GB2363183A

GB2363183A - Coupling for linking two rotatable shaft ends

Info

Publication number: GB2363183A
Application number: GB0124026A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Friedrich Reinsbach Schuler
Original assignee: LuK Automobiltechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Magna Powertrain Hueckeswagen GmbH
Priority date: 1999-03-06
Filing date: 2000-03-03
Publication date: 2001-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-03
Also published as: WO2000053943A3; GB0124026D0; WO2000053943A2; DE10080566D2; JP2002539382A; DE19909931A1; EP1161632B1; EP1161632A2; GB2363183B; JP4722291B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling for linking two rotatable shaft ends for transmitting a torque, with a coupling element interlinking the two shaft ends in a positive fit. According to the invention, the shaft ends (12, 14) are provided with groove-shaped recesses (20, 26) that extend vertically (radially) relative to the rotational axes (16, 22) of the shafts. The pins (30, 32) of the coupling element (28) engage in respective recesses (20, 26) in a positive fit and the pins (30, 32) are interlinked in a positive fit.

Description

Coupling for connecting two rotatable shaf t ends

Description

The invention relates to a coupling for connecting two rotatable shaft ends for transmitting a torque, having a coupling element connected to both shaft ends in a positivelocking manner.

Couplings of the generic type are known. They are normally designed as rigid or movable couplings. In the known movable couplings, although compensation for mounting inaccuracies of the shaft ends to be connected is possible within certain tolerance ranges, these couplings are characterized by a relatively complicated construction. Thus interlocking coupling disks are known. Furthermore, universal joint couplings (cardan joints) are known in which bolts fastened transversely to the shaft longitudinal axis are mounted in fork-shaped recesses so as to be offset from one another by 900 and thus permit an angular misalignment of the shaft ends.

The object of the invention is to provide a coupling of the generic type which is of simple construction and compensates for an axial misalignment and/or an angular misalignment of the shaft ends to be connected.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a coupling having the features mentioned in claim 1. Owing to the fact that the shaft ends have groove-shaped receptacles running perpendicularly relative to their rotational axes, that in each case a pivot of a coupling element engages in the receptacles in a positive-locking manner, and that the pivots are connected to one another in a positive- locking manner, this advantageously achieves a isalignment and/or an angular situation in which an axi-al mmisalignment between the shaft ends to be connected can be compensated for via the coupling element in a simple manner. Such a coupling element consists of few components, one component in the minimum case, and can therefore be mass produced in a very cost- effective manner. In addition, due to the simple construction, a coupling between the two shaft ends can be produced in a simple manner without additional assembly tools being required.

In a preferred development. of the invention, provision is made for the two pivots of the coupling element to be arranged essentially parallel to one another. As a result, an especially good aligned connection of the two shaft ends can be achieved. Furthermore, the pivots arranged parallel to one another can be connected to one another in a simple positive locking manner. In particular, it is preferred if the coucling element iS in one piece and has a center I piece connecting the pivots. As a result, such coupling elements may be produced, for example, as bar stock, the respective coupling elements being obtainable by simple cutting-to-length. In accordance with the requirements for the torque to be transmitted, the coupling elements may be made, for example, of metal, in particulai tempered steel, or else also of plastic.

Furthermore, in a preferred development of the invention, provision is made for at least one of the pivots of the coupling element to be mounted so as to be pivotable or rotatable about its longitudinal axis. This advantageously achieves a situation in which an angular misalignment between the shaft ends can be compensated for in a simple manner by virtue of the fact that at least one of the shaft ends can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the coupling element.

Furthermore, in a preferred development of the invention, provision is made for at least one of the pivots of the coupling element to be mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This enables an axial misalignment of the shaft ends to be connected to be compensated for perpendicularly to their rotational axes in a simple manner via the coupling element. Without impairing the connection between the shaft ends and the rotatability for compensat'nc for an anc:ular misalignment, this lonaitudinal displaceability of lt-he pLvots in their receptacles of the shaft ends also makes it possible to compensate for the axial misalignment.

