Torque transmitting elastomeric shaft coupling with spline backup

US4772245A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Sundstrand Corporation · US

Inventors

• John Readman · Rockford, US
• Philip R. Zeiser · Rockford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 9, 1987
• Grant date: Sep 20, 1988
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2001/103
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A shaft coupling apparatus connects first and second rotatable members by a compliant connecting component disposed radially between portions of the first and second rotatable members. A spline arrangement is also provided for the purpose of transmitting torque between the first and second rotatable members when the magnitude of torque between these members exceeds a predefined magnitude. The spline arrangement and the compliant connecting component are disposed in axial alignment for the purpose of permitting a degree of articulation to occur between the first and second rotatable members. When transmitting torque is below the predefined value, all of the torque is transmitted from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member through the compliant connecting component which can be any resilient material, such as an elastomeric material. When the torque being transmitted exceeds the predefined value, teeth of a first spline member move into contact with teeth of a second spline member for the purpose of sharing the torque transmitting function and, for all magnitudes of torque above the predefined value, the torque is shared between the spline arrangement and the compl…