Shaft couplings Manufacturers online

The shaft coupling

Non-switchable couplings are also still called shaft couplings. These are flexible, torsionally rigid or rigid connecting elements between the components and the shafts of a drive. Shaft couplings can be flange couplings, torsionally flexible steel band couplings, compensating couplings, cone clamping couplings, multi-plate couplings or torsionally rigid gear couplings. Each of these high-quality designs covers a range of nominal torques between 2.0 Nm and 1,299,500 Nm.

What is the purpose of shaft couplings?

This type of coupling is used to transfer torque from one shaft end to another element (second shaft end, gear, etc.) in a limited or permanent manner. In addition, shaft couplings are still intended to compensate for misalignment or separate torque. Sometimes these couplings are used to bridge a distance (cardan shaft).

Shaft couplings are classified according to function and type of torque transmission into torsionally flexible, switchable, rigid or torsionally stiff couplings and safety couplings.

Rigid couplings do not move themselves, but connect two shaft ends. There is no compensation for misalignment or shrinkage in the drive. This connection is only used for rigid connection and, in case of repair, to separate two elements. In addition, vertical shafts can be connected (agitator shaft).

Torsionally flexible couplings are primarily used to compensate for non-uniform rotary movements, such as in the drive of an internal combustion engine. Shocks and vibrations from one unit to another are to be reduced. Misalignments of the shafts are also compensated.

Misalignments that occur due to tolerances are eliminated by torsionally stiff couplings. This also happens when shaft ends are not aligned due to lack of space. The transmission of the rotating motion is angularly synchronous. Torsionally stiff couplings are used for the transmission of angularly precise movements (drive) as well as for the connection of encoders, rotary encoders, etc..

Switchable couplings are used when the drive has to be switched on or off. Versions are available here which are only to be used during operation or at standstill. Fixed point couplings are couplings which may only engage at a precise angular position.

Safety couplings are used to protect the machine and personnel. By overcoming the static friction, the torque is restricted. This is done either by a slipping clutch or by disconnecting the drive train.

Tooth clutches are positive-locking, torsionally rigid clutches. In this case, torque is transmitted by interlocking internal and external teeth. The internal teeth are straight, the external teeth are crowned. This compensates for angular shaft misalignment. In addition, special designs are available which permit larger deflection angles. The advantages are the extremely good power density, the suitability for high speeds and the insensitivity to overloads.