WO2018228910A1

WO2018228910A1 - Compensating coupling, method for producing a compensating coupling, and core slide

Info

Publication number: WO2018228910A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/064982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven Lippardt; Sebastian Horn
Original assignee: Ostfalia Hochschule Für Angewandte Wissenschaften - Hochschule Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2018-06-07
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Also published as: DE102017113075A1; DE102017113075B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a compensating coupling (1) for coupling two rotating machine parts. The compensating coupling (1) allows transmission of a torsional moment, wherein compensation of an axial offset, a radial offset and/or an angular offset between the machine parts is intended to be possible. The compensating coupling (1) has at least two disc-like supporting bodies (16, 17, 18) that are arranged in a transverse plane and are connected together via spiral, elastic coupling elements (4). According to the invention, the spiral, elastic coupling element (4) has subregions that are curved or angled in different directions in a developed view. Preferably, the coupling elements (4) have a central portion (9) extending in the circumferential direction, and angled or curved end regions (7, 8).

Description

COMPENSATING COUPLING, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A COMPENSATING COUPLING AND BOLT PLUG

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a compensating coupling, which serves for the coupling of two rotating machine parts. By means of the compensating coupling, a transmission of a torsional moment between the two machine parts is to take place while at the same time allowing a compensation of an axial offset, a radial offset and / or an angular offset between the machine parts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a compensating coupling as well as a core slide which can be used for producing a compensating coupling.

STATE OF THE ART DE 42 1 5 725 A1 discloses a coupling for torsionally rigid connection of two shafts, which is made in one piece as an injection molded part made of plastic. Supported by the two hubs of the clutch disk-shaped support body are connected to each other via arranged in a transverse plane fins and the lamellae connecting elastic axial webs. In this case, between two adjacent lamellae two circumferentially opposite axial webs insert, wherein axial webs between adjacent pairs of lamellae are arranged offset by 90 ° in the circumferential direction to each other. Axially outboard fins can be connected to the hubs via radial webs and have arcuate recesses. The lamellae are here designed as full discs or annular discs, wherein the solid or annular discs can also have cut ring segments with a segment angle of about 90 °. Corresponding embodiments in which in a coupling slats are connected to each other via elastic axial webs, are known in particular from the publications US 5,299,980 A, US 5,238,454 A and US 2004/0176172 A1.

DE 102 1 1 484 A1 discloses a torsionally rigid shaft coupling with an annular flange, via which the shaft coupling can be coupled to a first machine part, and a radially inwardly arranged in the same transverse plane hub, via which the shaft coupling with a second machine part is connectable. In the radial gap between the flange and the hub extend on circumferentially opposite sides L-shaped links, one leg of which extends radially outwardly from the hub, while the other leg of the L extends in the circumferential direction to the flange. The two handlebars are to form intersecting Parallellenkergetriebe. The shaft coupling is made in one piece in an injection molding process made of plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or GRP.

DE 195 43 187 A1 discloses a coupling for the torsionally rigid transmission of a rotational movement which is intended to make it possible to compensate for misalignments of the machine parts connected to one another by means of the coupling. The coupling here has an annular body extending in a transverse plane. From the main body also extend in the transverse plane two pairs of elastic L-shaped spring arms, wherein spring arms of the same pair are arranged in the circumferential direction on opposite sides, while the different pairs are arranged offset in the circumferential direction by 90 °. In each case one leg of the L-shaped spring arms extends tangentially from the annular base body, while the other leg of the L-shaped spring arm is oriented in the circumferential direction. In the end region facing away from the base body, the pairs of spring arms have pins which are opposite one another and are axially oriented, by means of which they can be connected to bores of the machine parts which are to be coupled to one another via the coupling. A production of the coupling takes place in an injection molding process, preferably using as material polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyaryletherketone (PAEK) use.

The documents EP 317 564 B1, US Pat. No. 1 561,119 A and US Pat. No. 3,068,666 A disclose compensating couplings in which the hubs are connected to one another via coupling elements forming coil springs. The document US 3,390,546 A hereby describes the manufacture of a helical spring interposed between the hubs by the introduction of inclined slots in a tube, said slots to have a circumferential extent of about 270 °, whereby the coil springs also extend over a circumferential angle of about 270 ° , US 5,041,060 A discloses a compensating coupling with two outer, hub-side coupling parts and a central coupling part. The outer coupling parts have slats which are connected to each other via axial webs. By contrast, the two lamellae of the central coupling part are connected to each other via two circumferentially arranged on opposite sides elastic wing pairs. The wings of a pair of wings have a rectangular cross section, the longer side is oriented in the radial direction. The wings of a pair of wings are rectilinear in a development of the lateral surface of the compensating coupling and inclined relative to the longitudinal axis in opposite directions at an angle of about 20 °.

