(July 27, 2011)
Marlborough, MA - One of the simplest and consequently most overlooked components in the power transmission industry is the shaft collar. However, the importance of the shaft collar is demonstrated through the widespread use of these components. Shaft collars can be found in virtually any type of equipment. They are used by themselves for various applications, including mechanical stops, locating components and bearing faces, and are frequently accessories to other components to create assemblies for many types of power transmission equipment including motors and gearboxes.
Ruland has recently developed and manufactures quick-clamping shaft collars. These new shaft collars are uniquely designed with a low-profile integral clamping lever, in contrast to the typical approach of employing separate single or double tangential screws. The collars are ideally suited for quick positioning adjustments in light duty stationary or low-rpm rotating shaft applications with frequent setup changes or adjustments, or in situations where the use of tools is not practical. Quick-clamping collars do not mar the shaft.
Industrial equipment manufacturers can benefit from oldham couplings in place of straight jaw couplings thanks to their ability to accommodate parallel misalignment, act as a mechanical fuse, and be electrically isolating. These key features promote a very light bearing load, stop transmission of power during overload, and minimize damage to more expensive machinery components. The three piece design of the oldham coupling allows for ease of installation. Blind assembly can be achieved by independently installing the hubs and mating their drive tenons to the slots on the center disc.
The collar clamping mechanism works quickly and efficiently with simple hand opening of the integral clamping lever, positioning the collar on the shaft, and closing the lever flush with the outer surface of the collar. The design of the cam on the lever and the mating machined surface on the collar assure a tight fit with a maximum axial load of 35 to 120 lbs / 133 to 489 N depending on the collar bore size. In situations where higher holding power is or clamp axial load is required, the quick-clamping collar is not the recommended choice. Ruland offers a complete line of industry-leading one-piece and two-piece shaft collars designed for these applications.
All Ruland shaft collars, including quick-clamping collars, are single point faced to ensure perpendicularity and proper alignment. This critical manufacturing step assures precise shaft collar face to bore relationship resulting in correct component positioning on the shaft and even pressure on interfaced components.
Quick-clamping shaft collars from Ruland are made from high quality aluminum with type-II sulfuric anodized finishes, with a black finish on the collar and a gold finish on the clamping lever for added visibility. Aluminum collars are corrosion resistant, lighter than other metals, have low inertia and have non-magnetic properties. All Ruland products are RoHS and REACH compliant. Available standard sizes for the quick-clamping shaft collars are 0.375
Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
1380/1328 KOYO | 22.225 | 52.388 | 20.168 |
2687/2631 KOYO | 25.4 | 66.421 | 25.433 |