In addition, in a further preferred development of the invention, provision is made for at least one of the pivots of the coupling element to be mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal extent of atzleast one of the shaft ends in its receptacle. As a result, it becomes advantageously possible to compensate for a distance between the shaft ends to be connected. In particular when used as prescribed, compensation can thus be proviCled, for example if a shaft is knocking in the longitudinal direction, without the connection for transmitting the torcrue being impaired in its mode of operation.

Furthermore, in a preferred development of the invention, provision is made for captive locking to be assigned to the coupling element, in particular to at least one of the pivots of the coupling element. This achieves the effect that, when the coupling is used as prescribed, exact positioning of the coupling element remains ensured, even during relatively high mechanical stresses. A preferred design of the captive locking be, for example, a split pin, a snap ring, a locating pin or the like.

A preferred use c-' the coupling according to the invention is for the ccupling c: a rotor c: a pressure-medium delivery device, -41-- particular of a vacuum, cum), to an output shaft of a drive machine. By the simple coupling element of small construction, very compact drive couplings for pressure-medium delivery devices can thus be realized, the axial extent of these drive couplings being reduced to a minimum in the direction of the shaft ends to be connected. This considerably reduces the installation space or the entire driven pressure -medium delivery device.

Further preferred developments of the invention follow from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 4 show a coupling in a first embodiment variant; Figures 5 and 6 show a coupling in a second embodiment variant; Figures 7 to 10 show a coupling in a third embodiment variant; Figures 11 to 15 show a coupling in a fourth embodiment variant, and Figures 16 to 49 show various embodiment variants of captive locking for a coupling.

Shown schematically in figure I is a longitudinal section through a coupling 10, by means of which a first shaft end 12 is coupled to a second shaft end 14 for transmi7_-_iJ.-_.g a torque. The shaft end!2 is, for example, the output shaft of a drive machine, whereas the shaft end 14 is, for example, the drive shaft of a rotor of a pressure-medium delivery device, for example of a rotor of a vacuum pump of a motor vehicle. Other fields of application are of course also possible.

The shaft end 12 has a Qroove-shaped receptacle 20 running perpendicularly relative to a rotational axis 16 and made in the end face 18. The shaft end 14 likewise has a groove-shaped receptacle 26 running perpendicularly relative to its rotational axis 22 and made in the end face 24.

The shaft ends 12 and 14 are connected to one another in a positive locking manner via a coupling element 28. The coupling element 28 has two pivots (also designated as toggle, bolt or round pin), namely a first pivot 30 and a second pivot 32. The pivots 30 and 32, as will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner. The pivot 30 engages in the groove-shaped receptacle 20 of the shaft end 12, and the pivot 32 engages in the groove-shaped receptacle 26 of the shaft end 14. As viewed in cross section, the groove-shaped receptacles 20 and 26 are of rectangular design, their height h corresponding to the diameter d of the pivots 3-0 and 32, respectively. The depth t of the receptacles 20 and 26 is 9--p-ate-t- than the diameter d.

f si zes achieves the el Such a selection of the ratio cl - that the pivots 30 and 32 are mounted so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the rotational axes 16 and 22, respectively. Furthermore, the pivot 30 is pivotable or rotatable relative to the shaft end 12 and the pivot 32 is pivotable or rotatable relative to the shaft end 14. As viewed in the plane of the paper, that is to say perpendicularly to the plane of projection of figure 1, the pivots 30 and 32, respectively, are likewise mounted so as to be displaceable in a manner explained in more detail below.

Such a configuration of the coupling element 28 achieves the effect that coupling of the shaft ends 12 and 14, despite an indicated misalignment Aa and angular misalignment Aq of the rotational axes 16 and 22, respectively, is possible in a simple manner. If the shaft end 12, as indicated by an arrow 34, is rotationally driven clockwise, the torque is transmitted via the coupling element 28 to the shaft end 14, so that the latter is likewise driven in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 34.

