Industrial transmission parts--application of couplings

The coupling is an important mechanical device. The following is a detailed introduction to it:

1. Definition and function

A coupling is a device that connects two shafts or a shaft and a rotating part, rotates together during the transmission of motion and power, and does not disengage under normal circumstances. It is used to firmly connect the active shaft and the driven shaft in different mechanisms to rotate together and transmit motion and torque. Sometimes it is also used as a safety device to prevent the connected parts from being subjected to excessive loads, playing the role of overload protection.

2. Working principle

The working principle of the coupling is based on the transmission of rotational motion, transferring the power from one shaft to another shaft without deformation or lag. It can work under eccentricity, angle or axial misalignment between different shafts. Specifically, the coupling transmits power from one shaft to another shaft through its designed contact area and force transmission method. At the same time, it usually uses flexible materials (such as rubber or springs) to connect the two shafts, which can absorb vibration and impact to a certain extent and reduce the load transmitted to the shaft. In addition, the coupling can also tolerate axial, angular or axial offsets between the two shafts. This tolerance allows the coupling to work between some incompletely aligned shafts.

3. Types and classifications

There are many types of couplings. According to the relative position and position changes of the two connected shafts, they can be divided into the following categories:

1. Fixed coupling: mainly used where the two shafts require strict alignment and no relative displacement occurs during operation. The structure is generally simple and easy to manufacture, and the instantaneous speed of the two shafts is the same. There are mainly flange couplings, sleeve couplings, and clamp couplings.

2. Removable coupling: mainly used where the two shafts are deflected or have relative displacement during operation. According to the method of compensating displacement, it can be divided into rigid removable couplings and elastic removable couplings.

3. Rigid removable coupling: compensated by using the dynamic connection between the working parts of the coupling to have mobility in one or several directions. Such as tooth coupling (allowing axial displacement), cross groove coupling (used to connect two shafts with small parallel displacement or angular displacement), universal coupling (used in places where the two shafts have large deflection angles or large angular displacement during work), gear coupling (allowing comprehensive displacement), chain coupling (allowing radial displacement), etc.

4. Elastic movable coupling (referred to as elastic coupling): using the elastic deformation of elastic elements to compensate for the deflection and displacement of the two shafts, and the elastic elements also have buffering and vibration reduction performance. Such as serpentine spring coupling, radial multi-layer leaf spring coupling, elastic ring bolt coupling, nylon bolt coupling, rubber sleeve coupling, etc.

IV. Selection Tips

When selecting a coupling, the following factors should be considered:

1. The size and nature of the required torque, the requirements for buffering and vibration reduction functions, and whether resonance may occur.

2. The relative displacement degree of the two shaft axes caused by manufacturing and assembly errors, shaft load and thermal expansion deformation, and relative movement between components.

3. Allowable dimensions and installation methods, in order to facilitate the necessary operating space for assembly, adjustment and maintenance. For large couplings, it should be possible to disassemble and assemble without the need for axial movement of the shaft.

In addition, the working environment, service life, lubrication, sealing and economy should also be considered, and then refer to the characteristics of various couplings to select a suitable coupling type.

V. Application Fields

Couplings are widely used in mechanical systems in various industries, including but not limited to the following fields:

1. Industrial production: In industries such as machinery manufacturing, energy production, and chemical processes, couplings are used to drive various equipment such as pumps, fans, and compressors.

2. Transportation: In vehicles such as cars, trains, and ships, couplings are used to transmit power and achieve the coordinated work of various components.

3. Energy field: In new energy devices such as wind power generation and solar power generation, couplings are used to convert wind energy or solar energy into electrical energy.

4. Agricultural machinery: In agricultural machinery and equipment, couplings are used to transmit power between tractors and farm implements.

VI. Maintenance and care

In order to ensure the normal operation of the coupling and extend its service life, regular maintenance and care should be carried out. This includes checking the wear of the coupling, the looseness of the fasteners, the lubrication condition, etc., and replacing or repairing them in time. At the same time, care should be taken to avoid excessive impact and vibration on the coupling to ensure its stability and reliability.

In summary, the coupling is an important mechanical device with a wide range of applications and important functions. When selecting and using the coupling, its type, characteristics, and working environment should be fully considered to ensure that it can work normally and perform at its best.