Safety¶

Further Applicable Documents¶

The operating instructions for the ArgoDrives from ebm-papst remain valid. They form the basis for the use of the ArgoDriveModule and must also be observed. You will receive these operating instructions after delivery in your customer area of the Neobotix website or directly from ebm-papst.

This documentation only covers those parts and aspects of the ArgoDriveModule that go beyond the scope of the original ArgoDrive operating instructions.

Intended Use¶

The ArgoDriveModule is an installation component that has no independent function and is intended for industrial use within devices and machines. For further information on the intended use, please refer to the ArgoDrive operating instructions.

Improper Use¶

The use of the ArgoDriveModule in the following areas and applications is prohibited and can lead to danger, injury and damage:

All applications and systems that place special demands on reliability, such as medical devices
For passenger transport
In residential environments and publicly accessible areas
In potentially explosive areas (explosion protection areas)

For further information on the improper use, please refer to the ArgoDrive operating instructions.

Qualified Personnel¶

This product must only be modified, commissioned, operated and serviced by qualified personnel. More information can be found at Qualified Personnel.

Safety Measures¶

Measures to be Provided by the Customer¶

The ArgoDriveModule is an installation component. The system integrator is responsible for professional installation and for all other measures necessary to achieve the required safety level. In most cases, this includes a risk assessment and the selection of suitable external safety functions and components.

Further information on the safety and protective functions can be found in the ArgoDrive operating instructions.

Danger Areas¶

There is a risk of serious injury on the drive wheel of the ArgoDriveModule and in its immediate vicinity. Appropriate protective devices must be provided to prevent anyone from reaching into the running device or being run over by the vehicle.

Safe Torque Off¶

The ArgoDriveModules offer a certified Safe Torque Off function that can be used to safely switch off the drive torque. This corresponds to a category 0 stop, meaning that the vehicle can coast uncontrollably after the STO signal drops.

To achieve the full safety level, both STO lines must be connected independently of each other to a suitable safety controller. Both channels must be high so that the drive is enabled and movements are possible. The STO inputs are not galvanically isolated from the rest of the electronics but use the earth connection of the supply line.

Hard Stop¶

The Hard Stop signal can be used to immediately stop the movement of the ArgoDriveModule and maintain the current position. It can be used for quick stops by the safety system, independent of the higher-level motion controller of the vehicle.

It is a single-channel signal that stops the current movement when Low and allows further movements when High.

Note

The Hard Stop function is not a certified safety function and does not correspond to the SS1 or SS2 (Safe Stop) functions. It may only be used in a supporting capacity and must be supplemented by other protective functions with a suitable safety level.

Brake¶

In normal operation, the ArgoDriveModule is actively braked via the motor control. This enables smooth, jerk-free movements and minimises the load on the drives and the entire vehicle.

The ArgoDrives have a mechanical parking brake for emergency stop situations and for safe standing even on ramps when the system is switched off. This brake consists of a brake disc with cams on the circumference, which is connected to the drive wheel via a slip hub. An electromagnet moves two pawls, which fall onto the brake disc when the brake is applied and lock the disc and thus the wheel via the cams. The slip hub limits the occurring torque to a mechanically acceptable level. The ArgoDrives feature an integrated PWM circuit that automatically lowers the supply voltage to the electromagnet after brake release, thereby reducing energy consumption.

The service life of the brake components and in particular the slip hub is limited. Please observe the maintenance schedule and the additional information in the ArgoDrive operating instructions.