Page 148 of catalogue Bus, identification and control systems of ifm Electronic GmbH

AS-i Sensors, Pneumatic and actuator solutions

AS-i sensors, AirBoxes, valve control, motor starters, RF identification

System description

AirBox · introduction Decentralisation by means of the AS-interface has also considerably marked and changed the area of Pneumatics. For example in process technology there is a large variety of pneumatically driven ball Valves and Butterfly valves (quarter-turn actuators) which are often still controlled conventionally, i.e. by means of solenoid valves and in the case of AS-interface by means of input and output modules. This conventional solution is also still often found in the conveyor and storage technology where linear movements, e.g. on Lifting platforms, stoppers, shunts, and grippers take place. Pneumatic cylinders are used as drive elements and cylinder switches give feedback to the controller. This is where the AirBoxes come in. They combine electrically controlled Pneumatic valves in a compact form. They are controlled via the AS-Interface. Valves in general In pneumatics, valves are used depending on their design for blocking, as shunts for the deviation of an airflow or as restrictor elements. The graphic symbols for valves used in circuit diagrams do not give any information about the construction, but only show the function of the valve.

AirBox: Intelligent system solution due to integration of electronics and pneumatics.

Switch positions of the valves are shown as squares.

The number of the squares put together indicates how many switch positions the valve has. The function and operation is shown inside the fields (squares). Lines indicate the tubes. Arrows indicate the direction of flow.

Within the fields blocking is indicated with horizontal lines.

Pneumatic symbols.

The other valve positions are achieved by shifting the squares until the tubes overlap with the connections.

ISO 559 Compressed air connection Operating connections Exhausts 1 2, 4 3, 5

Designation (old) P A, B R, S

3/2-way valve The 3/2-way valve enables triggering of single-acting actuators, like e.g. cylinders with return spring (single-acting cylinders).

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