Specifications

Presence Sensing Safety Devices
Safedge™ Profiles
2-105
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Publication S117-CA001A-EN-P
Overview
General1-Principles2-Safety Edges3-Safety Switches4-Operator
Interface
5-Logic
R
Force Travel Relationship
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0.0 2.0
(0.08)
3.6
(0.14)
5.5
(0.22)
7.2
(0.28)
8.7
(0.34)
Force vs. Distance
Distance [mm (in.)]
Vp = 10 mm/s
Force (N)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0.0 1.9
(0.07)
3.9
(0.15)
5.4
(0.21)
7.4
(0.29)
8.8
(0.35)
Distance [mm (in.)]Vp = 100 mm/s
Force (N)
Force vs. Distance
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment must be performed to determine the proper use
of the edge system. Additional protective measures must be used
when an individual can reach around or over the edge system and
gain access to a hazard. The edge system is designed to be a
contact type of system. Therefore “cushion factor” is an important
consideration.
Selecting the Cushion Factor
One of the important characteristics of edge systems is called
cushion factor. The cushion factor is the distance the profile can be
depressed after the signal is generated. This is important when the
profile is mounted on automated doors.
Automated doors will continue to close for some finite time after the
profile sends the initial stop signal. This is known as the system
response time. The system response time is the sum of the Safedge
control unit response time, the control system response time, and
the mechanical stopping time. Systems with longer response time
should utilize larger cushion factors. Users must validate that injury
does not occur if parts of the body get jammed, for example
between the sensing edge and the fixed part of a machine.
Users might also consider a reversing option. When the profile is
depressed, the Safedge control unit sends a signal to a reversing
relay. Since the reversing relay is not a safety rated device, the user
must still confirm that injury does not occur if parts of the body get
jammed.
Typical Applications
Typical applications for sensitive edge systems are:
The profile is mounted on the leading edge of the moving object. As
the profile comes in contact with an object, the sensing surface of
the profile deforms. The deformation causes the conductive rubber
parts to make contact and reduce the circuit resistance. The control
makes contact.
Typically, the edge of the object is leading edge and is moving, like
a sliding door or gate. Edge systems have also been used on the
leading edges of X-Y tables and automated guided vehicles.
In some applications, a drip edge or seal is needed to reduce wind
and rain leaking into a door. The Safedge system accommodates
both types of applications. Safedge has three profiles that include a
sealing lip.
 Sliding doors
 Sliding gates
 Automated guided vehicles
 X-Y tables
 Fence tops
 Scissor jacks
 Loading platforms
Since the Safedge system is a contact device, a force is required to
operate the device. This force is dependent on the shape of the
object applying the force, the speed of the object and deformation
distance on the profile. To help understand the force requirements,
the European standard EN1760-2 2001 provides three test objects
travelling at two speeds. Shown in the graph below is the force that
is applied over the deformation distance on the surface of the
profile. Note that the force required to operate the corners is greater
than the force required along the straight section of the profile. This
force must be used as a guideline, as the inanimate object can not
be harmed.