US 4,203,305 A discloses a one-piece flexible compensating coupling, which has an intermediate flange between two hub-side disc-shaped support bodies. The hub-side disc-shaped support body are connected in each case on opposite sides via two offset by 180 ° in the circumferential direction coil springs with the intermediate flange. The coil springs extend over a circumferential angle in the range of 270 ° to 360 °. The cross section of the coil springs is trapezoidal, with the wider base of the trapezoid facing the longitudinal axis of the compensating coupling.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has for its object to propose a compensating coupling for coupling of two machine parts, which in terms of manufacturing costs,

the mechanical transmission characteristic (in particular with regard to the

Torsionsmomentes, a compensation of the axial offset, the radial offset and / or the angular offset) and / or

the applicable materials and manufacturing processes is improved.

Furthermore, the invention has for its object to propose a method for producing a correspondingly improved compensating coupling and a usable for this purpose core slider.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved with the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The compensating coupling according to the invention has (at least) two disc-shaped supporting bodies. These disc-like support bodies are preferably a flange, a shoulder, a lamella, a circular disk or a circular disk of the compensating coupling.

The disc-shaped support body are connected to each other via a helical elastic coupling element. The elastic coupling element is to allow a compensation of an axial offset, a radial offset and / or an angular offset between the machine parts. Depending on the design of the elastic coupling element, either the stiffest possible transmission of the torsional moment can nevertheless take place or an elastic transmission of the torsional moment can take place. In the prior art, helical coupling elements are designed as helical springs, in which the pitch of the helix is constant. This has the consequence that the cross sections of the coil springs due to the introduced in the end regions in the coil spring forces (which also includes moments) over the Ent¬ entire extent of the coil spring are claimed equally, so the scope for the deformation process of the Coil spring limited only to the length of the coil spring, the material used and the cross section of the coil spring. According to the invention, it is proposed that the helical elastic coupling element has curved or angled subregions in a development in different directions. This configuration according to the invention has the consequence that the subregions of the elastic coupling element are acted upon differently, with which the different subregions can deform differently as a result of the forces introduced into the coupling elements in the end regions.

The inventive effect is to be explained on hand of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which a portion of the coupling elements is formed by a central portion, which is oriented exclusively in the circumferential direction and is thus arranged in a transverse plane of the compensating coupling, while two further portions of the coupling elements of End portions are formed, which are angled or curved with respect to the central portion and extend (at least with a directional component) from the central portion in oppositely oriented axial directions. Further, in this case, the end portions extend in a direction different from the central portion.

The end portions may thus be angled or curved in each case starting from the central portion in the direction of an associated disc-shaped support body and be in contact with the respective support body in the end region remote from the middle portion in a connection region. It is possible that, as a result of the lengthening of the coupling element, the course from one end section via the middle section to the other end section has a point of inflection, a transition "from a right curve to a left curve" or else a sudden change in orientation in different directions.

For this exemplary embodiment of the curved or angled portions in different directions subsections take on the one hand, the central portion and on the other hand the end sections different functions: a) The middle section is subjected as a result of a torsional moment of the compensating coupling to be transmitted depending on the sense of direction of the torsional moment with a tensile or compressive stress, the Thus, depending on the design of the rigidity of the central portion leads to a change in length of the central portion in the circumferential direction. Also for the Compensation of an axial offset or an angular offset between the machine parts leads to a stress on the middle sections to bend about a radially oriented axis.

By contrast, as a result of the angling or bending of the end sections, these have an axial component and a peripheral component. The peripheral component of the end sections is claimed here as described for the middle section. On the other hand, the axial component of the torsional torque transmitting end portions is subjected to flexing about a radially oriented axis, while the axial component of the axial displacement compensating end portions is subjected to a tensile or compressive force due to a radial offset or an angular misaligned bend is claimed to a radially oriented axis.

Due to the targeted design of the bend, the curvature of the cross sections and the curves of the end sections on the one hand and the cross sections and the length of the central portion on the other hand can thus specifically a design of the characteristic of the compensating coupling (in particular for the transmission behavior of the torsional moment and the compensation of the axial offset, radial Offset and / or the angular offset).

(The same applies, if not - as explained for the example - a circumferentially oriented central portion and angled or curved end portions are present, but the helical elastic coupling element in a development in different directions arbitrarily curved or angled portions has.

Preferably, the helical elastic coupling element is connected in both end regions (in particular in the end regions of the angled or curved end sections) to adjacent disc-shaped support bodies in connecting regions. Here, the two connection areas, with which a coupling element is connected to the adjacent disk-shaped support bodies, arranged spaced apart both in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction. For the extension of the helical elastic coupling element in the circumferential direction, there are many possibilities. Preferably, the helical elastic coupling element extends over a circumferential angle which is smaller than 180 °, in particular smaller than 150 °, 140 ° or 130 °. On the one hand, such a choice of the circumferential angle has shown that a desired transmission behavior of the compensating coupling results with a good relation, on the one hand, of the torsional rigidity of the compensating coupling and, on the other hand, the suitability for compensating for any offset. On the other hand, it has been found that, when such a small circumferential angle is selected, a reduced use of material and a reduced weight of the compensating coupling can result. Finally, such a small circumferential angle also allows distributed over the circumference between adjacent disk-shaped support bodies in mechanical parallel connection a plurality of elastic coupling elements can be arranged without these collide with each other or these are limited in terms of their structural design as a result of an adjacent coupling element.

