Elastomeric shaft coupling for concentric shafts

Abstract

A dual concentric shaft coupling arrangement is provided with both inner and outer rotatable assemblies. An inner assembly comprises an inner rotatable driving member, an inner rotatable driven member and an inner rotatable intermediate member that is connected therebetween. An outer assembly comprises an outer rotatable driving member, an outer rotatable driven member and an outer rotatable intermediate member connected therebetween. Both the inner and outer rotatable intermediate members comprise first and second rigid portions which are connectable to the associated driving and driven members, respectively. Between the first and second rigid portions, a compliant portion is connected for the purpose of transmitting torque between the first and second rigid portions and, consequently, between the driving and driven members. Spline arrangements are also provided in a non-contact association with each other at low magnitudes of torque. At torque levels above a predetermined magnitude, the compliant portion permits deformation and relative rotation between the driving and driven members which moves the spline members into torque transmitting contact with each other. The radial alignment of the spline arrangements and associated compliant portions provides a degree of articulation between their associated driving and driven components.