Lx series part-sensing light screens, Theory of operation, Installation and alignment – Banner LX Series User Manual

Page 2: Typical applications

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LX Series Part-Sensing Light Screens

2

P/N 108865 rev. D

Banner Engineering Corp.

Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164

Theory of Operation

The LX Series light screen sensing system consists of two self-contained units: an

emitter and a receiver of equal size and sensing range. The emitter has multiple

infrared LEDs spaced at 9.5 mm (0.38") increments, and the receiver has corresponding

photodiodes. The emitter sequentially fires each infrared LED. Multiple photodiodes in

the receiver recognize each of the emitted pulses; the result is a “cross-hatched” optical

pattern. Optical synchronization enables the receiver to recognize light from each of the

emitter LEDs.
The optical crosshatch pattern enables the LX system to detect targets of very small

diameter, and extremely thin, flat objects – as thin as a piece of paper or an envelope.

For small diameter objects, the sensing resolution is less effective at the exact center

(see M.O.D.S. specification) of the sensing range and at the extreme edges of the

pattern (close to the emitter and receiver faces); sensing should take place within the

center 80 percent of the range, as shown in Figure 1.
LX Series sensors are available in two ranges: short and standard. Short-range emitters

and receivers may be located as close together as 75 mm (3"), with a maximum

separation of 200 mm (8"). Standard-range sensors may be separated

150 mm to 2 m (6" to 6.5') apart. Both emitter and receiver must be either short-range or

standard models, of the same length. Detection sensitivity varies somewhat, depending

on the distance between the sensors and the position of the target object.
For closer-range applications, the working range of any sensor pair can be reduced by

connecting the sensor’s Select wire to 0-2V dc (see Specifications; Sensing Range).
The receiver output interfaces directly with dc loads or circuits up to 30V dc, and offers

both sinking (NPN) and sourcing (PNP) output transistors. Outputs conduct whenever

a beam is broken. A 5 millisecond pulse stretcher (OFF-delay) is included to improve

interfacing reliability.

Typical Applications

Typical applications for the LX Series include parts ejection verification and package detec-

tion on a conveyor.

Installation and Alignment

Reliable performance of the LX series light screen systems requires a simple alignment

process. Mounting locations should be as free from vibration as possible.
Sensors may be mounted using the accessory brackets (available separately; see page

4) or using the T-slots in the sensor housings. Loosely mount the emitter and receiver at

their operating locations with their front panels opposite each other, and at approximately

the same level. After mechanical alignment is completed, the sensors can be wired and

power applied.
To obtain optical alignment, adjust the emitter until the receiver detects alignment (the

yellow LED turns OFF). For best alignment, position the emitter in the middle of the

positions that cause a clear receiver condition. After alignment is achieved and the

bracket hardware is tightened, position a pencil or similar object within the sensing area

to verify that it can be reliably detected throughout the sensing area.

LED 1

LED 2

36 mm

(1.4")

10.3 mm

(0.4")

L

31.8 mm

(1.25")

25.4 mm

(1.00")

16.8 mm

(0.66")

10.6 mm

(0.42")

14.0 mm

(0.55")

5.9 mm

(0.23")

2.3 mm

(0.09")

1.8 mm

(0.07")

1.8 mm

(0.07")

NOTE: (2) T-nuts and

(2) M5 - 0.8 x 8 screws

are included with each

sensor

M3 x 0.5 x 5 (4)

max. torque 1.1 Nm

(10 in-lbs)

Figure 2. LX features and dimensions

Figure 1. LX Series optical crosshatch

pattern

Emitter

Receiver

Sensing is most effective in the

center 80% of the sensing range

Model

Length (L)

LX3

113.4 mm (4.46")

LX6

189.6 mm (7.46")

LX9

265.8 mm (10.46")

LX12

342.0 mm (13.46")

LX15

418.2 mm (16.46")

LX18

494.4 mm (19.46")

LX21

570.6 mm (22.46")

LX24

646.8 mm (25.46")

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