Coupling mechanism for a tool and a tool including the coupling mechanism

Abstract

Provide a coupling mechanism for a tool. 【Solution means】The coupling mechanism 18a for a tool includes a drive part 20a that is rotatable about a rotation axis 24 and includes a drive profile 46, and a driven part 22a that is rotatable about the rotation axis 24 and includes a driven profile 28 that is complementary to the drive profile 46. The driven profile is arranged to fit with the drive profile at a coupling position for torque transmission between the drive part and the driven part. It also includes an alignment mechanism 36a arranged to bring about relative rotation between the drive part and the driven part about the rotation axis from a misaligned state of the coupling mechanism where the drive profile is not aligned with the driven profile in the rotation direction to an aligned state of the coupling mechanism where the drive profile is aligned with the driven profile in the rotation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to coupling mechanisms. In particular, a coupling mechanism for a tool and a tool comprising such a coupling mechanism are provided.

Background Art

[0002] Industrial power tools such as nutrunners are widely used in manufacturing industries, such as the vehicle manufacturing industry and the aerospace industry. This type of power tool typically has a tool head that interacts with a workpiece and a body that is held by a user when operating the power tool. The body can alternatively form part of a robot.

[0003] In some applications, it is desirable to have a replaceable tool head that can be used for different applications in the manufacturing process. For this reason, a tool head such as an angle head can be removably connected to the body.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] To attach a tool head to the body of a power tool, the hexagonal driven part in the tool head may have to be aligned in the rotational direction before the hexagonal faces of the corresponding shaped hexagonal drive part in the tool body fit together. This can be difficult for the user and the user may not always be able to see the mating surface unobstructed. There is also a risk that the surfaces may not fit correctly.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, which can facilitate the fitting of a drive profile and a driven profile.

[0006] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, which enables a seamless fit between a drive profile and a driven profile.

[0007] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, the coupling mechanism having a simple design.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, the coupling mechanism having a cost-effective design.

[0009] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, the coupling mechanism performing a reliable operation.

[0010] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling mechanism for a tool, the coupling mechanism solving some or all of the combinations of the aforementioned objects.

[0011] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a tool including a coupling mechanism, the tool solving one, some, or all of the aforementioned objects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a coupling mechanism for a tool, the coupling mechanism including a drive part rotatable about a rotation axis, the drive part including a drive profile, a drive part; a driven part rotatable about the rotation axis, the driven part including a driven profile complementary to the drive profile, the driven profile being arranged to fit with the drive profile at a coupling position for torque transmission between the drive part and the driven part, a driven part; and an alignment mechanism arranged to cause relative rotation between the drive part and the driven part about the rotation axis from a misaligned state of the coupling mechanism in which the drive profile is not aligned with the driven profile in the rotational direction to an aligned state of the coupling mechanism in which the drive profile is aligned with the driven profile in the rotational direction.

[0013] Since the alignment mechanism acts on the driving part and the driven part to bring them into an aligned state, the driving profile and the driven profile will be aligned while the driving part and the driven part move relatively along the rotation axis. In this way, the driving profile and the driven profile are aligned when they are fitted together. As a result, the coupling mechanism enables seamless fitting of the driving profile and the driven profile. Consequently, the coupling mechanism makes it extremely easy to attach the driven part to the driving part. The coupling mechanism facilitates the replacement of the tool head of the power tool.

[0014] One of the driving part and the driven part can be a male type such as a shaft, and the other of the driving part and the driven part can be a female type such as a socket. The driving part can be an input part, the driven part can be an output part, or vice versa.

[0015] The alignment mechanism can be provided on the driving part or the driven part. The alignment mechanism can be configured to apply torque to the driving part and / or the driven part about the rotation axis from a non-aligned state to an aligned state.

[0016] The driven part can be moved relative to the driving part along the rotation axis from a decoupled position where the driven part is separated from the driving part, to an intermediate alignment position where the driving profile or the driven profile is aligned with the alignment mechanism along the rotation axis, and to a coupled position where the driven profile is fitted with the driving profile.

