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Optron sensors are measurement feedback devices that operate based on the optical principle of gratings. Grating scales are frequently used in the closed-loop servo systems of CNC machine tools and can be used to detect linear or angular displacement. The measurement output signal is a digital pulse, characterized by a large detection range, high detection accuracy, and fast response speed. For example, in CNC machine tools, they are often used to detect the coordinates of tools and workpieces to observe and track tool path errors, thereby compensating for the motion errors of the tool. Grating scales are classified into transmission gratings and reflection gratings based on different manufacturing methods and optical principles.

Optron sensor principle

Photoelectric sensors achieve control by converting changes in light intensity into changes in electrical signals. Generally, photoelectric sensors consist of three parts: a transmitter, a receiver, and a detection circuit. The transmitter emits a light beam toward the target. The emitted light beam generally comes from semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LED), laser diodes, and infrared emitting diodes. The light beam is emitted continuously, or the pulse width is varied. The receiver consists of photodiodes, phototransistors, and photocells. Optical components such as lenses and apertures are installed in front of the receiver. Behind it is the detection circuit, which filters out valid signals and applies them. In addition, the structural components of photoelectric switches also include emitter plates and optical fibers.

Optron sensor classification

1) Slot-type photoelectric sensor: A slot-type photoelectric sensor is formed by mounting a light emitter and a receiver face-to-face on both sides of a slot. The emitter can emit infrared or visible light, and the receiver can receive the light when there is no obstruction. However, when the detected object passes through the slot, the light is blocked, causing the photoelectric switch to actuate and output a switching control signal to cut off or connect the load current, thereby completing a control action. Due to limitations imposed by the overall structure, the detection distance of slot-type switches is generally only a few centimeters. 2) Through-beam photoelectric sensor: Separating the emitter and the receiver allows for an increased detection distance. A through-beam separated photoelectric switch, abbreviated as a through-beam photoelectric switch, consists of one emitter and one receiver. The detection distance of through-beam photoelectric switches can reach several meters or even tens of meters. When using a through-beam photoelectric switch, the emitter and receiver are installed on opposite sides of the path through which the detected object passes. When the object passes through and blocks the light path, the receiver actuates and outputs a switching control signal. 3) Retro-reflective photoelectric switch: The emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, with a reflector plate installed in front. This setup utilizes the principle of reflection to achieve photoelectric control and is called a retro-reflective (or mirror-reflective) photoelectric switch. Under normal conditions, the light source emitted by the emitter is reflected back by the reflector plate and received by the receiver. Once the detected object blocks the light path and the receiver no longer receives light, the photoelectric switch actuates and outputs a switching control signal. 4) Diffuse-reflective photoelectric switch: The detection head of a diffuse-reflective photoelectric switch also contains an emitter and a receiver, but there is no reflector plate in front. Under normal conditions, the receiver cannot detect the light emitted by the emitter. During detection, when an object passes through, it blocks the light and reflects part of it back. The receiver then receives the light signal and outputs a switching signal.

Optron sensor application cases

1) Application of photoelectric sensors in laser weapons: Since photoelectric sensors are particularly sensitive to infrared radiation, visible light, or both, they are more likely to become targets of laser attacks. Furthermore, electronic systems and the sensors themselves are highly susceptible to interference from thermal noise and electromagnetic noise generated by lasers, preventing normal operation. The main methods by which laser weapons on the battlefield attack photoelectric sensors include: using a laser beam of appropriate energy to "blind" the sensor, rendering it unable to detect or continue tracking already detected targets. Alternatively, if the sensor is guiding a weapon toward a target, blinding will cause it to lose the target. In summary, since sensors play an increasingly important role on the battlefield and are vulnerable to laser attacks, they have become the preferred targets for low-energy laser weapons. 2) Application of photoelectric sensors in automatic meter reading systems: With the development of microelectronics, sensor technology, computer technology, and modern communications technology, photoelectric sensors can be used to develop automatic meter reading systems. The aluminum disk of an electricity meter rotates driven by torque generated under the action of eddy currents and magnetic fields. Using photoelectric sensors, the number of rotations of the aluminum disk can be converted into pulse counts. For example, by partially blackening a rotating shiny aluminum disk and pairing it with a reflective photoelectric emitter-receiver pair, pulses are generated at the blackened areas as the disk rotates. The number of rotations of the aluminum disk is sampled and converted into corresponding pulse counts, which are then sent via an optocoupler isolation circuit to the T0 port of the CPU for counting processing. Using optocoupler isolators effectively prevents interference signals from entering the microcomputer. Combined with other transmission methods, this forms an automatic meter reading system. 3) Application of photoelectric sensors in monitoring smoke and dust pollution: Photoelectric sensors are small electronic devices that can detect changes in received light intensity, achieving control functions by converting changes in light intensity into changes in electrical signals. Due to characteristics such as non-contact operation, fast response, and reliable performance, photoelectric sensors are widely used in industrial automation devices and robotics. We can utilize the characteristics of photoelectric sensors to detect smoke and dust conditions; thus, the strength of the output signal from the photoelectric sensor reflects changes in flue gas turbidity. 4) Hygienic washdown-proof photoelectric sensors: Washdown-proof sensors provide extremely high reliability and ease of use while minimizing operating costs. Equipped with IO-Link interfaces and the proTect+ sealing concept, which significantly extends service life, these two new sensors are suitable for demanding application environments and represent an ideal solution for the food and beverage industry.

Weidou Intelligent Technology specializes in selling German Optron sensors, Optron proximity sensors, Optron distance sensors, Optron vision sensors, Optron displacement sensors, Optron torque sensors, Optron speed sensors, Optron photoelectric sensors, Optron position sensors, Optron angle sensors, Optron tactile sensors, Optron temperature sensors, Optron pressure sensors, Optron flow sensors, Optron level sensors, Optron motion sensors, and Optron process sensors. All products are original imports from Germany. Customers are welcome to inquire and place orders.