Reducing the total time required to assemble, configure, and commission a plant by up to 80%, EasyHandling from Bosch Rexroth seamlessly integrates all drive and control technologies with linear systems, standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces, and new commissioning assistants to simplify the automation process. Based on a three level architecture, it includes the basic, comfort, and advanced variants. These cover all levels of automation – from mechatronic actuators, to intelligent axes, through to the preconfigured system solution – and enable efficient up- and down scaling. The EasyHandling basic variant encompasses mechanical single and multiple-axis systems, ready to install, with motors and pneumatics and thus spans all mechanical drive principles. Pneumatic actuators such as grippers and rotary modules, as well as sensors, are also available. A solution-oriented software selection tool shortens configuration and detailed planning. Preconfigured servo drives from the company expand the entire range of basic axes for EasyHandling comfort. Using newly developed hardware that supports several Ethernet protocols, servo drives realize communication with IndraDrive Cs controllers via SERCOS III Ethernet, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCat. It is also possible to outfit the drives with a PROFIBUS or other traditional communication interface. EasyHandling comfort thus combines high versatility with ease in commissioning. Featuring already defined electrical and mechanical data for each axis, the EasyHandling commissioning assistant recognizes the electronic nameplate of the IndraDyn motor and links the data to the mechanical parameters after the serial number of the linear module is entered. This narrows down the scope of commissioning to specifying a few application-specific parameters and cuts the time otherwise required by up to 90%. EasyHandling also greatly simplifies design and assembly, since a form-fit connection method reduces the need to fabricate adapter components by up to 75%. In the third level, EasyHandling advanced, the company integrates a scalable, preconfigured motion-logic controller compliant with the IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen standards in the handling systems. It replaces extensive programming with fast configuration thanks to predefined functions. The controller assumes the coordinated point-to-point motions and smoothing and optimized handling paths for Cartesian systems. The drive controller software provides the operator with maintenance instructions that correspond to the specific run times and travel paths based on the axis-specific mechanical data defined. This ensures that the lubrication intervals are maintained, for example. The result is a much longer service life and reduced risk of mechanical failure.
Edited by: Teoman Tugsuz
