Mechanical engineering/industrial maintenance and line control

The EcolCafé coffee pod control, weighing and sorting system allows the weight control of "Nespresso" type pods.
The pods are received at the exit of the Easycup coffee machine or directly by the operator, on 2 inclined rails. An optical fork allows the detection of the pod at the end of the rail. An optical fork allows the detection of the pods at the end of the rail. An accumulation of pods is possible on the rails.
A bellows suction cup, mounted on a single-acting pneumatic cylinder with a 5cm stroke, is mounted on a horizontal linear axis equipped with a Brushless gear motor. This brushless motor is controlled by a Lexium 32 servo drive on a Can-open bus.
A control station in the middle of the machine is equipped with an electronic scale, connected to the M241 PLC. It allows to obtain the weight of the coffee pod. A "red" spout bin is used to receive the non-conforming pods. The pods are sent to two disposal areas according to the colour or weight of the capsule (Good/Acceptable - Customer A / Customer B).