Torque Limiter Sprockets Offer Maximum Protection from Overload
When your equipment and machinery approach torque overload, you’ll be thankful you have a Torque Limiter to protect critical drive components.
Torque Limiters are often used in conjunction with sprockets, which guide the rotational movement of equipment and machinery, and serve as an automatic safeguard against torque overload. They are usually sold separately, but U.S. Tsubaki now offers user-friendly, cost-effective Torque Limiter Sprockets, which come pre-assembled and can be made in various sizes and tooth counts for any application.
How does the Torque Limiter Sprocket work?
The Torque Limiter Sprocket works by transmitting torque via two composite friction disks, which are compressed by disk springs against the ground face of the hardened tooth sprocket. The end-user sets the torque limit by tightening the adjusting nut on the device.
During normal operation, when no torque overload is occurring, the Torque Limiter will transmit torque from the driven shaft to the sprocket via the friction disks. As the drive shaft runs, the spring will compress the friction disks against the sprocket. This creates a frictional force that transmits the power from the drive shaft to the sprocket.
When a torque overload occurs, such as during a mechanical jam, the transmitted power will exceed the set torque point, causing slipping between the friction disks and sprocket. If slipping occurs, the frictional force will no longer be strong enough to transmit the torque from the drive shaft to the sprocket. The drive shaft will continue to run, but no torque will be applied to the sprocket. Once the torque overload is removed, the Torque Limiter will automatically reset and resume transmitting torque.
Applications and Uses for Torque Limiter Sprockets
Torque Limiter Sprockets can be used for a variety of applications where continual movement of the machine is important, including conveyors, gearboxes and motors. The slipping of the friction disks allows the machine to power through temporary jams and load increases without incurring damage. Without a torque limiting device, critical drive components are at risk of failure or breakage from torque overload.
By combining the Torque Limiter and sprocket into one product, customers now have access to a complete torque limiting solution that can be customized for specific applications and machinery.
U.S. Tsubaki offers a wide selection of mechanical protection devices and Torque Limiters for any application. To learn more about Torque Limiter Sprockets and select the right configurations for your facility, contact us today.