[0017] The alignment mechanism can be arranged to provide relative rotation between the driving part and the driven part at the alignment position. In order to attach the driven part to the driving part, therefore, the driven part can be moved in a single continuous axial movement from the decoupled position to the alignment position where the driving part and the driven part are forced into an aligned state by the alignment mechanism and to the coupled position. When the driving part and the driven part are moved towards each other through the alignment position along the rotation axis, the alignment mechanism applies an alignment torque along the alignment distance along the rotation axis. The alignment distance can be, for example, at least 30% of the length of the shorter of the length of the driving profile along the rotation axis and the length of the driven profile along the rotation axis. Due to the alignment distance, the user can continuously move the driving part and the driven part towards each other, and does not necessarily need to have an alignment mechanism to align the driving part and the driven part.

[0018] The alignment mechanism can be provided with a spring. The spring can be, for example, a leaf spring or a coil spring such as a compression coil spring.

[0019] The alignment mechanism can be provided with one or more protruding elements, and each protruding element is arranged to apply a torque to the driving profile or the driven profile in the misaligned state. The torque can be relatively large for a relatively large rotational displacement between the driving part and the driven part about the rotation axis and relatively small for a relatively small rotational displacement between the driving part and the driven part about the rotation axis.

[0020] The spring can be arranged to apply a force radially with respect to the rotation axis to one or more protruding elements. Therefore, the protruding elements can be arranged to move against the deformation of the spring. Alternatively, the protruding elements can be elastic.

[0021] The coupling mechanism can further comprise a chamfered edge arranged to apply a force to one or more protruding elements against the deformation of the spring by relative movement between a driving part and a driven part along the rotation axis, for example relative movement from a decoupled position to an aligned position. When the alignment mechanism is provided on the driving part and the driving part is female, the driven part can include a chamfered edge arranged to push one or more protruding elements radially outwards during relative movement between the driving part and the driven part along the rotation axis, at least when the driving part and the driven part are not aligned in the rotational direction. Conversely, when the alignment mechanism is provided on the driven part and the driving part is female, the driving part can include a chamfered edge arranged to push one or more protruding elements radially inwards during relative movement between the driving part and the driven part along the rotation axis, at least when the driving part and the driven part are not aligned in the rotational direction.

[0022] Each protruding element can include a rounded shape for contacting the driving profile or the driven profile. One or more protruding elements can be, for example, balls or cylinders.

[0023] The coupling mechanism can comprise a plurality of protruding elements such as two, four or six protruding elements. In this case, the protruding elements can be in a common plane transverse to the rotation axis. Alternatively or in addition, the protruding elements can be distributed substantially evenly around the rotation axis. The coupling mechanism can comprise at least one pair of protruding elements arranged opposite (with respect to the rotation axis).

[0024] The driving profile and the driven profile can each have a polygonal shape. The polygonal shape can be, for example, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal or hexagonal.

[0025] The angular distance with respect to the rotation axis between two adjacent protruding elements can correspond to the angular distance with respect to the rotation axis between two edges of the polygonal shape.

[0026] The alignment mechanism can be provided on the drive part. In this case, each protruding element can be aligned with respect to the rotation axis in the specific drive side of the polygonal shape of the drive profile and in the rotation direction.

[0027] Alternatively, the alignment mechanism can also be provided on the driven part. In this case, each protruding element can be aligned with respect to the rotation axis in the specific driven side of the polygonal shape of the driven profile and in the rotation direction.

[0028] According to a second aspect, a tool including the coupling mechanism according to the present disclosure is provided. The tool can be a power tool such as a power tool, a pneumatic tool or a hydraulic tool. The power tool can be, for example, a tightening tool.

[0029] The tool can include a main body and an end effector detachably attachable to the main body. The end effector can be, for example, a tool head or a gear attachment. The drive part is provided on the main body, and the driven part can be provided on the end effector.

