The USi-safety ultrasonic sensor system from Pepperl + Fuchs is breaking down the barriers imposed by other sensing solutions. Whether operating in challenging, dusty conditions or outdoor – industrial machines, vehicles, processes and the people using them can be protected using the advanced ultrasonic technology utilised in these sensors.
Intelligent Design for Every Situation
When a miniature sensor unit is detached from the control interface it means the sensor system can be used in confined spaces, and the unique design allows the sensor to cover an elliptical 3-D sound field with opening angles of ± 17° and ± 5°, providing improved safety.
Manipulation protection and Parameterisation
Preventing safety functions from being overridden is challenging, the USi-safety system features a teach-in process when a machine part is used as a reference target, the sensor can register deviations immediately. Comprehensive parameterisation software and automatic documentation make commissioning the ultrasonic sensor system quick and simple.
Elliptical Sound Field for a Wide Sensing Range
The USi-safety features a strongly elliptical sound field, creating a wide sensing range in one plane and a narrow sensing range in the other. The system can be used just above ground level or close to a wall, allowing the sensor to detect targets or obstacles that are overhanging or near to the ground.
Two Category 3 PL d Safe Systems in a Single Evaluation Unit
A maximum of 2 ultrasonic sensor units can be connected to the evaluation unit. These ultrasonic sensor units have a single-fault tolerance, 2-channel structure. A safe sensor system is achieved even when only one sensor unit is connected. One signal output and safe OSSD outputs in accordance with category 3 PL d are available.
This capable ultrasonic safety sensor system can be used in applications where left/right or forward/reverse movements need to be safeguarded, such as on Auto-Guided Transport (AGT) Systems. Applications can be implemented in which both sound fields are focused directly adjacent to each other or overlapping, securing the widest possible collective sensing range.
A Complete System
The USi-safety ultrasonic sensor system consists of an evaluation unit, a sensor unit, a temperature sensor, and the software.
The evaluation unit contains two microcontrollers that monitor the connected sensors, their own hardware, and each other to ensure that the components are functioning correctly. In addition, there is an input for a temperature sensor and a USB interface for parameterisation via a PC.
IP69K protection makes the system’s 2 ultrasonic sensor units suitable for even the most demanding conditions. With their miniature design, they can be flexibly integrated into numerous applications. The system reliably detects even the smallest objects within their wide 3-D sensing range.
The parameterisation software allows a wide range of settings such as switch points, output logic, safety parameters, and ultrasound-specific parameters to be customised. The interface can be used to initialise periodic tests and automatically generate safety protocols.
USi-safety Ultrasonic Sensor Application Examples
Collision Avoidance in the Fork Tip
Reliably preventing collisions involving driverless forklifts is ideal for the USi-safety ultrasonic sensor system. As the technology is resistant to dirt, temperature, air currents, and humidity, it significantly expands the area of use for these automated guided transport systems.
Machine Safeguarding in the Wood Industry
Usually, machines are safeguarded by photoelectronic light curtains. The USi-safety, used as a sound curtain, is insensitive to wood dust and other particles and can withstand demanding environments.
Personal Safety in Lane-Guided AGVs
Lane-guided AGVs follow a lane on the ground and transport goods from one station to the other. In this process, the detection range of the sensors can be quickly and easily adapted via the parameterisation software to help prevent collisions.
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