Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced the launch of the NRH305DR, a new ‘no-contact’ rotary position sensor that extends the company’s portfolio of position sensors and offers an optimal combination of performance, safety and cost for OEMs designing vehicles and control systems.
Sharing many of the same features and benefits as the NRH300DP model launched in 2016, the new NRH305DR rotary position sensor – from the Penny & Giles brand family – enhances system performance by incorporating two completely independent power supplies and output channels for full electrical redundancy, operating from a 5Vdc regulated supply.
With an 8mm low-profile sensor body and small footprint, this fully-encapsulated, IP68/IP69K-rated sensor offers exceptional levels of performance against water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature. The separate magnet assembly that activates the sensor can have a permissible air gap between 1.5mm and 8mm (depending on magnet style) and can accommodate up to ±2mm radial offset to ease setup and installation.
Versatile, factory-programmable electronics can be easily set to one of two analog voltage output ranges or one of three PWM frequencies. Additionally, the polarities of each of the analog outputs can be independently set, with on-board diagnostic functions ensuring the outputs are put into safe, pre-defined states should an internal sensor error be detected.
Features and benefits of the NRH305DR include:
• No-contact design and sensing technology provides wear-free operation
• Can be factory set to correspond to rotations of 20° to 360° in 1° increments
• Industry-standard 38mm mounting centers – for easy replacement or upgrades
• Analog output from 0.5-4.5V or 0.2-4.8V
• Transmissive measurements can be made through non-magnetic materials
The new NRH305DR – which replaces the company’s legacy NRH285DR rotary position sensor – uses proven, wear-free Hall-effect sensing technology. The design features a number of magnet arrangement options, and includes an over-molded magnet carrier that simplifies the interfacing of the magnet and sensor during installation. Optional bolt, plug or loose carrier variations are also available.
Curtiss-Wright Industrial division has announced the launch of the JC1210, a single-axis paddle joystick that extends the company’s recently-introduced JC1200 family by incorporating latching and overpress functionalities and offering multiple mounting solutions in a single body. This makes the new joystick controller ideal for use in control panels and armrest assemblies found in material handling vehicles, industrial trucks, agricultural equipment and construction machinery, where cost-effective, long-life operator controls are essential.
Developed by Curtiss-Wright’s brand family of Penny & Giles, the JC1210 paddle joystick features an additional 10 degrees of travel at both ends of the axis, which can be specified by machine designers and end users for either latching or overpress functions – or a combination of both – to meet system requirements to hold functions at full speed/float.
By using a long-life bearing system and non-contacting Hall-effect sensing technology, the JC1210 has already been rated to 5 million cycles (to start of overpress/latching) while providing functionality that is smooth and easy to operate. A soft-touch colored insert area of the paddle – which has a choice of nine colors – increases operator comfort and decreases the likelihood of finger-slip during operation.
Key features of the JC1210 include:
• An under-panel depth of 9mm, requiring minimal installation space
• A spring-loaded return-to-center paddle movement
• Colored ergonomic soft-touch grip
• IP67 protection of internal electronics and joystick-to-panel
• Two mounting-panel fixing variations (center line or corners) in one body
Like the JC1200, the JC1210 paddle joystick launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and the option for factory-programmable electronics configured to one of two analog voltage output ranges (0.5-4.5V or 1.0-4.0V). The three electrical termination options include an integrated Molex connector, a flying lead with Molex connector or header pins.
The option of paddle overpress and/or latch, electrical terminations, output sense, output voltages and paddle soft-touch colors means the JC1210 paddle joystick will be launched with over 600 variations.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced that it will be using its stand (Stand B07, Hall 17) at Agritechnica 2017 to promote products from its family brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls.
Curtiss-Wright has relationships with many industry-leading OEMs and is highly-experienced in working with agricultural machinery designers to provide safety-critical components and sub-systems that can withstand environmental challenges (e.g. water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature extremes) and are ergonomically-optimized for efficient operator control that reduces fatigue and increases productivity.
For example, new vehicle cab designs have been adopting electronic Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) that replace multiple hydraulic levers and discrete components, with fully-integrated armrest assemblies providing the vehicle operators/drivers with numerous new and existing capabilities.
