Interroll Pallet Control PC 6000 enables zero-pressure pallet conveyance.

Interroll is expanding its decentralized control and drive concept, which has been used successfully for years with the Interroll 24V DC RollerDrive and the Interroll MultiControl for zero-pressure unit load handling. Now, the portfolio also includes a special solution for pallet conveyance.

The Interroll Group, the world’s leading provider of material flow solutions, now also enables zero-pressure pallet conveyance. The new Pallet Control 6000 control unit, available now, is a key component of the complete solution, which also includes the conveyor rollers, the MultiControl and the Interroll Pallet Drive. It allows the use of 400V AC drive technology.

This new solution makes uninterrupted, trouble-free material flow much easier to achieve: Until now, zero- pressure pallet conveyance usually involved great costs using programmable logic controller (PLC) software and additional pneumatics to ensure an automated flow of goods at the transfer points to, for example, the stacking machines or lifts in the warehouse. However, the solution from Interroll eliminates the need for centralized PLC cabling and PLC programming. The new control unit serves as a link between the drive and Interroll’s proven MultiControl, which again provides the complete logic for zero-pressure conveyance.

Simple, energy-efficient, gentle on materials, and compact

A pallet conveyor using Interroll technology is energy-efficient as it is not under continuous operation. Rather, it can be split into different zones, which are able to activate and deactivate automatically, as and when required. This offers the benefit of only using energy when material is actually being conveyed by the system. So, the only pallet drives activated at any given time are those that are currently required to enable the optimum flow of pallets. The integrated soft start function reduces the starting torque, which relieves the load on all mechanical components, thereby providing for optimum pallet acceleration. Pallet overrun after the Pallet Drive has been switched off is also regulated by Pallet Control.

Another benefit of this solution is its compact nature: As a drum motor, the Interroll Pallet Drive has the same dimensions as the conveyor rollers used. It can, therefore, be seamlessly integrated in a conveyor profile. This means that the drive station requires no extra space, and the conveyor can be fitted directly on the floor or integrated in a turntable. Compared with solutions using an external gear motor, this represents significant space savings.

The use of the MultiControl allows visualization of the conveying system and is certified for PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT fieldbuses. It is, therefore, very easy for the user to operate.

Component for Logistics 4.0: Performance data and functions for preventive maintenance

Many of the functions are designed for preventive maintenance. The Pallet Control Configurator, which can be downloaded from the Interroll website, allows you to easily change parameters or modify the direction of rotation via the USB connection of the Pallet Control, without having to move and replug cables. Current and power can be monitored and the current status is displayed. In addition, the total operating time of the respective Pallet Drive is displayed, which allows you to preventively arrange the necessary maintenance. This reduces maintenance requirements and possible downtimes to a minimum. A thermal protection contact and continuous analysis of current consumption protect the Pallet Drive against overload. The optional brake in the Pallet Drive is also activated via Pallet Control. Alternatively, Pallet Control can be activated via other 24V digital inputs or a 0-10V DC analogue input.

This solution is suitable for pallet weights of up to 1,250 kg and a conveyor speed of up to 0.22 m/s. It therefore covers all common applications in the market.