Flexible Coupling as an essential element
In this article, you will learn more about the flexible coupling and the special forms of flexible couplings. It also describes the importance of application-specific coupling systems
COUPLING IS NOT THE SAME AS CLUTCH
Couplings perform important functions that influence the entire drive system. Couplings connect the drive unit with the power consumer. In this sense, two components are linked together. Couplings are therefore responsible for power transmission within a drive system and, in addition to power transmission, the coupling is also responsible for transmitting torque, for the smooth running of the system and for compensating for radial and angular misalignments. The latter is important if the Coupling is not installed in ideal physical parallelism. In this case, the rotational axes of the components are not aligned with each other. In such a case, angular misalignments and radial or axial misalignments can occur (shaft alignment, misalignment).
FLEXIBLE COUPLING WITH ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
The flexible Coupling are available as switchable and non-shiftable variants. The latter are equipped with additional functions so that they can compensate for misalignments and dampen vibrations.this article focuses on the non-shiftable variants. These can in turn be subdivided into couplings with and without compensation.
Rigid couplings are couplings that do not provide compensation without accessories. Couplings with compensation can be divided into variants without torsional angle compensation (torsionally rigid couplings) and with torsional angle compensation (flexible couplings) can be subdivided.
RIGID COUPLING VS. FLEXIBLE COUPLING (NON-SHIFTABLE COUPLINGS)
Rigid and flexible Couplings have in common that they belong to the group of non-shiftable couplings. But when should you use which variant?
Rigid Coupling
Are the components aligned with each other so that no misalignment needs to be compensated? Then a less flexible, rigid, non-shiftable Coupling is sufficient. Rigid couplings are often used for long shaft lines. As shaft misalignment is otherwise virtually unavoidable, the rigid coupling is often supplemented with flexible compensating couplings. A misalignment can thus be bridged, but torque shocks are transmitted undamped.
Flexible Coupling
FlexibleCouplings can cushion both shaft misalignment and non-uniform torque curves. The choice of Coupling should be strongly based on the given requirements. The following is a small selection of possible systems:
Low elastic pin and claw couplings with large axial displacement
Highly flexible Couplings for non-uniformly operating drives
Metal-elastic Couplings at high temperatures, for example
After assessing your drive, we at PMP will always recommend the Coupling that best meets your requirements.
ELASTIC COUPLING AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT
Couplings have a wide range of applications and the associated requirements. A suitable coupling system is essential for the efficient and reliable operation of your application. The coupling system must be able to withstand the given mechanical requirements. In addition, the system must function with as little maintenance and as trouble-free as possible. It should also have a long service life.
CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY IN DIFFERENT AREAS
At PMP, we specialize in drive technology in four core areas. These include the industrial and marine sectors on the one hand and the agricultural and energy sectors on the other.
Industry
We take care of drive technology in areas such as construction machinery, conveyor systems, locomotives, pumps and various other drive machines.
Navy
Our coupling technologies can be found on board a ship, in ship main drives, in ship auxiliary drives and in on-board generators.
Agriculture
Our sophisticated drive technology is used in agriculture in various agricultural machines and corn and grain mills from well-known manufacturers.
Energy
With our Couplings, the efficiency of various CHP units, stationary power generators, emergency power generators and decentralized energy systems is just right.