Following the launch of the innovative CSS 180 non-contact, electronic safety sensor, Schmersal has announced that it is extending the range with the introduction of the CSS 34, a new non-contact safety sensor for monitoring the position of safety guards. The CSS 180 uses pulse-echo technology to communicate between the sensor and actuator, which allows for greater offset of the coded actuator – both in the switching distance and lateral offset. This means for example, that door misalignment is more easily tolerated and detected without interrupting the process. Using the same technology the new CSS 34 is able to detect this offset earlier and send an alarm signal, allowing users to adjust the safety guard before signals can no longer be transmitted and the machine stops – leading to higher machine productivity. And the user always gets the necessary information thanks to the integrated LEDs that indicate the sensors operating status. Thanks to its rectangular design and with ease of integration in mind, the compact safety sensor can, for example, be fitted to standard 40 mm profiles of safety guards and machine housings using just two screws, and slotted holes allow for an accurate alignment of the sensor with the actuator. Furthermore, the variable actuating direction and four possible actuating planes makes the CSS 34 particularly flexible in use. Commenting on the introduction, managing director Terry Hayward says that because multiple CSS sensors can be wired in series and monitored with a single safety relay, users can save time and money in installation and product costs. “Safety switches, solenoid interlocks and safety sensors can be monitored through a common safety relay without loss of the control category.” Explains Terry: “Therefore, installations can achieve control category 4 to EN 954-1 and SIL level 3 to prEN 13849.”
For the simplified serial detection of diagnostic information, Schmersal has also developed the SD-Gateway, a new Profibus-based gateway that allows up to 31 safety devices to be connected on a single Profibus-DP network and provides extensive diagnostic features for each installed device. And thanks to its bi-directional communication capability, reading status data and control of the safety device is achieved via the diagnostic line.