German Metofer sensor Metofer model Metofer price

Metofer sensors generally consist of 2 parts: the processing path and the processing element. The basic principle is based on the photoelectric effect, converting changes in the measured variable into changes in optical signals, and then using photoelectric components to further convert non-electrical signals into electrical signals. The photoelectric effect refers to illuminating an object with light, which can be viewed as a stream of photons with specific energy bombarding the object. At this time, the photon energy is transferred to electrons, and the entire energy of one photon is absorbed by one electron at once. After receiving the energy transferred by the photon, the state of the electron changes, thereby causing the illuminated object to produce corresponding electrical effects. The photoelectric effect is usually divided into 3 categories: (1) The phenomenon where electrons escape from the surface of an object under the action of light is called the external photoelectric effect, such as in phototubes and photomultiplier tubes; (2) The phenomenon where the resistivity of an object changes under the action of light is called the internal photoelectric effect, such as in photoresistors and phototransistors; (3) The phenomenon where an object generates an electromotive force in a specific direction under the action of light is called the photovoltaic effect, such as in photocells.

Metofer sensor introduction

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

Metofer sensor classification

Slip sensors are used to judge and measure the slippage of objects when a robot grips or transports them. They are essentially displacement sensors. They can be divided into three types based on whether they have sliding direction detection functionality: non-directional, single-directional, and omni-directional. 1) Non-directional sensors include the probe-earphone type, which consists of a sapphire probe, a metal buffer, a piezoelectric Rochelle salt crystal, and a rubber buffer. Sliding causes the probe to vibrate, which is converted into corresponding electrical signals by the Rochelle salt. The buffer serves to reduce noise. 2) Single-directional sensors include the drum photoelectric type, where slippage of the gripped object causes the drum to rotate, leading to a photodiode receiving light signals transmitted through a code disk (mounted on the circular face of the drum). The object's slippage is measured via the rotation angle signal of the drum. 3) Omni-directional sensors use metal balls coated with insulating material and composed of latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of conductive and non-conductive areas. When the sensor contacts an object and slippage occurs, 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 measured. This type of sensor requires high manufacturing precision.

Metofer sensor applications

Contact sensors are used to determine whether a robot (mainly referring to limbs) has contacted an external object or to measure the characteristics of the contacted object. Types of contact sensors include micro switches, conductive rubber, carbon-impregnated sponge, carbon fiber, and pneumatic reset devices. 1) Micro switch: Composed of a spring and a contact. When the contact touches an external object, it moves away from the base, causing the signal path to open, thereby detecting contact with the external object. The advantage of this normally closed (continuously connected when not in contact) micro switch 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 touches an external object and is pressed, it compresses the conductive rubber, changing its resistance and thus altering the current flowing through it. The disadvantage of this sensor is that due to differences in the material formulation of the conductive rubber, drift and hysteresis characteristics are inconsistent; 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 magnitude of the current flowing through the carbon-impregnated sponge determines the degree of pressure. 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 capability after pressure is poor. 4) Carbon fiber type: Uses carbon fiber as the upper layer, a substrate as the lower layer, and urethane and 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 mechanical 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 upon loss of contact. 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.

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