Application
current location： Home > Application
Release time：2025-09-19
page views： Coupling Applications in Servo Motors
The following is a detailed explanation of the most critical aspects of couplings in servo motor applications:
Couplings are the critical bridge in servo systems, connecting the motor to the load (e.g., ball screws, pulleys, encoders). Their performance directly determines the precision, response speed, and stability of the entire servo system. Improper selection can severely limit the performance of the servo motor.
Transmit Power and Motion: Accurately transfer the high-precision rotary motion of the servo motor to the load without distortion.
Compensate for Misalignment: Compensate for inevitable axial, radial, and angular installation misalignments between the motor shaft and the load shaft, protecting expensive motors and load bearings.
Dampen Vibrations and Absorb Shock: Mitigate instantaneous impacts during motor start-stop and direction changes, and suppress vibrations transmitted from the load end.
Ensure Precision: Zero backlash is a core requirement. Any transmission gap will directly lead to loss of positioning accuracy and repeatability in the system.
Zero Backlash: An absolute core requirement. Even minor gaps can cause errors during forward and reverse rotation and must be completely eliminated.
High Torsional Stiffness: Ensure that rotation on the motor side is transmitted to the load side in real time without delay, directly affecting system rigidity, response frequency, and positioning accuracy.
High Sensitivity and Low Inertia: Lower inertia results in faster system response and reduced energy consumption, making it particularly suitable for applications with frequent start-stop cycles.
Misalignment Compensation Capability: Must simultaneously compensate for multiple types of misalignments without generating additional reactive forces.
Maintenance-Free and Long Service Life: Adapt to high-speed, high-frequency operation without requiring lubrication.
Diaphragm Coupling:
Features: The preferred choice for high performance. Truly zero backlash, high rigidity, maintenance-free, and resistant to high temperatures. Wide torque range.
Applications: High-precision CNC machine tools, semiconductor equipment, industrial robot joints, and other scenarios with extremely high demands for rigidity and accuracy.
Bellows Coupling:
Features: Zero backlash, medium rigidity, extremely low inertia, and high sensitivity.
Applications: Medium to low torque scenarios, particularly suitable for connecting encoders, grating rulers, and other feedback components, as well as small, high-speed servo mechanisms.
Jaw Coupling / Spider Coupling:
Features: Elastic, vibration damping, and good misalignment compensation. However, it has slight elastic backlash and lower rigidity.
Applications: General servo applications with lower precision requirements, such as conveyor belts and packaging machinery. Due to its low cost and vibration damping capabilities, it is still widely used.
Helical Beam Coupling:
Features: Zero backlash, moderate misalignment compensation, and good vibration damping. However, it has relatively low torsional stiffness.
Applications: Often used in medium to low torque scenarios requiring certain flexibility, such as measuring instruments and light automation equipment.
When selecting a coupling for a servo motor, consider the following priorities:
Precision and Rigidity: First determine whether absolute zero backlash and high rigidity are required (e.g., for precise positioning). Choose diaphragm or bellows couplings accordingly.
Torque and Speed: Match the coupling's rated torque and maximum allowable speed, ensuring a safety margin.
Misalignment Compensation: Select a model with sufficient compensation capability based on actual installation conditions.
Environment and Size: Consider space constraints, ambient temperature, and whether insulation is needed.
Conclusion: In the field of servo systems, couplings are far from simple connectors—they are a critical link in the precision transmission chain. Selecting a high-performance coupling is a necessary investment to unlock the full potential of servo motors and build a high-precision motion control system.
Hotline：
+8615066616606
15066565000@163.com
No. 188 Kunlun Road, Hongyun Development Zone, Qingyun County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province