The working principle of a conveyor belt is based on a mechanical design featuring friction drive and continuous conveying. Its core lies in driving the conveyor belt to move cyclically via a driving device, thereby achieving the continuous transportation of materials. The specific process can be divided into the following key links:
Firstly, power transmission is the foundation. One end of the conveyor belt is fitted with a drive roller, which is powered by an electric motor through a reducer. When the drive roller rotates, the friction between its surface and the conveyor belt propels the conveyor belt forward; the direction-changing roller at the other end is responsible for altering the running direction of the conveyor belt, enabling it to form a closed loop and realize cyclic operation.
Secondly, material carrying and conveying are the core functions. Materials are placed on the upper surface of the conveyor belt. As the conveyor belt keeps moving, the materials move forward in synchronization with the conveyor belt by means of static friction between themselves and the conveyor belt (or through auxiliary structures like baffles), from the starting point to the end point. During this process, the idler group beneath the conveyor belt plays a supporting role, reducing the sag of the conveyor belt and ensuring its stable operation. For instance, the upper idlers support the upper branch of the conveyor belt that carries materials, while the lower idlers support the lower branch of the empty conveyor belt, preventing the conveyor belt from excessive deformation due to its own weight or the weight of the materials.
In addition, the tensioning device is crucial for ensuring stable operation. Tensioning devices (such as hammer-type and spiral-type ones) exert a certain amount of tension to maintain sufficient friction between the conveyor belt and the drive roller, preventing slippage; at the same time, appropriate tension can also reduce the slack and deviation of the conveyor belt during operation, guaranteeing conveying efficiency and safety.
In simple terms, the operation of a conveyor belt is a process of "power drive → belt movement → material following → cycle". With such continuous and efficient characteristics, it is widely applied in scenarios such as mines, ports, and manufacturing industries, and has become a core piece of equipment in modern logistics conveying systems.
