GB629503A - Improvements in or relating to flexible couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

629,503. Universal joints. LAYCOCK ENGINEERING CO., Ltd., and CHARLESWORTH, T. R. Nov. 8, 1947, No. 29791. [Class 80 (ii)] A flexible coupling of the kind having rubber bushed pin connections between members comprises a flat plate 1, Fig. 2, pierced at equal distances from the coupling axis with circular holes into each of which is fitted a compressed rubber bush 2 of a length greater than the plate thickness, the bush being compressed within a cylindrical housing 7 secured to the plate and being held against axial displacement by flanges 8. The plate 1 may, as shown, be one of the driving or driven coupling members, all the bush pins 5 being then connected to the complementary coupling member 4, or may be an intermediate floating member, alternate bush pins being then connected to driving and driven coupling members on either side of the plate. In Figs 1 and 2 the plate 1 is duplicated, the plates being drawn together by bolts 15 onto flanged portions 10 of a two part housing 7. A filler ring 13, located by dowels 14, is provided. A single housing 36, Fig. 5, may be used, the end housing flanges being formed by tapered grooves 40 into which the bushes expand. The coupling is here given a substantially smooth exterior by a closure ring 41. In Fig. 4 (not shown) a single plain cylindrical housing is used, the holes in the plates 1 being flanged to locate both the housing and bush axially. In Fig. 6 (not shown) a single plate is used having half housings secured to each side by rivets. The members 1, 4 and 13 may be formed from boiler plate, as by flame-cutting. The bushes 2 may be of the kind having their cylindrical surfaces reinforced by internal layers of wire fabric or the like to which the rubber is vulcanized, or in which the rubber is bonded directly to' an internal sleeve, only the outer cylindrical surface of the bush being so reinforced.