Plum Blossom Couplings

The Plum Blossom Coupling is composed of two semi-couplings with convex claws and a plum-shaped flexible non-metallic element whose hardness can be adjusted. By embedding the plum-shaped flexible element into the two semi-couplings to realize the connection, Plum Coupling has the characteristics of compensating the relative displacement of the two axes, reducing vibration and buffering, simple structure and easy maintenance without lubrication. The plum blossom coupling is a widely used coupling, also called a claw coupling, which is composed of two metal claw discs and an elastic body. The two metal claws are generally made of No. 45 steel, but aluminum alloys are also useful when load sensitivity is required.

Plum blossom coupling is a widely used elastic coupling, named after its core elastic element in a plum blossom shape. The plum coupling plays an important role in connecting and buffering mechanical transmission systems through its unique structural design, and is an indispensable transmission component in modern industrial equipment.

The claw coupling mainly consists of the following parts:

Two metal shaft sleeves: usually made of high-quality steel or aluminum alloy, the surface is precision machined to ensure a tight fit with the shaft
Plum shaped elastomer: a core component located between two shaft sleeves, made of highly elastic materials such as polyurethane and rubber
Compression device: used to fix the elastic body and ensure the integrity of the coupling

The structural design of the jaw flex coupling enables it to adapt to a certain degree of axial, radial, and angular deviations, while effectively absorbing vibrations and impacts.

The plum blossom coupling transmits torque and compensates for shaft deviation through the deformation of the elastic body

Torque transmission: The drive side shaft sleeve transmits torque to the driven side by compressing the "petals" of the elastic body
Deviation compensation: The flexibility of the elastic body allows for a certain degree of parallelism, misalignment, and axial displacement between the two axes
Vibration reduction function: The damping characteristics of the elastomer can absorb and reduce vibrations and impacts in the transmission system

Main performance advantages of claw coupling

Excellent damping and buffering performance: can reduce system vibration by 30-50%
Good misalignment compensation capability: typically allows for an angle deviation of 0.5 ° -1 ° and a radial deviation of 0.2-0.5mm
Gapless transmission: ensuring precise torque transmission
Maintenance free design: No lubrication required, reducing maintenance costs
Electrical insulation performance: effectively isolates current conduction between two axes

According to the different types of elastomers, plum couplings are mainly divided into the following categories:

Standard plum blossom coupling: made of polyurethane elastomer, suitable for most general applications
High temperature plum blossom coupling: using special high-temperature resistant elastic materials, it can withstand higher temperature environments
Oil resistant plum blossom coupling: The elastic material has excellent oil resistance and is suitable for oil contaminated environments
High elasticity plum blossom coupling: using a special formula of elastic material to provide higher flexibility and vibration reduction performance
Double plum blossom coupling: using two sets of elastic bodies, providing greater compensation capability and higher torque transmission capability

The correct selection of claw coupling requires consideration of the following factors:

Transmission torque: Calculate the required torque based on equipment power and speed
Shaft diameter size: Ensure that the coupling matches the shaft diameter
Work environment: Consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and corrosive media
Inaccurate situation: Evaluate the expected amount and type of misalignment of the system
Speed requirement: Ensure that the rated speed of the selected model is higher than the actual working speed
Space limitations: Consider size constraints for installation space

Installation steps of flexible claw coupling

Check the fit dimensions of the shaft and coupling
Clean the contact surface between the shaft and coupling
Install the coupling onto the shaft using appropriate methods (hot or press fit)
Ensure that the two axes are aligned within the allowable range
Gradually tighten the fixing bolts using a cross tightening method

Maintenance points of jaw coupling

Regularly check the wear and aging of the elastomer
Check the looseness of fasteners
Monitor abnormal vibrations and noise during operation
Avoid contact with corrosive chemicals and solvents
When replacing the elastomer, the entire set should be replaced at the same time to maintain balance