COUPLING

The elements, which join two shafts are known as coupling or clutches. The couplings are permanent connections while clutches are such that operator can connect or disconnect the other shaft while in motion. The important requisites of good couplings are I) It must transmit the full torque of the shaft, II) It must keep the shaft in perfect alignment. III) It must be easy to assemble or dissemble, IV) The bolt heads, key heads, nuts and other projecting parts should be protected by suitable flanges, rims or cover plates. Sleeve coupling or muff couplings This is a simple coupling which is used to connect two shafts rigidly. Flange coupling This type of coupling consists of two flanges keyed to two shafts. These two flanges are coupled together by means of bolts fitted in reamed holes so that the bolts share the load equally. To insure true alignment one shaft may enter the coupling of the other shaft by 1 cm or cylindrical projection is provided on one flange, which fits into the corresponding recess in the other. Flexible coupling Perfect alignment of two theoretically collinear shaft is practically impossible to attain and still more difficult to maintain because of bearing wear and other causes. Misalignment of the shaft causes continuous stress reversal and excessive bearing wear. The flexible couplings prevent the transmission of shock from one shaft to other and eliminate stress reversals when either shaft is subjected to deflection. Numerous forms of flexible coupling are manufactured by various companies. Bush Pin type flexible coupling This type of coupling has a cushioning effect due to flexible element inserted in one of the flanges. The coupling bolts are known as pins having the special shape. These pins are rigidly fastened by nuts to one of the flanges while their diameters are enlarged and covered with a flexible material like leather or rubber washers and drive takes place through the medium of compressible leather or rubber washer. Bibby Type of Flexible coupling This type of coupling is used for high degree of resiliency for accommodating loss of alignment and for damping out shocks and vibrations in the heavier drives. The construction consists of two serrated discs, which are keyed to the respective shafts. These serrated discs are connected by a grid spring enclosed in grease tight cover. Leather pad type flexible coupling This type of flexible coupling is used where the changes in length of the shaft due to temperature are to be accommodated.
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Gear Couplings Universal Coupling These couplings are rigid couplings that connect shafts whose axes will intersect if produced. HYDRAULIC COUPLING Hydraulic coupling may be considered as consisting of two hollow bowls with redial vanes inside. One bowl is connected to the driving motor and one to the fan. The driving bowl is filled with liquid and rotated by the motor, under centrifugal force, the liquid is flung outwards but is constrained by the vanes and the bowl periphery. The liquid passes across the gap between the two elements and impinges on the vanes of the driven bowl. The impact force produced will appear as a torque at the output shaft. After the liquid has given up its energy to the vanes of the driven bowl. It returns to the driving element where it accelerated and the process repeated. There must always be a difference between input and output speed, if a torque is to be transmitted. The flow of fluid from drive bowl to the driven bowl can only take place if there is a difference in speed. The important features of a fluid coupling are a) There is no mechanical connection between the input and output shaft. b) The power is transmitted by oil, which circulates continuously between input and outpu bowls. c) If the applied load is great enough to stall the driven part of the coupling. The driving part continues to apply a torque to the output shaft until the load is reduced when the driven shaft again accelerate. The output of Hydraulic coupling varied by controlling the quantity of oil circulating between the two bowls. The position of the scoop determines the quantity of oil in the bowls. At low output shaft speed only a small quantity of oil is circulating and because the coupling absorbs energy by slipping. Some of this energy is taken up by the oil in the form of heat. An oil cooler is therefore necessary to avoid the oil becoming overheated. The coupling is fitted with fusible plugs, which relieve any excess pressure caused by over heating. Torque Converter : The torque converter provides a cushion in the drive. Since the power from the prime over to the load is through a fluid capable of absorbing shocks. The connections between input & output is only through fluid as it passes through hydraulic torque. The torque converter filled with the fluid. When the impeller or pump turns its blades whirl the fluid and actuate pressure on the first stage blade ring of the turbine, again fluid is directed to 2nd stage through stator guide blades. From 2nd to 3rd stage through stator guide blades. This three-stage turbine is connected to the output shaft of the converter. This total twisting force becomes greater. The kinetic energy is absorbed from the fluid by the blades and fluid velocity partially last under no load running condition. The acting of the impeller causes the turbine blades to turn almost freely and fluid passes through converter easily and quickly striking each blade at very slight angle. The angle of the fluid movements to the blade is proportional to the relative potential velocity and turbine and blade design. The converters are used for shunting locomotives, crane etc. Various types of couplings are shown in the attached sketch. Various types of couplings
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