FLEXITAST

Integrated display in a pushbutton

At the SPS, SCHLEGEL will present the first of its kind display pushbutton of the Flexitast range

The Flexitast pushbutton is a first of its kind pushbutton and will be presented at the SPS in Nuremberg. This pushbutton is an innovative pushbutton with integrated display that was designed for dynamic control and signaling requirements. This solution combines an actual pushbutton with a 72 x 72 pixel display enabling a flexible depiction of symbols and texts that can be updated in real time.

"The Flexitast combines the latest technology, intuitive operation and appealing design to support a number of possible applications," SCHLEGEL's Product Manager Torsten Singer emphasises. The centerpiece of the Flexitast is a purpose-made 72 x 72 pixels ZBD display. Exclusively produced for SCHLEGEL, the display offers the best resolution and keeps the display data visible even without power supply. The dimensions of the display are 26.5 x 26.5 mm to ensure that the symbol/text can be seen from afar.

The RGB illumination makes it possible to adapt the display output to various statuses or design requirements. That way, if needed, symbols and texts can be highlighted by background colour which is ideal for complex control systems when differing states have to be visually noticeable.

Due to its robust design and the protecting glass panel, the Flexitast is durable and reliable even in demanding conditions. Burn-in of the display as known in other technologies cannot occur.

Biggest challenge

One of the biggest challenges during the development of the innovative pushbutton was to find a partner who can manufacture such a display with square design for SCHLEGEL. Conventional displays are rectangular, the reason for that being the implemented Chip On Glass technology where the electronics is installed on the display’s glass. Due to the space needed for this technology, a square display shape is – at least if it should offer an acceptable edge width – not feasible. For Flexitast however, the Chip On Flex technology is being used. Here, the electronics is placed on a Flex cable. Thanks to this, the edge can be kept symmetrically narrow and a square display is possible.

Single button or as a system – pure flexibility

Flexitast can be used as a single button, but its full potential shows when used as a system, for which up to 128 Flexitast buttons can be combined. This enables high scalability for complex control requirements and is especially useful for bigger control systems.

The Flexitast buttons communicate via a gateway, acting between the button system and the external system, with each other. They are monitored and controlled by an external system, for example a PLC control or IPC. The result is a great variety of application fields in industrial plants, facility control or in the automation industry.

Flexibly adaptable

All Flexitast buttons are connected with each other via a cable. With a maximum cable length of 30 meters and a distance between each button of up to 5 meters, the Flexitast system can be flexibly implemented in various environments.

The system stays variable and can be adjusted according to the customer’s requirements. This not only applies for the display of texts or symbols, but also for the possibility to integrate the Flexitast into panels or operating units. Additional functions and interfaces can be implemented. Thus, companies can expand existing systems or optimally organise their control processes.

Easy configuration via web browser

The Flexitast, whether as single button or as a system, can simply be configured, adjusted to various applications and updated in real time via a web browser. The user can set different parameters, such as the assignment of symbols for "activated" or "deactivated" status, the selection of background colours for both of those statuses or the activation of blinking functions.

SCHLEGEL furthermore allows to not only access the standard SCHLEGEL symbols, but also upload and activate customised symbols. This flexibility is important, especially when considering the environments in which customised controls and displays are required, be it in the machine building industry, the building technology or other industrial fields.

Degree of protection IP65

The Flexitast is also suitable for rough working conditions, thanks to its robust design. It has a degree of protection of IP65 and a lifetime of 1 million switching cycles. The operating temperature ranges from -10 °C to +50 °C. The operating travel of the Flexitast is 3 mm and the contact block is tactile, with 2 NO contacts. It is operated with an operating voltage of 24 V.

Thanks to the Flexitast, conventional PET plastic nameplates become unnecessary – a contribution to reducing the consumption of ressources. Furthermore, Flexitast buttons save time and money during the procurement and storing process as only one product for different applications is needed thanks to its versatile configuration possibilities.

Potential not tapped yet

"The Flexitast is an innovative milestone," Torsten Singer says with confidence because the display button is suitable for numerous application areas due to its flexibility, robustness and adaptability. The button provides a benefit in all areas that require dynamic, visual controls, display of operating statuses regarding runtime or individual possibilities to adapt. He thinks the potential of the new system is far from being tapped. The flexibly constructed system offers many more possibilities for customised applications and expansion.