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Safety laser scanner measures speed and distance

A Leuze Electronic product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 11, 2009

Rotoscan RS4-4M safety laser scanners from Leuze Electronic provide 2D scanning of user-defined areas, delivering warning, guarding and measurement in a flexible manner.

The RS4Soft configuration and diagnosis software that is supplied with the scanners enables zones to be quickly set up to the required safety distances and application, using graphical tools.

Integrated RS232/ RS422, AS-i Safety Interface, or Profisafe interfaces and SIL 2 (IEC/EN 61508) and Type 3 (IEC/EN 61496) compliance makes implementation of the Rotoscan RS4 family of safety laser scanners quick and easy.

The additional features of the Rotoscan RS4-4M relate to 'motion', because of this model's ability to measure speed and distance in addition to its normal function of safety guarding the path of travel.

This makes it ideal for mobile applications, such as automated guided vehicles (AGV) or transfer trolleys.

When fitted to an AGV, motion monitoring allows up to six speeds to be monitored and detection zones dynamically adjusted.

If, for example, a specified speed is exceeded, the detection zone automatically switches to an extended detection zone, enabling the AGV or transfer trolley to move safely at the highest allowable speed.

Only the desired speed needs to be specified because the corresponding detection-zone contours are calculated automatically using the integrated braking distance interpolation.

Leuze Electronic's Rotoscan RS4-4M eliminates the need for any additional encoders or sensors, because the entire functionality is performed within the scanner itself and communicated to the AGV's PLC.

In most cases, this removes the need for a safety PLC, and therefore offers savings in complexity, cost and time.

The Rotoscan RS4-4M's ability to measure distances to and from defined reference planes, such as a reflector or a wall, enable it to precisely determine positions.

A transfer trolley can therefore stop exactly where it is supposed to in front of a conveyor belt, without additional sensors.

Leuze Electronic claimed compact dimensions, low energy consumption, affordability, and reliability are typical of its products.

An example of the robust and reliable operation of the Rotoscan RS4-4M is that it is unaffected by people crossing the transfer path in front of the unit, providing they are within the measurement zone, rather than the warning or detection zone.

To aid set up or replacement of a laser scanner, the intelligent Configplug device plug, which is compatible with the entire Rotoscan RS4 family, permanently stores all the required configuration settings.

Therefore, the configuration plug enables a new device to be configured quickly.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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