Secondary packaging machines in the end-of-line area, top and side loaders, or sorter and ejector modules, can now be operated in a safe and user-friendly manner using the intelligent detec4 Smart Box Detection access protection system from SICK.
With the help of a reliable pattern detection logic, it can safely differentiate rectangular objects, such as cartons from persons and body parts in the inlet and outlet zones of packaging machines or intralogistics conveying systems.
This allows the cartons to be transported continuously without stops into and out of fenced-in machines. And, since the safety solution requires no external process signals or muting sensors, it allows a cost-effective, flexible, compact and maintenance-optimised machine design, while also ensuring maximum operator safety.
According to SICK, the Smart Box Detection access protection system is the first intelligent solution of its kind on the market for reliable human-material differentiation. It is able to detect objects with a rectangular contour and measuring 13cm or greater in height as they enter the constantly active detec4 protective field.
SICK confirms that an intelligent evaluation of the interrupted light beam ensures a safe differentiation between humans and materials, as persons or body parts that walk over a conveying line or reach into a machine have a fundamentally different geometry, and therefore create a significantly different beam interruption pattern.
This reliably avoids erroneous safety stops of the conveying equipment, says SICK.
The detec4 is characterised by its ease of integration, and can be integrated directly into the detec4 safety light curtain as supplementary functionality, and requires no additional signals from automation systems or muting sensors during operation. It can therefore be integrated without any additional programming, mounting or wiring effort and configured to suit the requirements of the particular application.
SICK says that the detec4's lean solution design also markedly simplifies maintenance, pointing out that if objects of different heights and lengths need to be detected in operation, it is not necessary to teach them in or adjust the configuration of the safety solution.
According to the company, this provides a maximum level of versatility and flexibility, while ensuring the highest possible productivity of the system.
