Festo introduces CPX-FVDA-P Profisafe shutdown module

April 10, 2011 — Festo introduces CPX-FVDA-P Profisafe shutdown module. The CPX-FVDA-P is an electronic module for the CPX terminal, which works with the Profisafe fieldbus protocol. It can be used with Profinet bus nodes (CPX-FB33, FB34, and FB35). The module safely disconnects valve voltage from VTSA valves. As a result, the safety function is securely integrated into the valve terminal entirely in keeping with the philosophy of the integrated automation platform CPX: external wiring is eliminated, planning and engineering are simpler. This translates into time and cost savings for the user.

 

The CPX-FVDA has three digital output channels: two external and one internal channel. The internal channel disconnects the power supply to the valves. All three channels are self-monitoring dual channels. This permits applications rated right up to PL e (ISO 13849) or SIL3 (EN 61508).

 

The largest user industry is the automotive sector. Target applications include welding benches in car body production, gripping and clamping tools for robots, and manual workstations. But Profisafe is also used by manufacturers of paper and printing machines, and in some cases by producers of packaging machines and handling systems, too.

 

Valve terminals type 44 VTSA and type 45 VTSA-F can also be combined with the electrical terminal CPX. Their integrated safety functions are sufficient up to performance level PL d. For example, they offer protection against unexpected start-up, pressure and voltage zones that can be shut down and functions for exhaust as well as for reversing motion. The standard-based valve terminals are above all in demand in industries with high levels of standardization and automation, where there is great potential for streamlining.

 

Combined with the control block VOFA, the module protects against unexpected start-up of a pneumatic cylinder and reversing of the cylinder movement as required by the safety function. Depending on the designof the control circuit, systems achieve performance level PL e as per ISO13849–1 if all valve circuits can be detected by the integrated sensor.

 

The valve terminals are also suitable for manual pneumatic clamps in car body production where the safety functions “switching free of forces” and “stop” come into play, so that the cylinder can be moved by hand without any force in case of an emergency.

 

The pre-installed, tested valve block for “safe exhausting” of system components provides two-channel protection against unexpected start-up: the compressed air is switched on when the two solenoid coils are activated at the same time. The ready-to-install valve block provides safe two-channel disconnection of output A when one of the two coils is switched off. Switching position sensing of the directional control valves in their initial position using auxiliary pilot air for the other directional control valve protects against an uncontrolled restart and prevents a dangerous state.