Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the application of the shielding function light curtain on the conveyor line
Protecting workers at entry and exit points is commonly achieved using a safety light curtain system. A safety light curtain typically consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits a series of parallel infrared beams, which are captured by the receiver. When an object or person interrupts the beam, the system sends a signal to the machinery, causing it to stop immediately. This helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of personnel working in hazardous environments.
As information technology and automation continue to advance, logistics equipment is evolving toward greater automation, intelligence, and efficiency. However, with increased automation comes a higher risk of safety issues in production areas. Machines operating at high speeds can pose serious dangers if people accidentally enter the workspace.
Safety Risks
At the entry and exit points of automatic cartoners, labeling machines, and automated warehouses, there are inherent risks when pallets and containers are being moved in and out. Because these machines operate at high speeds, any unauthorized access can lead to severe injuries. Traditional safety measures often involve installing mechanical barriers or photoelectric sensors around the machine. While these methods provide some protection, they are less effective at safeguarding the entry and exit points of conveyor systems, which are often overlooked.
Safety Light Curtain
To address this, safety light curtains are commonly used for personal protection at these critical points. These systems, also known as safety light barriers, consist of a transmitter and a receiver that emit and detect infrared beams. If someone or an object blocks the beam, the system triggers a shutdown of the machinery, ensuring worker safety.
Figure 2 DATASENSOR introduces L-type and T-type modular safety light curtains
However, standard safety light curtains cannot distinguish between normal operations and potential hazards. For example, when goods or pallets pass through the detection area, the light curtain may trigger a false alarm, halting the system unnecessarily. This limits its effectiveness in dynamic environments where frequent movement occurs.
With advancements in safety technology, the concept of "light curtain muting" has emerged. This feature allows the light curtain to temporarily disable its protective function when triggered by external sensors. For instance, two photoelectric sensors can detect incoming goods before they reach the light curtain. Based on the detected object’s size and speed, the system determines whether to shield the light curtain, allowing safe passage without triggering a shutdown. Figure 1 illustrates how this works in a conveyor line setup.
The integration of a shielding function with a safety light curtain offers a more practical solution for logistics systems. However, improper installation by non-expert users can still create safety risks. Additionally, the complexity of wiring increases with the addition of more sensors, making the system harder to manage in the field.
Easy-to-Use Safety Light Curtain
In response to growing demand for user-friendly safety solutions, DATASENSOR has introduced L-type and T-type modular safety light curtains, as shown in Figure 2. These designs incorporate photoelectric sensors directly into the light curtain structure, simplifying installation and reducing the need for complex calculations. The modular design allows for flexible adjustments based on workflow changes, making it easier for operators to adapt the system as needed.
The lateral light curtains can be added or removed depending on the direction of material flow, and their positions can be easily adjusted. Function settings can be managed via a simple toggle switch, eliminating the need for technical expertise. This type of light curtain is now widely used in automated conveyors and warehouses across Europe. Figure 3 shows the L-type light curtain in use at the entrance of an automatic palletizing system and the T-type light curtain at the entry point of an automated storage facility.
Fig. 3 Application of L-type light curtain in the entrance and exit of automatic palletizing equipment and T-type light curtain in auto-stereo warehouse
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