Optical Sensors

Optical sensors use light in various forms to perform their detection tasks. An extensive product line is available with reliable and efficient sensor solutions for all applications that can be solved optically. Object detection for different surfaces, object sizes and colors requires various function principles, such as a throughbeam photoelectric sensor, a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor or a diffuse reflection sensor. All different operating principles are usually available in a given series (size). Universal series are also available with extended models and additional useful functions.

Fork Sensors

Fork sensors combine transmitter and receiver into a single device and therefore feature high operational reliability. They are characterized by simple mounting without the need for alignment as well as high sensitivity. The fork sensors are used for detecting small parts or for detecting labels and print marks, even on transparent films.

Fiber Optic Sensors

Plastic fiber optics are suitable for universal applications with low space requirements for object detection. Glass fiber optics are used in demanding environmental conditions with high temperatures and are resistant to chemicals. For radiation through foils or applications with high light power, they offer further advantages through the especially low damping. The flexible fiber optics with various head shapes can be integrated in nearly any system design. The detection range is dependent on the fiber optics and amplifiers used. Fiber optics can be used with the throughbeam principle or with scanning function. As a fiber array with multiple light beams, they can be used to detect especially small objects.

Contrast and Colour Sensors

Contrast sensors detect and compare contrasts very precisely through the use of different light sources such as white light, laser-generated red light or RGB light. The detected contrasts marks are then reported to the process with minimal signal jitter. Through the automatic selection of the right transmitter colors, various color or gray value combinations can be reliably detected. Bar graph indicators offer additional ease in making adjustments during manual setup.

THE NEW – Dynamic reference diffuse sensors

Features:

• The reliable detection of objects even with difficult shapes and surfaces ensures continuous machine output and prevents downtime
• No adjustment of the sensor is needed when products or packaging materials are changed, shorter setup times enable higher production quantities
• Fast and easy setup of the sensor through automatic teaching of the belt surface using the teach button; just one universal mounting position for all objects
• Reliable operation even if the conveyor belt is soiled or vibrating
• IO-Link for easy integration of additional functions in the machine control, such as warning message in case of excessive contamination, use of the counter built into the sensor, or locking of the teach button

Optical data transmission

Data within a network is transferred in different ways. Optical data transmission photoelectric sensors use the “air” medium to transfer data invisibly, contact-free and free from wear over a distance of up to 300 m. This is a leading technology in plant engineering and combines efficiency with cost effectiveness.

The DDLS 500 optical data transmission photoelectric sensor enables the transparent, contact- and wear-free transmission of data over distances of up to 200 m in 100 Mbit/s real-time. To this end, an invisible, infrared laser communicates bi-directionally between the devices. Additional functions simplify handling of the devices. With the aid of the laser alignment aid and the integrated level, alignment is very simple, even over longer paths. Unique worldwide, the web server integrated in the DDLS 500 enables remote diagnostics. Furthermore, the DDLS 500 can be detected as a PROFINET participant.