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Slip rings enable the transfer of electric power or signal circuits across a rotating surface, such as those found in radar antennae, gun turrets, periscopes, electro-optic sensor gimbals and space satellites. The sliding contact is established by a brush that presses against a metal ring. The “brush” can look like a brush made from metal fibers, but more often it looks like a single wire or a spring with a pad of material affixed to the end that contacts the ring.
As an indispensable part of modern industry, the slip rings
are used in a wide range of applications. Its importance is
self-evident. To various systems, the normal/well working
condition and normal/safe operation of the slip rings is the
basic need, which is crucial to be guaranteed, since it is a
key prerequisite for the normal operation of the entire
system.
To ensure the normal operation of the slip ring, the first
step is to buy high-quality slip ring products from
reliable slip ring manufacturers.
Then, during the daily usage of the slip ring, to
provide good maintenance to the slip rings. The length of
the life of the slip ring is subject to the structure of the
design, the quality of the material, as well as the routine
maintenance. To provide good maintenance of the slip ring
need to first understand the internal structure of the slip
ring.
The slip rings mainly include the stator part of the brush
and brush holder, and the rotor part of the main axis as the
two main components. Brush holder is used to fix the brush,
but it also plays a role in supporting the stator part of
the brush. The brush contacts with the copper ring of the
main axis of the rotor part, and maintain a certain
pressure, in order to achieve the role of transmission of
current. The pressure between the brush and the main axis
determines the contact resistance, the rotating frictional
resistance and wiring on the contact point. During the
rotation, the change of pressure between the brush and the
copper ring and the centrifugal force caused by the rotation
of the main axis will change with the use of time. So, under
the premise of purchasing the right
slip rings with correct
product structure designing, it is crucial
to keep the running of the slip rings under close
observation and maintenance. These are very related to the
overall working life of the slip rings.
When the working time and the working speed exceed the
design range of the product structure, heating will occur on
the slip ring, and the increase of the friction force will
also quick the wearing of the slip ring, directly affecting
the working life of the slip ring. So when the equipment is
expected to exceed a certain normal range of operation, this
should be informed to us at the designing stage of the
product, we will combine the actual application and
condition to provide the most appropriate structural design
to ensure that the use of equipment to meet the
requirements, so as to make the slip ring operate freely
with stable performance and long lasting life.
With diversification of the applications of slip rings, Large
Power Slip Rings are being used wider and
wider. For contact under high current, we don't suggest to
use common brush structure, but metal graphite brush. During
the usage of metal graphite brush, dust will be produced. If
the dust is not cleaned periodically, the fluctuation value
as well as the insulation of the slip rings will be
affected. For large power slip rings, we'll design specific
maintenance window to facilitate normal daily maintenance,
to ensure its long lasting working life.
Correctly understanding the internal structure of the slip
ring is very necessary for the proper maintenance of the
slip ring. The correct way of usage, upkeep and maintenance
of the slip ring can play a positive role in the normal
operation and safety running of the equipment/system. |
