Enhance IoT 4.0 Connectivity With Nexen Brakes

Industry 4.0 Sensors are now included with the Zero-Backlash Spring Engaged (ZSE) brake, Servo Motor brake, and Slide Rail brake families. The inductive proximity sensor technology, integrated with Nexen brakes, provides important brake status and operational data to maximize machine efficiency.

Utilizing IO-Link v1.0 Fieldbus connectivity, the sensors detect brake engagement or disengagement, indicate brake wear, aid in precise positioning, and provide critical preventative maintenance information.          

The sensors used in the spring-operated, air-released ZSE brakes provide operation information such as brake engagement/disengagement and temperature. Information provided by the sensors is shared with the control network to aid in motor/drive programming, avoid brake overheating, and extend brake life. ZSE flange mounted, through bore, spring engaged brakes provide true zero backlash, low inertia, and high rigidity for precision holding applications. Rated for more than 2,000,000 holding cycles.

Nexen Rail brakes equipped with magneto-resistive sensors are used to sense brake engagement and disengagement. Industry 4.0 Connectivity to the control network aids in accurate linear positioning, predictive maintenance, and operational feedback. The engagement sensor is activated when the pistons and facing pair move out of the disengaged position and the facings transmit force to the rail. The disengagement sensor is activated when the rated air pressure is applied and the piston-facing pair move to a disengaged position.  Nexen’s RB Series of linear profile guide rail brakes uses spring force to secure the load in holding applications. These profile rail brakes hold position accurately by reducing drive train backlash and elasticity.

Similarly, the Servomotor brake can be equipped with three inductive proximity sensors used to monitor disengagement, engagement, and wear.  Using IO-Link v1.0 fieldbus connectivity, data can be shared within the control network to aid in motor/drive programming, predictive maintenance, and operational feedback. The disengagement and engagement sensors activate in a similar manner to the rail brake. The wear sensor activates when the brake is engaged and the facing is worn to a point that it needs to be replaced. Spring engaged, air released servo motor brakes mount to the shaft end of servo motors up to 20 horsepower. The brake acts as an adapter between dissimilar mounting features. The brake bore accepts the motor shaft that is fixed inside the brake with a split hub/shaft collar. This brake is a high-torque, zero-backlash device.

All sensors are available in NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing) normally open switches, operated from a 10 to 30 Vdc supply. The sensors supply 100ma of current and include various protection features such as short circuit and reverse voltage.

With the Industry 4.0 connectivity options, the Nexen brake families are ideal for applications in a variety of markets, including assembly/inspection, automotive, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and factory automation.