Apparatus for and method of coupling shafts
US4378220A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1980 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2045/0294
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for transferring torque from one shaft to another. The shafts (11) and (12) are coupled together using a flexible member, such as an elastomeric spring or belt (23), trained around pins (21) eccentrically mounted on at least two planet gears (19). A sun gear (15) which is connected to one of the shafts (11) meshes with the planet gears. These gears (19) are also connected to the other shaft, (12), either through a ring gear (66) or pivots (27). When one of the shafts is rotated, this causes the planet gears (19) to rotate, and this rotation moves the pins (21) in an arc. This gradual controlled movement of the pins (21) causes the belt (23) to stretch in a manner so that as torque is transferred from one shaft to the other, troublesome torsional vibrations are effectively damped. This energy-absorbing, torque cushioning apparatus is particularly suited for use as a lock-up clutch in motor vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.