Types of crane couplings and safe use

(I) Types of crane couplings
Crane couplings are used to connect the transmission shafts of various mechanisms and transmit motion and torque. There are many types of couplings, which are divided into two categories: rigid and elastic, depending on whether they contain elastic elements. A coupling that only serves as a connection and cannot compensate for the radial or axial displacement between the two connected shafts is called a rigid coupling; a coupling that allows a certain radial or axial displacement between the two connected shafts is called an elastic coupling.
During operation, cranes are subject to force and deformation is inevitable, especially the deformation of the bridge frame of bridge cranes, which has a greater impact on the trolley running mechanism. In order to ensure that the various moving mechanisms of the crane have good operating performance when the main beam is deformed, and to compensate for the inevitable errors in the manufacturing and installation process, crane accessories widely use couplings with compensating functions, such as cross couplings, gear couplings, elastic pin couplings, etc. Rigid couplings are only used in very rare cases. (II) Safe use of crane couplings
Crane couplings are the intermediate connecting parts of various moving mechanisms. They have a direct impact on the normal operation of various moving mechanisms. Therefore, attention must be paid when using them:
① The crane coupling is not allowed to have axis skew and radial displacement exceeding the specified limit, so as not to affect its transmission performance.
② The bolts of the crane coupling must not be loose or damaged.
③ The crane gear coupling and the crane cross coupling should be lubricated regularly, generally adding grease once every 2 to 3 months, so as not to cause severe wear of the gear teeth and cause serious consequences.
④ The contact length of the tooth width of the crane gear coupling shall not be less than 70%; its axial movement shall not be greater than 5mm.
⑤ The crane coupling is not allowed to have cracks. If there are cracks, it needs to be replaced (you can use a small hammer to knock and judge based on the sound).
⑥ The key of the crane coupling should fit tightly and not be loose.
⑦ The gear coupling of the crane should be scrapped when the tooth thickness of the hoisting mechanism exceeds 15% of the original tooth thickness, and when the running mechanism exceeds 25%, it should be scrapped. It should also be scrapped if there are broken teeth.
⑧ The elastic ring of the crane pin coupling and the sealing ring of the crane gear coupling should be replaced in time if they are damaged or aged.