The 24 mm high light strip variant of the WL27-3 array sensor is used in package sorting plants.
Maximum reliability due to special optics and functional reserves for contamination
The WL27-3 array sensor is a compact photoelectric reflex switch specially designed for the detection of small, flat, transparent and irregularly shaped objects. Together with the sensor’s special optics, its light-intensive pinpoint LED generates a light strip that is 50 mm or 24 mm high. Objects larger than 12 mm or 5 mm respectively, and varying in position or height, are reliably detected within the light strip regardless of their position. The height of the light strip is almost constant between the photoelectric switch and the reflector. As a result, the WL27-3 array sensor also convincingly detects so-called irregular objects, e.g. empty bread baskets. The light strip prevents multiple switching, as can occur when using standard photoelectric switches with punctiform light beams. In addition, the sensor’s switching threshold is automatically adjusted during operation, for example in response to gradual contamination caused by dust on the lens, in order to increase sensor availability.
The WL27-3: no competitors in price comparison
The WL27-3 array sensor combines the simple integration of a standard photoelectric switch with the position-tolerant detection performance of a light grid. Only one sensor with one connection and one reflector (on the opposite side of the conveyor or sorting system) needs to be installed. Material requirements and the time required for installation are therefore considerably lower than with alternative sensor concepts, e.g. two standard photoelectric switches or a light grid with transmitter and receiver modules requiring electrical connection. Moreover, the light strip of the WL27-3 is easily visible thanks to the pinpoint LED – simplifying sensor alignment during commissioning, which is also supported by two integrated indicator LEDs that visualize optimum alignment during teach-in. The sensor thus provides an overall cost advantage of up to 50%.
The WL27-3 array sensor meets the detection and economic demands that the intralogistics segment make regarding reliable and future-oriented automation solutions. The sensor ensures trouble-free processes in pallet and package conveyor systems, and thus maximum plant availability. In sorting systems, object detection with the array sensor makes an important contribution towards optimizing sorter performance.