When safety is required in automation, machine enclosures, i.e. additional protective devices, are often used. With his roof concept, Arno Arnold presents a kind of "modular" construction kit for roof covers.

Safety ( lat. securitas) refers to a state that is free from unacceptable risks or is regarded as hazard-free. In the case of technical constructions or objects, safety refers to the condition of presumably trouble-free and hazard-free functioning. Indirect safety refers to solutions with which additional protective devices avert a possible hazard. For example, machine enclosures on lathes prevent danger from moving parts and prevent dangerous external interference.

Whether in vehicle construction or bread factories, many production functions are now fully automated. The automation of these processes improves product quality while simultaneously increasing performance. But what about the functional safety of these systems to protect people and the environment? Safety in automation today therefore also means using the right protective systems or flexible protective covers adapted to the respective application. This results in the need to completely enclose the machine.

The trend today is largely towards optional roof covers, which can be positively connected to the existing rear wall if required. The advantages of this are that chips, coolants and vapors can be contained at the point of origin, personnel are protected and the noise level is also reduced.

But there are also disadvantages: The machine tools are often dependent on access from outside when it comes to changing the workpiece, for example. In the case of large and heavy workpieces or interlinked and fully automated production lines, various handling devices are also used.

Safe protective cover brings light into the action
Arno Arnold presents the self-supporting, transparent Roover roof cover. As a roof for machine tools, it opens up access to the work table for barrier-free crane loading.

Roover is transparent and allows plenty of light into the darkness of the machine room, enabling the user to save costs for the operation and maintenance of work area lighting in addition to the ergonomic benefits in the long term. The crystal-clear transparent elements are made of a thermoplastic material that offers high mechanical strength and excellent chemical resistance. In conjunction with the guided aluminum tracks, free-standing widths of up to 6500 mm can be achieved. Thanks to the smooth-running, ball-bearing guide, the moving mass is not additionally increased by sliding friction, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of the process.

During movement, the elements fold together like a bellows. The Lmin per fold remains the same for all widths. At the edges, wiper brushes ensure a seal between the roof cover and the cabin and also protect the guide behind the bellows from soiling.

The trick with the hinged roof
Today, high-performance machine tools are completely enclosed. This helps to protect the operating personnel. It also takes into account the fact that coolant and chips in the work area constantly change direction and intensity.

However, these enclosures have a serious disadvantage whenever the machine needs to be converted and loaded with more or less bulky workpieces and devices. For many machine types, this loading is best done from above. This is how Arno Arnold came up with the idea of the hinged roof. Managing Director Simone Weinmann-Mang explains how it works: "With our Moover protective cover, we solve the apparent contradiction between optimum roof coverage and crane loading without taking up additional space."

During normal operation, the roof reliably performs its duty as a protective cover. However, if crane loading is required, the cover can be folded upwards using a rotating mechanism. This makes the working area accessible for crane loading at any point on the machine. The drive can either be integrated into the cover or the customer can do this themselves.

The advantage of this solution is that crane loading is also possible with a roof cover.

Light in the dark

The panoramic roof is a new feature at Arno Arnold. A transparent material was developed for the roof cover to optimize the interior lighting. This means that existing light sources can now shine into the machining area from the outside. Advantage: There is no need for interior lighting.

Telescopic panels without bellows
Protective covers without bellows, called Strapano by Arno Arnold, ensure safety and protection. The minimal length of the cover when retracted is a particular advantage here.

Due to the minimized number of parts and the reduction to a few materials, the masses to be moved are very low. Strapano meets all requirements in terms of reliability, durability, dynamics, precision and costs. The modular design is particularly interesting. This allows individual telescopic panels to be replaced or the cover to be extended without the need for tools.

Summary
When it comes to roof covers and crane loading, the designer is faced with a kind of "squaring of the circle". With his roof concept, Arno Arnold presents a kind of "modular" construction kit for roof covers. These can be used alone as a roof in various types of machines or with a rear wall or for retrofitting.