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What is coupling?

Introduction of coupling types and their applications

Introduction

In all industries, you need to know what coupling is to transfer torque and power from one engine to another
how does it work

There are many categories for couplings according to their function.

Due to the wide variety of coupling models, each reference classifies and introduces couplings in a specific way, but
In this article, we have classified and introduced the couplings in such a way that
As soon as a design engineer sees a coupling, he has the ability to recognize the type of coupling based on all the introduced methods.

What is coupling?

Coupling (in English: Coupling) is a part that is used to connect two shafts. One of its uses is in railways, when they want to connect two rails together.

Coupling means connecting two parts. In industry, it refers to a piece that connects two shafts with a base or hardem. Simply put, these are mechanical devices that are used to transfer power or torque from one shaft to another.

You may ask what is the reason for using couplings? In response, we must say that the power can be transmitted with a vision or drive only if the shafts are parallel. When the shafts are in line and are transferred from one shaft end to the other shaft, they are coupled. But these parts have types, which are suitable power plants between two non-parallel shafts (that is, when there is an angle between the two shafts), which was revealed in the following.

What are the advantages of using coupling?

The use of coupling in the industry has a wide range of advantages and applications, including the following:

Transmission of power and torque: As an intermediary between two shafts, this part is capable of transmitting motion and power from one shaft to another. This capability helps industries that need to transfer power and torque between different components.
Absorption of vibration and shock: Couplings are able to absorb vibrations and shocks caused by the operation of machines. This feature can prevent failure and damage to other components and increase the useful life of the equipment.
Misalignment compensation: If the two shafts do not need exact alignment, this piece can compensate for this misalignment and transfer the movement well.
Ease of installation and replacement: Due to their simple structure and relatively easy replacement, these parts are widely used in industries that require quick replacement and installation of components.

Application of coupling??

As we said before, the use of couplings is to connect two parts to transfer power from one to the other and finally convert power into movement. For example, we may want to connect a servo motor to a shaft in an industrial machine; In this case, we can use these parts.

Another goal is to absorb dissonance. In some cases, there may be an error when installing them, or the driver and the component connected to it may not be perfectly aligned in terms of height or parallelism; This causes more pressure and wear between the parts and as a result reduces their useful life. In these cases, a coupling absorbs these destructive effects and prevents damage to the parts. In addition, there may be very small errors in the size, dimensions, connections, etc. in the design of industrial parts. In these cases, the use of coupling between these parts will reduce the fluctuation in movement and ultimately provide a better and more useful performance.

So, in general, the reasons for using these parts can be considered as the following:

It is the best means of transferring power from one shaft in motion to another shaft.
Coupling can be used to connect two parts that are produced separately.
To create more flexibility when transferring power, especially when space is limited; is used.
This part can be used to reduce shocks and impacts caused by movement between two industrial parts.

Introduction of coupling types

As you can see, the uses of this tool are very diverse. In order to respond to the various needs of the industry, the industrial automation group of Lain Hakar has started to supply various types of couplings in different models and brands. In general, couplings are divided into two categories: rigid and flexible. Each of these categories includes several models that we will get to know later.

Rigid (non-flexible) couplings

Hard couplings, as their name suggests, have little flexibility. Polymer materials are not used in the construction of these types of parts, and for this reason, they do not have much ability to absorb vibrations. There are different types of hard couplings. In the following, we will introduce their types.

1- Muff or clip (muff)

Coupling muff, which is also called a clip; It is a type of hollow cylinder. The muff is designed in such a way that the shaft fits perfectly in the sleeve. Clamp couplings are produced and supplied in two forms, one-piece and two-piece. Also, to prevent the longitudinal movement of the coupling, when connecting two shafts to each other, two or more threaded holes are placed at the ends of the shafts. Muff does not have complicated parts and it is easy to make. This part is used in cases where the shafts are completely parallel to each other and do not need any alignment. They can also carry light to medium loads.

