METAL FLEXING COUPLING

Abstract: A metal flexing coupling (10) for connecting two rotat­ able shafts in end-to-end relationship is disclosed having reversible coupling hubs (12) (14) for mounting on the opposed shaft ends. Laminated, metallic flexible elements (30) are secured to the respective hubs (12) (14) and to a center member (40) using an alternating and staggered bolting pattern, such that the center member is secured to the hubs (12) (14), only through the flexible elements (30). The alternating pattern allows the coupling (10), to flex to accommodate misaligned shafts or shafts exhibiting end float.

Description: METAL FLEXING COUPLING Background of The Invention All-metal flexible couplings are often used, given the right conditions, for connecting two rotatable shafts in end-to-end relationship and for transmitting the torque developed by the driving shaft to the driven shaft. This general type of coupling normally employs one or more thin metal discs, often fastened together into a laminated disc-pack, as the flexible element or elements. The discs or disc-packs flex to accommodate end float of the connected shafts and parallel and/or angular misalignment, the amount of misalignment manageable normally being limited to approximately two degrees, due to the construction of the couplings and the metallic composition of the flexible element. While, ideally, the shafts will be in perfect alignment, such a condition is difficult to obtain and even more difficult to maintain during operation. However, the alignment must be relatively precise, due to the limited reserve capability of the all-metal couplings. Despite the limited flexibility, all-metal couplings have other advantages not found in other types of flexible couplings. The metallic construction normally ensures durability and a long service life, both from the intrinsic strength of the metallic components and the resistance to corrosion, heat, or other conditions and forces which are detrimental to couplings having flexible elements of rubber. Thus, the all-metal couplings are especially suited for use in hostile or corrosive environments, where extremes of temperature are ±resent, or where access to the coupling is limited. Such couplings also require no lubrication, in contrast to the normally lubricated gear-type flexible couplings. Should failure of the disc-pack occur, the coupling should allow for servicing without removing the coupling -ubs or flanges. If the entire unit must be disengaged from the shafts, the shaft alignment procedure must be carefully redone to ensure that the removal and subsequent replacement of the coupling have not skewed the alignment. A number of different types of all-metal couplings are currently available. The differences between couplings are normally manifested in the bolting patterns used to connect the coupling halves, the type, shape, and material composition of the flexible discs, and the Åability or lack of same to either increase or decrease the length of the coupling so that the same coupling unit can accommodate installations where the distance between the shaft ends may vary from one installation to another. Summary of The Invention It is, therefore, one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide a metal flexing coupling which can couple and transmit torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, accommodating angular and/or parallel misalignment or end float within certain parameters. Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal flexing coupling which can accommodate different distances between the opposed shaft ends using reversible coupling hubs, and which uses standard fasteners that permit a larger maximum bore in the coupling hubs. A further object of the present invention is to provide a metal flexing coupling that is easily serviced without removing the coupling hubs, and which is strong and durable, providing effective torque transmission throughout a long service life. A still further object of the present invention is to use an alternating bolting pattern, thereby providing more efficient power transmission, and to provide a coupling which is serviceable without requiring specialized tools, training, or experience. These and other objects are attained by the present invention, which relates to a metal flexing coupling having coupling hubs for mounting on the opposed ends of the shafts to be coupled, the hubs having radially extending flanges and body portions projecting laterally from the flanges. The flanges have alternating large and small diameter holes therein, the small diameter holes being used for securing flexible elements to the respective hubs, and the large diameter holes for securing the flexible elements to an annular center ring member. The large diameter holes are larger than the heads of the fastening means, such that the heads are captured within the holes but do not contact the sides thereof, thereby allowing the coupling to flex for accommodating misaligned shafts or shafts exhibiting end float. The present coupling may be adjusted to accommodate a range of relative distances between the opposed shaft ends, the modification including reversible hubs or an annular spacer of sufficient length disposed between the hubs. Various other