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GF sensors are devices that convert optical signals into electrical signals. Their operating principle is based on the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where electrons in a material absorb photon energy when light strikes certain substances, resulting in corresponding electrical effects. Based on the different manifestations of the photoelectric effect, it is classified into three categories: external photoelectric effect, internal photoelectric effect, and photovoltaic effect. Photoelectric devices include phototubes, photomultiplier tubes, photoresistors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and photocells. The performance and characteristic curves of photoelectric devices are analyzed.

GF sensor introduction

Sensors used in robots to mimic tactile functions. Touch is an important sensory function when humans directly interact with the external environment. Developing tactile sensors that meet requirements is one of the key technologies in robot development. With the advancement of microelectronics and the emergence of various organic materials, numerous development schemes for tactile sensors have been proposed. However, most are currently at the laboratory stage, with few reaching commercialization. Tactile sensors can be roughly classified by function into contact sensors, force-torque sensors, pressure sensors, and slip sensors.

GF sensor classification

Slip sensors are used to determine and measure the slippage of objects when a robot grips or transports them. They are essentially displacement sensors. Depending on whether they have sliding direction detection capabilities, they can be divided into three categories: non-directional, single-directional, and omni-directional. 1) Non-directional sensors include probe-earphone types, which consist of sapphire probes, metal buffers, piezoelectric Rochelle salt crystals, and rubber buffers. Sliding causes the probe to vibrate, and the Rochelle salt converts this into corresponding electrical signals. The buffer's role is to reduce noise. 2) Single-directional sensors include drum photoelectric types. Slippage of the gripped object causes the drum to rotate, leading a photodiode to receive light signals passing through a code disk (mounted on the drum's circular face). Object slippage is measured via the drum's rotation angle signal. 3) Omni-directional sensors use metal balls coated with insulating material, forming a latitude-longitude distribution of conductive and non-conductive areas. When the sensor contacts an object and slides, the ball rotates, causing the conductive and non-conductive areas on the ball's surface to alternately contact electrodes, thereby generating on/off signals. By counting and judging these on/off signals, the magnitude and direction of slippage can be determined. This type of sensor requires high manufacturing precision.

GF sensor applications

Contact sensors are used to determine whether a robot (mainly its limbs) has contacted an external object or to measure the characteristics of the contacted object. Types of contact sensors include microswitches, conductive rubber, carbon-impregnated sponge, carbon fiber, and pneumatic reset devices. 1) Microswitch: Composed of a spring and a contact point. When the contact point touches an external object, it moves away from the base, breaking the signal circuit, thus detecting contact with the external object. The advantage of this normally closed (continuously connected when not in contact) microswitch is ease of use and simple structure; the disadvantages are susceptibility to mechanical oscillation and contact oxidation. 2) Conductive rubber type: Uses conductive rubber as the sensitive element. When the contact point touches an external object under pressure, it compresses the conductive rubber, changing its resistance and thus altering the current flowing through it. The disadvantage of this sensor is that drift and hysteresis characteristics vary due to differences in conductive rubber material formulations; the advantage is flexibility. 3) Carbon-impregnated sponge type: Features an elastic body made of sponge mounted on a substrate, with carbon-impregnated sponge arranged in an array within the sponge. When contacting an object under pressure, the resistance of the carbon-impregnated sponge decreases. Measuring the current flowing through the carbon-impregnated sponge determines the pressure level. This sensor can also be used as a pressure sensor. Advantages include simple structure, good elasticity, and ease of use. Disadvantages are that the uniformity of carbon distribution directly affects measurement results, and recovery after pressure is poor. 4) Carbon fiber type: Uses carbon fiber as the top layer, a substrate as the bottom layer, and urethane with metal electrodes in between. When contacting an external object, the carbon fiber is compressed and makes contact with the electrode to conduct electricity. The advantage is good flexibility, allowing installation on curved surfaces of robotic arms, but hysteresis is significant. 5) Pneumatic reset type: Features a flexible insulating surface that deforms under pressure and uses compressed air as the resetting force when contact is lost. When contacting an external object, the internal elastic bubble (beryllium copper foil) contacts the lower touch point to conduct electricity. Advantages include good flexibility and high reliability, but a compressed air source is required.

Weidou Intelligent Technology specializes in selling German GF sensors, GF proximity sensors, GF distance sensors, GF vision sensors, GF displacement sensors, GF load cells, GF speed sensors, GF photoelectric sensors, GF position sensors, GF angle sensors, GF tactile sensors, GF temperature sensors, GF pressure sensors, GF flow sensors, GF level sensors, GF motion sensors, GF process sensors. Original German imports. Welcome inquiries and orders from users.