How to Connect a Vibratory Bowl to a PLC?

The connection forms a control loop: the PLC commands the bowl, and sensors provide feedback.

1. Hardware Connection
2. Power Connection

• Opis: The bowl requires a power source. This is controlled indirectly via a relay.
• Wiring:
  1. Connect bowl power to the relay’s output contacts.
  2. Connect one side of the relay coil to a DC power supply.
  3. Connect the other side of the coil to a PLC digital output.

2. Control Signal Connection

• Input Signal:
  • Source: A sensor detects part presence.
  • Wiring: Connect the sensor output to a PLC digital input.
• Output Signal:
  • Target: The relay controlling the bowl’s main power.
  • Wiring: The PLC digital output controls the relay coil.

1. Control Logic

The basic PLC logic is:

pseudocode

IF [Sensor] = “No Part”:

THEN Turn ON [PLC Output] -> Relay Engages -> Bowl Runs

ELSE IF [Sensor] = “Part Present”:

THEN Turn OFF [PLC Output] -> Relay Disengages -> Bowl Stops

III. Advanced Connections

For speed control:

• Analog Control: A PLC analog output sends a signal to the bowl controller for speed adjustment.
• Communication Control: Using protocols like Modbus for advanced command and monitoring.

Key Point: The PLC does not directly power the bowl but uses a relay for isolation, creating an automated start/stop loop based on sensor feedback.