The number of coupling elements used between adjacent disc-shaped support bodies is arbitrary. Thus, only one coupling element can be used. It is also possible that two coupling elements, three coupling elements, four coupling elements, five coupling elements or more coupling elements between the adjacent disk-shaped support bodies are arranged. In this case, several inserted coupling elements can be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly over the circumference. There are many possibilities for designing the geometry of the coupling elements. In this case, the coupling element can have a constant or varying radial extent in a projection in a transverse plane. It is also possible that the coupling element is formed spirally in this projection, so that its radius can change from the longitudinal axis of the compensating coupling. For a particular embodiment of the invention, however, the coupling element is formed in a projection in a transverse plane annular-segment-shaped. In this case, only a partial area or the middle section of the coupling element can be annular segment-shaped. Preferably, however, all partial areas or both the central portion and the end portions are formed together circular ring segment.

For a particular proposal of the invention, the compensating coupling has three arranged between adjacent disk-shaped support bodies coupling elements, which are arranged distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction. This extends at least one Coupling element, which is then formed in particular annular segment, over a circumferential angle of 120 ° to 130 °. Here, the angled or curved end portions may be guided by circumferentially adjacent coupling elements due to the angling or bending past each other. For the design of the cross section of the coupling element, there are many possibilities. Thus, the coupling elements can have a constant or changing over the longitudinal extent of the same cross-section. To name just a few non-limiting examples, the cross sections may be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, oval, or any curved contour. For a particular proposal of the invention, the end portions of the coupling elements (at least partially) have a greater wall thickness than the central portion. In this case, the wall thickness of the end section is preferably increased in the connection region with the disk-shaped support body, in order to allow a uniform introduction of forces into the disk-shaped support body without stress peaks and as a result of the enlarged transmission surface with reduced tension in the connection region with the enlarged cross section. By equipping the end sections with a larger wall thickness, these can also be specifically equipped with a high area moment of inertia, whereby their compliance can be reduced when subjected to a bend.

In the event that the end portions have a greater wall thickness than the central portion, in one embodiment of the compensating coupling in the region of the end portions a recess may be present, by means of which an accumulation of material due to the greater wall thickness can be reduced. In this case, the configuration can have any desired cross-sectional geometry and orientation. For example, the recess may be formed as a radial recess, which may not be continuous from the outside of the end portion or may be formed continuously in the radial direction. It is also possible that the recess divides the end sections into two webs, which are then connected in the connecting region with the disc-shaped support body.

The compensating coupling according to the invention can be produced by means of any manufacturing method, wherein the different components of the compensating coupling can be made of different materials and in individual manufacturing processes. According to a proposal according to the invention, the disc-shaped supporting body and the coupling elements are in an injection molding process, in an additive process (for example, a 3-D Laser printing, a laser melting u. Ä. (See also the textbook on usable additive processes: Berger, Uwe, Hartmann, Andreas, Schmid, Dietmar: Additive Manufacturing Process, first edition, Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel) or produced in a sintering process. In this case, the disc-shaped support body on the one hand and the coupling elements on the other hand can be made individually or be made in one piece in the said method.

According to one proposal of the invention, disk-shaped supporting bodies and / or the coupling elements are made of plastic in the compensating coupling. It is possible here that a fiber-reinforced plastic can be used, wherein preferably no endless fiber is used, where, for example, fibers can be used whose length is less than 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm or less their length than 1 mm can be up to a length of 1/10 mm. Possible here, for example, the use of glass fibers or carbon fibers. Furthermore, a thermoplastic material, a duroplastic (possibly fiber-reinforced), an elastomer or a plastic material PA66, PA6, POM u. Ä. Find employment.

The invention includes embodiments in which the compensating coupling comprises only two disk-shaped supporting bodies carried by the two hubs, which are connected to one another via coupling elements. For a further proposal of the invention, however, a disk-shaped supporting body designed as an intermediate carrier body is arranged in the compensating coupling between two hub-side disk-shaped supporting bodies. In this case, the two hub-side disc-shaped support body can be connected via coupling elements each on one side of the intermediate carrier body with the intermediate carrier body. Alternatively, the invention proposes that at least two disc-shaped carrier bodies designed as intermediate carrier bodies are arranged between two hub-side disk-shaped carrier bodies. In this case, the hub-side disc-shaped support body via coupling elements are each connected to an adjacent intermediate support body, while adjacent intermediate support body are connected to each other via coupling elements.

By using at least one intermediate carrier body, the number of intermediate coupling elements between the two hubs can be increased. Here are coupling elements which are interposed between two adjacent disc-shaped support body, arranged in mechanical parallel connection, while the coupling elements, which are arranged between different pairs of adjacent disc-shaped support body, together in mechanical series connection act. Thus, by using a suitable number of intermediate carrier bodies further influence on the interpretation of the stiffness behavior and the compensation behavior of the compensating coupling can be taken. On the other hand, by using at least one intermediate support body, it is also possible to make an inclined position of an intermediate support body relative to the hub-side disk-shaped support bodies, which is particularly advantageous for compensating for a radial offset and / or an angular offset between the machine parts.

