Coupling is a device that is used for
connecting two shafts to transmit power. For joining them, some degree of
misalignment is required. Proper maintenance and installation of couplings can
help you to save a substantial amount and reduce cost and downtime. Gears are large,
have high torque density and limited cross section of yoke and cross. Proper
installation of gear and shafts can avoid
misalignment over a passage of time. Bearings wear down and change its
dimension with change in temperature.
The misalignment takes place due to
vibrations. There are different types of gears available in the market and it
is manufactured according to material, shafts, size and purpose. There are
different criteria according to which gears are classified. One common way is
the arrangement of gear and shafts. There
are three kinds of arrangement of shafts. They are:
·
Parallel shafts
Parallel shafts interlock in the same
surface level. They function in such a way that they transfer power of
rotational motion between the parallel shafts.
It is efficient enough to provide maximum horsepower and is efficient
for long term. It is capable of carrying high load but is little expensive.
·
Intersecting shafts
Intersecting shafts allow smooth transfer
of power and motion between the axes. The power machines need speed and
strength to handle high load capacity. It is generally used to power hand
drills, locomotives, marine applications, etc.
·
Non intersecting or Non
parallel axis
These are used on applications that need
high ratio speed reduction to provide transmission in a limited area. Also, it
has limited load carrying capacity.
A gear is cylindrical toothed wheel used to
transmit rotational motion from one part of the machine to the other. Flexible
gear coupling are available in two configurations- full gear and half geared
half-rigid. Full-geared couplings have capability to accommodate both offset
and angular misalignment while the half-geared half-rigid coupling has single
rigid hub to take care of angular misalignment. When two or more gears work
together, the connection between the gears allows flow of power from one gear
shaft or axle to the other. Therefore, both gears and shafts are dependent on each other.
