In any mechanism for which shafts are actuated, a connecting part is always present and is called a gear clutch.
If there are two shafts that need to be connected along the same axis or at an angle to each other, then it is best to be able to transfer loads and forces to a semi-rigid connection using a gear coupling. A single gear clutch is installed provided that only angular displacement is allowed between the shafts. If there is a need to compensate also for radial or axial displacement, then put two single couplings. The gear clutch has increased reliability and good bearing capacity, as it is equipped with a large number of teeth. Such couplings work well in mechanisms with a high frequency of rotation (cranes, conveyor equipment).
The couplings successfully compensate for the radial, angular and axial displacements of the shafts due to the presence of lateral clearances in the engagement and on the teeth of the bushings of the sphere. All parts of which the coupling consists are made of steel: for a shaft with a diameter of up to 140 mm - forged, and for large diameters - cast. To increase the wear resistance of the teeth, they are heat treated, and viscous oil is introduced into the coupling.
In principle, a functionally gear coupling has much in common with a cardan drive, although it compensates for smaller angular displacements, but it has a large torque per unit volume.
Gear Coupling Features
The gear clutch consists of two coupling halves connected by bolts and two bushings inserted into the holders of the drum. Between themselves, they are engaged with spherical teeth. Such couplings are standardized according to GOST 5006-55 for shafts with diameters from 40 to 560 mm. There are also other standards for gear couplings, which are used for unification in all CIS countries, depending on the torque, for example, GOST R 50895-96 (Russia), DSTU 2742-94 (Ukraine).
The wide scope and various requirements for couplings have led to the fact that today couplings are divided into several classification groups according to their design features.
So, according to the principle of operation, the couplings are divided into permanent, coupling and self-governing, and by the nature of the work, they are divided into rigid and elastic.
By design, there are couplings with a detachable cage (gear coupling GOST 5006-55-MZ), with an integral cage and with an intermediate shaft (GOST 5006-55 - MZP).
For the short ends of the shaft, bushings for the coupling are made in accordance with GOST 12080 with cylindrical holes, and in accordance with GOST 12081 with conical holes.
Also, gear couplings can be made in accordance with the customer specifications. If the customer needs an exclusive gear coupling, the drawing must accurately reflect all the necessary parameters.
When installing the couplings, some features should be observed, in particular, mounting on the shaft should be carried out with little heating.
Recently, gear couplings from polymer compounds (capron, caprolon) are actively beginning to use. Increased elasticity and the ability to more evenly distribute the load on the teeth, puts them on a par with metal. In addition, polymeric couplings have higher electrical insulating properties and benefit in price.