The simplest control are able to convert control signals from the handset into the operating voltage for the actuator. More advanced control boxes have functions like parallel running of several actuators and memory drive. The most advanced actuator systems are the ones controlled by microprocessors. This counts for instance for the CB20. The microprocessor actuator control boxes can be delivered with customised software.
The control boxes are designed for connection to the mains voltage of for example 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.
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 actuator 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.
The strength of these actuator 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 actuator control boxes have a current cut-off system that stops all actuators when the current is above a certain level (except for the CB9L). Actuator control boxes in this group are: CB7, CB8-A, CB8-T, CB9, CB12, CBJ1 and CBJ2.
Like the simple analogue actuator control boxes without microprocessors, the actuator 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, they can be used with or without position memory on the actuators. Depending on the 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 and more. Control boxes in this group are: CB9M, CB9P, CB14 and CBD2.
With standard memory operation the actuator 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 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 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 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.
