Belden LioN-R EtherNet/IP modules with Quick Connect

Belden will now offer a Quick Connect feature on its Lumberg Automation Input/Output Network-Ruggedized (LioN-R) EtherNet/IP modules. The feature is designed to contribute to faster overall production cycles for industrial applications where robots drive the automation process.

The Quick Connect feature ensures that the modules in the LioN-R series can quickly and efficiently power up and join an EtherNet/IP network after a tool exchange on a robot has been performed - reducing the time it takes for the automatic tool changers (ATCs) found on modern robots to exchange tools and switch out the task the robot performs.

Typically the powering up operation can take from 5 to 8 s, but it is claimed that with the Quick Connect technology a robot can return to work after a tool change in less than 500 ms.

Minimised ATC changeover time allows industrial organisations to adjust robots to serve multiple purposes. This reduces the number of robots needed, minimising maintenance requirements and production cycle downtime.

Other features of the LioN-R EtherNet/IP include an IP67 degree of protection, M12 connection for the network, integrated dual-port switch to facilitate line and ring topologies, three modules providing flexibility, a fail-safe function and an operating temperature range of -10 to +60°C.