DE2544955A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MUTUAL ALIGNMENT OF MACHINE SHAFTS - Google Patents

Description

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Bently Nevada Corporation, Minden, Nevada (V.St.A.)

Method and device for the mutual alignment of

Machine shafts.

For this application, priority is derived from the corresponding U.S. application serial no. 513,726 from October 10, 1974 taken.

The invention relates to a method and a device for the mutual alignment of two by means of a flexible coupling Coupled rotating shafts of two machines using one of two in one mutual Spaced and each connected to the shaft of the first machine or the shaft of the second machine, at least a misalignment of the two shaft-receiving parts existing flexible coupling, one shaft being referred to as the reference shaft and the other shaft being referred to as the displaceable shaft is.

For the mutual alignment of machine shafts, which are provided by flexible couplings which are used to transmit the torque are coupled to one another, methods and devices of various types are already known. The well-known

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drive and devices, however, have numerous disadvantages and do not lead to satisfactory results for several reasons Results. There is therefore a need for a new and improved method and apparatus for the mutual alignment of machine shafts.

The object of the invention is therefore to create an improved method of the type mentioned at the beginning and a corresponding one Device for the mutual alignment of the rotating rotating shafts of two machines coupled to one another, which can be used both at standstill, when running in, during all operating states and when the machines are running out and allow the static as well as the dynamic axial movement of the machines to be displayed.

In addition, it should be possible to measure the adjusted clutch hub movement of each machine due to dynamic Rotor movement such as shaft runout, heat deflection, imbalance movement and other influences when rotating in the normal direction of rotation and due to other effects such as oil turbulence, re-excitation of balance resonance vibrations and all other effects that cause shaft displacements. The after the procedure Measured values generated by means of the device are intended to ensure perfect mutual parallel, angular and axial spacing alignment allow both machines. In addition to the three parameters mentioned above, dynamic tilt displacements of the Coupling hubs can be measured when starting up and when the pair of machines is running in, as well as when starting up later. If the mutual Alignment of both machines to one another changes, a warning signal should be generated, based on which the machines brought to a standstill and / or the mutual alignment can be changed in such a way that the coupling parameters are predetermined Do not exceed limit values.

8 0 9 8 17/1110

Furthermore, the measured values obtained should be usable for this purpose be able to automatically trigger appropriate warning signals and, if necessary, bring the machines to a standstill. The measurement information can of course also be used to maintain the mutual alignment of both machines within a predetermined Keep limit values.

The method and the device according to the invention are intended for different types of here generally as "flexible couplings" designated couplings such as flexible couplings of the membrane type and "flexible" gear couplings and in particular also for existing systems can be used. The proposed method for solving the problem mentioned above Type is characterized according to the invention in that the position of at least one shaft of both machines is indicated by scanning two with respect to the shaft axis of rotation located at a mutual circumferential distance are determined, the position at least a part of the flexible coupling by scanning in relation to the coupling axis of rotation at mutual distances in the circumferential direction located locations determined, and the scanned information to derive at least one parameter, namely of parallel displacement from first to second shaft, angular misalignment is processed from first to second shaft and compression and elongation of the flexible coupling.

The further proposed device is characterized according to the invention by arranged on the shafts and in relation to the shafts axes of rotation arranged at mutual circumferential distances, representing the alignment of the first and second shaft and devices serving as a reference surface, parts arranged on the flexible coupling with in relation to the shaft axes of rotation in mutual Circumferentially spaced, the alignment of first and second, spaced apart devices representing surfaces, for scanning the positions of the reference surfaces and the last-mentioned surfaces serving probes, for

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scanning the rotation of at least one shaft of both machines Timer devices and one coupled to the probes and the code generator devices for determination at least of a parameter, namely parallel offset from first to second shaft, angular misalignment from first to second Serving shaft and compression and elongation of the flexible coupling Contraption.

According to the method and by means of the device according to the invention, the actual misalignment of both feet becomes a spatially adjustable machine with respect to a reference machine is visibly displayed. The information about the misalignment includes parallel displacement of both shafts, angular misalignment of both shafts to each other and compression or stretching the flexible coupling.

In addition, the method and apparatus of the invention make it possible to determine whether any part of the flexure coupling works within the allowable range or not.

Further features as well as the advantages of the invention are illustrated below with reference to the drawings Embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of two machines whose rotating shafts are connected to one another by means of a flexible coupling are coupled, and which is provided with an alignment device according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1 on a larger scale and in particular shows a flexible coupling with the associated alignment device.

Fig. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of Fig.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of two mutually offset shafts, the parallel offset

60981 7/1110

~ ⁵ ~ 2 5 44

setting is exaggerated for reasons of illustration.

5 is a schematic representation of two shafts that are not aligned with one another, the misalignment is exaggerated for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating parallel displacement in connection with FIG Angular misalignment to illustrate the total misalignment of the spatially displaceable Shaft in relation to the reference shaft, specifying the actual misalignments for both Sections of the displaceable shaft.

7 is a schematic representation of the expansion and compression of the flexure coupling in the axial direction; the distortion is shown greatly exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

8A and 8B represent a partially block diagram of the electronic part of FIG Device represents by means of which a visual display of the measurement of the misalignment of both sections the displaceable shaft can be generated.

9 shows a modified flexible gear coupling which can be used in connection with the device according to the invention .

Figure 10 is an end elevation of the flexible coupling of Fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section taken along line 11-11 of FIG Fig. 12 and illustrates a flexure coupling with differently formed plates.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along line 12-12 of FIG Fig.11.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing is a machine group 11 consisting of two machines with one designed according to the invention Shaft alignment device 12 shown. The machine group

is on a fixed base plate under a foundation

13 attached and consists of at least two machines, from which one a fixed drive machine 14, and the another depicts an adjustable powered machine 16. The stationary drive machine 14 can, for example, from consist of an electric motor, which a spatially adjustable, driven machine 16 such as a generator, a compressor or the like. The stationary prime mover

14 has a spatially fixed drive shaft 17, on the other hand the driven machine 16 has a driven, spatially displaceable shaft 18. A flexible coupling 19 connects the spatially fixed drive shaft 17 with the spatially displaceable, driven shaft 18.

