I.

OBJECTIVES

1. To be able to create an automatic return with latching electro-pneumatic circuit

with a proximity sensor.

2. To understand what is latching.

3. To be able to test if the cylinder returns when latched.

II. THEORIES

Definition of latching: It is a process where the relay contacts remain on without keeping

the relay coil energized. In other words, it is required sometimes to keep the circuit powered

for a certain function even though a pushbutton switch is released to the open position. When

an “ON” pushbutton switch is actuated the relay coil is energized and thus the contact K1

closes. Even after the “ON” pushbutton switch is released the electric current continues to

flow via contact K1 through the coil, and the relay remains in the actuated position. The “on”

signal is stored. When the OFF pushbutton is pressed the current flow is interrupted and the

relay becomes de-energize

III. COMPONENTS/EQUIPMENTS
Components Symbols
Double Acting Cylinder

Cy linder, Double-acting…

Compressor

Compressed air supply

5/2 way valve

5/n Way Valv e

Optical Proximity Switch

Optical proximity switch

Electrical connection 24v

Electrical connection 24V

Electrical connection 0v

Electrical connection 0V

Push button (make)

Pushbutton (make)

Solenoid valve

Valv e solenoid

Make Switch

Make switch

Relay

Relay
a.) Double Acting Cylinder - Double acting cylinders are used particularly when the

piston is required to perform a work function in both directions of motion. The construction

is in general similar to the single acting cylinder.

b.) Compressor - The compressor provides the necessary compressed air. The pressure

is restricted to the preset operating pressure.

c.) 5/2 way valve (solenoid valve) - The solenoid valve is controlled by applying a

voltage signal at the solenoid coil. The flow passes freely from 1 to 4. By stopping the signal

the valve is set back to its starting position through the use of a return spring. The flow passes

freely from 1 to 2. If no signal is applied to the valve, it can be manually operated. This valve

is derived from a configurable 5/n way valve.

d.) Optical Proximity Switch - Switch that closes when the light barrier is interrupted.

e.) Electrical connection 24V - 24V connection of the power supply.

f.) Electrical connection 0V - 0V connection of the power supply.

g.) Push Button - Switch that opens/closes when actuated and closes/opens immediately

when released

h.) Solenoid Valve - A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve. The

valve is controlled by an electric current through a solenoid: in the case of a two-port valve

the flow is switched on or off; in the case of a three-port valve, the outflow is switched

between the two outlet ports.

i.) Make Switch – Generally, a make switch is tailored according to the component that

actuates it.

j.) Relay - The relay picks up immediately when current is supplied and drops out

immediately when current is removed.

IV. EXPERIMENT PICTURE AND ILLUSTRATIONS

ACTUAL SET-UP (GROUP)

V. EVALUATION

Since we were not familiar with the new component, we had to redo the set up many
times, because we could not make it work. We had trouble trying to figure out how to connect
the last two columns. Trying to figure out how to connect to the relay counter was fun and
challenging. Our problem was that it could count how many actuations it did but it was
supposed to do a number of actuations that we have set before.

VI. CONCLUSION

The experiment was a success since we have met the three objectives. We were able
to create a repeated stroke with counter

VII. REFERENCE

https://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/sfah6922/Electro-
Pneumatics_M3__Teacher_Version.pdf

http://www.festo-didactic.com/ov3/media/customers/1100/fluidsim5_enus_v1.pdf