[0030] Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Figure 10

Figure 11a

Figure 11b

Figure 12

Figure 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a coupling mechanism for a tool and a tool including such a coupling mechanism will be described. The same or similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar structural features.

[0033] FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a power tool 10. The power tool 10 can be, for example, a nut runner. The power tool 10 includes a main body 12 having a handle 14. The power tool 10 further includes a tool head 16 detachably connected to the main body 12. The tool head 16 in this example is an angle head. The tool head 16 may alternatively be a straight head.

[0034] The power tool 10 further includes a coupling mechanism 18a. The coupling mechanism 18a includes a driving part 20a and a driven part 22a. In this example, the driving part 20a is provided on the main body 12, and the driven part 22a is provided on the tool head 16. In FIG. 1, the driving part 20a is connected to the driven part 22a for common rotation about a rotation axis 24. The driving part 20a can be rotationally driven by a power source inside or outside the main body 12. The power source can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.

[0035] FIG. 2a schematically shows a first perspective side view of the coupling mechanism 18a, and FIG. 2b schematically shows a second perspective side view of the coupling mechanism 18a. Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b as a whole, the coupling mechanism 18a is here in a decoupled position 26. In the decoupled position 26, the driving part 20a and the driven part 22a are completely separated.

[0036] In this embodiment, the driving part 20a is a socket and the driven part 22a is a shaft. FIGS. 2A and 2B show a male driven profile 28 on the driven part 22a. The driven profile 28 is here illustrated as a hexagonal profile. That is, the driven profile 28 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the rotation axis 24. The driven profile 28 includes six driven side portions 30 and six intermediate driven edge portions 32.

[0037] The driven part 22a of this embodiment further includes a chamfered edge portion 34a. The chamfered edge portion 34a is disposed at an end of the driven part 22a (the right end in FIG. 2a).

[0038] The coupling mechanism 18a further includes an alignment mechanism 36a. The alignment mechanism 36a is provided here in an alignment section 38a on the drive unit 20a. The alignment mechanism 36a includes a spring 40a and a plurality of balls 42a, here two balls 42a arranged opposite to the rotation axis 24. The spring 40a is here a leaf spring surrounding the cylindrical body 44 of the drive unit 20a. The balls 42a are received in the openings of the cylindrical body 44. The spring 40a presses the balls 42a from the outside of the cylindrical body 44 radially inward to a protruding position where the balls 42a protrude into the interior of the cylindrical body 44. The ball 42a is an example of a protruding element according to the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18a in the decoupled position 26. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the drive unit 20a has a female drive profile 46. The drive profile 46 is complementary to the driven profile 28. Accordingly, in this embodiment too, the drive profile 46 is hexagonal. The drive profile 46 includes six drive side portions 48 and six intermediate drive edge portions 50.

[0040] FIG. 3 further shows that the length of the alignment section 38a along the rotation axis 24 is approximately equal to the length of the drive profile 46 along the rotation axis 24. The length of the alignment section 38a along the rotation axis 24 can be, for example, at least 30% and / or less than 150% of the length of the drive profile 46 along the rotation axis 24. FIG. 3 further shows that the balls 42a are in a common plane crossing the rotation axis 24.

[0041] FIG. 4a schematically shows a front view of the drive unit 20a, and FIG. 4b schematically shows a front perspective view of the drive unit 20a. Referring collectively to FIGS. 4a and 4b, it can be seen that the balls 42a are aligned with the two opposite drive sides 48 of the drive profile 46 in the rotation direction with respect to the rotation axis 24. At the illustrated protruding position, each ball 42a is aligned radially with the drive side surface 48 with respect to the rotation axis 24. However, the ball 42a can protrude slightly radially inward of the drive side surface 48.