Figure 2 shows the coupling element 28 in a perspective representation. The coupling element 23 has the pivots 30 and 32, which are connected to one another in a positive- locking manner via two end connecting elements 36. The longitudinal axes 38 and 40, respectively, of L-he pivots 30 and 32 run essentially parallel to one another. A coupling element 28 having only one connecti-1- elemenz 36 is likewise conceivable. As a result, the coupling element 28 can be pushed radially into the receptacles 20 and 26, respectively.

Figure 3 shows the coupling element 28 in interaction with the receptacle 20 of the shaft end 12. The ratios of the height h, the diameter d and the depth t which are explained in figure 1 achieve the effect that the coupling element 28 is pivotable or rotat:able relative to the shaft end 12 in accordance with the double arrow 42 and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the rotational ax-;'-s 16 in accordance with the double arrow 44. If a length 1 of the pivot 30 (figure 2) is additionally selected in such a way that this length 1 is larger than a diameter D of the shaft end 12 (figure 1), this results in the pivot 30 -projecting by an j amount 9, which corresponds to the difference between the length 1 and the diameter D. This achieves the effect that the coupling element 28 is mounted so as to also be displaceable radially relative to the rotational axis 16 of the shaft end 12 in accordance with the double arrow 46.

With reference to the representation in figure 3, it becomes clear that the coupling element 28, relative to the shaft end 12, is mounted with two translatory degrees of freedom in accordance with the double arrows 44 and 46 and in a rotatable manner in accordance with the double arrow 42. By such a confiauration, the m.sa'-,1.gnments -Aa and the angular misalignments AT according to figure 1 can be compensated for in a simple manner.

The connecting elements 36 may be of rigid design. According to a further exemplary embodiment, however, provision may also be made for the connecting elements 36 to have defined elasticity. As a result, the coupling 10 is provided with rotary elasticity with which vibrations acting in direction 34 of rotation can be compensated for.

A connection between the coupling element 28 and the shaft end 14 is shown by way of example in figure 4. The same parts as in the preceding figures are provided with the same reference numerals and are not explained again. Provision is made here for the length 1 of the pivot 32 to correspond to the diameter D of the shaft end 14. Accordingly, their difference is equal to zero, so that the amount B (figure 3) does not apply. As a result, the coupling element 28 is coupled to the shaft end 14 in a pivotable or rotatable manner - in accordance with the double arrow 42 - and with one translatory degree of freedom - in accordance with the double arrow 44.

In actual exemplary embodiments, provision may be made for the two shaft ends 12 and 14 to be coupled to the coupling element 28 in accordance with the rotary movementu 42 and the translatory degrees of freedom 44 and 46. However, provision may also be made for the movement of the coupling to be effected merely with one translatory degree of freedom 44 according to figure 4. This has the advantage that the coupling always runs in a centered manner relative to the shaft ends and cannot produce any pronounced unbalance. Furthermore, mixed arrangements are possible, that is to say that the shaft end 12 or 14 is connected to the coupling element 28 in accordance with figure 3, for example, and the respectively other shaft end is connected to the coupling element 28 in accordance with -figure 4.

The coupling 10 is shown in a second embodiment variant in figure 5. The basic construction and the functioning correspond to the mode of operation explained in figures 1 to 4, so that only the differences are dealt with. The same parts are in each case always provided with the same reference numerals.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the grooveshaped receptacle 261 in the shaft end 14 is not rectangular - as viewed in cross section - but round. In this case, the diameter d of the pivot 32 corresponds to the diameter d, of the receptacle 26. The pivot 32 is therefore enclosed by the shaft end 14 in a positive- locking manner.

The result of this, as illustrated in figure 6, is that the coupling element 28 is merely pivotable or rotatable relative to the shaf-t end 14 in the pivoting or rotary direction 42. The diameters d and d, of the pivot 32 and of the receptacle 261, respectively, are matched to one another in such a way that the pivot 32 engages in the receptacle 26, essentially free of play (with minimum play). This ensures the rotary movement 42. The further translatory movement 44, as referred to in figure 4, is not possible due to the positive-locking enclosure of the pivot 32. As already explained with respect to figure 3, provision may additionally be made for a translato-Y movement 46 to become additionally possible by selection of the length 1 or the diameter D.

