GB403382A - Improvements in flexible couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

403,382. Universal joints. STANDAGE, C. A. G., 66, Redcliffe Gardens, South Kensing- ton, London. June 16, 1932, No. 17090. [Class 80 (ii).] In a flexible universal joint of the kind having axial, preferably laminated, blade-springs 9 carried by, and capable of limited flexing movement on, one member 1, and centrally engaged by teeth on the other member 10, the said teeth are formed by flat or convex-walled axial slots in bearing-pieces 12 rotatable about radial axes in slotted sockets 11 in the member 10. Alternatively, the teeth may be in the form of rotatable cylindrical rollers or simply convex-walled slots in the member 10. The springs 9 are supported at their ends in slots 8 in a sleeve 5, preferably divided transversely to the coupling axis into two parts having a toothed connection 6, and the slots 8 are stepped or smoothly widened towards their centre to allow a limited spring movement. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the springs 9 are held in radially against inner flanges 4, 15 by inclining the ends of the springs 9 and slots 8. In modifications, the springs are held in radially by spring rings fitting external grooves in the springs 9 and sleeve 5, the spring ends being either perpendicular or outwardly inclined, or by projections fitting grooves in the ends of the springs. The coupling permits relative axial movement of the coupled members, which are centred on each other, in the form shown in Fig. 1, by engagement of the part-spherical periphery of the member 10 in the sleeve 5, or, in a modification, by a split socket in the member 10 engaging a ball which has a cylindrical extension slidable in the member 1. The sleeve 5 is attached to the hub-member 1 by axial bolts. A cover-sleeve 3 and spring- pressed packing-ring 14 are also provided. The coupling may be used in the differential gear in the driving-axle of a motor vehicle or in the cardan shaft. Specification 348,506 is referred to in the Provisional Specification.