When aligning both shafts 17 and 18 with the intermediate one Flexural coupling 19 is generally desirable to use a machine and its shaft as a fixed reference point, and to consider the other machine as spatially displaceable, its shaft aligned with the reference shaft of the stationary machine shall be. According to FIG. 1, it is therefore assumed that the fixed drive machine 14 is fixed with the base plate under the foundation 13, e.g. by supports 21 or the like, which in turn is connected to the foundation or the base plate 13 are screwed or connected by welding. The spatially adjustable, powered machine 16, on the other hand, is adjustable on the foundation or the base plate by means of conventional devices, not shown here 13 stored.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the spatially adjustable, driven machine 16 has a shaft 18 of finite length, which is guided at their opposite ends in bearings 22 which rest on bearing blocks 23 which are secured by fasteners in known way with the foundation or the base plate 13

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are bound, the bearing blocks in the axial direction of the shaft 18, as well as vertically and horizontally on the foundation or the base plate 13 are adjustable. The fasteners are from on known design and therefore not shown in the drawing. The fastening means include, for example, with Recessed mounting flanges, which are in a desired Position adjustable and can then be fixed in the desired position by means of screw bolts. To relocate the bearing blocks 23 Jack screws can be provided in the axial direction of the shaft 18.

The flexible coupling 19 consists, for example, of a flexible one Diaphragm or gear coupling. The flexible membrane coupling shown in Figures 1 and 1 has a first and a second hub 26 and 27, on each of which a radial flange 28 and 29 is located. The hubs 26 and 27 are with holes 31, through which the shafts to be coupled to one another are passed. According to Figures 1 and 2 is the hub 26 is mounted on the stationary drive or reference shaft with the face of the hub flush with the end of the shaft concludes. The hub 26 is connected to the shaft in any manner such as a key (not shown). The hub 27 is in a corresponding manner with the spatially displaceable, driven shaft 18, for example by means connected by a wedge, with the hub face flush with the shaft end. The end faces of both radial flanges 28 and 29 are at a distance from each other and are used to accommodate the flexible coupling 19. The mutual distance both end faces are designated below with "1".

A flexure and spacer 33 forms part of the flexure coupling and is fixed in the space between the flanges 28 and 29. The bending and spacer 33 consists of one central tube 34, which has the shape of a hollow cylinder and can be referred to as a torque tube. The outer

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Ends of the central tube 34 engage in central recesses of circular, disc-shaped membranes 37 a. The central pipe 34 is connected to the membranes 37, for example by a weld seam. The outer edges of the membranes 37 are with the Outer edges of covers 39 are connected by rivets 41, for example. The covers 3 9 with those attached to them Diaphragms 37 are connected to the flanges 28 and 29 by bolts 42. The covers 39 point outwards flat reference surfaces 43 which are approximately perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the shafts 17 and 18.

Each cover 39 has a plurality of cutouts 46 which extend radially outward from the central tube 34. The clippings 46 are larger in width and are in four quadrants offset from one another by 90 ° for the reasons given below arranged. A pad-shaped plate 47 is located in each cutout 46 of the covers 39. The plates 47 are fixedly connected to the central tube 34 and aligned with respect to this with high accuracy. The plates 47 are in their dimensions and shape, for example, manufactured precisely by machining and on a collar 48 attached, which is connected to one end of the tube 34, for example by welding. The ones at both ends of the central Tube 34 attached plates 47 are aligned with each other, such that two corresponding plates on opposite Tube ends have the same angular position with respect to the axis of rotation of the central tube 34.

To perform the functions described below, the plates 47 must have flat surfaces 49 on the outside, which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tube 34 and serve to provide information about the orientation of the ends of the central tube 34 to which they are connected. If the spatially fixed drive shaft 17 and the spatially displaceable driven shaft 18 practically exactly to one another

θ 0 9 8 1 7/1 1 1 0

" ⁹ " 2 5 4 A 9 5 R

which are aligned, i.e. no mutual parallel dislocation or angular misalignment and on the flexible coupling no axial stretching or compressive forces act, the flat, outer surfaces 49 should be flush with the surfaces 43 of the covers 39. The surfaces 43 serve, as described below, as reference surfaces for determining the mutual Position of the flat surfaces 49 on the plates 47. The connection area for determining the position of the surfaces and 49 probes are provided, which here consist of four separate probes 51, which are also in four quadrants are arranged. The probes 51 are fastened in a support yoke 52, for example. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the two are Support yokes 52 by means of a bracket 53 attached to the stationary drive or reference machine 14 in a precisely predetermined manner Location held. On the other hand, the support yokes 52 can also be on the foundation or the base plate by means of bearing blocks 13 be attached. It would also be possible to have one support yoke on the drive or reference machine and the other support yoke to stop at the driven machine.

The probes 51 consist of non-contact proximity detectors which are arranged in such a way that there is a suitable distance of, for example, 1 to 1.5 mm between the probe and the surface 43 or 49. ^N For this purpose, particularly useful probe non-contact eddy current probes Nevada, USA, produced by The Bently Nevada Corporation, Minden. These probes consist of transducers which convert a measured distance into a voltage, ie measure the distance to a conductive material. The transducer element of the probe consists of a flat wire coil at the end of a ceramic tip. The probe is fed with high frequency voltage and provides a voltage output signal that is proportional to the distance between the probe and the measuring surface. If the magnetic field is not affected by conductive material, there is no loss of radio frequency signal.

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When a conductive surface is approached to the probe tip, eddy currents are generated on the material surface, so that Power absorption occurs. An associated circuit measures the high frequency voltage envelope and provides a direct current output signal, this is equal to the negative peaks of the envelope. The output of the circuit feeding the probe exists from a direct current mean value, which represents the mean size of the gap between the probe and the object to be measured.

