Flexible and Efficient: The Sensor Solution for Pallet Detection on Conveyor Lines

MC Flexible and Efficient The Sensor Solution for Pallet Detection from Pepperl Fuchs 1 400x275

October 18, 2022

 

Whether wooden Euro pallets or special pallets made of plastic—flexible solutions are required for detecting different types of pallets on conveyor lines. Based on a customer requirement, Pepperl+Fuchs has developed a sensor solution that is now available for the entire conveyor technology and intralogistics industry: The Pallet Detector consists of an application-specific sensor bracket that can be combined with a photoelectric or an ultrasonic sensor, depending on the pallet type. Unlike conventional systems, the Pallet Detector is not mounted on the side, but integrated into the conveyor line. This minimizes the installation effort and at the same time increases occupational safety.

Simplified Installation—with Only Two Components

Conventional solutions for pallet detection require a large number of individual components: The sensor and reflector are attached to protruding round bars outside the conveyor line using appropriate brackets. The Pallet Detector from Pepperl+Fuchs, on the other hand, offers an intelligent installation concept: A bracket with an integrated mirror is installed on the crossbar inside the conveyor line. From there, the sensor attached to the bracket detects the presence of, for example, the middle pallet foot. Since this sensor solution consists of only two components, the effort required for installation and commissioning is significantly reduced. Transport and storage costs are also reduced to a minimum, which results in optimized logistics processes from the manufacturer to the end customer. To make installation even more convenient, the sensor and mounting bracket can also be supplied pre-assembled.

The Pallet Detector from Pepperl+Fuchs not only reduces logistics and assembly costs, but also increases occupational safety: Since the sensor solution is integrated into the conveyor line, there are no protruding round bars that would pose a safety risk to employees on site—unlike the conventional assembly method.

 

Modular Solution for Different Pallet Types

Both the mounting concept and the sensor technology are specially tailored to the requirements of pallet detection. The sensor bracket with integrated mirror has a 45° angle so that dirt and dust simply slide off. This reduces maintenance costs, while the compact design enables space-saving installation.

In addition, the modular solution can be adapted to different pallet types. For the detection of Euro pallets, a photoelectric diffuse mode sensor is used: Due to background suppression, the R20x series sensor precisely distinguishes between pallets and conveyed products. Since the sensor is equipped with application-specific algorithms that distinguish dust and dirt from objects, its dirt resistance is significantly increased. Furthermore, an integrated alarm function provides early notification as soon as the mirror needs to be cleaned. This enables predictive and targeted maintenance.

For special pallet types whose features cannot be blanked out by the programmable logic controller, an ultrasonic version is available: The F77 diffuse mode sensor easily detects shiny plastic pallets. Due to its large sound beam, the ultrasonic sensor easily detects pallets with larger holes or notches. The sensor solution for pallet detection from Pepperl+Fuchs can therefore be adapted to diverse requirements in conveyor technology.

 

Highlights of the Pallet Detector

  • •Application-optimized combination of sensor and mounting perfectly tailored to pallet detection
  • •Sophisticated mounting concept with only two components enables easy pre-assembly of individual conveyor lines
  • •Extremely dirt-resistant due to special bracket design and sensor algorithm for distinguishing between dirt and objects
  • •Installation of the sensor within the conveyor line ensures increased safety during operation
  • •Additional ultrasonic variant for particularly demanding applications with hard-to-detect pallet types

 

To learn more, click here 

Pepperl Fuchs Logo 300x150

 

 

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • What Are Control Circuit Devices? Noark Electric Explains

    October 4, 2023 A Control Circuit Device regulates and manages the operation of an electrical circuit by turning on or off the circuit. The control device regulates or limits the condition within the circuit by controlling the voltage and current.  Examples of control circuit devices used are switches, solenoids, and relays. Noark is a reliable manufacturer of… Read More…

  • Transforming Manufacturing Processes with AMRs: Boosting Efficiency and Adaptability

    October 2, 2023 In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative active solutions to optimize their manufacturing processes. One technology that has gained significant traction is the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These versatile machines offer a wide range of benefits, empowering companies to transform their manufacturing operations and stay ahead… Read More…


Featured Article

Guillevin Strategies and Solutions: Enhancing the Customer Experience With a Comprehensive Website

Guillevin Strategies and Solutions: Enhancing the Customer Experience

In today’s customer-centric business climate, creative solutions are needed to provide customers with the seamless experience they’re looking for. By offering a comprehensive, easy-to-use website that meets the diverse needs of its customers, Guillevin meets this challenge. 

With the aim of building lasting relationships with its customers, the website serves as a platform that not only simplifies the purchasing process, but also contributes to the success of both short- and long-term partnerships.

Read More


Products

  • Noark Electric’s Definite Purpose Contactors Achieve UL Certification with A2L Refrigerant

    October 4, 2023 UL Certification aligns with HVAC industry’ mandate to reduce Global Warming Potential (GWP) and confirms that you can use these components in your system without further evaluation. Noark Electric’s Definite Purpose Contactors Noark Electric’s Definite Purpose Contactors are electrically operated switching devices designed for switching on and off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)… Read More…

  • New Endress+Hauser Pulsed Radar Level Sensor from AutomationDirect

    October 2, 2023 AutomationDirect has added the Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR10 series pulsed radar liquid level sensor to their growing lineup of liquid level sensors. This new sensor is a downward facing, non-contact sensor that emits electromagnetic pulses and determines the level based on the time it takes for the pulses to be reflected back to… Read More…