초록 ▼

A spline joint includes an externally splined shaft end and an internally splined hub end engaged therewith. The shaft end has an annular groove around the spline portion wherein a plurality of locking balls may ride. The hub has the same number of holes as there are locking balls, each of which hol

A spline joint includes an externally splined shaft end and an internally splined hub end engaged therewith. The shaft end has an annular groove around the spline portion wherein a plurality of locking balls may ride. The hub has the same number of holes as there are locking balls, each of which hole is adapted to receive a locking ball. A sliding sheath surrounds the hub. This sliding sheath has an annular projection and an annular groove in axially spaced relation around its internal face. The annular projection presses against the locking balls when the spline joint is in operation. The annular groove embraces a polygonal spring, the spring having the same number of sides as the number of locking balls. The center of each side of the polygonal spring presses against a lock ball from a radially outward position and prevents the lock balls from going out of position when the spline joint is being detached. Thus, one-touch attach/detach operation is possible by moving the sliding sheath axially relative to the hub.

대표청구항 ▼

A spline joint comprising: a shaft having an end portion having external splines, said end portion further forming a first annular groove; a plurality of locking balls in rolling engagement with said first annular groove; a hub having an internal portion including splines which are adapted to engage

A spline joint comprising: a shaft having an end portion having external splines, said end portion further forming a first annular groove; a plurality of locking balls in rolling engagement with said first annular groove; a hub having an internal portion including splines which are adapted to engage the external splines of said shaft, said hub further having a plurality of holes extending radially therethrough, the number of said holes being equal to the number of locking balls, each of said holes adapted to partially retain a locking ball which is positioned therein from a radially outward location; a sliding sheath having an internal face encircling said hub, said sheath having an annular projection and a second annular groove in axially spaced relation around its locking balls in the direction of said first annular groove when said annular projection is positioned over said locking balls; and a polygonal spring, the number of sides thereof being equal to the number of locking balls; means for biasing said sliding sheath so that the annular projection engages the locking balls during normal joint operation where said biasing means comprises a coil spring; wherein said second groove and said sliding sheath are adapted to embrace said polygonal spring so that the center of each side of said spring engages a locking ball when the second annular groove in said sliding sheath is slid into alignment with said holes through said hub.