A timer is used to determine when the probes 51 measure the surfaces 43 and when they measure the surfaces 49. This timer consists of two time converters 56, which are likewise attached to the holder 53 by means of a holder 57 are held. As can be seen from the drawings, the time converters 56 are in one of the peripheral surface 58 at one end of the Flexible coupling 19 arranged opposite position. To the Coupling ends, i.e. in the flanges 28 and 29, the membrane 37 and the cover 39, are a plurality of notches 59 of finite width which extend in the axial direction of the central tube 34. Each notch is in such a position that it is aligned with the center of a plate 47. Since four plates 47 are provided, four notches 59 are also provided. The time converters 56 are offset from one another by approximately 45 so that when a time converter overlies a notch 49, the other time converters are located opposite a notch-free section of the circumferential surface 58.

For a better understanding of the alignment method according to the invention and the mode of operation of the alignment device, reference is made to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. Fig. 4 is a schematic Representation of parallel offset in the vertical plane, with the alignment error for reasons of clarity is depicted greatly exaggerated. Fig. 5 is a corresponding schematic representation for the case of angular misalignment in a vertical plane, whereas FIG. 7 shows a corresponding one

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2 5 4 A 9 5

Representation of elongation and compression in the axial direction is.

In Fig. 4 the various parts of the machine group are indicated, for example the reference shaft 17 and the spatially displaceable one Wave 18. The reference surfaces are similar 43 with the plate surfaces 49 can be seen. The letter "1" indicates the length of the central tube 34 as measured from the membrane Membrane. The letter "r" represents the probe mount radius, i.e. the distance from the axis of rotation of the reference shaft 17 to the center of the probe 51. The letter “x” compares the amount of parallel displacement of the spatially displaceable shaft 18 the theoretically perfectly aligned position represented by the dashed line 71. The offset is directly in any length scale such as millimeters, millimeter fractions, inches, thousandths of an inch etc. measured. The letter "d" denotes the differential measured value between plate surface 49 and reference surface 43. The angle θ represents the angle of the axis of rotation of the central Pipe 34 between that represented by line 72, theoretically perfect alignment and the actual position given by line 34.

The arrows in FIG. 4 represent the probes 51 which are arranged opposite the reference surface 43 and the plate surfaces 49 are. The probes 51, which are arranged opposite one end of the flexible coupling, are designated as probes "A", whereas the probes opposite the other end of the flex coupling are designated as probes "B". According to Fig. 4 are the probes 51 are designated as "A top" and "A bottom", "B top" and "B bottom". There are four probes at each end of the flexible coupling intended. The other two probes at either end can be referred to as the right and left probes, with the right Probe of the upper probe, 'and the left probe of the lower probe is equivalent to. To distinguish between right-hand and left-hand

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With the help of probes, the observation point should be the spatially fixed machine with a line of sight to the spatially displaceable machine be.

As can also be seen from FIG. 4, there are plus and minus signs drawn between the surfaces 43 and 49. These names are chosen arbitrarily, but with that in mind designed to result in consistency in mathematical calculations. For the sake of illustration, one of the probe displacement of the plate surface 49 directed away with respect to the reference surface as positive, and towards the probe as negative designated.

The trigonometric calculations assume that the angle θ in all practical applications

^X 1
is very small, ie between 0 and 5, so that the

Approximation for θ in radians is approximately equal to x / 1, like X ₁

is shown in equation 1. It can be seen from the equal triangle theory that the angle θ between the

^X 2 plate surface 49 and the reference surface 43 is identical to that

Angle θ, which is the angle between the axis

^X 1

of the central tube 34 and the theoretically perfect axis alignment 72. Two legs of these triangles stand in pairs to one another. Because all three sides of the triangles are perpendicular stand on their respective sides, as indicated by the conventional geometric designation in Fig. 4, the triangles are similar. As indicated in Equation 2, is

therefore θ approximately equals d / r.
^X 2

Since θ is equal to θ, equation 3 can be set up. X ₁ X ₂

Solving for χ in equation 4 results in χ = 1 / r · d The mean value d is obtained by averaging four measurements as shown in FIG. The omens these measurements are similar to those described above

609817/1 1 1 0

2 5 4 A 9 B B

Agreement elected.

After determining the mean value d, this number is inserted in equation 4, which is resolved for χ, so that χ indicates a numerical value of the parallel offset in the vertical direction. This numerical value is measured in metric terms or in inches, in the former case in millimeters or in fractions of a millimeter. This calculation is in equation 6, in which 1/4 represents a scaling factor for a particular flexible coupling in a machine group represents a constant. The values 1 and r can be measured in any length units, but must always can be measured in the same unit of length.

From the calculations described above it can be seen that the number derived for χ is the parallel displacement in the vertical direction, measured in a unit of length such as mm. Corresponding invoices are carried out, to determine the parallel offset in the horizontal direction.

To determine the angular misalignment of the two shafts 17 and 18 in the vertical direction refer to the schematic representation referenced by FIG. The notations in Fig. 5 are similar to those used in Fig. 4 except that the The position of the plate surfaces and the reference surfaces in machine "B" are reversed. In other words, the reference surface 43

.Is
at the top of the machine "B"'in front of the plate surface and not behind it as in Fig. 4.

The designation ix represents the displacement of the shaft 18 of the spatially adjustable machine compared to a theoretically aligned position in reference point 73 in a vertical plane The reference point 73 has the same distances from the ends of the flexible coupling 19 when the alignment is correct.

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Under the same assumptions as for Fig. 4, θ is

1 approximates equal to x / 1 as shown by Equation 7. if this equation is solved for ex according to equation 8

it can be seen that Oc is twice as large as θ,

XX Λ

since one leg of the triangle with the angle θ is twice that

^X 1 has the length of the corresponding leg in the triangle with the angle (X. Therefore, Oi is approximated according to equation 8

X X

equal to 2 θ when the angles (X and θ are small.

