Shaft coupling arrangement

Details Shaft coupling arrangement Shaft coupling arrangement

1999-10-20

2001-05-22

Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)

Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro

Shafting

With disparate device for coupling shaft to additional shaft...

C464S007000, C464S053000, C464S179000, C403S294000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06234910

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a shaft connecting device. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a shaft coupling for interconnecting two shaft ends in end-to-end abutting relation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shaft couplings are used to connect together two shaft ends in an end-to-end abutting relation. A known form of shaft coupling includes an outer sleeve that surrounds the abutting ends of the two shaft ends. The outer sleeve is provided with a through-channel for introducing pressure medium in the interfaces between the shaft ends and the outer sleeve for creating a sleeve expanding effect during mounting and dismounting, and having a radial grip acting between the sleeve and the two shaft ends. When the pressure medium has been drained via the through-channels, the radial grip effects a radial as well as an axial joining of the shaft ends and the outer sleeve. A shaft coupling of the type described above is used, for example, for the propeller shaft of a ship which can be subjected to large and varying loads circumferentially as well as axially.
Known couplings of this type provide a generally satisfactory interconnection of the two shaft ends for most operational conditions. However, at very high axial forces, there is a possible risk that the shaft ends may be pulled out from the coupling sleeve. This could be very hazardous for some applications and could lead to severe damage to equipment as well as injuries to personnel.
In light of the foregoing, a need exists for a shaft coupling that is not susceptible to the shaft being pulled out from the sleeve, even in the presence of large axial forces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention pertains to a shaft arrangement that includes two shaft ends positioned in end-to-end abutting relation and an outer sleeve surrounding the abutting ends of the two shaft ends. The outer sleeve has through-channels for introducing pressure medium in the interface between the shaft ends and the outer sleeve to create a sleeve expanding effect during mounting and dismounting, and a radial grip acting between the sleeve and the two shaft ends, when the pressure medium has been drained through the through-channels, with the radial grip effecting a radial as well as an axial joining of the shaft ends and the outer sleeve. Each shaft end adjacent its abutting end face is equipped with a grip arrangement that is engaged by a thrust member. The thrust member bridges the abutting end faces and engages the grip arrangement inside the outer sleeve to inhibit the two shaft ends from being axially pulled apart even upon application of a large axial force.
According to another aspect of the invention, a shaft arrangement includes two shaft ends having end faces positioned in facing relation to each other and an outer sleeve surrounding the end faces. Each shaft end is provided with an engaging portion located adjacent its respective end face, and a thrust member is positioned inside the outer sleeve and engages the engaging portion on each shaft end while also bridging the end faces of the two shaft ends to inhibit the two shaft ends from being pulled apart axially upon application of an axial force.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a shaft arrangement includes two shaft ends having end faces positioned in facing relation to each other with an outer sleeve surrounding the end faces. A thrust member is positioned inside the outer sleeve and bridges the end faces of the two shaft ends. The thrust member includes generally radially inwardly directed portions that engage each of the shaft ends at a position spaced from the respective end faces to inhibit the two shaft ends from being pulled apart axially upon application of an axial force.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1227432 (1917-05-01), Grimes
patent: 4312193 (1982-01-01), Gibbs et al.
patent: 4526556 (1985-07-01), Sundberg et al.
patent: 5139460 (1992-08-01), Hoyt, III et al.
patent: 5425675 (1995-06-01), Pfeifer
patent: 6039320 (2000-03-01), MacDonald

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