Switch & button
Command and signalling devices
Control and signalling devices from Schlegel – full function and great design
Whether toggle switches, push-button switches, push buttons, key switches or selector switches: easy-to-use signal and control devices are essential in industry. Actuators and contact blocks form a functional unit here which is connected directly to the machine controls. Control and signalling devices on the front of the control panel start a switching process or report a system status. The switches and buttons are designed for installation openings from Ø16.2mm to 26.0mm x 26.0mm with protection classes and global approvals. Schlegel control and signalling devices stand for intuitive operation, maximum functionality and safety, even under extreme conditions for a multi-award winning design. The actuators are designed both for exclusive applications and for use in harsh industrial environments.
The overall programme includes more than 20 button and switch series for front installation and intermediate construction . The square, rectangular or circular actuators are carried in insulating sleeves and can be installed tightly together so that complex control panels can be built. The largest bandwidth of series can be found in the common industrial standard of circular installation openings with a diameter of Ø22.3mm.
Control and signalling devices from Schlegel are made from high-quality materials. As a standard, they have protection class IP65 (device part before the switch panel). Individual designs have protection classes IP66, IP67 or IP69K or are suitable areas with strict hygiene requirements. The respective installation depth of a switch or button depends on the design of the contact block.
What are control and signalling devices?
Control and signalling devices include control elements, optical and acoustic signalling devices. Apart from push buttons and toggle switches, the category of control and signalling devices also includes foot switches and emergency stop switches.
Control devices reliably open and close electric circuits on systems and machines. The actuators work individually or in series on control panels in harsh industrial environments, in the cockpit of vehicles, in medical technology, on cranes and in lifts, in the area with strict hygiene requirements, on production lines or on ships. The actuators are long-lived and robust. They resist frost, dust, humidity, vibrations and heat.
Signalling devices are directly connected to the machine controls and feedback status notifications via an LED. They do not interfere in the machine function themselves.
Manually triggered emergency stop/emergency off buttons are found on many central points of production systems. The red-yellowemergency stop switch exists in many forms and functions, also as self-monitoring buttons. Emergency stop/Emergency off buttons are standardised according to EN ISO 13850 – Safety of machinery.
Construction of control and signalling devices
Actuator and contact block form one unit: The switch or button is visible on the front of the switch housing as a control element. The matching contact block is inserted into the rear of the console directly on the actuator collar. As a monoblock or as an electronic module inserted into a holder – for multiple functions.
The size of the installation opening typically prescribes the actuator series. A respective matching assortment of contact blocks is assigned to the various different series. The individual contact block determines the installation space/depth of the control device.
Triggering the actuator causes the electric contact block to instigate simple mechanical actions. It converts them to “Open”, “Close” or “Change” in the electric circuit and sends corresponding signals to the connected system. The individual block is easiest to switch mechanically. The more complex the contact block’s design (also connected in series), the more force the operator needs to activate the switch or button.
Installation openings
Circular or square breakthrough in the front panel for installing actuators.
Installation depth
Space needed for components behind the front panel. Depending on the product series, different contact blocks are needed, which in turn require a specific installation depth.
Stroke depth
The actuator stroke or stroke depth (1.2mm to 6mm) describes how far a contact block moves when activated. The stroke of the respective control block is stated in the technical information.
Switches and buttons
Switches and buttons are switching devices that close and open the electric circuits. Only buttons are used for emergency stop / emergency off systems.
Control devices
Combined components for giving a machine commands. They are made from a visible actuator and a variable contact block, which are inserted behind the control panel. The variable combinations in the series allow the greatest possible flexibility when selecting the suitable input components.
Actuator
The actuator is the component (switch/button/regulator) on the front of the control panel or on the machine, which is activated by the operator. The force used by the operator is transferred to a specific distance of travel (stroke).
Panel mount jacks
We have a high-quality assortment of panel mount jacks for serial interfaces in stock to go with the series of control and signalling devices.
The main features of the control and signalling devices are:
- There are more than 20 complete series with flexible contacts
- There are individual components for the installation openings: Ø16.2mm, Ø22.3mm, Ø30.5mm and 23x23mm, 24x24mm and 26x26mm
- Depending on the series, the activation stroke is 1.5mm to 6mm
- Switch/button protection class according to IEC/EN 60529: IP65 to the maximum protection class IP69K
- The individual components all have significant international approvals
- There are control devices for extreme cold situations to -40°
- The buttons are illuminated by LED or light bulb
- The special series: vandal-proof design, stainless steel version, cabled M12 variant, versions for the area with strict hygiene requirements
- Supplement to the series of panel mount jacks for USB, RJ45, FireWire etc.
- High-quality materials are used, e.g. polyamide 6.6 / polyamide 12
- Solid silver is used for the contacts, also with gold-plate upon request
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Specific series can be combined to form complex control panels
- Individual labelling with standard symbols and texts
Vandal-proof actuators
Vandal-proof actuators are used in public areas and in security areas. The short-stroke buttons are particularly robust and within risk of injury. Some vandal-proof actuators are countersunk into the console. As a result, they offer minimum gripping surface and less risk of injury. They are available only as short-stroke trigger (momentary) with an activation stroke of 2.3mm. Vandal-proof triggers have a variety of possible uses:
- In public areas (ticket machines, vending machines)
- In industrial environments (mechanical engineering and production)
- In lifts and travelators
- On security systems in building management
- On medical devices
Vandal-proof actuators, circular or square
Vandal-proof actuators are available in circular or square shape. The circular short-stroke trigger (momentary) domed are solver-coloured. The square short-stroke trigger (momentary) has a matt, chrome-plated appearance. Both shapes can be illuminated and have the standard protection class IP65.
Circular shape
The front frame of the circular push button is made from anodised aluminium.
- Installation opening Ø22.3mm
- Front dimensions Ø28.1mm
- Front frame height 5.8mm
- Countersinking 2.3mm
- Stroke 2.3mm
Square shape
The front frame of the square push button is made from matt, chrome-plated die-cast zinc.
- Installation opening 24x24mm
- Front dimensions 27.1x27.1mm
- Front frame height 5.8mm
- Countersinking 1.4mm
- Stroke 2.3mm
Control and signalling devices – the full range
The full range of control and signalling devices, contact blocks, panel mount jacks, fitted housings and vandal-proof actuators forms a flexible, fittable system that allows an enormous variety of applications. The actuators are designed for easy installation, intuitive operation and maximum safety. Emergency stop / emergency off buttons form a separate series, but which are also available in different series. The complete product programme is available individually from the warehouse.
Matching accessories
The accessories matching the selected component can be found on each product detail page next to the “Technical description” and summarised in the Switches, Buttons, Accessories category.