SPHERICAL UNIVERSAL JOINT COUPLING

Abstract: The present invention refers to a spherical universal joint coupling comprising means for providing a universal joint coupling for use in machines requiring an angled rotational movement having varying amplitudes. The coupling comprises a stud (6) having a spherical headportion received in a compactly built housing (2) and fastened in position by a locking member (8) inserted through trespassing bores (4) in said housing (2) and in the spherical seat of said spherical headportion in order to be received within a bushing (7) housed in said stud (6).

Description: SPHERICAL UNIVERSAL JOINT COUPLING §_:£-S£2y-l__:_-.2-_!__-:_-:-i_-_.DY-I__i:i2D Field of the Invention The present specification describes a new device for providing an universal joint for use in machines requiring an angled rotational movement having varying amplitudes, the device having specific features which provide an optimum efficiency for the purposes it was designed. The presently known universal joints couplings comprise two ortogonal axles having inner bearings which provide a power transmisson while allowing a journalling movement of the axles. These devices, however, do not impose any limitation to the journalling movement and their parts have different sizes, which difficultε their manufacturing and maintenance. Summar _of_the_^nvention In order to overcome these drawbacks and to present a universal joint coupling having a new design, the inventor developed the present arrangement in spherical universal joint coupling which features a compactly built body comprising a cilyndrical housing for receiving a stud having a spherical headportion formed in one end, said spherical headportion having a trespassing bore centrally cut therethrough, said trespassing bore receiving a locking member fastened to the body therein. The journalling movement is provided by the spherical headportion of said stud, which can resist to strong axial stresses in both directions while providing a limitation of the amplitude of the journalling movement in a direction paralel to the central central axis, according to the requirements of the specific application. The design of the parts of the spherical universal joint coupling according to the present invention provides a low coefficient of friction and a good absorption of the vibrations of the machine where it is being used, whereby it operates silently. Additionally, due to the extremely basic features of its parts, the spherical universal joint coupling according to the present invention weights and costs less than the presently known state of the art universal joint couplings. The spherical universal joint coupling according to the present invention is characterized by having remarkably simple structural and functional features which provide a coupling which is easy to manufacture and has a low manufacturing cost while being resistant, safe and practical and providing a better product to the consumer. Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the preferred embodiment. Fig. 1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the spherical universal joint coupling of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a longitidinal cross-sectional view of the spherical universal joint coupling of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the spherical universal joint coupling of the present invention. _£__:§ii-_:-_:__.-_!2__:££-LE__:i2-}_^ With reference to the drawings, the spherical universal joint coupling according to the present invention comprises a compactly built body 1 de ining a housing 2 having a central spherical cavity 3 and trespassing bores 4 having a circular cross-section at its side walls. Cavity 3 receives therein a cilyndrical member having a frustoconical end portion and defining a spherical seat 5 for housing a spherical headportion of stud 6. The spherical headportion has a trespassing bore centrally cut therethrough wherein a bushing 7 is housed. When the spherical headportion of the stud is housed within the spherical seat 5 inside cavity 3 a locking member 8 is inserted through housing 2 in order to be received within bushing 7 to fasten stud 6 in position. Locking member S is inserted tnrough trespassing bores 4 in the side walls of housing 2, which align with said centrally cut trespassing bore on the spherical headportion of stud 6. A bearing 9, a sealing ring 10 and an endcap 11 provide a finishing for each end of locking member 8. A dust-cover 12 is additionally mounted on said stud after the spherical universal joint coupling has been mounted to provide protection against dust and the like. The spherical universal joint coupling according to the present invention provide a wide amplitude of movements in a direction perpendicular to locking member 8 while limiting the amplitude of the journalling movement in a direction paralel to locking member 8 which varies according to the application of the coupling. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described. It will be apparent that the foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departuring from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1 . A spherical universal joint coupling comprising means for providing an universal joint coupling for use in machines requiring an angled rotational movement having varying amplitudes, characterized by comprising a compactly built body (1) defining a housing (2) having a central spherical cavity (3) and trespassing bores (4) having a circular cross-section at its side walls, said cavity (3) housing a cilyndrical member having a rustoconical end portion and defining a spherical seat (5) for housing a spherical headportion of a stud (6), said spherical headportion having a trespassing bore centrally cut therethrough wherein a bushing (7) is received, a locking member (8) being inserted through the trespassing bores (4) in said housing (2) in order to be received within bushing (7) to fasten stud (6) in position when the spherical headportion of the stud is housed within the spherical seat (5) inside cavity (3). 2. A spherical universal joint coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein a bearing (9), a sealing ring (10) and an endcap (11) provide a finishing for each end of said locking member (8).

Inventors: PAOLO PAPARONI, PAOLO, PAPARONI
Applicants: PAPARONI PAOLO, PAOLO, PAPARONI
Application year: 1992
Main classification: F16D3
IPC codes: F16D3