installation  120  that is operatively connected to said transmission member  135 , all said components being installed in one module housing  11 . In turn, a plurality of transmission members  135  form the transmission installation  130 . The two channels mentioned act in parallel but in a mutually independent manner. 
     In order for monitoring of the functioning of the two channels to be established, openings  29  which are disposed in sensor regions  63  of the respective switching members  12  are located in the switching members  12 . These openings  29  which are present in both switching members  12  are mutually opposite and can be assigned to an in each case identical effective plane.  FIG. 23  shows how the openings  29  are positioned so as to be mutually opposite on the sensor regions  63 . It can furthermore be seen to this end from  FIG. 24  that when only one eccentric of the first transmission element  10  rotates in the direction of the curved arrow  31 , only the associated switching member  12  is also displaced in the direction of the straight arrow  30 . On account thereof, the openings  29  are no longer mutually opposite, this being highlighted by means of a dashed auxiliary line  32 . 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 25  that a diagnostics element is disposed and fixed in a plug-fitted manner in the openings  29  of the two switching members  12 , said diagnostics element specifically being a connection web  33  as a position sensor  64 . The connection web  33  at both ends thereof has at least one blocking means  65 , presently two blocking pins  35  which frame a positioning pin  34  on two sides. The position sensor  64  is hooked in transversely between the switching members  12 , so as to be movable in tilting manner in the direction of the connection of the connection web  33 . Should the switching members  12  move simultaneously and in the same direction, the position sensor  64  is conjointly moved without modifying the angle of said position sensor  64  in relation to the switching members  12 . 
     However, should only one of the roller-shaped transmission elements  8  be driven along the direction of the arrow  65  in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , then only one switching member  12  is also moved in the direction of the arrow  36 . On account thereof, the openings  29  are no longer mutually parallel, and the connection web  33  of the position sensor  64  is moved only unilaterally. The two positioning pins  34  keep the position sensor  64  in position in relation to the switching members  12 . However, since one of the two switching members  12  is being driven and on account thereof displaced, the connection web  33  of the position sensor  64  is also conjointly moved and in relation to the switching members  12  is no longer perpendicular to the switching members  12 , which can be readily seen in the difference in level  57  of the two switching members  12 . The blocking pins  35  herein are so long that they protrude through the openings  29  and protrude from that side of the switching member  12  that in each case faces away from the connection web  33 . Since the connection web  33  no longer is perpendicular to the switching members  12 , one of the blocking pins  35  on each external side of the switching members  12  protrudes farther outward than the other blocking pin  35  on the respective side; in  FIG. 26  these are the blocking pin  35  on the lower right and at the blocking pin  35  the upper left. 
     Groove-type interference fits  37  which form a blocking piece  67 , and by way of which the blocking pins in the case of a non-uniform movement of the switching members engage are located on the housing walls  11  that are opposite the blocking pins  35 . Specifically, when the connection web  33  is perpendicular to the switching members  12 , the blocking pins  35  and the interference fits  37  are not in mutual contact. However, when the connection web  33  of the position sensor  64  does form an angle in relation to the switching members  12  then as is shown in  FIG. 26  one of the blocking pins  35  on each side protrudes farther from the slide plates of the switching members  12  and contacts the chamfers  3 ) ( FIG. 26 ). This in turn prevents the free movement of the driven switching member  12  and thus prevents further rotation of the roller-shaped first transmission elements  8  along the direction of the arrow of the arrow  65 . On account thereof it is prevented that an actuator  13 ,  14  can be plug-fitted or retrieved. 
