News for Factory Automation 1/2016

One Sensor –

Multiple

Switch Points

Thanks to their wide range of functions, the

versatile R100, R101 and R103 series photoelectric

sensors easily handle sensing tasks in a variety

of industrial applications.

These switching sensors come with measurement core and combine

multiple operating modes, such as window operation mode and

switch points that can optionally be configured via IO-Link, in a single

sensor. Just one sensor is able to detect different stack heights.

What does the application look like? Multiple automated conveyor

routes are often installed in production plants. The conveyor belts

transport products in containers such as boxes or trays. These products

are removed from the containers for further processing in an automated

process. The switching sensor with measurement core is installed

above the conveyor belt and “looks” downwards into the containers.

It detects the different stack heights of the products in the containers

by means of a distance measurement. If these products are succes-

sively removed from the container, using a suction pad, for example,

the sensor detects this using the two configured switch points. In this

way, more products can be added even before the container has been

completely emptied.

The advantage is obvious: Supply routes can be exploited more

effectively. Where previously two sensors were needed, now one

sensor is enough. “Efficiency in the application is increased; procure-

ment and logistics costs are reduced. The sensor can optionally be

configured via IO-Link and, thanks to its Multi Pixel Technology, offers

a high degree of adaptability for different applications,” says Sebastian

Pesch, Product Manager for Photoelectric Sensors.