GB1004595A - Improvements to flexible couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

1,004,595. Resilient couplings. J. C. GREY. April 27, 1964 [Feb. 28, 1963], No. 7972/63. Heading F2U. A flexible coupling comprises a torsionally flexible bar 8, surrounded by a spacer tube 10, secured each end to flanges 2 which are connected to flanged hubs 1 by metallic membranes 3, 4, permitting lateral flexibility therebetween. As shown, the spacer tube 10 is freely mounted and the torque bar 8 threaded each end in hubs 6, 7 of the flanges 2, whilst in Figs. 3 and 4 (not shown), the bar 8 is secured each end to the hubs by a split tapered bush or direct welding respectively. In Fig. 5 (not shown), the tube 10 is welded between the flanged hubs 6, 7 and split transversely into halves, each half having a vertical flange welded thereon and held together by an annular member fitted over the flanges, seals being provided between the flanges to retain fluid such that torsional oscillations are damped by the viscous drag between the plates. Alternatively dry friction dampers may be used. In Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown), the tube 10, similarly secured to the hubs 6, 7 and split into halves, with adjacent flanges welded thereon, is formed on the flange faces with interengaging spaced sector-like dogs having initial circumferential clearances in the unflexed coupling condition, the arrangement being such that if the outer tube 10 is rigidly formed, the dogs serve to control torsional flexure and prevent overload of the bar 8, whilst alternatively if the tube 10 is torsionally flexible, initial flexure of the bar 8 is achieved at one spring rate until the dog clearance is absorbed after which the additional torsional resistance of the tube 10 increases the total spring rate to provide a two-rate coupling graphically illustrated in Fig. 8 (not shown). Additionally, the interengaging dogs may be lined with rubber which may occupy the entire space between adjoining and inter-meshing sectors so that the rubber acts as a vibration damper and/or a further means of increasing the spring rate of the coupling. In Fig. 9 (not shown), the bar 8 is waisted at the centre to form a break point on overload, the outer tube 10, in all cases, serving to retain the bar 8 in the event of fracture by overload.