Safe braking stops vertical axes from dropping

Rexroth claims it is the first drives supplier to offer a system that ensures that gravity-loaded vertical axes will stop safely, even when the power is removed.

The system consists of one of the company`s IndraDrive controllers and two electrically released mechanical brakes which are normally used only when the power to the drive motor is switched off. The brakes are controlled and monitored separately from the drive.

The "safety-related braked standstill" is achieved in stages, designed to minimise strain on the mechanical system. At first, the drive tries to stop the vertical axes by resetting a command value. If this fails, the two brakes are applied either consecutively or, in critical situations, together.

The braking system is certified in accordance with Category 3 of EN 954-1.