Design Guidelines
Transport System Layout
QuickStick HT User Manual
61
Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-UM007F-EN-P - September 2020
Nodes
Once all paths have been identified on the QSHT transport system layout, the nodes connect-
ing those paths must be defined (see
for an example). Node definition includes
identifying the type of node being used.
Nodes define the beginning of all paths and the connections between paths. See the
QuickStick
Configurator User Manual
, for a detailed description of nodes and all node
types. The node types that the QSHT transport system supports include:
•
Simple Node
– Defines the beginning of a path (that is, there is no other path that is
connected at this point).
•
Relay Node
– Connects the end of a path to the beginning of a path.
•
Terminus Node
– Defines the start or end of a path where vehicles move to or from
the QuickStick HT transport system.
•
Gateway Node
– Connects a path in one Control Group in a transport system to a path
in another Control Group within the same transport system.
•
Merge Node
– Connects the ends of two paths to the beginning of another path.
•
Diverge Node
– Connects the end of one path to the beginning of two other paths.
•
Overtravel Node
– Permits a vehicle to move past the end of the motor at the end of a
path.
•
Moving Path Node
– Connects the ends of multiple paths to the beginning of other
paths using a host-controlled mechanism.
NOTE:
The connections to the motors at the ends of all paths that meet in a node must be
made to the same node controller.
Figure 3-3: Sample QSHT Transport System Layout Showing Nodes
Diverge
Merge
Path 2
NOTE: Arrows indicate direction of forward motion.
Path 1
Path 3
Motor Drives
Nodes
1 Diverge
1 Merge
1 m motor
Qty
QSMC motor controller
1/2 m motor
QSMC-2 motor controller
Paths
Description
3
3
25
13
3
2