The demands on the technical performance of zero pressure accumulation material flow systems are constantly increasing. It is no longer just a question of throughput volumes or a greater variety of goods to be transported. With increasing automation, the intelligent control of the flow of goods in conveyor systems also plays an important role. With the DC platform, Interroll has developed a technology platform that meets these requirements.

"With this new platform, a unique range of conveyor solutions can be implemented - from autonomous conveyors that can be put into operation via plug-and-play without the use of a PLC, to individualized high-performance systems that can be integrated seamlessly and transparently into the data world of modern Industry 4.0 applications for monitoring in control rooms, for preventive maintenance or other functions," explains Armin Lindholm, Managing Director, Global Center of Excellence Rollers & RollerDrive in Wermelskirchen, Germany

48-volt technology
With the new modular platform, it is now possible for system integrators and system manufacturers to design conveyor systems not only in 24-volt, but also in 48-volt technology on request. 48-volt systems, for example, allow the use of up to 50 percent fewer power supply units compared to 24-volt systems. They offer the use of smaller cable cross-sections, enable longer cable lengths or reduce sources of error, for example due to voltage drops on the cables. This leads to significantly lower investments in the overall system and to commissioning with significantly reduced error potential.

Three power levels
The new DC platform not only offers customers extended options in terms of voltage design: Flexibility also increases with the mechanical output power of the new EC5000 roller drive. The new motorized rollers are available in 20 watt/35 watt and 50 watt versions, which meet different transport requirements from light to heavy goods.

To support the implementation of conveying solutions for heavy goods, not only is the 50 watt power option available, but also roller drives in pipes with a diameter of 60 instead of 50 millimetres. There are also the design options "IP66" and "Deep Freeze", which allows the solution to be used where cleaning with strong jets of water is required or products have to be conveyed at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees.

New communication options
In addition to the analog interface, the EC5000 will also be available with a bus interface based on the Canopen standard on request. This makes modern conveyor systems transparent in terms of data technology for the first time. In conjunction with the multi-protocol-capable control system from Interroll (Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Ethercat), a wide range of information and functionalities can be visualized on the screen via the PLC or a web interface. One example is the display of general information on the current operating status and the operating load of the individual drives over time. At the same time, the controllers can be used to read out a wide range of information, such as precise error states, the torque or the temperature, from each individual drive.

The bus interface of the new Rollerdrive also enables the implementation of new control functions, such as those required in the automation environment. Not only can the acceleration, speed and braking of the conveyed goods in the system be influenced more precisely, but the respective goods can also be positioned on the conveyor line with millimetre precision - a prerequisite for the seamless interaction of conveyor solutions with robots or automatic gripper arms. as