SHAFT COUPLING

摘要

A shaft coupling having a structure compact in the axial direction, having less limitation of transmission power and an eccentricity amount, being inexpensive, and having excellent assemblability. Guide grooves (5, 6) are arranged in opposite surfaces of plates (1, 2) fitted on ends of input and out put shafts (A, B) opposed to each other. The guide grooves (5, 6) are arranged such that guide grooves of one plate are orthogonal to guide grooves at corresponding positions of the other plate. Steel balls (3) are arranged at positions where the guide grooves (5, 6) of both plates (1, 2) cross. The steel balls (3) are pressed to the plate (1) of the drive side, while being restrained by a retainer (4) from moving in the plate diameter direction, and, while rolling in the guide grooves (5, 6), the steel balls (3) press the plate (2) of the driven side to transmit power. With the above structure, friction resistance is reduced so that large power can be smoothly transmitted, and the coupling can be easily adapted for a change in an eccentricity amount. Further, the parts between both plates (1, 2) include only steel balls (3) and the retainer (4), eliminating need for high assembling accuracy. As a result, the shaft coupling has a structure compact in the axial direction and is inexpensive, and assemblability of the coupling is also improved.