[0042] FIG. 5 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18a at the intermediate alignment position 52. At the alignment position 52, the driven part 22a is moved along the rotation axis 24 toward the driving part 20a such that the driven profile 28 enters the alignment section 38a of the cylindrical body 44 of the driving part 20a. The driven profile 28 is here aligned with the alignment mechanism 36a along the rotation axis 24. The driven part 22a moves along the rotation axis 24 along the alignment distance 54a at the alignment position 52. Throughout the alignment distance 54a, the driven profile 28 is disposed between the ball 42a and the driving profile 46 along the rotation axis 24. While the driven part 22a moves through the alignment distance 54a, the driven profile 28 becomes aligned with the driving profile 46 in the rotational direction (if not yet aligned) as described herein. This enables a simple and seamless fitting of the driven profile 28 and the driving profile 46.

[0043] FIG. 6 schematically shows a front cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18a in the misaligned state 56. As shown in FIG. 6, the driven profile 28 is rotated 30 degrees about the rotation axis 24 with respect to the driving profile 46. At this rotational position of the driven part 22a with respect to the driving part 20a, the driven profile 28 cannot enter and fit into the driving profile 46.

[0044] When the driven profile 28 is inserted into the alignment section 38a, if the driven profile 28 is not aligned with the driving profile 46 in the rotational direction, the chamfered edge 34a pushes the ball 42a radially outward. By pushing the ball 42a with the chamfered edge 34a instead of the straight edge (lateral with respect to the rotation axis 24), the retraction of the ball 42a in the misaligned state 56 can be ensured. This contributes to a more reliable operation of the coupling mechanism 18a.

[0045] In the misaligned state 56, the driven profile 28 only obstructs the balls 42a within the alignment section 38a. As shown in FIG. 6, the driven profile 28 pushes the balls 42a radially outward against the deformation of the spring 40a. The balls 42a provide a small contact surface with the driven profile 28. This contributes to reducing the friction of the relative movement in the axial direction and the rotational direction with respect to the rotational axis 24 between the driving part 20a and the driven part 22a.

[0046] The spring 40a exerts a restoring force and a radially inward force on the balls 42a. This restoring force generates an alignment torque 58 on the driven profile 28 towards the aligned state around the rotational axis 24 (clockwise in FIG. 6).

[0047] FIG. 7 schematically shows a front cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18a in the aligned state 60. In the aligned state 60, the driving profile 46 and the driven profile 28 are aligned in the rotational direction with respect to the rotational axis 24 for fitting. Under the action of the spring 40a, the balls 42a are biased towards the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the driven part 22a, here towards the center of the driven side surface 30. The balls 42a protrude the most when the driven profile 28 is aligned with the driving profile 46 in the rotational direction. In this way, the alignment mechanism 36a brings about a relative rotation between the driving part 20a and the driven part 22a centered on the rotational axis 24 from the misaligned state 56 to the aligned state 60.

[0048] FIG. 8 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18a in the coupled position 62. At the coupled position 62, the driven profile 28 is engaged with the driving profile 46. Torque can be transmitted between the driving part 20a and the driven part 22a.

[0049] FIG. 9a schematically shows a first perspective side view of a further embodiment of the coupling mechanism 18b, and FIG. 9b schematically shows a second perspective side view of the coupling mechanism 18b of FIG. 9a. The coupling mechanism 18b can replace the coupling mechanism 18a of the power tool 10 of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the differences between the coupling arrangement 18b and the coupling arrangement 18a will be mainly described.

[0050] Referring generally to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the coupling mechanism 18b is in the decoupled position 26. The coupling mechanism 18b includes a drive portion 20b, a driven portion 22b, and an alignment mechanism 36b. The alignment mechanism 36b is provided here on the driven portion 22b. The driven portion 22b includes an alignment section 38b located in front of the driven profile 28. The alignment mechanism 36b is provided in the alignment section 38b.

[0051] Also, the alignment mechanism 36b of this embodiment includes two balls 42b. Each ball 42b is aligned with a respective driven edge 32 in the rotational direction. The ball 42b (in the neutral state) and the driven edge 32 both have the same radially extending portion.

[0052] FIG. 10 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18b in the decoupled position 26. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the alignment mechanism 36b further includes a spring 40b, which is illustrated here as a compression coil spring. The spring 40b is disposed here within the bearing 64 of the alignment section 38b. The spring 40b pushes the ball 42b radially outward.

