The function of the coupling is to connect the driving shaft and the driven shaft in different mechanisms so that the two different mechanisms can rotate together and transmit torque. Some couplings also have the functions of replacement, vibration reduction and improving the dynamic performance of the shaft system. The coupling consists of two parts, which are divided into the driving shaft and the driven shaft. Generally, the power machine is connected to the working machine with the help of the coupling. It is the most commonly used connection component in the shaft transmission of mechanical products. Commonly used couplings include diaphragm couplings, type couplings, plum blossom couplings, slider couplings, drum gear couplings, universal couplings, elastic couplings, serpentine spring couplings, etc.
The advantages of diaphragm couplings are high-precision transmission, good compensation, high torque transmission, zero-gap transmission, and easy maintenance. The disadvantages are limited adaptability to the environment, relatively weak overload capacity, and high cost.
The advantages of gear couplings are large torque transmission, good compensation performance, high transmission efficiency, reliable operation, and relatively simple maintenance. The disadvantages are high installation precision requirements, good lubrication and sealing, high processing costs, and heavy product weight.
The advantages of plum blossom couplings are compensation capacity, good elasticity, simple and compact structure, and wide range of torque transmission. The disadvantages are that the elastic element is easily damaged, it is sensitive to temperature, and the transmission precision is limited.
The advantages of slider couplings are strong displacement compensation capacity, simple and compact structure, large torque transmission, good buffering and vibration absorption, and relatively low cost. The disadvantages are that it is not suitable for high-speed transmission, the slider is severely worn, the transmission efficiency is low, and the installation precision requirements are high.
The advantages of drum gear couplings are strong compensation capacity, large load-bearing capacity, high transmission efficiency, long service life, and convenient installation and disassembly. The disadvantages are that good lubrication and sealing are required, high manufacturing precision requirements, limited high-speed performance, and relatively high requirements for installation foundation.
The advantages of universal couplings are strong compensation capacity, large load-bearing capacity, compact structure, small size, high transmission efficiency, and simple structure. The disadvantages are that the generation of additional loads will cause additional vibration and noise, the wear of components is relatively fast, and the angular velocity is not equal when the two axes have an angle.
Elastic couplings and diaphragm couplings are different concepts. Diaphragm couplings are a type of elastic coupling, while elastic couplings refer to couplings that use the elastic deformation of elastic elements to compensate for the relative displacement of the two shafts and mitigate impact and vibration. Its advantages are strong displacement compensation capability, good buffering and vibration reduction performance, relatively low installation requirements, stable transmission, low noise, convenient maintenance, and corrosion resistance. Its disadvantages are limited transmission torque, regular maintenance, limited high-speed performance, and accuracy affected by installation.
The advantages of serpentine spring couplings are good vibration reduction and buffering effects, strong displacement compensation, large load-bearing capacity, high transmission efficiency, and simple structure. Its disadvantages are high requirements for processing accuracy, strict lubrication requirements, sensitivity to the environment (high temperature, high humidity, strong corrosion, etc.), and poor high-speed performance.
According to whether the coupling has elastic elements, whether it has the ability to supplement various relative displacements, and whether it can maintain the connection function under the condition of relative displacement. Couplings can also be divided into rigid couplings, winding couplings, safety couplings, bypass couplings, etc.
