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Shaft connector gives fast positioning
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07/05/2003
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Eureka
Problem: Customers of production equipment and machinery are now demanding downsized versions, increased machine speeds, higher precision, shorter downtime for servicing and maintenance, and better axial or radial balance. This has put pressure on machine designers to look for better, alternative equipment and components.
Solution: Swedish manufacturer ETP Transmission has developed a range of hydraulic hub shaft connectors (distributed in the UK by Lenze), which work on Blaise Pascal's theory that, "A liquid confined in a vessel which is subjected to pressure distributes the pressure uniformly upon the walls of the vessel."
ETP has developed Pascal's principle further with its new ETP-Classic and ETP-Express hub shaft connectors. The Classic connector consists of a double-walled hardened steel sleeve filled with a pressure medium, sealing ring, piston, pressure flange and clamping screws.
When tightening the screws (which can be either caphead or hexagonal head), the sleeve expands uniformly against the hub and shaft creating a very rigid joint. When loosening the screws the sleeve returns to its original measurements and can easily be dismantled.
Small built-in dimensions and a reasonable surface pressure mean only a small outside diameter for the hub is required. Also, mounting and dismantling are very fast, particularly on the ETP-Express model, which only has one screw. It also has very accurate positioning and good concentricity and no axial movement when mounting.
Applications: The Classic hub shaft connectors are suitable for a number of different applications, including the mounting of timing belt pulleys, cam curves and arms. The ETP-Express range is best used in applications where there is a need for very fast and accurate repositioning of the hub. And in industries such as food and processing, where the demand for stainless steel (rather than surface coated or plated) hub shaft connections is on the up, the connectors should see further use. DP
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Author
Tom Shelley
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