Connecting two rollers together

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanical connection of two conveyor rollers that are positioned 2 feet apart, focusing on methods to connect their axles while maintaining this distance. The conversation explores various mechanical and electrical solutions, as well as considerations regarding the arrangement and functionality of the rollers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a metal shaft and welding to connect the axles of the rollers.
  • Another participant inquires about the alignment and bearing arrangement of the rollers, emphasizing the need for clarity on their configuration.
  • A participant proposes replacing the two rollers with a single tube to simplify the design but questions the feasibility of having them side by side on the same axis.
  • One suggestion involves using a large diameter, thin wall "torque tube" to transfer torque, while cautioning against using a thin rod due to its potential failure under torque stress.
  • Alternative mechanical solutions are mentioned, such as using stepped pulleys and belts to connect the rollers indirectly.
  • Electrical solutions are also proposed, including the use of a shaft-encoder and servo motor to drive one roller based on the other.
  • Several questions are raised regarding the necessity of the connection, the torque requirements, and the specific dimensions of the rollers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method to connect the rollers, with no consensus reached on a single solution. There is ongoing debate about the practicality of various approaches and the implications of each design choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the mechanical and electrical requirements for the connection, nor have they clarified the specific torque needs or dimensions of the rollers.

thoain14
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Hi there,
I have two conveyor rollers that are on the same plane about 2 ft apart. How can I connect their axles together while keeping that 2 ft distance? I was thinking of just getting a metal shaft and welding it together
 
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Welcome to PF.

Are the rollers on the same axis ?
Free running conveyor rollers usually have a fixed shaft with bearings at each end to support the roller.
How are your rollers arranged?
Do they have internal bearings or are the bearings attached to the support frame.
 
Yes the rollers are on the same axis. I need to line them up side by side. The bearings will be at the outer ends of both rollers but not the inner ones. I need to somehow connect the two rollers together. From the top view, the order or parts will be Frame, Bearing, Roller, Something that connects the two, Roller, Bearing, Frame.
 
Replace the two rollers with a single length of the same size tube, to make one long roller. Keep the end bearings from one of the original rollers.

thoain14 said:
Yes the rollers are on the same axis. I need to line them up side by side.
That seems to contradict itself. Side by side on the same axis, or end to end ?
Post a diagram or drawing of the roller positions and the bearing assembly.
 
1637686389639.png

It would be something along the lines of this. I did not want to use one roller because it would be so long. I was wondering if I was able to not use a bearing on the inside ends and figure out a way to connect them.
 
The simplest way to transfer torque between the two rollers is with a large diameter, thin wall, “torque tube”. When transferring torque, the material nearest the neutral axis is not helpful.

Your picture shows only a thin rod, which has only the material closest to the neutral axis. That is exactly the wrong way to do it. A thin rod would be a twist or torque spring and could easily fail. The rollers will need to slip against the belt to protect the connection rod from damage.

There are many other mechanical solutions. For example a stepped pulley on each roller, connected by a stepped belt, that passes around diagonal rollers, to turn the belt through 90° at each end.

There are also electrical solutions. For example, you could mount a shaft-encoder on the master roller, then drive the other roller with a servo motor as the slave.

Why do you need a connection?
Does the connection drive one of the belts from the other?
How much torque do you need to transfer between the rollers?
What are the length, diameter, and separation dimensions of the rollers?
 
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