How to choose couplings when designing spur gear slewing drives?

During the process of designing slewing drive, due to constraints such as limited installation size and economic cost control, U-TRSM design engineers usually use couplings for slewing drive and power output end transfer, so how are couplings applied in the design?

First of all, the couplings are used to connect two shafts or they are connecting parts between shafts and rotating components to transfer torque and motion. They are a mechanical device that can’t be separated during transmission, and there are generally two types of rigid and flexible couplings.We usually choose flexible couplings in the design process because they have the advantages of large elastic deformation, light weight, high internal friction, good damping and no lubrication.

When selecting a coupling, factors such as the displacement between the two shafts, the load to be carried, the required speed, the external profile size, the working environment, and economic applicability should be comprehensively considered based on the specific working environment requirements.

During the adaptation process of the slewing drive, the size of the coupling (shaft diameter and shaft length) is initially selected according to the shaft diameters of the active ends and driven ends. When the shaft diameter is different, choose according to the larger one. After determining the coupling type according to the shaft diameter and other dimensions, then confirm whether the performance of the selected coupling meets the requirements, and perform strength checks on the shaft and key.

There are various types of couplings, U-TRSM design engineers often choose to use plum-shaped couplings for the transmission of two coaxial lines, which has the characteristics of compensating for the relative deviation between two shafts, vibration reducing performance, small radial dimension, simple structure, no need for lubrication, easy maintenance, etc.