US 2015/0323015 A1 · MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES

Abstract

The present invention relates to rotary devices, such as wind vanes and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical coupling for the same, whereby a wind vane or other rotary tool, can be replaced without the use of a tool. The present invention seeks to provide a coupling device which makes a mechanical coupling between a first and a second member such that the locking together and release action is positive, without likelihood of failure, and can be conducted simply and quickly without the use of a tool. Further objects of the invention are to provide couplings in which a positive axial and rotational location of shaft as first member and mating bore in a second member are obtained without reliance on friction forces, and which do not cause damage to either of the sliding surfaces when excessive force is applied, and which are capable of transmitting a torque, such couplings being suitable for attaching a rotor to an anemometer or the fin to the shaft of a wind vane. In accordance with a general aspect of the invention, the invention provides a coupling arrangement for a rotary device and a spindle supported for rotation, the coupling being enabled by a resilient body which acts upon a spheroidal locking member such as a ball bearing. In particular, the present invention provides a coupling arrangement for a wind vane or an anemometer rotating body comprising impellor cups, which impellor cups and rotating body are required for removable fitment, ideally without the use of tools.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An axial coupling arrangement between first and second elements, the elements being arranged for rotation about an axis, the first element comprising a general elongate shaft, having a coupling portion arranged about an axial section of the shaft and said second element comprising a body having a bore defined therein, with an coupling portion about an axial section of the bore;

said elements being coupled by way of a spheroidal member, the arrangement further comprising a resilient element operable to provide an axial force of separation when the coupling portions are axially aligned:
wherein a coupling portion associated with one of the first and second elements comprises a surface operable to provide two point contact surfaces for abutment with the spheroidal coupling member in a coupling mode;
wherein a coupling portion associated with the other of the first and second elements comprises a chamber operable to provide three point contact surfaces for abutment with the spheroidal coupling member in a coupling mode, the chamber being operable to retain the locking member in a non-coupling mode;
the arrangement being such that, in a coupling mode, the spheroidal member is contacted by the respective contact points, the resilient forces causing forces from the respective contact points to act through the spherical member, preventing separation of the first and second elements, the contact surfaces thereby ensuring defined rotational and axial alignment between the first and second elements.

1 more element

An axial coupling arrangement between first and second elements, said elements being arranged for rotation about an axis, said first element comprising a general elongate shaft, having a coupling portion arranged about an axial section of the shaft and said second element comprising a body having a bore defined therein, with an coupling portion about an axial section of the bore;

said elements being coupled by way of a spheroidal member, the arrangement further comprising a resilient element operable to provide an axial force of separation when the coupling portions are axially aligned:
wherein a coupling portion associated with one of the first and second elements comprises a surface operable to provide two point contact surfaces for abutment with the spheroidal coupling member in a coupling mode;
wherein a coupling portion associated with the other of the first and second elements comprises a chamber operable to provide three point contact surfaces for abutment with the spheroidal coupling member in a coupling mode, the chamber being operable to retain the locking member in a non-coupling mode;
the arrangement being such that, in a coupling mode, the spheroidal member is contacted by the respective contact points, the resilient forces causing forces from the respective contact points to act through the spherical member, preventing separation of the first and second elements, the contact surfaces thereby ensuring defined rotational and axial alignment between the first and second elements, wherein the coupling portion operable to provide three point contact surfaces comprises a first chamber volume comprising a cavity large enough to retain the spheroidal member in an uncoupled state and a second chamber volume acting to position the spheroidal member outwardly of the surface associated with the coupling portion in a coupled state, the second chamber volume having a first point contact point defined by a wall arranged generally perpendicularly with respect to the axis to limit axial movement by the spheroidal member and second and third contact points facing the coupling interface, the second and third contact points determining the extent that the spheroidal member extends from the coupling wall.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mechanical coupling devices

Life of this patent

Mechanical coupling devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20