Photoelectric sensors are devices that use a light source to emit infrared light beams and detect objects. They are classified into two types: reflective and through-beam sensors. In reflective photoelectric sensors, the sensor detects light beams reflected off objects. Through-beam photoelectric sensors measure the change in the amount of light returned to the sensor from the emitted light, indicating the presence or absence of an object.
In through-beam photoelectric sensors, the emitter and the receiver are independent of each other.
Features and Advantages of Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors have a range of features and advantages, including:
- Non-contact and Long-Range Detection: Photoelectric sensors can detect objects without physical contact and over long distances.
- Reflective Type Sensors: In reflective photoelectric sensors, the light beam reflected from an object can extend up to 2 meters.
- Through-Beam Type Sensors: In through-beam photoelectric sensors, the reflected light beam can extend up to 40 meters.
- Reflector Model: For models that use reflectors, the detection range can extend up to 50 meters.
- Fast Response Time: Photoelectric sensors have a fast response time of 20 microseconds.
- Color Detection: These sensors can easily detect and distinguish colors.
- High Sensitivity: They are capable of detecting even very small objects and are known for their high precision and sensitivity.
Advantages of Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors offer a range of benefits due to their various features and capabilities. These include:
- Detection and Counting: They can detect and count parts.
- Color, Shape, Thickness, and Distance Measurement: They can check the color, shape, thickness, and distance of objects.
- Stacking Height Monitoring: They can monitor stacking heights.
- Glass Detection: They can detect objects through glass.
- Alignment of Small Parts: They can align very small parts.
- Marking: They can make detection marks.
- Filling Level Detection: They can determine filling levels.
Emission Methods in Photoelectric Sensors
There are two emission methods used in photoelectric sensors. The first is pulse emission. Pulse emission involves using laser and LED as the light sources to create strong, intermittent light beams for long-range detection. This method allows for detection without being affected by surrounding light beams.
The second emission method is continuous emission. In continuous emission systems, the photoelectric sensor continuously emits light. While it does not offer the same long-range detection as pulse emission, it has a faster response time compared to pulse emission systems.