Wheel motors for automated guided vehicles used in intralogistics must address a wide range of requirements. The aim is to create compact, rugged and agile solutions that can be flexibly adapted to specific application requirements through a choice of drive options. Frequently, high payloads along with an overload capability when braking and accelerating are required. The wheel motors must be able to be simply integrated into existing systems and commissioned. In addition, permanently reliable and functionally safe operation and an optimized price/performance ratio are demanded.

b-drives GmbH uses Siemens SIMOTICS E-1EE1 brushless internal rotor DC motors in its differential* eWheel drives for automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These brushless DC motors in extra low voltage (24 V / 48 V) offer a high power density in a very compact design (maximum stator length: 60 mm; maximum diameter: 80 mm). The modular system encompassing six motors with rated powers ranging from 150 W up to 750 W, a 4000 rpm rated speed and three gearbox variants cover a wide range of applications. Two internal encoders are integrated as standard to simply implement functional safety. With the appropriate control, SLS (Safely-Limited Speed) and SDI (Safe Direction) can also be implemented. Efficiencies up to 90% and 3 times overload capability clearly demonstrate the performance of this innovative drive system. SIMOTICS E-1EE1 motors are compatible with SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE and the associated encoders.

* the AGV is controlled by two independently driven wheels and the speed difference between them. The AGV can turn on the spot, making it extremely maneuverable.