Operating Sequence FTM and VTM
The process sequence outlines the steps that are successfully executed during the initialization of a screw-feeding system. Most of the processes are fully automated, and The current status is displayed on the operating panel (lamps) and in the programmable logic controller (PLC) as an Error number. To prevent automatic movement of the machine, it is necessary to enable the feeder by sending the variables Error reset and Movement release to finalize the startup process (ID 3.1).
Startup process
Sequence ID | Status | Steps ID | Process | Action |
1 | Power On | 1.1 | Power supply Connected | Ensure that the main power supply 230V / 115V is connected and active. |
1.2 | Power Focus On | Ensure that the 24V from Power Focus is connected and active. | ||
1.3 | Power switch On | Ensure that the power switch is On. | ||
2 | Feeder initiated | 2.1 | White lamp On | Indicates the standby/ready/initiation of the feeder. |
Safety status | 2.2 | Yellow lamp On | Indicates the prevention of automatic restart of the active device. | |
3 | Enable Feeder | 3.1 | Send error reset variable | Enable the working process by sending the variable Error reset via PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to initiate machine restart. |
3.2 | Send movement release variable | Enable the working process by sending the variable Movement release via PLC. | ||
4 | System scan | 4.1 | Automatic scan Screw | Automatic check for screws in the rail system. |
4.2 | Automatic scan Sensor | Automatic check for sensors. | ||
4.3 | Automatic scan Anomaly | Automatic check for fault / abnormal conditions | ||
4.4 | Automatic scan Connection | Automatic scan for newly connected IO-Link modules, and if applicable, it sends the configuration file to the IO-Link module. | ||
5 | Initial preparation | 5.1 | Automatic preparation of screw availability in the feeder. | Automatic refilling of screws to rail if it is empty. |
6 | Initial state Ready | 6.1 | White lamp On | The feeder is powered On. |
6.2 | No error status | The feeder is powered On. | ||
6.3 | Ready for command | The command variable to activate the PLC is ready. | ||
6.4 | Waiting for PLC command | Ready to proceed with the process as commanded by the PLC under normal conditions (Step ID: 7.1) . |
Normal condition
Upon completion of the startup process, the normal working condition becomes active. The commands sent from the PLC will be executed, and the status of these commands will be reported back to the PLC.
Sequence ID | Status | Steps ID | Process | Action |
7 | Command handling | 7.1 | Sending commands | Execute the commands from the PLC. |
7.2 | Reporting execute status | Report the executed status to the PLC. |
Maintenance mode
Activating maintenance mode must be done manually by turning the maintenance switch, and it can be requested from the PLC.
Sequence ID | Status | Steps ID | Process | Action |
8 | Active maintenance mode | 8.1 | Request maintenance mode | The maintenance mode switch is activated. |
8.2 | Acknowledge maintenance mode | The acknowledge maintenance mode in Web HMI is activated. | ||
8.3 | Stop ready for command | Stop sending the Ready for command variable to the PLC. | ||
8.4 | Force list active | Manually override the input/output (I/O) options enabled in the Web HMI. | ||
8.5 | Deactivate maintenance mode | By deactivating the maintenance mode, the initial preparation starts again (ID 4.1 - ID 6.4). |
Error status
The error status will become active in the event of abnormal conditions during the startup process or if the feeding process is hindered (e.g., absence of screws in the container, lack of air supply, or system jam).
Sequence ID | Status | Steps ID | Process | Action |
9 | Error status | 9.1 | Error status active | The yellow lamp is On. The error variable and error number are active in the PLC. |
9.2 | Stop mechanical movement | Mechanical movement is completely blocked. | ||
9.3 | Stop ready for command | Stop sending the Ready for command variable to the PLC.
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9.4 | Display specific error | The error responsible for the fault is displayed in the web browser HMI (Human Machine Interface). The INT_variable Error number indicates the specific error in the PLC. | ||
9.5 | Reset error | Press the reset button or sending the variable Reset error from the PLC to initiate the system scan. Initial preparation begins from Step ID: 4.1 - 6.3. |
