GB350634A - Improvements in and relating to universal couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

350,634. Universal joints. MAR. SHAL, M. R., Barton, Overhill Road, Purley, Surrey. April 7, 1930, No. 11010. [Class 80 (ii).] A constant velocity ratio universal joint for motor road vehicles, such, as for driving steering-wheels thereon, tanks, tractors, agricultural implements, mill shafting, ships' telegraphs, valve operating shafts, steering gears, tachometer drives, flexible shafting, boring g shafts, instruments, airships' or aeroplane starting gear, comprises the arrangement of an intermediate drivetransmitting ring 5 which is constrained by links to bisect the angle between the coupled shafts in all positions. The drive is transmitted solely through journal bearings. The driving and driven shaft each carry a fork, 1, 6 respectively and a bridge member 3 carries journal pins 2 or a single pin by which it is pivoted to the fork 1. At right-angles to the pins 2 the bridge carries journal pins 4 or a single pin engaging the ring 5, and at right-angles to the pins 4 are further ring journal pins 7 carried by the fork 6. The axis of the pins 4 is maintained in the bisecting position by a yoke axially slidable on the bridge 3 and comprising two relatively rotatable collars 13, 14, one of which 13 is rotatable with the bridge 3 by the provision of flats 15 thereon. The collars are linked to the shafts by a U-shaped pivoted link 10 and a central pivoted link 11 of equal length. Relative rotation of the collars 13, 14 may alternatively be produced by their links alone or without the aid of either link such as by feathering one collar to the bridge and causing the other to be turned with the ring by guides thereon. The yoke 13, 14 may consist of a number of parts and the two main parts may be separated by balls or rollers. The link pivots may comprise ball bearings. Relative axial movement may be permitted by having one or both forks 1, 6 axially slidable on its shaft by the provision of splines, keyways, or square or other section surfaces. The journal pins 2, 4, 7 may be attached to either connected element or may be journalled in both and their bearings may be plain, ball, roller and/or rubber composition. The shaft fork 1 may be replaced by a central lug enclosed by the bridge member 3. The arms of the fork 6 may be both inside, outside or one inside, the other outside the ring 5. Adjustment for wear and alignment, together with oilways and lubricators, may be provided and the joint may be enclosed in a leather or other flexible casing which may or may not rotate with the shafts. Specification 274,857, [Class 80 (ii), Gearing, Variable-speed &c.], is referred to.