Flexible rotary coupling

Abstract

A coupling comprising first and second members adapted to be connected respectively to a rotary drive and a rotary driven means subject to displacement from its normal axis of rotation. An elongate member is located intermediate the first and second members and drivingly connected to each member by a plurality of links and connecting pins. Each link includes a pair of connecting pins extending in the same axial direction away from the link. One pin of each link is secured to a flange at one end of the intermediate member, the other pin being secured to a flange of the first or second member at that end of the intermediate member. The links are provided adjacent the side of the flanges opposite one of the first or second rotary members to reduce the angular displacement required of the connecting link pins to accommodate axial displacement of a given distance and to provide a structure in which the elements may be readily assembled and disassembled.

I claim: 
     
       1. A coupling for transmitting torque from a rotary driving means to a rotary driven means comprising a first member adapted to be connected to said driving means, a second member adapted to be connected to said driven means, an elongate member intermediate said first and second members and means drivingly connecting said first and second members respectively to opposite ends of said intermediate member, said .Iadd.last named .Iaddend.means connecting at least one of said members to its respective end of said intermediate member comprising a plurality of links and connecting pins with each link having a pair of connecting pins with one end of each connecting pin seated within said link and with the pins extending in one direction away from said link with one connecting pin of each link secured adjacent its other ends to means extending radially outward from said one member and the other connecting pin secured adjacent its other end to means extending radially outward from said intermediate member. 
     
     
       2. The coupling defined by claim 1 wherein both of said members are connected to said intermediate member by a plurality of links and connecting pins with each link having a pair of connecting pins extending in the same direction away from said link and with one connecting pin of each link secured adjacent said other end to means extending radially outward from one of said members and the other connecting pin secured adjacent said other end to means extending radially outward from the end of said intermediate member adjacent said member. 
     
     
       3. The coupling defined by claim 1 wherein said means extending radially outward from said one member and from said intermediate member each comprise a pair of diametrically opposed radially extending arms and said links connecting said one member to said intermediate member are positioned adjacent the side of said intermediate member arms opposite from said one member. 
     
     
       4. A coupling for transmitting torque from a rotary driving means to a rotary driven means substantially axially aligned with said driving means comprising a first member adapted to be connected to the rotary driving means, a second member adapted to be connected to the rotary driven means, an elongate member intermediate said first and second members, means extending radially outward from said first and second members and from each end of said intermediate member, and means connecting said first and second members respectively to the opposite ends of said intermediate member, said connecting means comprising a plurality of links and connecting pins with each link positioned adjacent the side of said radially extending means of said intermediate member opposite from said first member and having a pair of pins with one end of each connecting pin seated within a link and with the pins extending away from said link .Iadd.only .Iaddend.in the direction of said first member with one connecting pin of each link secured adjacent its other end to said means extending radially outward from one end of said intermediate unit and the other connecting pin secured adjacent its other end to said means extending radially outward from said first or second rotary member at that end of said intermediate member. 
     
     
       5. The coupling defined by claim 4 wherein said means extending radially outward from said first member and from the end of said intermediate member adjacent said first member each comprise a pair of diametrically opposed radially extending arms and a pair of said links are connected at one end to each of the radially extending arms of said first member with one of each pair of said links connected at its other end to a different radially extending arm of said intermediate member. 
     
     
       6. A drive axle assembly for a rail vehicle comprising a gear box including rotary output driving means, a coupling having a hollow interior and an axle extending through the interior of said coupling, a wheel at each end of said axle, said coupling comprising a first rotary member drivingly connected to said gear box output, a second rotary member drivingly connected to said axle between said wheels, an axially elongate member intermediate said first and second rotary members, radially directed extensions at each end of said intermediate member, and a plurality of links drivingly connecting each of said rotary members to an extension at one end of said intermediate member, each of said links being located on the side of its respective extension opposite from said first rotary member and including a pair of connecting pins projecting axially away from said link in the direction of said first rotary member, one of said pair of connecting pins being secured adjacent its projecting end to an extension of said intermediate member and the other of said pair of connecting pins being secured adjacent its projecting end to one of said rotary members. 
     
     
       7. The drive axle assembly defined by claim 6 wherein said gear box is rigidly mounted to said rail vehicle, said rotary output driving means comprises a hollow sleeve having an axially facing annular surface drivingly engaging an appositely disposed annular surface of said first rotary member and removable means securing said first rotary member to said sleeve. 
     
     
       8. The drive axle assembly defined by claim 7, wherein said annular surface of said rotary member includes a plurality of teeth drivingly engaging a plurality of teeth provided to said axially facing annular surface of said sleeve and said removable means comprises a plurality of machine bolts securing said first rotary member to said sleeve.