Couplings are machine elements that transmit motion and power from one of two shafts with coincident axes to the other. While companies that manufacture couplings produce them in their own shapes and sizes, there are also types whose shape and dimensions are standardized. For example, among rigid couplings, flanged couplings are standardized in DIN 116.
Couplings in Technical Drawing
Rigid Coupling Technical Drawings
Flanged coupling manufacturing drawing (above). The flanged coupling is the simplest type of rigid coupling. Its shape and dimensions are standardized in DIN 116. These couplings, made of cast iron, are fitted to the shaft by pressing, heating, or with a key. The parts making up the coupling are joined to each other with bolts.
The drawing above shows a sleeve (split-muff) coupling. This type of coupling is standardized in DIN 115. Two cast iron shells joined together with bolts form the coupling.
Flexible Coupling Technical Drawings
Among flexible couplings, the drawing of an elastic coupling is shown above (the one on the right is a Periflex coupling). This type of coupling eliminates the effects caused by small misalignments between shaft axes, allowing the system to run smoothly and quietly.
Among flexible couplings, gear couplings are the most widely used after elastic couplings. They consist of two coupling hubs with external teeth machined on them, and a connecting sleeve with matching internal teeth. The teeth on both side hubs are crowned so they can accommodate angular misalignment.
Gear coupling manufacturing drawing (above)
Technical Drawing of Detachable Couplings
Jaw (claw) coupling technical drawing (above)
Technical Drawings of Friction Couplings
Among friction couplings, the technical drawing of a cone coupling (above)
Hydraulic Coupling Technical Drawing
Hydraulic coupling (above)
Flexible Couplings
Flexible couplings reduce vibration by tolerating small axis misalignments between two shafts.
Rigid Couplings
Rigid couplings join shafts in a fixed, aligned manner and are used in applications requiring high torque transmission.
Coupling Selection Criteria
The torque to be transmitted, rotational speed, and alignment tolerance between shafts should be considered when selecting a coupling.
Related Questions
Rigid couplings are used to join two perfectly aligned shafts firmly and solidly. Flexible couplings, on the other hand, tolerate small misalignments between shaft axes, allowing the system to run smoothly and quietly.
These methods ensure the coupling seats extremely tightly and without clearance on the shaft. Without a tight connection, the coupling could slip on the shaft during operation and fail to reliably transmit power.
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