objects and advantages of the present metal flexing coupling will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of The Drawings Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the metal flexing coupling embodying the present invention, shown here with the long bodies of both coupling hubs projecting outwardly from the center of the coupling; Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the metal flexing coupling, showing the alternating bolting pattern; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the metal flexing coupling, here showing the long bodies of both hubs projecting inwardly, the section being taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the present metal flexing coupling, here showing the long body of one hub projecting inwardly and the other projecting outwardly; Figure 5 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the present coupling, showing the long bodies-of both hubs projecting outwardly; ; Figure 6 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the present coupling with the long bodies of both hubs projecting outwardly and a spacer inserted therebetween; Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the laminated disc-pack used as the flexible element in the present coupling; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disc-pack shown in the preceding figure, the section being taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7. Detailed Description of The Preferred Embodiment Referring more specifically to the drawings, and to Figure 1 is particular, numeral 10 designates generally a metal flexing coupling embodying the present invention. The coupling 10 is shown here apart from its installed position and may be used to couple a driving shaft to a driven shaft, or to couple one driven shaft to another in a power transmission system. The coupling includes a pair of coupling hubs 12 and 14 for mounting on the opposed ends of the shafts (not shown) in a conventional manner, each hub having a central bore therethrough, body portions 16 and 18, respectively, and annular flanges 20 and 22, respectively, the flanges projecting radially from the outer circumferential surfaces of the body portions near one end thereof. The present coupling uses a six-bolt, alternating pattern for securing the coupling halves together, and each flange has six regularly spaced holes therethrough. The fastening means are standard, socket-head cap screws or bolts, including relatively short bolts 24 and comparatively longer bolts 25, all having the same diameter. This type of fastener is used due to the relatively compact heads which take up less hub space and have higher strength than a conventionally headed bolt, permitting the hubs to have a larger central bore. This gives the coupling a higher torque rating, allows use of the hubs on a greater number of shafts than if the bores were smaller, and also substantially reduces the weight of the coupling, thereby easing the strain on the shaft support bearings. In addition, the standard fasteners are much less expensive and more convenient to use than the ground body bolts commonly used with other all-metal couplings, the body bolts being ground to the exact size of the mounting hole. As noted above, the bolts 24 and 25 are alternating in application. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, flange holes 26 are smaller than the heads of the cap screws, while flange holes 28 are slightly larger than the cap screw heads. The shorter bolts 24 are inserted through hqles 26 in the flanges and used to secure the flexible element or laminated disc-pack 30 in relatively close proximity to the respective hub flange. The longer bolts 25 are inserted through holes 28 in the flanges, through a corresponding hole in the flexible element, and then through a corresponding hole formed in an annular center ring member 40. When the coupling is assembled, the smaller holes 26 in one flange are disposed #irectly opposite the larger holes 28 in the opposing flange. This arrangement is followed in all the embodiments described herein, except for the embodiment using the spacer shown in Figure 6 which requires only the shorter bolts. The spacer embodiment will be described separately hereinbelow. Both short and long bolts are secured with standard self-locking nuts 42. When fully secured, the heads of the bolts in the larger holes 28 are captured within the hole, but are allowed to float; that is, they do not contact the inner surface of the holes, as shown in Figures 3 through 5. The floating heads permit the flexible elements secured to the center ring by the bolts 25 to flex as the relationship between the opposed shafts changes. The alternating securing arrangement just described allows the present coupling to flex for accommodating misaligned or floating shafts. The hubs 12 and 14 are not directly connected to the center ring 40, but rather are connected only indirectly through the flexible elements 30. Thus, for the coupling shown in Figure 1, with hub 12 being secured to the driving shaft, torque is transmitted from the shaft and hub 12 to the proximal flexible element, from there to the center ring 40, from the center ring to the distal flexible element, and from there to the driven shaft and hub 14. The