Electronic Control Design of Automatic Sorting Machine

The automated sorting machine mainly includes the input, output, and control panel. The product information is collected by optocoupler, analyzed by PC. Then two specifications are given and will be input to PLC. Because the signal provided by the acquisition card is a weak current input, which is not enough to be sent to PLC as a command signal, two relays are needed for adjustment.

Ⅰ. Performance of automated sorting machine

According to the performance requirements and cost of the automatic sorting system, a solid-state relay can be selected, which has the following characteristics:

1. Long service life and high reliability

SSR has no mechanical parts but has solid devices to complete the contact function. Because there are no moving parts, it can work in high-impact and high-vibration environments. Because of the characteristics of the components that make up the solid-state relay, the solid-state relay has long service life and high reliability.

2. High sensitivity, low control power, and good electromagnetic compatibility

Solid-state relays have a wide input voltage range and low driving power so that they can be compatible with most logic integrated circuits without buffers or drivers.

3. Fast switching of automated sorting machine

The switching speed of the solid-state relay can be from a few milliseconds to a few microseconds because of the solid-state device.

4. Low electromagnetic interference

Solid-state relay has no input winding, no contact, arcing, and rebound, thus reducing electromagnetic interference. Most AC output solid-state relays are zero-voltage switches, which turn on at zero voltage and turn off at zero current, thus reducing the sudden interruption of a current waveform and transient effect.

A solid-state relay is a new type of contactless electronic switch with excellent performance manufactured by advanced technology and devices. Its input terminal only requires a small controlled current, which can be well compatible with all integrated circuits. At the same time, the output circuit uses a thyristor or high-power transistor to switch on and off the load current. And it uses electro-optic coupling without movable contact parts between input and output, so it has the advantages of reliable operation, fast switching speed, no noise, long service life, small volume, corrosion resistance, explosion resistance, and shock resistance.

Ⅱ. Automatic sorting system and control panel

The feeding and discharging parts of the automatic sorting system are instructed by PLC and completed by a solenoid valve. Products are classified as two specifications, so three solenoid valves are needed. The solenoid valve is installed at the inlet and outlet of the sorting conveyor, so the three relays are required for remote control of the solenoid valve.

The control panel system of the automated sorting machine is mainly equipped with four control buttons: the main switch, feeding, conveying, and manual/automatic conversion. The transmission, queuing relay, and transferring motor is a three-phase AC motor. As for its power requirement, the load voltage is 24V, and the load current is 40A. The queuing motor is a single-phase motor, and the load voltage of the required control relay is 24V, and the load current is 10A.