Ideal for position detection in aisles - Sick

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Ideal for position detection in aisles
Waldkirch, April 2008 – The new DME4000 laser distance measurement system is
the precise and cost-efficient solution for detecting the position of storage and
retrieval devices in warehouse aisles, or of transfer vehicles in the incoming
goods area of a high-bay warehouse. The device offers ranges of up to 220 m,
integrated speed measurement, and multifunctional switching outputs. These can
be used, for example, for defined distance values or an advance failure warning,
or even programmed as inputs. The DME4000 can also be used in deep-freeze
warehouses thanks to its temperature range of +55°C to -40°C.
The new DME4000 works using reflectors, is suitable for approach speeds of up to
10 m/s and is available in range versions of up to 50 m, 130 m and 220 m. All versions
are characterised by highly dynamic regulatory behaviour: an up-to-date measurement
value is generated every millisecond.
Data interfaces for every automation solution
The DME4000 offers SSI, Profibus, RS422, DeviceNet, CanOpen and HIPERFACE interfaces
for data communication. The HIPERFACE interface is special because it allows
the DME4000 to be used directly as a path measuring system, eliminating the costs for
the SSI option cards that would otherwise be necessary in the RBG converter, and allowing
free slots to be used for other functions, if necessary. The data interfaces are
supplemented by two multifunctional switching outputs, e.g. for monitoring speeds, for

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pre-defined distance values, temperature warnings or an advance failure warning. They
can also, however, be programmed as inputs, e.g. in order to use one of the outputs as
a stand-by input, via which the DME4000 can be activated by an external signal. In
stand-by mode, the light transmitter is only started when required – achieving a longer
service life.
Simple commissioning, reliable mounting
The DME4000’s illuminated display shows all important status and diagnostic functions
at a glance during commissioning, as well as in subsequent operation. The visible red
light beam, and the alignment bracket which can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically,
simplify mounting.
Areas of use for laser distance measurement systems
Distance measurement systems like the DME4000 are used in automated warehouse
technology to detect the position of storage and retrieval devices and rail-borne automatic
vehicles. The sensor is mounted on the vehicle and continuously measures the
time-of-flight of a transmitted light pulse to the end of the aisle and back. The electronics
use this time value to determine the position of the S/R system, and transmits this to the
vehicle controller.
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