X- * XX> |

Using the theory of similar triangles now corresponds to

just like in Fig. 4, the angle θ is approximately equal to d / r, for

^X 2
small angles θ. Substituting it into equation 8 we get

that <X equals 2d / r, which is given in equation 10.

The angle o ( is therefore given in radians (dimensionless or mm / mm). (If the radian is to be given in thousandths of an inch per English foot, for example, the numerator is multiplied by a factor of 12 according to equation 11.

To determine the mean value d, the mean value is formed from all the probe measurements according to FIG. 5 in accordance with equation 12. Substituting the mean value d in equation 11, according to equation 13, the mean value of Oi (for example in thousandths of an inch per foot or in fractions of a millimeter per millimeter) is obtained. For Equation 13, it has been assumed that (r) is measured in inches. Correspondingly, the angular misalignment is measured in a horizontal plane.

The parallel offset described with reference to FIG. 4 and the angular misalignment described with reference to FIG. 5 are shown in FIG. 6 shown together. As can be seen from Fig. 6, Sections a and b are shown, which are the Places deals with which alignment corrections are made for the driven shaft. These corrections can done in such a way that they are at a mutual distance

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mutually arranged bearing blocks 23, which serve as supports for the spatially displaceable driven shaft 18, Underlaid with thin plates or the like in the manner described below. The dimension "a" is the distance vom.Bezugpunkt 73 to the center of the first bearing block 23 in a direction pointing away from the reference machine 16, during the Letter "b" the distance between the reference point 73 and the center of the second bearing block 23 in one of the reference machine 1 6 represents groundbreaking direction.

When performing the alignment method according to the invention the information obtained from the equations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 becomes the parallel offset e.g. in the millimeter scale, and the angular misalignment in Radians or some other unit of measure (such as thousandths of an inch per foot) in a vertical plane. For execution the alignment of the movable shaft 18 is desirable, to combine these two dimensions. This is done according to FIG. 6, where "e" is the correction in a vertical direction Direction for section A in a length measure, "f" the vertical correction in a length measure for section B, "g" the correction in the length dimension in the horizontal direction for section A, and "h" the correction in a length dimension in the horizontal direction for section B.

The length specification "e" is obtained from equation 14. The letter "x" represents the parallel offset in the length measure. The angular misalignment id is obtained in such a way that the angle dL · is multiplied by the length of section A, measured in mm or cm. The sum of both values represents the total parallel offset in the vertical direction. Corresponding calculations are made for the other dimensions, as indicated in equations 15, 16 and 17, in which the quantity "y" represents the same distance in a horizontal plane

609817/11 10

like the segment "x" in the vertical plane. Correspondingly, the angle d represents the same angular dimension in a horizontal plane as the angle in a vertical plane.

From the above information it can be seen that the alignment can be done in such a way that the bearing blocks 23 or adjusted accordingly in order to obtain the necessary shift so that the driven shaft 18 comes into perfect alignment with reference shaft 17.

In addition to the above calculations of the parallel offset and the angular misalignment, the amount of Extension or compression in the axial direction of the flexible coupling 19 can be calculated. The one used to analyze these calculations The diagram is shown in Fig. 7 and shows the reference surfaces 43 and the plate surfaces 49. In the diagram it is assumed that the flexible coupling 19 is stretched and therefore the plate surfaces 49 at both ends of the coupling are closer to the probes 51 than the reference surfaces 43. The dashed line 76 shows the theoretical position of the plate surfaces 49 when the flexible coupling 19 is not acted upon by either stretching or pressure is. Similarly, surface 43 would be in line 76 if the flex coupling were in this condition occupies. The letters "u" and "w" represent the elongation on the corresponding membranes at either end of the flexure coupling Usually, elongation or compression is distributed evenly on both membranes if both membranes have the same structure. However, if the membrane structure is different on both sides is, the dimensions "u" and "w" are proportional to the respective bending parameters of both membranes. Equation 18 indicates that the total stretch amount is equal to the sum w + u, i.e. the total extension of both membranes.

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? 5 4 Λ 9 F -S

The quantities "w" and "u" are obtained in such a way that an average value from the measurements of the four probes is correspondingly obtained derived from equations 19 and 20 and a quarter thereof is taken. When combining equations 19 and 20 with equation 18, equation 21 is obtained which represents the actual Represents the measured value in a length specification, e.g. in the millimeter.

If compression occurs, it can be determined and calculated in the same way. Using this information lets the spatially relocatable machine, e.g. by means of lifting screws or the like, towards the stationary or reference machine shift by a distance that is predetermined by the distance "e" to all bending stresses in the flexible coupling 19 remove. If, however, the flexible coupling 19 is under pressure, the adjustable machine is adjusted in the opposite direction in relation to the stationary machine. After that they are The shafts of both machines are perfectly aligned with each other.

In Fig. 8 (Figs. 8A and 8B) is a schematic circuit diagram of the electronic part in which the information emitted by the probes 51 is processed and on Electronic way, accurate measurements in inches or in metric measurements can be obtained, which are used to correct misalignments of the driven shaft 18 can be used.

As can be seen from the circuit diagram of FIG. 8, the Probes 51 shown in the upper left corner, the probes 51 for the one machine, which is on a Side of the flexible coupling are located as probes "A", and the probes located on the other side of the flexible coupling as Probes are labeled "B". The outputs of these probes are as shown with four algebraic amplifiers 81 connected. As can be seen from the schematic circuit diagram,

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four probe outputs are connected to each algebraic amplifier to get the desired algebraic functions. For example, the first algebraic amplifier 81 is used to derive the algebraic portion of equation 6 according to which the parallel dislocation is derived in a vertical plane. The algebraic one immediately below it The amplifier is used to derive a corresponding measured value for angular misalignment in a vertical plane. Of the The algebraic amplifier below is used to derive parallel displacement in the horizontal plane, and the lowest algebraic amplifier is used to derive angular misalignment in a horizontal plane. The algebraic Amplifiers 81 are of a known design and each comprise an operational amplifier or functional amplifier 82.