[0053] The drive portion 20b of this embodiment includes a chamfered edge 34b. The chamfered edge 34b is disposed here at the end (left end in FIG. 10) of the cylindrical body 44.

[0054] FIG. 11a schematically shows a front view of the driven part 22b, and FIG. 11b shows a front perspective view of the driven part 22b. Referring generally to FIGS. 11a and 11b, it can be seen that the drive profile 46 of this embodiment extends through the entire drive part 20b. Accordingly, the drive part 20b of this embodiment does not have an alignment section.

[0055] FIG. 12 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18b in the alignment position 52. The drive profile 46 is aligned with the alignment mechanism 36b along the rotation axis 24.

[0056] When the alignment section 38b enters the drive profile 46, if the drive part 20b is not aligned with the driven part 22b in the rotational direction, the chamfered edge 34b pushes the ball 42b radially inward against the deformation of the spring 40b. The driven part 22b moves along the rotation axis 24 along the alignment distance 54b at the alignment position 52. Throughout the alignment distance 54b, the drive profile 46 is disposed on the ball 42b but not on the driven profile 28. While the driven part 22b moves through the alignment distance 54b, the driven profile 28 becomes aligned with the drive profile 46 in the rotational direction (if not yet aligned).

[0057] At the alignment position 52, if the driven profile 28 is not aligned with the drive profile 46, the ball 42b is pushed radially inward by the drive side surface 48. In this way, the alignment mechanism 36b causes relative rotation between the drive part 20b and the driven part 22b about the rotation axis 24 from the misaligned state 56 to the aligned state 60.

[0058] FIG. 13 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 18b in the coupling position 62. The drive part 20b is now aligned with the driven part 22b in the rotational direction, and the drive profile 46 is engaged with the driven profile 28 for torque transmission between the drive part 20b and the driven part 22b.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to those described above. For example, it will be understood that the dimensions of the components may be changed as necessary. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0060] 18a, 18b coupling mechanism 20a, 20b drive parts 22a, 22b driven parts 24 rotating shaft 28 driven profile 36a, 36b alignment mechanism 46 drive profile 56 misaligned state 60 aligned state 62 coupling position

Claims

Claim 1 A power tool (10) including a body (12), a tool head (16), and a coupling mechanism (18a, 18b), wherein the coupling mechanism (18a, 18b) includes a driving part (20a, 20b) rotatable about a rotation axis (24), provided on the body and including a driving profile (46), the driving part (20a, 20b); and a driven part (22a, 22b) rotatable about the rotation axis (24), including a driven profile (28) complementary to the driving profile (46), the driven profile (28) being arranged to fit with the driving profile (46) at a coupling position (62) for torque transmission between the driving part (20a, 20b) and the driven part (22a, 22b), and the driven part (22a, 22b) provided on the tool head; an alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) arranged to cause relative rotation between the driving part (20a, 20b) and the driven part (22a, 22b) about the rotation axis (24) during relative movement along the rotation axis of the driving part and the driven part from a misaligned state (56) of the coupling mechanism (18a, 18b), in which the driving profile (46) is not aligned with the driven profile (28) in the rotation direction, to an aligned state (60) of the coupling mechanism (18a, 18b), in which the driving profile (46) is aligned with the driven profile (28) in the rotation direction; the alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) includes one or more protruding elements (42a, 42b), and each protruding element (42a, 42b) is arranged to apply torque to the driving profile (46) or the driven profile (28) in the misaligned state (56); the alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) includes springs (40a, 40b); the protruding elements are arranged to move against deformation of the springs, and the springs (40a, 40b) are arranged to apply a radial force to the one or more protruding elements (42a, 42b) with respect to the rotation axis (24); characterized in that it is a power tool (10). Claim 2 The driven parts (22a, 22b) are movable relative to the driving parts (20a, 20b) by a single continuous axial movement along the rotary shaft (24) from a decoupling position (26) where the driven parts (22a, 22b) are separated from the driving parts (20a, 20b), to an intermediate alignment position (52) where the driving profile (46) or the driven profile (28) is aligned with the alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) along the rotary shaft (24), and to a coupling position (62) where the driven profile (28) engages with the driving profile (46). The power tool (10) according to claim 1.

