Accumulation Conveyors are used to transport and accumulate cartons and unit loads. These conveyors are used to hold product for gradual release into a cell or work area. Such a conveyor might be used for instance to release one package at a time to a robotic pickup station.
An example of Minimum Pressure Conveyor, called Lineshaft Conveyor.
There are two major types of conveyors in this category; "Minimum Pressure Conveyors" and "Zero Pressure Conveyors". The term pressure refers to the amount of force exerted from the conveyor onto a package or part. A Minimum Pressure Conveyor releases parts gradually into a work cell, but the parts are touching one another and exerting a slight force on each another. A Zero Pressure Conveyor also releases parts gradually into a work cell, with no part touching any other part.
Zero Pressure Accumulation
Zero pressure accumulation occurs when the driving force is completely removed form the load. This is usually accomplished by way of sensors in combination with various mechanical means such that when a load is stopped on a sensor, the driving force in the zone behind the stopped load is dropped away.
A minimum pressure conveyor is a contiguous conveyor system. There are no zones and the amount of sensors and controls needed is at a minimum. One must be very careful when designing a minimum pressure system because proper operation is highly dependent upon the dimensions and weight of the specific packages involved. On the other hand, a zero pressure system can be comprised of almost any type of conveyor, roller, chain, belt etc. You need not be so careful with the design because the weight and dimensions are not so critical. A zero pressure system is by definition a zone type of system, where each conveyor section is a zone that will need to be controlled separately. Hence, more sensors and software are involved. Source:http://www.material--handling--system.com/accumulation-conveyor.htm |
