We have released a model equipped with a new illuminated emergency stop switch (E-Stop) required by ISO 13850:2015 (JIS B9703:2019).
ISO13850:2015 (JIS B9703:2019) Section 4.3.8 states that when emergency stop devices are installed on detachable or cableless operator control stations (e.g. pluggable portable teaching pendants), at least one emergency stop device shall be permanently available (e.g. in a fixed position) on the machine.
In addition, at least one of the following measures shall be applied to avoid confusion between active and inactive emergency stop devices:
1. Device colour changing through illumination of the active emergency stop device;
2. Automatic (self-actuating) covering of inactive emergency stop devices; where this is not practicable, manually-applied covering may be used, provided that the cover remains attached to the operator control stations;
3. Provision of proper storage for detached or cableless operator control stations.
（*Some excepts and summary of ISO13850:2015 content）
According to safety standard requirement above, measures (2) and (3) depend on the machine operator, so if the device is not covered or stored properly, safety will not be ensured and this may cause an accident.
On the other hand, measure (1) allows operator to visually judge whether the estop device on the detachable or cableless control stations is active or inactive, which can ensure safety without relying on human operations.
Additionally, using a tablet with Safety Commander has the following advantages:
There is an opinion that the E-STOP with red button can also determine the active/inactive status. When the cable connector is disconnected, the power is turned off, and the pendant's screen turns off.
Even if the cable connector is disconnected, the tablet is powered by its own battery, and the LCD remains lit. Therefore, it may mislead the user into believing that the E-stop is inactive.
Even if the cable connector is disconnected, the tablet is powered by its own battery, and the LCD remains lit. Therefore, it may mislead the user into believing that the E-STOP is inactive.
By using the new illuminated E-STOP with the tablet teaching pendant, the operator can clearly determine whether the E-STOP is active or inactive, thereby enhancing operator safety. Additionally, it improves convenience by eliminating the hassle of management through cover and storage as required by safety standards.
Following is the challenge and use case of the control station currently in use in the industry.
Safety Commander can contribute to these challenges.
Wanted to expand the scope of tablet usage.
Monitor and control current application at the same time while complying to safety requirement
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To replace the teaching pendant
Manual operation of AGV/AMR and safety improvements
Reduce checking time and effort
Enables the choice of using it only for necessary machines.
Improved safety of operating systems using tablets
Replace touch panels in existing facilities with tablets
*Safety Commander is a trademark of IDEC Corporation.