Hinge has integral multiple safety switch

25 June 2012

The new Elesa CFSW IP67 180° hinge has its own built-in multiple safety switch, so that in the event of accidental opening of a control cabinet door, machine panel or safety door, it automatically shuts off the power so protecting the operators of machinery and production equipment. The CFSW is paired with its equivalent mechanical hinge, the CFMW so creating a tough, safe installation.

The CFSW is double insulated and approved AC15 (IEC 60947-5-1) and DC13 (IEC 60947-5-2) for usage up to 400V-4A (AC15) – it is available with different combinations of contacts with positive opening (2NO+2NC, 1NO+3NC etc). These robust units are tested to over 1 million operating cycles, are totally tamper-proof, and may be quickly and easily installed.

Standard configurations are 8 pole connector or 8 core cable in 2m or 5m lengths. 180 degree opening is normal but other operating angles may be specified. The Elesa website provides extensive user guidance for installation, configuration and operation. Similar products in the Elesa range include metal hinges, standard plastic hinges, stainless steel hinges, tubular handles and wing knobs.

Elesa has increased its range of plastic, metal and stainless steel hinges with many standard variants, including specialist types. These include:

The CF series – with the CF itself offering tamper-proof and double pivot hinges, as well as the CFH type in especially common sizes, and the ½ size CFG. Opening angles of 0-90°, 0-270° and 0-335° are provided in a piano hinge style but in larger sizes – this gives a unique interlaced appearance. The CFA/F offers blind fixing with a 90° stop to prevent over-opening of adjacent doors. Coupled with this, Elesa now offers the CFM surface mount hinge in reinforced polyamide based technopolymer and a companion version in die-cast zinc alloy. CFM hinges offer a variety of fixing methods and a full 270° opening for situations where it is useful to fold a door or access hatch fully out of the way.

Elesa has a patent pending on the CFP hinge which has three pre-determined settings to allow fixed but temporary positioning of guards, doors, flaps or panels at 80°, 120° or 170°. Each position is held by a simple click spring mechanism, ensuring that one-handed operation is easily achieved, keeping the panel in position for ease of access in installation or maintenance.

A significant step toward equipment safety and integration is demonstrated by the CFS hinge for hazardous areas which has a built-in security switch to suit Category 1 areas and works so as to switch off equipment when a door or panel is opened. This is a great aid in industrial environments where it helps to ensure operator safety. Alternatively, the CFS may be used to remotely indicate status, e.g. for access monitoring. Construction is an integral glass reinforced technopolymer unit ensuring a tamper-proof installation and easy assembly.

Similarly, hinges with adjustable friction are a simple and really simple solution which allows users to set the opening force of the door so that it may stay partially open, or will dampen down the action of the wind in outdoor situations.

The Elesa 237 die-cast hinge is suitable for applications where greater strength and rigidity are required for doors on cabinets, panels or access hatches in the electrical, heating and ventilating or machine tool industries. The range offers hinge sizes in 40mm, 50mm or 60mm formats and features matt black epoxy coating with stainless steel hinge pins. Operation is to a maximum of 270°, which ensures full access by virtue of a wide angular opening, and fitment is easily achieved by use of 5mm, 6mm or 8mm countersunk bolts.

CMM hinges are in matt black finish with either studs or countersunk fittings and in sizes 40mm, 50mm and 60mm – their lay-on flap style design permits full 180° opening. Sister variant CMZ has the unusual feature of slotted hole fixings for cylindrical head screws which allows for a significant measure of adjustment up, down, or in rotation. The CMM-SST range of lay-on stainless steel hinges is designed for use on doors, panels and cases in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Elesa's White Paper: Guidelines for the Application of Plastic Hinges details the many parameters involved with guidance on their use.