Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts are devices used for material transportation from one place to another. They consist of a structure and a drive system. In this lesson, we will provide a detailed description of the construction and drive of conveyor belts.

Motivation phase
Different types of conveyors

Look at the photos and try to answer this question.

For what purposes and where can conveyor belts be used?

Photos from: https://pikwizard.com
https://www.pexels.com

Information phase
CONSTRUCTION OF CONVEYOR BELTS

– The construction of a conveyor belt consists of structural elements. The structural elements include gears, rollers, and beams that support the belt. Gears are used to drive the belt, while rollers provide support for the belt. Beams serve as support for the rollers.
– The belt itself consists of a cover layer, which serves as the surface for material transfer, and a layer of fabric or cord material, which reinforces the belt. The cover layer can be made from various materials, including rubber, plastic, or metal.
– The structural elements are arranged in a plane along which the conveyor belt moves. Rollers are mounted on the beams and enable the movement of the belt. The construction of a conveyor belt can be adapted to different operating conditions, including the length of the belt, roller height, and arrangement of structural elements.

Information phase
Watch the video

Watch the video and try to write down the most important components of the conveyor belt

Information phase
THE DRIVE OF CONVEYOR BELTS

Read the text and look at the photo below

  • The drive of a conveyor belt is the system that powers the belt. It consists of an electric motor, a gearbox, and a power transmission system. The electric motor drives the gearbox, which, in turn, drives the rollers on the belt.
  • The electric motor is usually located at one end of the conveyor belt and is connected to the gearbox through a belt or gear mechanism. The gearbox is used to reduce the speed of the motor to a suitable speed for driving the rollers on the belt. The power transmission system consists of a chain, gears, or a belt that transfers power from the gearbox to the rollers.
  • The drive of a conveyor belt can be adapted to different operating conditions, including the belt speed, carrying capacity, and motor power. The conveyor belt drive system can be automated to adapt to the production process.
Information phase
THE DRIVE OF CONVEYOR BELTS

Look at the most important parts of the conveyor belt system

Photo is made in Canva app by the author, and it is free to use.

Information phase
Conclusion
  • Conveyor belts are indispensable tools in industrial processes for transporting materials. They play a vital role in various industries, including mining, construction, chemical, and food processing.
  • The construction of a conveyor belt comprises structural elements, while the drive system powers the belt. Components such as rollers, drums, and the belt itself are essential for its operation. These elements can be customized to meet specific production requirements.
  • Conveyor belts can be customized to accommodate diverse production needs, including variations in height, length, carrying capacity, speed, and motor power. This adaptability ensures optimal performance and efficiency in material transportation across different industries.
  • Modern conveyor belt systems are often automated and integrated into production processes. Automation enhances efficiency, reduces manual handling, and improves worker safety. Additionally, integration with sensors and control systems enables precise monitoring and management, making conveyor belts indispensable in automated manufacturing environments.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vuCWzDJpEuhmzP40GHrnyqYNQsSume0X/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=102882728393035289706&rtpof=true&sd=true
Consolidation phase
Questions

Answer the questions

  1. Where are conveyor belts used?
  2. What are the main components of a conveyor belt?
  3. Where is the electric motor typically located?
  4. What is the gearbox used for?
  5. What is the role of the electric motor in a conveyor belt?
Consolidation phase
Let's match

Match the component to its function in a conveyor belt system:

Consolidation phase
Let's play
Consolidation phase
Label the diagram

Let's see if you remember the parts of a conveyor

Resource information

Level: Level 5
Subject: Automation and robotics
Language: English
Estimated time to complete: 15+ minutes