Protection of Hazardous Areas
(presence and access sensing)
According to the Machinery Directive, machines may only be put into operation once comprehensive safety measures have been taken to protect the persons working with these machines. Part of these measures is the protection of hazardous areas at machines, where presence or contact with running machine is to be prevented, because of the risks created by the machine.
To protect persons against risks of this kind, pressure sensitive safety mats are employed. At devices such as machines, machining centres, presses, robot cells, high-shelf warehouses and many others, safety mats immediately switch off the power source, when the mat is stepped on. As long as the person stays on the mat, the machine cannot be set back into operation.
Either electrically operating devices to the contact-make principle (two conductive strips or layers are brought together when the safety mat is operated), or opto-electronic systems (a light beam is interrupted) are available on the market. Such configurations need a special evaluator for transforming and processing the output signal.
The HSM Safety Mat uses mechanical positive-break contacts. Therefore, an additional safety control unit is not needed.