nyckelinfästning

Nyckelinfästning, also known as keying or feathering, is a mechanical method for transmitting torque between rotating shafts and their connected components, such as gears, pulleys, or couplings. It relies on the engagement of a key, a small metal piece, with matching grooves called keyways or keyseats. One keyway is typically cut into the shaft, and a corresponding keyway is machined into the bore of the component that needs to be driven. The key is then inserted into both keyways, effectively locking the shaft and the component together.

The key is usually rectangular or square in cross-section and is designed to fit snugly into the keyways. Its purpose is to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the component. When torque is applied to the shaft, it is transmitted through the key to the component, causing it to rotate as well. This method is commonly used in a wide variety of machinery, from automotive transmissions and industrial equipment to smaller devices like electric motors.

There are several types of nyckelinfästning, including parallel keys, tapered keys, and Woodruff keys. Parallel keys are the most common, featuring a constant rectangular cross-section. Tapered keys have a slight taper to facilitate assembly and provide a tighter fit. Woodruff keys have a semi-circular shape and fit into a corresponding semi-circular slot on the shaft, offering ease of installation and removal. The choice of key type depends on the specific application, the amount of torque to be transmitted, and assembly considerations. Nyckelinfästning is a robust and reliable method for power transmission, offering a cost-effective solution for many mechanical engineering challenges.