Posted to News on 13th Jul 2010, 06:53
Safety camera sensors for machine guarding - new models
Sick (UK) is launching its next-generation V300 and V200 safety camera sensors for machine guarding applications. The two new cameras enable engineers to comply with safety levels up to SIL 2 and PL d, in line with machinery safety standards EN IEC 61508 and EN ISO 13849-1. Compared with their predecessors, the V300 WS Extended (IEC 61496 Type 3) and V200 WS Extended (IEC 61496 Type 2) feature a longer range, greater ease-of-use, and quick and easy installation.
Compact and unobtrusive when installed in the corner of a guard opening, the safety cameras limit the need for multiple light curtains, thereby offering a number of advantages for end users, suppliers and machine builders.
The innovative non-contact safety system, which is based on image processing technology, can monitor protective areas of up to 2.25m2 and has a range of 2.12m. However, the size of the protective field is doubled when two systems are operated in synchronous mode.
In operation, the safety sensor signals within 20ms to stop machine movement when the monitored area is accessed. The protective field can be easily adapted to the application during commissioning to guard different shapes, angles and intrusions - such as cables and supports.
Simple mounting and configuration
Each camera can be quickly and easily mounted, using just two screws, and a single cable provides the power and signal connection. Mounted in a corner, the sensor generates a field that reaches the reflector strip mounted opposite the device. The entire length and breadth of the reflector strip is monitored with a choice of resolutions including 20, 24 or 30mm.
The compact triangular housing of the safe camera system allows horizontal or vertical installation at locations where the sensor is protected against damage or misalignment from impact.
Programming is performed using an intuitive single-button teach-in process aided by a four-LED display. The LEDs indicate the status of the safe switching outputs, external device monitoring, the reset button and the teach-in button. The assignment of the LEDs permits targeted corrective work, thereby minimising the time spent handling servicing activities. In addition, the LEDs provide virtualisation of reflector strip detection for each sector.
Sick (UK) safety specialist, Seb Strutt, comments: "The single-device concept of the V300 and V200 WS Extended, which features the transmitter and receiver in the same housing, makes it both easy to use and easy to install, enabling substantial savings to be made in terms of both cost and time."
The V200 WS Extended boasts the same performance data as the V300 WS Extended and is suitable for applications where the risk analysis indicates a lower protective requirement.
Follow the link for more information about Sick's safety camera systems.
