In logistics centers, production lines, and similar settings, materials undergo processes such as handling, transportation, sorting, and storage. These components collectively facilitate the efficient, stable, and controlled movement of unitized goods (e.g., cartons, pallets), serving as the foundation for building automated conveyor lines and flexible workstations.
II. Detailed Classification of Main Components
1. Conveyor Components (Broad Sense)
Definition: A general term for all parts used to assemble, connect, drive, and maintain a complete conveyor line.
Core Function: Acts as the "skeleton" and "nervous system" of the system. It includes not only parts that directly contact the goods (such as rollers below) but also:
Structural Parts: Frame, legs, connecting plates.
Power & Transmission Parts: Motor, gear reducer, chain, belt, tensioning device.
Safety & Auxiliary Parts: Guardrails, emergency stop switches, sensors, guide rails, diverters.
Importance: Determines the overall rigidity, stability, power source, and control logic of the conveyor line.
2. Roller Components
Definition: The core rolling units on a conveyor line that directly support and enable the movement of goods.
Core Function: Acts as the "legs" and "wheels" of the system. Classified by function:
Driven Roller: Actively rotates, providing conveying power.
Non-Powered (Idler) Roller: Rotates passively, used in gravity-fed or manual conveyor sections.
Specialized Rollers: Lagging Rollers (anti-slip, cushioning), Tapered Rollers (for curves), Troughing Rollers (for belt centering).
Key Components: The internal bearings, axles, and external mounting brackets directly determine the roller's load capacity, resistance, lifespan, and adjustability.
3. Ball Transfer Units
Definition: Components that achieve omnidirectional, flexible rolling, consisting of a large load-bearing ball supported by multiple smaller balls housed in a socket.
Core Function: Multi-directional precise positioning and transfer on a plane.
Application Characteristics:
Suitable for workstations requiring manual pushing, frequent adjustment of goods position or orientation.
Often densely installed on plates to form ball transfer tables.
Typical Scenarios: Production line mold change tables, assembly workstations, mobile bases for heavy equipment, auxiliary transition platforms in sorting areas. Not suitable for continuous, high-speed conveyance.
4. Multi-Directional (Muirhill) Wheels / Omni Wheels
Definition: Modular turning devices consisting of a "cluster" of multiple small, angled wheels.
Core Function: Enables low-cost, low-resistance, smooth turning of goods during conveyance.
Working Principle & Distinction:
When goods move straight, the wheels roll in the direction of travel. When turning is required, lateral friction causes the individual wheels to rotate, guiding the goods effortlessly around corners.
Comparison with Ball Transfers: Muirhill wheels are designed specifically for continuous turning during dynamic conveyance and are core components of curve conveyors. They generally offer higher load capacity and durability.
5. Flow Rails / Gravity Roller Tracks
Definition: A sliding track system consisting of an inclined aluminum profile frame with built-in multiple rows of rollers (or balls).
Core Function: Utilizes gravity to achieve automatic sliding, temporary storage, and First-In-First-Out (FIFO) management of materials.
Application Characteristics:
Must be installed at an incline, relying on the goods' own weight to slide from the higher end to the lower end.
Combines the dual functions of conveyance and buffering, effectively regulating process rhythm.
Typical Scenarios: Picking shelves (flow racks), supply systems alongside production lines, buffer/queuing areas before packaging lines.