provision of two flexible elements permits the coupling to accommodate both parallel and/or angular misalignment of the connected shafts. Where angular misalignment is the only possible misaligned condition, one flexible element may be used, and the center ring may be eliminated. The six bolt, alternating pattern provides ad ditional advantages during operation of the connected machinery. Three of the six bolts are used to secure the flexible element to the center ring. Using Figure 7 as an example, the shorter bolts 24 used to secure the flexible element to the hub are disposed through the holes designated by the letter A, while the other, longer bolts 25 are disposed through the holes designated by the letter B. The links between the A position in the upper left corner and the B position directly below A in the lower left corner are designated by the letter C, and the links from the lower left B position to the A position at the bottom of the figure are disignated by the letter D, and so on around the discs. For clockwise rotation, as viewed in Figure 7, links C are in tension and are the driving links, while links D are in compression, being driven links. The function of the links would be reversed for rotation in the opposite direction. In addition, the tension links C in one of the elements are disposed directly opposite the compression links D in the opposing element due to the opposite disposition of the large and small diameter holes in the flanges. This staggered arrangement provides an essentially continuous circumferential drive in the present coupling, while maintaining flexibility in each side. Thus, there are three driving or tension links per flexible element, oppositely disposed across the coupling, this being the most efficient arrangement for strength and effective torque transmission. The staggered arrangement across the present coupling also maximizes the flexibility of the coupling unit as a whole, in contrast to many prior art couplings which have the tension links on one side disposed across from the tension links on the other side, and in which the flexible elements are secured directly together through a center member. Most couplings of this type use a four, six, or eight bolt pattern, although ten and twelve are also used. With four bolts, the element or disc-pack can handle less torque, having only two driving or tension links. A regularly spaced eight bolt pattern forms a stronger element in terms of torque transmission, having four tension links, but has substantially reduced flexibility. The material composition and shape of the individual discs 43 also contribute to the effectiveness of the present coupling. The discs are composed of stainless steel, which has superior resistance to corrosion and to fretting, and are shaped to maximize strength and flexibility. The portions of the discs which receive the bolts, designated as A and B in Figure 7, are fully formed for strength in the holding area, while the linking portions, designated by C and D in Figure 7, are tapered with the outer edges having a generally concave shape for greater flexibility. Additional strength is gained from the reinforcement and support provided by the adjacent discs in the laminated elements 30. This strength allows a large enough central bore in the laminated disc-packs to receive the body portions of the hubs. The hubs can thus be mounted with the body portions projecting laterally in either direction to accommodate a range of relative distances between the shaft ends. The flexible e9mxnts can be mounted over the body portions in relatively close proximity to the respective flange due to the large central bore in the elements, and also removed therefrom without disturbing the mounted hubs. The discs 43 of the flexible element 30 or laminated disc-pack are held together as a unit by bushings 44 and washers 46. The bushings 44 have a flanged end which abuts the flexible element, and the washers are secured around the opposite end of the bushing. The bushings and washers are held together, for example, by swaging, and the bushings are tightly fitted within the mounting holes in the discs. Many prior couplings merely have bolts inserted directly through the laminated discs, making assembly difficult. The outer edges of the bushings and washers are chamfered, except for those which contact either the head of the cap screws 24 and 25 or the nuts 42, where chamfering is not required due to the smaller diameters of the screw heads and nuts compared with the diameters of the bushings or washers, which thereby have reduced areas of contact with the bushing or washer. The chamfering of those edges where full facial contact would otherwise be made between the bushings or washers and the flanges, flexible discs, or cylindrical spacing sleeves 48, ensures that bending stresses in the discpacks as flexing occurs will be minimized. The number of individual discs 43 may be varied as necessary for a particular installation or application and, in general, more discs are added as coupling size increases. For example, a twelve inch coupling may have as many as nineteen discs in a disc-pack. The unitary construction of the disc-packs provides for ease of servicing should the element fail, or if an element exhibiting different