Over the last years LINAK has introduced a series of different control boxes i.e. from small control boxes suitable for operating one or two actuators to sophisticated basic control boxes with microprocessors suitable for operating six actuators.
The simplest and advanced control boxes
The simplest control boxes are only able to convert control signals from the handset into operating voltage for the actuator whereas the most advanced control boxes have functions such as parallel running of several actuators and memory drive. Moreover, the most advanced control boxes are those controlled by microprocessors, such as the CB20, which you can find more information about here. These can also be delivered with customised software.
Furthermore, some control boxes are designed for connection to the mains, for example, mains voltage of 100, 120 or 230 / 240 V AC for use in different countries, others have an internal / external battery. Versions with both battery and mains are also available.
Safety features
In addition, most control boxes are designed to provide Electronic Overload Protection (EOP). This means that it protects the actuator against overload by disconnecting the current when the actuator is fully extended or retracted or if an overload occurs during operation. The control boxes are also designed so that they will short-circuit the motor terminals (poles) when the actuators are not running. This solution gives the actuator a higher self-locking ability.
Simple analogue control boxes without microprocessors
The strength of these control boxes is that they can control actuators as they can stop them when the actuators reach the end position or are overloaded. Each actuator is controlled individually from the matching handset. Moreover, it is possible to drive different actuators in parallel by using a special handset that can be designed almost individually, e.g. ch1 up + ch2 up or ch1 up + ch2 down at the same time.
Most of these control boxes have a current cut-off system that stops all actuators when the current is above a certain level except for the CB9L. Control boxes in this group are: CB7, CB8-A, CB8-T, CB9, CB12, CBJ1 and CBJ2.
Control boxes with microprocessors
Like the simple analogue control boxes without microprocessors, the control boxes with microprocessors can also control actuators as they can stop them when the actuators reach the end position or are overloaded. However, they can run 2, 2+2, 3 or even 4 actuators in parallel.
Furthermore, the control boxes can be used with or without position memory on the actuators. Depending on type of handset, there are up to five position memories available on the control box. Moreover, position memory is available in two different types: with or without impulse memory.
In addition, these control boxes can be designed with special software, for example, controlling a hospital bed: controlling angles, avoiding driving to illegal areas, Trendelenburg, anti-collision etc. Control boxes in this group are: CB9M, CB9P, CB14, CB18 and CBD2.
Memory
With standard memory operation the actuators will run to the requested memory position as long as the memory button is activated. If the memory button is not pushed any more before the memory position has been reached, all actuators will stop. When pushing the requested memory button again the operation will be resumed.
Impulse memory
Impulse memory is a memory operation where the actuators will run to the requested memory position at a single push on the memory button. If a random button is pushed after the memory operation has been activated, but before the memory position has been reached, all actuators will stop. When pushing the requested memory button again the operation will be resumed.
Parallel drive
Parallel drive means that 2, 2+2, 3 or 4 actuators will run in parallel. If one of the parallel running actuators detects end stop or overload is detected in outward direction, all parallel actuators will stop. In the inward direction the actuator will continue to reinitialise the system. When starting parallel movement the actuators will normally be started one by one to reduce power consumption during start-up.
The control box regulates the parallelism by regulating the differences between the parallel running actuators. Therefore, the parallel running actuators will normally not run exactly in parallel, but there will be a difference of 2-4 pulses. One pulse is a movement on the actuator from 0.25 to 2 mm depending on the actuator type. CBD1 is a control box in this group.
For further information on control boxes, please see the specific technical documentation.
