Precise control of double-depth positioning processes

The new IPS 400i from Leuze Electronic is claimed to be the smallest camera-based positioning sensor on the market for double-depth compartment fine positioning. It assists high-bay storage devices to quickly and efficiently find the right rack.

The company introduced the IPS 200i, which is employed for single-depth pallet high racks and small-part container storage. The new device is as compact as its sibling, the IPS 200i, and therefore needs little space on the high-bay storage device – nevertheless, it detects round holes or reflectors not only in single-depth, but also double-depth bars and therefore resolves the position deviation relative to the target position in the X and Y directions. This makes the new sensor ideally suited for application in double-depth pallet high-bay warehouses.

A model with integrated heating for employment in refrigerated warehouses down to -30C is also offered. Both variants provide the user with simple and fast commissioning and operation. The sensors are set into operation utilising a web-based configuration tool with a user-controlled installation assistant. Printed configuration codes are read in without a PC via 'Code Generator', which shows that configuration adjustments can be made right on the high-bay storage device. An alignment system comprising of four feedback LEDs aids further the commissioning process. Due to its strong, ambient-light-independent IR LED lighting, fault-free use in warehouse technology is conceivable with just one single device for a working range of up to 2400mm.

With the integrated TCP/IP interface and PROFINET RT, the device can be integrated directly into the network environment and allows quick, location-independent diagnostics. Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance take place employing a quality score that identifies deterioration in the reading performance of the sensor at an early stage. This reduces downtime and improves the availability and cost-effectiveness of the systems.