Using the modular industrial plug connector system, Variocon, space and wiring costs can be saved in automation. In a field test with the little "mouse", a sugar beet loader from Franz Kleine Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., Salzkotten, Germany, Variocon has already proven itself.
Sugar beet harvest - fast and reliable
BDuring the sugar beet harvest, the beet is
stacked into piles which are loaded after
drying. Speed and reliability are the top
priority in the short harvest time. Even if
there are high vibrations, this is performed
fully automatically and so extremely fast
that up to 200 t sugar beet can be
accepted, cleaned and reloaded per hour.
Using a multifunction lever, the driver can
set the conveyor belts to the right speed,
bring the intake screw into position and
adjust the loading arm in such a way that
the sugar beet is loaded directly onto the
low loader.
Variocon - the connection between distributed control
units
In the case of this fully automatic beet loader, Variocon makes
the connection to the distributed control units. The four "Job
Computers" of Müller Elektronik GmbH in Salzkotten are
located directly where conveyor belts transport or sensors
measure speed, pressure and rotational speed. 15 power
outputs control hydraulic valves, up to 20 A being switched by
24 V. Rotational speed, pressure and tank contents are
measured via further inputs. The central supply unit is
connected to the distributed units with a hybrid cable, which
includes connecting conductors of various cross sections and
splash-proof Variocon plug connectors. Power modules take
on the power outputs up to 20 A, including the control signals
for switching on and off and for coding the control system.
Splash-proof straight onto the p.c. board
With Variocon, it is the first time that a splash-proof square plug connection
has been led directly onto the p.c. board. At present there is no alternative.
Internal wiring is no longer necessary. That saves wiring costs for 14 poles.
In many automation objects, only one Variocon industrial plug connector is
now necessary, instead of one plug connector each for power and signal
connections.
Dipl.-Inform. Uwe Piepmeier