Zapex gear couplings link machine shafts and compensate for shaft misalignment with weak restorative forces. High transmissible torque combined with compactness and light weight are the main characteristics of this coupling style. Zapex coupling types are constructed on a modular principle, which means that application-specific solutions can be delivered quickly. Zapex couplings require very little maintenance, and regular grease or oil changes at the prescribed intervals prolongs the service life of the coupling.
Zapex Applications
One thing that we have found over time is that Zapex couplings are suited for operation in extremely harsh operating conditions. Drives such as those found in the iron smelting or cement processing industry almost exclusively demand couplings of Flender Zapex quality. Additionally, this style of coupling is suitable for reverse operation and horizontal mounting positions and, in the case of type ZWNC, for vertical mounting positions.
Design
This style of coupling comprises two hub sections with external teeth which are mounted on the machine shafts. Each set of external teeth engages in a flanged socket with mating internal teeth. The flanged sleeves are connected via two flanges with close-fitting bolts.
The teeth are lubricated with oil or grease. On the type ZW, DUO sealing rings are used to seal the tooth space. The DUP sealing rings prevent the lubricant from escaping and dirt from entering the tooth space. The parallel keyways must be sealed during assembly to prevent lubricant from escaping.
Function
The torque is transmitted through the coupling teeth. The teeth are crowned, so angular displacement per tooth plane is possible. Radial displacement can be compensated for via the space between the tooth planes.
