Drive shaft fitting or coupling
US5304012A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1992 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7035
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive shaft fitting or coupling having multiple symmetrically disposed spaced apart splines. The splines are configured with substantially flat perpendicular lateral surfaces, with defined upper corners, and the spacings between adjacent splines have radiused bases terminating in defined lower corners at the point of intersection with the lateral surfaces of the splines. The corners of the splines retard slippage and the radiused bases provide load distribution thereby reducing the stress imposed on the tubing at the interface between the coupling. In a specific embodiment, a circumferential recess is additionally formed in the fitting or coupling adjacent the inner ends of the splines to provide axial retention. In the coupling embodiment, one end is formed with exposed radially extending splines and spacings for engagement with a drive shaft and the other end is formed with an appropriate geometry for connection with other fittings and drive line components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.