Key connection

A key connection between two components, comprising:

• keyslots in the first and second components to be connected, said keyslots being situated adjacent to each other to create a common opening for insertion of a key;
• a key having a helical spring-like shape and inserted in said opening;
• the key having a free external diameter before assembly larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle of said opening for key insertion, whereby the key must be twisted around its axis before insertion or for disassembly or for relative displacement of the connected components in order to reduce its external diameter to less than the diameter of the inscribed circle of said opening so as to establish a preload force on the keyslots;
• the degree of preload force being established by utilizing parameters which include the free external diameter of the key, the number of coils, and the cross-sectional shape and diameter of the key stock.