GB496896A - Improvements in and connected with universal joints and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

496,896. Universal joints. HAMILL. W. W. June 9, 1937, No. 15944. [Class 80 (ii)] In a Hooke's joint of the cross- or ring-type, having rubber orlike bushings 5 for the trunnion-pins 7, means are provided for initially compressing the bushings to a greater extent at their inner and outer peripheral zones than elsewhere, so that whilst anchorage to the adj acent metal parts is ensured, the mid zones of the bushings are sufficiently free to permit the necessary relative movements. In the form shown in Fig. 2, the rubber bushings 5 are an easy push-fit over the tapered trunnions 7 of the intermediate cross-member 1, and are subjected to an initial compression throughout their mass when surrounding split housings 4, carried alternately by shaft-forks 2, are bolted together at 6. Increased initial compression is applied to the inner peripheral zones of the rubber bushings by nuts 8, screwing on the ends of the trunnions 7, and bearing on the bushings through washers 9, having an inner bevelled surface, which in conjunction with a similar re-entrant bevelled surface 10 on a shoulder supporting the other end of the bushing, produces radial as well as axial compression of the bushing at its inner periphery. A similar re-entrant shoulder 14 and bevelled washer 12 produce a like effect at the outer periphery of the bushing. To reduce the " winding-up " action on the rubber when the nut is tightened, the contact-area between the nuts S and washers 9 may be reduced by providing projections on the face of the nut. The bushings 5, pins 7 and housings 4 may also be provided with interengaging longitudinal ribs and grooves 16, 17 which may be undercut. Passages 18 in the cross-member 1 provide for air circulation for cooling. In the form shown in Fig. 3, each bushing 5 is carried in a taper-bored cup 20, slidable in a one-piece housing 4 and forced downwardly, to compress the bushing on the tapered trunnion 7, by a screwed ring 21. Fig. 3 shows the commencement of the compressing operation, completion of which eliminates the vacant space at the base of the cup. Re-entrant bevelled shoulders 19 &c. provide for the increased compression at the inner and outer peripheries. In the form shown in Fig. 6, the intermediate member 1 carries the housings and is in the form of a divided ring, the halves of which are drawn axially together by bolts 6, so as to apply a general initial compression to the rubber bushings 5. The trunnions 7 are carried by alternate shaft-yokes 2, 3. Increased initial compression is separately applied to the inner and outer peripheries of the bushings 5 by rings 8, 26 screwing respectively on the trunnions 7 and in the housings 1, and acting through bevelled washers 9, 12 coacting with re-entrant shoulders at the other ends of the bushings.