Patent ID: 7070033
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A flexible coupling assembly for interconnecting an output shaft and an input shaft, said flexible coupling assembly comprising: a first hub configured to mount to the input shaft for rotation therewith; a second hub configured to mount to the output shaft for rotation therewith; a first flexible element interconnecting said first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between said first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between said first and second hubs, said flexible element having a first end fixedly secured to said first hub, a second end fixedly secured to said second hub, and a plurality of helical coils extending between said first and second ends for transferring said rotational torque therebetween; and a one-way clutch operatively coupled between said first hub and said input shaft for transferring torque in a first rotational direction from said first hub to said input shaft while allowing the output shaft to rotate relative to the input shaft in an opposite second rotational direction, said one-way clutch comprising a third hub adapted to be fixedly secured to said input shaft and a second flexible element coupled between said first hub and said third hub, said second flexible element having a first end fixedly secured to said third hub, a second free end, and a plurality of helical coils extending therebetween and in frictional engagement with said first hub for selectively coupling said first and third hub to transfer torque in said first rotational direction.