With the increasing employment of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) in factories and warehouses, there are great opportunities for companies that can develop and supply technology relevant into this developing market.
One area of key importance is the motive power source employed to drive these vehicles. In addition to delivering the power required the drive units must be compact and as efficient as possible in order to maximise battery life. Typically, they must have a low floor clearance profile to maximise use of headroom for loads whilst also minimising the space required within the AGV to accommodate them so load capacity is optimised.
An example of such technology is the ‘Smartris’ drive unit from Lafert, which is equally suitable for tow vehicles, assembly line trucks and mobile robots to mention just a few of its potential applications. Two ranges are available currently, the ECO Line and PRO Line to give an extended range of performances to match specific end user requirements.
The Lafert Smartris is a compact, battery-powered unit comprising a Cycloid Gearbox, Servo Motor, Drive and Wheel with rubber tyre. It features a gear in-wheel design that provides low floor levels demanded to help maximise an AGV’s space and load carrying potential.
Overall dimensions of the Smartris from the smallest to the largest units are 110 to 196mm (flange) and 249 to 309mm total length. Motor only lengths are 157 to 196mm. Payload capacities of the existing systems range from 800 up to 2,700Kg. Nominal wheel torques go from 16 to 87.5Nm with speeds to 2m/second and accelerations of 1.0m/s2.
Application flexibility for AGVs is offered thanks to various mounting options – including shaft rotation and frame rotation. Consequently, it is easier to incorporate into a vehicle’s design. In addition, there is a wide range of load capacity options to further extend the systems potential applications.
Another advantage of the Lafert Smartris is the fact all the major components – including the Gear, Servo Motor and Drive – are produced by companies within the Sumitomo Group.
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