Content Navigator
- What is Shaft Coupling?
- Types of Shaft Couplings
- What are the applications of couplings?
- How to choose the right shaft couplings?
- Unlock Superior Performance
What is Shaft Coupling?
Shaft couplings are also called couplings or coupler. A mechanical component used to firmly connect the driving shaft and the driven shaft in different mechanisms to rotate together and transmit motion and torque. Sometimes it is also used to connect shafts and other parts (such as gears, pulleys, etc.). It is often composed of two halves, respectively connected by keys or tight fits, fastened at the ends of the two shafts, and then connected by some means. The shaft coupling can also compensate for the offset between the two shafts due to inaccurate manufacturing and installation, deformation or thermal expansion during work (including axial offset, radial offset, angular offset or comprehensive offset) ; And ease the impact, absorb vibration.
Most of the commonly used shaft coupling have been standardized or standardized. Generally, it is only necessary to correctly select the type of coupling and determine the type and size of the coupling. If necessary, the load capacity can be checked and calculated for the vulnerable and weak links; when the speed is high, the centrifugal force of the outer edge and the deformation of the elastic element need to be checked, and balance checks, etc. should be carried out.
Types of Shaft Couplings
Shaft couplings are a versatile connection that allows for motion transfer between two rotating shafts. There are many types of couplings available, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. It is important to choose the right type of coupling to ensure maximum performance and reliability in any application.
Couplings can be divided into two categories: rigid couplings and flexible couplings.
—rigid couplings
Rigid coupling is a torsionally rigid coupling that does not have any backlash even when it is under load. Even when there is a load due to deviation, the rigid coupling still rigidly transmits torque. If there is any deviation in the system, it will lead to premature failure of the shaft, bearing or coupling, which means that it cannot be used in a high-speed environment because it cannot compensate the relative displacement between the shafts due to the high temperature generated by high-speed operation. Of course, rigid couplings can also perform very well in servo system applications if the relative displacement can be successfully controlled. Especially small size rigid couplings have the advantages of light weight, ultra-low inertia and high sensitivity, and in practical applications, rigid couplings have the advantages of maintenance-free, super oil resistance and corrosion resistance.
The rigid coupling does not have the ability to buffer and compensate for the relative displacement of the two axes, and requires strict alignment of the two axes, but this type of coupling has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and easy assembly and disassembly. , Easy maintenance, high alignment of the two shafts, high transmission torque, wide application. Commonly used are flange couplings, sleeve couplings and clamshell couplings.
—flexible couplings
The flexible coupling is a coupling that allows the rotor to have a separate axial displacement, and the two connected rotors can have a certain deviation in the center. A flexible coupling refers to the ability to compensate for the relative offset of the axes of the two shafts being coupled.
In the “flexible connection”, the relative connecting parts not only have the relationship of restraint or power transmission, but also have a certain degree of relative displacement.
The flexible coupling uses sliders, elastic pins, wooden pins or universal joints between the two parts of the coupling to transmit power and meet the requirements of the equipment.
Flexible couplings can be divided into flexible couplings without elastic elements and flexible couplings with elastic elements. The former type only has the ability to compensate the relative displacement of the two axes, but it cannot buffer and reduce vibration. Block couplings, gear couplings, universal couplings and chain couplings, etc.; the latter type contains elastic elements, in addition to the ability to compensate for the relative displacement of the two axes, it also has the effect of buffering and vibration reduction. However, due to the limitation of the strength of the elastic element, the transmitted torque is generally not as good as the flexible coupling without elastic element. The common elastic sleeve pin coupling, elastic pin coupling, plum blossom coupling, tire type Couplings, serpentine spring couplings and reed couplings, etc.
—The difference between rigid couplings and flexible couplings
- Different characteristics
The elastic coupling is a coupling that can compensate the axial displacement and radial displacement between the connecting shafts, while the rigid coupling is a coupling that cannot connect the axial displacement and radial displacement between the shafts ;
- Different structure
Compared with the elastic coupling, the structure of the rigid coupling is relatively simple, while the structure of the elastic coupling is relatively complex, which is more suitable for the situation where the concentricity of the two shafts is not good, especially for the situation with torsional vibration, because its The elastic structure can play a vibration damping effect. The rigid coupling is relatively suitable for the situation where the concentricity of the two shafts is good, and the price is relatively cheap.
