Easy release for shaft collars

Sep 01, 2023

By Frank Tobe | June 9, 2016

Changeovers of shaft-mounted tools, reels/spools and other objects can be handled more quickly with shaft collars that feature quick-release. One example is the Easylock shaft collars, which install quickly without special tools for non-slip holding of tools and reels on smooth, case hardened (Rockwell > 55) shafts. A new option – Easylock positive release – assures the collars won’t become jammed on shafts.

A clamping control wheel on Easylock lets users adjust the holding force from 90 to 1,124 lb. As the clamping control wheel is turned clockwise, the clamping unit is forced against the object being secured, holding it in place. This can generate compression forces that push back against the shaft collar, sometimes interfering with the quick-release mechanism then making it difficult to slide the collar off the shaft.

To prevent this situation, it was necessary to advance the clamping control wheel a few turns before sliding the collar onto the shaft. The positive release feature eliminates this step. Positive release is activated when the clamping control wheel is turned all the way in a counterclockwise direction. When the wheel is backed off in this manner, it contacts a stop pin that automatically releases the locking mechanism so that the quick-release functions properly.

Easylock shaft collars with positive release reduce downtime. The quick-release feature makes them well suited to high volume production where frequent changeovers of shaft-mounted tools, reels/spools and other objects are required. The positive release feature is standard on sizes 25, 30, 35 and 40, and will soon be included on the smaller sizes 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 and 22.

If Easylock is used to hold spools in level winding operations, the pintle points are attached to the face of the unit. As holding force is increased, the points are forced into the spool bore creating a non-slip interface between the shaft and the spool. This permits rapid starts and stops without rotational play of the spool on the shaft. The pintle points also make Easylock useful in processes such as high-speed roll-fed lamination and stretch-wrapping.

Amacoil Inc.www.Amacoil.com