GB235396A - Improvements in universal joints for transmission shafts - Google Patents

Abstract

235,396. Linley, C. M. June 21, 1924. Universal joints of the kind comprising flexiblyconnected spider arms. The flexible material is in the form of a polygonal band supported, as by radial spreaders, so as to cross the arms substantially at right-angles. The band may be of leather, vulcanized or otherwise treated fabric, or other material. As shown, the spider arms 3, Fig. 1, are connected by two-ply bands 4 of webbing held in square form by floating spreaders 10, 11, whereby the original angular interval between the arms 3 is maintained when the shafts are inclined. The spreader 10 is adjustable in length to take up stretch and traverses a clearance hole in the spreader 11, which may also be adjustable. These spreaders have flanged ends 12 to engage the band sections, the looped ends of which are expanded by pins 7 to jam them between studs 6, displacement of the bands being prevented by plates 8, which are secured by split pins 9 on the ends of the studs 6. The coupling offers substantially no resistance to limited lateral displacement of the shafts. In a modification Fig. 4, the arms 3 terminate in flat surfaces 16, to which an endless band or a band 4 in one or two lengths is secured by clamping-plates 17 and screws 18, the ends being overlapped or, as shown in Fig. 5, folded over plates 23. 24 and held against a flat surface 21 on the arm 3 by a bolt 25 and washer 27; an abutment 22 takes the pull of the band in one direction of drive. One of the spreaders may be formed with convex bearing-surfaces co-operating with surfaces on the shaft ends or on the arms to transmit end thrust.