Types Of Universal Shaft Couplings

Universal shaft coupling is a mechanical device that can transmit torque and motion in the presence of an angle or non coaxial situation between two shafts, and is widely used in metallurgy, engineering machinery, ships, petrochemicals, and other fields. According to different structures and working principles, universal joint couplings are mainly divided into the following categories:

1. Cross axis universal joint
   Features: By using a cross axis structure to connect two shafts, it has a large angular compensation ability, high transmission efficiency, and strong load-bearing capacity..
   Classification:
   SWC type: Integral fork head design, suitable for heavy equipment such as metallurgical rolling mills.
   . SWP type: Split bearing seat structure, easy to maintain, suitable for rolling machinery. WS/WSD type: small and lightweight design, suitable for light industrial scenarios with an angle ≤ 45 °. Applications: lifting machinery, mining equipment, ship power systems, etc.

2. Ball cage universal joint
   Features: Synchronous transmission is achieved through a steel ball cage, with stronger angular compensation ability and smooth transmission, suitable for high-speed precision transmission.. Advantages: Low vibration and noise, suitable for industrial robots, precision machine tools and other scenarios that require high synchronization. Technical parameters: Transmission efficiency ≥ 98%, high dynamic balance accuracy.

3. Ball joint universal joint
   Features: Adopting a ball joint structure, the overall strength is high, and the radial bearing capacity is improved compared to the cross shaft type..
   Classification:
   Single ball joint type: suitable for continuous operation with an angle ≤ 10 °.
   . Double ball joint type: stronger compatibility, but slightly lower transmission capacity. Application: Space constrained scenarios such as petroleum machinery and ship propulsion systems.

4. Ball joint plunger universal joint
   Features: Combining ball joint and plunger structure, it has buffering and vibration reduction performance, large axial and radial compensation, and is suitable for large inclination or radial restricted working conditions..
   Transmission mode:
   Sliding mode: using polymer buffer sleeve for vibration reduction.
   . Rolling mode: rigid transmission, suitable for high-speed scenes. Applications: metallurgical rolling mills, mining hoisting machinery, etc.

5. Three pin and trident universal joint
   Features: Multi angle transmission is achieved through a three pin or trident structure, which is compact and suitable for medium and low-speed heavy-duty working conditions.. Advantages: It occupies less space and has a larger swing angle than the cross axis type.

6. Sliding bearing cross axis universal joint (WSH type)
   Features: Using sliding bearings instead of rolling bearings, suitable for low-speed heavy load or harsh environments with a lot of dust..

Selection suggestions

1. Heavy duty low-speed: Priority should be given to the cross axis type (such as SWC type) or ball joint plunger type.
   

2. High speed precision: The cage type is better, and the axis deviation needs to be controlled to be ≤ 0.01mm

3. Large tilt angle compensation: Ball joint or ball joint plunger type is more suitable.
   

4. Harsh environment: models with sliding bearing structure (WSH type) or well sealed design.

Each type has its unique advantages and application scenarios, and the actual selection needs to comprehensively consider factors such as torque, speed, installation space, and environmental conditions.