Festo VABF-S4-1-V2B1 series User manual

en Operating
instructions
8068454
1705c
[8068456]
Vacuum block
VABF-S4-1-V2B1...

VABF-S4-1-V2B1...
2 Festo – VABF-S4-1-V2B1... – 1705c
Original instructions
VABF-S4-1-V2B1-EN
Identification of hazards and instructions on how to prevent them:
Danger
Immediate dangers which can lead to death or serious injuries
Warning
Hazards that can cause death or serious injuries
Caution
Hazards that can cause minor injuries
Other symbols:
Note
Material damage or loss of function
Recommendations, tips, references to other documentation
Essential or useful accessories
Information on environmentally sound usage
Text designations:
 Activities that may be carried out in any order
1. Activities that should be carried out in the order stated
– General lists
èResult of an action/References to more detailed information

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English – Vacuum block VABF-S4-1-V2B1...
Table of contents
1 Product description 4.......................................................
1.1 Overview 4................................................................
1.2 Characteristics 6...........................................................
1.3 Operating statuses of the vacuum block 7.......................................
1.4 Electrical and pneumatic status changes 8.......................................
2 Function and application 9...................................................
2.1 Operating mode of the air-saving function (LS) 10..................................
3 Requirements for product use 12...............................................
4 Installation 13..............................................................
4.1 Mechanical 13..............................................................
4.2 Pneumatic 14...............................................................
4.3 Electric 14..................................................................
5 Quick commissioning with default settings 15....................................
6 Commissioning 16...........................................................
6.1 Symbolic LCD display 18......................................................
6.2 SHOW mode 19.............................................................
6.2.1 Display settings for Out A/B 19.........................................
6.3 Edit mode 20...............................................................
6.3.1 Start EDIT mode 20..................................................
6.3.2 Setting the switching characteristics of the switching outputs 21.............
6.4 Test run 22.................................................................
7 Operation 23...............................................................
7.1 Manual override 23..........................................................
7.2 Changing settings and values 24................................................
7.3 Resetting the pressure switch of the vacuum block to factory settings 25...............

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8 Maintenance and care 25.....................................................
9 Disassembly 25.............................................................
10 Fault clearance 26...........................................................
11 Accessories 28..............................................................
12 Technical data 29............................................................
13 Menu structure 32...........................................................

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1 Product description
For all available product documentation èwww.festo.com/pk
1.1 Overview
2
6
4
5
1
7
8
3
1Pressure sensor with LCD display and
operating buttons
2Plug connector for electrical connection and
vacuum sensing (M12, 4-pin)
3LED signal status display, solenoid valve
4Manual override vacuum generation
5Manual override for ejector pulse
(only effective when the power supply is
switched off)
6Solenoid valve
7Flow control screw for adjusting the intensity
of the ejector pulse
8Modular silencer
Fig. 1 Control sections, ports, displays and assemblies

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1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1Display segment switching output Out A
2Display segment switching output Out B
34-digit alphanumeric LCD display
(vacuum display, special display)
4Toolbar for functions
5EDIT button
6DOWN key/B-key
7UP key/A-key
8Segment display (èTab. 4 and Tab. 5)
Fig. 2 Display
Note
The operating keys are designated differently in the user guidance, depending on use!
 In selecting the switching outputs A-key/B-key
 With the selection of menu items and setting values - UP-key/DOWN-key

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1.2 Characteristics
– Vacuum block for use on the valve terminal VTSA/VTSA-F
– Solenoid valve for controlling vacuum generation (solenoid coil 12) and for controlling the ejector
pulse (solenoid coil 14) for accelerated vacuum reduction and safe placement
– Flow control screw for adjusting the ejector pulse
– Pressure sensor with switching output
– Signal status display of the solenoid valve via LED display
– Switching of the solenoid valve with mechanical manual override for vacuum generation
– The ejector pulse cannot be switched via the mechanical manual override when the power supply is
activated.
– Silencer
– Actuation and air supply via the valve terminal
– Galvanic isolation between the valve terminal and vacuum block
– Non-return valve delays the reduction of the vacuum if the air supply is interrupted.
– Vacuum block supplied with power via separate M12 plug connector, not via the valve terminal
– The vacuum block VABF-S4-1-V2B1 can be operated in combination with the vertical stacking for
pilot air switch-off (intermediate plate VABF-S4-1-S plus 5/2-way valve) on the valve terminal VTSA.

