ABOUT DIMENSIONAL MULTIFUNCTION SENSORS

Dimensional multifunctional sensors can position objects or sense the height of objects in industrial environments. The Dimensional Multifunctional Position Finder sensor (DMP) is the sensor of choice for automated storage and retreival systems. The DMP can control the drives of shelf-supplying devices for precision placement.

Based on a new technology, a two-dimensional receiver array allows fine positioning in both the X- and Y-axis. The device works on the collimation principle. The transmitted light emitted by the DMP is returned by the reflector and mapped on the receiver array. The position of the reflector is determined from this image. The reflected light is concentrate in the center of the receiver array, by tracking the handling unit. This process completes the required fine positioning so the load handling can begin.

The handling unit is pre-positioned via the central control unit in the capture range (visual range) of the DMP, in which the reflector is detected by the DMP. After rough positioning, the DMP can then be used to control the drives for fine positioning to the final position. Two analog outputs are available for fine positioning, one for the X- and one for the Y-axis, and two switching outputs (QR "reflector detected", Q "correct position"). The relative distance of the reflector to the middle point of the receiver array is continually signaled by the analog outputs.

The swiching output QR switches as soon as the reflector is mapped in the capture range (visual range) of the DMP ("reflector detected").

The swiching output Q switches as soon as the reflector is mapped in the center of the receiver array ("correct position").

The DMH height profile sensor can count shingled objects such as newspapers and cardboard boxes. The DMH can be used to replace vision systems in many counting and profile verification applications.

The DMH operates using a Class II laser light and shines a laser beam over the sampled object at a defined angle. The laser light that impinges the object is then imaged on a detector array as a contour. This contour corresponds to the height profile of the object. The device transmits an analog value of 4 to 20 mA depending on the selected mode. In addition, each software variant has a switching output. Two switching outputs are available for checking filling levels.

The height information is programmed during the teach-in procedure. A reference object is positioned below the linear light of the DMH and the teach-in is initiated by pressing a button on the unit or via the external teach-in wire. During the teach-in procedure, the light distribution on the photo-array of the receiver is evaluated and stored as a reference value against the selected tolerance position. The function indicator on the unit signals the status of the teach-in procedure. The program selector switch on the DMH is then set ti the RUN or RUN DELAY position and the sensor is ready for operation.



LINKS

DMH Product Info (PDF)