     The position sensor  64  as a diagnostic element can also be embodied in a different shape. For example, said position sensor  64  can be cruciform, as can be seen in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . On this cruciform connection web  38  in each case only one opening  29  on the respectively opposite sensor regions  63  of the switching members  12  is populated with a positioning pin  34 . In a central region of the connection web  38  of the position sensor  64 , arms  39  which at the free ends thereof are provided with protrusions  40  project from said position sensor  64  on mutually opposite locations of the connection web  33 . Together with the cross section of the connection web  33 , the arms  39  that project in the direction toward the same housing wall form a curved blocking means. The protrusions  40  that are located at the free ends of the arms  39  are thus disposed so as to be eccentric in relation to the openings  29  of the sensor regions  63  of the switching members. The protrusions  40  herein are designed such that the former in the case of a synchronous movement of the switching members  12  can run freely through a groove  41  in the same housing internal wall  11 , as is shown in  FIG. 27 . The groove chamfers  42  are located on the internal side of this groove  41 . These groove chamfers  42  are designed such that the protrusions  40  can catch therein, as can be derived from  FIG. 28 . In principle, this works in a manner identical to that of the first connection web  33 . The advantage of the cruciform connection web  38  herein is that the latter in comparison to the first embodiment can be constructed and positioned in a more space-saving manner. This second connection web as a position sensor  64  is shown again in the cross section in  FIG. 42 . 
     The switching members  12  of the safety switch assembly  100  are positioned such that the former leave free a centerline  66  along the longitudinal extent of the modules  1 , the available space  60  of the respective module  1  being located about said centerline  66 . 
       FIG. 30  shows the section A-A of a module  1  of  FIG. 29 . The switching members  12  are positioned such that they form an arrangement that is square in the cross section. The available space  60  in which an electrical plug connecter  46  extends between the ends  44 ,  45  of the module  1  is located between the two switching members  12 . 
     The respective electrical plug connector  46  is shown in  FIG. 36 . This electrical plug connector  46  in the form shown, on an end thereof that to the observer of  FIG. 32  is the upper end has a male plug  47 , and on the other, lower side has a female plug  43 . The electrical plug connector  46  extends from the end  44  of the module that to the observer of  FIG. 32  is the upper end to the lower end  45  of said module. 
     The switching members  12  and the roller-shaped first transmission elements  8  are positioned such that the two former do not collide with the electrical connectors that are configured as plugs  43 ,  47  and with the assigned electrical plug connector  46 . 
     The section B-B of  FIG. 31  is shown in  FIG. 32 . It can be clearly seen that the switching members  12  are positioned next to the electrical plug connector  46  and to the associated female and male plugs  43 ,  47 , or run so as to be spaced apart from said connector and plugs, respectively. The electrical plug connector  46  lies in the central axis  42  of the module  1 . On account thereof, it is possible for the electrical plug connector  46  to be disposed in a rotating manner. Said situation in turn permits the modules  1  to be able to be assembled in one unit so as to be angularly spaced apart in steps of 90°, such as can be derived for instance from  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 34  shows the section in the plane C-C of  FIG. 33 . The switching members  12  in this view are disposed in front of and behind the electrical plug connector  46 , the observer looking toward the facing switching member  12 . The eccentric of the second transmission element  10  is located on the side of the switching member  12  that is to the left for the observer of  FIG. 34 , said eccentric there engaging in the interference fit  21  which is located on a region of the switching member  12  that projects in this direction.  FIG. 38  shows the section D-D of  FIG. 37 . 
     The modules  1  are disposed on top of one another and are fastened to one another by means of the fitting rings  2 . The switching members  12  are all disposed on top of one another and act by way of the effective lines  27  that run so as to be mutually parallel. The electrical plug connectors  46  are in each case also disposed on top of one another and interconnected. The electrical plug connectors  46  serve for transmitting signals through modules  1 , the latter moreover having mechanical functions. On account thereof, it is in particular permissible for electrical or electronic functions, respectively, to be able to be positioned arbitrarily on the safety switch assembly  100 . The electrical plug connector  46  herein can also have various modes of construction. Potential forms are plug connectors  46  such as the plug connector already shown, or else terminal connectors  51  or T-shaped electrical plug connectors  52 , as can be seen in  FIG. 39 . 
       FIGS. 39, 40, and 41  show how various modules having various functions can be constructed. 
