Press Releases
16.09.2010
ChainMaster PROTOUCH STAGE OPERATOR
Controlling hoists safely
This touch panel controller can be used to control hoists in setup operation within line of sight. Up to 48 hoists can be operated by a single control unit. The controller consists of a master PLC connected to a portable remote control fitted with a touch panel used to operate all the connected hoists. All the hoists connected to the system are controlled by the master PLC. The system includes integrated group halt, which brings an entire group of hoists or all those in motion to a standstill in the event of a fault or if a safety system is triggered. The system can evaluate all the hoists’ limit switches, incremental and absolute encoders on hoists, 4–20mA signals from force sensors, and digital overload and underload signals. Various system status details are shown on the screen, such as the actual position of the hoists and the current weight as well as information from the hoists such as the triggering of safety systems. All functions such as up, down, positioning and bypassing underload shutdown can be carried out from the portable remote control with a movable connection cable. The remote control also features an emergency stop button and a key switch. A number of different sockets in the room can be fitted to connect the remote control. Up to eight hoists can be connected to a single control plug-in. Power supply for the hoists and motion control take place using one multicore cable fitted with a module connector per hoist. Motion is enabled by a separate signal independent of the PLC – and if this signal is interrupted, the hoist will stop. Apart from chain hoists, the controller can also be used for other stage equipment such as winches, curtains, tubular shaft hoists etc fitted with suitable control equipment. The system can be expanded up to 288 different pieces of equipment. If using Ethernet control, the PLC controllers are not linked together. Instead, the hoists can be directly connected via Ethernet. The hoists contain the necessary control electronics along with an Ethernet interface to integrate them into the system. The power supply of the hoists and motion enabling are carried out using one multicore cable per hoist connected to a central power distribution system with an emergency stop switch. The advantages of this Ethernet PLC are the high flexibility. The hoists can be connected to the controller in any network structure. All standard functions and properties of the PLC controller are still available when using Ethernet control. Moreover, the system is also available in a wireless version with a wireless master PLC.