Finally, figure 7 shows a coupling 10 in a third exemplary embodiment, only the differences from the preceding figures again being dealt with. Here, the coupling element 28 is designed as a one-piece shaped body 48. In the shaped body, the pivots 30 and 32 merge into one another via a center connecting piece 50. To form the pivots 30 and 32, the connecting piece 50 is designed so as to be arched (neckeddown) inward. It thus becomes possible to compensate for the angular mi.salignment Aq and/or the vertical misalignment Aa, shown in the figures, even in the case of a one-piece coupling element 28.

With this coupling element 28, too, as illustrated with reference to figures 8 and 9, a relative pivoting or rotary movement 42 between the shaft ends 1-2 or 14, respectively, and the coupling element 28 and also a translatory movement 44 or a translatory movement 46, preferably due to stops (not shown here), become possible. This becomes possible due to the appropriate configuration of the ratios of sizes of the length 1 (figure 10), the diameter d or the depth t, and the height h - as explained in detail in figures 1 to 4.

Figure 10 shows a shaped part 48 in a perspective view. Optimum ratios of sizes of the shaped part 48, which can in principle be transferred to the coupling element 28, are intended to be illustrated with reference to figure 10. The diameter d of the pivot 30 or 32, respectively, and the length 1 are shown. Also indicated is a distance a which determines the axial extent of the shaped body 48 approximately in the direction of the rotational axes 16 and 22, respectively. The distance a is prererably 130 to 400% of the diameter d, whereas the length 1 is preferably 200 to 1000% of the diameter d.

As becomes clear with reference to f igure 11, the shaped part 48 may be designed in a similar manner to the configurations of the coupling element 28 which are explained with respect to figures 5 and 6. Here, too, the receptacle 26' is adapted to the pivot 32 in such a way that the latter is enclosed in a posiltive-locking manner by the shaft end 14. -s n the pivotability or rotat This result 1-ability 42, il-Lustrated in figure!3, of the shaped part 48 relative to 1 the shaft end 14, whereas a translatory movement 44 is not possible.

The representation in figure 12 corresponds to the representation in figure 3, the coupling element 28 being formed by the shaped part 48.

In accordance with the representation in figure 14, the relative mobility of the shaped part 48 with regard to the shaft end 12 may likewise be restricted to the rotary movement 42 and the translatory movement 44. This is achieved by the length 1 of the shaped part 48 corresponding to the diameter D of the shaft end 12, in which case the translatory mobility 46 or the radial mobility of the shaped part 48 relative to the shaJfft end 12 can be limited by different means explained with reference to figures 16 to 49.

Finally, figure 1S illustrates that provision may be made for the relative mobility of the shaped part 48 with regard to the shaft end 14 to be designed for the rotary movement 42 and the translatory movement 46. This is achieved by the diameter D of the shaft end 14, for example, being selected to be larger than the length 1 of the shaped part 48, so that play is obtained in the radial direction relative to the rotational axis 22, this play permitting the translatory movemen'L 46 inside certain stop means, which are described below with reference to figures 16 to 49.

According to further exemplary embodiments, provision may in turn be made for the shaft ends 12 and 14 to be coupled to the shaped part 48 in different ways, that is with different translatory and rotary degrees of freedom.

Different variants of captive locking for the coupling element 28 are explained with reference to figures 16 to 49, this captive locking a'-so servIng as a stop for the coupling element 28. The representations relate to the one-piece design of the coupling element 28 as a shaped body 48. In the embodiment variants of the coupling element 28 which are shown in figures 1 to 6, captive locking may be effected by the connecting elements 36, which accommodate between them the shaft ends 12 and 14, respectively, in the region of the groove-shaped receptacles 20 and 26 of the latter. This makes it impossible for the coupling element 28 to be pulled out radially or for it to fall out.

