Three Methods for Accurate Motor Management to Facilitate Precise Movement in Positioning Conveyors!
In the world of automated systems, the precision and efficiency of conveyor systems play a crucial role. One of the key factors that contribute to this precision is the use of pulse control, a method that translates electrical signals into exact mechanical position changes.
A conveyor motor, installed in operations requiring variable speeds, is responsible for ensuring the motion of a conveyor, whether it's carrying a load or not. The choice of motor depends on the specific application requirements, with servo motors being a prime choice for position control due to their ability to ensure precise positioning and speed control.
Pulse control effectively manages the positioning of stepper and servo motors in conveyor systems. For stepper motors, each pulse causes the motor shaft to rotate a precise step, enabling exact control of position without requiring feedback sensors. In servo motors, pulse control is implemented using pulse width modulation (PWM), where the width of each pulse determines the angular position of the servo shaft.
The control system of a conveyor is geared specifically towards positioning. It consists of an electrical motor, pulley, roller, or belt, along with various components such as PLCs, temperature sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, load cells, and software components for smooth and safe operation. Network control involves a single connection between the primary controller and the motor through a network interface such as RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet TCP, Ethernet UDP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or CANopen.
In pulse control, the PLC provides signals for travel length and speed, direction of travel, and smooth operation through ramping up of pulse frequency. Analog input receives a specific voltage from the PLC to alter the target velocity as required. A minimum frequency of 20 kHz is required for proper operation of pulse control, with higher frequencies leading to increased operational costs.
Velocity control with analog input allows for precise adjustment of motor speed in addition to accurate acceleration and deceleration. This ensures that objects are moved with precision in conveyor systems, allowing for precise placement and movement.
The article on Positioning Conveyors was written by Dhruv Mehta and published on December 5, 2023. It underscores the importance of pulse control in conveyor systems, highlighting its effectiveness in managing the positioning of stepper and servo motors. For industrial conveyors, pulse control offers a reliable and efficient method for precise control of motor velocity, making it an invaluable tool in the automation industry.
References: 1. Servo Motor Control: An Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.controleng.com/controleng/articles/servo-motor-control-an-overview/ 2. Pulse Control. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.automationdirect.com/knowledge-center/academy/motion-control/pulse-control 3. Stepper Motor Control. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.automationdirect.com/knowledge-center/academy/motion-control/stepper-motor-control 4. Conveyor Systems: Design, Control, and Optimization. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128154317/conveyor-systems-design-control-and-optimization 5. Pulse Control Modules for Conveyor Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.automationdirect.com/knowledge-center/academy/motion-control/pulse-control-modules-for-conveyor-systems
- Data-and-cloud-computing systems can be integrated with automated conveyor systems to optimize logistics and transportation processes, streamlining the distribution of goods.
- The emerging trend in conveyor automation is the implementation of technology enhancements like pulse control, which not only enhances the precision of positioning but also reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.
- With the adoption of advanced technologies such as automation, data-and-cloud-computing, and pulse control, the future of logistics and transportation lies in optimized and efficient conveyor systems.
