couplings

For drive transmission

Disk coupling, safety coupling, shaft coupling, clamping element, shaft-hub connection for machines and systems

Image: Orbit drive technology

Coupling in mechanical engineering | New products, manufacturers, types

Discover the diversity of Clutch in mechanical engineering: From switchable up to non-switchable Each clutch offers specific functions for precise drive systems. Find out more about the key role of shaft couplings in modern mechanical engineering. This article offers in-depth insights into the different types of couplings and their areas of application.

Mayr servo coupling

 

Clutches 2023 – The most important things in brief

A coupling creates elastic, rigid, torsionally elastic, switchable or detachable connections with different properties. Couplings compensate for, limit or interrupt shaft misalignment as safety clutch Torques, dampen vibrations and take attachments or others Machine Elements on. Development in the field of industrial couplings is constantly progressing to achieve higher transmission efficiency and improved adaptability to various machine environments.

Market Trends show an increasing use of smart couplings that Sensors are equipped and enable real-time monitoring of the clutch condition. This leads to optimized maintenance planning and increased system safety. In addition, specialized couplings for demanding environments, such as high-temperature or high-speed applications, are becoming increasingly important.

Material innovations, such as the use of composite materials, help reduce weight and increase performance, while modular coupling systems promise flexible adaptation to specific requirements and quick installation. Below we present you the latest one Clutch technology 2023

shaft coupling

Torque measuring shaft coupling

March 18.03.2024, XNUMX | Mayr Antriebstechnik presents smart clutches such as the new Roba-drive-checker steel multi-plate clutch, which can transmit more than just torque and compensate for shaft misalignment. Rather, they offer users the opportunity to get to know their processes in detail and to constantly monitor their status.

Shaft connection for a wide range of applications

November 23.11.2023, 0,7 | Often presented as the ultimate disc coupling, Tsubaki's True Flex Coupling offers a shaft connection that has an optimal shape. The designers used finite element analysis to create them. This lubrication-free and torsionally rigid coupling can absorb shaft misalignment and is designed for torques from 176.000 to XNUMX Nm.
Dog clutch

Sprocket makes clutches 40% more powerful

November 07.11.2023, 60 | KTR Systems has a new sprocket in its range that increases the performance level of the clutch by around 40 percent at temperatures above 60 °C. The TPU sprocket is primarily used in the Rotex GS servo coupling. However, it can also be used in standard Rotex couplings. Drives with permanent temperatures of 120° to XNUMX°C are the main areas of application.
Slip clutch

Slipping clutches limit torque

07.02.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | Collisions in the drive train cause sudden high torque peaks that can damage or even destroy adjacent components. To limit the torque to a defined value, either the slip clutch or the disengaging overload clutch are available. The Orbit Antriebstechnik portfolio contains a wide variety of safety clutches.
High speed clutch

High-speed clutch with high concentricity

March 30.03.2023, 6 | High speeds are particularly challenging for a clutch because inaccurate transmission of the rotational movement can have a negative impact on the dynamics and efficiency of the drive. High concentricity is therefore important for precise transmission of the rotary movement. R+W Antriebselemente has developed the SPXNUMX high-speed clutch for these requirements.
Compensating coupling

Encoder compensation coupling for precise measuring tasks

March 08.03.2023, XNUMX | If it needs to be particularly precise in corrosive or special atmospheric operating conditions, sensors and encoders designed for this require reliable compensating couplings. The Sensorfit encoder coupling from Schmidt-Kupplung meets this requirement.
shaft coupling

Compensation coupling for high temperatures

March 24.03.2023, 150 | Compensating couplings must function perfectly even under extreme conditions and high loads. In filling systems in the hot filling process or medical autoclaves, they sometimes have to withstand temperatures of up to XNUMX °C. Orbit Antriebstechnik presents various coupling systems with high heat resistance.
 

