Sensor solutions for continuous conveyors
Continuous conveyors ensure the continuous flow of goods. For reliable operation of the systems, the presence of pallets and containers must be detected, dimensions and fill levels controlled, and bar codes reliably read. This guarantees a seamless production process.
Our extensive sensor product range offers reliable and fast object detection. It also protects people and the system. Individually deployable reading principles, such as bar code, 2D-code, and RFID guarantee maximum flexibility. With their high performance reserve, our sensors offer reliable detection even with glossy, dark or stretch-wrapped packages, and rough environmental conditions. Thanks to the intelligent mounting technology, easy alignment and simple integration into existing systems via fieldbus interfaces such as PROFINET, our sensors can also be quickly put into service.
Requirement:
The film-wrapped or shrink-wrapped pallets should be reliably detected over the entire length. The output signal of the sensor used must not show any fluctuations.
Solution:
The PRK 46C.D and PRK 25C.D retro-reflective photoelectric sensors are optimized for use on roller conveyors. They offer high functional reliability especially for film-wrapped and shrink-wrapped pallets. Thus, the sensor generates a stable output signal as long as the object is within the detection range.
Requirement:
All types of pallets should be reliably detected over the entire length. Defective pallets or openings on pallets should also be allowed.
Solution:
The RK 46C retro-reflective photoelectric sensors also reliably detect objects with irregular shapes and openings. For this purpose, the devices use a powerful, 60 mm wide light-band.
Requirement:
Different types of pallets run over a conveyor system, which should be reliably detected from below. High-frequency hall lighting and dirt particles must not affect the sensor. In addition, the sensors should not require any additional work during the installation of the conveyor line.
Solution:
The HT 25C series diffuse sensors are already mounted by the conveyor system manufacturer in the interior of the conveyor by means of a special holder. This has an integrated front screen for the discharge of dirt particles. The special ambient light parameterization of the sensors efficiently suppresses ambient light sources.
Requirement:
Before a pallet can be fed into the conveyor system or storage system, the dimensions of the loaded pallet must be checked.
Solution:
The CSL 710 switching light curtains check the dimensions of the loaded pallet. Different resolutions and measuring field lengths as well as 4 configurable inputs/outputs allow the devices to be optimally adapted to the application and easily aligned thanks to the integrated display.
Requirement:
Access guarding on the conveyor line is to prevent persons from accessing the danger zone, while at the same time allowing the transported goods to pass through.
Solution:
The muting function bridges the safety sensor in a controlled manner to allow the transported goods to pass through. This function is already integrated in the MLD 300/500 multiple light beam safety devices and the MLC 500 safety light curtains.
Requirement:
Access guarding on the conveyor line is to prevent persons from accessing the danger zone, while at the same time allowing the transported goods to pass through. At the same time, the safety technology should take up as little space as possible.
Solution:
With Smart Process Gating, the safety sensor is bridged by means of a control signal from the PLC. The function is integrated in the MLC 530 SPG safety light curtain. Additional muting sensors are not required and, owing to SPG, the systems have low space requirements.
Requirement:
During goods receipt or goods issue, the goods code should be read in and transferred to the higher-level system. The position of the label can vary.
Solution:
Several bar code readers of the BCL 500i / 600i series are used to read the code label in varying positions. Via the integrated switch, the devices can be connected both to each other and directly to the control via a line structure.
Requirement:
A container or tray should be reliably detected as it passes by. The sensors used should be easy to mount and connect.
Solution:
With their compact cubic construction, the 5 series optical sensors are used for powerful and cost-optimized standard detection tasks. The integrated M3 metal threaded sleeves and the flexible cable outlet downwards or to the rear simplify installation even in situations with limited installation space.
Requirement:
To stop the containers, the closing state of the flap must be checked.
Solution:
The IS 244 series inductive sensors detect the closing state of the flap. Versions with M12 connector or comfortable terminal compartment are available for the connection.
Requirement:
The bar codes attached to the containers or trays should be read and the information transferred to the control via a fieldbus. It must also be possible to mount the code reader between conveyor lines.
Solution:
The bar code readers of the BCL 200i and BCL 300i series can be mounted at a short distance from the code due to their minimal reading distance of only 40 and 20 mm. With its integrated switch, line structures can be set up in all Ethernet-based fieldbuses. The parameters are set via the control.
Requirement:
In harsh or soiled environments, the containers should be identified.
Solution:
The RFM 32 and RFM 62 RFID read/write systems read the information of the RFID transponders that are attached to the containers. Contactless RFID technology works reliably even in soiled environments. With reading distances of up to 400 mm, the readers can be integrated very flexibly into the conveyor system.
Requirement:
To use a container again, it must be checked whether there are still objects in the container.
Solution:
The LRS 36 light section sensors use a laser line for sensing object detection. Thus, the presence of objects in the container can be reliably determined.
Requirement:
A bar code printed directly on the carton should be read. The read information must then be transferred to a control.
Solution:
The BCL 300i series bar code readers with special optics for ink jet-printed codes read the codes on the cartons. The integrated switch makes it easy to integrate the devices into line structures of Ethernet-based fieldbuses. The parameters are set via the control.
Requirement:
When goods are dispatched from mail order and e-commerce, the bar code on the shipping labels should be read. The aligned cartons usually differ significantly in their dimensions. The read information should be transferred to a control.
Solution:
The BCL 600i series bar code readers read the codes on cartons from above. They work with blue laser light for more depth of field at small modulus widths and thus do not require expensive focus adjustment. The devices can be easily integrated into the control via the integrated fieldbus interfaces.
Requirement:
When goods are dispatched from mail order and e-commerce, the bar code on the shipping labels should be read. In this case, the non-guided cartons usually differ significantly in their dimensions and orientation. The read information should be transferred to a control.
Solution:
The MSPi modular scanner portal uses at least two aligned bar code readers for reading unaligned bar codes. If required, we also offer portal configurations tailored to your application. The portals can be easily integrated into the control via the integrated fieldbus interface.
Requirement:
During order picking, the goods codes should be read and transferred to the goods management system.
Solution:
The IT 1472Xg series mobile bar code readers read all bar codes commonly used in warehousing and logistics. Depending on the application, versions with cable connection or radio transmission are available.
Requirement:
The carton transported on the conveyor system is to be gripped automatically for palletizing. In another application, it should be detected whether the carton is intact and closed. For both applications, the contour of the carton must be checked.
Solution:
The CMS 700i 3D contour measurement system detects the length, width, height, protrusions, deformations and position of any objects as they pass by – irrespective of their shape and surface structure. Even polybags are reliably detected. The complete system includes all components for installation and operation under one article number.
Requirement:
On a belt conveyor, polybags should be reliably detected along their entire length at a speed of up to 2.5 m/s.
Solution:
The RK 46C series retro-reflective photoelectric sensors reliably detect objects as small as 5 mm on a belt conveyor system. For this purpose, the devices use a 25 mm wide, powerful light-band. Due to the high switching frequency of 250 Hz, the RK 46C detects objects even at high conveyor speeds.