2- A slotted clip

The slotted clamp coupling is divided into two parts. Muffs are semi-cylindrical in shape; which are placed on the shafts. To better connect the shafts to each other, threaded holes have been created on the slotted clamp coupling; To be able to connect two shafts with steel bolts and nuts. The unique feature of this model is that it can be assembled and disassembled without changing the position of the shaft. The use of slotted clamp coupling is to carry medium and heavy loads at a slow speed.

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3- Flange

Flange coupling is one of the most widely used couplings. The price of this model is low compared to others and of course it has the power to transmit many torques. It has an equal number of threaded holes on both sides to ensure less wobble when the shafts move. These parts are mostly used in medium and heavy industrial applications.

4- Fluid

The fluid coupling consists of two parts: a pump and a turbine. Both of them have blades that are installed inside with a certain angle. In fact, the pump is installed at the end of the drive shaft and the turbine at the end of the moving shaft. The way the fluid works is that the liquid enters the pump. Then, due to the centrifugal force, the drive shaft is pushed outward.

5- Miniature

Miniature couplings work similarly to the metal blower model. But they have a smaller size and are suitable for small engines and small-scale industrial applications. Miniature despite the fact that they are small in size; But they transmit good power and the cost of maintenance is very low.

Rigid coupling price

As you have seen, rigid couplings are designed and supplied in different models and sizes. Their prices vary depending on the type of materials used in their construction and also their size. To know the price and buy these parts with the best price and quality, you can visit Lain Hakak industrial automation products.

Flexible coupling

Flexible couplings have a greater ability to adapt to all kinds of axial, radial and angular deviations. Of course, there are exceptions, and a certain type of them may have the ability to adapt to one or two types of deviations. In the following, we will introduce their types.

1- Flanged coupling with plastic bushing

The plastic bushing flange coupling is an upgraded version of the non-flexible flange. The difference between these two is the use of plastic bushings, which makes them flexible. The design of the rubber bushings is such that the bolts and nuts are completely placed inside the model. The main advantage of using them is that it can be used for shafts that have non-parallel axes. The use of plastic bushings absorbs shock and vibration.

The application of the flange model with plastic bushing is in cases where there is a small amount of angular or axial deviation between two shafts. It is also widely used in electric motors and various industrial machines.

2- gear coupling

The gear coupling is another modified and advanced version of the flange model. In this model, flange and hub are different parts that are assembled together as a single piece. The hubs are twisted on the outside, but they are so thick and deep that you can think of them as ribs. Also, flanges have internal teeth. The gear model is used for heavy industrial applications that require high torque transmission.

3- Universal coupling

Flexible universal coupling is suitable for connecting two shafts that are connected at an angle. It also has a pair of closely spaced and perpendicular hinges, connected by cross shafts. Even when the joint of two shafts has a large angle, it can transmit torque with great power. This model can be used when space is limited or high flexibility is required.

4- Flexible disc

In disc couplings, a metal disc is placed between two flanges. The remarkable thing about this style is that half of the screws connect the driving shaft, and half of the screws from the opposite side connect the driving shaft to the coupling; In this way, the necessary flexibility is created when the two shafts move. They have a very high useful life and twisting hardness. Other flexible couplings include Omega, rod, spiral, jaw, etc.

The price of flexible couplings

As you have seen, there are different types of flexible couplings, each of which has its own characteristics. In general, compared to hard models, it can be said that the price of flexible couplings is usually higher. To get more information, as well as to get the price of the flexible type and buy them, you can contact the experts of Industrial Automation Group of Lain Hamak.

Deciding on the most suitable type for your needs requires considering various factors. The torque and output of the driving shaft, the positional accuracy of the shaft, the severity of incompatibility between the two shafts, vibration, etc. are some of these factors. We hope that by reading this article, you will be able to use the appropriate criteria for choosing and purchasing a coupling.

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