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1.3 Operating statuses of the vacuum block
The vacuum block can be in the following operating statuses:
Operating status Solenoid coil 12 Solenoid coil 14 Explanation
Generate vacuum Controlled (via valve
terminal)
Not controlled Solenoid coil 12:
impulse control with
self-latching loop 1)
Generate vacuum Not controlled Not controlled Operating status after failure of
the pilot air supply or the
electrical supply of the vacuum
module èTab. 2
Air saving Controlled
(via internal electronics
of the vacuum block)
Controlled
(via internal electronics
of the vacuum block)
Maintain vacuum in
valve mid-position 1)
Ejection Not controlled Controlled (via valve
terminal)
Vacuum accelerates
disassembly 1)
Normal position 2) Not controlled Not controlled Status after the end of the
“Ejection” signal 1)
1) Also see èFig. 3 and Fig. 4
2) Normal position means the vacuum block is not in the “Generate vacuum”, “Air saving” or “Ejection” operating status.
Tab. 1 Operating statuses of the vacuum block
If the pilot air supply or the electrical supply of the vacuum block is switched off, the respective operat
ing status is changed as follows (èTab. 2).

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1.4 Electrical and pneumatic status changes
Status change Operating status before status
change
Operating status after status
change
Failure/switch-off of the
electrical supply of the
vacuum block
(M12 connection)
“Generate vacuum” “Generate vacuum”
(The valve slide remains in
“Generate vacuum” position)
“Air saving” “Generate vacuum”
(Through the mechanical spring,
the valve slide goes into the
“Generate vacuum” position)
“Ejection” “Normal position” 1)
“Normal position” 1) “Normal position” 1)
Failure/switch off of the
pilot air supply
“Generate vacuum” “Generate vacuum”
“Air saving” “Generate vacuum”
“Ejection” “Normal position” 1)
“Normal position” 1) “Normal position” 1)
1) Normal position means the vacuum block is not in the “Generate vacuum”, “Air saving” or “Ejection” operating status.
Tab. 2 Pneumatic and electrical status changes
Note
If there is a failure of the air or electrical supply of the valve terminal, the following
statuses result.
 Air failure:
– No vacuum can be generated, even if the valve is in the “Generate vacuum” posi
tion.
– No ejection impulse can be generated, even if the valve is in the “Ejection” posi
tion.
 Failure of the valve terminal electrical supply:
– The switching position of the valve can only be changed through the electronics
of the vacuum block (change between “Generate vacuum” and “Air saving”).

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2 Function and application
The intended use of the vacuum block VABF-S4-1-V2B1… is to generate a vacuum. The generated vacu
um and a suction gripper produce a force which is used to grip and transport a workpiece. The supply of
compressed air for vacuum generation is controlled by an integrated solenoid valve. The vacuum is
generated by actuating solenoid coil 12. The setpoint value set at channel B for the generated vacuum
is monitored via an integrated pressure sensor. Vacuum generation reverts to a self-holding phase after
reaching the setpoint value. The vacuum block controls the vacuum generation process independently
within the range of the set switching points (air-saving function). With the integrated solenoid valve, an
ejector pulse is activated and generated by activating coil 14 to release the workpiece safely from the
suction cup and to reduce the vacuum quickly. The length of the ejector pulse can be influenced by the
duration of the electrical pulse. The strength of the ejector pulse is influenced by the adjustable flow
control valve.

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Vacuum Ejection
Fig. 3 Function
2.1 Operating mode of the air-saving function (LS)
If the desired threshold value 1(èFig. 4 “mode of operation air saving function”) is reached for the
vacuum, vacuum generation is automatically switched off. Non-return valves prevent the reduction of
the vacuum. Nonetheless, leakage (e.g. due to rough workpiece surfaces) will slowly reduce the vacu
um. If the pressure drops below the set threshold value 2, vacuum generation is switched on automat
ically. Vacuum is generated until the set threshold value 1is reached again.

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Fig. 4 illustrates the mode of operation of the air-saving circuit. The pressure curve together with the
threshold values and thresholds is illustrated in the upper part of the diagram. The corresponding con
trol input signals of the valve terminal, the output signals of the pressure sensor and the LED signal
status displays of the solenoid valve are shown at the bottom of the diagram.
Hysteresis
Vacuum
0
Excess pressure
1
2
3
4
Valve terminal
inputs
LED display
on valve
Pressure
sensor outputs
1Threshold value channel A “switch off
suction” (air-saving function)
2Threshold value channel A “switch on suction”
3Switching point channel B “vacuum sensing”
4Ejector pulse
Fig. 4 Mode of operation of the air-saving function
Vacuum generation is switched off as soon as the vacuum is higher than threshold 1and is switched
on again as soon as the vacuum is less than threshold 2.

