 |
CR100
RONWIN
A gravity curved roller conveyor is a non‑powered conveying device that relies on gravity or manual pushing to turn materials – typically at 90°, 45°, or 180°. It uses tapered rollers to create a differential linear speed between the inner and outer sides of the curve, guiding cartons, pallets, and other loads smoothly along the arc.
In warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing assembly, directional changes in material flow are common. Compared with motorised curved conveyors, a gravity curved roller conveyor offers clear advantages。
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy‑saving & eco‑friendly | Operates entirely by gravity or manual push – no electricity consumption, extremely low operating cost. |
| Simple construction, easy maintenance | No complex drive or control systems; few components, low failure rate. Daily maintenance is limited to keeping rollers clean and freely rotating. |
| Smooth, low‑noise operation | The tapered roller design ensures stable turning with minimal impact and low noise. |
| High cost‑effectiveness | Much lower initial investment than powered curve conveyors. |
| Great flexibility | Easily integrates with straight gravity or powered conveyors to suit complex plant layouts. |
| Convenient manual pushing | When installed horizontally, the low‑resistance bearings make it easy for a single operator to push medium loads (e.g. filled cartons, light pallets). Ideal for short‑distance transfers between workstations, picking, and restocking. |
When installed at a slight incline, materials enter the curve section and move along the arc under the gravity component. The key to smooth turning is the tapered roller – its diameter gradually increases from the inner side (near the curve centre) to the outer side. This creates a linear speed difference: the outer side has a longer path and requires a higher speed, while the inner side has a shorter path and a lower speed. This differential guides the load steadily along the centreline of the curve.
The standard taper is 3.6°, corresponding to an inside turning radius of approximately 800 mm. The tapered rollers are mounted with their axes inclined at 1.8°, keeping the roller surface horizontal.
When the conveyor is installed horizontally (no slope), the low‑friction bearings allow operators to push loads (cartons, pallets, totes, etc.) manually along the conveying direction. This mode is particularly suitable for intermittent, low‑frequency, or labour‑intensive operations, requiring no power connection and expanding the equipment’s versatility.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Curved frame | Made of high‑strength steel, precisely bent to the required arc (45°, 60°, 90°, etc.), ensuring a smooth turning path. |
| Tapered rollers | The core load‑carrying and guiding elements. Available in two configurations (see section below). |
| Legs & levelling feet | Support the curved frame; height‑adjustable to align smoothly with upstream/downstream sections and to set the required slope or horizontal installation. |
| Side guards | Mounted on both inner and outer sides of the frame to prevent loads from derailing due to centrifugal force. |
LONGWEI offers two roller configurations to suit different operating conditions:
| Comparison | Option 1: Steel Roller with Standard 3.6° Tapered Sleeve | Option 2: Steel Plate‑Welded Tapered Roller |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Standard steel cylindrical roller fitted with an outer PP plastic tapered sleeve | One‑piece tapered roller formed by welding steel plates |
| Cost & lead time | Modular sleeve production (pitch 50/100 mm, covering 250‑1150 mm) – cost‑effective and fast delivery | All‑steel construction, relatively higher cost |
| Durability | Plastic sleeve has moderate wear resistance | All‑steel structure, robust and high load‑capacity |
| Corrosion & rust protection | PP sleeve is corrosion‑resistant and easy to clean | Can be surface‑treated (zinc plating, chromating) as required |
| Noise level | Low noise from the plastic sleeve | Slightly higher noise than the plastic‑sleeve version |
| Maintenance | Worn sleeves can be replaced individually without changing the whole roller | Minimal maintenance – only bearing lubrication needed |
| Applicable load | Medium‑duty loads | Heavy‑duty loads (pallets, heavy parts, etc.) |
| Operating temperature | Ambient temperature | –5 to +40 °C |
Option 1 is recommended for medium‑duty applications where cost and delivery time are priorities, and is particularly light and flexible for manual pushing.
Option 2 is better for heavy‑duty, high‑durability requirements; if manual pushing is needed, consider auxiliary assistance (e.g. a push cart) for heavy loads.
| Parameter | Specification / Range |
|---|---|
| Turning angle | 45°, 60°, 90° (120° and 180° optional) |
| Roller small‑end diameter | 50 mm |
| Inside turning radius | Recommended 900 mm (standard 3.6° taper corresponds to approx. 800 mm) |
| Roller taper angle | ≤ 6° |
| Frame inner width | 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500 mm |
| Frame height | 300 – 1500 mm |
| Frame material | Steel plate, bent |
| Leg material | Rectangular steel tube |
| Maximum load capacity | 200 kg |
| Maximum conveying speed | 30 m/min (gravity sliding); manual push speed is operator‑controlled |
| Operating temperature | –5 to +40 °C |
| Standard taper | 3.6° |
Note: The above are standard specifications. Custom designs are available upon request. For a quotation, please provide material dimensions, unit weight, packaging type, turning angle, effective width, and other relevant details.
| Application Area | Specific Use |
|---|---|
| Warehousing & distribution centres | Guiding full pallets and cartons through sortation systems for corner transfers and temporary storage allocation; horizontal installations can serve as manual picking/restocking lanes. |
| Manufacturing & assembly lines | Enabling directional changes for heavy parts, semi‑finished and finished goods; can be combined with push carts for manual workstation‑to‑workstation transfer. |
| Food & beverage distribution | Suitable for stable unit loads such as canned or bottled goods along distribution routes. |
| Logistics & parcel handling | Used for diverting roll cages, trolleys, and heavier unit loads. |
| Labour‑intensive work areas | Between packing, inspection, or assembly stations, horizontal installation allows workers to easily push materials, reducing repetitive handling and improving efficiency. |
Q: What is the maximum load capacity of the gravity curved conveyor?
A: The standard model has a maximum capacity of 200 kg. For heavier loads, Option 2 (steel‑welded tapered rollers) with reinforced design can be considered.
Q: Does the conveyor need to be installed at an incline?
A: Not necessarily. An inclined installation enables gravity sliding; a horizontal installation allows manual pushing. Both modes effectively achieve curved conveying.
Q: How long is the service life of the conveyor?
A: Under normal use and proper maintenance, the steel frame and rollers can last more than 10 years. For Option 1, the plastic tapered sleeves are consumable and can be replaced individually when worn – no need to change the entire roller.
With its simple design, reliable performance, and excellent value for money, the LONGWEI gravity curved roller conveyor offers an economical and flexible turning solution for a wide range of material‑handling applications – whether you choose gravity sliding or manual push. For more information or customised solutions, please contact us.
