Shaft to actuator hub adapter
US6322282A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7098
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An adapter is designed to connect a member such as a shaft to the hub forming the output element of an actuator. The adapter includes a connection feature which attaches to the member, and a shaft which mates with the bore in the actuator hub. The adapter has a resilient arm attached to the end of the shaft and which extends through the bore. The shaft also carries a stop element. The arm carries a retainer feature at its end. With the shaft mated with the bore, when the arm is undeflected the retainer feature engages an adjacent end surface of the hub to lock the adapter into place. The arm can be deflected to disengage the retainer feature from the hub and allow the adapter to be removed. In one embodiment, the end surface of the hub and the retainer surface are beveled or slanted to strongly oppose axial loads and yet to allow the adapter to withdraw from the hub's bore upon deflecting the arm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.