Couplings

Couplings
Coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together at their
ends for the purpose of transmitting power

Coupling

Pump Motor
 Uses of coupling

To provide connection of shafts of units

made separately
To allow misalignment of the shafts or to
introduce mechanical flexibility.
To reduce the transmission of shock loads
To introduce protection against overloads.
To alter the vibration characteristics
 Types of coupling
Rigid
Flexible
Universal
Flexible coupling

Rigid coupling

Universal coupling
 Aligned Shaft Couplings

Aligned shaft couplings are rigid couplings

that are designed to draw two shafts
together so that no motion can occur
between them.
Types
Flanged
Split Coupler
Keyed
Friction
 Rigid coupling
Flange

Key Hub

Driven Shaft

Driving
Shaft

Flanged Coupling

Rigid couplings are used when precise shaft alignment is required

Simple in design and are more rugged

Generally able to transmit more power than flexible couplings

Shaft misalignments cannot be compensated

 Split Coupler

Again, a key is used to fix the coupling

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

Grooves are cut into the shaft and the

fixed part.
A key is put in the grooves to lock the
two parts together.
 Friction Coupling
Driver Friction Material
Plate A
Driver Shaft Driven Shaft
In motion In motion

Driver Shaft Driven Shaft

In motion Stationary

Clutch Disengaged Clutch Engaged

 Non-Aligned Shaft Couplings
Used to join shafts that meet at a slight
angle.
Angle may still change while running due
to vibration or load.
Types:
Universal
Constant Velocity
Flexible
 Universal Joint

Consist of two end yokes and a center bearing

block.
Provides for angular misalignment of up to 45
degrees.
 Constant Velocity Joint

Used where angles are greater than 20 and

there is no room to use two universal joints.
Driven shaft maintains a constant speed
regardless of driver shaft angle.
Used on driveshafts on front wheel drive cars.
 Flexible Coupling
Flange Flange

Driving Driven Shaft

Shaft

Pin
Bush

A flexible coupling permits with in certain limits, relative rotation and

variation in the alignment of shafts

Pins (Bolts) covered by rubber washer or bush is used connect flanges

with nuts
Can handle approximately 3degree of angular misalignment.

The rubber washers or bushes act as a shock absorbers and insulators.

 Elastomeric coupling (Tyre Coupling)
Elastomeric member

Flange Flange

Bolt

An assembly of components designed to connect axially oriented

shafts in order to provide power transmission

Able to accommodate shaft misalignment through elastomeric

materials
 Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
Torsionally stiff
No lubrication or maintenance
Good vibration damping and shock absorbing qualities
Less expensive than metallic couplings
More misalignment allowable than most metallic
couplings
Limitations
Sensitive to chemicals and high temperatures
Usually not torsionally stiff enough for positive
displacement
Larger in outside diameter than metallic coupling
Difficult to balance as an assembly
SPECIAL COUPLINGS
 Line Shafts
Compensation for misalignments
Backlash-free and torsionally rigid
Able to span longer distances
Standard lengths up to 3 m (9.84 ft)
No intermediate support bearing required
Intermediate tube removable for easy
mounting
Material: Bellows made of flexible high grade
stainless
steel
Intermediate tube section: steel,
Clamping hubs: steel
Design: With tapered conical sleeves and
captive jack
screws
Intermediate tube section supported by
gimbals
within the clamping hub.
Lateral mounting and dismounting
accomplished
through the removal of the intermediate tube
section.
 Bellow Couplings
Properties: zero backlash andhigh
torsional rigidity easy assembly
suited for space restricted
installations compact design
Material: The hubs are made of
aluminium and steel. Bellows are
made of highly flexible, high-grade
stainless steel.
Intermediate flange made of steel
(standard).
Design: One side with a clamping
hub and a single radial clamping
screw ISO 4762.
One side with a flange-connection
and a separate intermediate flange.
Speed: Up to 10,000 rpm.
Couplings for Servomotors
 Keyless Couplings
1. Designed to suit a wide
range of shaft tolerances.
2. Compact with only a small
difference between the inner
and outer diameters.
3. Self-centering.
4. Excellent for locking small
shafts.
5. Available in stainless steel
and electroless nickelplated
finish.
Key less coupling
 Torque Limiters
Precise overload protection
Absolutely backlash-free and
torsionally rigid
Compact, simple design
Disengagement detection is
achieved through indexing ring
movement
Low residual friction
following disengagement
Low moment of inertia
Disengagement within
msecs
Precesion applications.