Couplings

Parking couplings are torsionally flexible elements designed to transmit torque while simultaneously damping vibrations and compensating for shaft misalignments. The construction consists of two hubs and an intermediate elastic insert, which absorbs shock loads by compressing the arms and prevents the transmission of electric current between the drive and driven machine.

Due to the use of durable materials such as gray cast iron, steel, or aluminum, and polyurethane inserts of various hardnesses, couplings do not require lubrication and are resistant to oils and chemicals. They are most commonly installed in systems with pumps, compressors, and fans, where they provide high reliability, compact installation, and cost-effective protection of bearings and drive components.

Periflex couplings are highly elastic shaft connections that use a specifically shaped rubber ring, reinforced with a textile insert, to transmit torque. Their main characteristic is the exceptional ability to absorb strong torsional vibrations and compensate for large shaft misalignments, which includes radial deviations of several millimeters and angular errors. Due to the high elasticity of the rubber element, the coupling effectively protects the drive assembly from impact loads and resonance fluctuations.

The design allows for easy installation and replacement of the elastic ring without moving the driving or driven machine, as the rubber is often cut at the circumference. The coupling hubs are usually made of steel or gray cast iron, and the rubber insert is available in various materials depending on temperature requirements and oil resistance. Periflex couplings are preferably used in heavy industry, in diesel engines, compressors, and crushers, where large operational irregularities are present.

Lamellar clutches are rigid or semi-rigid shaft couplings that transmit torque through a package of thin, flexible spring steel laminations. Their main technical advantage is backlash-free operation and high torsional stiffness, which allows for extremely precise transmission of angular displacements. Due to the lamellar structure, the clutch compensates for angular and axial misalignments, while radial deviations require implementation with two packages of laminations and an intermediate spacer.

Unlike elastic clutches, the lamellar versions do not contain polymer components, allowing them to operate in extreme temperature conditions and aggressive environments without material aging. Because they have no sliding parts, they require no lubrication and are virtually maintenance-free, while their metal construction ensures a long service life at high speeds. They are most commonly used in the process industry, in turbomachinery, screw compressors, and precision servo drives, where dynamic stability and reliability are key.

Rubber couplings with bolts are torsionally elastic shaft connections that transmit torque through steel bolts, on which elastic rubber inserts or bushes are mounted. This design allows for effective damping of shocks and fluctuations while permitting the compensation of minor axial, radial, and angular displacements of the shaft. Since the bolts are fixed in one half of the coupling, and the elastic bushes fit into the holes in the other half, the coupling allows for safe operation in both directions of rotation.

The main advantage of these couplings is their high level of reliability and ability to transmit large powers at relatively compact dimensions. Maintenance is straightforward, as worn rubber elements can be replaced quickly and without disassembling the entire drive assembly. Due to their robust metal construction and resistance to environmental influences, they are most commonly used in demanding industrial applications such as crane drives, larger pumps, and transport devices in heavy industry.

Gear couplings are rigid connecting elements that transmit torque through a toothed joint between the hub and the housing. The construction consists of two hubs with external teeth, which are inserted into a common housing or flange with internal teeth. Due to the special geometric shape of the teeth, the coupling allows compensation for larger angular and axial misalignments while maintaining exceptional torsional stiffness.

These couplings are designed to transmit the highest torques in demanding industrial drives, where high loads and speeds are present. Since it involves a metal contact between the teeth, continuous lubrication with oil or grease is essential for operation to prevent excessive wear and overheating. Due to their robustness and high power density, they are most commonly used in rolling mills, the paper industry, heavy lifts, and in marine propeller drives.