Application Story Light Curtains in Automatic Car Wash
Published on : Saturday 03-08-2024
How the use of a Micron measurement light curtains in automatic car wash helps design a perfect system.
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To achieve significant cost savings and reduce environmental impact, modern car wash facilities can adjust the quantity of detergent dispensed and to select the most appropriate washing program automatically.
It is not therefore enough to measure the height of the vehicle and consequently adjust the movement of the brushes, but it becomes necessary to recognise dimensional characteristics and shape of the vehicle.
Detection of overall dimensional limits and profile of vehicles
Micron light curtains are used for industrial and civil applications where it is necessary to detect, measure, and recognise objects. Depending on the number and position of the beams engaged by an object, Micron can provide real time information to a PLC or PC in order to:
• Detect the presence or absence of objects and perform a count
• Detect a position, a shape or a profile, and
• Measure dimensions.
We will see an application relating to the measurement and detection of motor vehicles: Vehicle shape recognition for automatic car wash systems.
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Micron measurement light curtains with RS 485 serial output and 2 programmable digital outputs (Micron MI B models), allow to create a unique vehicle shape recognition system, enabling the machine to recognise even the most unusual situations, i.e., cars with ski box, car with trailers, etc., without the risk of damaging the vehicle.
Furthermore, a washing program not compatible with the vehicle shape would be automatically blocked. The installation is completed by a series of safety photocells monitoring misalignments and incorrect vehicle positioning.
All Micron models can be manufactured with WTF/WTHF watertight enclosure (IP69K certified). Watertight enclosures allow light curtains to be used in a harsh working environment with exposure to water and steam. Using this version allows integrating the barriers directly into the washing system, reducing the space necessary for measuring the vehicle. The H version includes an internal heating system.
Micron light curtains, placed at the entrance of the car wash tunnel, through the RS 485 serial interface can provide the following information:
• FBO – First beam obstructed
• LBO – Last beam obstructed
• CBO – Central beam obstructed *
• NBO – Number of beams obstructed
• NCBO – Maximum number of consecutive beams obstructed *
• BNO – Beam non-obstructed
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* If more than one zone is obstructed, the data refer to the zone with the highest number of obstructed beams
Furthermore, a data string including the status of each beam can be provided for more complex analysis.
Models MI B equipped with an RS 485 serial interface with programmable functions and two programmable digital outputs push-pull type:
• Controlled heights: 150 ... 3000 mm. For this application, we recommend heights from 1,5 m
• Programming interface: USB interface on M5 4-pole connector
• Possibility of connection of up to 3 Micron B light curtains as nodes of an RS 485 serial line for simultaneous detection of multiple dimensions and complex measurements, and
• Max range 10 m.
(Please refer to the Safety Guide on ReeR Website www.reersafety.com for more information.)
Founded in Turin (Italy) in 1959, ReeR distinguished itself for its strong commitment to innovation and technology. A steady growth throughout the years allowed ReeR to become a point of reference in the safety automation industry at a worldwide level. The Safety Division is in fact today a world leader in the development and manufacturing of safety optoelectronic sensors and controllers.
ReeR is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified.
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