Rotary shafts – gudgeons – housings – and flexible couplings for ro – Torque transmitted via flexible element – Element is plate with external edge completely surrounding...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-27
2001-04-10
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro
Torque transmitted via flexible element
Element is plate with external edge completely surrounding...
C464S093000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213883
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is for a constant velocity flexible coupling, and more particularly, pertains to a flexible disc coupled mechanism similar in function to a universal drive joint for use in 4-wheel drive steer devices, such as a 4-wheel drive lawn mower or other such vehicles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Four-wheel drive and steer mechanisms have been reserved for high end expensive commercial and industrial equipment ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars. The methods used to achieve power delivery through a pivoting steerable mechanism are effective and durable, but not in the same class as the smaller and more inexpensive and smaller lawn tractors intended for general consumer use. The cost is high and many do not even use CV-joints. Four-wheel drive farm tractors and utility tractors use designs far too expensive and are similar in design to units utilized in front wheel drive cars.
Another problem with prior art devices is that of offering a low speed flexible coupling that can function effectively up to 50° angles and yet fit in a relatively short (axial) space and require no sliding connections such as splines for absorbing axial reciprocation. The present invention uses no such spline devices and as such can be fabricated for a much more reasonable price. Four-wheel drive/steer mechanisms have been incorporated in some prior art lawn tractors, but steering and drive devices have limited the steering angle to a low range of steering at approximately 20°.
Although disc-type flexible joints are not new, the turning radius of single disc-type flexible joints are limited by the geometry of the single flexible disc. The present invention overcomes this problem by utilizing two flexible disc members coupled by an intermediate joint connector about which both discs flex.
Clearly, what is needed is an inexpensive, yet effective and durable drive steer coupling providing for an increased turn angle for use in small vehicles, such as provided by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general purpose of the present invention is a constant velocity flexible coupling for use in driving the wheels of a small wheeled vehicle that is powered and steered through each of its four wheels.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a constant velocity flexible coupling. An output shaft of a differential unit couples to a first yoke which is connected to an inner flexible disc with optional reinforced metal inserts at the securation points. At 90° to the first yoke, an intermediate joint connector is fastened to the first disc. A second disc also attaches to the common joint connector and is parallel and opposite the first disc. A second yoke attaches to the second disc and is oriented 90° to the common joint connector and is aligned to the first yoke. The second yoke attaches to a shaft and a wheel flange which are secured to a pivotal wheel bearing housing which pivots about a mounting bracket secured to one end of differential housing members.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a flexible coupling, including flexible discs separated by a geometric space.
One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a constant velocity flexible coupling which is simple in design and which is inexpensive.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the utilization of parallel flexible disc members coupled centrally by a joint connector in conjunction with yoke members oriented at 90° to the centrally located joint connector.
Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the flexing of discs about a central common joint connector.
Still additional significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the flexing of discs about the ends of yoke members.
An additional significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a constant velocity flexible coupling which turns and provides drive force at very severe angles such as up to 50°.
A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a constant velocity flexible coupling used in conjunction with a 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer lawn tractor or other such vehicles.
A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the utilization of flexibly aligned discs to absorb axial reciprocation. The self-aligning tendencies of the discs which assist in returning a wheel to the straight ahead position when steering inputs are reduced or neutralized.
Having thus described embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a constant velocity flexible coupling.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1789497 (1931-01-01), Potter
patent: 3230738 (1966-01-01), Seigel
patent: 3985000 (1976-10-01), Hartz
patent: 4055966 (1977-11-01), Fredericks
patent: 4214457 (1980-07-01), Wade et al.
patent: 4744783 (1988-05-01), Downey et al.
patent: 5222913 (1993-06-01), Nagashima
patent: 5286231 (1994-02-01), Zilberman et al.
patent: 5951400 (1999-09-01), Giere
Binda Greg
Browne Lynne H.
Jaeger Hugh D.
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