High angle universal coupling with constant or near constant characteristics

摘要

A universal coupling is provided that aims to achieve constant velocity between the input and output shafts. The universal coupling also aims to increase the angle between input and output shafts over conventional double Cardan joints while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween. The universal coupling can employ a Sarrus type linkage in-between two universal joints of the Cardan type in a configuration that aims to achieve joint angles up to and including 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane, while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween.

主权项

1. A universal coupling having a longitudinal axis, comprising:
a first universal joint; a second universal joint; a centering device associated with the first and second universal joints and configured to control the spacing therebetween and to provide at least two pivot axes to the universal coupling which lie in a common plane, wherein the centering device includes one of a spherical joint and a Cardan joint; and a linkage assembly that couples the first universal joint to the second universal joint for transmitting torque therebetween, wherein the linkage assembly includes
first and second hinge links hingedly coupled to a portion of the first universal joint; andthird and fourth hinge links hingedly coupled to a portion of the second universal joint, wherein the first and second hinge links are hingedly coupled about first and second axes to the third and fourth hinge links, respectively, such that the first axis is co-planar with the second axis and both first and second axes are disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the universe coupling.