Patent GB-273377-A (GB)
Title: Improvement in universal joints
IPC: F16D3/42
Filed: 1926-02-02
Abstract: 273,377. Marks, E. C. R., (Spicer Manufacturing Corporation). Feb, 2, 1926. Universal joints.- In universal joints of the kind in which diametral trunnions on the driving and driven members are arranged at right angles and engage bearing blocks carried by a connecting ring or member, the blocks are rockably mounted in their seatings so as to be self adjustable for alignment of the bores therein with the trunnions, the cross section of the blocks and their seating being preferably a circular segment of over 180‹ to prevent radial movement. In the forms shown, cross pins 4 on the respective shaft ends are cut away at the centre 6 to afford clearance and are trunnioned in bearing blocks D, D<1> rockably mounted in a connecting ring or member A which also carries chambers C from which lubricant is discharged to the surfaces of the bearing blocks and trunnions. Several constructional arrangements of the connecting ring and bearing blocks are described. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the ring comprises inner and outer cylindrical portions 7, 9 and side walls 8<a>, intersected by seatings for the bearing blocks D, D<1>, which are of parti-cylindrical form with a flange 16 at one end and an integral screwed stud 18 at the other end adapted to be passed through the wall 8<a>, enabling the block to be secured in position by a nut 19, the walls 8<a> being bored to permit assembly of the two pairs of blocks from opposite sides of the ring respectively. Before the nuts 19 are screwed up, the blocks are adapted to rock in their seatings to align the radial bores with the cross pins 4. Dished washers 21, flattened by assembly, are interposed between the flat faces of the blocks and the shoulders 3<a> of the shaft portions. Additional washers to prevent biting may be provided. The formation of the ring provides chambers C between the seatings from which lubricant may be distributed through openings 11 to the bearings blocks, and, centrifugally, through passages 12 to radial borings 25, transverse ports 26, and grooves 23 in the trunnions. In the modification shown in Fig. 9, parti-spherical bearing blocks 32 are arranged in a two part ring A with a stepped joint 30, assembled by bolts 19<a> passing through the lubricant chambers. Parti-cylindrical bearings may be accommodated in similar manner. A two part ring, comprising a main portion and coverplate, may be substituted, the coverplate being secured by headed bolts threaded into bosses in the main portion. As shown in Fig. 13, the bearing blocks, which are flanged at 41 and grooved at 44 carry oil retaining washers, are retained in the ring by a flanged ring 48 having threaded engagement with the rim 7. The flanges 41 may be dispensed with, the bearing blocks terminating Bush with the main ring and the flange 47 on the ring 48 being extended substantially to the full depth of the blocks. In another form, flanged retaining rings are screwed to both edges of the central rim, whilst in a further modification, shown in Fig. 22, the rim is extended and threaded internally to receive a retaining plate or disc 59, with an intermediate annular washer or gasket 60. In this form, the plate 59 and washer 60 are formed with cut away parts 61, 62 to clear the trunnions in assembling, whilst rotation of the washer 60 is prevented by the provision of lugs 63 thereon adapted to be bent under the bearing blocks. In all the forms, oil tight joints are formed by the provision of washers, packings or gaskets. Thrust blocks may be interposed between the outer ends of the trunnions and the enclosing ring, provision being made for alternative lubrication of the trun. nions by means of passages through the bearing blocks.