Safe controls for safety brakes minimise risks

The ROBA-SBCplus brake control prototype inspected by the TÜV can be deployed up to Performance Level PLe and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3.<br>

The “ROBA-SBCplus” brake control, developed together with Pilz, is technically superior in every respect in terms of safety contactor circuits. It offers, among other things, wear-free, electronic switching, it foregoes programming, saves wiring and reduces the construction space requirements. The module prototype-inspected by the TÜV (Technical Inspectorate) can be deployed up to the highest Performance Level PLe and SIL 3.

In order to enable safety brakes to contribute towards risk reduction in machines and systems, they require a reliable control. Vertical axes or stage equipment, for example, rank among the particularly hazardous machine parts. In order to protect people from all hazards in such situations, the remaining functional risks in accordance with safety standard DIN EN ISO 13849-1 must first be assessed, and subsequently suitable measures for the reduction of risks must be taken. As a mechanical component, the brake falls under the category of functional safety in accordance with this standard.

The safety brakes from Mayr power transmission function according to the “fail-safe” principle and are closed in a de-energised state. The brake control has the task of reliably interrupting the current in the magnetic coil when switching the brake off. The brake control module works using wear-free electronic semi-conductors, and therefore achieves practically unlimited switching frequency and switching reliability.

The fail-safe internal construction of the control includes, among other things, the internal diagnostic checks for short circuit, earth short-circuit and line interruptions, as well as reliable overexcitation for releasing the brake and switching to a reduced holding voltage with an open brake. Numerous other safety functions permit a comprehensive error diagnosis: as a result, the output voltage and the switching times for the brake are monitored. The signal evaluation of the release monitoring with plausibility check enables switching condition monitoring of the brake.

Thanks to electronic, wear-free semi-conductor contacts, the ROBA-SBCplus is substantially more reliable and safer than the contactor circuits; and it foregoes complex hardware. The module replaces numerous functional components. Their reduction saves a significant amount of space in the control cabinet due to the reduced wiring and constructional space requirements.

The greatest savings potential is achieved if the performance capability of the module is fully utilised and two brakes are simultaneously reliably controlled. Brakes with a 5 A nominal current can be connected, and the two brakes do not have to be identical in construction. Easy parameterability and the elimination of programming and validation round up the features of superiority.

Contact:
Chr. Mayr GmbH + Co. KG, Eichenstraße 1, 87665 Mauerstetten, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hermann Bestle
Tel.: 08341/804-232, Fax: 08341/804-49232
E-Mail: hermann.bestle@mayr.de, Web: http://www.mayr.com

Media Contact

Hermann Bestle Chr. Mayr GmbH + Co KG

More Information:

http://www.mayr.com

All latest news from the category: Machine Engineering

Machine engineering is one of Germany’s key industries. The importance of this segment has led to the creation of new university degree programs in fields such as production and logistics, process engineering, vehicle/automotive engineering, production engineering and aerospace engineering among others.

innovations-report offers informative reports and articles covering technologies such as automation, motion, power train, energy, conveyor, plastics, lightweight construction, logistics/warehousing, measurement systems, machine tools and control engineering.

Back to home

Comments (0)

Write a comment

Newest articles

Lighting up the future

New multidisciplinary research from the University of St Andrews could lead to more efficient televisions, computer screens and lighting. Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre in the School of Physics and…

Researchers crack sugarcane’s complex genetic code

Sweet success: Scientists created a highly accurate reference genome for one of the most important modern crops and found a rare example of how genes confer disease resistance in plants….

Evolution of the most powerful ocean current on Earth

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays an important part in global overturning circulation, the exchange of heat and CO2 between the ocean and atmosphere, and the stability of Antarctica’s ice sheets….

Partners & Sponsors