Automation Parts

Multi-Speed Transmission Improves Electric Cars Vocis has developed a multi-speed transmission that will contribute to the acceptance of electric vehicles, and will display it at EVS, the Electric Vehicle Symposium (to be held 13-16 May in Norway). Simulations show that a two-speed configuration could reduce the battery energy consumed by five to 10 per cent over the industry-standard New European Drive Cycle, without increasing cost or packaging volume; it could also extend battery life and potentially help downsize the power-train and battery pack. Andy Turner, EV transmissions specialist at Vocis, said: 'Electric motors have a very wide operating range, but that doesn't mean that they are equally efficient at every speed. 'The torque curve of a typical traction motor is well suited to vehicle propulsion, having maximum torque from zero speed and a wide constant power region. 'However, there is a 'sweet spot', typically at medium speed and medium to high l...

George Koch And Excel Combine To Transport Cars Excel Automation has designed and installed a 70-metre vehicle-handling system to transport the Ford Transit through an underbody treatment plant made by George Koch for Ford's Southampton factory. The system can handle thirty vehicles an hour. The circular system comprises a 6in overhead 'Power and Free' conveyor with three pneumatic pusher-assemblies and two scissors-lifts that raise and lower vehicles at the load and unload positions. The overhead conveying system is equipped with seven gull-wing type vehicle-carriers that transport the Transit vans. The automatic finishing booth designed by George Koch uses two spray robots to apply an anti-corrosion material to the underside of Transit vans in the final operation before vehicles leave the plant. A manual back-up booth provides security of production. At ground level, Transit vans are driven to a vehicle-load area and onto a platform mounted on one of the scissors-lif...