New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns

Citation

(2002), "New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322aad.001

New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns

New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns

Keyword: Safety

Turck Banner introduces a new Muting Module suitable for use with MINI-SCREEN and MICRO-SCREEN systems (Plate 1). The muting function temporarily suspends light screen operation, allowing parts to pass through the protected area without shutting down the guarded machinery. By eliminating part-feeding shutdowns, production time can be reduced and throughput increased.

Plate 1 New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns

The module is ideal for a wide range of automated machine guarding applications, including automated robotic work cells, palletiser systems, stacker/de-stacker systems as well as manual feed operations such as presses.

The new module has a wealth of features including Mute Enable, Directional Muting, External Device Monitoring (EDM), Mute Cycle Backdoor Timer and Override. There is also a selectable, monitored mute lamp output and a dual-channel input for an optional Emergency Stop switch. It accepts two or four inputs, from a variety of devices that provide the mute signals.

Directional Muting allows the user to select single direction muting, where the system will mute if material enters from one direction only, or two-way muting, which allows muting regardless of which direction the material is entering the light curtain.

External Device Monitoring (EDM), provides two pairs of terminals for monitoring the status of external devices such as Machine Primary Control Element (MPCE). Inputs can be configured for single channel, dual channel or no monitoring.

A backdoor timer allows the user to select a maximum period of time that muting is allowed to occur to prevent the operator overriding the system.

European standards for muting require an indicating lamp to inform the operator when the light curtain is m the mute condition. The Muting Module has a DIP switch selectable, muting lamp momtor, which in the event of lamp failure, automatically shuts down the machine. A manual override allows production to continue when this condition has been acknowledged.

The system is easy to set up and use. Turck Banner's exclusive indicator LEDs flash at a rate proportional to the number of beams completed. This streamlines emitter/receiver alignment and alerts the operator if the beams become misaligned during operation. Quick disconnect cables for the emitter and receiver have colour coded wires and terminals, simplifying connection to the control box.

For further information, please contact: George Perkins, TURCK BANNER Ltd, Stephenson Road, LEIGH-ON-SEA, Essex SS9 5LS, UK. Tel 01702 525186; Fax 01702 420934; E-mail: info@turckbanner.co.uk