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The threshold values are defined as follows:
Threshold value “switch off suction” (air-saving function) 1
The vacuum generator is switched off simultaneously with the setting of the output Out A. The preset
value is -700 mbar.
Threshold value “switch on suction” 2
The threshold value 2should always be above the switching point of channel B 3“vacuum sensing”.
The space between 2and 3should be at least 50 mbar.
3 Requirements for product use
Warning
Manipulation of signal statuses may cause serious personal injury, depending on the
functioning of the machine/system.
 Note that if the switching characteristics of the switching outputs are modified in
the EDIT mode, the new status will be effective immediately.
 Activate the password protection (security code) in order to prevent unintentional
modification by unauthorised third parties (èChapter 6.3 “Edit mode”).
Note
The vacuum is measured as relative pressure. The displayed pressure value is the actual
pressure difference from ambient pressure. The attainable, displayed pressure value
may be lower than the value indicated in the technical data, depending on the current
absolute ambient pressure/air pressure.
 Compare the limit values in these operating instructions with those of your application
(e.g. operating media, pressures, forces, torques, temperatures, loads, speeds, operating
voltages, flow rates).
 Take into consideration the ambient conditions at the location of use.
 All applicable national and international regulations must be complied with.
 Remove all transport packing, such as protective wax, foils (polyamide), caps (polyethylene), card
board boxes (except for the sealing elements of the pneumatic connections).
The material used in the packaging has been specifically chosen for its recyclability (exception: oil
paper = residual waste).
 Use the product in its original state. Unauthorised modification is not permitted.

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4 Installation
4.1 Mechanical
1
2
3
4
1Seal
2Vacuum block
3Push-in fitting QS (port 2 – vacuum)
4Blanking plug (port 4)
Fig. 5 Installation
 Secure the vacuum block to the manifold sub-base VABV-S4-1S-G14-2T2 of the valve terminal VTSA
using three screws; tightening torque 2 Nm (±10 %).

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4.2 Pneumatic
 Connect the QS push-in fittings with a corresponding hose.
Recommendation: Use PUN-10 hoses from Festo (ID code “QS large” in the Festo Configurator).
4.3 Electric
Warning
Danger of electric shock
 For the electrical power supply, use only PELV voltage sources in accordance with
IEC 60204-1 (Protective Extra-Low Voltage, PELV).
 Observe the requirements of IEC 60204-1 for PELV circuits.
Note
Long signal lines reduce the resistance to interference.
 Make sure that the signal lines are always shorter than 5 m.
Note
Electrical components may become damaged if the maximum permitted voltage is ex
ceeded.
 Make sure that the operating voltage supply is 24 V DC ± 10 %.
 Connect the cable socket to plug connector 2.
(èFig. 1 “Control sections, ports, displays and assemblies”)
 Wire the vacuum block as illustrated in Tab. 3.
Connector 2) 4-pin M12
(Top view of the vacuum block
plug connector)
Pin Cable colours 1) Allocation
1Brown (BN) +24 V DC supply voltage
2White (WH) Switching output B (Out B)
3Blue (BU) 0 V DC
4Black (BK) Switching output A (Out A)
2) Using the plug socket with cable as specified in Accessories.
3) Max. tightening torque 0.5 Nm.
Tab. 3 Pin allocation

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5 Quick commissioning with default settings
The pressure switch of the vacuum block has the following settings on delivery:
Channel A, air-saving function
 Switching characteristics: threshold value comparator
 Switching point –700 mbar
 Hysteresis: 200 mbar
 Switching characteristic: NO (normally open – N/O contact)
Channel B, vacuum sensing
 Switching characteristics: threshold value comparator
 Switching point –400 mbar
 Hysteresis: 5 mbar
 Switching characteristic: NO (normally open – N/O contact)
If you do not want to use these settings, you can set a switching point for Out A or Out B manually
(èChapter 6.3.2).

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6 Commissioning
 Observe the transport area of the workpiece and make sure that:
– Nobody is positioned underneath the workpiece
– There are no objects within the transporting path of the workpiece (e.g. by means of a protective
screen).
 Avoid long tubing and large volumes between the suction grippers and vacuum block.
 A large volume leads to long evacuation times and possibly incorrect settings on the pressure
sensor.
 Take into account accelerations, external influences, etc. on the work item when setting the re
quired holding force.
Preparing commissioning
In the basic status, the vacuum block is in RUN mode. The current measurement values are displayed.
Note
The EDIT button is often used during commissioning to select and confirm values. In
order to avoid damaging the EDIT button, please press it using a blunt object.
The basic status can be reached from other modes by:
– pressing EDIT button 3 s or
– Expiration of a monitoring time (timeout èChapter 13 “ Menu structure”)
1. Switch on the operating voltage.
èThe vacuum block is in RUN mode.
2. Check the settings of the vacuum block.
An overview of the menu structure can be found in chapter 13 “menu structure”.
Building up the vacuum:
1. Charge the vacuum block with operating pressure via the valve terminal.
2. Switch on the operating voltage of the vacuum block.
èAfter activation of solenoid coil 12, the valve reverts to the Generate Vacuum setting. The com
pressed air flows through the vacuum block and generates a corresponding vacuum at the vacu
um port 3(èFig. 5 “Installation”). The maximum vacuum that can be generated depends on
the operating pressure.
Note
The required vacuum may not be generated if there is an insufficient supply of air to the
valve terminal.