Another algebraic amplifier b4, which can be found in his Design differs from the algebraic amplifier 81, is used to derive the specified in equation 21 algebraic function according to which the information about extension or compression is obtained. This algebraic amplifier 84 is connected to the output of all eight probes 51 and has an operational amplifier 86.

The outputs of the algebraic amplifiers 81 are connected to a test and hold circuit 87. The test and hold circuits 87 store the plate and reference voltages as long as until the panels are in the same position. At this point in time, the in the test and hold circuit Information brought up to date. As can be seen from the circuit diagram, each test and hold circuit 87 has several Analog gate 88, which are numbered consecutively as gates 1-8 and by signals SIG 1 to SIG 8 from a timer logic circuit 91 (see Fig. 8B) in the following are controlled in the manner described. The outputs of the analog

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Gates 88 are connected to capacitive storage circuits 92, which are in the form of voltage amplifiers with operational amplifiers 93 are connected. The operational amplifiers 93 serve to buffer the capacitive memory circuits to ensure that the latter store the information stored therein for relatively longer periods of time. The other test and Holding circuits 87 are identical to that described above. An additional test and hold circuit 96 is connected to the output of the algebraic amplifier 84 for the stretch and pressure information connected. Only two channels are required for the test and hold circuit 96. Both Check and hold circuits 87, however, eight channels are required because all eight information channels with the algebraic Amplifiers 84 are connected.

As can be seen from the circuit diagram of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first four channels are used by the test and hold circuit 87 for storing information about the position of the disk surfaces 49, whereas the other four channels are for storage of information about the positions of the reference surfaces 43 are used.

The outputs of all test and hold circuits 87 are connected to a DC mean and differential amplifier 98 which takes the mean of the plate and reference voltages and at the same time the difference between the two mean values forms, whereby the mean measured value "d" according to equation 5 is obtained. The DC mean and Differential amplifier 98 consists of a resistor circuit which feeds operational amplifier 99. The other three DC mean and differential amplifiers are identical to the one described above. The outcome of the Test and hold circuit 96 is connected to a differential amplifier 101, which only subtracts the two supplied signals and according to equation 21, one which is not to scale

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7 -S 4 A 9 5

Delivers measured value "z".

Four outputs of the four DC mean and differential amplifiers 98 are applied to a single multiplex scale circuit 103 composed of four analog type gates 104, which referred to as gate 9-12 and indicated in the manner indicated by signals SIG 9-12 from one described below, free running clock circuit 106 are controlled. The outputs of the gates 104 are applied to a buffer amplifier 107. The output the buffer amplifier is at the input of a scale amplifier 108, which has a control potentiometer 109, the is set so that the actual measurement value "r" is obtained. The output of the scale amplifier 108 is at the inputs of three different scale amplifiers 111, 112 and 113, each of which has a control potentiometer 114, 116 and 117, respectively. In this way, the information representing the dimensions "a", "1" or "b" can be entered. The output of each scale amplifier 111, 112 and 113 is connected to two gates 121 and 122 of the type described above, which are driven by signals from the free-running clock circuit 106 will. The outputs of gates 121 and 122 are present capacitive memory circuits 123 of the type described above. The outputs of these memory circuits is with buffer amplifiers 124 connected / through which it is ensured that the memory circuits receive the information stored therein store relatively long periods of time. The output of each buffer amplifier 124 is applied to a summing amplifier 126. The outputs of the summing amplifiers 126 are coupled to display instruments 127. The display instruments 127 are used for Conversion of an applied voltage signal into a visual display, through which the desired measured variable, e.g. in metric Or in inches.

The differential amplifier 101 for the information about The circuit that processes stretching and compressive loads is located

809817/1 110

with its output at a scale circuit 131 of fixed Gain corresponding to the scale factor of the linear transducer probes 51. The output of the scale circuit 131 is on a display instrument 132 of similar design as the display instrument 127, which directly a measured value for that provides extension or compression.

The timer logic circuit 91 has a NAND gate, at the two inputs of which the outputs of the two time converters 56 lie. The NAND gate 136 supplies the value "1" if one of the two time converters 56 has a notch 59 in the flexible coupling scans. This information is fed to a binary counter, the output of which is applied to a converter 138, which Converts binary values into binary-coded decimal numbers. Gate D of converter 138 is connected to the output of NAND gate 136 connected and is used for control. The converter 138 has eight signal outputs, which serve as a timer function in the manner described above. In addition, the timer logic circuit 91 two additional outputs, which are labeled SIG 13 and SIG 14 and for the stretching and Compression measurements can be used.

The free-running clock circuit 106 consists of a clock generator 141 known design, the one with relatively lower Frequency of e.g. 100 Hz works. The output of the clock is applied to a ring counter 142 of known design, which has four outputs, labeled SIG 9-12, which are used in the circuit described above.

To explain the operation of the circuit of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the measured value "e" is obtained according to equation 14 and is to be brought to the visual display by the display instrument 127.

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If the flexible coupling 19 in the machine group 11 is a executes a full revolution, the clock converter delivers four pulses. These four pulses are passed through NAND gate 136 to the Binary counter 137 and the BCD converter 138 applied, the Output signals SIG 1 - 8 are obtained in the order shown within a time period which is determined by the Rotational speed of the flexible coupling 19 is predetermined. These Signals SIG 1-8 close gates 1-8 in the order 1, 5, 2, 6, 3, 7, 4, 8 in test and hold circuit 87 and thus load the memory circuits 92 with one of the algebraic Function in equation 6 proportional voltage. This information is displayed at eight different times in eight different memory circuits 92 are stored, with four pieces of information being stored by the probes scanning the plates 47 51, and the other four by scanning the reference surfaces 43 Probes 51 are supplied. These eight measured values are averaged in the DC mean and differential amplifier 98, and this information is applied to gate 9 of gates 104.

