A hardware spring, also known as a ring or a buckle, is a fastener that is installed in the shaft or pore of a machine or equipment to secure the axial motion of parts. It is usually made of highly elastic spring steel (such as 65Mn, 60Si2Mn) or stainless steel, using its own elastic deformation into the groove, thus playing the role of axial positioning.
The core role of hardware springs can be summarized as follows:
Axial positioning and fixing
This is the most fundamental role of the clang. It prevents unnecessary axial movements of parts installed on shafts (such as gears, bearings, belt wheels) or parts installed in holes, ensuring that these parts work steadily at positions specified in the design.
Bearing axial forces
The springs are able to withstand axial loads from both directions. For example, axle springs can prevent parts from moving left or right; The same is true of perforating springs. It provides reliable axial support for the entire assembly.
Simplify structure and save space
The spring structure is very compact compared to the traditional way of locating using nuts, end caps or step shafts. It only requires space for a groove, without additional screws or complex structures, making the device design smaller and lighter.
Easy installation and disassembly
The use of specialized spring tongs (the hole is used as a straight mouth tong, the shaft is used as an angle tong), can be very quickly installed and dismantled, greatly facilitating the assembly, maintenance and replacement of parts.
The cost is low
The spring is a standard piece that can be produced on a large scale and at very low cost. Using springs as a method of positioning can significantly reduce manufacturing costs compared to machining step shafts or designing complex fixed covers.
Due to its unique role, the application range of hardware springs is extremely wide, covering almost all industrial fields and daily necessities.
Machinery Manufacturing and Heavy Industries
Gearbox and gearbox: Used to secure the gears and bearings on the shafts to ensure that they joint the transmission at the position of the various eyes.
Machine tool equipment: On transmission parts such as main shafts and silk bars, it is used to fixed bearings and transmission parts.
Construction machinery: hydraulic systems and steering mechanisms for excavators, cranes, etc. are used in large numbers.
The automobile industry
Engine: used to fix crankshafts, brake pads on camshafts, etc.
Transmission: Similar to mechanical manufacturing, it is a key positioning part within both automatic and manual transmissions.
The chassis and steering system: plays a positioning role in the manifold, steering wheel and other components.
Electrical components: starting engines, generators, etc.
Home appliances and electronics
Washing machine: Bearings that fix the wheel shaft or cylinder shaft.
Air conditioner, electric fan: fixed motor shaft.
Printers and photocopiers: widely used in various rollers and transmission mechanisms.
Aerospace & Precision Instrumentation
Although the requirements for materials and reliability are extremely high, special materials and precision springs are still used in some non-critical positioning situations to achieve lightweight and compact designs.
Everyday Goods & Furniture
Slip wheels, foot wheels: shafts used to fix wheels.
Folding furniture: acts as a limiting device at joint connections.
Toy models: common in transmission structures.
Depending on the installation location, hardware springs are mainly divided into two categories:
Shafts for axles
Form: The internal diameter is slightly smaller than the axial diameter.
Function: Stuck in the groove of the shaft to prevent parts on the shaft from moving outward.
TOOLS FOR INSTALLING: The mouth of the clang tong is opened outward (the bend tong).
Pore springs
Form: The outer diameter is slightly larger than the aperture.
Function: Stuck in a groove inside the hole to prevent parts inside the hole from escaping outward.
TOOLS FOR INSTALLING: The mouth of the spring tongs contracts inward (the straight mouth tong).
E-type circlip
A special shaft spring for shafts locks directly into shallow grooves on the shaft or holds the parts directly through its "E" opening, without the need to process a complete circular groove, and is more convenient to install, but with less bearing.
summary
In conclusion, although a small part, a hardware spring plays an indispensable role in modern industry. It solves the problem of axial positioning of parts in mechanical structures in a simple, effective and economical way. Its wide range of applications and critical fixtures make it one of the standard components of choice for engineers when designing compact, reliable mechanical devices.
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