| Take-ups in overhead conveyor
systems provide a means of compensating for chain wear or stretch.
Although in some cases take-ups can be omitted, they generally should be
considered a necessity for satisfactory conveyor operation.
Overhead
conveyor take-ups consist of an outer fixed frame and a moveable inner
frame. The inner frame is mounted on rollers and supports the expansion
portion of the conveyor rail. The inner frame rolls within the
stationary frame to prevent development of slack in the chain as it
lengths due to wear or stretch.
Take-ups for overhead conveyors are built in two basic types: manual
and automatic. Manual take-ups are satisfactory where chain length is
not great and the conveyor is not exposed to elevated temperatures.
Automatic take-ups are required on conveyors which must operate through
ovens or other enclosures where higher temperatures are encountered.
Applications involving exceptionally long conveyor may require two
take-ups - one automatic, the other manual.
Take-ups should be located at a 180°
turn and on the output side of a drive unit. They should be placed, if
possible, at the bottom of a vertical curve where they have a greater
tendency to pull slack chain away from the drive unit. This is
particularly important where a manual take-up is used. This arrangement
precludes telescoping or buckling of the chain as it is advanced by the
drive. |
Multiple-drive conveyors or
reversible conveyors present special problems in location and operation
of take-up mechanism. Such cases should be referred to the Anchor
engineering staff for design recommendations.
Anchor take-ups can be
provided with either roller turns or traction wheels, and can be
equipped with any of the bearing designs indicated in the
roller turn
and traction wheel sections of the Anchor
Online Product Catalog. They can be furnished with a
full 180° of arc or as a spread take-up
where two 90° sections are employed with a section of straight rail
between them.
Many special take-up designs are
available. Large radii take-ups utilizing multiple traction wheels are
among the special engineered by Anchor. In some cases, it may be
desirable to provide for removal of an entire unit spacing of the chain;
i.e., to remove at one time a complete section of chain between
load-carrying trolley assemblies. Take-ups having very long frames can
be furnished for this requirement.
Anchor take-ups are built for
dependable, trouble-free operation. The movable frame operates
horizontally. The inner frame is solidly supported in this way to
eliminate any tendency to bind in any direction. Special attention is
given to the expanding rail portion of Anchor take-ups to insure a
smooth, unimpeded rail surface for trolley movement throughout the
take-up's full range of adjustment. |
