Coupling

The main function of the engine coupler in an excavator is to connect the engine and the hydraulic pump, transmitting power while also providing buffering, vibration reduction, and improving the dynamic performance of the shaft system.

A coupler is a mechanical component used to connect two shafts or a shaft to a rotating element, allowing them to rotate together during the transmission of motion and power without disconnecting under normal conditions. It serves not only as a power transmission device but also as a safety device that prevents connected components from experiencing excessive loads, thus providing overload protection. Couplers are typically classified into rigid couplers and flexible couplers. The latter can compensate for misalignments that may occur between the two shafts due to inaccuracies in manufacturing or installation, deformation during operation, or thermal expansion. This includes axial misalignment, radial misalignment, angular misalignment, or combined misalignment, as well as mitigating impacts and absorbing vibrations.

In excavators, the engine coupler is mounted on the engine flywheel, with the input end of the hydraulic pump inserted into the inner spline of the coupler. As the engine rotates, it drives the main pump through the coupler, enabling the hydraulic pump to draw in hydraulic oil and output it to the hydraulic working system. This coupler not only connects the engine and the hydraulic pump but also provides buffering and vibration reduction through its elastic structure, thereby enhancing the dynamic performance of the shaft system.

Therefore, proper installation and maintenance of the coupler are critical for ensuring the normal operation of the excavator and extending the lifespan of the equipment.