Flat swinghandle closes the deal

EMKA has brought a creative new development onto the market, using a flat swinghandle. In addition to the very flat design, the closing mechanism can be exchanged in a few steps using exchangeable modules, says the company.

“On the one hand, the new handle increases flexibility for the customer. On the other hand, it increases the safety level in other areas. Due to the strong demand, EMKA is now expanding its portfolio to include a small version for which the same interchangeable modules can be used.”

Hazardous areas

In particular, high-quality locking technology is usually installed in hazardous areas, but the handles often protrude too far from the door’s surface. “EMKA’s flat swinghandle protrudes only 9 mm from the cabinet’s surface and is ideal for areas with narrow passageways, escape routes, or design-oriented enclosures. In addition to safety and design, EMKA has also considered installation convenience and made it possible to replace the respective locking device from the front of the cabinet – without time-consuming disassembly of the entire handle – but simply through the removal of the two bottom screws.”

This simple module change makes the handle flexible for different security levels, it adds. “Thus, the swinghandle can be used in all areas where different safety requirements prevail, among others in railway vehicles, in control cabinet design, electric charging columns, and machine and plant construction. The handle can also be combined as a single-point latch with a simple cam and actuation for less demanding safety requirements.”

Small version launch

EMKA was also set to launch a small version of the flat-mounted swinghandle with five interchangeable modules, as we went to print.

The design-oriented handle offers many advantages over conventional swinghandles: It is installed outside the gasket and is no longer in the direct danger or fire zone. This feature has the distinct advantage that the requirements for the swinghandle are reduced, and the handle can be made of less expensive materials. In addition, the flat design reduces the risk of people’s garments getting caught on the handles and may causing injury.

Thomas Dettmar, project engineer at EMKA, explains: “The design of these systems is not only extremely flat, but it also withstands high torques. This makes it unique, in terms of its overall dimensions and strength. For special safety requirements, the handle is ready for DIN and KABA cylinders, and for connection to a multipoint locking system via rod control.”