Introduction to Industrial Automation

Figure 5.24  An objects stamping machine with three cylinders, a pneumatic circuit, and com-

ponents (a); a position-step diagram with three cylinders (b).

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Elements of Electro-Pneumatic Components 

◾

 

181

number of limit switches, the utilization of a position-step diagram (where the position of the 

limit switches is also indicated with respect to the position of the piston rods) simplifies signifi-

cantly the overall design of the automation circuit without logic errors.

5.9.3   Industrial Automation of a Conveyor 

Arrangement for Objects Shorting

In Figure 5.26, the concept of a very common industrial application is presented, which is the 

problem of objects shorting and storing that are translated on a conveyor belt. In this figure, 

the central conveyor belt translates the objects, while the double cylinder A-B (multi-position 

cylinder) is able to separate the objects that have reached the conveyor belt’s junction into three 

different directions. The selection of the object’s type can be achieved in various ways, depend-

ing on the overall application, e.g., based on color, size, weight, etc. In this specific example, we 

assume that the type of object has its unique code that can be recognized from the sensors “a” 

and “b”. The combination of the energized sensors defines the route of the objects, based on the 

following logic:

 

◾

A (ON) and B (OFF) = object in conveyor belt 1

 

◾

A (ON) and B (ON) = object in conveyor belt 2

 

◾

A (OFF) and B (ON) = object in conveyor belt 3

N

D

R

D

START

STOP

Coil A

a

d

C

g

A

A

A

B

 

Β

e

B

C

Coil B

C

B

c

C

B

Coil C

C

C

d

b

f