Sensor solutions for shuttles
Shuttles are compact warehouse vehicles for automatic operation of high-bay warehouses. They are used in parallel and move largely independently in the rack construction. The dynamic shuttles are tasked with transporting the goods safely, reliably identify open spaces, and avoid collisions.
Our sensors are optimized for this area of application and assume tasks in the compartment fine positioning, compartment occupation check and presence control. Sensors switching within milliseconds ensure optimum positioning. Even in low vehicles, our space-saving sensors can be easily integrated, allowing flexible design. All our sensors are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring fast mounting and commissioning.
Requirement:
To ensure a defined distance between the pallets, the distance between the shuttle and the stored pallet must be precisely determined regardless of surfaces, colors or angles.
Solution:
The ODS 110 and HT 110 measuring or switching distance sensors determine the distance against a non-cooperating target and provide the information as a measured value or as a switching output. With an operating range of up to 5,000 mm, the devices offer an accuracy of typ. ±15 mm.
Requirement:
The first pallet in an aisle should always be placed at a defined distance from the aisle end. To do this, the position of the shuttle at the aisle end must be determined.
Solution:
The ODS 110 / HT 110 measuring or switching distance sensors operate according to the time-of-flight principle (TOF) and deliver reliable results for any material over distances of up to 3 m. All devices are equipped with an IO-Link interface. With the HT 110, two switching outputs can be set independently of position.
Requirement:
After transferring the pallet on the shuttle, it must be checked whether the pallet has been placed correctly. For this purpose, the presence of the pallet is to be checked at one or more defined positions on the shuttle.
Solution:
The HT 3C optical sensors reliably detect pallets thanks to active background suppression and ambient light sensitivity. The HT 3C series offers robust solutions, e.g. for the detection of objects with colored structure, objects with openings or highly polished surfaces.
Requirement:
If several shuttles are moving within one level, it must be checked whether the transportation path is free, another shuttle is nearby or the aisle end has been reached.
Solution:
The ODS 10 distance sensor measures the distance against a non-cooperating target made of any material. Over distances of up to 8 m, the devices provide reliable results with an accuracy of typ. ±15 mm.
Requirement:
To counteract slippage, the container should be referenced to a position at the end of the transportation path or at the transfer station. For exact referencing, the sensors used should have an accurate and reproducible switching point.
Solution:
The PRK 3C optical sensors operate according to the reflection principle. Special versions with high switching frequency and small light spot ensure an exact switching point.
Requirement:
Before the shuttle starts moving, it must be checked that the load has been completely picked up or unloaded and that there is no overhang.
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:
Before a container or carton can be stored, it must be checked whether the space is free.
Solution:
The 3C series scanning sensors reliably detect objects against a background. Even objects with colored structure are reliably detected.
Requirement:
Before a container or carton can be stored, it must be checked whether the space is free.
Solution:
The 25C series scanning sensors reliably detect objects against a background. Even objects with colored structure are reliably detected. For applications with operating ranges of more than 2 m, the particularly powerful long-range model is available.
Requirement:
It should be determined in which area of the shuttle a container or carton is located.
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:
The final position of the finger must be checked to ensure correct storage and retrieval.
Solution:
The inductive sensors of the IS 208 series reliably detect metal objects. The small standard devices with a diameter of only 8 mm and robust metal housing can be easily and individually integrated into the shuttle.
Requirement:
Before the shuttle moves, it must be ensured that the telescopic fork is fully retracted. For this purpose, check the final position of the telescopic fork.
Solution:
These IS 288 series inductive switches can be used for various detection tasks. The devices with cubic constructions are available with plastic and metal housings. With its laterally aligned sensor field, space and cost-saving integration is possible.
Requirement:
For exact positioning of the shuttle, hole markings are made in the guide rail. These are to be detected in a reproducible manner.
Solution:
The powerful 3C series diffuse sensors with background suppression reliably detect objects against a wide variety of backgrounds. Models with laser light are available for particularly precise and fast positioning applications.