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Model SS
Solid State Safety Light Curtain
Product Overview
The Ultimate in Safety - Quality - Value
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The Model SS is an infrared safety light curtain that is designed to the IEC 61496 standard. When properly installed, it protects the machine operator by passing an invisible infrared light beam across an area to be guarded and examining whether or not the light beam(s) are blocked. If the light beam(s) are blocked, monitored solid state outputs will open, issuing a “STOP” command to the machines normally closed (N.C.) “STOP” circuit. The System is composed of a transmitting unit (EMITTER), and a receiving unit (RECEIVER). The entire system is control reliable Category 4 (per IEC 61496). A single fault anywhere within the Model SS will not prevent at least one of the solid state outputs from opening up, (allowing a “STOP” command) when either a beam is broken or an internal fault occurs. |
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Theory of
operation.
The Model SS protects an area by projecting a
curtain of infrared light. The infrared emitters and receivers face each other across the field to be protected.
Each emitter/receiver pair is spaced along the length of the pylons at regular intervals from .5", up to 8"
depending on the application. The smaller spacing are for finger guarding, the larger spacing are for body
protection. The emitter/receiver pairs are scanned sequentially (one at a time) by a very short pulse of infrared
light starting from bottom (cable end), and working up to the top, until every beam pair has been scanned. Two 16
bit computers in the emitter pylon and two 16 bit computers in the receiver pylon control the operation, as well as
cross check each pylon.
The
System.
The Model SS employs infrared technology in a small sealed NEMA 4 aluminum housing
with an infrared passing (daylight filtering) acrylic lens. This system provides harmless invisible protection and
an unobstructed view of the guarded area. There are two parts to the Model SS: An Emitter pylon and a Receiver
pylon. The Emitter pylon has no outputs, but does contain a digital CAN data network to allow it to be linked to
the Receiver pylon (although not required for operation). The Receiver pylon contains the digital CAN data network
and two monitored solid state 24vdc outputs. Both pylons are synchronized to each other either via the CAN data
network or electronically.
System Safety.
The Model SS incorporates redundant, and diverse technology that provides a backup
for every system that could cause an unsafe condition.
External Device
Monitoring (EDM).
A method in which the Model SS Category 4 safety
light curtain logic monitors the state of various external control devices. The control devices are external and
not part of the Model SS light curtain pylons. A lockout or stop signal will result if an unsafe state is detected
in an external device. The External Device Monitoring (EDM) is an optional function of the Model SS safety light
curtain for monitoring the status of external devices such as gate and door switches, safety switches or the main
control element of the drive (MPCE). Solid state outputs are turned on separately to be checked and assure neither
output has been shorted, before fully turning on.
Design
Criteria.
Designed to meet IEC 61496-1 & 2, UL 1998, UL subject 491, OSHA, ANSI, CSA,
ANSI-RIA R15.06-1999
Microprocessor redundancy for both Emitter and Receiver pylons
Redundant, monitored, 24vdc solid state outputs (PNP)
Watchdogs on CPU’s and outputs prevent unintentional output during
lockups.