3. When the driving part and the driven part are moved towards each other through the alignment position along the rotary shaft, the alignment mechanism generates an alignment torque that causes relative rotation between the driving parts (20a, 20b) and the driven parts (22a, 22b) along an alignment distance along the rotary shaft. The power tool according to claim 2.

4. The alignment distance is at least 30% of the length of the shorter of the length of the driving profile along the rotary shaft and the length of the driven profile along the rotary shaft. The power tool according to claim 3.

5. The alignment mechanism includes a chamfered edge arranged to push out the one or more protruding elements against the deformation of the spring by relative movement between the driving part and the driven part along the alignment distance along the rotary shaft. The power tool according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) is provided on the driving part (20a, 20b) or the driven part (22a, 22b). The power tool according to claim 1.

7. Each protruding element (42a, 42b) includes a rounded shape for contacting the driving profile (46) or the driven profile (28). The power tool according to claim 1.

8. The coupling mechanism (18a, 18b) includes a plurality of protruding elements (42a, 42b). The power tool according to claim 1.

9. The protruding elements (42a, 42b) are in a common plane transverse to the rotary shaft (24). The power tool according to claim 8.

10. The protruding elements (42a, 42b) are substantially evenly distributed around the rotary shaft (24). The power tool according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein the drive profile (46) and the driven profile (28) each have a polygonal shape.

12. The power tool according to claim 11, wherein the angular distance of the rotation axis (24) between two adjacent protruding elements (42a, 42b) corresponds to the angular distance of the rotation axis (24) between two opposing edges (32, 50) of the polygonal shape.

13. The power tool according to claim 12, wherein the alignment mechanism (36a) is provided on the drive part (20a), and each protruding element (42a) is aligned with the corner (48) of the polygonal shape of the drive profile (46) in the rotation direction with respect to the rotation axis (24).

14. The power tool according to claim 12, wherein the alignment mechanism (36b) is provided on the driven part (22b), and each protruding element (42b) is aligned with the corner of the polygonal shape of the driven profile (28) in the rotation direction with respect to the rotation axis (24).

15. A system including a power tool including a body, a tool head, and coupling mechanisms (18a, 18b), wherein the coupling mechanisms (18a, 18b) a drive part (20a, 20b) rotatable about a rotation axis (24), provided on the body and including a drive profile (46), the drive part (20a, 20b); a driven part (22a, 22b) rotatable about the rotation axis (24), including a driven profile (28) complementary to the drive profile (46), the driven profile (28) being arranged to fit with the drive profile (46) at a coupling position (62) for torque transmission between the drive part (20a, 20b) and the driven part (22a, 22b) and provided on the tool head, the driven part (22a, 22b); An alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) arranged to cause relative rotation between the driving part (20a, 20b) and the driven part (22a, 22b) about the rotation axis (24) during relative movement along the rotation axis of the driving part and the driven part, from the misaligned state (56) of the coupling mechanism (18a, 18b) where the drive profile (46) is not aligned with the driven profile (28) in the rotational direction, towards the aligned state (60) of the coupling mechanism (18a, 18b) where the drive profile (46) is aligned with the driven profile (28) in the rotational direction. The alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) comprises one or more protruding elements (42a, 42b), and each protruding element (42a, 42b) is arranged to apply torque to the drive profile (46) or the driven profile (28) in the misaligned state (56). The alignment mechanism (36a, 36b) comprises springs (40a, 40b). The protruding elements are arranged to move against deformation of the springs, and the springs (40a, 40b) are arranged to apply a force in the radial direction to the one or more protruding elements (42a, 42b) with respect to the rotation axis (24). A system characterized by the above.

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