Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

CHAPTER 8 OPERATING SEQUENCE DIAGRAMS

ref.3

Clear, easily understood diagrams are used in order to demonstrate the operating sequence of the elements of a machine as well as the elements of a control circuit. These diagrams facilitate the laying out of complex controls and are a valuable aid when taking an installation into operation and during troubleshooting. The operating sequence diagrams are equally suitable for hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and mechanical controls. Especially with combined systems (e.g. electro-hydraulic systems) they provide a means of understand ing between the different specialist areas.

8.1 BUILD-UP OF A CONTROL CIRCUIT Every control is composed of at least one control circuit, and this in turn comprises a number of elements. Taken in the order of their direction of effect, these are: -Signal element Converts the input quantity into a signal which is understandable for the control, e.g. push but tons, limit switches, pressure switches, photo-cells. -Control element This amplifies, stores and links together the signal flow, e.g. relays, switching valves, shuttle valves. -Final controlling element Controls the power-energy flow and influences the drive elements, e.g. directional control valves, couplings, main contactors.

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Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

-Drive element This converts the power energy into mechanical work, e.g. cylinders, motors (electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic), solenoid.

In the electro-hydraulic combination shown below, the control circuit is divided into 2 paths, one for the power energy and one for the signal energy. Linkage takes place at the final controlling element.

8.2 REPRESENTATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS 8.2.1 Drive element The movement of a cylinder piston can be shown in a simplified manner as being in only one dimension. This path diagram is particularly suitable for showing simple processes, and is often used as additional information in circuit diagrams. The thin, or dashed lines, show rapid traverse, and the thick lines show slow traverse.

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Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

More precise information concerning movement is given by a diagram using 2 coordinates. Along the vertical axis is shown the actuator motion. The horizontal axis is divided up into the individual swithching steps, and can be supplemented by details of time.

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Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

8.2.2 Control elements The switching valves, solenoids and relays in digital controls have only 2 or 3 distinct positions. These are shown by vertical function lines referred to the step or time coordinate.

8.2.3 Signal elements The symbols shown have been stndardised for manually operated switches and push-buttons. The signal flow resulting from operation is shown by signal lines leaving the symbol. Mechanically operated signal elements such as limit switches, for instance, are shown as a dot on the functional line which leaves the drive element. The signal lines ten originate from the dot. Pressure switches are represented by a square and the letter p, together with details of pressure. 122

Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

8.2.4 Representation of signal processing The signal flow is shown by thin signal lines and arrows. These originate at the signal elements and pass via the effected control elements to the drive elements. Depending upon the sequence of operations with reference to the time involved, the function lines of the elements shown are to the same scale a steps or the time.

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Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

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Lecture Notes on Industrial Hydraulics

Prepared by Dr. Sadettin Kapucu

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