characteristics is required. Servicing is accomplished without removing the coupling hubs, thereby minimizing down time of the machinery and helping to preserve the aligned condition of the shafts, making the normal re-alignment or alignment-checking procedures after servicing simpler and quicker. The center ring 40 is not bolted to either hub directly; thus, it can be easily slipped out of its installed position by removing the bolts 25 which secure the ring to the flexible elements. With the center ring removed, the cylindrical sleeves 48, which are merely slipped over the center ring securing bolts to serve as spacers, thereby assuring sufficient clearance between the center ring and the hubs to permit flexing, can also be removed without distrubing the coupling hubs. The flexible element securing bolts 24 can then be removed and the element replaced, whereupon the bolts, sleeves, and center ring are replaced in a reversal of the dismantling steps outlined above. In addition, the unitary construction of the discpacks minimizes the number of loose pieces, thereby facilitating servicing of the couplings. The coupling hubs 12 and 14 are universaltype hubs and are reversible, i.e. the hubs can be mounted on the shafts with the respective body portions 16 and 18 projecting inwardly or outwardly. This permits the present metal flexing coupling to accommodate different distances between the opposed shaft ends. For example, Figures 1 and 5 illustrate an arrangement with relatively wide spacing between the shaft ends; thus, both long body portions of the hubs are projecting outwardly. Figure 3 illustrates a close-ooupled arrangement where the shaft ends are relatively close together; thus, the long body portions project inwardly. Either of the hubs may be reversed for intermediate spacing as illustrated in Figure 4. Even greater distances between the opposed shaft ends may be accommodated by the spacer coupling embodiment shown in Figure 6. Here, the functions of the center ring 40 and the sleeves 48 are taken over by a spacer 50 having a body portion 52 for bridging the distance between the shaft ends, and annular radially extending flanges 54 and 56 for the left and right sides, respectively, as viewed in Figure 6. In this embodiment, spacers of various lengths may be used, depending on the particular installation, and, since the distance between the shaft ends is covered by the spacer, both coupling hubs 12 and 14 have their long body portions projecting outwardly. The flanges 54 and 56 have both wide and narrow gauge holes disposed therethrough, the wide spacer holes 58 for accepting the heads of the cap screws 24 and being disposed opposite a narrow gauge hole 26 in the hub flange, and the narrower spacer holes 60 being disposed opposite a wider hole 28 in the hub flange. Only the shorter bolts 24 are needed in securing the spacer embodiment, due to the relative proximity of the hub and spacer flanges, and all six of the heads of the cap screws or bolts on both sides of the coupling are captured within the wider guage holes 28 or 58 to allow the coupling to flex. This modification also uses the six bolt alternating pattern with the narrower diameter holes in one flange being disposed opposite the wider diameter holes in the opposing flange, and the spacer and the flexible elements can be easily removed and reinserted without disturbing the coupling hubs. This arrangement also provides three tension links and three compression links in the flexible elements on both sides of the coupling to maximize torque transmission capability and flexibility of the elements. In the use and operation of the present metal flexing coupling, suitable coupling hubs, such as hubs 12 and 14, are mounted on the opposed ends of the shafts to be coupled. The hubs are reversible to accommodate different distances between the shaft ends and may be close-coupled, with body portions of both hubs projecting inwardly, or adjusted relative to the distance to be covered by reversing one or both of the hubs or by using a spacer 50 of suitable length. The hubs have a relatively large maximum bore, due to the use of socket-head cap screws or bolts 24 and 25, permitting their use with a greater range of shaft sizes without requiring a larger coupling. The hubs may be secured to the shafts in any conventional manner, such as with a key and corresponding keyway and set screws. The unitized flexible elements or laminated disc-packs 30 are then secured in relatively close proximity to the radially extending flanges 20 and 22 of the respective hubs. The coupling uses a six bolt alternating pattern, the bolts being standard socket-head bolts 24 and 25, as opposed to ground body bolts. Three of the bolts 24 are used in alternating, relatively narrow holes to secure the flexible elements to the flanges. The other three longer bolts 25 are used in the remaining alternating, larger holes to secure the flexible element to the center ring 40, with spacer sleeves 48 disposed around the bolts between the flexible element and the center ring. The spacer coupling embodiment requires the shorter bolts 24 only, as the flanges of the hubs and the flanges of the spacers are in relatively close proximity. The bolting pattern alternates to provide three driving or tension