Omron counter application question

[smichalo]

I have a table that is built on a 45 degree angle. The product, which is a small plastic compact, slides down this table into the packging box. What we've done is engineered a sorter that changes direction (Left/right). When a predetermined number of compacts pass through the sensor. The sorter changes direction and allows the same amount to pass through before changing back.

In a nut shell 5 compacts come down the table into a box once the count as been achieved the slider moves over to the next box and fills it with 5 compacts. This goes back and forth. (An operator removes the filled box and replaces it with an empty box)

Here's the question

I am using an Omron counter H7CN-XHN. Can this counter be used to perform the above appliction. I want it to count to 5 turn on the output then count to five turn off the output .

If there is a way of doing this would anybody mind sharing their ideas. I have to use this counter and if I have to wire up relays I could do that too.

Any help is really appreciated

Thanks

 

[waross]

Hi smichalo;
You probably have the information in this link:

http://oeiwcsnts1.omron.com/pdfcatal.nsf/PDFLookupByUniqueID

/C968E3175D78AC7086256B810073BD56/$File/
D15H7CN0302.pdf?OpenElement

I have inserted 2 carriage returns to get the link to fit the page. Remove the carriage returns before cutting and pasting the link.
It appears that you have an "UP" counter.
You may construct an alternator circuit with relays and let the counter trigger the alternator and reset itself.
The H7CN-AHN is a bi-directional counter, but it is not clear from the Omron information whether it will trigger on zero as well as on the preset number.
You are probably better going with the alternator circuit.
respectfully

 

[smichalo]

Waross

Thanks for the response. I did find that information on the Omron website and yes it is an up counter. I believe you are right in that I will need an alternator circuit. What I wanted to do was create a circuit that went as follows:

Count reaches preset value - Latch output and reset
Count reaches preset value - unlatch output and reset.

But I can't seem to find the right logic to create this with this particular counter. Would you have any suggestions or ideas?

Once again thanks for your help

 

[waross]

Look for pump control panels. They typically use an alternator to alternate between two pumps. From the wiring diagram you should be able to understand how the circuit works and copy it. Some designs use reduce the number of relays required by using one of the motor starters as a relay also. If the circuit that you find looks like it needs a motor starter to operate then use a relay in place of the motor starter in your circuit.
respectfully

 

[dydt]

can you not use a small plc?

 

[waross]

That is a valid suggestion.
You would use the PLC to replace both the counter and the relays. In the economy version, you would have to program the count and change the program to change the count. Adding thumb wheels and/or a display for the count may push the price up quite a bit. itsmoked may have some PLC suggestions.
respectfully

 

[richs]

Hiya-

You might look at:

http://www.factorymation.net

and click on the section:

Programmable Logic Relays


I have not used this particular device, but it has all the
basic requirements to program it in ladder logic and the
price is $80.00 US. You will also need a prgramming cable
which they sell for $20.00.

Includes a keyboard and display interface.

Here's another one. This one has a starter kit for $99.00
US. Again, I have not used this one:

http://www.tri-plc.com/

Yet another I haven't used:

http://www.entertron.com/smart-pak.htm

There was one other one recently in the PLC section of
eng-tips, thread. Unfortunately, I can't remember the
name or the link to it.

If cost is *REALLY* an issue, then we can talk offline.

Cheers,

Rich S.

 

[smichalo]

Hey Guys

Thanks for all the responses. I actually got it to work with three relays. But it got messy and confusing. I think tommorrow I will test with a latching relay. Who Knows?

I'm at point where Ive got some time to actually test. But I did find a Omron ZEN controller ( It looks excactly like the TECO at FactoryMation ) that would work perfectly for this particular application. I will end up using this but it's a lot more fun trying to come up with the right logic. ( I started using the opportunity to help some of the other guys understand electronics and logic )

Once again I would like to thank everybody for your responses. It's been helpful.