Circular conveyor
A circular conveyor , also called a circulating conveyor , is a stationary conveyor system in which the moving parts of the system circulate on a closed path, which, however, usually does not describe a circle in the geometric sense.
construction
The circular conveyor consists of an endless chain that runs around in a rail profile (usually open at the bottom). Individual hangers are attached to this chain, which in turn carry the goods. By rolling on the chain, the weight of the chain and the sling including the load is transferred to the rail (the latter not with Power & Free systems (see below)).
The chain usually runs at a constant speed through continuous conveyors ; In the case of smaller systems, however, the machine can also work in cycle operation .
As a rule, the individual chain links are connected to one another by joints in such a way that the system not only describes horizontal curves, but can also overcome height differences. In these cases the hangers must be attached to the chain in a pendulum fashion.
There are two basic types:
- conventional circular conveyors: Here the hangers are attached directly to the chain at regular intervals. If the individual hangers are to stop (e.g. for loading or unloading), then the chain must also be stopped.
- "Power & Free - Systems" (also called drag circle conveyors ): Here, each hanger is attached to a small trolley. These carriages run in a separate rail that is laid below the one in which the chain is located. They are positively coupled to the chain, but can be disengaged as desired. This allows the conveyor chain to run continuously while the individual hangers can be stopped or discharged as required. Since the actual drive does not move with it, the hangers, in contrast to overhead conveyors, can also pass through ovens or the like, for example.
The hangers are adapted to the goods being conveyed. Examples of corresponding modifications:
- Tines for transporting euro pallets ,
- Devices for rotating the hanger around the vertical axis,
- Devices for the automatic dropping of transported bags.
application
Circular conveyors are primarily used to transport piece goods ; however, bulk goods can also be transported that are packed in appropriate containers.
Circular conveyors are used in various branches of industry and business. They can be operated as a pure conveyor system, for example to move workpieces in automated production from one processing station to the next. However, the conveyed goods can also be processed during transport, for example when passing through kilns , paint shops, etc.
A well-known example of the use of circular conveyors are slaughterhouses .
Due to the low conveying speed , circular conveyors are not suitable for transporting bulk goods.