Bellows Couplings:
The new generation of flexible, backlash-free, press-fit couplings

Bellows Couplings for rapid drive assembly...

Compact machine designs, installation spaces that are getting smaller and smaller, and quick component replace-ments for service and maintenance cases are the main requirements for the powertransmission and motion industry. Due to the continuing automation progress, highly dynamic, regulated drives are integrated in the manufacturing processes and reliable, user-oriented couplings are needed. The metal Bellows Coupling and Bellows Couplings has proven to be a versatile drive element in general mechanical engineering and has been further developed by the coupling specialist R+W.

Bellows Couplings up to 1,500 Nm

Development and optimization of the well established State-of-the-Art coupling series BK5 and BK6 offer the appropriate element for many installation configurations.

As the efficiency of servo motors and transmittable torques increase it becomes for us necessary to increase the performance potential in flexible couplings. 

Development and optimization of the well established State-of-the-Art coupling series
The unique blind mate coupling is now available for torques of up to 1,500 Nm. With this development R+W sets a new standard in 2 piece Bellows Couplings. The transmittable moments have been safely determined and designed for though the use of the most modern calculation software and the assistance of a number of universities.

The torsion-proof design guarantees the exact, backlash-free transmission of angle and torque. Due to the easy assembly of the two piece design it is well suited for complex, hardly difficult access areas. The stainless steel Bellows and glass-fiber reinforced plastic press-fit segment put special emphasis on the stiffness of the system. The press-fit principle developed by R+W uses the axial spring force of the metal bellows to slightly pre-tension a tapered male segment into the corresponding female segment. An axial pre-tensioning of the metal bellows by only 0.2 millimeters assures the absolutely backlash-free torque transmission. The self-adjusting tapered segment guaranties a wear and maintenance-free operation.   

As a result of this design, access holes in the intermediate flange are not neccessary. The coupling can be easily pulled apart without loosening the screws. Shaft hub connections are provided with standard clamping hubs with hexagonal cap screws or axially mountable tapered bushings with high holding torque. Other hub types are optionally available in the standard range. 
Flexible Bellows Couplings
Blind mate two piece design BK (Bellows Couplings) series up to 1,500 Nm

Single-position or multi-position versions

We have a choice of two different press-fit versions. The single-position connection (type S) guaranties the assembly in only one angular position. Incorrect assembly of the coupling is thus avoided and due to the synchronous angular position it is possible to re-assemble the drive without subsequent regulation or adjustment in case of preset positioning. Time-consuming checks of precise transmission and possible sources of error are now a thing of the past.

Multiple press-fit positions and problem-free blind assembly are achieved by the type M (multiple press-fit connection) (Figure 3).

A special glass fiber reinforced plastic is used for the press-fit segment. Due to its favorable features, strengths similar to those of steel are achieved.

The hub can be made from high-strength aluminum, steel or stainless steel. Special surface treatments such as nickel-plating, chrome-plating, nitrocarburizing, and oxidizing as well as aluminum anodizing are possible without long lead times. Other materials and surfaces are offered on request. 

Multiple or synchronous press fit design is available in Bellows Coupling

Multiple or synchronous press fit design is available in Bellows Coupling by R+W . Miniature and Metal Bellows Couplings with press-fit design: single or multiposition.

Bellows Couplings: Increase bearing life through compensation of misalignments

Even very minor alignment errors in connected shafts may increase the restoring forces on bearings and other installation components. The metal Bellows Coupling compensates for axial, radial and angular misalignments and therefore simultaneously reduces restoring forces.

It is however necessary to take care of precise manufacturing process of the connected components.

R + W has made it possible to use precision metal Bellows Couplings even in very difficult applications. Metal Bellows Couplings are also favored for high speeds of up to more than 20,000 rpm, with standardized balancing. The fine balanced version enables speeds of up to 50,000 rpm and is available on request.      		 R+W Bellows Couplings are easy assembly and disassembly
Easy assembly and disassembly with R+W Bellows Couplings.

Press-fit Couplings: Conclusion

Machine down time in mass production applications results in loss of production costs which inevitably lead to an increase in unitary cost.

When using R + W press-fit couplings for quick assembly and disassembly of the machine components, the machine can be brought up more a quickly, saving time and money.

Further more the advantage is already evident out during the design and construction of the machines, due to shorter assembly times.

If you wish to receive more information on this Product please do not hesitate to contact R+W Antriebselemente GmbH at phone: +49-9372-9864-0 or via email at info@rw-kupplungen.de

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