Rigid, torque transmitting, flanged coupling

Abstract

A coupling for rigidly connecting two coaxial machine parts, like shafts, to transmit torque: The coupling includes first and second coupling halves, each having a respective end surface and the end surfaces abutting and being secured together. There are radially extending openings around the coupling and being defined by cooperatingly shaped and placed grooves in both end faces of the coupling halves. The grooves are profiled, e.g. semi-circularly or trapezoidally, thereby defining circular or hexagonal openings, respectively, when the coupling halves are secured. A removable cotter of similar profile to the opening therefor is inserted in each opening. The cotter has a slightly larger cross-section than the opening and the cotter and/or the opening in the vicinity of the cotter are deformable upon the coupling halves being brought together. Various recesses through the cotter permit deformation thereof. Alternatively, the flanges at the abutting ends of the coupling halves are weakened to deform. In certain preferred embodiments, the cotter does not extend all the way into the groove and is spaced from the bottom of the groove. In other embodiments, the cotter has longitudinal recesses extending lengthwise along it. In embodiments where the flange of the coupling halves is deformable, the flange is shaped to not contact the cotter at the bottoms of the grooves, enabling the flange to deform.