Shaft couplings: Types, design and features
In this article, you will learn more about the types, design and features of shaft couplings. You will also be given tips on what you should look out for when selecting a shaft coupling.
TYPES OF SHAFT COUPLINGS
The shaft coupling is a machine element that forms a connection between two components. This allows the torque and the resulting mechanical work to be transmitted, and a shaft coupling can have a variety of properties. It is therefore essential that you familiarize yourself with the individual properties before purchasing so that subsequent operation can run smoothly.shaft couplings are divided into both switchable and non-shiftable couplings. The non-shiftable couplings can in turn be divided into couplings without compensation (rigid couplings) and couplings with compensation(with and without rotation angle compensation, torsionally rigid or flexible couplings). These differentiations already make it clear that there is a wide range of shaft couplings available! We have already presented two types of shaft couplings in the last two articles: the flexible coupling (non-shiftable, with angle of rotation compensation) and the centrifugal clutch (self-engaging, speed-dependent).
Torsionally flexible Coupling
Torsionally flexible couplings can compensate for non-uniform rotational movements that occur within a drivetrain, for example. The transmission should run as smoothly as possible without interfering vibrations or shocks. Please note that torsionally rigid (rigid) couplings are not able to compensate for these sources of interference.
Self-shifting speed-dependent Coupling
The centrifugal clutch is a thermally highly resilient design. Accordingly, it enables loss-free power transmission and offers a long service life.
STRUCTURE OF THE SHAFT COUPLING
You can use our shaft couplings within different areas. We categorize these areas as follows: Marine, industrial, railroad, agricultural and energy sectors. The design of the shaft coupling can vary depending on the desired area of application. The design also results in different characteristics. You should therefore select the right type of coupling with the right properties depending on the area. Because not every Coupling will suit your project.
Marine products
Do you need a Coupling that is ideal for boats and yachts? These couplings sit between the engine and gearbox and between the gearbox and propeller shaft. They are highly flexible and damping. Unlike rigid couplings, they do not transmit vibrations and structure-borne noise into the hull of the boat. This means greater comfort for you.
CENTAFLEX-ACV and CENTAFLEX-AGM
The CENTAFLEX-ACV and the CENTAFLEX AGM are highly flexible cardan shaft couplings. The CENTAFLEX-ACV has a drive shaft with a CV joint. This homokinetic joint (also known as a constant velocity joint) transmits rotational movements uniformly between two shafts. The two shafts are mounted at an angle to each other. Irregularities are thus avoided. Note: Cardan shafts are the opposite of constant velocity joints. Cardan shafts do not have a regular angular velocity.
The CENTAFLEX-ACV has various adapters for different types of marine gearboxes. It can also adapt to different propeller shaft diameters. It also has the best damping properties.
The CENTAFLEX-AGM has no CV joint, yet the Coupling enables backlash-free torque transmission. It is characterized by maintenance-free operation and excellent damping properties.
CENTAFLEX-M and CENTAFLEX-AM
Depending on the propeller speed, the CENTAFLEX-M is available in two sizes. It also has a large rubber volume, which guarantees smooth transmission of torque and propeller thrust. The CENTAFLEX-M also has an anti-spin device. The CENTAFLEX-AM is equipped with an additional rubber thrust bearing. This enables additional propeller thrust.
Industrial products
Industrial Couplings must be able to withstand extreme loads and offer high performance. Long breakdowns (long downtimes) can result in high costs. Furthermore, industrial couplings should be low-wear even under extreme loads.
CENTAFLEX-B and CENTAFLEX-E
The flexible shaft coupling CENTAFLEX-B is an inexpensive and versatile adaptable coupling. Thanks to its intelligent design, the elastic element is subject to low loads and has a long service life. If the elastic element does need to be replaced, it can be easily removed and replaced independently of the already coupled units.
The CENTAFLEX-E flexible Coupling is designed for high torques. You can therefore use this coupling with hydrostatic construction machinery drives. These drives can be found in excavators, rollers or concrete mixers, for example. Hydrostatic drives combine a high power density with a small size. This is why these drives are often used in mobile machines.
Industrial and railroad products
CENTAFLEX-X
The CENTAFLEX-X Coupling features a slimline elastic element that is extremely tough and highly resilient. At the same time, it always remains flexible in bending and axially and angularly flexible.
The CENTFLEX-X is particularly heat-resistant and oil-resistant. These two properties are of course particularly important in the industrial and railroad sectors. It is low-maintenance and has a robust elastic element.
Marine, energy and rail products
CENTAFLEX-T
In the field of shaft couplings, our CENTAFLEX-T is a good solution in the railroad sector as well as in the marine and energy sectors. The drive coupling works on a wedge spring basis. It delivers high torques in the smallest of spaces. Together with the speed, the torque (movement force) defines the transmitted power for drive shafts. It is extremely compact and ensures reliable compensation of misalignments.
SHAFT COUPLING - WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED?
Shaft couplings are available within different areas. The range of shaft couplings is therefore visibly large. You should therefore focus on technical product details. Because technical subtleties bring the decisive advantages to light during operation.
Power density
An important aspect is the power density (small outer diameter, reduced weight, low mass moments of inertia). The mass moment of inertia indicates how high the resistance of a body is to a change in its rotational movement. If this resistance is low, then operating costs can be saved. Furthermore, the small outer diameter allows installation in a small space.
Variety of variants
Shaft couplings, which enable flexible applications, can be used within different applications. Couplings should ideally be able to cover a wide range of torques and speeds. It should also be possible to adapt different drive constellations. To this end, attention should be paid to variable hub designs.
Good advice
Shaft couplings are more than just a simple add-on. They are an important component without which the entire system would not function. As a user, you should therefore always make sure you have a technically competent contact partner. Here at PMP, we are of course always at your side.
