Patent ID: 7004672
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: G03B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bayonet coupling for axially mounting an outer ring-shaped member on an inner ring-shaped member to allow a relative rotation therebetween, comprising: one and the other of an annular groove and a plurality of bayonet lugs which are formed on an outer peripheral surface of said inner ring-shaped member and an inner peripheral surface of said outer ring-shaped member, respectively, so that said plurality of bayonet lugs are engaged in said annular groove to be rotatable relative to said annular groove; and a plurality of insertion openings which are formed on one of said inner ring-shaped member and said outer ring-shaped member which includes said annular groove, said annular groove being open in a direction parallel to an axial direction through each insertion opening of said plurality of insertion openings; wherein said plurality of bayonet lugs includes a plurality of first bayonet lugs which are associated with said plurality of insertion openings to be insertable into said annular groove through said plurality of insertion openings, respectively, and at least one second bayonet lug for which no associated insertion opening is formed on said one of said inner ring-shaped member and said outer ring-shaped member which includes said annular groove; and wherein said plurality of insertion openings, said plurality of first bayonet lugs and said second bayonet lug are shaped so that said second bayonet lug is insertable into said annular groove with axes of said outer ring-shaped member and said inner ring-shaped member being inclined to each other, and so that said plurality of first bayonet lugs are insertable into said annular groove through said plurality of insertion openings, respectively, after said second bayonet lug is inserted into said annular groove.