The INHILIFTER TSP140-Laser is a different kind of forklift.
The base vehicle – a mass-produced forklift NOVA TSP140 from Atlet – was turned into an automatically or manually operated ground conveyor. The secret to its success: Indumont’s expertise implemented in an X20 CPU from B&R.
The NOVA TSP 140 series forklift from Atlet is a solid piece of equipment. Indumont modified it to create three operating variations. The drive unit with fully electronic pulse control provides optimum performance with minimum maintenance costs. Variants of the forklift are available with different lifting capacities, different maximum lifting heights, equipped for either single or double pallet handling or with a wider base.
The operator decides
The tasks for which the INHILIFTER was designed are no different from those of other forklifts. It can be used for storing, stacking, and transporting pallets and wire carts, and helps to streamline the order picking process. What is new about Indumont’s product is that all these tasks can be completed automatically, manually, or using a combination of the two. It is up to the operator to decide whether to ride along with the INHILIFTER or to allow it to operate automatically in the warehouse.
The laser will find the way
When using the INHILIFTER for unmanned transport, the path and load changes can be recorded directly using the teach-in process, or they can be uploaded to the controller from a CAD plan. Laser navigation is used to find the path.
Safety is ensured in the front by a laser scanner with configurable warning and protective fields and in the back by light sensors under the tips of the forks. Additionally, there are several E-stop buttons integrated on the forklift. If multiple INHILIFTERs are working together, a control computer takes over coordination of the tasks.
An implementation example
The innovation of allowing use as an unmanned transport vehicle or as a manual forklift can be seen in an example illustrating the semiautomatic loading of a truck on a loading platform. The control computer sends the INHILIFTER information about the products that it should transport from storage to the loading platform. The vehicle then automatically executes these assignments. Once it reaches the platform, the truck driver takes over manual control, transports the pallet to the truck’s loading bridge, and then returns the INHILIFTER to the loading platform. When the lift’s automatic button is pushed, it returns to storage to retrieve the next pallet.
B&R technology in the forklift
'Big power in a small space' is the motto that applies to the selection of the optimum automation system for a forklift. B&R’s X20 System is one of the most compact systems available on the market. Yet the PLC still ranks in a performance class approaching that of an industrial PC. This is a deciding factor, since the controller must react quickly and reliably to information from the laser navigation system. B&R’s graphics-capable panel operating device boasts a user-friendly menu structure as well as quick and simple integration options. Installation of the panel in the switching cabinet door makes for efficient manufacturing of the entire switching cabinet and optimum utilisation of the available space.
For more information contact Rob Snowball, Klare Technologies, +27 (0)41 503 9900, rob@klare.co.za, www.klaretech.com
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version