Both for the use only hub-side disk-shaped support body as well as for the use of at least one intermediate support body, the disk-shaped support body of the specification of the mechanical boundary conditions of the coupling elements serve. While basically a helical coupling element has the tendency to open or spring at an acting torsional moment, whereby the radius of the helical coupling element changes, the disk-shaped support body keep the radius of the connecting portion of the coupling element with the disc-shaped support bodies constant, so that on the use of disc-shaped Supporting body for the purpose of radial support of the end portions of the coupling elements also an influence on the stiffness behavior and compensation behavior of the compensating coupling can be taken.

Coupling elements connected to an intermediate carrier body on different sides can be arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction. For a proposal of the invention, however, pairs of coupling elements arranged on different sides of an intermediate carrier body are connected to the intermediate carrier body at approximately the same circumferential extent. This has the consequence that between the arranged on the different sides coupling elements, the force does not have to be transmitted over a peripheral region of the intermediate support body, but a direct transfer of forces from the coupling element on one side via the intermediate support body to the coupling element on the other side he follows. Here, the feature "approximately at the same circumferential extent" comprises an arrangement at exactly the same circumferential extent, but also includes only a partial overlap of the circumferential extents of the connecting areas or a deviation of ± 20 ° with respect to the circumferential extent thereof. Are the coupling elements (deviating from the explanations in the last paragraph) arranged offset in the circumferential direction on different sides of the intermediate support body forms the Peripheral region of the intermediate carrier body, which is arranged between the coupling elements, a "interruption" of a helical course of the two coupling elements. For a proposal of the invention, for which the coupling elements are connected approximately at the same circumferential extent with the intermediate carrier body, pairs of arranged on both sides of an intermediate carrier body coupling elements extend helically about ei ne longitudinal axis, in particular, the angled or curved end portions are formed helically, while quite it is possible that the central portions of the elastic coupling element form an interruption of the helical course. It is possible that the angled or curved end portions of the pair of coupling elements lie on a straight line.

For the embodiment of the hub of the compensating coupling, there are a variety of known in the art per se embodiments. Thus, for example, a connection via a feather key, a spline connection or another form-fitting connection can be made. It is also possible that the torsional moment is frictionally transmitted between the hub and the machine part. In this case, for example via a shaft nut, an axial frictional engagement can be brought about. Preferably, however, the hub can be clamped in the radial direction with a stub shaft of the machine part.

Another solution to the problem underlying the invention is devoted to the design of a method for producing a compensating coupling, as has been previously explained. According to the invention, the compensating coupling is produced in an injection molding process.

It is possible, for example, that here a cavity formed with two halves is used, wherein the cavity is divided by the halves in a central transverse plane, whereby the two halves can be removed from each other in axial movement of the halves away. The two halves in this case give the outer contour of a part of the compensating coupling, in particular the end faces and lateral surfaces of the hubs and also a possibly contoured end face of the hubs before. It is possible that in the cavity also finds a deposit insert, which specifies a continuous or stepped inner bore of the compensating coupling.

The compensating coupling according to the invention has intermediate spaces which are limited both by mutually facing end faces of adjacent disc-shaped supporting bodies and by mutually facing surfaces of adjacent coupling elements. The in the used according to the invention, radially demolded core slide have a lateral surface, which form the said spaces. Thus, according to the invention, the core slides define adjacent disk-shaped support bodies both in partial peripheral areas and adjacent coupling elements on different sides. It is possible that a single core slider is used for each of the spaces mentioned. For a further proposal of the invention, however, the core slide on two Kernschieberteile on. Here, each Kernschieberteil is responsible for the formation of a gap on different sides of an intermediate carrier body. Thus, the two core sliding parts of the core slider on different sides of an intermediate support body respectively define adjacent disc-shaped support bodies in a partial circumferential region as well as different sides of adjacent coupling elements.

Another solution of the object underlying the invention proposes the use of a core slider, as has been previously described, before, which can be used for the production of a differential coupling with the previously described structural features. The core slider according to the invention has at least one core slide part whose outer surface corresponds both to the contours of partial circumferential regions of adjacent disk-shaped support bodies and to the contours of different sides of adjacent coupling elements.

For a particular proposal of the invention, a production of a compensating coupling with two hub-side disc-shaped support bodies and formed as an intermediate support body disc-shaped support body and three arranged between adjacent disk-shaped support bodies coupling elements with only three circumferentially evenly distributed in the form and insertable pushed out core slides.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can take effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Without changing the subject matter of the appended claims, the disclosure content of the original patent The following are some of the other features of the application and the patent: Further features can be found in the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components relative to one another and their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different claims is also possible deviating from the chosen relationships of the claims and is hereby stimulated. This also applies to those features which are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, in the claims listed features for further embodiments of the invention can be omitted.

