| 摘要 |
A flexible diaphragm type coupling (10) transmits torque through a plurality of flexible diaphragms (22). Each of these diaphragms has a flexing area which includes at least one circumferentially extending convolution (24). The flexible areas are held apart by inner and outer integral filler areas (26, 28) that are thicker in cross section than the flexible areas and stack together so that the areas between the flexible areas are free from all solids so that contact between flexure points, and transition areas (30, 32), thus, surface damage is avoided. This invention makes possible coupling designs which accommodate higher misalignments, smaller physical diameters and space requirements and lesser coupling weights at greater rotational speeds than previous possibly. Also, since contact between any pressure points is eliminated and since the diaphragms operate in parallel, the expected life of the coupling is significantly increased. In the unlikely event of a diaphragm failure, mechanical stability and coupling operation is maintained even at high operating speeds. |