The variety of coupling types

Coupling types industry

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Positive clutch, non-positive clutch, fixed clutch, movable clutch, switching clutch, safety clutch, starting clutch, one-way clutch, controllable clutch, torsionally flexible clutch, elastic clutch, torsionally rigid clutch, rigid clutch, torsionally rigid clutch, compensating clutch, non-switchable clutch, switchable clutch, safety clutch, snap-in clutch, Slip clutch, centrifugal clutch, tooth clutch, elastomer clutch, claw clutch, cardan clutch, multi-plate clutch, articulated clutch, Oldham clutch, metal bellows clutch, tooth clutch, friction clutch, shell clutch, pin clutch, breaker bolt clutch, cross slot clutch, cross slide clutch, overrunning clutch, overload clutch, centrifugal clutch lung, ...

These are all “just” shaft couplings with different functions that are commonly used in industrial drives and the large number initially makes it a bit overwhelming for non-specialists to classify and classify them among each other. The following articles on the individual types of coupling are therefore sorted alphabetically:

Compensating coupling | For axial, radial and angular offset

With Flexible Couplings shaft misalignments, high tolerances or misalignments can be compensated. For the axial offset z. Claw couplings are used, for example, the Oldham coupling is suitable for radial misalignment, universal joint or ball joint couplings compensate for an angular misalignment, and a double toothed coupling is used for the combined misalignment. Below you will find New Products of torsionally rigid shaft couplings.

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Freewheel clutch | Backstop and overrunning clutch

Discover the new products and applications Freewheel clutch, a key element in modern drive systems. This specialized type of coupling, also called Backstop known, allows free rotation in one direction while locking in the opposite direction to prevent unwanted backlash. Find out more about their versatile uses and technical advantages.

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Joint coupling | Connect shafts with high offset

The articulated coupling connects two shaft ends for torque transmission. The torsionally rigid couplings also compensate for large radial and angular misalignments of the shafts. This makes it suitable for applications where precise shaft alignment is not possible or would be costly. With these properties it beats the metal bellows coupling or claw coupling. Below you will find innovations from various manufacturers.

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Claw coupling | With elastomer as a performer

Discover the latest developments in the field of Dog clutch – decisive for high-performance drive systems. Our expert insight highlights how the clutches can increase efficiency and reliability. Very important for them Elastomer couplings is the plastic or elastomer that needs to be constantly improved so that it becomes more efficient.

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Clamp ring | Adjusting ring and clamping coupling for shafts and axles

clamping ringCollars and clamping couplings secure axes and shafts in jig construction and mechanical engineering. the shaft Collars are very versatile. Here you will find new developments of small drive elements such as quick-release clamping rings for packaging technology, a clamping ring with mounting hole, clamping couplings for rotary swivel tables or clamping rings for hollow shaft encoders. 

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Multi-plate clutch | Design, selection and innovations

Learn how to Disk clutch Correctly design and select to optimize the efficiency and performance of your machines. With current tips and new clutch systems like one Steel plate clutch secure your technical advantage. The article also answers questions about switchable, torsionally rigid shaft couplings.

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Metal bellows coupling | Innovations, applications, special features

The Bellows is suitable for industrial applications where high positioning accuracy is required. Today it is used, among other things, in classic mechanical engineering such as the servo axes of machine tools, in test benches, Wind Turbines or in such sensitive applications as that Medical Technology. We present them to you here New developments different manufacturers.

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Slip clutch | Safety through disconnection in the event of overload

Maximize the safety of your drive systems with one Slip clutch or Frictionto prevent overload damage. This safety clutches protect your valuable machines from excessive torque. Improved materials and precise adjustment mechanisms guarantee quick response and reliable separation when torque is exceeded. Discover the new products and find out more about their function and application.

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Safety coupling: when + why?

The safety clutch reliably protects machines and systems from damage that can occur due to overload. Therefore, the question should always be asked when designing: Overload Clutch Yes or no? It's best to ask an expert. You can read up on it here. This article provides a lot of coupling know-how and shows some practical applications. 

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Rigid coupling | Torsionally rigid shell coupling

An rigid coupling or Shell coupling offers advantages such as backlash-free shaft connection or high torque transmission. Find out how rigid couplings ensure precise power transmission and fail-safe connections in your drive solution. Optimize your systems with proven solutions known for their robustness and easy installation.