The features mentioned in the patent claims and the description are to be understood in terms of their number that exactly this number or a greater number than the said number is present, without requiring an explicit use of the adverb "at least". So if, for example, a coupling element or a support body is mentioned, this is to be understood that exactly one coupling element or support body, two coupling elements or support body or more coupling elements or support body are present. These features may be supplemented by other features or be the only characteristics that make up the product in question.

The reference signs contained in the patent claims do not limit the scope of the objects protected by the claims. They are for the sole purpose of making the claims easier to understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 to 4 show a highly schematic of a detail of a developed representation of a

Compensating coupling with disc-shaped support bodies and arranged between the disk-shaped support bodies coupling elements.

Fig. 5 shows a compensating coupling in a side view. Fig. 6 shows the compensating coupling of FIG. 5 in a spatial representation obliquely from the front.

FIG. 7 shows the compensation coupling according to FIGS. 5 and 6 in a front view.

Fig. 8 shows a compensating coupling in a three-dimensional representation. Figs. 9 and 10 show a manufacture of a differential coupling with three core slides.

FIG. 11 shows a core slider in a detail XI according to FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 to 4 show highly schematically in a settlement a compensating coupling 1 with two disc-shaped support bodies 2, 3, which are coupled to each other via coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c. The disk-shaped support bodies 2, 3 may be a hub-side disk-shaped support body or an additional disk-shaped intermediate support body.

The coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c are each formed the same and connected in the same manner with the disc-shaped support bodies 2, 3. Thus, the design and connection will be explained below by way of example only with reference to a coupling element 4, which then applies to all Liehe coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c. In the figures, markings with reference numerals are then exclusively for the coupling element 4a.

The connection of the coupling elements 4 with the disc-shaped support bodies 2, 3 takes place in connection areas 5, 6. The coupling elements have end portions 7, 8 and a central portion 9. For the embodiment of FIG. 1, both the end portions 7, 8 and the central portion 9 formed in the settlement straight. The end sections 7, 8 are oriented parallel to one another. Opposite end faces 10, 1 1 of the disc-shaped support body 2, 3, the end portions 7, 8 are angled at an angle 12. For one embodiment, this angle 12 is between 20 ° and 70 °, for example between 30 ° and 60 °. Over an angle 13, which together with the angle 12 results in 180 °, the end sections 7, 8 go over into the middle section 9.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, connecting regions 5a, 6b; 5b, 6c and 5c, 6a adjacent coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c at the same circumferential extent (according to FIG. 1 at 0 ° or 360 °, at 120 ° and at 240 °) arranged.

The statements made with regard to FIG. 1 also apply in principle to the following exemplary embodiments, unless otherwise clear from the figures or differences are explained in the description.

According to FIG. 2, the middle sections 9 are rectilinear as shown in FIG. 1 and oriented exclusively in the circumferential direction. Here, however, the end sections 7, 8 are not rectilinear. Rather, these are curved or circular arc-shaped. The end portions 7, 8 go without kink or angle 13 in the middle section 9, but start at an angle 12 in the region of the end faces 10, 1 1 of the disk-shaped support body 2, 3rd

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the end portions 7, 8 and the central portion 9 are formed in a straight line. However, here the central portion 9 is not oriented exclusively in the circumferential direction, but this also has an axial component. The coupling elements 4 run here in a simplistic description z-shaped or meandering back and forth.

However, according to FIG. 3, the end sections 7, 8 have a length such that they extend beyond the middle between end faces 10, 11 of the disk-shaped support bodies 2, thus bringing the coupling element into contact 4 must extend back in the region of the central portion 9, have the end portions 7, 8 of FIG. 4 over a longitudinal extent such that they already before the centers between the end faces 10, 1 1 of the disk-shaped support body 2, 3 ends, bringing then the central portion the coupling element 4 continues over the middle between the end faces 10, 1 1. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3, according to FIG. 4, not the coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c, but rather four coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c. Here, the coupling elements extend over a larger circumferential angle than 90 °, so that adjacent coupling elements overlap in the circumferential direction in an axially offset arrangement. Here are mutually associated connection areas 5a, 6b; 5b, 6c, 5c, 6d and 5d, 6a are not arranged at the same circumferential extent, but arranged offset from one another.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that FIGS. 1-4 show only schematically possibilities for the number, distribution and configuration of the coupling elements. Within the scope of the invention, hybrid forms of the illustrated embodiments or a different number, arrangement in the circumferential direction and design of the coupling elements are possible, provided that the coupling elements have curved or angled subregions in a development in different directions.

If one follows the course of a coupling element 4 from one end face 10 of a disk-shaped supporting body 2 in the direction of the adjacent end face 1 1 of the other disk-shaped supporting body 3, then the coupling element 4 has sections with curvatures with different signs. Here, for rectilinear design of the end portions 7, 8, the inclination of an inclination in the region of the end portion 7a with a first sign via a jump over into the inclination of the central portion 9, in which case the inclination is 0, and with the transition from the central portion. 9 to the end portion 8, the inclination jumps to a slope whose magnitude corresponds to the inclination of the end portion 7 and which has a second sign h, which is opposite to the first sign. According to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the inclinations of the end sections 7, 8 change continuously from the maximum inclination in the region of the end faces 10, 11 to the inclination 0 in the region of the central section 9.