In the representations in figures 16 to 49, the coupling element 28 is in each case shown only with one shaft end 12. Of course, the embodiment variants of the captive locking explained may be additionally effected on the sides of the shaft end 14 or may even be effected solely on the sides of the shaft end 14.

A first embodiment varia_nt of captive locking is shown in figures 16, 17 a-nd 18. Fiq,,.ire 16 shows a side view, figure 17 - -cn shows a lcngi udinal secti -nd figure 18 shows a plan is - view of the coupling element 28 coupled to the shaft end 12. In this case, captive locking is effected in such a way that the grocve-shaped receptacle 20, which accommodates the pivot 30, is caulked at its lateral orifices. As a result, lugs 52, which consist of displaced material of the shaft end 12, are formed. These lugs 52 form radial stops for the coupling element 28, so that the latter cannot escape radially from the shaft end 12.

According to figure 19, provision may be made for the groove-shaped receptacle 20, in particular in the case of round receptacles (figures 5 and 11, 261), to be designed with a blind end in the radial direction, so that a base 54 of the receptacle 20 forms a motion stop for the coupling element 28. Caulking and the formation of lugs 52 may again be provided on that side oL the receptacle 20 which is opposite the base 54.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 20 and 21, provision is made for the shaft end 12 to merge into a peg 58 with the formation of an annular step 56. This peg S8 has the groove-shaped receptacle 20. For the captive locking of the coupling element 28, a ring element Go is pushed over the peg S8, so that the ring eLement 60 limits the radial mobility of the coupling element 28 relative to the shaft end 12.

According to the embodiment varia-nz shown in figures 22 and 23, an annular groove 62 is inco=orat-ed over the circumference of the shaft end 12 and lies in the region of the receptacle 20. A retaining ring 64, which is preferably designed as a spring ring, can be inserted into this annular groove 62.

Figures 24 to 26 show a further embodiment variant. The shaft end 12 again has the peg 58 merging via the annular step 56. A locking plate 66, which is double-T-shaped as seen in plan view, can be inserted into the receptacle 20. This locking plate 66 is placed in the receptacle 20 before the coupling element 28 is inserted. The ends 68 are then bent over, so that they extend parallel to the rotational axis 16. As a result, the coupling element 28 is virtually clamped in place between the ends 68, so that the radial mobility of the coupling element 28 is restricted. The ends 68 are sufficiently dimensioned in order to overlap the orifices of the groove-shaped receptacles 20.

According to the embodiment variant shown in figures 27 and 28, a fitting piece 70 is inserted into the receptacle 20. In this case, the receptacle 20 of the shaft end 12 is designed to be larger by a wall thickness of the fitting piece 70, so that the fitting piece 70 forms the actual receptacle 201. The fitting piece 70 has lugs 72 which extend parallel to the end face 18 and can be connected to the end face 18. This may be effected, for example, by spot welding, adhes'Lve bonding or other suitable measures. At the same time, tolerance compensation between the coupling element 28 and the receptacle 20 of the shaft end 12 may be effected by means of the fitting piece 70. Furthermore, the fitting piece 70 may assume the bearing properties for the rotatability of the coupling element 28, so that the shaft end 12, in particular the receptacle 20, need not be reworked, for example hardened.

According to the embodiment variant shown in figures 29 to 31, the captive locking of the coupling element 28 is realized by means of locking pins 74 inserted parallel to a diametrical line 73 relative to the shaft end 12. These locking pins 74 are inserted into holes 76 in the shaft end 12, for example by means of an interference fit. In order to prevent the locking pins 74 from projecting beyond the circumference of the shaft end 12, pocket-shaped recesses 78 in which the locking pins 74 can be arranged in a sunk position are provided. In this case, the locking pins 74 virtually cross the receptacle 20, so that the coupling element 28 is arranged between the locking pins 74, which run essentially parallel to one another.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 32 and 33, provision is made for the arrangement of only one locking pin 74, which is inserted radially relative to the shaft end 12 into a corresponding hole 76, the hole intersecting the base of the receptacle 20. The coupling element 28 has a groove 80 corresponding with the hole 76, so that the locking pin 74 engages in the groove 80. The depth of the groove 80 is matched to the arrangement, the contour and the diameter of the locking pin 74 in such a way that the requisite rotary or pivoting movement of the coupling element 28 is ensured. Since the locking pin 74 is secured in the shaft end 12, this therefore likewise avoids a situation in which the coupling element 28 is displaceable relative to the sha'L- end 12.

