This distribution system separates packs or other products evenly to several lanes. This is possible in a fairly small space thanks to its function and compact design. The system distributes the products into up to five discharge lanes or channels.

Small space requirement of the pendulum distributor

As with our other systems, the chain box is mounted above the belt. This means it does not require any additional space. Distribution is carried out using a board or a row of rollers that move left and right like a pendulum. Hence, the name. The Sortec pendulum distributor achieves throughput rates of over 150 units per minute, as each movement only lasts as long as the product is wide.

For packs of three bottles, for example, with a bottle diameter of around 70 mm, the board’s discharge distance above the belt is around 90 mm. The next product can follow closely, as the return stroke takes place immediately after the motor’s forward stroke.

The pendulum distributor can be quickly retrofitted to any standard conveyor. For products that pass through the distributor untouched, the pendulum board swings upwards, thus clearing the track.

For the next distribution impulse, the mechanism swings the board back into the starting position. The pendulum distributor is suitable for small and large products, as well as for wide and narrow products.

Three-lane distribution in the beverage industry

The centre of the product is stored in the control system. If large products arrive, a corresponding signal is sent to the control system so that the stroke is correspondingly large, or small if another control parameter is selected.

Up to five-lane distribution in food production

In the beverage industry, packs are distributed across two and three lanes with a central inflow. In food production, the system distributes foil-wrapped pizza rolls, for example, across up to five lanes.

With low throughput, several products can also be discharged in one direction one after the other. To achieve this, special input signals from the higher-level control system interrupt the permanent 1:1 distribution. The products are pushed one after the other into a left or right lane with its corresponding discharge channel.

Further information → Distribution in general → Distribution of beverage shrink packs