The specialists at SEW-Eurodrive are very familiar with these challenges. To keep things as simple and transparent as possible for users, the company has developed a Maxolution EHB modular automation bundle. Find out exactly how it works and what added value it offers you below.

Innovative, scalable and energy-efficient

Electric monorail systems (EMS) and electric floor conveyors (EBB) are used across all industries for the internal transportation of pallets, boxes and individual load carriers. They are the logistical backbone in production, storage and logistics centers for connecting the warehouse with incoming goods, order picking and retrieval. High speeds enable large distances to be covered quickly, much faster than continuous conveyors.

Maxolution EHB modular was developed precisely for these applications and complements SEW-Eurodrive's Maxolution solution portfolio for EHB and EBB. The automation bundles are intended for use in logistics applications across all industries. Compared to the established products and solutions for the automotive industry, EHB distinguishes itself modularly with an open interface for operation on standard control systems, different communication variants and the use of the latest standard frequency inverters and control components of the Movi-C generation. Nicola Magrone, Sales Maxolution System Solutions, is convinced by the new solution: "The special thing about the new automation bundles is that they are really simple, consistent and scalable. They are also ideal for operation with standard control systems. Our trained staff will be happy to advise you on all your inquiries."

Preferred variants with fast delivery times

Various automation bundles have been predefined for use in EMS and EBB systems in intralogistics, which experience has shown to cover the majority of customer requirements in this area of application. The entire engineering of the devices has already been completed and the device combinations have been extensively tested in advance in SEW-Eurodrive's Maxolution application hall in Bruchsal. The bundles are available immediately (as of March 2022).

The EHB modular automation bundle consists of two frequency inverters from the Movitrac advanced series, a UHX small controller with a Movikit RGS software module developed for this application, all integrated into a completely pluggable, non-ventilated housing with LED display, IR interface and integrated brake resistors - wire it up, configure it and get started. The use of the latest automation products from the Movi-C generation ensures worldwide serviceability and long-term product availability. The scalable safety functions up to PLd have already been validated by SEW-Eurodrive. The "Safely Reduced Speed" (SLS) function is optionally available via an integrated motor encoder. The drives with a large positioning range enable positioning with mm accuracy as well as dynamic travel and fast load changes thanks to two frequency inverters for the travel and auxiliary axes. The HK monorail gearbox series enables disengagement at standstill and therefore manual movement of the hanger or vehicle.

The EHB modular automation bundle is supplemented by stationary and mobile communication modules for CAN rail bus or slotted waveguide with PROFINET/PROFIsafe. Other Ethernet protocols are also possible.

Flexible adaptation to customer requirements thanks to the modular system

The EHB modular automation bundles are flexibly expandable and can therefore be optimally adapted to all customer requirements. Depending on the load requirements, the larger inverter can control two geared motors. Corresponding motor outlets are provided on the underside of the housing. If the integrated braking resistors are not sufficient, an external braking resistor can be connected via a plug connector also located on the underside of the device.

If more than two frequency inverters are required, e.g. for two-pallet vehicles, the automation bundles can easily be extended with decentralized frequency inverters from the Movimot flexible series. Movimot flexible also offers connection and evaluation of the load handling equipment sensors. EHB modular can be combined with asynchronous motors and synchronous motors for energy-saving solutions with IE3/IE4.

Customer-specific adaptation of the Movikit RGS software module in IEC61131-3 (Codesys) is easily possible. Commissioning and diagnostics can be carried out in a user-friendly manner via an integrated web interface without additional engineering software; there is no need to create special diagnostic pages on the PLC side. The integrated data storage on an SD card allows the commissioning data to be transferred to other vehicles in the system. For the Siemens S7 controller, SEW-Eurodrive offers optional function blocks for integrated communication with the hangers and logical segmentation of the systems.

Training and service offering for greater independence and security

SEW-Eurodrive offers a comprehensive range of training courses for EMS modular. Product presentation and communication project planning can be offered both as classroom training and online. Training courses on commissioning and diagnostics are held at SEW-Eurodrive in the Maxolution application hall at the Bruchsal site directly on test systems. Udo Marmann, Market Manager at SEW-Eurodrive: "With the new Maxolution EHB modular automation bundle, we can provide you as a system integrator with the best possible support in implementing your projects." As a strong, reliable partner, SEW-Eurodrive offers outstanding service capability with a global network - always available to customers on site.

Frank Höreth, Head of Maxolution Business Development at SEW-Eurodrive