Flexible coupling with load variable damping

Abstract

A flexible coupling of a disk construction. One coupling half includes outside side disks and a radially exterior flange joining the side disks for enclosing an inner space for holding damping liquid. The other coupling half includes one or a plurality of middle disks disposed in the inner space. Flexible coupling elements join the disks to move together. For damping oscillation, a plurality of displacement chambers are defined at spaced intervals around the disks, each between a radially extending circumferential end wall in the middle disk and a radial surface defined on a bolt or the like extending between the outer disks. Throttle gaps control the exit of the damping fluid from the displacement chamber. Circumferentially extending partition walls located at the axially lateral sides of the displacement chamber move with the second coupling half, decreasing the size of the outlet leading to the axial gaps between the disks as the coupling halves oscillate to a greater extent with respect to each other, providing progressively stronger damping. In a further modification, a labyrinth seal is defined radially inward of a displacement chamber for further resisting the movement of damping fluid radially inwardly.