ReeR Safety recently developed a specific solution for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automated warehouses, specifically their next-generation vertical warehouse drawer carousels.

Vertical carousel storage units and stack drawers vertically, one above the other, save up to 90% of floor space by utilising height rather than floor area. Vertical automated storage carousels are popular for storing smaller items, reducing operator intervention, preventing material damage, and improving inventory management.

Their operation is straightforward, with metal trays retrieved from the warehouse and deposited in picking bays by an automated elevator. Visual aids and an intuitive interface help reduce picking errors and increase the efficiency of operational processes.

ReeR provided machine safety and material measurement solutions.

The application included the following requirements and regulations:

• Minimised cross-sectional dimensions to enable embedding the barriers into the machine’s structure;
• Vertical and horizontal protection with the installation of “L” shaped light curtains in the machines which have an external bay;

The functional requirements for the measurement barriers, included:

• Ensure consistent reading at any position of the drawer: left side, right side, and centre;
• The ability to measure small objects (even less than 4 mm) as the trays pass at high speed in front of the measurement light curtain;
• Immunity to optical reflections;
• Serial output.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

ReeR Safety’s EOS2 safety light curtain with a 30 mm resolution was chosen because its small size enabled it to be perfectly embedded into the machine’s structure, providing lateral protection.

The “L” shaped position of the barriers, following the Master and Slave logic, ensures maximum automated protection both horizontally and vertically, stopping the entire storage system when an external body is detected.

The Master and Slave logic eliminates the possibility of beam intersections between emitters and receivers, ensuring high safety standards for both operators and goods.

The EOS2 is a compact safety light curtain range with competitive performance and innovative features. It offers versions with integrated safety functions such as self-monitoring static outputs, control of external contactors (EDM), and selectable automatic or manual restart.

EOS Machine safety light curtains

• Two safety PNP static outputs.
• Easy connection and installation, using M12 connectors and unshielded cables up to 100 metres.
• Automatic Start/Restart.
• 30 mm resolution.
• Connections and configurations through M12 5-pole connectors. Unshielded cables up to 100 meters long can connect the light curtain.
• Protected heights: 160 mm to 2,260 mm.

MEASUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

ReeR’s MICRON measurement light curtains measure the maximum height of objects placed in the tray.

The high-performance measurement grids were chosen to consistently detect the maximum object height across the entire surface of the trays (whether on the left, centre, or right).

The special optics of the MICRON units can detect small objects, for example, smaller than 4 mm, and high-speed movement of the drawers, which can be up to 575 mm/sec.

The MICRON measurement light curtain eliminates any risk of reading errors caused by interference from reflective surfaces due to their optical reflection immunity, thus ensuring high measurement reliability.

The customisable serial output allows the MICRON measurement barrier to be programmed to collect and store essential information, such as the last occupied beam.

Micron measurement and automation light curtains

Light curtains for industrial and civil applications where it is necessary to detect, measure, and recognise objects.

• Models MI B equipped with an RS 485 serial interface with programmable functions and two programmable digital outputs – Ideal for dimensional measurement and detection of object profile and position.
• Controlled heights: 150 to 3,000 mm.
• Programming interface: USB interface on M5 4-pole connector.
• Up to 3 x Micron B light curtains can be connected as nodes of an RS 485 serial line for simultaneous detection of multiple dimensions and complex measurements.
• Maximum sensing range of 10 m.
• A choice of resolutions: 5 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm beam spacing.

Machine Safety light curtains protect the drawer load area.

PLUS Automation can help you #MakeSenseofSensors, solve applications, improve machine performance and reliability, and reduce costs using ReeR Safety’s exceptional Machine safety light curtains, Safety sensors, Safety controllers and Measurement light grids. Sensors.

Call PLUS Automation on 0121 58 222 58 or email Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk to discuss how they can help you #MakeSenseofSensors using Inductive, Machine Safety, Photoelectric, Pressure, Process, RFID and Ultrasonic sensors from CONTRINEX, ReeR & SATRON.

With over 2,000 sensors in stock in the UK, supported by stock held in Europe and short manufacturing lead times, PLUS Automation welcomes the opportunity to discuss improving automation and machine performance or reducing costs.