The inductive sensor is a very common device that is part of the field equipment in automated production control systems. The devices are widely used in mechanical engineering, textile, food and other industries.
The most effective devices are used in machine tools as limit switches, as well as in automatic lines.
In this case, inductive sensors react only to metals, remaining insensitive to other materials. This property allows you to increase the immunity of devices from interference by introducing various lubricants, emulsions and other substances into their sensitivity zone, which will not cause false triggering.
The objects affected by the inductive position sensor are various metal parts: cams, sliders, gear teeth. In many cases, a plate attached to equipment parts can be used.
According to statistics, more than 90 percent of all position sensors in use are inductive devices.
This can be explained by their excellent performance, low cost and at the same time high reliability, which cannot be said about other devices.
A proximity switch (inductive sensor) works according to the following principles. The generator included in the device produces an electromagnetic field that interacts with the object. The required duration of the control signal and the switching hysteresis are provided by the trigger. The amplifier allows you to increase the signal amplitude to the required value.
The light indicator located in the sensor provides quick setup, performance monitoring and shows the status of the switch. A compound is used to protect against the penetration of water and solid particles into the device. The body of the product allows you to mount an inductive proximity sensor and protects the device from mechanical influences. It is made of polyamide or brass, complete with hardware components.
During the operation of the device, when voltage is applied by the generator inductor, an alternating magnetic field is created, which is located in front of the active surface of the switch. When the object of influence enters the sensitivity zone, the quality of the contour and the amplitude of oscillations decrease. As a result, the trigger fires and the switch output state changes.
Inductive sensor has some application features. It can recognize different groups of metals,Due to the absence of wear and mechanical impact, it is a durable device. The devices are equipped with short circuit and overload protection mechanisms.
They are resistant to high pressure, are admitted in various versions for use at high (up to 150 Co) and low (from -60 Co) temperatures. The inductive sensor is resistant to active chemical media, it can have an analog or discrete output to determine the position relative to the device of the target.
