The Belleville washer, also known as a disc spring or cup spring washer, is a unique washer-type fastener that features a cup-shaped construction. As shown in the diagram, Belleville washers do not lay flat. Instead, they have a canonical shape in which the inside is higher than the bottom.
Belleville washers are used like traditional washers with a central hole through which fasteners (such as bolts) are placed. But their unique canonical shape makes them particularly effective when handling heavy loads, while also providing benefits.
It is not known who invented Belleville washers or when they were invented. That said, washers with the same standard shape have been around for over a century.
It is widely believed that the Belleville washer was invented by Julien Belleville, but this is not necessarily true. Julien Belleville patented the cup-shaped spring washer in France in the 1860s. However, the standard shape of the washer had been in existence for decades before he received his patent. Regardless of their origins, Belleville washers have become a popular choice for high stress applications that require the use of washers.
The purpose of Belleville washers is to absorb loads by acting as a spring. When a load is applied to a Belleville washer, the washer compresses. At the same time, the Belleville washer applies an equal amount of force to the object. This means that Belleville washers can handle larger, heavier loads than conventional washers can.
Depending on the application, multiple Belleville washers can be used to create greater resistance to heavy loads. Instead of using a single Belleville washer, you can use two or three Belleville washers.The stacking of Belleville washers creates multiple springs, each acting on the object.
In addition to handling heavy loads, Belleville washers are able to absorb vibrations. For this reason, for example, many vehicles use Belleville washers. Vibration usually loosens traditional washers, but this is not a problem for Belleville washers because they are shaped as standard. Even with constant vibration, Belleville washers should not loosen.
Belleville washers are suitable for all applications. But their standard shape and spring-like properties make them ideal for handling heavy loads and absorbing vibrations.