Instead of the locking pin 74, provision may be made according to the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 34 to 37 for the shaft end 12 to have an axially running slot 82, which is designed to be so deep that the slot 82 intersects the base of the receptacle 20. A locking wire 84, which has a shaped portion 86 adapted to the receptacle 20, can be inserted into this slot 82. The legs 88 of the wire 84 lie in the slot 82 in the region of the shaft end 12. The coupling element 28 again has the groove 80, which corresponds with the slot 82. This achieves the effect that the wire 88 engages in the slot 82, on the one hand, and in the groove 80, on the other hand. A radial displacement of the coupling element 28 is thereby also avoided.

Figures 38 and 3-0 show a further variant. Here, provision is made for the coupling element 28 to have a hole 90 which runs axially relative to the shaft end 12 and corresponds with an axial hole 92 in the shaft end 12. A locking pin 74 can be inserted through the holes 90 and 92. The locking pin 74 is arranged in such a way that it engages partly in the hole 92 and partly in the hole 90. As a result, the radial displaceability of the coupling element 28 is again prevented. In this case, it has to be ensured through sufficient play that the rotary or pivoting movement of the coupling element 28 relative to the locking pin 74 is possible.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in figure 40, provision is made for the shaft-end 12 to have an axial through-opening 94 which extends from that end of the shaft end 12 which is remote from the coupling element 28. The through-opening 94 merges via an annular step 96 into an opening 98 of smaller diameter. The opening 98 leads out in the receptacle 20. The coupling element 28 has a hole 100 which likewise runs radially relative to the shaft end 12 and corresponds with the opening 98. To fix the coupling element 28, provision is now made for a locking screw 102 to be inserted through the opening 94, the threaded shank of which locking screw 102 can be screwed into the shaft 12 and the head of which is supported on the annular step 96. The inside diameter of the hole 100 must be selected relative to the outside diameter of the locking screw 1-02 in such a way that the pivot-ing movement of the coupling element 28 is possible.

Figure 41 shows an embodiment variant in which the shaft end 12 has a hole 104 extending axially from the base of the receptacle 20. The hole 104 accommodates a spring element 106 which is supported on the base of the hole 104, on the one hand, and on a pot-shaped holding part 108, on the other hand. The pot-shaped holding part 108 engages in a corresponding blind hole 110 of the coupling element 28. When the coupling element 28 is fitted, the holding element 108 is pushed into the blind hole 110 by the force of the spring element 106, so that a radial displacement of the coupling element 28 relative to the shaft end 12 is not possible.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 42 and 43, provision is made for a blind hole 112 to extend eccentrically relative to the rotational axis 16 from the end face 18 of the shaft end 12. The hole 112 is positioned in such a way that it intersects the receptacle 20. The coupling element 28 has a groove 114 which is open at the margin and corresponds with the blind hole 112. A locking pin 74 can be inserted into the blind hole 112. The locking pin 74 is inserted in such a way that it terminates flush with the end face 18. The locking pin 74 engages in the blind hole 112, on the coupling element the one hand, and in the groove 114 of 28, on the other hand. This also prevents radial displa-ceability o!" the coupling element 28. Here, as in all the ot.-er exemplary embodiments, the rctatlability or pivotability of the coupling element 28 must be ensured by sufficient play.