Corresponding information for the others, above measurements described are the other gates 10, 11 and 12 supplied. This information is time-shared by the operation of the gates 104, which mediate the signals SIG 9-12 supplied by the freely running clock circuit 106 are controlled. The information is thus in a certain sequence to the buffer amplifier 107 and the scale amplifier 108 fed to which the scale function 1 / r in the supplies manner described above. The only other gate that is closed is gate 16, which is through the signal 9 of the clock circuit 106 is activated. This information thus passes through the scale amplifier 112, which inserts the scale function "1" thereinto, and stores the information in the memory circuit 123. At this point in time thus the ratio r / r multiplied by the parallel offset in algebraically represented by equation 6

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stored in the vertical direction.

The angle function in the vertical direction is already stored in the manner described above and is available available at gate 10. When signal SIG 10 from clock 106 is supplied, this information is fed to the scale amplifier 108, which inserts the scale function 1/4. This combined information then passes through scale amplifiers 111 and 113 and gates 14 and 18 as both Gates are controlled by the same signal SIG 10. The scale amplifier 111 uses the scale function "a", whereas the scale amplifier 113 performs the scale function "b" inserts. The information from gate 14 is fed to the associated memory circuit 123 so that the information a / r multiplied by the angle measurement in the vertical direction according to equation 13 is stored in this. By the gates 14 and 16 supplied and in the memory circuits

123 stored information is then passed through the buffer amplifier

124 is fed to the summing amplifier 126, which combines the two voltages representing equation 14 and one the Value "e" representing voltage outputs to the indicating instrument 127, which is designated as section A perpendicular and provides a length measurement which is the amount by which section A is raised and lowered must be in order to bring the spatially displaceable shaft into alignment with the reference shaft.

Simultaneously with the derivation of the information in the vertical direction for section A, the information in perpendicular direction for section B, as the information required for this calculation according to equation 15 has been stored in the memory circuit 123 which is associated with the gate 18 which is indicated by the signal SIG is controlled. The gate 16 assigned to the memory circuit 123 is activated by the signal SIG 9.

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2SAA955

The information for sections A and B in the horizontal direction is derived in the same way.

As can be seen from the above, the electronic circuit shown in FIG. 8 can be used to measure misalignment carry out. These are made possible because of the short time constants for the misalignment of the rotating machine parts be available. The alignment device can, together with the associated electronic circuitry, on a Machine group are attached and permanently remain on this, if desired, the machine group also in operation continuously monitor.

The circuit also has the advantage of being investigative allowed for slow movements and can therefore be used when the machine group is set up for the first time, and even if it has not yet been determined whether the mutual alignment of the two machines is sufficiently accurate in order to be able to commission the machine group at all. This is made possible by using DC averaging techniques can be used in conjunction with the test and hold circuits.

Practice has shown that it is difficult, if not impossible, to precisely align all of them To obtain plate surfaces 49 in one and the same plane. Due to this fact, it can happen that the transducers 51 have small fluctuations in the position of the surfaces 49 which could lead to a tremor or noise level in the display instrument 127 at low engine speeds. This circumstance is prevented in that eight channels are used in the test and hold circuit 87. If then one Plate surface not aligned with the other plate surfaces should be, the same information relating to the disk area is stored in the same memory circuit.

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Deviations in the surface distance that indicate such alignment errors are averaged based on the eight channels of test and hold information.

If not necessary, check for plate alignment errors To switch off the noise level to be traced back, the test and hold circuit can be switched to two information channels as with the Simplify test and hold circuit 96. The timer logic circuit can then also be omitted.

Instead of the multiplex scale circuit 103, of course other circuit measures can also be provided. For example, the four information channels supplied by the four direct current mean value and differential amplifiers can also be used with four instead of the multiplex scale circuit be connected to independent scale circuits, each of which has a setting option for the parameters "r", "1", "a" and have "b". The outputs of the scale circuits are then directly connected to the assigned display instruments 127.

If not required or necessary, the total misalignment information for both sections A and B. The alignment information can also be obtained accordingly in the form of parallel offset and angular misalignment the output signal of the DC mean and differential amplifiers 98 can be read out. This information can then be used as a basis for calculating the measured values that in equations 14-17 and the derivation of the actual misalignment of both sections A and B. allow in a length measure.

If for some reason the one shown in FIG Electronic circuit is undesirable, the information sought can be determined by means of an oscilloscope, after which the calculations necessary to be performed

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determine the alignment of sections A and B. Am such an oscilloscope could, for example, be connected to each probe 51 to provide a visual indication of what is going through it Probe obtained information. The output signal is then in the form of a chopped square wave. Based of the oscilloscope scale, the differential measured values calculate between plate and reference surfaces. In such a case it is also possible to use a single probe and to bring these into the four different positions in order to obtain the four required measured values on each side of the flexible coupling to obtain. When the shafts 17 and 18 spun slowly a DC voltmeter can also be used to derive this information. In the latter case, can the time converter is omitted if it can be assumed that the plate surfaces are perfectly aligned with one another. if however, as is generally the case, the plate surfaces are not flawless are aligned with each other, a single time converter is required to determine which time information sequence added and which should be subtracted in the algebraic equations.

In the electronic circuit shown in FIG. 8, the two time converters 56 are required in order to be able to determine whether a plate surface or a reference surface is scanned when the machine starts up. Using techniques for phase-locked Loops it is possible to use a single probe which delivers a pulse in the phase-locked loop, which specifies the geometric time measure for the position of the other probe. This is made possible because the notch is well known is aligned with the plate. The phase-locked loop can also be used to derive further signals, so that it is only necessary to provide a notch on the flexure coupling. This notch could be at any one Position of the rotating shafts in the machine group.