       FIG. 39  shows how a switch module  7  is disposed and assembled below a key module  3 . A command function module  9  is disposed and assembled above the key module  3 . A push button  50  is connected to an electrical terminal plug connector  51 . The electrical plug connector  46  of the key module  3  is connected to the latter in a plug-fitting manner, and the T-shaped electrical plug connector  52  of the switch module  7  is in turn connected in a plug-fitting manner to said electrical plug connector  46  at its opposite end. The switch module  7  has two switching members  12   a  that in the profile are approximately ramp-shaped. A roller-lever switch  54  is disposed next to the ramp-shaped movable sheet metal plate  53  of said switch module  7 . When the ramp-shaped slide plate  53  in  FIG. 39  is moved downward because the former is urged downward by the switching member  12  of the key module  3 , the roller-lever switch  54  is also switched. The roller-lever switch  54  in turn is connected to the T-shaped electrical plug connector  52 . 
     When the contacts of the roller-lever switch  54  are switched, the output signals can be transmitted by way of the various electrical plug connectors  52 ,  51 ,  46  to a superordinate controller (not illustrated in more detail). The switch that is configured as a roller-lever switch  54  could also for example be configured as a switch that acts in a non-contacting manner (proximity switch, RFID, magnetic, or the like). 
     The functions which are coupled to the various electrical plug connectors  46 ,  51 ,  52  can be of various types. Said functions, apart from roller-lever switches  54 , proximity switches, RFID switches, magnetic switches, push buttons  50 , can also include signal lamps  55  or the like, signal emitters, or else connection technology to machine controllers by means of multicore cables  56 , for example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 45 to 48 , an alternative construction form of a key module  3 ″ can be seen therein. Instead of the actuation opening  6  that has been shown previously on modules  3 ,  3 ′,  4 , a rotating key cylinder  68 , the function and construction form of the latter being well known in various embodiments, and in which a rotating key  13  carries out a rotary actuation movement as opposed to the previously shown translatory actuation movement of the actuators  13 ,  13 ′,  14  is disposed on this module  1  that is configured as a key module  3 ″. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 46 and 48 , the rotating key cylinder  68  shown herein is fixedly connected to a drive shaft  69 . In turn, a gearbox part  140  that is embodied as a rotary disk  70  and moreover also forms a cam gear  145  can be seen on the drive shaft  69 , wherein the drive shaft  69  engages axially through the center of the rotary disk  70 , the latter being mounted on said drive shaft  69  in a rotationally fixed manner. 
     Two entrainment openings  71  which penetrate the rotary disk  70  in the axial direction, so as to be parallel with the drive shaft  69 , are to be found on the rotary disk  70  of the cam gear  145 , in the peripheral region of said rotary disk  70 , so as to be mutually opposite in relation to the disk area. 
     The first transmission elements  8 ′ in the embodiment of  FIGS. 45 to 48  are configured so as to be disk-shaped, and the disk-shaped transmission element  8 ′ that to the observer is the upper transmission element  8 ′ as well as the disk-shaped transmission element  8 ′ that to the observer is the lower transmission element  8 ′ are connected to the second transmission element  10 ′ that is assigned to the respective transmission member  135  thereof. The disk-shaped first transmission elements  8 ′ herein in each case have one bolt-shaped or pin-shaped dog  74  which in each case projects radially from the respective first transmission element  8 ′. Each of the two dogs  74  herein protrudes into one of the entrainment openings  71  of the rotary disk  70  and engages through the latter. In a movement of the rotary disk  70  the dogs  74  on the transmission elements  8 ′ are movable in such a manner that said dogs  74  are entrained and conjointly perform the movement of the rotary disk  70  such that the transmission elements  8 ′ in turn perform a rotary movement about the mounting axis thereof. 
     If, as is shown in  FIGS. 45 to 48 , the actuator  13 ″ having the form of a rotating key  75  is plugged into the rotating key opening  81  of the rotating key cylinder  68  in the direction of the arrow  76 , and if the rotating key  75  is subsequently rotated in the direction of the arrow  77 , then the drive shaft  69  on account thereof also rotates in the direction of the arrow  77 , and thus also the rotary disk  70  that is connected to the drive shaft  69  in a rotationally fixed manner. 
     The entrainment openings  71  in the rotation of the rotary disk  70  entrain the dogs  74 , on account of which the disk-shaped first transmission elements  8 ′ are set in opposing rotary motion (direction of the arrows  78 ,  79 ). 