- Different assembly requirements
The concentricity error of the two shafts of the rigid coupling needs to be within 0.05mm, and a more accurate concentricity error value is required, while the concentricity error of the two axes of the elastic coupling is within 0.1mm. At the same time, it is required The drive shaft and the pump end need to keep a distance of 5~10mm.
What are the applications of couplings?
Shaft Couplings are mechanical transmission parts, used to connect two shafts in different mechanisms, namely the driving shaft and the driven shaft, so that they rotate together and transmit torque mechanical parts. In high-speed and heavy-duty power transmission, some couplings also have the functions of buffering, damping and improving the dynamic performance of the shafting. Generally, the power machine is mostly connected with the working machine by means of a coupling, which is a commonly used connecting part for shafting transmission of mechanical products.
Depending on the type of coupling, its application occasions are also different.
—Rigid couplings
Rigid coupling: Rigid coupling does not have the ability to compensate for the relative offset of the axes of the two shafts being coupled, nor does it have buffering and shock absorption performance; but the structure is simple and the price is cheap. Only when the load is stable, the speed is stable, and the relative deviation of the axes of the two shafts can be guaranteed to be extremely small, can the rigid coupling be selected.
—Flexible couplings
- Without elastic elements
- The flexible coupling without elastic elements is flexible, so it can compensate the relative displacement of the two shafts. But because there is no elastic element, it cannot cushion the vibration. There is impact noise at high speed or unstable speed or frequent forward and reverse rotation. It is suitable for occasions with low speed, heavy load and stable speed. Commonly used are the following: flange coupling, cross slider coupling, slider coupling, cross shaft universal coupling, tooth coupling.
- With elastic elements
- The flexible coupling with elastic elements is equipped with elastic elements, which can not only compensate large axial displacement, small radial displacement and angular displacement, but also have the ability of buffering and vibration reduction. It is mostly used in high-speed axes with frequent positive and negative changes, low relative position accuracy of active and passive axes, and frequent starts. Commonly used are the following: roller chain couplings, elastic sleeve pin couplings, elastic pin couplings, star elastic couplings, plum blossom elastic couplings, tire couplings, diaphragms coupling.
- With non-metallic elastic elements
- Flexible couplings with non-metallic elastic elements have good cushioning and shock-absorbing performance when the speed is not stable, but due to the low strength, short life, small bearing capacity, and low temperature and temperature resistance of non-metallic (rubber, nylon, etc.) elastic elements Low temperature, so it is suitable for high speed, light load and normal temperature occasions.
How to choose the right shaft couplings?
When selecting a coupling type, the following items should be considered.
- The size and nature of the required transmission torque, the requirements for buffering and vibration reduction functions, and whether resonance may occur.
- The relative displacement of the two axis axes caused by manufacturing and assembly errors, shaft loading and thermal expansion deformation, and relative movement between components.
- Permissible external dimensions and installation methods, necessary operating space for easy assembly, adjustment and maintenance. For large couplings, it should be possible to disassemble and assemble without the shaft moving axially.
In addition, conditions such as working environment, service life, lubrication, sealing and economy should also be considered, and then a suitable coupling type should be selected with reference to the characteristics of various couplings.
Unlock Superior Performance
Shaft couplings are a revolutionary technology that can unlock unparalleled motion transfer. This new product has the potential to revolutionize any number of industries, as it provides an efficient way to transfer power and torque between motor shafts. In conclusion, by using shaft couplings, companies and individuals can unlock superior performance across their operations.
The features of shaft coupling make it ideal for various applications in the field of industrial machinery. Its ability to accommodate misalignment and absorb vibration makes it a great choice for equipment that runs continuously or intermittently over long periods. It also offers higher reliability than many other forms of transmission mechanisms due to its simple design and low maintenance requirements. As a result, companies that utilize this technology will experience enhanced productivity with greater energy efficiency over time.