A further exemplary embodiment is shown in figures 44 and 45. Here, the coupling element 28 is designed in such a way that the connecting piece 50 present between the pivots 30 and 32 has a smaller length 1 (figure 10) than the pivot 30 or 32, respectively. The pivot 30 therefore projects radially beyond the center piece 50. The shaft end 12 has the peg 58 formed by the annular step 56. A locking element 116 can now be applied to the projecting ends of the pivot 30, this locking element 116 being designed, for example, as a snap ring 118 (figure 45) or as a split pin 120 (figure 46) The split pin 120 is put through a corresponding hole in the projecting region of the pivot 30. The snap ring 118 engages in acorresponding circumferential groove of this projecting length of the pivot 30. In both cases, a situation is achieved in which the radial displaceability of the coupling element 28 is prevented.

Finally, a further embodiment variant is shown in figures 47 to 49. Here, provision is made for the coupling element 28 to he designed as a hollow body 122, the outer contour of which is formed by --he pivots 30 and 32, respectively, and the center piece 50. This hollow body 122 may either be closed or open in the longitudinal direction of the pivot 30 or 32. After the hollow body 122 has engaged in the receptacle 20 of the shaft end 12, a shaft 124 is pushed in the longitudinal extent of the pivot 30 through the hollow body 122 and is provided with locking elements 126 at the ends projecting beyond the hollow body 122. Depending on the design of the shaft 124, the locking elements 126 may be, for example, rivet heads, nuts, snap rings, split pins or the like.

. 1......

Claims

1. A coupling for connecting two rotatable shaft ends for transmitting a torque, having a coupling element connected to both shaft ends in a positive- locking manner, characterized in that the shaft ends (12, 14) are provided with groove shaped receptacles (20, 26) running perpendicularly (radially) relative to their rotational axes (16, 22), in each case a pivot (30, 32) of the coupling element (28) engages in the receptacles (20, 26) in a positive-locking manner, and the pivots (30, 32) are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner.

2. The coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the pivots (30, 32) of the coupling element (28) are mounted so as to be pivotable or rotatable about their longitudinal axes (38, 40)

3. The coupling as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the pivots (30, 32) are mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of their longitudinal axes (38, 40).

4. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the pivots (30, 32) are mounted so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the rotational axes (16, 22) of the shaft ends (12, 24)

5. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivots (30, 32) are arranged essentially parallel to one another.

6. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivots (30, 32) are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner by at least one connecting element (36).

7. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (28, 48) is designed in one piece, and the pivots (30, 32) are connected to one another by a common center piece (50).

8. The coupling as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the center piece (50) is of arched (necked-down) design.

9. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (36) or the center piece (50) have defined elasticity.

10. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacles (20, 26) are rectangular as viewed in cross section.

11. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a height (h) of the receptacles (20, 26) corresponds to a diameter (d) of the pivots (30, 32).

12. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a de-oth (t) of th-e receptacles (20, 26) is grea-_er than the diameter (d)

13. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length (1) of at least one of the pivots (30, 32) is greater than a diameter (D) of the shaft ends (12, 14).

14. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the receptacles (20, 26) is round as viewed in cross section, a diameter (dl) of the receptacle (20, 26) corresponding to the diameter (d) of the pivot (30, 32).

15. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an axial extent (a) of the coupling element (28, 48) is about 130 to 400% of the diameter (d) of the pivots (30, 32).

16. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length (1) is about 200 to 1000% of the diameter (d).

17. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that captive locking is assigned to at least one of the pivots (30, 32) of the coupling element (28, 48).

18. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the captive locking is formed by lugs (52) produced by caulking of the receptacles (20, 26) -

19. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in th-at the captive locking is formed by additional elements, such as ring elements (60) and/or a retaining ring (64) and/or a locking plate (66). and/or a fitting piece (70) and/or locking pins (74) and/or a locking wire (84) and/or a locking screw (102) and/or a spring-loaded holding part (108) and/or a snap ring (118) and/or a split pin (120).

20. The coupling as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the pivots (30, 32) is designed as a hollow body (122) which is locked by a shaft (124) which can be fixed by means of locking elements (126)