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Coupling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

Rotating coupling

Contents
1 Uses
2 Types of shaft couplings
2.1 Rigid coupling
2.2 Flexible coupling
2.3 Torque limiting coupling
3 Requirements of good shaft alignment / good coupling setup
4 Tools to measure shaft axis alignment condition
5 See also
6 External links

Uses
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

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

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Coupling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling

Flexible couplings are designed to transmit torque while permitting some radial and 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 — elastomeric inserts for flexibility, vibration reduction.
Thompson coupling
Resilient coupling

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 recommeded 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.
is it required to align the machine better, the laser shaft alignment tool can help to show the required
moves at the feet positions.

See also
Clutch
Laser shaft alignment
Compression fitting
Piping and plumbing fittings

External links
Shaft Coupling Glossary (http://www.unionmillwright.com/shaft.html)
List of coupling types (http://www.roymech.co.uk/Useful_Tables/Drive/Drive_Couplings.html)
Laser Measurement Systems for Shaft & Machine Alignment (http://www.alignmentsupplies.com)
SkilFab Engineering www.skillfabcouplings.com - Leading Coupling Manufacturer
(http://www.skilfabcouplings.com)

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Coupling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling

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This page was last modified on 10 April 2008, at 18:57.


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