The reducer is the core component in industrial transmission systems, its main function is to reduce the motor speed through gears, worm gears, and other mechanisms while proportionally increasing the output torque. In the field of conveyor systems, the reducer is almost the "heart" and "source of power" for all mechanized and automated conveying equipment.

The demand for the reducer in the conveying system is essential

Conveying systems usually require low-speed, high-torque motion to drive heavy loads, while the motors themselves are typically high-speed and low-torque, so this contradiction needs to be addressed through a reducer.

The reducer can lower the speed to match the requirements. It reduces the high speed of thousands of revolutions per minute of the motor to a low speed of dozens or even a few revolutions per minute required by the conveyor belt or sprocket.

The reducer can increase torque to drive the load. By multiplying the reduction ratio, the output torque increases, thereby providing enough force to pull a conveyor belt or chain loaded with materials.

The reducer enables inertia matching. The reducer can adjust the ratio of rotational inertia between the motor and the load, making the system's start, stop, and speed regulation smoother, avoiding impacts.

The reducer is used to protect the motor. In the event of overload, the reducer first bears a larger torque, playing the role of a "safety device" to protect the motor from damage.

Application of Reducers in Main Conveying Equipment

1.Belt conveyor

Belt conveyors are widely used for long-distance and high-capacity material transportation in mines, ports, power plants, cement plants, and grain processing. Their function is to drive the rollers, continuously moving the conveyor belt through friction. They require a large starting torque and a stable operating speed to overcome the static friction of the belt and the weight of the load. Typically, hard-toothed gear reducers are used, such as R-series helical gear reducers, F-series parallel axis reducers, or direct use of geared motors, which are compact and easy to install. In extremely heavy load situations, a planetary gear reducer is used to achieve greater torque and higher reliability.

2.Chain conveyor

Chain conveyors are used to transport heavy, large, or high-temperature materials, such as beer bottles, automotive production lines, drying equipment, lifts, etc. Their function is to drive the sprocket to carry and transport materials through chains and chain plates. A reduction motor that can withstand the impacts and vibrations brought by chain transmission is required, commonly using worm gear reducers or helical gear reducers. In automated production lines, servo planetary reducers are also widely used for precise positioning.

3.Screw conveyor

Screw conveyors are used for the horizontal, inclined, or vertical conveying of bulk materials such as powders or granular substances, including grain, coal, and cement. Their function is to drive the screw shaft to rotate, pushing the material forward through the spiral blades. They require a low rotation speed for the reducer with a high torque requirement and must withstand the axial force caused by the material resistance, often utilizing shaft-mounted reducers or worm gear reducers.

4.Roller conveyor

Roller conveyors are very common in fields such as packaging, express sorting, and assembly production lines. Their function is to drive the rollers to rotate, moving items through friction. They come in various forms, which can be driven by a single roller or in groups, often using micro gear reduction motors, continuously variable speed reducers, or electric rollers, and the structure is very compact.

5.Elevator

The elevator is used for vertical or large-angle lifting of materials, such as in grain storage, mining, and feed mills. Its function is to drive the top head wheel, which moves the buckets or plates for cyclical lifting operations. It requires a large starting torque and reliable braking to prevent reverse motion due to the weight of the load when stopping. A reducer with a brake is necessary, and common choices include worm gear reducers or gear reducers equipped with brakes.

How to choose the appropriate reducer for conveying equipment

When selecting a reducer for conveying equipment, multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively.

In terms of operating conditions, factors such as required torque, operating speed, and load type must be taken into account.

Regarding installation forms, there are four types: foot-mounted, flange-mounted, shaft-mounted, and electric drum installations, catering to different needs;.

The types of reducers vary based on the differences in actual conveying equipment.

Helical gear and bevel gear reducers have high efficiency, strong load capacity, and long lifespan, making them the preferred choice in most heavy-duty and high-speed ratio applications in the conveying field.

Worm gear reducers have a large single-stage transmission ratio, compact structure, and self-locking function, but with lower efficiency and a tendency to heat up, suitable for medium and small power, intermittent work, and scenarios requiring self-locking.

Planetary reducers have a compact structure, high precision, greatly enhanced load capacity and stiffness, and high transmission efficiency, making them suitable for high precision, high torque, and space-limited applications, but the cost is relatively high.

Cycloidal pinwheel reducers have a large transmission ratio, compact structure, and strong overload capacity but are gradually being replaced by gear reducers.

Summary

         Reducing gears are an indispensable core for power transmission and control in modern conveying systems. From light industry to heavy industry, from low speed to high speed, and from light load to heavy load, almost all continuous conveying equipment relies on reducing gears to provide stable, reliable, and efficient drive. TianQi in China offers you a variety of reducing gears to ensure higher cost performance and better quality, securing the production efficiency, operational stability, and service life of your conveyor line.