In the arduous operating conditions found with power transmission test benches, it is essential that the drive couplings used are able to withstand the wide range of operating conditions often associated with this environment and allow meaningful test data to be collated.
The drive train components predominately evaluated on test benches include, but are not limited to, engines, gearboxes, transmission elements and consumable or wear parts. With such a variety of component types to be tested, each of which can have its own specific test criteria, it is also essential that the drive coupling can be closely matched to the application.
Reich Kupplungen’s modular and design-oriented TOK system makes this possible by providing tailor made, yet cost effective couplings, suitable for a wide range of test bench applications.
The TOK coupling system can be used in almost all test bench applications, and on engine test benches in particular. The broad range of flexible coupling elements, adaptive designs and connection shafts provides standard solutions for a wide variety of different tasks, complemented by specific customised designs upon request.
The success of Reich Kupplungen couplings in the test bench arena can be attributed to the company’s D2C (Designed to Customer) philosophy which draws upon many years of experience in the design of couplings for engine, roller dynamometer and racing engine test benches.
The extensive range of testing applications where the TOK coupling products are targeted include: Engine Testing in an R & D environment, Engine Testing for Durability – requiring on average continuous testing for periods of 5,000 hours in addition to other demanding duty cycles, Engine Testing on Road Simulation – with varying load parameters and Engine Testing for Production Quality Control – generally to check parameters such as Maximum Power, Maximum Torque, Oil Pressure and Temperatures.
The prime features of TOK couplings are their efficiency and flexibility. A multitude of rubber compounds, developed in-house by Reich, ensures that the rigidity of the coupling elements can be perfectly matched to numerous different applications. Bearings or integrated joints support the loads arising from the connection between the drive and output ends. Cardan shafts, constant velocity (CV) shafts and compact shafts are available as connections, which also compensate for axial, radial and angular misalignments. These backlash and maintenance free components are connectable to flywheels conforming to SAE J620 or to any other standard. TOK couplings are suited for use at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +100°C and cover a torque range from 75 to 70,000 Nm and easily handle rotational speeds up to 13,000 r.p.m.
In the words of the company’s C.E.O., Dipl.-Ing. Herwarth Reich, and his son, Dipl.-Ing. Christian Reich: ‘It is thanks to our decade long expertise in test bench couplings that the TOK system contributes to a significant increase in the lifetime of test bench installations and their components.’
For more information please contact:
Mr David Proud
General Manager
Reich Drive Systems UK Limited
Unit 4, Bankside Business Park
Coronation Street
Stockport
Cheshire
SK5 7PG
Telephone +44(0) 161 714 4191
Website – www.reich-uk.com