5 to 7 show a structural design of a compensation coupling. 1 This compensation coupling 1 has hubs 14, 15. The hubs 14, 15 each have in the mutually facing end region over a circumferential shoulder, the hub-side disc-shaped support body 16, 17 form. Another disk-shaped support body 18 is arranged centrally between the two disk-shaped support bodies 16, 17. The disc-shaped support body 16, 17, 18 extend in parallel transverse planes. Between the disk-shaped support members 16, 18, distributed uniformly over the circumference here, three coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c are arranged. Accordingly, three further coupling elements 4d, 4e, 4f are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction between the disc-shaped support bodies 1 7, 1 8. Here, the disc-shaped support body 16, 18 correspond with the interposed coupling elements 4a, 4b, 4c on the one hand and the disc-shaped support body 17, 18 with the On the other hand, interposed coupling elements 4d, 4e, 4f on the other hand basically the schematic diagrams with the disc-shaped support bodies 2, 3 of FIG. 1 to 4.

For the structural design according to FIG. 5, the coupling elements are formed more complex. The coupling elements 4 have a central portion 9 with a constant wall thickness. For the embodiment, the central portion 9 is formed in a transverse plane circular-segment-shaped and has a rectangular cross-section here rectangular. The middle section 9 merges into curved end regions 7, 8. The end regions here have a cross-section which increases via a thickening 19 in the direction of the end face 10. On the side facing the front side 10 of the central portion 9 passes over a U-shaped contour without kink over into the end face 10 of the disc-shaped support body 16. On the other hand, the central portion 9 on the disk-shaped support body 16 side facing away from a contour without kink in the front page 10 of the disk-shaped support body 16, which corresponds approximately to a half sine function between the two maxima of the sine function. For the illustrated embodiment, a recess 20 is present in the region of the thickening 19. The recess 20 has a circular or oval cross-section. The recess 20 is preferably oriented with its longitudinal axis in the radial direction of the compensating coupling 1. For the illustrated embodiment, the recess 20 is formed as a blind hole, which can also pass through the coupling element 4. What is said with regard to the end section 7 also applies accordingly to the end section 8. It is possible that two webs 33, 34 are formed on both sides of the recess 20, which in the connecting region 5, 6 spaced from each other with the end faces 10, 1 1 of the disk-shaped support body. 2 , 3 or 16, 17, 18 are connected.

Between the disc-shaped support bodies 2, 3 and 16, 18, three radially inwardly and radially outwardly open spaces 21 are formed, the contour of which changes in a development in an elastic deformation of the coupling elements 4. A gap 21 a is highlighted by way of example in Fig. 1 by means of hatching. This is explained by way of example with reference to an intermediate space 21a in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5: the intermediate space 21a is bounded by the end face of the central portion 9c facing the disc-shaped supporting body 2, 16;

the U-shaped contour of the thickening 19 or the end section 7c,

the end face 10 of the disc-shaped supporting body 2, 16, the semi-sinusoidal contour of the thickening 19 of the coupling element 4b or the end section 7b,

the end face of the middle section 9b facing away from the disk-shaped supporting body 2, 16,

- The U-shaped contour of the thickening 19 of the end portion 8 b or the end portion 8 b, the end face 1 1 of the disc-shaped support body 3, 18 and

the semi-sinusoidal contour of the thickening 19 of the end portion 8c and the end portion 8c. Thus, the gap 21 between the disk-shaped support bodies 2, 3 or 16, 18 and the coupling elements 4b, 4c each have a rectilinear in the settlement subspace, these subspaces are connected to each other via an inclined or curved subspace.

The compensating coupling 1 has a continuous recess or bore 22. In the region of the hubs 14, 15, a stub shaft of the machine parts to be connected via the compensating coupling 1 can be introduced into the bore 22.