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Report application cases for couplings and users

From heavy engineering to medical technology: There are applications for couplings everywhere. How they meet the respective requirements and what users say about them can be read here:

Freewheel in potato harvester
Wheelchair coupling at Teuto Inserv
Shaft coupling at Beyer Maschinenbau
Slip hub in baking machine
Element coupling in tunnel boring machine
Snap-in clutch in packaging system
Shaft coupling in French bakery
Multi-plate clutch in the Rügen Train
Torque limiter at Acelor Mittal
 

Coupling manufacturer know-how

Mayr safety clutch

Mayr Antriebstechnik is a leading manufacturer in the development and manufacture of safety brakes, torque limiters and Couplings. The company from Mauerstetten in the Allgäu offers an extensive range of safety clutches, shaft clutches, electromagnetic clutches, slip clutches and clutch brake combinations in the clutch sector. Based on decades of expertise, tailor-made and cost-effective solutions are developed that are tailored precisely to the needs of customers.

Why it is so important to install a safety clutch

Mechanical engineers should actually know how important it is to install a safety clutch in the drive train. Actually. However, their design does not always meet the high speeds and accuracies of modern machines, as there are cheaper alternatives. What instead for the use of safety clutches We'll find out what types there are and how to choose the right one from the experts at Mayr.

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Shaft coupling without play, precise and smart

Mayr offers a wide range of backlash-free, high-performance shaft couplings such as metal bellows couplings, elastomer couplings and multi-plate couplings for balancing torque transmission. The shaft coupling not only connects two shafts reliably, but also does so in a robust and precise manner. Below you will find out more about shaft couplings themselves and we will present innovations in the small anti-vibration mounts.

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Condition monitoring for clutches & brakes

The key points of tomorrow's machine maintenance are permanent inspection, needs-based maintenance - planned and appropriate to the workload, automated remote maintenance or error analysis across machines and plants. Mayr offers solution concepts in this area based on permanent inspection clutches and brakes for Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. We present the new developments to you.

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Orbit multi-disc clutch

Orbit Drive Technology offers a wide range of precision couplings and drive components that are specifically designed for a wide range of industrial requirements. The range ranges from compensating coupling and rigid couplings to clamping rings and safety couplings, including highly specialized options such as servo coupling and encoder coupling. The company from Wolfenbüttel offers tailor-made solutions even for extremely high torque requirements. Miniature couplings, angular gears and safety couplings for heavy-duty applications meet even specific needs.

The multi-plate clutch and its industrial applications

The Disk clutch Diskflex is suitable for a wide range of applications: from dynamic handling tasks to installation in multi-axis systems to forming systems and high-temperature environments. Orbit offers an extensive program for these torsion-resistant compensating couplings that is tailored to the application.

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Shaft Coupling: High Temperature Compensating Coupling

Compensating couplings must function perfectly even under extreme conditions and high loads. Examples of use include filling systems in the hot filling process, medical autoclaves or applications in process engineering. Here they have to withstand temperatures of up to 150 °C. Become for this Couplings with high heat resistance are needed so that they can do their work precisely. Orbit presents the different coupling systems.

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Schmidt clutch compensating clutch

As an experienced partner in mechanical engineering Schmidt coupling compact and functional coupling systems that are tailor-made for a variety of industries. The know-how extends across numerous applications, from food to medical technology. The torsion-resistant couplings from the specialists from Wolfenbüttel are characterized by their compactness and high functionality, while their unique technical features offer practical advantages for the user. We work closely with customers to tailor coupling solutions precisely to their specific needs.

Encoder compensation coupling for precise measuring tasks

When it needs to be extra precise in corrosive or special atmospheric operating conditions, you need ones designed for it Sensors and encoder reliable compensating couplings. The encoder coupling Sensorfit from Schmidt coupling meets this requirement. The lightweight and modular clamping hubs consist of High performance plastic PPS 40% glass fiber reinforced.

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Tsubaki clutch

Tsubaki is continually expanding its comprehensive range of shaft couplings to meet the diverse needs of the industry. From standard applications to sophisticated servo motor applications – the product range from the drive element specialists from Ismaning covers all areas. The high-quality products include chain couplings, disc couplings, beam/bellows couplings, elastomeric/jaw flex couplings and power fixed couplings. Particularly noteworthy is the MCD freehub product range, which is considered the most comprehensive of its kind in the world and meets European and international standards.

