Consider a highly automated logistics centre with fenced-in robots and storage and retrieval machines, conveyor systems and pallets as far as the eye can see. How can companies keep their employees safe from accidents inside the warehouse while maintaining a smooth material flow? EUCHNER explains how its new CKS2 key system will greatly simplify handling for the safe starting or stopping of dangerous machine movements.
With the CKS2 key system, intralogistics system integrators can benefit from a highly flexible, customisable and scalable system that does away with complicated key exchange boxes. This safe RFID solution is a great complement to the MGB2 Modular safety door system.
Whether for consumer goods, e-commerce, beverages, fresh foods or pharmaceutical products – automating warehouse and intralogistics processes is becoming more important and safety priority is a big part of the story.
Modular and customisable
The MGB2 Modular has proven its worth over many years in sectors as diverse as the automotive and logistics industries, where it secures safety doors and fences on machines and installations during dangerous machine movements. This modular safety door system from EUCHNER consists of a locking module, integrated submodules with controls and indicators for pushbuttons, selector switches, key-operated rotary switches or emergency stop buttons, any required expansion modules, and various bus modules for connecting to PROFINET/PROFIsafe or EtherCAT P/FSoE. It works especially well when combined with the CKS2 safe key system, enabling many new applications.
One key, many functions
The new CKS2 key system can be used for machine and installation lockout and starting, for assigning authorisation to select an operating mode, or as a key transfer system. The system guarantees maximum safety thanks to its highly coded RFID keys. The CKS2 can be used in an installation either individually as a compact system with integrated evaluation electronics or separately as a submodule in the MGB2 Modular door locking system. This opens up a host of new applications to users as well as numerous combination options.
The CKS2 system is readily adaptable to individual requirements. Depending on the specific application, the key can be left in place or removed during automatic operation. When the system is used for locking out, the installation cannot be started without the key, for example. In other words, the key stays in the key adapter station during operation. The key is removed to stop the installation. Only then will a dangerous zone become accessible.
When the CKS2 is used with the additional access restriction function, operators must insert the key before entering the installation. One example is the application in an automated logistics centre where the MGB2 Modular’s safety door system secures the long transport aisles. The CKS2 is integrated as a submodule in an MGB2 locking module, along with a pushbutton for starting or stopping the machine. If a product package falls off a rack in a transport aisle, the person responsible can stop the installation behind the safety fence by inserting the key into the key adapter and pressing the push button to request access. This pushbutton is an integral part of the MGB2 door-locking system and sends a signal to the connected control system, which stops the machine in a safe position. Only then does the employee withdraw the key and open the door to return the package to the right place. The installation can be restarted once the person has left the danger zone. This person then inserts the key into the key adapter from the outside and presses the pushbutton to activate the door locking.
“Intralogistics customers also use the CKS2 as a key transfer system,” said Xabier Antolin, Product Manager at EUCHNER. “The RFID keys are simply taught-in at several key adapters for this purpose. The same key can then be used in another key adapter of a machine or robot in the interior to perform manual work there, for example. When the user has finished their work, they remove the key again, leave the interior, re-insert the key into the MGB2 key adapter on the outside and start the installation in the interior by acknowledging with the pushbutton.”
