Standardised components that communicate with machines
Standardised components can communicate with machines and contribute to safe production
Standardised components such as indu-
strial handles, grips, hinges, pistons, clam-
ps, tightening wheels, etc., have become
a common component of production ma-
chinery. Their purpose is often to improve
handling or make it possible to set the
components in a specific location or posi-
tion (typically, for example, the width of a
production belt). By forming one "body"
with the process equipment, they can act
effectively to prevent both minor scrat-
ches and bruises and serious injury or
even save lives.
Investment in development
and testing
This is why companies that manufacture stan-
dardised components invest considerable
resources in the development and testing
of their components. In connection with
manufacturing automation and the increa-
sing demands for safety, the main focus to-
day is on electrifying common standardi-
sed components so that they communicate
with the electronics of the machine. "Such
a component can then 'talk' to the machi-
ne (and vice versa) to signal that something
abnormal is going on and that it is necessa-
ry to respond on the basis of a predefined
scenario," says Ondřej Radosta, Sales and
Technical Manager of Elesa+Ganter CZ.
Hinges to shut down the machine
Safety industrial hinges are among such
smart standardised components. They are
installed on the protective door to the
work area in which the machines operate.
For example, they can be programmed in
such a way that if an employee attempts
to open the door while the machine is
running, the machine will shut down after
a certain opening angle is exceeded in or-
der to prevent serious injuries.
"The ways it works technically is for the
hinges to have a safety switching angle set
where the contact is closed. However, it is
purely up to the designer to decide what
purpose to use the contacts for. It could
be this signal for the machine to shut
down, or a warning light may come on, or
electric locks are actuated to prevent the
door from opening, or multiple things at
the same time," explains Ondřej Radosta.
Handles communicating
with machines
Safety industrial handles used to open
protective doors on machines are another
safety feature of similar effectiveness.
They are also connected to the machine's
electronics and can send colour-coded
signals (i.e. using appropriate colours) in
the person's field of vision to indicate
whether the machine is running, needs
servicing, has detected a problem, etc. At
TT ++ TT
Technika a trh 5/2024
rail transport
ll
components
20
Standardised Components Can
Communicate with Machines
to Contribute to Safe Production
It is the responsibility of each employer to provide a safe work environment
for their employees. The objective of considerable investments by most
manufacturing companies today, partially or fully automated production
brings about new challenges in production safety. Let us look
at how to face these using standardised components.
A handwheel with a GN 322.3 folding handle,
a GN 798.5 folding handle, and
a GN 425.2 folding grip helps
prevent minor injuries
in production.
source: Pixabay.com
20-21_Elesa_c_i_EN.qxd 23.9.2024 17:34 Page 20