An inductive sensor is a very common device that is part of the ground equipment in automated production control systems. Devices are widely used in mechanical engineering, textile, food and other industries.
The most effective devices are used in machines as limit switches, as well as in automatic lines.
In this case, inductive sensors react only to metals, while 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 a false positive.
The objects that are affected by the inductive position sensor are various metal parts: cams, sliders, gear teeth. In many cases, a plate attached to equipment parts may be used.
According to statistics, of all used position sensors, more than 90 percent 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.
The proximity switch (inductive sensor) operates 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 hysteresis during switching are provided by the trigger. The amplifier allows you to increase the amplitude of the signal to the required value.
The light indicator located in the sensor provides quick setup, performance monitoring and shows the status of the switch. To protect against penetration of water and particulate matter into the device, a compound is used. 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, equipped with hardware components.
During operation of the device, when a voltage is applied to the generator inductor , an alternating magnetic field is created, which is located in front of the active surface of the switch. When it enters the sensitivity zone of the object of influence, the quality of the circuit and the amplitude of the oscillations decrease. As a result, the trigger is triggered and the state of the switch output changes.
The inductive sensor has some application features. It can recognize various groups of metals, due to the absence of wear and mechanical stress is a durable device. Devices are completed with the help of protection mechanisms against short circuit and overloads.
They are resistant to high pressure; they are admitted in various versions for use at high (up to 150 ° C) and low (from - 60 ° C) 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.