For the illustrated embodiment, the hubs 14, 15 each have three hollow cylinder segments 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, which are separated by radially oriented slots 24 a, 24 b, 24 c from each other. From ei ner end face 25 h here honeycomb or chamber-like recesses 26 extend into the hollow cylinder segments 23. On the only interrupted in the region of the slots 24 lateral surface of the three hollow cylinder segments 23, a clamping element, in particular a clamping ring, be postponed, with its clamping the hollow cylinder segments 23 can be acted upon radially inwardly, so that inner surfaces of the hollow cylinder segments 23 can be clamped with a lateral surface of the shaft mute of the machine part for a frictional transmission of a torsional moment. For the embodiment according to FIG. 8, in each case only one coupling element 4 is located between the disk-shaped supporting bodies 16, 17, 18. It may be that only a single such coupling element is present. It is also possible that with appropriate training several such coupling elements between the adjacent disc-shaped support bodies 16, 18 and 18, 17 are arranged, in which then in Fig. 8 other coupling elements 4 to simplify the presentation and to better recognizability of the course of a coupling element shown 4 are not shown. 9 shows the production of a compensating coupling 1 by means of three core slides 27, 28, 29 in an injection molding process. In addition to the core slides 27, 28, 29, the specification of the shape of the compensating coupling 1 by a shape which is divided in half in a transverse plane of the compensating coupling 1 and through which the core slide 27, 28, 29 extend in the radial direction. These two mold halves are not shown in Fig. 9. In particular, the mold halves have partial cavities for specifying the contour of the hubs 14, 15 with the slots 24 and the recesses 26 and the contouring of the disc-shaped support bodies 16, 17 in the region of the end faces facing the hubs 14, 15. In Fig. 9, these mold halves are already eliminated and there remain the core slide 27, 28, 29 with the interposed, produced by injection molding compensating coupling. 1 As can be seen in FIG. 10, the core slides 27, 28, 29 can be pulled out in the radial direction.

The design of the shaping coupling 1 forming the shape of the core slide 27, 28, 29 is explained by way of example with reference to the detail XI of the core slide 27 of FIG. 11:

The core slide 27 has three cylinder segment surfaces 30, which are arranged in different transverse planes and whose circumferential angle is 120 °. Corresponding cylinder segment surfaces 30 of the three core slides 27, 28, 29 complement each other in the closed state of the core slide 27, 28, 29 to form three cylindrical surfaces, which predetermine the lateral surfaces of the disk-shaped support body 16, 17, 18. A core slide part 31, 32 is then arranged between the cylinder segment surfaces 30, the geometry of which corresponds to the previously described geometry of a gap 21 of the compensation coupling 1. In other words, the outer surface of the core slide parts 31, 32 corresponds in each case to the outer surfaces of the contours of partial peripheral regions of adjacent disk-shaped support bodies and to the contours of different sides of adjacent coupling elements.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 to 11, by means of three core slides 27, 28, 29 and thus six core slide parts 31, 32 a predefinition of six intermediate spaces 21 can be made for the shaping of a compensation coupling 1 with three disk-shaped support bodies 16, 17, 18 , wherein in each case three coupling elements are arranged between adjacent disk-shaped supporting bodies 16, 17, 18.

The coupling described here is preferably used for a coupling of a machine part with a servomotor. As a result of the design of the coupling elements 4, a desired anisotropic stiffness behavior of the compensating coupling 1 may also result.

It is possible that a number of compensating couplings 1 are manufactured and offered for different purposes and / or requirements. Here, the compensating couplings 1 can be adapted specifically to the moments to be transmitted and the required compensation of an axial offset, a radial offset or an angular offset. An adaptation takes place via the choice of the outer diameter of the compensating coupling 1, the dimensioning of the coupling elements 4, the number of arranged between adjacent disc-shaped support bodies coupling elements 4, the number of disc-shaped support body 16, 17, 18, the material of the disc-shaped support body 16, 17th , 18 and the coupling elements 4 and the cross sections and courses of the coupling elements. 4

The use of at least one disc-shaped supporting body 18 forming an intermediate carrier body may result in a radial offset of the machine parts to be balanced being compensated by an oblique position of the carrier body 18. If, however, no such radial compensation is desired, the design of the compensating coupling 1 is preferably carried out with only two disc-shaped carrier bodies without an intermediate carrier. Such, without Zwischentragkörper designed compensating coupling 1 can be used, for example, when in gimbal W arrangement between two components a torque measuring shaft is arranged, which is coupled in each case via a compensating coupling 1 with a machine part. In this case, a radial compensation possibility would lead to an undefined movement of the torque shaft.

Preferably, the axial extent of the curved or angled end portions 7, 8 is at least 5% (for example, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%) of the longitudinal extent of the central portion 9. Preferred is an embodiment in which the intermediate spaces 21 are not filled with material are, thus providing these free deformation paths for the coupling elements 4. For a modified embodiment, the intermediate spaces 21 (except for the recess 22 extending through the compensating coupling 1) may also be filled with a material which preferably has a rigidity which is at least an order of magnitude smaller than the rigidity of the material of the coupling elements 4 and the support body 16, 17, 18th about the material arranged in the intermediate spaces 21 can be used to further influence the mechanical characteristics of the compensating coupling 1. It is also possible that a deposition of dirt, oil u. Ä. In the intermediate spaces 21 is avoided and a closed cylindrical lateral surface of the compensating coupling is ensured. For the manufacture, a semifinished product of a compensating coupling 1, as shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted into another cavity, which predetermines the aforementioned cylindrical lateral surface of the compensating coupling, with the subsequent injection of the material into the intermediate spaces 21.

