Like most technologies, mechanical control technology has experienced twists and turns in the development process. It has evolved from a simple and large control system in history to today's small multi-function control system, combining mechanical, motion control and communication systems.
Originally, Dubbed Gen1, the first generation of packaging machinery used in the packaging field, was simple in structure and purely mechanical. A motor drives the linear shaft to rotate and generates power through the cam. With a programmable controller (PLC) control system, the structure is also very simple, the operator directly controls the machine. In most cases, human-machine interaction technology (HMI) has not been adopted.
After that, the second generation packaging machine appeared. This technology was born ten years ago, the packaging machinery is still driven by the drive shaft, but the structure is more complicated. Because the servo motor controls the speed, it can issue commands to some special actions, and also adopts a more complicated PLC. Program the logic controller. Indeed, the second-generation packaging machinery is more tunable, but this advantage requires a higher cost. These costs include more wiring arrangements, more PLC programmable logic controller input/output (I/O) devices, which are large and complex, have more sensor and program control, and even more peripherals. Equipment; and it is more difficult to troubleshoot and deal with faults.
Today's third-generation packaging machinery incorporates the so-called "mechanical and electronic" concept, using servo systems and simple mechanical devices to achieve the purpose of performing complex actions. The goal pursued by the seller is: the machine price is cheaper, the work speed is faster, the performance is better, and the floor space is small, so it is not surprising that new technology is continuously introduced according to the demand.
The third generation of packaging machinery was born four years ago, and its development focus shifted to single-box control technology, with logical PLC functions and I / O devices, if necessary, can also be equipped with HMI technology, even Ethernet and network communication Service system to facilitate communication between enterprises. Previously, second generation packaging machines required an encoder and a programmable limit switch (PLS) to determine the servo position. Now, because the third-generation packaging machinery has I/O devices, the servo control system exists in one processor. When the servo system is in place, it will generate sensing action and send a signal through the bus to start any need. Process flow.
New development direction of packaging machinery control technology
Today's mechanical control systems seem to be single, but they contain logic and motion control systems, human-machine interaction systems, diagnostic systems, and even artificial intelligence systems. The following examples from the packaging machinery manufacturing industry will reveal new directions in the development of mechanical control systems.