초록 ▼

A splined coupling comprises a radially inner shaft and a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving the inner shaft. First splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of the inner shaft. Second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the o

A splined coupling comprises a radially inner shaft and a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving the inner shaft. First splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of the inner shaft. Second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the outer shaft. The first splines are slidably engaged with the second splines. At least one biasing element, for example a diaphragm is arranged to act between the radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating the first splines in a desired axial position relative to the second splines and to provide a biasing force resisting the axial movement of the first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of the inner and outer shafts.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A splined coupling comprising: a radially inner shaft;a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving said inner shaft;first splines provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of said inner shaft;second splines provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of said cavity of said outer

1. A splined coupling comprising: a radially inner shaft;a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving said inner shaft;first splines provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of said inner shaft;second splines provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of said cavity of said outer shaft, said first spline slidably engaged with said second splines; andat least one biasing element acting between said radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating said first splines in a desired axial position relative to said second splines and providing a biasing force resisting the axial movement of said first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of said inner and outer shafts;wherein said at least one biasing element is a diaphragm extending at least partially across said cavity of said outer shaft; andwherein an outer periphery of said diaphragm is received in a groove formed on the radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the radially outer shaft. 2. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm is mounted to an end of said inner shaft. 3. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said radially outer shaft comprises a main body part and a cap fastened to the main body part and which closes said cavity, said groove being formed between said main body part and said cap. 4. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer periphery of said diaphragm is received in the groove with limited axial and optionally radial play. 5. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of a radially projecting flange of said inner shaft. 6. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 5, wherein an end of said outer shaft is cup shaped and said second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of said cup shape. 7. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cavity is partially filled with a grease lubricant. 8. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 7, wherein said grease is a clay based grease. 9. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first splines are axially shorter than the second splines. 10. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first splines are crowned or barrelled. 11. A splined coupling as claimed in claim 1, comprising stops for limiting the axial movement of the inner and outer shafts relative to one another. 12. An actuator drive system comprising a splined coupling as claimed in claim 1. 13. An aircraft comprising a plurality of actuators arranged at spaced apart locations along a wing of the aircraft for actuating control surfaces of the aircraft, and an actuator drive system for driving one or more of said actuators, the actuator drive system including a splined coupling that includes: a radially inner shaft;a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving said inner shaft;first splines provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of said inner shaft;second splines provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of said cavity of said outer shaft, said first splines slidably engaged with said second splines; andat least one biasing element acting between said radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating said first splines in a desired axial position relative to said second splines and providing a biasing force resisting the axial movement of said first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of said inner and outer shafts;wherein said at least one biasing element is a diaphragm extending at least partially across said cavity of said outer shaft; andwherein an outer periphery of said diaphragm is received in a groove formed on the radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the radially outer shaft.