IPF ELECTRONIC GMBH

For many tasks in the field of automation technology, it is necessary to recognize the motional processes in pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders and to detect the position of the piston with precision. For this, magnetic cylinder sensors are used.

Inductive proximity switches are contact-free sensors. They detect all conductive metals, regardless of whether they move or not. The achievable sensing range of the devices depends on the object material and its dimensions. The vibration-resistant sensors can be approached laterally or frontally. Inductive proximity switches are used for presence detection (e.g. goods carriers), positioning (e.g. dampers), counting (e.g. nuts /bolts), speed detection (e.g. for cog wheels), on conveyor systems (e.g. hose feedings) or distance measurements (e.g. press-in checking) of metallic objects.

Optical sensors function contactlessly. They detect objects independent of their characteristics (e.g., shape, color, surface structure, material). The basic operating principle is based on the transmission and reception of light. There are three different versions: 1. The through-beam sensor consists of two separate devices, a transmitter and a receiver that are aligned with one another. If the light beam between the two devices is interrupted, the switching output integrated in the receiver changes its status. 2. With the retro-reflective sensor, the transmitter and receiver are located in one device. The emitted light beam is reflected back to the receiver by a reflector that is to be mounted opposite the device. As soon as the light beam is interrupted, the switching output integrated in the device changes its status. 3. With the diffuse reflection sensor, the transmitter and receiver are in one device. The emitted light beam is reflected by the object that is to be detected.

Connecting digital signals directly at the machine can contribute to significant cost and effort minimization. A classic application is the linking of different signals directly in the field. Thus, it is possible to avoid long line paths of many individual devices, which significantly reduces the wiring effort and the need for control inputs. All input signals on the logic modules are visualized by integrated LED and are electrically decoupled from each other. In this way, influences from one device to the other are reliably prevented. The outputs of the modules are overload-proof and the upcoming signal is also indicated by an LED. In addition to logical input signal connections such as AND and OR, versions with signal change control are also available. The ipf logic modules are available for DIN rail mounting or as field modules.