Platform for the food and beverage industry
The Schmersal Group has developed a new series of robust and hygienic joystick switches, which were launched on the market in spring 2017. The switches are characterized by a touch-free operating switching system.
The innovative RK / NK joystick switches excel not least because of their extremely simple assembly with fastening via a central nut. The electrical connection is made with a conventional M12 plug connection, which guarantees simple and error-free installation.
This new development is versatile: The RK joystick switches are optimally suited for outdoor applications and in difficult environmental conditions, such as for work platforms, utility vehicles and aircraft towing as well as for installations in process technology. Because of their hygienic design, the NK joystick switches are in turn ideally suited for the food industry. In this variant, blue sealing material is used. This offers the advantage that the switches can be very easily identified as foreign bodies in the event of a fault using optical systems.
The RK / NK joystick switches are also extremely resistant and do not even refuse service when exposed to extreme cold (down to -40° C) or heat (up to +80° C). They have a protection rating of IP96K (front panel) or IP67 (contact area). This also allows them to be cleaned with powerful water jets or a high-pressure cleaner.
Because of the unique sealing system of the NK/ RK series with up to three barriers, the penetration of fluids is prevented. Even if the seal bellow is damaged. This contributes to increased plant availability because enough time is left to replace the bellows without damaging the switch or the machine.
Using the joystick switches, the implement of a machine can be moved in up to four directions: right, left, forward and backward. With the joystick with touch function, the return to the starting point is operated via spring force, with the version with hold function this requires the additional operation of a control element.
