Universal coupler for agriculture drive systems

Abstract

An adjustable coupler for in-line coupling of a motor drive shaft of an agricultural system with the square drive shaft of a gearbox, wherein the coupler has an adjustable clamping hub for securing around differing sizes of square drive shafts while maintaining coaxial alignment between the coupler, the square drive shaft and the motor drive shaft. The coupler is adjustable to fit different size square drive shafts, yet maintains symmetry about the center axis of the coupler, thereby reducing off-balance forces that could result in wear points and early fatigue. Contact surfaces between the coupler components are minimized to reduce the likelihood that contaminants can become entrapped between the components. The coupler is comprised of a round hub and a square hub, each attached to the opposite sides of a shock absorbing puck. The square hub is symmetrical about the axis of the puck and is formed of two axially sliding, opposing L-shaped brackets configured to clamp around the square end of a drive shaft. The round hub, also symmetrical about the axis of the puck, is spaced apart from the surface of the puck by mounting legs, while the square hub is spaced apart from the surface of the puck by spacer sleeves, thereby ensuring that the contact area between the second adjustable hub and the disk is minimized.