Geared motors take disconnect clutch onboard

The GKK series from Lenze are geared motors with a manually operated clutch that disconnects the motor and gears from the output shaft. Designed for conveyors and particularly electric overhead monorail conveyors, the GKK range is designed with high radial load capacity at the output shaft, suiting heavy overhung loads. Monorail overhead conveyor systems create a flexible and efficient means of transportation for factory materials handling through their high level of automation.

The control and drive technology of a monorail overhead conveyor comprises the following elements: signal and energy transmission using brush gear or by means of induction systems; decentralised motor control for the entire motion control of the carriage, including speed control, monitoring of the motor, separation monitoring, data transmission and diagnostic options; and the geared motor with clutch for manual carriage advance.

The Lenze geared motors in monorail overhead conveyor systems for light load applications are available in two sizes (GKK04 and GKK05) with permissible radial loads up to 5600 and 8000N and torques up to 70 and 160Nm, respectively.

Motors can be supplied at 42 or 400V with optional spring operated brakes.

With their compact dimensions and ability to absorb high radial forces, the geared motors are well suited to monorail overhead conveyors.

The helical bevel teeth achieve a high degree of efficiency for matching torque to speed.

The monorail overhead conveyor geared motors correspond to the BDI directive 3543 (C1 standard).

They incorporate a reliable mechanical clutch that can be used to interrupt the flow of power between the output shaft of the gearbox and the drive shaft of the motor.

The clutch lever is located on the opposite side to the motor.

Both disengagement and re-engagement is possible with the motor running.

Operators may disconnect the clutch to move a conveyor trolley by hand, for example, to a parking position.

This is easily done without back driving the gearbox or the need to override brake motors.

This design also allows the geared motor to be used in ground-level conveyors.

In addition to the flange-mounted design, the gearboxes are also available with threaded bores on the top and bottom, providing flexible mounting options.

In service the drive can be disassembled quickly without removing the running wheel.

This reduces downtime and thus costs.

The development of the monorail overhead conveyor (EHB) geared motors is based on an established design from the GKR range of bevel gearboxes using helical bevel gearing that has a high efficiency of 96%.

As well as saving energy compared to worm and wheel alternatives, the lower energy requirements mean that the cost of installing power cabling is lower.

In rail transportation systems that run across entire factories, decentralised motor control systems represent the link between the monorail overhead conveyor and the higher level automation technology.

They provide the necessary intervention options, the flow of data and transparency for the installation.

The system is equally suited to simple tasks as to more complex tasks.

Examples of this are the control of several motors on a single carriage, infinitely variable speed control with frequency inverters or the separation control system, which regulates the distance between the carriages.

All the data relevant to automatic operation, such as the position of the carriage, can be transmitted directly by means of collector wires or inductive systems.

With geared motors and decentralised motor control systems, Lenze offers a complete drive system for monorail overhead conveyors.

With these co-ordinated components, interface problems are a thing of the past.

In addition, different conveyor delivery rates, travel profiles or transport speeds can be configured much faster and more precisely.