Control Solution For Electric Cylinders That Can Be Used Worldwide

One instead of many: For global manufacturers of machines and systems, it is an advantage if they can fall back on aggregates and components that can be used equally worldwide. As a supplier of system components, RK Rose + Krieger was also confronted with this topic.

Each network requires its own control

“Many of our customers are very strong in export. In discussions, it turned out that there is a need for action, particularly with control solutions for electric drives such as lifting columns and electric cylinders,”explains Holger Schmidt, Key Account Manager at RK Rose + Krieger. Many of the common controls available on the market can still only be used for a certain mains voltage, so that each network requires its own control. In addition to the non-existent global usability, duty cycle and performance also left something to be desired in many cases. “Many particularly cheap controls are not powerful enough. This is particularly annoying during commissioning, since the lifting column has to be moved up and down constantly,”says Schmidt.

A new solution should also optimize user-friendliness and adaptability to individual needs, simplify service and at the same time be compatible with the fundamentally increased customer requirements for electric lifting columns. For example, lifting columns that are suitable for very special applications are increasingly in demand. The Minden specialists took care of these customer requests and not only developed numerous new lifting columns with the Multilift II product range, but also a new control system for the electric drives with the Multi Control II.

Additional information on the subject of the Multilift II lifting columns

The Multilift II lifting columns from the linear technology portfolio from RK Rose + Krieger are used for the continuous height adjustment of work tables, devices, assembly workplaces and comparable applications. In addition to the motorized adjustment, the narrow drive elements offer stable guidance. Since all of the technology is hidden inside the elegant lifting column, no cladding is required.

In addition to the two-stage standard version, the product family also includes the telescopic version Multilift II Telescope and the Multilift II Impact with integrated damping system for absorbing high impact forces. The Multilift II Clean for clean room applications as well as the Multilift II ESD with electrically conductively connected profiles and the Multilift II Safety with integrated fall protection for overhead applications complete the product range. All models were created by adapting to different customer requirements.

Switching power supply developed by hand

In order for the drive control to be able to be used independently of country-specific mains voltages, a compact and powerful switching power supply with wide-range input was required. Since there was no device on the market that met the requirements of RK Rose + Krieger, the company from Minden quickly developed its own networkable switching power supply. "We are doing real basic research and can now come up with a technology that has never existed on the market before," explains Lukas Göking, product manager for electric drives at RK Rose + Krieger.

The new switched-mode power supply manages the balancing act between low energy consumption and high performance. For example, it is able to move a weight of 600 kg up and down several times on two lifting columns, while remaining “cool”. This is ensured by a cooling metal housing. At the same time, the control scores with a significantly longer duty cycle than comparable products.

Hand switch makes service easier

Even the basic version of the control has numerous innovative software functions such as dynamic duty cycle calculation, temperature monitoring and visual status reporting. In conjunction with the new hand switch with six function keys and a graphic display, the user can enter stroke limits and memory positions, and change or set the stroke display or base height. Particularly easy to service: the parameter settings of one system can be transferred to other systems using the hand switch. In addition, the user can integrate their own websites or assembly instructions in the national language of their customers via QR code.

ergonomics

Tips for the optimal workplace

In addition, the current consumption of the drives and the error history can be viewed on the display of the hand switch. Many problems - including tension in the system or a stall - can already be resolved by the customer himself or by phone through the service of RK Rose + Krieger. The elaborate placement of power sockets is a thing of the past. By the way: The hand switch menu can be set in five languages - German, English, French, Spanish and Italian.

Extended software functions

The premium version of the Multi Control II has additional software functions developed by RK Rose + Krieger. These include integrated collision detection as well as absolute and relative positioning. The software function "Absolute positioning" enables the precise approach to a previously defined position in relation to the entire adjustment range. The "Relative positioning" function allows the step-by-step movement based on the current position of the drive. The integrated collision detection detects obstacles in the up and down movement - regardless of loads and other environmental parameters - and stops in time to protect the product.

Among other things, it demonstrates its advantages in nested workplaces where there is a risk that the individual work levels get stuck. The user can decide whether to set the control so that it automatically clears when stuck or simply stops. For example, a work table may move automatically, but a monitor level may not, since it must first be checked whether no further damage has occurred.

Ideal for control rooms

The possibilities of the Premium version of the Multi Control II are particularly important when used in control rooms. Different types of drives are often used on the table level than on the monitor level. For optimal work ergonomics, the two levels must be able to be moved independently of one another. So far, two controls were required. One control is sufficient today: the Multi Control II Quadro in the premium version. Thanks to an appropriately programmed drive group management, the control system recognizes the different drive types. Both groups can be moved separately, in parallel or synchronously using the hand switch. Also for assembly workstations with a front working level (table) and a rear operating level (material boxes, etc.)) the user benefits from this drive group management.

Even if a basic programming of the control has been defined in advance, it can be changed during the commissioning of the drive system of a height-adjustable work or assembly work station and adapted to the actual requirements. Completely customer-specific programming of the control is also possible. “With all its features and functions, the Multi Control II often brings our customers to completely new ideas and solutions. This shows us that we are on the right track,”concludes Lukas Göking.

User meeting mechatronic drive technology

The focus of the user meeting mechatronic drive technology is on the mechanical components of gears, clutches and brakes as well as their design, dimensioning and interaction in the overall mechatronic system.

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