Technology roller for automated intralogistics

The third evolution of the product launched on the market ten years ago, the BL3 drive roller series by Rulli Rulmeca is offered still today as a valid and performing system to motorize the conveyors of boxes and packed materials. Thanks to the different configuration possibilities, it lends itself to the realization of both simple and complicated automation, in an Industry 4.0 perspective.

Ten years after its launch on the market, Rulli Rulmeca’s BL3 series roller conveyor has proved to be a valid solution to automate material transfer processes on roller conveyors. The roller is particularly suitable for plants requiring frequent start/stop cycles, optimized operating consumption and safety of operators on board the line. Applications include the airport, logistics, mail, e-commerce, manufacturing, packaging, automation, automotive, distribution and sorting center sectors.

A simple component for 4.0 automation

With a 50 mm diameter, the roller is equipped with a Brushless motor having an integrated driver and a sintered planetary gearbox operating at 24VDC low voltage. Fully configurable in the torque/speed ratio and in the system of motion transmission to the adjacent rollers, it can be simply controlled, without additional electronic boards, by simple switches and potentiometers or directly interfaced to the I/O modules of the PLC; all this without giving up the set of integrated electronic protections or the system which avoids regeneration during the package braking phases. While maintaining its simple connection, the BL3 Drive Roller can be connected to more complex systems thanks to the modules which interface with AS-Interface and I/O-Link protocols.
Thanks to the use of these devices, it is possible to realize automations, even complicated ones, perfectly integrated in the concept of Industry 4.0.
To make the control even simpler, electronic boards for interfacing with PLCs able to regulate intermediate speeds or modules for the realization of roller conveyors for accumulation without package pressure (called ZPAs) are available as an alternative. The latter are stand-alone systems which do not need to be programmed.

Guaranteed constant traction in all operating conditions

The BL3 drive roller also stands out for its sturdiness, which enables it to move both light weights at high speeds and heavy materials at medium and low speeds.
The torque generated by the powerful Brushless motor guarantees the maintenance of the speed (within certain ranges) when the load changes.
The patent filed by Rulmeca concerning the transmission system inside the roller allows, using only positive couplings of the primary and secondary transmission mechanical parts, to enjoy the maximum safety of drive and traction.
Thanks to this exclusivity, the BL3 Drive Roller is not subject to slippage of the active components in charge of motion transmission. Constant traction is thus guaranteed in every situation, even when environmental factors such as humidity and temperature vary.

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Different configuration options ensure flexibility of use

Thanks to a special setting, available as an option, the Drive Roller can be configured as a slip clutch roller conveyor, and can therefore be installed in accumulation conveyors with package pressure. With this special configuration it is possible to obtain a totally integrated roller conveyor drive system, providing the conveyor with a clean and linear design. The BL3 Drive Roller can also be easily configured for coupling to Poly-V belt pulleys, round belt or chain so as to motorize additional driven rollers present in the roller conveyor. The roller pipe can also be selected according to the needs: Rulmeca is able to propose pipes, always with electrolytic galvanization, of different thicknesses defined as reinforced configurations. Special pipe processing is also possible such as knurling, turning, balancing and coating with definable thicknesses of rubber with the chosen hardness or with PVC or Polyurethane sheaths to guarantee an always optimal grip.
For food finishing environments, stainless steel configurations can be created. Finally, thanks to its simple installation, both electrical and mechanical, the roller can easily and quickly replace old motorizations, or automate non-motorized roller conveyors. Rulmeca also supports customers in the customization of the product, where necessary, greatly reducing the activities related to the design.