Locking assemblies

Locking assemblies consist of one or two conical pressure rings and a conical clamping sleeve, depending on the design. By tightening the clamping screws with the specified tightening torque, the conical pressure rings are drawn onto the conical surface of the clamping sleeve. This process creates a radial force both inward and outward. While the outside diameter increases, the diameter inside the clamping sleeve decreases. This creates a frictional connection between the locking assembly (cone clamping element) and the shaft as well as the hub.

In contrast to a groove in conventional keyway connections, the stresses at the shaft are distributed evenly over the entire contact surface of the locking assembly. The uniform stress distribution produces a reliable, free positional and, above all, wear-free connection. This often leads to a smaller shaft size and therefore reduced weight of the design.

Locking assemblies are available in a wide variety of designs and types. In addition to the torsional or bending moments to be transmitted, the available installation spaces as well as loads also play an essential role for the right product selection. No matter whether self-centering, low surface pressure, high speeds or stainless steel versions for the food- and chemical-industry.

For industry, the performance capabilities of individual components, cost advantages, reduction of assembly times or increased lifetime play an important role in the fastening of components on rotating shafts.

A conventional method in the past was the connection via a keyway. With this type of connection, a keyway/groove is milled into the shaft. This is also done in the hub. However, milling these keyways is costly and time-consuming. Another disadvantage is also the reduction of the transmittable torque due to the weakening of the shaft. Often, a splined connection also creates movement and eventual backlash, which can affect the accuracy of a machine system and create the risk of failure.

With a friction-locked shaft-hub connection by using a locking assembly, this risk can be avoided because there is no play. The use of a locking assembly therefore ensures precision and safety. In addition, costly manufacturing processes, such as milling or grooving, can be saved.

Another advantage of using a locking assembly is the positioning on the shaft. Unlike a groove, the locking assembly can be moved freely on the shaft. Another advantage of using a locking assembly is the positioning on the shaft. Unlike a groove, the locking assembly can be moved freely on the shaft. Series such as the TAS 3015 DK locking element prevent direct movements on the shaft during assembly. This avoids costly damage to the shaft during assembly.

The use of locking assemblies is diverse and covers many different industrial sectors. From classic mechanical engineering, as well as conveyor and drive technology, to the packaging and food industries, to name just a few examples.

Finally, the locking assemblies enables precise fastening of hubs on shafts or axles, as for example in the fixation of gears and sprockets. In addition, our clamping elements/locking assemblies find applications in conveyor belt drums or crushers. In the food and also petrochemical industry, stainless versions of the locking assemblies are often used in filling or agitating equipment.

Locking assemblies are used in the packaging industry for fastening pulleys and for transporting objects within the machine.