System
The MCS (Mechatronic Compact System) consists of 3 individual systems, each with a basic mechatronic function. By connecting the systems, the interaction of mechanics, pneumatics, electrics and PLC Programming is taught.
Learning objectives
- Separate parts from an unsorted high-bay warehouse.
- Providing parts in a collision-safe manner on a storage rack.
- Moving parts between assemblies.
- Recognising different Equipments (sensors)
- Mechanical structure of a pick and place transfer unit
- Programming a pick and place transfer unit
- Mechanical design of a rotary indexing table with Equipment testing
- Mechanical design of a test station
- Programming a test sequence
- Programming a sorting system for the high-bay warehouse
Structure
The equipment includes three models:
- High-bay warehouse: An electric linear axis with toothed belt drive and a pneumatic linear axis as well as a removal cylinder remove workpieces from a shelf compartment and convey them to a transfer position. This can be to the right or left of the high-bay warehouse. The workpieces can be removed from these transfer positions and placed back into storage.
- Pick and place, pneumatic with angular gripper: The assembly is used to sort workpieces into several output positions by means of a pneumatic extendable, lowerable rotary mechanism and a gripper.
- Rotary indexing table with inspection unit and display: An inspection unit with three sensors arranged above the rotary indexing table recognises the workpieces as present, black and metallic. The results can be shown on the display.
Method
The device is designed as an experiment for pupils and students. Practical tasks challenge the learner to solve the control or system problem with his programme and by means of mechanical settings.
Target group
Vocational training in industry and students specialising in automation technology. The course offers experiments with a scalable level for vocational school and bachelor training, from simple storage processes to complex sorting algorithms, the complexity of the problem can be adapted to the level of knowledge and the teaching objective.
Previous knowledge
- Theoretical fundamentals of PLC Programming.
- Understanding of production processes
Topics
- Programmes for sequence control
- Creating sequence control programmes
- Difference between manual and automatic functions in programmes
- Planning the control of pneumatic valves
- Collision-safe provision on a shelf.
- Microswitches for position detection
- Through-beam sensor
- Optical sensor
- Inductive sensor
- Positioning with microswitch
- Electric drives
- Limit switch with microswitch
- Reversing contactor circuit