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Setting the pressure sensor:
The pressure sensor setting for monitoring the vacuum depends on the application.
The vacuum block is preset at the factory (factory settings èChapter 5
“ Quick commissioning with default settings”). These settings can be quickly adapted to the application
via the EDIT mode.
The vacuum block must be in the basic status (RUN mode).
 Define the desired switching behaviour of the switching outputs (èChapter 6.3 “Edit mode”).
The workpiece must be held reliably against the suction gripper by the vacuum generated.
Reducing the vacuum:
An ejector pulse is generated by activating solenoid coil 14.
èThe vacuum connection on the manifold sub-base is ventilated. The workpiece detaches itself
from the suction gripper.
The intensity of the ejector pulse can be adjusted.
You can set the intensity of the ejector pulse by adjusting the flow control screw 7
(èFig. 1“Control sections, ports, displays and assemblies”).
1. Screw the flow control screw 7in clockwise completely.
èThe ejector pulse channel is now closed. No ejector pulse is generated.
2. Unscrew the flow control screw until the required intensity of the ejector pulse is reached. The
length of the ejector pulse corresponds to the length of time solenoid coil 14 is activated.
3. Test the settings of the ejector pulse before commissioning.
Caution
An ejector pulse that is offset to the releasing procedure can result in the workpiece
being raised briefly by accident when releasing the suction cup.
The flow resistance in large suction cups can result in a device-independent build-up of
a vacuum that delays the release of the suction cup from the workpiece.
 Make sure the ejector pulse is active until the end of the suction cup’s releasing
procedure.

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6.1 Symbolic LCD display
Display Symbol Description Mode
RUN SHOW
EDIT TEACH
Switching output set/
not set X
Switching output selected/not selected X X X
Threshold value comparator X X
Window comparator X X
[SP] Switching point X X
[SP] [min] Lower switching point (switching point – minimum) X X
[SP] [max] Upper switching point (switching point – maximum) X X
[HY] Hysteresis X X
[NO] Switching characteristic of normally open contact X X
[NC] Switching characteristic of normally closed contact X X
[min] / [max] Extreme values: minimum/maximum input
measured value (In A1) 1) X
[TeachIn] TeachIn mode active X
[Lock] Security code active
(block to prevent unauthorised parameterisation) X X
Special menu (SPEC) is active 1) X
– RUN mode: Graphic display of the current
measured value related to the maximum
measured value of the measuring range. The
left-hand segment row shows the measured
value of In A, the right-hand segment row
shows the measured value of In B.
– Significance in other modes: èTab. 5
X
1) The segment bars also show special symbols èTab. 5
Tab. 4 Symbols on the display
Besides the graphic display of the current measured value the segment bars also indicate different
states of the pressure switch via defined symbols.

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Symbols Description
Marked segments illuminate:
– SHOW mode active
– Diagnostics: 7-segments display shows error number (e.g. Er01)
Marked segments illuminate and [Option] flashes:
– EDIT mode active
– Special menu (SPEC) is open; 7-segments display shows the set filter option
Marked segments illuminate and [Lock] flashes:
– EDIT mode active
– Special menu (SPEC) is open; 7-segments display shows the security code
Tab. 5 Special symbols of the segment bars
6.2 SHOW mode
The following settings and values are indicated in the SHOW mode:
Settings for Out A/B
– switching function [threshold/window comparator]
– switching points [SP] or [SP] [min] and [SP] [max]
– hysteresis [HY]
– switching characteristic [NO/NC]
Extreme values of input values
– minimum pressure value [min]
In order to delete the minimum value, press the EDIT button briefly.
– maximum pressure value [max]
In order to delete the maximum value, press the EDIT button briefly.
6.2.1 Display settings for Out A/B
The vacuum block must be in the RUN mode.
 Press the A-key (switching output Out A) or the B-key (switching output Out B).
èThe SHOW mode of the corresponding switching output is active.
 Press the key of the selected switching output again.
èIf you continue pressing the button, the current settings of that switching output will be dis
played one after the other as the button is pressed.
If all values have been displayed and the button is pressed again, the RUN mode is reactivated.
The “Show mode” menu structure can be found in chapter 13.