Driveshaft locking mechanism
US10781863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2300/18
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A locking mechanism for locking a driveshaft in cooperative engagement with an apparatus includes a drive portion coupled to the driveshaft and a driven portion coupled to the apparatus. The drive portion of the locking mechanism includes a housing with a first engagement portion, a ball cage with a plurality locking balls contained at least partially therein, and a chock biased away from the housing by a chock spring. The chock includes an outer wall configured to push the locking balls outward in a locked position and allow inward movement in an unlocked position. Movement of the chock, and therefore locking, is controlled by an actuator rod extending through a center of the locking mechanism. The driven portion includes a second engagement portion configured to cooperatively engage and receive torque from the first engagement portion, and a locking groove configured to receive a portion of each of the plurality of locking balls therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.