2009-01-31
New Tsubaki Direflex Modular Unit
Single Unit Combines a Variety of Materials Handling Features
Versatile, compact size
Tsubakimoto Chain (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan. Chairman and President: Takashi Fukunaga) has developed the compact Tsubaki Direflex Modular Unit, a conveyor that combines the diversion, stationary rotation, and moving rotation capabilities of the Tsubaki Direflex Conveyor that was released in June 2006. Sales of the new product will commence February 1.
Overview
The Tsubaki Direflex Conveyor combines a Beltop chain containing plastic balls with a control system to achieve a variety of handling capabilities. Unlike conventional conveyors, the Tsubaki Direflex Conveyor does not require the installation of supplementary equipment for diverting or lifting packages. Instead, the balls embedded in the chain are rotated by power sources below the chain itself, enabling packages to be diverted, rotated, or conveyed at high-speed on the same speed. Because the system can convey stacked boxes without tipping them over and does not use pusher diverters that can damage boxes, they are already very popular in the cardboard box industry.
Previously, all Tsubaki Direflex Conveyors were made-to-order on a case-by-case basis to suit customers' individual production lines. In contrast, the Tsubaki Direflex Modular Unit is a standardized unit combining diversion, stationary rotation, and moving rotation functionality, that is designed to meet customer requests for a compact direflex modular unit providing only necessary functions.
The extensive product lineup enables easier use in a wide range of applications.
Features
- Fewer man-hours required for on-site design
The unit can be built into existing conveyor lines where necessary, reducing the number of man-hours required for on-site design. - No external equipment required
Conventional systems require pusher diverters, dedicated turntables, and other external equipment for diverting or rotating packages. However, the Direflex Modular Unit combines all these capabilities in a single unit. - Space-saving design
Simple design saves space by eliminating the need for pusher diverters, turntables, lifters, pneumatic piping, and other supplementary equipment. This ensures free space for aisles, and allows compact line design and other space savings. - Quick package diversion
On roller conveyors some kind of lifting equipment is necessary in order to divert packages. The Direflex Modular Unit diverts packages on the conveyor surface itself, reducing time required to lift packages. This contributes to improving line productivity. - Excellent safety
Operator safety is ensured because pusher diverters, turntables, and lifting equipment are not required, meaning there is no danger of operators jamming their fingers or colliding with equipment.
Applications
Perfect for processes that involve diverting or rotating cardboard boxes, trays, small pallets, or other flat-bottomed packages.
Example applications:
- Marking lines
- Inspection/packaging lines
- Logistics warehouses, etc.
Product Lineup
- Diversion Unit
- Stationary Rotation Unit
- Moving Rotation Unit
*Each unit comes in a standard size. However, made-to-order products are also available to suit package size, conveying capability, and surrounding environment.
Release Date
February 1, 2009
Retail Price
1 million to 1.5 million yen
Sales Forecast
First year: 50 million yen
Three year's time: 100 million yen
Reference Material
- Direflex Modular Unit Chain Design
(BTB8 Beltop Chain with Ball Transfer System)
- Relationship between Chain and Conveyed Items
The movement of a flat belt or turntable located beneath the chain causes balls embedded in the chain to rotate and convey items that come into contact with the balls.
- Direflex Modular Unit Design
Movement of flat belt or turntable
Movement of conveyed item
