Flexible coupling for rotatable shafts
US4084409A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1976 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D3/72
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible coupling for rotatable shafts in the form of a metal bellows features a concentric sleeve which is fastened to one end of the coupling and which terminates in a plurality of fingers or keys projecting into, but without contact with, slots in the opposite end of the coupling. In normal use, the coupling transmits rotary motion from one shaft to the other shaft solely through the connecting bellows which provides the flexibility required for small amounts of misalignment and obliqueness of the coupled shafts. If the bellows broke, the concentric sleeve would function as the fail-safe coupling member to continue the transmission of the rotary motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.