And for many agricultural applications, Curtiss-Wright is developing vehicle controls designed to incorporate multiple functions that can be operated with the use of just one hand, finger or thumb. These controls typically incorporate push-button switches, rotary thumbwheels and joystick paddles and levers, which variously offer switched and proportional control of the vehicle’s numerous features.
• Arens Controls: Rapidly emerging as a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision operator interface control systems and power management systems for commercial on- and off-highway vehicles. The all-new WTI-Traction Inverter series offers state-of-the-art technology and innovative design for use in hybrid and pure-electric on- and off-highway applications. Other products include electronic and cable-operated shifters for controlling automatic and hydrostatic transmissions; and dual-axis, friction and single-action lever controls that are fully customizable with options including shaft orientation, sensor positions and knob color.
• Penny & Giles: Joystick controls – including its latest JC1210, JC040 and JC050 models – are available in single- and multi-axis configurations and can be specified with multiple handle options to provide proportional control within the HMI for numerous applications. The company’s linear, rotary, tilt and pressure sensors are also suitable for numerous agricultural vehicle applications.
• PG Drives Technology: Small electric vehicles benefit from the use of compact AC and DC motor controllers and systems. The i-Drive is a permanent magnet DC motor controller which is highly cost effective, but provides advanced traction control features for walk-behind machines and small material handling vehicles in the agricultural industry.
• Williams Controls: Products include robust suspended and floor-mounted electronic throttle controls, lever-operated and rotary electronic hand controls and cost-effective non-contact rotary position sensors for high volume applications. The heavy-duty WM-540HD suspended pedal is an example of an extremely durable pedal that provides outstanding performance for agricultural-based applications.
From the latest on- and off-highway commercial vehicles, to the rapidly developing hybrid and fully electric vehicle market, Curtiss-Wright engineers are focused on developing bespoke, innovative solutions and next generation technology. This intelligent engineering, from initial concept to finished product, demonstrates the Industrial division’s commitment to providing the advanced control and power management systems demanded by today's agricultural vehicle manufacturers.
With design and manufacturing capabilities in the USA, United Kingdom, China and India, Curtiss-Wright Industrial is well-placed as a global provider. Its many facilities makes it possible to manufacture products more efficiently and assemble completed units for whenever and wherever they are needed throughout the world. And its manufacturing capability is backed by sales and technical support teams in over 45 other countries, ensuring exceptional levels of efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the publication of a brochure – available in both English and Chinese languages – that introduces a wide range of products designed specifically for the mobile elevating work platform sector.
The brochure features a representative selection from Curtiss-Wright’s portfolio of robust, MEWP-targeted products – including joysticks, sensors, motor controllers and Human Machine Interface Controls – which are cost-effective and benefit from high-volume economies of scale, aiding both supplier and customer alike. The range also extends beyond simple component supply to address the full electrical system requirements of mobile elevating work platforms.
The company – including its Penny & Giles and PG Drives Technology brands – has established a leading position in the aerial work platform (AWP) market thanks to its highly-responsive commitment to specific customer requirements. Curtiss-Wright’s diverse application knowledge base covers a wide range of machines including vertical mast, indoor/outdoor scissor lifts and both articulating and telescopic booms.
Typical MEWP installations include tilt sensors for monitoring chassis inclination, boom and scissor angle; rotary position sensors for indicating steering position and scissor height; joysticks for controlling drive, steering and platform lift/lower; pressure sensors for indicating hydraulic system pressure; motor controllers for traction drive and lift control; and human-machine interface solutions for operator consoles.
With changing safety legislation in North America, the ANSI standards will incorporate mandatory platform load sensing as a safety feature, meaning that Curtiss-Wright products are ideally suited to comply with these standards through their understanding and compliance with the European EN ISO 13849 standard.
For a copy of the new AWP brochure visit http://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/AWP, email cwig.uk@curtisswright.com or call +44.1202.034000.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced that it will be attending the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta, USA, and showcasing solutions for the control and monitoring of vehicles, including applications throughout the on-highway commercial vehicle sector from Booth #1140.
The Industrial division includes a number of established specialist business units with expertise in the design, testing and manufacture of a range of components and sub-system solutions for the safe and reliable operation and control of on- and off-highway commercial vehicles. Many of the systems designed and developed can be found in applications on today’s most advanced commercial vehicles including medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school and transit buses, recreational vehicles and agricultural and off-highway equipment.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division – including its legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls – is a recognized leader in providing components and sub-systems that enable customer specific solutions for a wide range of material handling equipment, including pallet/stacker trucks, reach trucks and counterbalance trucks.