links and three compression links in each flexible element, and the torque developed by the driving shaft is transmitted through the respective hub to the proximal flexible element. From there, the torque is transmitted to the center ring or the spacer 50, then to the distal flexible element, and finally to the driven hub and shaft opposite the driving shaft. The six bolt alternating pattern maximizes torque transmission capability and misalignment handling capability while minimizing the number of bolts and other pieces needed to secure the coupling together. In addition, the center ring 40, spacer 50, cylindrical sleeves 48, and the disc-packs 30 can all be removed and replaced, if necessary, without disturbing the mounted coupling hubs, thereby facilitating service in the field and minimizing down time for repairs or maintenance. While an embodiment of a metal flexing coupling and modifications thereof have been shown and described in detail herein, various other changes and mod ifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A metal flexing coupling for connecting driving and driven shafts in end-to-end relationship, said coupling comprising: a. a first coupling hub having an annular body portion with a central bore for mounting on one of the shafts and including a first annular flange projecting radially outwardly near one end thereof and having a plurality of spaced holes therein, half of said holes having a large diameter and the other half of said holes having a small diameter and alternating with said large holes; ; b. a second coupling hub having an annular body portion with a central bore for mount ing on the opposed shaft, and including a second annular flange projecting radially outwardly near one end thereof and having a plurality of spaced holes therein, half of said holes having a large diameter and the other half of said holes having a small diameter and alternating with said large diameter holes, said small holes in said second flange being staggered relative to said small diameter holes in said first flange; c. first and second flexible elements disposed between said first and second hubs; d. a plurality of first fastening means having heads thereon and being disposed in said small diameter holes for securing said flexible elements to said respective hubs, said small diameter holes being smaller than said heads of said first fastening means; ; e. a plurality of second fastening means having heads thereon and being longer than said first fastening means, disposed in said large diameter holes, said large diameter holes being larger than said heads of said fastening means; f. an annular center member secured to each of said flexible elements with said longer fastening means; and g. cylindrical spacing means disposed around said longer fastening means between said flexible elements and said center member and being alternately arranged on opposite sides of said center member for holding said center member and flexible elements in a fixed relationship. 2. A metal flexing coupling as defined in Claim 1 in which said first and second hubs are reversible for mounting said hubs on the shafts with said body portions projecting laterally in either direction, for varying the distance between said body portions. 3. A metal flexing coupling as defined in either of Claims 1 or 2, in which said first and second fastening means are short and long, socket, head, cap screws, respectively. 4. A metal flexing coupling as defined in any of Claims 1 to 3, in which said flexible elements include a plurality of thin metallic discs, each having a central bore therethrough with a diameter greater than that of said body portions, and securing means for retaining said discs in side-by-side relationship. 5. A metal flexing coupling as defined in Claim 4 in which said discs further include a plurality of equally spaced bores therethrough, corresponding to said holes in said flanges, and said discs have concave outer edges between said spaced bores. 6. A metal flexing coupling as defined in any of claims 1 to 3, in which said flexible elements include a plurality of thin metallic discs, each having a cen viral bore therethrough with a diameter greater than hat of said body portions, and securing means for retaining said discs in side-by-side relationship. 7. A metal flexing coupling as defined in rlaim 6 in which said discs further include a plurality of spaced bores therethrough, corresponding to said holes in said flanges, and said securing means includes bushings mounted in said spaced bores and having two ends, and washers secured around one of said ends of said bushings for retaining said bushings in said spaced bores. 8. A metal flexing coupling as defined in Claim 1 in which said spacing means include cylindrical sleeve members for retaining said center member in spaced relation relative to said hubs. 9. A metal flexing coupling as defined in any of Claims 1 to 8 in which said first and second hubs are reversible for mounting said hubs on the shafts with said body portions projecting laterally in either direction, for varying the distance between said body portions.

Inventors: MARSH, STEVEN CRAIG
Applicants: RELIANCE ELECTRIC COMPANY
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F16D3
IPC codes: F16D3