Disconnect coupling for drive shafts
US3981158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1975 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B2200/69
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a disconnect coupling for drivingly connecting separate parts of a drive shaft, and finds particular application in helicopter tail rotor drive shafts. The coupling comprises components fixed respectively to the shaft parts and being separable in a generally axial direction to enable the drive shaft parts to be disconnected, and includes retaining means automatically operative to prevent axial separation of the separable components during rotation. In one embodiment a cylindrical drive member is coupled to one drive shaft part and includes adjacent one end a radially inwardly extending flange having a central aperture for co-operation with a retaining member secured on the other drive shaft part, the retaining member being arranged to protrude through the aperture when the coupling components are drivingly connected. Internal gear teeth are provided adjacent the other end of the drive member to mesh with external teeth on a gear rotationally fixed to the other drive shaft part to transmit torque between the drive member and the other drive shaft part when the components are drivingly connected. A plurality of flyweights are arranged in the retaining member…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.