Whether consumer goods or e-commerce, beverages, fresh food or pharmaceutical products - the automation of warehouse and intralogistics processes is becoming increasingly important. It simplifies and accelerates processes, improves efficiency and optimizes supply chains in a wide range of industries. Warehouse employees use modern storage and retrieval machines, robots and conveyor technology to organize the inflow and outflow of goods. In addition to smooth processes, safety is the top priority - the high warehouse racking systems are operated in a highly automated manner and no employee is allowed to enter the danger zone. However, in the event of an unplanned stoppage, they should be able to get safely to the inside area. This requires reliable safety technology that can safely lock the systems and restart them quickly.

Euchner's MGB2 Modular has been used for years in many industries such as the automotive and logistics sectors to safeguard safety gates and fences on machines and systems during hazardous machine movements. The modular safety gate system consists of a locking module, submodules with operating and display elements - for pushbuttons, selector switches, key-operated switches or emergency stop buttons -, possible extension modules and various bus modules for connection to Profinet and Profisafe or EtherCAT P and FSoE. The combination with the CKS2 safe key system is attractive and opens up many new areas of application.

One key, many functions

The new CKS2 key system can be used to lock and start machines and systems, to assign authorizations for selecting an operating mode or as a key transfer system. By using highly encoded RFID keys, the system guarantees a high level of security. The CKS2 can either be installed individually in a system as a compact system with integrated evaluation electronics or separately as a submodule in the MGB2 Modular door locking system. This opens up a multitude of new areas of application for users - and a wide range of possible combinations.

The CKS2 system can be easily adapted to individual requirements. Depending on the application, the key may or may not be inserted during automatic operation. When the system is used as a locking insert, for example, the system cannot be started without a key. This means that the key is inserted in the key adapter station during operation. It is removed to stop the system. Only then is it possible to enter a hazardous area.

If the CKS2 is used with the additional function for access restriction, the operator must first insert the key in order to enter the system. One example is the application in an automated logistics center: The long transport aisles are secured with the MGB2 Modular safety gate system. The CKS2 is integrated as a submodule in an MGB2 interlocking module, as is a pushbutton for starting or stopping the machine. If a parcel falls from a shelf in a transport aisle, the person responsible can stop the system behind the safety fence by inserting the key into the key holder and pressing the pushbutton for the access request. This is integrated into the door locking system of the MGB2 and sends a signal to the connected control system, which stops the machine in a safe position. Only then does the employee remove the key and can open the door and move the package back into the correct position. The system can only be restarted once the person has left the danger zone. The person then inserts the key into the key holder from the outside and activates the door interlock using a pushbutton.

"Customers in intralogistics also use the CKS2 as a key transfer system," adds Xabier Antolin, Product Manager at Euchner. The RFID keys are simply "learned" at several Electronic-Key adapters. The same Electronic-Key can then be used in another Electronic-Key adapter of a machine or a robot in the inner area, for example, in order to carry out manual work there. Once the user has finished his work, he removes the key, leaves the inner area, inserts the key back into the key adapter on the outside of the MGB2 and starts the system in the inner area by acknowledging the pushbutton.

High coding, maximum flexibility

The CKS2 offers many advantages compared to conventional systems: The highly coded keys make it possible to secure many systems with the same system. "Previously, for example, use for 30 transport aisles was only possible with very complex systems. We are not limited with the CKS2. It can be scaled as required," explains Xabier Antolin. By connecting the MGB2 module via bus systems, all key fixtures can be monitored in the overall control system.

Key management is simple - the electronic operating principle eliminates the need for key change boxes and key distribution stations, eliminating the need for complex project planning. Another plus point: the applications are defined directly in the control unit, which ensures maximum flexibility. "Another convincing argument in favor of the new system is the security and the time advantage if a key is lost," adds Xabier Antolin. "A new RFID transponder is simply taught in. The old key no longer works and nobody can make a copy."

In addition to the automotive industry, the target group for the new key system includes warehouse manufacturers and providers of logistics systems and intralogistics solutions. It is also suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as the switches can withstand even high sub-zero temperatures in the freezer area. "The CKS2 is suitable for complete turnkey systems. In combination with the MGB2, we can offer a strong duo that is particularly interesting for fully automated logistics systems with large warehouses and a large number of aisles and offers attractive solutions," says Product Manager Antolin, who is currently in talks with various customers.

This article appeared in issue 8-9/23