Basic circuits with contactless signal

transmitters
It would be beyond the scope of this course to discuss all
contactless sensing systems in pneumatics. However, as an
example we will demonstrate 3 types:

reflex sensor
air gate
back-pressure nozzle

Reflex sensor

It must be supplied with a relatively low pressure.

It produces a low pressure signal that must be amplified.

A: Signal output
P: Connection for supply
line

Air gate

It must be supplied with a

relatively low pressure.
It produces a low pressure
signal that must be amplified.

Back-pressure nozzle

The outlet opening must be closed completely.

It can be supplied with normal pressure.
The output signal is at normal pressure level.

Amplifier

Since the output signals from the air gate and the reflex

sensor are low-pressure signals, it is necessary to

incorporate amplifiers.
Amplifiers must be supplied with low pressure in order to
attain the high level of amplification.
Since a directional control valve is operated by the
amplified signal, the symbol of the amplifier may also be
drawn directly on the directional control valve.

15. The piston rod of a double-acting cylinder is to travel

out when an air barrier is momentarily interrupted; its
return movement is to be controlled by a proximity type
of limit switch (reflex sensor) in the forward end
position.

16. A double-acting cylinder is to be controlled in both

directions by back-pressure nozzles. The sequence of
movements is to be initiated and terminated by a switch.
The initial position is always to be the rear end position.

Signal Elimination
Sometimes it is required that a certain signal to be
eliminated shortly after its existence (e. g. signals from limit
switches which are still operated when the opposing signal
occurs and then do not permit this opposing signal to be
effective).

Idle return valve

Pulse shortening

Idle return valve

Alternating Controls
The characteristic of an alternating control is that the output
reverses with each arriving input signal.

a - input signal
e - output signal

Example: Alternating circuit with latching by

means of limit switches

It has the disadvantage

that it will be reversed
immediately if the input
signal is applied for too
long.

Better design

Methods for constructing a circuit diagram

Basically there are two primary methods for constructing
.circuit diagrams
The so-called "intuitive" methods, also frequently termed. 1
.conventional or trial-and-error methods
The methodical design of a circuit diagram in accordance. 2
.with prescribed rules and instructions
Methodical design is independent of personal influences
from the designer such as ability, frame of mind, mood and
so on. however, more devices will be required in such a
control than in a circuit devised by the intuitive method.

Constructing the circuit diagram intuitively

The following procedure is then recommended in building up
the circuit diagram intuitively:
.a) Draw the working elements (actuators)
. b) Draw the associated final control elements
c) Draw the required signal elements without symbol. If
impulse valves are used as final control elements, 2 driving
signals and hence 2 signal elements are required initially per
. impulse valve
. d) Draw in the energy supply
.e) Connect control lines
f) Number the elements.

g) Transpose the motion diagram into the circuit diagram

(programming of the circuit by positional allocation of the limit
.switches to the respective working element)
h) Check where signal cut-outs are required. This check can
be made in the motion and control diagram.
i) Draw in the actuating controls of the valves.
.k) Where applicable, incorporate the auxiliary conditions

Exercise 1 Package transfer:

Packages arriving on a conveyor are lifted by a pneumatic
cylinder and pushed onto another conveyor by a second
cylinder. Cylinder B may then perform a return stroke only
after cylinder A has reached the rear end position. The start
signal should be provided by means of a manual button,
each signal initiating one cycle.

Displacement-step diagram

By adopting the procedure we get

When checking, it must be ensured that no signals influencing

the same cylinder are present at the same time, as this would
lead to a condition which is not uniquely defined, i.e. one signal
blocks the other.

An interlock for 1.2 is incorporated by means of an additional

limit switch at the rear end position of cylinder B. This ensures
that no new cycle will start unless the old cycle finishes.