‘KBK’ OVERLOAD PROTECTION SAFETY Clutch-Couplings

‘KBK’ Overload Protection Clutch- or, Safety- Coupling Combination Connection Units present a product, which is continually increasing in importance in today’s era of advancing automation. Compared to alternative Overload Protection possibilities, such as an electronic ‘cut-off’ device, or the classic Friction-Clutch hub, these Combination Units offer a number of advantages. The distinguishing feature is their extremely short re-action times, within milli-seconds, which represents an almost immediate ‘cut-off’ of the torque transmission and, thus, protection for man and machine in a collision course situation.

Indeed, personal injury and extensive ‘break-down’ times, with their corresponding machine repair costs, can be avoided by installing these Combination Units.   

Furthermore, these Units are unaffected by environmental influences, such as temperature changes, or being in contact with oils and greases, which have an especially negative effect on the function of friction-clutch hubs.

By means of definitive pre-tensioning across disc springs with digressive spring characteristics, every overload torque can be preset precisely, to a very high function-accuracy. Upon reaching this overload torque setting, the coupling disengages at the clutch and the torque transmission is interrupted, immediately. In addition, this disengaging clutch-plate movement process can be coupled to a mechanical or, electronic switch, which brings the drive to a halt.

After dropping below the overload torque setting, further rotation of the coupling Unit (at low speed) returns the sprung clutch multiple hardened & polished ‘caged’ steel balls into their corresponding V-groove detents to re-engage automatically and take up the torque transmission again. Rotation may be in either direction.  ‘Asymmetrically’ arranged balls/cage bores & detents options only allow re-engagement after a full 360° rotation, whereas the ‘symmetric’ arrangement options offer multiple re-engagement positions. There are two overload torque setting ranges offered for each clutch-coupling size, ranging from 1 to a maximum 1,600Nm

To the overload protection function benefit arising from these clutch-coupling types, each according to requirement and execution, the positive characteristic features of a conventional metal bellows- or, flexible ‘spider’- coupling is added, namely shaft misalignment compensation, as well as enormously high torsional rigidity, minimal reaction forces and backlash-free torque transmission.

With the flexible ‘spider’ variation, accommodation of shocks and vibrations, as well as electrical isolation, is achieved, in addition.

Alternatively, a single or, double support bearing design for direct Pulley, Gear or Flange mounting is also offered in the range.

The simple construction, with only few and single-part components – thereby ensuring minimal dimensions and moments of inertia – facilitates a problem-free integration into every drive line, as well as an uncomplicated installation and dismantling, without leaving any marks on the components to be connected.

Application areas for Overload Protection Safety Clutch-Couplings are found wherever there is a danger of a ‘crash’ or, of an overload generally; e.g., in high dynamic drives, Machine Tools, Textile- and CNC- controlled Machines, Servo Drives and many other areas in the dynamics.