Modularity is a decisive criterion in the Industry 4.0 age - also for safety gate systems. That's why Pilz is presenting a range of combinations for individual safety gate solutions this year, which can be used from stand-alone machines to extensive, interlinked systems. "With our solutions, economical series connection, fast diagnostics, additional operating and pushbutton elements and an optional escape release are available in just one package," explains Martin Bellingkrodt, Product Manager Sensors at Pilz.
For the safety gate sensor 'Psenmlock' in the version with series connection, there are also further possibilities when the system is combined with the diagnostic solution 'Safety Device Diagnostics' - SDD for short - from Pilz. This allows the status information of the intelligent sensors to be queried, their configuration parameters read out and actions visualized.
The safety sensors of the safety gates are connected in series according to a standardized procedure: OSSD outputs (Output Switching Signaling Device) of one sensor are connected to inputs of the following sensor. "Previously, the designer had to wire all the sensors individually in the control cabinet using complex, expensive star cabling in order to control them individually," says Bellingkrodt.

Another highlight: even with an extensive single-cable solution, safety doors can be controlled individually with the 'SDD' diagnostic solution, which has many advantages in practice according to Bellingkrodt: "If maintenance work or a tool change is due in a system, for example, it is possible to define which doors may be opened after switching off. Without using the SDD, all safety doors connected in series would open at once when the unlocking function is requested." The single-cable solution also extends the limits of series connection: it makes it easy for the machine manufacturer to add another module. The fact that a safety gate system offers several functionalities means that one and the same safety gate sensor can be used flexibly. "It can also be adapted to different requirements, such as for walk-through doors or non-walk-through doors, for doors connected in series or not," adds Bellingkrodt.

The 'Psen' sensor system is a trade fair highlight on the Pilz stand. Visitors can experience the Pilz Smart Factory and how it is safeguarded by intelligent sensor technology. New in this smart factory: the 'Psenopt II' light curtains, which in addition to finger and hand protection are now suitable for body protection up to the highest safety category PL e. Pilz will also be showing how intelligent sensor technology can protect robotics applications. Other highlights include the 'Psenmat' dynamic safety mat and the 'Psenscan' safety laser scanner.