- This article describes a mechanical connection between two things. For other meanings, see Coupling (disambiguation).
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.
The primary purpose of couplings is to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both. By careful selection, installation and maintenance of couplings, substantial savings can be made in reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
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Uses
Shaft couplings are used in machinery for several purposes, the most common of which are the following.[1]
- 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
Rigid couplings are used when precise shaft alignment is required; shaft misalignment will affect the coupling's performance as well as its life. Examples:
- Sleeve or muff coupling
- Clamp or split-muff or compression coupling
- Flange coupling
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. Examples:
- Bushed pin type coupling
- Universal coupling
- Oldham coupling
- Bellows coupling — low backlash.
- Spider or jaw coupling or (lovejoy coupling) — elastomeric inserts for flexibility, vibration reduction.
- Thompson coupling
- Resilient coupling
- Disc coupling
- Diaphragm coupling
- Gear coupling
Some applications like printing machines, roll forming machines, laminating machines, corrugated paper machines and paper making machines require an extreme and variable parallel offset. For these machines the coupling Schmidt-Kupplung is a solution.
Torque limiting coupling
Torque limiting couplings, or torque limiters, protect systems against overtorque conditions.
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 roation 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
Tools to measure shaft axis alignment condition
- it is possible to measure the alignment with dial gages or feeler gages using various mechanical setups.
- it is recommended to take care of bracket sag, parallaxe error while reading the values.
- it is very convenient to use laser shaft alignment technique to perform the alignment task within highest accuracy.
- it is required to align the machine better, the laser shaft alignment tool can help to show the required moves at the feet positions.
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
Checking the coupling balance
Couplings are normally balanced at the factory prior to being shipped, but they occasionally go out of balance in operation. Balancing can be difficult and expensive, and is normally done only when operating tolerances are such that the effort and the expense are justified. The amount of coupling unbalance that can be tolerated by any system is dictated by the characteristics of the specific connected machines and can be determined by detailed analysis or experience.[2]
References
See also
External links
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