Freewheel and shaft coupling for efficient shaft connection

Discover the advanced Shaft connections from Tsubaki, a market leader in the field of drive elements. Tsubaki offers innovative coupling solutions that combine reliability and precision. Find out about their high-quality items that have been specially developed for the demanding conditions of industrial applications.

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Other manufacturers for clutch mechanical engineering

The manufacturers featured cover a wide range of industrial applications - from precise metal bellows couplings to robust safety couplings.

  • ABP produces a variety of couplings, including elastic and form-fitting versions.
  • Desch specializes in a wide range of coupling systems.
  • Esco offers a wide range of couplings, including disc, rubber block and pin couplings.
  • Jacob is a manufacturer of metal bellows, elastomer and safety couplings as well as distance couplings.
  • KBK has a wide range of high-precision couplings in its portfolio, including metal bellows, elastomer and safety couplings.
  • KTR Systems offers a comprehensive range of couplings including flexible, rigid and fluid couplings.
  • Madler is a supplier of drive elements, including various types of couplings.
  • Mönninghoff specializes in positive and non-positive couplings for various applications.
  • R + W Antriebselemente manufactures high-quality, precise coupling solutions, including metal bellows and elastomer couplings.
  • Rich develops customer-specific coupling solutions with a focus on highly elastic couplings.
  • Riegler offers solutions in pneumatics, including a selection of couplings.
  • Ringspann services a wide range of clutches including freewheels, multi-plate and disc clutches.
  • Ring spring is known for high-quality torsion-damping and switchable clutches.
  • Ruland produces a variety of couplings including rigid, bellows and disc couplings.
  • Voith is the world's leading manufacturer of hydrodynamic couplings and drive systems.

FAQ

What is a mechanical engineering clutch?

A clutch in mechanical engineering is a mechanical component used to connect or disconnect two shafts. It transmits torque and rotation between these shafts, compensating for misalignment and transmitting rotational movements smoothly. Couplings are critical to the functionality of drive systems in a variety of machines and devices.

Which 3 groups are couplings divided into?

Couplings are mainly divided into three groups:

  • Not switchable Couplings as permanently connecting elements, such as rigid, elastic or compensating couplings.
  • Switchable Couplings allow shafts to be separated and connected during operation, e.g. B. electromagnetic or hydraulic clutches.
  • safety clutches limit the transmitted torque to prevent damage, e.g. slipping or overload clutches.

How does a clutch work simply explained?

A clutch in mechanical engineering connects two waves, to transmit rotational motion and power from one shaft to another. It also makes it possible to disconnect so that machine parts can be operated separately. With rigid couplings, the connection is rigid and not flexible, while elastic couplings can accommodate slight misalignment and vibrations between shafts. Switchable clutches allow the connection to be activated or deactivated during operation.

What types of clutch are switchable clutches differentiated into?

Switchable clutches are mainly divided into the following types:

  1. Electromagnetic Clutches are activated by electrical signals and thus enable quick shifting.
  2. hydraulic Clutches use fluid pressure to control clutch movement.
  3. Pneumatic Clutches work similarly to hydraulic clutches, but are operated with air pressure.
  4. Mechanical Clutches are controlled by mechanical means such as levers or cables.

What types of clutch are non-switchable clutches differentiated into?

Non-switchable clutches are divided into the following main categories:

  1. Rigid Couplings transmit torque and rotation rigidly and directly, without compensating for shaft misalignment.
  2. Flexible Couplings specialize in compensating for major axial, radial and angular misalignments between shafts.
  3. safety clutches limit torque to prevent damage from overload.

How do these mentioned coupling categories fit into the distinction between positive and non-positive?

  • Positive fit Couplings transmit power through direct contact between the coupling elements. Rigid couplings typically fall into this category because they provide a direct connection with no backlash.
  • Non-positive Couplings transmit force through friction, elastic deformation, or other non-rigid connection mechanisms. Resilient and other compensating couplings are often frictional because they have elastic elements that can compensate for minor misalignments and dampen vibrations.

safety clutches Depending on the design, they can be form-fitting or force-fitting.

Sources: This article is based on information from the following companies: Mayr, KTR Systems, Orbit, R+W Antriebselemente, Schmidt-Kupplung, Tsubaki.