Progressive torque transmission in leaf-spring coupling

US4295348A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Voith Getriebe KG · DE

Inventors

• Friedrich Helfer · Oberkochen, DE
• Ernst Elsner · Herbrechtingen, DE
• Wolfgang Zaiser · Steinheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 1979
• Grant date: Oct 20, 1981
• Expiry date: Aug 24, 1999

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/54
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a leaf-spring coupling comprising a hub and an outer ring around the hub and a plurality of leaf-spring assemblies clamped to the hub and extending into respective receiving grooves in the outer ring, such that relative rotation around the axis of the hub and the outer ring flexes the leaf-spring assemblies. Each leaf-spring assembly is comprised of a plurality of leaf-springs, including a longer principal spring that continuously engages in the groove in the outer ring and a plurality of flank springs next to the principal spring and which decrease in length stepwise moving out from the principal spring. A series of stops are arranged in the groove for each leaf-spring assembly. Each flank spring engages its respective stop as the hub and outer ring rotate relatively to each other and such engagement causes the respective leaf-spring to flex toward the principal spring. In all embodiments, prior to flexion, the leaf-springs are apart from the stops and they engage the stops upon relative rotation of the hub and the outer ring. In some embodiments, the stops are so placed that the individual flank springs engage their respective stops consecutively as the re…