GB678185A - Improvements in or relating to shaft couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

678,185. Universal joints. KANTOROWICZ, O. P. T., TERRELL, B. J., and PARSONS & MARINE ENGINEERING TURBINE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. Nov. 23, 1948 [Dec. 5, 1947; Dec. 22, 1947; Jan. 6, 1948], Nos. 11615/50, (divided out of 678,150), 33773/47 and 11617/50. Class 80 (ii). Torque-transmitting bodies 8, arranged in compression between interfitting sets of claws 6, 7 alternating radially or axially on coupled shaft-flanges 1, 2, are formed as incomplete spheres, the material removed, as by flats 16a at the inner side and 18 at both idle sides and by lightening holes 15a or grooves 20, being such that the bodies remain self-stabilising under centrifugal force, against which they are sustained, as by an external ring 12 or 12a at a single contact point, e.g. 17, Fig. 8, approximately half way between the torque transmitting points. The bodies 8, which may be introduced into position through a plugged hole 27 in one flange 2, are retained by the outer ring 12a and an inner ring 25 radially tied thereto. When using radial claws 6, 7, the. outer ring. now 12, is integral with the shaft-flange 1 and the inner ring omitted. In Fig. 8, the radius of curvature 17 with which the bodies bear on the outer ring 12, is greater than that of the remainder of the body and may differ in axial and transverse planes. In Fig. 9, the outer ring 12 supports the bodies by inward projections 21 bearing directly or through an interposed ball on the base of cavities 19 in the bodies, the centre of gravity of which latter lies radially outwards of the point of contact. Fig. 11 shows a forged body 23 with wearing-inserts 24, 26, which may be of steel or tungsten-carbide, and may also be provided on the claws 6, 7 and retaining ring 12a. The lightening holes 15a or grooves 20 in the bodies may be filled with aluminium alloy or the whole body may be of this material with hard wearing-inserts. The bodies may be produced by powder metallurgy.