Optical sensors - Through-beam sensors
Optical sensors operate contactless. They detect objects regardless of their characteristics (e.g., shape, color, surface texture, material). Their basic principle of operation is based on the transmission and reception of light. There are three versions: 1. The through-beam sensor consists of two separate devices—a transmitter and a receiver—that are aligned with each other. When the light beam between the two devices is interrupted, the switching output integrated into the receiver changes its status. 2. In a reflective light barrier, the transmitter and receiver are housed in a single device. The transmitted light beam is reflected toward the receiver by a reflector mounted opposite it. As soon as the light beam is interrupted, the switching output integrated into the device changes its status. 3. In a diffuse reflection sensor, the transmitter and receiver are housed in a single device. The emitted light beam is reflected by the object to be detected. As soon as the receiver detects the reflected light, the switching output integrated into the device changes its status.
