The choice of clutch has a decisive influence on the behavior of the drivetrain and ultimately on the overall system. R+W offers various backlash-free clutch models for the precision range and so-called industrial clutches for the transmission of higher torques. These clutches also become smart components thanks to suitable sensor technology.

The required objectives for connecting elements in mechanical and plant engineering are often to harmonize high dynamics and repeat accuracy as well as precise torque transmission. The backlash-free, torsionally rigid R+W metal bellows couplings are suitable for the specific challenges of highly dynamic servo axes in machine tools, gear cutting machines and automation systems. These high-precision drive elements are used wherever high positioning accuracy is a top priority. Thanks to the wide range of variants, durability and freedom from maintenance, cost-effectiveness can be combined with a high level of operational reliability. The metal bellows coupling models can transmit torques from 0.05 to 100,000 Nm. They can also compensate for axial, angular or lateral shaft misalignments. Metal bellows couplings are available in various designs and can also be ordered with different hub connections or as a double cardan shaft version.

High speed and smooth running

The SP3 metal bellows coupling, for example, is ideal for high-speed applications. The coupling with external cone stands for high operating figures with the smoothest possible running. The rotationally symmetrical design also ensures very good balancing quality. In addition to the areas of application mentioned above, the metal bellows couplings are also used in printing and packaging machines or test bench applications. For example, the backlash-free and durable miniature metal bellows couplings are installed in measuring and control systems, smaller servo drives or rotary encoders with torques of 0.05 to 10 Nm.

Backlash-free elastomer precision couplings have a vibration-damping effect. At the same time, they score points with their good torsional stiffness, which ensures a high degree of accuracy. Depending on the version, they are designed for a power range of 0.5 to 25,000 Nm and can compensate for axial, lateral and angular shaft misalignments thanks to the elastomer ring. The so-called compensation element of the elastomer coupling, the elastomer ring, optimizes the entire drive train with regard to torsional vibrations when selected correctly.

The EK6 elastomer coupling for the 4 to 25,000 Nm range has high clamping forces and a wear-free high-performance TPU elastomer ring. © R+W drive elements

The backlash-free precision safety clutches, which are available from R+W in a wide range of models and functions, offer further advantages. Thanks to the preset disengagement torque, the safety clutches protect machine components, such as gearboxes, from torque overload and damage in the event of a crash. They also reduce downtimes. Safety clutches therefore offer users valuable benefits throughout the mechanical engineering sector.

Highest torques in safe hands

Robust industrial couplings are used to transmit higher torques. Industrial couplings must transmit even the highest torques with minimal power losses, be wear-free even under extreme loads, secure systems and minimize risks. The compact products in the industrial safety clutch series, ST for short, precisely limit torques from 200 to 250,000 Nm and secure the systems.

The SP3 precision clutch is a metal bellows clutch for the 60 to 10,000 Nm range. It has a compact and simple design. © R+W drive elements

In addition to general mechanical engineering, the torsionally rigid and maintenance-free steel multi-plate clutches are also used in steelworks, printing machines and many pump applications, for example. They transmit torques from 350 to 100,000 Nm and compensate for shaft misalignments. They have six-hole coupling plates made of highly elastic spring steel as standard, which can compensate for shaft misalignments in the package. The clutch operates backlash-free thanks to the use of high-strength bolts that secure the plate pack and transmit the torque via the frictional connection. This prevents micromovements and increases the overall rigidity. Thanks to the compensation option of the disk pack, the couplings are suitable for compensating angular and axial shaft misalignment. If the double-cardanic concept is designed with two disk packs, lateral shaft misalignment can also be compensated.

Beyond the standard

All couplings can be individually designed and adapted to the application in cooperation with the technical sales department and the in-house design department. R+W also offers the appropriate sensor technology. Existing coupling components, for example, can thus become part of the smart factory. "Intelligent sensor technology can provide precise measurement data on torque, speed, temperature and acceleration. This measurement data provides the basis for predictive maintenance. This allows maintenance and servicing work to be planned proactively. Impending problems such as drive overloads, incorrect dimensioning or increased wear can also be identified immediately. The company can act quickly and ideally prevent expensive downtimes," confirms Marcel Flicker, Product Manager at R+W Antriebselemente.