Fork light barriers / Frame light barriers

Operating principle of fork light barriers and frame light barriers

Fork light barriers and frame light barriers are among the higher-level category of position sensors and work on the same principle as through-beam sensors from the category of photoelectric sensors. Accordingly, the optoelectronic system detects the interruption of a light beam, and triggers an electric signal.

In contrast to the conventional through-beam sensors, the advantage of fork and frame light barriers lies in the fact that transmitter and receiver are located in the same housing. This eliminates time-consuming adjustment.

In the forked light barriers, the transmitter and receiver are located on opposite sides of the fork arms. The frame light barriers are like several parallel one-way photocells and form a so-called light grid.

Typical applications of fork and frame light barriers

Fork and frame light barriers are used, for example:

• Part detection in feed units
• Contour detection of components
• Edge control
• Edge detection
• Stack height control
• Object detection on roller conveyors

Like the fork light barriers, the frame light barriers are also suitable for static applications. These include long-term interruptions of the light beams due to small parts being recognised. In addition, however, they also cover dynamic applications in which the light beams are only interrupted for a short time. This happens, for example, with objects in free fall. Thus, they are additionally suitable for example, for ejection control on presses and punches or counting tasks.

Order fork light barriers and frame light barriers online at Automation24 – rapid delivery from stock

Automation24 offers high-quality fork light barriers and frame light barriers made in Germany from Eickmann Elektronik . The former are available with fork widths from 10 to 120 mm.

All photoelectric sensors in the portfolio have a PNP switching output and high switching frequencies. A precise light beam in red light or infrared light detects even the smallest components safely. The sensitivity adjustment is performed via potentiometer.

The fork light barriers as well as frame light barriers offered consist of robust metal housings. As a result, they are particularly torsion-resistant compared to conventional photoelectric sensors made of plastic. Thanks to the high protection rating of IP67, the photoelectric sensors are resistant to dust, dirt, water and other liquids. The connection of these photoelectric sensors is always easy via the installation friendly M8 connector.