For one application, NRH272 rotary position sensors from the Industrial division’s brand family of Penny & Giles have been specified for use on a range of British-designed and manufactured electric forklift trucks from Nexen Lift Trucks.
The Challenge
To maximize storage space within a building footprint, aisle width in warehouses is being reduced and many lift truck manufacturers are having to adopt the latest technologies to ensure material handling vehicles can operate safely and effectively within these new narrow-aisle environments. Additionally, many lift truck operators are reviewing the environmental impact of running forklifts using traditional internal combustion engines but, until recently, electric-powered vehicles haven’t been able to providesimilarlevelsofperformanceandproductivity associatedwithtraditionalinternal combustion applications.
During its research and development process, Nexen identified the need for electric models and itslatestX-Rangeincludes the three-wheeledFBXT lift truck usingaNexen-designedandmanufacturedaxle; andafour-wheelFBXversionusingapurpose-designedsteeringaxle.
Forbothaxletypes, Nexenneededrotarypositionsensorsthatcoulddetectsteeringposition, withfeedbackfromthesensorenablingcontrolofthetruckspeedanddirection, anddisplayedtotheoperatorviaacabin-mounted Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Commenting for Nexen, technical manager Shaun Bailey says: “We needed a sensor that would combine maximum functionality with a design that was robust enough for our application. Angle range, redundancy, voltage range and versatility were all considered before we chose Curtiss-Wright.”
The Solution
A bespoke version of Curtiss-Wright’s NRH272 has been supplied with a 5V power supply option, 10-90% voltage output, Deutsch DT04 connectors and an electrical output set to correspond to rotations of between 20°and 360°. For added safety functionality, the sensor’s on-board diagnostic functions mean the outputs can enter into safe, pre-defined states should an internal sensor error be detected.
With over 30-years’ experience in the materials handling sector, Nexen has established itself as a reliable and cost-effective manufacturer of high quality, innovative products for the materials handling market. As Shaun Bailey explains, the Curtiss-Wright NRH272 complements Nexen’s reputation: “Much like Nexen, Curtiss-Wright has a reputation for quality and dependability, so when looking for a high quality sensor, it made sense to consider the NRH272.”
The Curtiss-Wright NRH271/NRH272 range of non-contact, rotary position sensors with Hall-effect sensing technology is designed to supply an optimum combination of performance, safety and cost effectiveness. The sensor is accommodated in a low-profile housing with a compact footprint; and its robust design offers outstanding protection from water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature, making it ideal for use in arduous, on- and off-highway vehicle applications. In addition, its incorporated non-contact, Hall-effect technology makes the sensor incredibly hard wearing.
Connection options are industry-standard AMP Superseal (IP68 rated) or Deutsch DT04 series (IP67 rated) connectors, or simple flying leads for customer termination. The sensor can also be supplied with a protective conduit for the cabling.
The Results
Having been designedfromthegroundup, Nexen’s all-electric X-Range lift trucks use integrated technology – including Curtiss-Wright’s NRH272 rotary position sensors – toprovideunprecedentedcombinationsofperformance, productivityandcost-effectiveness, all withoutcompromisingoperator safety and comfort.
The FBX and FBXT models within the X-Range are the latest in the Nexen line-up of electric counter-balanced forklift trucks. They have been specifically designed for the logistics and warehousing sector, whilst being developed to apply the most advanced technology and versatility available. The three- and four-wheel variants allow for a range of applications including the loading, unloading, shunting and storage of raw materials, goods and production materials; with lifting capacities ranging from 1.6 to 2 tonnes and different motors, transmissions and mast options available. Both models are also available in long- and short-wheel-base formats to provide a productive and energy-efficient solution for numerous lifting applications.
Having brought the design, manufacturing, research and development processes back from Taiwan to the UK, Nexen expects the X-Range to be extremely successful in the European market. “We originally handled manufacturing and R&D in Taiwan but, in recent years, have brought it back to the UK. It’s a big step for the company because it gives us much more control over the product and quality; and it gives us the ability to put our forklift trucks in the hands of some of Britain’s top designers and engineers.” says Shaun.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo North America 2017 and promoting products from its legacy brands of Arens Controls and Williams Controls from Booth #1118.
