News for Factory Automation 1/2016

and sorts them into different collection containers. Additionally, our

sensor technology measures the fill level of the recycling containers.

Due to the wide range of sensor applications, Pepperl+Fuchs serves

as the main supplier of inductive and photoelectric sensors, as well

as ultrasonic sensors.” says Yngve Bekkevik, System and Solution

Engineer at Pepperl+Fuchs. Long-term customer relationships like

these contribute significantly to the success of the Mannheim-based

family business. “Finding the right third-party supplier who offers the

perfect production components is a challenging task in our expansive

market. The close and positive cooperation between TOMRA and

Pepperl+Fuchs has been an important contribution to our success.”

says the Manager of Strategic Sourcing at TOMRA Systems, Liv

Grønvold.

One Machine – Various Solutions

How these engineered solutions take shape is demonstrated by the

sensor technology used in reverse vending machines.

Most of the automation components by Pepperl+Fuchs are placed in

the sorting part of the machine. The detection of cans and bottles can

be a demanding measuring task. Today, many bottles are extremely

thin, thus their detection calls for special efforts. For this reason, the

photoelectric ML7 retroreflective sensor is the right choice for clear

glass. In other parts of the machine, you find ultrasonic sensors in the

compact F77 housing. Along the sorting conveyor, inductive sensors

are used to detect the proximity of metal parts and rotation speed.

In the sorting bin, ultrasonic sensors have still another use: The F54 model

detects both the presence and fill level of the collection container.

“As the transmission and reception range of ultrasonic sensors is club-

shaped, these sensors do not detect one single point, but rather

a large, extensive measuring range of varying sizes. This gives an

advantage for detecting irregular surfaces, such as compressed

plastic bottles,” explains Carsten Heim, Ultrasonic Product Manager at

Pepperl+Fuchs. If the collection containers are full, or if someone has

forgotten to place a container back in the machine, the ultrasonic sensors

emit a signal. “With this setup, a single sensor is used to measure the

filling level and to position the container,” says Heim.

Since the level of the collection containers is measured on an ongoing

basis, store employees are alerted in a timely manner if the machine

needs emptying. This prevents unnecessary downtime and makes

shopping easier.