Task: Relais-based control
Use FluidSim to solve the following tasks. Please solve one task during the practical session.
Conveyor belt
Workpieces are transported in every automated assembly. In the MecLab, a conveyor belt is provided for this purpose. The conveyor belt should not run continuously in order to save energy. Therefore, the conveyor belt should always switch on when a workpiece is placed at the start of the belt and stop when the transport task has been completed. The workpieces can be of any color. Use the sketch from the preparation as a guide.
Todo
Create a circuit in FluidSIM® in which the optical and inductive sensors activate a lamp when they switch. Simulate different switching states. Test different objects (e.g., plastics, metal, coins, hand, paper) and write down the sensors’ behaviours.
Todo
How can it be achieved that the belt runs only when a workpiece is in contact?
Todo
Implement the belt functionality in FluidSim using a simulated motor.
Conveying and sorting tasks are important functions in any production. The task is to design a conveyor belt and an associated control program that has the following characteristics: Workpieces (black cans) are to be transported from the beginning of the belt to the end of the belt. The transport should start when a workpiece is placed at the beginning of the belt and stop after the workpiece has left the belt at the other end. Silver workpieces are to be sorted out onto the chute.
Todo
Expand the simulation of the conveyor belt which fulfills the described functionalities. Add an ON/OFF switch for the whole system.
Now, the system works in simulation mode. Thus, the next step is to test everything in real life.
Todo
Check the pin assignment at the distributor (“Multipolverteiler”).
Todo
Control the real conveyor belt via FluidSim.
Stack magazine
An important function of the stacking magazine station is the pressing of can and lid. A control system is to be designed for this purpose.
A vertically arranged pneumatic cylinder is used for pressing in.
In the first step, the cylinder should extend when a button is pressed and should remain extended as long as the button remains pressed. An important boundary condition is that, for safety reasons, the cylinder also returns to the upper end position in the event of a power failure.
Todo
Create a simulation of the single-acting cylinder which operates the pressing activity when a virtual button is pressed.
The function of the stacking magazine is to store workpieces and eject them individually. The parts are pushed out by a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. A control system should now be developed for this.
Todo
Create a simulation of the double-acting cylinder which ejects the parts. Use one valve and two flow control valves in addition to the cylinder. The flow control valves should be used to adjust the operation speed. After pressing a pushbutton (in the software), the double-acting cylinder extends and moves the workpiece to the stacking position. After pressing another button, the cylinder retracts again.
Sensors are important components of any automated system. In the stacking magazine station, there is a magnetic limit switch which detects the position of the cylinder piston.
A control system for the stacking magazine is to be developed with the following features:
The operator places a can in the assembly fixture and presses the start button.
The double-acting cylinder pushes a lid out of the magazine tower (onto the can) and then moves back to the starting position.
The single-acting cylinder presses the lid into the can for exactly 10 seconds.
The operator removes the finished workpiece (lid plus can).
The can and lid may be of any color.
Todo
How can you ensure that the single-acting cylinder does not extend until the double-acting cylinder is fully extended? Which component is required?
Todo
Create a new circuit to simulate the whole functionality of the stack magazine. Add an ON/OFF switch for the whole system.
Todo
Check the pin assignment at the distributor (“Multipolverteiler”).
Todo
Control the real stack magazine belt via FluidSim.