Coupling Methods for Air Compressors: A Comprehensive Overview of Functions and Characteristics
There are various coupling methods for air compressors, and the functions and characteristics of different coupling methods are also different.
The coupling is a mechanical component used to firmly connect the drive shaft and the driven shaft in different mechanisms to make it rotate and transmit motion and torque. Sometimes it is also used to connect the shaft with other components (such as gears, pulleys, etc.). It usually consists of two halves, the two halves are connected together by a key or a tight fitting joint, fixed at the ends of the two shafts, and then connected together in some way.
The coupling can compensate for the offset of the two shafts due to inaccurate manufacturing and installation, shape during operation or thermal expansion, while reducing shock and vibration problems.
Most common couplings have been standardized or standardized. In general, just choose the coupling type correctly and determine the coupling type and size. But there are many kinds of couplings, and the functions and characteristics of different couplings are also different. Here is a brief introduction:
1. Flange connection:
Features: Simple structure, low cost, and can transmit large torque. The relative displacement and cushioning of the two axes are not allowed.
Uses: Widely used in low speed, no impact, large shaft stiffness, good neutrality.
2. Oldham coupling
Features: No cushioning, the motion pair should be lubricated during low speed transmission.
3. Flexible coupling
Features: Absorb vibration absorption, which can compensate large axial displacement and small radial displacement and angular displacement.
Uses: The high-speed shaft has many positive and negative changes, and it starts frequently.
4. Safety coupling
The structural characteristics are: there is an insurance link, which can only withstand a limited load. When the actual load exceeds the predetermined load, the insurance link will change, cutting off the transmission of motion and power, thereby protecting the rest of the machine from damage, which plays a role in safety protection.
5. Start the safety coupling:
In addition to overload protection, it also has the function of converting the load start of the motor to an almost no load start.
6. Rigid coupling:
Rigid couplings do not have the ability to compensate for the relative offset of the coupling axis, nor do they have cushioning and shock absorption performance, but the structure is simple and the price is low. Only when the load is stable, the speed is stable, and the relative deviation between the two axes is minimum can the rigid coupling be selected.