Double-ear Lock Washer

The double-ear lock washer is a commonly used mechanical anti-loosening part. The following is a detailed introduction to the double-ear lock washer:

Structural Features of the Double-ear Lock Washer

Overall Shape: It is usually a circular thin piece, similar to a general washer, but it has two ears symmetrically arranged in the circumferential direction. This is a prominent feature that distinguishes it from other washers.

Structure of the Ears: The shape of the ears is mostly rectangular or trapezoidal, and the dimensions vary according to specific applications. The design of parameters such as the length, width, and thickness of the ears needs to take into account the connection with the mating parts and the anti-loosening effect.

Aperture and Outer Diameter: The inner hole diameter is adapted to the diameter of the bolt or shaft it is mated with to ensure that the washer can be accurately installed in the corresponding position. The outer diameter is generally slightly larger than the diameter of the through hole of the connected part, so as to provide sufficient supporting area after installation.

Thickness: The thickness of the washer is relatively thin, generally between 1 and 5 millimeters. The specific thickness depends on the usage occasion and the load it bears.

Working Principle of the Double-ear Lock Washer

The double-ear lock washer achieves the anti-loosening function by cooperating with nuts or other connecting parts. After the nut is tightened on the bolt, the two ears of the double-ear lock washer are bent respectively so that they snap into the corresponding notches or holes of the nut or the connected part. In this way, due to the blocking effect of the ears, it is difficult for the nut to generate a rotational movement relative to the bolt when subjected to vibrations, impacts, or other external forces, effectively preventing the nut from loosening and ensuring the reliability of the connection.

Advantages of the Double-ear Lock Washer

Good Anti-loosening Effect: It can withstand large vibration and impact loads. Compared with some other anti-loosening methods, such as spring washers, the anti-loosening performance of the double-ear lock washer is more reliable, which can effectively reduce equipment failures and potential safety hazards caused by nut loosening.

Simple Structure: The design and manufacturing process are relatively simple, with low cost, and it is easy for large-scale production and application. Its structure is mainly composed of a circular thin piece and two ears, without the need for complex processing techniques and special materials.

Convenient Installation: No special tools or complex installation processes are required. Just place the washer in the appropriate position, tighten the nut, and then bend the ears to complete the installation. The operation is simple and quick, which can improve the installation efficiency.

Application Fields of the Double-ear Lock Washer

Mechanical Manufacturing: It is widely used in the connection parts of various mechanical equipment, such as engines, transmissions, machine tools, etc. In these equipment, reliable anti-loosening measures are required for bolt connections. The double-ear lock washer can ensure that the connection remains tight during long-term operation and prevent the normal operation of the equipment from being affected by loosening.

Automotive Industry: It is often used in the connections of parts such as the chassis and engine compartment of automobiles. For example, the bolt connections of the chassis suspension system and the fixation of the engine cylinder block all require the use of double-ear lock washers to improve the reliability of the connection and ensure the stability and safety of each component during the driving process of the automobile.

Aerospace: It is also applied in the structural connections of aircraft and the assembly of engine components. Since the aerospace field has extremely high requirements for reliability, the anti-loosening function of the double-ear lock washer can ensure that the connections of key parts remain tight under complex flight conditions and guarantee flight safety.

Power Equipment: It is used for the bolt connections in power equipment such as power transformers and switchgear. During the operation of power equipment, it will be affected by factors such as vibrations and electromagnetic forces. The double-ear lock washer can prevent the nuts from loosening due to these factors and ensure the safe and stable operation of the power equipment.

Precautions for Selecting the Double-ear Lock Washer

Size Matching: Select a double-ear lock washer of appropriate size according to the diameter of the bolt or shaft it is mated with, the size of the nut, and the structure of the connected part. Ensure that the inner hole diameter of the washer matches the diameter of the bolt or shaft, and the size of the ears can be adapted to the notches or holes of the nut or the connected part to ensure that the washer can be correctly installed and play the anti-loosening role.

Material Selection: Select the appropriate material according to the usage environment and work requirements. In a general environment, a washer made of ordinary carbon steel can usually meet the requirements; in a corrosive environment, such as a humid outdoor area or a chemical production site, a washer made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials should be selected to prevent the washer from rusting and corroding, which may affect its performance and service life.

Load-bearing Capacity: Consider the magnitude of the load borne by the connection part and select a double-ear lock washer with sufficient strength and stiffness. If the load is large, a washer with a larger thickness and higher material strength should be selected to ensure that it will not fail due to overloading during long-term use and ensure the safety and reliability of the connection.