GB691281A - Improvements in or relating to shaft couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

691,281. Universal joint. TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (THORNYCROFT), Ltd. Sept. 28, 1951 (Feb. 19, 1951], No. 3977/51. Class 80 (ii). A universal joint, for use between the engine flywheel 3 and clutch flywheel 4 of an automobile or marine drive, in which toothed or splined engagement between the parts allows limited, universal movement, comprises members la, 2a secured to driving and driven parts 1, 2, having teeth, splines, or the like, 1c, 2c engaged by corresponding teeth &c. 5b at the ends of a tube 5 and by teeth 8d on flanged members 8a connected to a torsion bar 8 within the tube, the flanged members 8a being rotated relatively to each other before engaging their teeth so that the torsion bar is pre-loaded to apply a torsional stress between the driving and driven members, and thereby maintain the teeth &c. in constant driving contact in one direction of rotation to dampen or eliminate vibration and chatter. At least one of the end members 8a is mounted upon the torsion bar 8 in such a manner that it may be withdrawn axially and disengaged from the teeth &c. 1c, 2c when forcibly turning it to apply the torsional stress; a vernier adjustment may be obtained by providing different numbers of teeth on the members 1a, 2a, in which case it may be necessary to adjust both the flanged members 8a in relation to the driving and driven members. Alternatively, the flanged members of the torsion bar may cooperate with teeth on the driving and driven members different to those engaged by the teeth on the tube 5. The teeth may be of barrel formation, and, as shown, flexible annular sealing members 7 may be provided on the tube 5.