     On account thereof, the second transmission elements  10 ′ are also set in rotary motion. In a manner identical to the embodiments having actuators  13 ,  13 ′, and  14  that act in a translatory manner and in part are already configured so as to be key-shaped ( 13 ,  13 ′), the components used are assembled in the module  1 , and the switching members  12 ,  12   a  are driven and set in translatory motion along the direction of the arrow  80 . 
     Not shown in the figures is an expedient connection between the first transmission elements  8 ′ and the rotary disk  70  as the cam gear  145  of a gearbox part  140 , said connection potentially also being advantageously configured as a gear drive. 
     Accordingly, the invention described above relates to a safety switch assembly  100  having a switch installation having at least one switching member  12 ,  12   a  and at least one actuation installation  110  having at least one assigned actuator  13 ,  13 ′,  14 , wherein a transmission installation  130  having at least one transmission member  135  which is coupleable or coupled to the switching member  12 ,  12   a , on the one hand, and to the at least one actuator  13 ,  13 ′,  14 , on the other hand, is provided between the actuation installation  110  and the switch installation  120 . 
     In order to have available a safety switch assembly  100  in which a mechanical fault does not lead to a failure of that functionality that optionally permits the integration of a diagnostic function in order for the system in the case of a fault being detected to be able to be brought back to a safe state and that permits a transfer of mechanical as well as of electrical/electronic functions across the entire system, the transmission installation  120  is provided with a plurality of separate transmission members  135  which in the actuation of the at least one actuator  13 ,  13 ′,  14  of the actuation installation  110  are drivable or driven in a synchronous and mutually independent manner, and each of the transmission members  135  by way of a rotary movement converts an actuation movement of the at least one actuator  13 ,  13 ′,  14  to a translatory movement of in each case one separate switching member  12 ,  12   a  of the switch installation  120 . 
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           1  Module 
           2  Fitting ring 
           3 ,  3 ′ Key module 
           4  Actuator module 
           5  Connector piece 
           6  Actuation opening on the module 
           7  Switch module 
           8 ,  8 ′ First transmission element 
           9  Command function module 
           10 ,  10 ′ Second transmission element 
           11  Module housing 
           12 ,  12   a  Switching member 
           13 ,  13 ′ Key-shaped actuator 
           14  Actuator 
           15  Actuator part 
           16  Actuator portion 
           17  Interference fit of a first transmission element 
           18  Direction of the arrow 
           19  Direction of the arrow 
           20  Direction of the arrow 
           21  Interference fit 
           22  Pivot axis 
           26  Switching protrusion 
           27  Wiggle room 
           28  Free space 
           29  Opening 
           30  Direction of the arrow 
           31  Direction of the arrow 
           33  Connection web 
           34  Direction of the arrow 
           36  Direction of the arrow 
           37  Groove-type interference fit 
           38  Connection web 
           39  Arm 
           40  Protrusion 
           41  Groove 
           42  Groove chamfer 
           43  Female plug 
           46  Electrical plug connector 
           47  Male plug 
           50  Push button 
           51  Terminal connector 
           52  T-shaped plug connector 
           53  Ramp-shaped sheet metal plate 
           54  Roller-lever switch 
           55  Signal lamp 
           56  Multicore cable 
           57  Difference in level 
           60  Available space 
           61  Action line of switching protrusions 
           63  Sensor region 
           64  Position sensor 
           65  Direction of the arrow 
           66  Centerline 
           67  Blocking piece 
           68  Rotating key cylinder 
           69  Drive shaft 
           70  Rotary disk 
           71  Entrainment opening 
           74  Dog 
           76  Direction of the arrow 
           77  Direction of the arrow 
           78  Direction of the arrow 
           79  Direction of the arrow 
           80  Direction of the arrow 
           81  Rotating key opening 
           100  Safety switch assembly 
           110  Actuation installation 
           120  Switch installation 
           130  Transmission installation 
           135  Transmission member 
           140  Gearbox part 
           145  Cam gear