Anchor Conveyor Products, Inc.

United States

Roller turns are the most economical device, from the standpoint of first cost for providing radial support to overhead conveyor chain around a horizontal turn. Although they lack many advantages of traction wheels turns, they can perform a satisfactory job in most conveyor installations. Because of lower first cost, they are widely used. Anchor roller turns are constructed with a separate mounting frame from which roller segments, segment support brackets and rail are supported. This sound construction method simplifies installation in addition to providing a rigid, well braced turn. The separate mounting frame enables the turn to withstand chain pulls far in excess of any that might be encountered in service. This unusual strength achieved produces an inherent safety factor not found in systems where the rail itself provides the backbone for the turn. Anchor roller turns can be built to any required radius (12″ or greater) and any degree of arc up to 180°. Standard radii, which should be used whenever possible for economy reason, are 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″ and 60″. Standard turn arc are 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 180°. Larger radii and other turn arcs are available on special order. When transporting large objects , which require support from two separate conveyor trolley assemblies, it is sometimes necessary to specify a large radius turn, such as a 14′ radius. In such a case, it is usually more economical to break the turn into a series of smaller increments, such as several 18″ radius turns at 15° arc, in sufficient number to accomplish the total desired turn. Anchor roller turns are generally furnished with lubrication fittings in the roller pin. They also can be provided with lubrication-for-life rollers or with other special bearings if required. On the overhead conveyor layout drawing, a length of straight rail equal to one trolley spacing should always be allowed between tangent points adjoining horizontal turns and vertical curves In determining the proper size turn to employ, care must be taken to insure no interference between adjacent loads as they negotiate the turn.

Forged rivetless chain is the most often used on trolley conveyors. High strength-to-weight ratio, capability to flex both horizontally and vertically, and ability to be assembled without tools and remain assembled in service, all contribute to make this type of chain the logical choice for long service with minimum maintenance cost. All chain parts are drop steel for maximum strength. Special alloys are available and chain parts can be heat treated and magnafluxed, if required. Pins are placed through the center link and held in position by notches in the side bars when they are installed. Symmetrical design of the pin allows for 180° rotation if new wear surfaces should be required. The improved “X” type chain is recommended for overhead trolley conveyors. This type is heat treated for greater strength and wear properties, and the modified center link design has superior flexibility for negotiating vertical curves.

Sprocket style drive units are designed for installation at a horizontal turn. They are normally supplied with a 36″ pitch diameter sprocket which directly engages the conveyor action. Other common sprocket sizes are available. The large sprocket sizes utilized with this style drive impose greater torque requirements on the reducer. As a result, larger reducer sizes are necessary for a given chain pull than for comparably rated caterpillar drives. Standard track configurations are 90° and 180 ° as illustrated. The same design considerations relating to load clearances and sizing of horizontal turns must also be applied to sprocket drives. Power train components to suit any specific application can be supplied. More specific application information regarding sprocket drives is available on application.