Toothed coupling: scope and features

In any mechanism, for the activation of which shafts are involved, there must be a connecting piece and is called a gear clutch.

If there are two shafts that need to be connected on one axis or inclined to each other, then the best way is to transfer loads and forces to a semi-rigid connection using a gear clutch. A single gear clutch is placed under the condition that only angular displacement is permitted between the shafts. If there is a need to compensate for a radial or axial displacement, then two single couplings are placed. The toothed clutch has increased reliability and good bearing capacity, because it is equipped with a large number of teeth. Such couplings work well in mechanisms with a high frequency of rotation (cranes, conveyor equipment).

Couplings successfully compensate for radial, angular and axial misalignment of the shafts, due to the presence of lateral gaps in meshing and the teeth of the sphere sleeves. All parts of the coupling are made of steel: for a shaft up to 140 mm in diameter - forged, and for large diameters - cast. To increase the wear resistance of the teeth, they are heat-treated, and a viscous oil is introduced into the sleeve.

In principle, the functionally-toothed clutch has much in common with cardan gear, although it provides compensation for smaller angular displacements, but has a greater torque per unit volume.

Features of gear clutches

It consists of a toothed clutch of two coupling halves connected by bolts, and two bushes inserted into the cages of the drum. Between them, they are engaged with teeth of a spherical shape. Such couplings are standardized in accordance with GOST 5006-55 for shafts with diameters from 40 to 560 mm. There are also other standards for gear clutches that are used for unification in all CIS countries, depending on the torque, for example, GOST R 50895-96 (Russia), DSTU 2742-94 (Ukraine).

A wide range of applications and various requirements for clutches have led to the fact that today couplings for design features are divided into several classification groups.

So, according to the principle of operation, couplings are divided into permanent, coupling and self-controlled, and by the nature of work - on rigid and elastic.

On execution there are couplings with a detachable clip (a gear clutch of the guest 5006-55-MZ), with an integral clip and with an intermediate shaft (GOST 5006-55 - MZP).

For short ends of the shaft make bushings for the clutch in accordance with GOST 12080 with cylindrical holes, and according to GOST 12081 - with conical ones.

Also, the gear clutches can be manufactured in accordance with the customer specification. If the customer needs an exclusive gear clutch, the drawing must accurately display all the necessary parameters.

When installing the couplings, certain characteristics should be observed, in particular, mounting on the shaft should be carried out with a slight heating.

Recently, gear couplings from polymer compounds (capron, caprolon) have been actively used. Increased elasticity and ability to distribute loads more evenly on the teeth, puts them on a par with metal ones. In addition, couplings made of polymers have higher electrical properties and win at a price.