Product category:
Machinery/plant guarding and protection
News Release from: Pilz Automation Technology | Subject: Safety light curtains
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 October 2004
Extensive family of safety light
curtains
Pilz is launching the PSEN op 2/4 series of Type 2 and Type 4 safety light curtains, optoelectronic safety devices meet the requirements of EN 61496-1: 1997.
Pilz is launching the PSEN op 2/4 series of Type 2 and Type 4 safety light curtains, optoelectronic safety devices meet the requirements of EN 61496-1: 1997 (*) Models are available with resolutions of 14, 30 and >40mm for sensing breaches of the barrier by finger, hand or body, and a SafetyBUS p safety fieldbus connection is available on all Type 4 models Models are available with resolutions of 14, 30 and >40mm for sensing breaches of the barrier by finger, hand or body (F, H or B in the product designation), and a Safetybus p safety fieldbus connection is available on all Type 4 models
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 7 Mar 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The advantage of the Safetybus p versions is that they deliver integrated digital I/O via an additional M12 connector, which enables the connection of two emergency stop inputs, one test/start input, two muting sensors and a muting lamp.
This eliminates the need for any cabinet installation and associated wiring.
With Safetybus p, the light curtain diagnostics are vastly improved, providing access to information normally unavailable remotely from light curtains, such as operational mode, status and errors, including alignment, emitting, muting and emergency stop.
Further reading
Packaging Machine Safety Light Curtains Expansion
Pilz is expanding its PSENopt family of safety light curtains, making it one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market, claimed Pilz.
Safety light curtains offer muting sensor options
A series of light curtains can be used in L or T arrangements for muting in one or two directions, and customers can select the number of muting sensors.
Safety light curtains are available from stock
Type 4 light curtains in accordance with EN/IEC 61496-1 and -2, include finger and hand detection in safety-related control circuits conforming to the requirements of Category 2 or 4 of EN 954-1.
This diagnostic data is a major benefit compared with alternative light curtains, simplifying system maintenance and increasing plant availability.
If a Safetybus p fieldbus is not being used, the light curtains can be monitored using the Pilz Pnozelog solid-state safety relays, the Pnozmulti software configurable modular safety controller or a PSS programmable safety system.
Each light curtain consists of an infrared emitter and a receiver housed in robust aluminium profiles.
The control and evaluation logic circuits are located inside the two units, with optical synchronisation to eliminate the need for direct cable connections; other electrical connections are made via M12 connectors.
The infrared beams are controlled and monitored via a microprocessor that provides the user with diagnostic information about the operating status of the light curtain via LED indicators.
Two yellow LEDs are used during set-up to align the transmitter and receiver.
For users taking advantage of the Safetybus p connection, diagnostic data is, of course, available remotely via the fieldbus.
Applications requiring muting can be fulfilled using most of the PSEN op 2/4 series light curtains.
These can be set during commissioning to operate with total or partial muting - and there is a facility to override the muting function - plus there is a further setting for manual or automatic restart.
As well as sequence monitoring, both parallel and cross-beam muting is supported.
Models available The PSEN op4F is a Type 4 light curtain (as indicated by the 4 in the product designation) with 14mm resolution and an operating range of 0.2 to 6m.
It is available in lengths giving a protected height of 161 to 896mm, with a corresponding response time of 18 to 40ms.
The PSEN op4H is a Type 4 light curtain with 30mm resolution and an operating range of 0.2 to 15m.
It is available in lengths giving a protected height of 180 to 1650mm, with a corresponding response time of 15 to 32ms.
The PSEN op2B is a Type 2 light curtain with a resolution of 315, 415 or 515mm and an operating range of 0.5 to 50m.
It has a response time of 14ms.
The PSEN op4B is a Type 4 light curtain with a resolution of 315, 415 or 515mm and an operating range of 0.5 to 25m.
It has a response time of 14ms.
The PSEN op2H is a Type 2 light curtain with 30mm resolution and an operating range of 0.2 to 15m.
It is available in lengths giving a protected height of 187 to 1510mm, with a corresponding response time of 14 to 24ms.
Note that the PSEN op2H cannot be used where muting is required.
If required, deviating mirror are available in five different lengths (550-1270mm) so that a single light curtain can be used to safeguard two or more sides of a machine.
Brackets are supplied with each transmitter and receiver so that the devices can be easily mounted to the machine, guarding or other adjacent structure.
Depending on the application, optional brackets are available with limited adjustment, additional angular adjustment, or with built-in vibration dampers.
Floor-mounting brackets are also offered in a range of heights to suit the light curtains being used.
To make alignment of the PSEN op 2/4 light curtain easier, Pilz offers a LaserPointer that can be moved along the length of the emitter unit to check its alignment with the receiver.
Because of the importance of using properly designed ancillary equipment for safety-critical applications, Pilz also offers appropriate muting sensors and muting lamps (PIT si1.2 monitored muting lamp and PIT si1.1 unmonitored muting lamp).
For assistance with specifying the correct light curtain and ancillary equipment, and designing the installation so that the safety function is fulfilled correctly, Pilz has engineers available with demonstrable competence who can provide the necessary technical support services.
(*) EN 61496-1: 1997: Safety of machinery - Electrosensitive protective equipment.
Part 1: General requirements and tests) and prEN 61496-2: 1997 (Safety of machinery - Electrosensitive protective equipment.
Part 2: Particular requirements for equipment using active optoelectronic protective devices.
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