Customized special solutions from IPF

Standard sensors are not always the best choice, e.g. if their installation and replacement in the event of servicing are both associated with some effort. For this reason, ipf electronic offers special solutions that are developed and implemented in close cooperation with the customer. One of these special solutions is the IB08E286 inductive sensor, which was developed in cooperation with a company that manufactures assemblies for agricultural machinery. The sensor is used in harvesting attachments for combine harvesters to monitor the speed of the blade drive.

In the past, a standard sensor was used for this purpose, which had to be screwed into a thread on the gearbox flange at a specified depth to ensure compliance with the approval switching distance of 1.5 to 2 mm. During assembly, a plastic sleeve was used, which sat between the gearbox and motor via the shaft, to screw in the sensor to the desired limit stop. The sensor was then fixed in place using a lock nut and connected with an angle plug. Care had to be taken to ensure the correct angular position of the sensor plug. Due to the tight installation conditions, it took some time to install the sensor in the factory. And even when replacing the sensor on site, a service technician had to ensure the correct switching distance of the sensor as well as its correct position for the connection of the angle plug. Added to this were high ambient temperatures and vibrations, which led to increased wear on the standard sensor.

There were therefore several challenges when developing a compact sensor in the M8 design. The solution had to withstand increased temperatures, withstand the high vibrations of the cutting unit and have a maximum switching distance of 2 mm. An M8 cable connector was also required. Above all, however, it had to be quick to install and therefore easy to replace in the event of a fault. The IB08E286 inductive sensor was finally developed.

It is designed for temperatures from -25°C to +70°C and has a maximum switching distance of 2 mm. The design of the solution is particularly striking: a combination of a wide hexagonal housing with a 12mm long M8 housing including thread. This design makes it very easy to screw the sensor into an M8 thread up to the limit stop and mount it vibration-proof with a maximum tightening torque of 2.5Nm. The limit stop provided by the hexagon also ensures compliance with the correct switching distance for reliable speed monitoring. The sensor's electronics and cable outlet are compound-filled and meet the IP67 degree of protection. The switching frequency is 2.5 kHz. The connection is made via an M8 cable connector.

Do you also have a challenge and need an experienced partner with many years of application experience? We look forward to hearing from you or giving us a call.