Zero Backlash Jaw Couplings with Elastomeric Inserts

Designed for servomotors, Ruland couplings with elastomeric inserts provide zero backlash, lower vibration at higher speeds and compensate any misalignment. They feature versatile combinability of different hub and bore connection options, creating a coupling to suit specific needs. In Italy they are distributed by Getecno.

Zero-backlash jaw couplings from Ruland have high dampening capabilities, can accommodate all forms of misalignment, and are highly customizable. They are well-suited for servo motors that are often used in precise positioning applications found in semiconductor, solar, medical and robotics.
Ruland zero-backlash jaw couplings have a balanced design for reduced vibration at higher speeds, a critical feature in servo motor applications with high acceleration and deceleration curves. They are available in bore sizes from 1/8 to 1-1/4 inch and 3 to 32 mm. Stainless steel hubs and a spider with a centre hole are available on request.

Different hub and bore connection options

Each application that uses a servo motor will have different performance requirements such as rpm, torque, and misalignment.
It may be challenging for a motor manufacturer or integrator to specify one coupling that can satisfy all these requirements.
Zero-backlash jaw couplings are a three-piece design comprised of two lightweight aluminium hubs and an elastomeric insert “spider”.
The spider is available in three durometers: 98 Shore A for the highest torque, 92 Shore A for a balance of stiffness and compliance, and 85 Shore A for the highest dampening capabilities. Inch, metric, keyed, and keyless hubs with clamp or set screw hardware can be combined to fit user shaft requirements. This combination of options within an outer diameter gives motor manufacturers and integrators the ability to choose one coupling envelope with hundreds of different standard combinations allowing coupling performance to match application requirements.

The system continues to operate even in the event of spider failure

Ruland uses a proprietary curved jaw profile on the hub tenons that press fit with the spider to ensure zero-backlash operation.
Standard jaw couplings found elsewhere on the market have a straight jaw design that introduces backlash and makes them less suitable for servo motor systems. In the event of spider failure, the hub tenons of Ruland jaw couplings will interlock to continue power transmission. This feature is useful in servo motor applications where abrupt stops can cause damage to sensitive system components. The user can safely shut down the application and replace the spider, restoring full system capabilities at a lower cost relative to other coupling styles that require complete replacement of the coupling.