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Instead of a notch, a projection can of course also be used. In principle it is just an embodiment required on the rotating shaft, which enables the derivation of a time signal.

In some cases it can be very desirable to determine if a membrane is beyond its elastic limit or is loaded within the permissible maximum stress values. This can be determined by the gap distance between the probes 51 and the plate surfaces is measured using the reference surfaces 43 as a reference, and this information is converted directly into stress information by means of a measurement constant k, which is empirically or theoretically can be derived from the membranes themselves. The information supplied directly by the probes 51 can thus use to create such an analysis.

In a machine group, it can happen that most of the misalignment is caused by a flexible coupling a membrane is recorded and it is therefore all the more important to make the measurements described above, based on which is used to determine whether the membranes are stressed beyond the maximum permissible stress values or not.

In the above description of the method and the device according to the invention it was assumed that the shaft axis runs horizontally. The considerations made apply accordingly if the wave in perpendicular direction or at any other angle. The yoke for the probes can of course be arranged or held skewed to the axis of rotation, the same information being obtained as before.

If misalignment only occurs in one direction, let Of course, the number of linear converters is halved

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decrease, and the corresponding scarf-tcuic? can accordingly be simplified.

The invention is applicable to flexible couplings of other designs and not just to diaphragm couplings. In the figures 9 and 10, for example, a "flexible" gear coupling is shown, which consists of a cylindrical hollow body 152 with axially extending internal ring gear 153 consists. Within the hollow body 152 are first and second hubs 156 and 157 arranged and connectable to the one shaft, which is referred to here as reference shaft 158. The other hub 157 is with coupled to the other shaft, which is referred to here as a spatially displaceable shaft 159. The hubs 156 and 157 carry, respectively an integrally formed spur gear 161 or 162, and these spur gears mesh with the internal ring gear 153 of the hollow body 152. In addition, the spur gears 161 and 162 are in the longitudinal direction of the internal ring gear 153 in the hollow body 152 for Can accommodate double movements of the shafts. A plurality of pad-shaped plates 166 protrude from one end of the hub 157 and are held on the hollow body 152, for example by means of a holder 167. The surfaces 168 of the plates 166 are accomplished by means of proximity detectors or transducers of the above type described scanned. In a corresponding manner, parts 169 with flat surfaces are on the outside of the hub 157 171, which lie generally in the same plane as surfaces 168 and serve as reference surfaces. the The position of these surfaces is also scanned by the proximity probes.

With this type of coupling, the torque is transmitted by means of the gear ratio described. The flexible coupling allows both parallel misalignment and angular misalignment up to a certain size. In addition, the flex coupling allows for greater axial misalignment than a flex coupling of the membrane type. Since the flexible gear coupling has reference surfaces and plate surfaces in the same way as the

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Above described membrane coupling can be scanned, it can be readily seen that the method and the device according to the invention can also be applied to gear clutches and the like. The applicability extends also to other pliable or flexible couplings such as those using O-rings or other elastomeric components.

If the plates are constructed accordingly, the approximate measurements, in contrast to those described above, can be used Embodiments taking place in the axial direction of proximity measurement also take place in the radial direction. Such a structure is in the Figures 11 and 12 shown. The one in these drawing figures 11 and 12 illustrated part of a flexible coupling of the diaphragm type is constructed in the manner described above. Instead of cutouts, however, the cover has several and for example four foot pieces 176 protruding outward in a direction parallel to the axis of the central tube 34 and surround the tube 34. The foot pieces 176 are circumferentially spaced around the pipe so that the center lines of the plates each enclose an angle of 90 ° to one another. In addition, there are protrusions 177 beside the foot pieces 176 on the central tube 34 is provided. The foot pieces 176 have an arcuate outer surface 178, and the projections 177 an arcuate outer surface 179, these outer surfaces are aligned with one another in the circumferential direction in the natural or tension-free state of the clutch diaphragms. At this Arrangement, radially aligned probes 51 are held on holders 181. With parallel misalignment and angular misalignment shift the outer surfaces 178 of the foot pieces 176 with respect to the outer surfaces 179 of the projections 177, wherein an indication similar to that observed when axial movement is obtained is obtained. With the radial arrangement of the probes 51 no axial misalignment, i.e. stretching and Determine pressure loads. With this arrangement of the probes 51, however, there is the possibility of large axial displacements

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of the hubs of the flexible coupling, such as for example Gear clutches can occur.

When using a flexible coupling consisting of a single element, only one measurement needs to be taken, i.e. the measurement at one end of the flexible coupling.

The method and the device according to the invention immediately enable numerous safety measures. So can For example, the probes 51 designed to display tolerance exceedance so that it is indicated when a probe or several probes measure values that are above the permissible tolerances. Warning devices can be provided in a corresponding manner indicating when amplifiers are saturated, power failure or voltage drop, and other malfunctions such as line interruptions to the probe feed lines occur. If necessary, an additional Circuit an automatic shutdown of the machine group can be triggered if one or more undesirable conditions appear. An automatic warning for operating personnel can just as well be provided. The derived Information can also be used for fully automatic control in the context of alignment tracking.

Although the probes are generally offset from one another by 90 °, other angles can also be specified, all that is required is that the probes are spaced sufficiently from one another by two degrees of freedom to be allowed in the displacement measurements. If the angular displacement deviates from 90 °, only the mathematical Calculation more complicated. However, this can easily be taken into account by means of a computer. If as above described mutually exclusive equations are to be obtained, four different measurements must be made will.

