LEUZE
THE COMPLETE SAFETY SOLUTION FOR ACCESS GUARDING ON PALLET MAGAZINES FROM LEUZE Pallet magazines with automatic restart contribute to increased system efficiency. This requires a reliable access guarding system. A new safety solution with induction loops, light curtain and monitored signal sequence satisfies the requirements of revised standard EN 415-4, thereby ensuring maximum safety.
The access area is protected by a safety light curtain. In addition, induction loops are embedded in the floor in front of and behind the safety sensor. The safety system can thereby distinguish between forklift truck and persons.
Normative framework: revised EN 415-4 Manufacturers and operators of machines and systems must comply with legal regulations. Applicable to manufacturers are, among other things, the Product Safety Act – for operating companies, the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. Standards play another important role. They describe requirements and provide support in ensuring safety at machines and systems. These are, however, not legally binding in Europe. For manufacturers or 05 - AUTOMATION Mag - June 2021
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operators of machines or systems, type C standards are especially relevant. These are machine-specific safety standards. Among these are EN 415-4 “Safety of packaging machines – Part 4: Palletizers and depalletizers and associated equipment”. The content of the standard from 1997 was significantly revised. In the forthcoming version of the standard, new requirements are placed on manufacturers and operating companies. This also affects the access guarding of pallet magazines with automatic restart.
Traditional concept with external induction loops Up to now, many material transfer stations with automatic restart were safeguarded as follows: electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) secured the access point – if the ESPE is interrupted, the machine and conveyor are stopped. To avoid needing to restart the stopped machine after loading by a corridor supply vehicle, such as a forklift truck, two induction loops are used as muting signals. These are located in the floor in front of the ESPE. When the forklift