The Industrial division has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing solutions for the monitoring and control of vehicles, including applications throughout the on-highway commercial vehicle sector.
Many of the systems designed and developed by Curtiss-Wright can be found in applications in the hybrid vehicle market and on today’s most advanced commercial vehicles including medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school and transit buses, recreational vehicles, and agricultural and off-highway equipment.
Robust design of new JC050 is ideal for arduous applications in hand-grips and HMI consoles
Curtiss-Wright Industrial division has announced the launch of the JC050, a Hall-effect thumbwheel roller that is suitable for integration within joystick hand-grips and other in-cab human-machine interfaces (HMI) in specialty off-highway vehicles.
Designed by the Corporation’s brand family of Penny & Giles, the JC050 features a low under-panel depth of 23mm and return-to-center functionality over a range of ±37° roller travel. The new thumbwheel roller is rated for 3 million operating cycles thanks to the use of non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology. The JC050 roller benefits from a ‘pass through’ design for any liquid or dust contamination. Electronic robustness is assured by sealing of the internal electronics to a rating of IP67.
To ensure safety is enhanced, the JC050’s dual-redundant electronic architecture is constructed using two power supplies and two sensing circuits, the outputs of which can be set to positive ramps, a combination of positive and negative ramps, or full voltage range over half travel from each sensor with constant output in the other half travel.
Other key features of the JC050 include:
The JC050 launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and connection via 3-, 4- or 6-way flying leads based on input/output requirements.
New model expands joystick range and offers non-contact proportional control for hand-grips and HMI consoles
Curtiss-Wright Industrial division has announced the launch of the JC040, a single-axis, Hall-effect proportional rocker that is suitable for arduous applications in specialty off-highway vehicles.
The JC040 builds on the success of legacy potentiometric versions available from the Corporation’s brand family of Penny & Giles, and uses non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology for long-life integrity of the output signal. The IP67-rated JC040 provides safety functionality via dual outputs – which can be set to positive or a combination of positive and negative ramps – and also benefits from independent supply voltages for each of the outputs.
The JC040 rocker is designed for integration within joystick grips and other in-cab human-machine interfaces; and benefits from a ‘pass through’ design for any liquid or dust contamination. Electronic robustness is assured by sealing of the internal electronics to a rating of IP67.
An optional, mechanical over-press feel – that operates at ±20° of travel from center positon – is integrated within the JC040 design to provide additional operator feedback. The electrical output of this mechanical feature can be used in a system to indicate a new mode of operation such as a rapid traverse.
Key features of the JC040 include:
• Return-to-center, ±25° rocker action
• 21mm under-panel depth
• Rated for 1 million operating cycles
• Dual supply, ensuring signal integrity
• Supplied as standalone unit or integrated into the Penny & Giles AMF range of grips
The JC040 launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and connection via a 6-way flying lead.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the REHACARE® International Trade Fair & Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany, and showcasing a range of medical mobility products, including the recently-launched CJSM2-BT joystick module from its PG Drives Technology family brand.
As one of four established specialist business units of Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, PG Drives Technology has been designing, manufacturing and marketing sophisticated mobility control systems for over 40 years and is now one of the world's foremost suppliers of these products.
New at this show will be the company’s recently-launched R-net CJSM2-BT, a Bluetooth- and infra-red-enabled version of its popular CJSM2 Joystick Module. Integrated Bluetooth technology enables wheelchair users to control personal computers, Android tablets, iPhones, iPads and other smart devices from the joystick module. The infra-red communication is widely used to remotely control household appliances such as TVs, DVD players and multi-media systems, as well as some home-automation equipment.
Also on display is the R-net LM, a Lighting Module that provides a compact and cost-effective solution providing 12V or 24V control of lamps. Lighting and turn-signal indicators are mandatory for most European markets and their safety requirements, which are based on the automotive industry, are tough to meet. Nevertheless, the LM complies with all relevant standards and includes features such as constant-brightness control of 12V lamps and turn-signal fault detection. The module is an ideal complement to the ISM-8 or Complex Seating Module (CxSM), when lighting control is needed in conjunction with high-specification seating.
To complete its impressive suite of mobility products, the company will also be showcasing its other LED and LCD Joystick modules for the R-net system, add-on modules for R-net, and the VR2 range of control systems, which set new standards of performance and value for mainstream wheelchair controllers.