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The proposed method and the corresponding device for the mutual alignment of the mutually coupled rotating shafts of two machines in a machine group, the two shafts by means of a flexible coupling are coupled to each other, allows the measurement both with stationary machines, during start-up, with all Operating states and at run-out. The device provides an indication of the axial movement of the machine for both static as well as dynamic state, whereby both relative and absolute values are obtained. The adjusted clutch hub movement every machine due to dynamic rotor movements such as shaft runout, thermal bending, unbalance bending and other influences when rotating in the normal direction of rotation, as well as due to other effects such as oil turbulence, re-excitation of Balancing resonances and all other influences causing shaft displacements, which lead to a tilting of the plane the coupling hub of each machine rotor against the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the machine group can result measure and display. The information obtained by means of the device is used to protect the one another through the flexible coupling coupled machines, whereby the coupling can also be protected against displacement and stresses, which exceed the permissible limit values. The measurements can be taken both when two machines are assembled to form a machine group for the purpose of determining parallel misalignment, angular misalignment and axial distance as well as during operation of the machine group and at standstill.

The measurements can also be made on a completely misaligned machine group. The device can "if necessary. constantly be provided on the machine group in order to enable continuous monitoring and if Alignment errors emit warning signals, the machines automatically switch off or automatically adjust the spatially adjustable machine in relation to the reference machine.

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Claims (27)

Claims 1 . ; ■ Procedure for the mutual alignment of two medi A flexible coupling, rotating shafts of two machines coupled to one another using one of two arranged at a mutual distance and each with the shaft of the first machine or the shaft of the second machine connected, at least one misalignment of the two shafts receiving parts existing flexible coupling, the one Shaft as a reference shaft, and the other shaft is designated as a displaceable shaft, characterized in that the position at least a shaft (17 or 18; 1 5 8 or 1 5 9) by scanning on two with respect to the shaft rotation axis in one mutual circumferential spacing located points (A, B) is determined, the position of at least one part (47, 166) of the flexible coupling (19, 151) by scanning at points located at mutual distances in the circumferential direction with respect to the coupling axis of rotation determined, and the sampled information to derive at least one parameter, namely parallel offset of first to second shaft, angular misalignment from first to second wave and compression and stretching of the flexure is processed. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanned information is brought to the visual display. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the path indicating the parallel offset of the two waves is calculated. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Lines representing the angular misalignment of both shafts with respect to two points located at a mutual distance on the displaceable shaft. 60 98 1 7/1 1 10 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression and stretching of the flexible coupling performing Route is calculated. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanned information is determined with slow rotation of the waves. 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanned information is determined at normal speed, 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanned information is displayed and the displaceable shaft is aligned with the reference shaft based on the display information. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of at least one shaft on four by approximately 90 ° to each other scanned offset points, the position of part of the flexible coupling at four offset by approximately 90 ° to each other Scanned places, and the shaft rotation is scanned on at least one shaft. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that by means of the wave scanning at least two in time to each other offset timing signals, one of which is related to sensing the orientation of at least one shaft, and the other is related to sensing the orientation of at least a portion of the flexible coupling. 11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the alignment of both shafts and the position of the first or Second shaft connected flexible coupling parts is scanned. 12. Device for performing the method according to a or more of claims 1-11, characterized by to the Shafts (17, 18; 1, 5, 8, 1,5,9) arranged and with respect to 609817/1110 the shaft axes of rotation arranged at mutual circumferential distances, the alignment of the first and second shafts and devices serving as a reference surface (43, 49; 156, 157) on the Flexible coupling (19, 155) arranged arrows (47, 176) with respect to the shaft axis of rotation at mutual circumferential distances arranged showing the alignment of first and second spaced apart devices Surfaces (49 or 168), for scanning the position of the reference surfaces and probes (51) used for scanning the last-mentioned surfaces timer devices for rotating at least one shaft of both machines (56) and one coupled to the probes and the timer devices for determining at least one parameter, namely from parallel offset from first to second shaft, angular misalignment from first to second shaft and Compression and extension of the flex coupling serving circuit (Fig. 8). 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the two parts (3 7) of the flexible coupling (19) made of membranes exist. 14. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that that the two parts of the flexible coupling (19) as adjustable Gears (161, 162) are formed. 15. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that that the parts (47) consist of at least four, separated from one another, at the relevant end of the flexible coupling at 90 ° to one another offset plates, and the probes (41) from at least four, arranged at mutual angular intervals of approximately 90 ° There are probes at each end of the flex joint. 16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that that the outputs of the probes (51) with one to develop a mean value of the mutual position of the surface 609817/1 1 10 254A955 a circuit used to represent signals, a test and hold circuit used to derive the signals over a period of time and one to combine these signals with different parameters of both machines and displays the desired alignment parameter serving circuit is connected. 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that that a display instrument (127) serving to visually display the alignment parameter is provided. 18. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that that the spatially displaceable shaft (18, 159) at two designated as sections a and b and different distances is supported by the flexible coupling having points and one when shifting section a in horizontal and vertical direction, as well as displacement of section b in horizontal and vertical direction for distance display and Elimination of parallel misalignment from the first to the second shaft and angular misalignment between the two shafts Circuit is provided. 19. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that that display instruments (1, 2, 7) are provided, by means of which the amount can be displayed by which the spatially displaceable Shaft must be moved to eliminate tension and pressure on the flexible coupling. 20. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the reference surfaces and the last-mentioned surfaces in general perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the shaft planes. 21. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that that the reference surfaces and the last-mentioned surfaces lie on an arc circle parallel to the shaft rotation axes. 0 9 8 17/1110 2 5U9 5 22. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the timer device at least one with the one Wave revolving feature and one for sensing that feature serving device includes. 23. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the coupled to the probes and the timer device Circuit is designed to determine a parallel offset of the two shafts indicating distance. 24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the distance can be measured in the vertical and horizontal directions is. 25. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that that the coupled to the probes and the clock device The device consists of an electrical circuit which is used to determine the angular misalignment of the shafts Distance is designed. 26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the distance by two separate values with respect to two, different distances from the flexible coupling having different points on the spatially displaceable shaft can be represented. 27. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that that the circuit coupled with the probes and the clock device for determining pressure and bending displacements the flexible coupling is designed to represent the distance. 609817/1 1 10 Blank page