JM609 Power

Transmission Mechanism
Chapter 1 :

COUPLING

Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to :

1.1 Explain the Coupling definition and consumption purposes.

1.1.1 Describe the coupling definition
1.1.2 Identify the coupling consumption purposes
1.2 Explain the coupling types.
1.2.1 Identify the all type
a) Compression Coupling
b) Flexible Coupling
c) Disc type
d) Spider type
e) Chain Coupling
1.3 Describe the methods of measurement and compilation in
coupling.
1.3.1 Identify the methods of measurement in coupling
1.3.2 Identify the compilation in coupling

Definition:
A coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together
at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power.

Couplings do not normally allow disconnection of shafts

during operation, though there do exist torque limiting
couplings which can slip or disconnect when some torque
limit is exceeded.

Functions:
Shaft couplings are used in machinery for
several purposes, the most common of which
are the following.
To provide for the connection of shafts of units that
are manufactured separately such as a motor and
generator and to provide for disconnection for repairs
or alternations.
To provide for misalignment of the shafts or to
introduce mechanical flexibility.
To reduce the transmission of shock loads from one
shaft to another.
To introduce protection against overloads.
To alter the vibration characteristics of rotating units.

Types of shaft couplings

Rigid coupling
Flexible coupling

Types of Coupling

Rigid coupling
Rigid couplings are used when precise shaft alignment
is required; shaft misalignment will affect the coupling's
performance as well as its life.
Designed to draw two shafts together so that no motion
can occur between them

Flanged Coupling

A flange coupling usually applies to a coupling having two separate cast iron
flanges.
Each flange is mounted on the shaft end and keyed to it. The faces are turned
up at right angle to the axis of the shaft.
One of the flange has a projected portion and the other flange has a
corresponding recess. This helps to bring the shafts into line and to maintain
alignment.
The two flanges are coupled together by means of bolts and nuts. The flange
coupling is adopted to heavy loads and hence it is used on large shafting.

The flange couplings are of the following types:a) Unprotected type flange coupling
b) Protected type flange coupling
c) Marine type flange coupling

ASSIGNMENT 1 10 Marks

Split Coupling

A key is used to fix the coupling and the

shaft and the two halves of the coupling
are bolted together.

Sleeve/muff coupling

It is the simplest type of rigid coupling, made of cast iron.

It consists of a hollow cylinder whose inner diameter is the
same as that of the shaft.
It is fitted over the ends of the two shafts by means of a gib
head key.
The power is transmitted from one haft to the other shaft by
means of a key and a sleeve.
Therefore, necessary that all the elements must be strong
enough to transmit the torque.

Compression coupling

Compression coupling is sometimes called a ribbed coupling.

Clamp coupling is a modification and a improvement of the
sleeve coupling.
Made in two parts which are machined to fit the shaft and are
finished off around the periphery and on both ends.
The two halves of the coupling are clamped tightly against the
surface of the shaft ends by through bolts and the entire
torsional moment is transmitted entirely by friction.

Flexible coupling
Flexible couplings are designed to transmit torque while
permitting some radial, axial and angular misalignment.
Flexible couplings can accommodate angular misalignment up to
a few degrees and some parallel misalignment.
Angle may still change while running due to vibration or load.
Some applications like printing machines, roll forming machines,
laminating machines, corrugated paper machines and paper
making machines require an extreme and variable parallel offset.

Types:

Universal coupling
Oldham coupling
Bellows coupling
Spider or jaw coupling
Bushed pin-type flanged coupling

Universal coupling

The universal coupling is used for two shafts whose

center lines form a large angle , as 5 to 15 degrees,
or even 30 degrees.
The joint itself has no torsional flexibility nor can it
accommodate any parallel misalignment.
Widely used in agricultural machinery, machine tools
and automobiles
Consists of two fork mounted on the shaft end, either
with the help keys or screwed on the shaft ends.

Universal coupling (cont)

Oldham coupling
Oldham can be used for any velocities and loads and cause small
additional loads and bearings.
It can be used for shafts which are not in alignment but whose
axes are parallel up to the extent of 0.05 times the shaft diameter.
By using this type of coupling minor axial alignment of shafts can
be compensated.
Consists of two flanges keyed or secrewed to the respective shafts
and the flanges have the slots on the face surface. A cylindrical
piece called disc with a tongue running across each flat is present
Allow rotational movement between two parallel shafts, placed
near to each other. (Parallel misalignment).
Made up of two hubs, and a disk, which has two grooves, at right
angles to each other.
During rotation, the grooves in the hubs slide into the grooves in
the disk, thus correcting the misalignment

Oldham coupling (cont)

Bellow coupling
Link a torsional rigidity, high torque, misalignment
and high rotational speeds.
Light in weight, they have a large range of
applications and they are very good value for money.
Made up of two hubs which are mounted on the
shafts, and a bellows, which whilst being rigid under
torsion, has the flexibility in a longitudinal sense to
correct any mis-alignments.
Bellows is welded onto the hubs.
Capable of very high rotational speeds.

Bellow coupling (cont)

Spider/jaw coupling
Three-Jaw Insert couplings are used to provide quieter
running and to minimize vibration. Multi Jaw Couplings,
light duty couplings have spider-ring design with a special
elastomer insert.

Chain coupling
Easy to install, a high load capacity, inexpensive, requiring
minimum maintenance and some flexibility allowing some shaft
misalignment. Can be supplied as plain bore, plain bore machines
with a keyway or to accept a taper lock bush.

Bushed pin-type flanged coupling

A modification of the rigid type of flange coupling

Shock transmission is prevented by the cushioning effect of
the flexible element inserted in one of the flanges
Slight misalignments are taken care of.
This type of coupling has pins which works as a coupling bolt.
The rubber or leather bushes are used over pins.
It is generally used to couple electric motor and machine.

Friction Coupling
Driver
Plate A

Driver Shaft
In motion

Friction Material
Driver Shaft
In motion

Driven Shaft
In motion

Driven Shaft
Stationary

Clutch Disengaged

Clutch Engaged

Requirements of good shaft alignment /

good coupling setup
it should be easy to connect or disconnect the coupling.
it should transmit the full power from one shaft to other
without losses.
it does allow some misalignment between the two
adjacent shaft rotation axis.
it is the goal to minimise the remaining misalignment in
running operation to maximise power transmission and to
maximise machine runtime (coupling and bearing and
sealings lifetime).
it should have no projecting parts.
it is recommended to use manufacturer's alignment target
values to set up the machine train to a defined non-zero
alignment, due to the fact that later when the machine is at
operation temperature the alignment condition is perfect

Coupling maintenance and failure

Coupling maintenance is generally a simple matter,
requiring a regularly scheduled inspection of each
coupling. It consists of:
Performing visual inspections, checking for signs of
wear or fatigue, and cleaning couplings regularly.
Checking and changing lubricant regularly if the
coupling is lubricated. This maintenance is required
annually for most couplings and more frequently for
couplings in adverse environments or in demanding
operating conditions.
Documenting the maintenance performed on each
coupling, along with the date.

Even with proper maintenance, however,

couplings can fail. Underlying reasons for
failure, other than maintenance, include:
Improper installation
Poor coupling selection
Operation beyond design capabilities.

The only way to improve coupling life is to

understand what caused the failure and to
correct it prior to installing a new coupling.
Some external signs that indicate potential
coupling failure include:
Abnormal noise, such as screeching, squealing or
chattering
Excessive vibration or wobble
Failed seals indicated by lubricant leakage or
contamination.