Elements of a Control Chaind The principle of the control chain is used for the preparation of the circuit diagram.

Every element of a control chain has a certain task to perform in the processing and further transmission of signals. This structuring of a system into functional blocks has proven itself in the following tasks: Arrangement of the elements in the circuit diagram Definition of the nominal sizes, nominal current and nominal voltage of components Set-up and commissioning of the controller Identification of the components for maintenance work

Single-Acting Cylinder Compressed air is applied to only one side of the single-acting cylinder. The piston rod side of the cylinder is vented to atmosphere. Single-acting cylinders can perform work in only in the advance direction of travel. The piston rod is driven inwards by the force of a built-in spring or by external forces.

Double-Acting Cylinder The double-acting cylinder is actuated in both directions with compressed air. It can perform work in both directions of movement. The force transmitted to the piston rod is greater during the advance stroke than during the return stroke.

Non-return, Flow Control and Pressure Control Valves Non-return valves block the flow in one direction and release it in the opposite direction. A distinction is made between: Non-return valves Shuttle valves (OR) Dual pressure valves (AND) One-way flow control valves Quick exhaust valves Pressure control valves influence the pressure or are controlled through the size of the pressure. A distinction is made between: Pressure regulating valves Pressure relief valves Pressure sequence valves Sloping arrow the valve is adjustable

Pressure Regulating Valve Pressure regulators have the function of keeping the output pressure mainly constant, independent of variations in the input pressure and the air consumption. If the pressure rises at the outlet, the diaphragm moves against the spring force and the flow cross-section at the valve seat is reduced or closed. If the pressure drops at the outlet, the spring presses against the diaphragm and the passage cross-section at the valve seat is enlarged or opened. The output pressure is adjustable. The input pressure must be higher than the output pressure.

One-Way Flow Control Valve The check element blocks the flow of air in one direction, so that it flows across an adjustable throttle in this direction. The air flow from the opposite direction lifts the seal of the check element from the seat. The compressed air can flow almost unrestricted in this direction. The valve should be installed as close as possible to the cylinder.

Quick Exhaust Valve Quick exhaust valves are used to achieve the maximum advance and retract speed of pneumatic cylinders. To increase the effectiveness of the valve, it should be mounted directly on the cylinder or in the immediate vicinity of the supply or exhaust ports of the cylinder.

Conversion of Electrical Signals into Pneumatic Signals Solenoid valves convert electrical signals into pneumatic signals. Solenoid valves consist of: A pneumatic valve A coil which switches the valve

Conversion of Pneumatic Signals into Electrical Signals The PE converter is actuated with compressed air. When the pressure reaches a preset value, an electric signal is generated. The pressure of a pneumatic signal works against an adjustable spring. the pressure working against the diaphragm overcomes the spring force, a stem actuates an electrical switch contact. The electrical switching element can be normally closed, normally open or changeover contact.

Switching Symbols for Valves Pneumatic components are normally shown in the deenergized condition in circuit diagrams. Valve switching positions are represented by a square. The number of squares corresponds to the number of switching positions. Functions and modes of operation are drawn inside the square: Lines indicate the flow paths. Arrows indicate the flow direction. Closed ports are represented by two lines drawn at right angles to one another. The connecting lines are drawn outside on the square.

Directional Control Valves: Ports and Switching Positions Information about the type of valve can be established from the following features: Number of ports Number of switching positions Port numbering The following applies to the numbering of the ports: Air supply port 1 Exhaust ports 3, 5 Working or outlet ports 2, 4

Function Principle of a Solenoid Coil When an electric current flows through a coil, a magnetic field is generated. The following applies to the strength of the magnetic field: Increasing the number of windings increases the field. Increasing the strength of the current increases the field. Lengthening the coil reduces the field. A soft iron core (armature) is drawn into a coil through which a current is flowing.

2/2-Way Solenoid Valve without Pilot Control Normally-closed position, spring return Solenoid coil deenergized Port 1 is blocked. Port 2 is blocked. Exhausting is not possible. Solenoid coil energized The armature is raised. Compressed air flows from port 1 to port 2.

Solenoid Valves with Pilot Control Solenoid valves with pilot control consist of: An electromagnetically-actuated pilot control valve. A pneumatically-actuated main valve. In comparison with solenoid valves without a pilot control, solenoid valves with a pilot control are distinguished by: Lower force required to actuate the armature. Smaller dimensions of the coil head. Lower power consumption. Less heat generated.

3/2-Way Single Solenoid Valve with Pilot Control Normally-closed position, spring return, manual override Solenoid coil deenergized Port 1 is blocked. Port 2 is vented to port 3. The pilot control channel is blocked by the armature seal on the valve side. The space above the valve piston is vented through the armature guide tube. Solenoid coil energized The armature is lifted and the armature seal on the coil side blocks the vent hole in the armature guide tube, while the armature seal on the valve side opens the pilot control channel. Compressed air from port 1 flows through the pilot control channel and actuates the valve piston. Port 3 is blocked. Compressed air flows from port 1 to port 2.

5/2-Way Single Solenoid Valve with Pilot Control Spring returned, manual override Solenoid coil deenergized Compressed air flows from port 1 to 2. Port 4 is vented to 5. Port 3 is blocked. The pilot control channel is blocked. The space above the valve piston is vented through the armature guide tube. Solenoid coil energized The armature is lifted and the armature seal on the coil side blocks the vent in the armature guide tube, while the armature seal on the valve side opens the pilot control channel. Compressed air from port 1 flows through the pilot control channel and actuates the valve piston. Port 5 is blocked. Compressed air flows from port 1 to port 4. Port 2 is vented to port 3.

5/2-Way Double Solenoid Valve with Pilot Control Manual override Solenoid coil Y1 energized, solenoid coil Y2 deenergized The valve switches over. Port 3 is blocked. Compressed air flows from Port 1 to Port 2. Port 4 is vented to Port 5. Both solenoid coils deenergized The valve retains its previous switching position. Solenoid coil Y2 energized, solenoid coil Y1 deenergized The valve switches over. Port 5 is blocked. Compressed air flows from port 1 to port 4. Port 2 is vented to port 3.