fotoeléctricas

Fotoeléctricas, also known as photoelectric sensors, are non-contact proximity sensors that detect the presence or absence of an object. They operate by emitting a beam of light from a transmitter and using a receiver to detect when that beam is interrupted or reflected. This interaction allows them to sense objects without physical contact, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and automated applications.

There are several common types of fotoeléctricas. Thru-beam sensors use a separate transmitter and receiver positioned opposite each other. An object is detected when it breaks the light beam between them. Reflective sensors, also known as retro-reflective sensors, have both the transmitter and receiver in the same housing. They emit a beam that is reflected off a target, and the sensor detects the reflected light. Diffuse reflective sensors work similarly, but they detect light reflected directly off the surface of the object itself, without the need for a reflector.

The principle of operation relies on the photoelectric effect, where light striking a surface can cause electrons to be emitted. In fotoeléctricas, this is used to detect the presence or absence of light. When an object enters the sensing path, it either blocks the emitted light (thru-beam) or alters the reflected light (reflective types), causing a change in the signal received by the sensor. This change triggers an output signal, indicating the presence or absence of the object. Fotoeléctricas are widely used for counting, detection, positioning, and sorting in manufacturing, packaging, and logistics.