The Pneumatic Handling and Conveyor Belt, "AE-PLC-MACT", is an automatic handling station with a conveyor system commanded by a PLC. The "AE-PLC-MACT" is composed of a pneumatic handling system that uses vacuum technology to move pieces from the input area to the conveyor system or vice versa.
The "AE-PLC-MACT" includes a "modified AE-PLC-PAN" for this system, which incorporates a Panasonic PLC, analog and digital inputs and outputs, an HMI interface, a test module, a fault injection box, an Ethernet switch, and a main power supply. The "modified AE-PLC-PAN" for this system is shown in the figure below.
The "AE-PLC-MACT" pneumatic station consists of the following components:
DC conveyor belt with servomotor, allowing control of speed, position, and direction of rotation.
Part sensors to detect parts and stop the belt to place another part.
Pneumatic system for moving parts using vacuum technology to pick them up.
PLC that automates the process, included in the "modified AE-PLC-PAN".
Removable key switch to turn the equipment on or off.
Control panel with a mushroom-type stop switch, stop and start buttons, manual and automatic modes, and indicator lights. Included in the "modified AE-PLC-PAN".