For a non-limiting embodiment, the compensating coupling 1 has an axial length of 70 mm, while the diameter of the disk-shaped support body 16, 17,18 is 60 mm. In this case, the longitudinal extent of the central portions 9 is 20 mm. The axial extent of the end portions 7, 8 is 10 mm, while the wall thickness of the central portions 9 is 5 mm. For this embodiment, but also deviations of all or all of the aforementioned dimensions by a maximum of +/- 30% (preferably a maximum of +/- 20% or a maximum of +/- 10%) are possible. Without this necessarily being the case, further dimensions of the compensating coupling 1 can be designed in accordance with the relative dimensions of the compensating coupling 1, as can be taken from the dimensions in FIGS. 5 to 7.

It is also possible in the context of the present invention that dimensions of the end sections 7, 8 are selected such that the rigidity of the end sections 7, 8 is greater by an order of magnitude than the rigidity of the central section 9. In this case, the transmission characteristic of the compensating coupling 1 exclusively or substantially determined by the middle section 9.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Flexible coupling

disc-shaped support body

coupling element

connecting area

end

midsection

front

angle

hub

disc-shaped support body

thickening

recess

gap

drilling

Hollow cylinder segment

slot

front

recess

core slide

Cylinder segment surface

Core slider part

Core slider part Footbridge Footbridge

Claims

1 . A compensating coupling (1) for coupling two rotating machine parts, wherein the compensating coupling (1) enables a transmission of a torsional moment and a compensation of an axial offset, a radial offset and / or an angular offset between the machine parts, with two disc-shaped support bodies (2, 3; 16, 17, 18), which are connected to each other via a helical elastic coupling element (4), characterized in that the helical elastic coupling element (4) has portions which are curved or angled in a development in different directions.

2. compensation coupling (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic coupling element (4)

a) a circumferentially extending central portion (9) and

b) angled or curved end sections (7, 8) extending in opposite axial directions and each connected in a connecting region with a disc-shaped support body (2, 3; 16, 17, 18).

3. compensating coupling (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that extending the helical elastic coupling element (4) over a circumferential angle which is smaller than 180 °.

4. compensating coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two coupling elements (4a, 4b, 4c) are arranged distributed over the circumference.

5. compensating coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coupling element (4) are formed in a projection in a transverse plane annular segment.

6. compensating coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coupling element (4) over a circumferential angle of 1 10 ° extends to 130 ° and / or between two disc-shaped support bodies (2, 3, 16, 18, 18, 17) three coupling elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction.

7. compensating coupling (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the end portions (7, 8) have a greater wall thickness than the central portion (9).

8. compensating coupling (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the end sections (7, 8) have a recess (20).

9. compensating coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc-shaped supporting body (2, 3; 16, 17, 18) and the coupling elements (4) a) in an injection molding,

b) an additive process or

c) in a sintering process

are made.

10. compensating coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc-shaped support body (2, 3; 16, 17, 18) and / or the coupling elements (4) are made of plastic / is.

1 1. Compensating coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

a) between two hub-side disk-shaped support bodies (1 6, 1 7) egg nals intermediate support body formed disc-shaped support body (18) is arranged and the hub-side disc-shaped support body (16, 17) via coupling elements (4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f) in each case on one side of the disk-shaped carrier body (18) formed as an intermediate carrier body, are connected to the disk-shaped carrier body (18) designed as an intermediate carrier body or

b) are arranged between two hub-side disc-shaped support bodies at least two formed as an intermediate support body disc-shaped support body and the hub-side disc-shaped support body via coupling elements each having an adjacent formed as an intermediate support body disc-shaped support body are connected and adjacent trained as Zwischentragkorper disk-shaped support body are connected to each other via coupling elements.

12. compensating coupling (1) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that pairs of coupling elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f), which are arranged on both sides of a formed as Zwischentragkorper disc-shaped support body (18), approximately at the same initial extension are connected to the disc-shaped supporting body (18) designed as an intermediate carrier body.

13. compensating coupling (1) according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that pairs of coupling elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f), ie the on both sides of a formed as Zwischentragkorper disc-shaped support body (1 8) are arranged, extend helically about a longitudinal axis.

14. compensating coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one torsional moment frictionally on a machine part transmitting hub (14, 15) is present.

15. A method for producing a compensating coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims in an injection molding, characterized in that core slide (27, 28, 29), which respectively

a) adjacent disc-shaped support bodies (2, 3, 16, 18;

18, 17) and

b) as well as different sides of adjacent coupling elements (4a, 4b)

define, be radially removed from the mold.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the core slide (27, 28, 29) two Kernschieberteile (31, 32) which on different sides of a formed as Zwischentragkorper disc-shaped support body (18) both in partial peripheral areas adjacent disk-shaped support body ( 2, 3, 16, 18, 18, 17) and also define different sides of adjacent coupling elements (4a, 4b).

17. core slider (27, 28, 29) for the production of a compensating coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 in an injection molding process, characterized in that the Core slide (27, 28, 29) at least one core slide part (31, 32) whose outer surface both the contours of partial peripheral regions of adjacent disc-shaped support body (2, 3, 16, 18, 18, 17) and the contours of different sides of adjacent coupling elements ( 4a, 4b) corresponds.