An industrial coupling is a device used to connect two shafts at their ends for power transmission. The primary purpose of industrial couplings is to connect two pieces of rotating equipment and allow some end movement or some degree of misalignment, or both. A coupling is a mechanical device that connects the heads of adjacent parts in a more general sense. Couplings do not normally allow shafts to be separated during operation; However, torque limiting clutches can slip or disengage when some torque limits are exceeded. Selecting, adjusting and maintaining an industrial coupling can reduce maintenance time and costs.
Jaw Couplings
The Jaw Coupling is a flexible fluid coupling that transmits torque through compression of a resilient sprocket insert placed between two intermeshing jaws.
Sleeve Coupling
The sleeve coupling transmits low to medium torque between connected devices in shear through an elastomeric insert with external splines that mates with hub splines. The liner material is typically EPDM, Neoprene or Hytrol and the liner may be one or two pieces.
Tire coupling
Tire couplings have a rubber or polyurethane element that is connected to two hubs. The rubber element transfers the shear moment.
Disc clutch
The operating principle of the disc clutch is torque transmission through elements of disks. It works by pulling and pushing segments with threads on a common bolt circle, which are screwed alternately between the input and output sides. These couplings generally consist of two hubs, two disk packs and a centrepiece. A single disc pack can accommodate angular and axial misalignment. Two disk packs are required to accommodate parallel misalignment.
Diaphragm Coupling
Diaphragm couplings use a single plate or a series of plates or diaphragms for the flexible elements. It transfers torque from the OD of a flexible disk to the ID through the coil or spacer and then from the ID to the OD. A deviation of the outside diameter relative to the inside diameter occurs when the diaphragm is subjected to misalignment. For example, attempts at axial displacement stretch the membrane, resulting in a combination of stretching and bending of the membrane profile.
Tooth Couplings
Tooth Couplings transmit the greatest torque and torque in the smallest diameter of any flexible coupling. Each coupling consists of two externally toothed crowned hubs. The hubs engage in two internally toothed collar bushings that are screwed together.
Lattice Coupling
Lattice Couplings consist of 2 hubs with radial slots that mesh with a spring steel serpentine strip. The mesh offers torsional damping and the flexibility of an elastomer, but with the strength of steel. Grid clutches transmit torque and accommodate angular, parallel and axial misalignment from one hub to another by reciprocating a conical grid in the clutch hub splines. The grid cross-section is generally tapered for better hub contact and easier assembly.
Roller Chain Coupling
Roller Chain Couplings consist of two hubs with radial sprockets coupled to a stub of double pitch roller chain. Chain couplings are used for low to medium speed and torque applications. The meshing of the sprocket and chain teeth transmits torque and the associated clearances accommodate angular, parallel and axial misalignments.