Device and method for safeguarding a machine-controlled handling device

US7783386B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ABB RESEARCH LTD. · CH

Inventors

• Rolf Merte · Wiesloch, DE
• Björn Matthias · Bad Schönborn, DE
• Sönke Kock · Hagfors, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2005
• Grant date: Aug 24, 2010
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16P3/144
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.