Decentralized Supply/Mains Modules have cabinet-free design.

Press Release Summary:




Rated IP65 against dust and water stream ingress, IndraDrive Mi modules let machine manufacturers integrate all drive components directly into machine without control cabinet. Mains module includes mains filter, mains regulator, and mains protection in one device. Energy recovering power supply, control electronics, brake resistor, and brake transistors are located in supply module. Units support all common Ethernet-based protocols and can be connected in series.



Original Press Release:



IndraDrive Mi: Entirely Cabinet-Free and Modular



Complete reallocation of all electric drive components to the machine saves production space



Rexroth is moving the complete drive technology from the cabinet to the machine with decentralized supply and mains modules.



Plant space is valuable. For this reason, end-users demand more compact machines in order to increase their production capacities within an existing space. Considerable space savings can be achieved by giving up separate control cabinets. Bosch Rexroth is now developing the technology necessary to turn this theoretical approach into a reality. In addition to the company’s proven motor-integrated and near-motor IndraDrive Mi drives, the company has developed decentralized supply and mains modules. This is how machine manufacturers can integrate all drive components directly into the machine without the need for a control cabinet. Rexroth designed the cabinet-free supply and mains modules like its motor-integrated and near-motor drive modules with IP65 classification to protect against dust and water stream protection for robust use directly in the machine.



The mains module includes a mains filter, mains regulator and even the mains protection in one device. The energy recovering power supply, control electronics, brake resistor and brake transistors are located in the supply module. The machines and modules are connected to the power supply directly without deviation via the cabinet. This reduces machine assembly wiring by 90 percent.



With the decentralized modules, machine manufacturers can also connect up to 20 IndraDrive Mi units in series in a cable harness up to 200 meters long. Significantly more drives can be switched in series, depending on power consumption, cable length and selected options. In adjacent near-motor drives, a newly developed hybrid plug further reduces assembly work. These protected connector pieces, used for communication and power supply, are simply plugged into an adjacent IndraDrive Mi unit by assembly technicians.



The cabinet-free drive technology extends the possibilities of modularized machine concepts. Machine manufacturers can pre-assemble modules and then connect them to one another at the cabinet without any further work. In addition, Rexroth increases the modularity with standardized interfaces for communication: the IndraDrive Mi supports all of the common Ethernet-based protocols, such as ProfiNet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT, all on one piece of hardware with the Multi-Ethernet interface via the automation bus Sercos. The hardware remains identical and selection occurs purely via software. Additionally, a connection to Profibus via Gateway can be created.



To achieve consistent modularization, machine manufacturers are increasingly reallocating control functions to the individual machine modules. With the drive-integrated control unit from Rexroth, drive functions, motion control and flow logic merge into an open automation platform. This IEC 61131-3 standards-based motion logic system controls complex motion tasks. The drive-based control by Rexroth coordinates up to nine IndraDrive Mi units as slaves in real time.



About Bosch Rexroth:  

Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, Factory Automation, and Renewable Energies to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source. With locations in over 80 countries, roughly 36,700 associates generated sales revenue of approximately 5.7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in 2013. To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth.com



About Bosch:

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros ($61.2 billion.) (NB: Due to a change in accounting policies, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, the Bosch Group invested some 4.5 billion euros in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents. This is an average of 20 patents per day. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com and http://twitter.com/BoschPresse



In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. For more information, please visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca



Contact for Journalists:

Bosch Rexroth Corporation

Susan Strauss

2315 City Line Road

Bethlehem, PA 18017

Telephone (610) 694-8352

Fax (610) 694-8352

susan.strauss@boschrexroth-us.com



Godfrey Public Relations

Ginny McCreary

40 North Christian Street

Lancaster, PA 17602

Telephone (717) 393-3831

Fax (717) 393-1403

gmccreary@godfrey.com

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