Speed reducing universal joint using planetary gears
US5498208A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D3/40
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A universal joint for the transfer of power between an input shaft and an output shaft. The joint comprises a modified Cardan or Hooke's joint that is driven by four bevel gears. A first bevel gear is mounted to the end of a fixed housing through which the input shaft passes. A drive bevel gear is mounted to the distal end of the input shaft. Two opposing planetary gears are driven by the drive gear and rotate about the fixed gear. The planetary gear axle is connected to an output yoke which is connected to the output shaft. If the drive, fixed and planetary bevel gears are of the same size, a 2:1 speed reduction joint is provided. Variations of the bevel gears sizes may provide input:output ratios ranging from about 2:1 up to about 10:1.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.