Installation tool for rotary coupling device, rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, and method for installing rotary coupling device

Abstract

A tool for installing a rotary coupling device on a shaft, a rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, and a method for installing a rotary coupling device are provided. The coupling device includes a hub centered about the axis of the shaft and spaced from the shaft. A bore in the hub is aligned with the bore in the shaft and receives a fastener extending through the hub bore into the shaft bore. The tool includes a body having a shape complementary to the shape of the hub and defining an aperture defining at least one plane, and an arm extending from and away from the body in a direction perpendicular to the axis. At least a portion of the arm is spaced axially from the hub, allowing the tool to access the deeply recessed hub and prevent rotation of the device and shaft when the fastener is turned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the installation of a rotational coupling device, such as a clutch or a brake, onto a shaft. In particular, the present invention relates to an installation tool for a rotational coupling device, a kit comprising a rotational coupling device and the installation tool, and a method of installing a rotational coupling device, wherein when a fastener used for fixing the rotational coupling device to the shaft is rotated, the rotational coupling device and the shaft are fixed against rotational movement, thereby maintaining the rotational alignment of the rotational coupling device and the shaft and enabling the fastener to be tightened to a desired torque. Background Art

[0002] Rotational coupling devices, such as clutches or brakes, are used to control the transmission of torque between two objects. The device includes a component coupled to one object, for example a rotor, and a component coupled to the other object, for example an armature. The rotor and the armature are selectively engaged to transmit torque between the objects.

[0003] In certain applications, one object may comprise a shaft to which the rotational coupling device is mounted, while the other object may comprise a pulley supported by the rotational coupling device. Some conventional rotational coupling devices include a pair of spaced hubs, one of which is disposed around the shaft and supports one of the rotor and the armature, and the other of which is spaced from the shaft and supports the other of the rotor and the armature. The hub spaced from the shaft may be aligned with the shaft using a key disposed in aligned keyways of the shaft and the hub. A fastener extending through a bore in the hub and into a corresponding bore in the shaft may therefore be used to secure the rotational coupling device to the shaft.

[0004] During the installation of a rotary coupling device onto a shaft, the rotation of the fasteners used to secure the rotary coupling device to the shaft can cause a corresponding rotation of the shaft. This behavior can make it impossible to tighten the fasteners to the desired torque. To prevent shaft rotation, the hub, spaced apart from the shaft, is shaped to allow the hub to be gripped by a tool so that the hub and shaft can be held in place so as not to rotate when the fastener rotates. However, in some conventional rotary coupling devices, the hub is recessed relatively deep within a pulley or another component of the device supported by the hub. In such devices, conventional wrenches and other tools may not be able to reach the hub to grip it and / or interfere with other tools used to rotate the fasteners. Installers therefore often have to use time-consuming and / or unsafe methods to engage the hub and prevent rotation of the hub and shaft.

[0005] The inventors of the present invention recognized the need for an installation tool for a rotary coupling device, a rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, and a method for installing a rotary coupling device, which minimize and / or eliminate one or more of the drawbacks identified above. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to the installation of a rotary coupling device, such as a clutch or brake, on a shaft. In particular, the present invention relates to an installation tool for a rotary coupling device, a rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, and a method for installing a rotary coupling device, wherein the rotary coupling device is fixed so as to not rotate when the fastener used to secure the rotary coupling device to the shaft is rotated, thereby maintaining the rotational alignment of the rotary coupling device and the shaft, and enabling the fastener to be tightened to a desired torque.

[0007] A tool for installing a rotary coupling device on a shaft, according to one embodiment, includes a body defining an aperture configured to be positioned around an axis extending through the shaft, a hub of the rotary coupling device, and a fastener extending into the shaft through the hub. The aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defines at least one plane. The tool further includes an arm extending from the body. The arm includes an axially extending portion extending from the body in a direction parallel to the axis, and a radially extending portion extending from the axially extending portion in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis.

[0008] A tool for mounting a rotary coupling device to a shaft, according to another embodiment, includes a body defining an aperture configured to be positioned around an axis extending through the shaft, a hub of the rotary coupling device, and a fastener extending into the shaft through the hub. The aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defines at least one plane. The body has a first axial end configured to receive the hub and a second axial end spaced apart from the hub. The tool further includes an arm extending from the second axial end of the body perpendicular to and away from the axis.

[0009] A rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to one embodiment includes a rotary coupling device configured to be mounted on a shaft. The rotary coupling device has a hub configured to be positioned around the axis of rotation of the shaft and spaced away from the shaft. The hub has a bore centered on the axis of rotation, aligned with a corresponding bore in the shaft, and configured to receive a fastener extending through the bore in the hub into the bore in the shaft along the axis of rotation. The rotary coupling device and installation tool kit further includes a tool for installing the rotary coupling device on the shaft. The tool includes a body that defines an aperture positioned around the axis of rotation and configured to receive the hub of the rotary coupling device. The aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub and defines at least one plane. The tool further includes an arm extending from the body. At least a portion of the arm is configured to be spaced axially away from the hub and extends perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation. The tool is configured to fix the fastener so as not to move around the axis of rotation when the fastener is rotated and enters the hub and shaft of the rotary coupling device.

[0010] A method for installing a rotary coupling device according to one embodiment includes mounting the rotary coupling device to a shaft such that the hub of the rotary coupling device is positioned around the axis of rotation of the shaft and spaced apart from the shaft. The hub has a bore that is centered on the axis of rotation and configured to align with a corresponding bore in the shaft. The method further includes moving a tool along the axis of rotation and engaging with the hub. The tool includes a body having a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defining an aperture defining at least one plane. The tool further includes an arm extending from the body perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation. At least a portion of the arm is spaced axially apart from the hub of the rotary coupling device. The method further includes inserting a fastener into the bore of the shaft through the bore of the hub and rotating the fastener around the axis of rotation while preventing the rotation of the tool around the axis of rotation, thereby preventing the rotation of the hub and shaft of the rotary coupling device.

[0011] The installation tool for a rotary coupling device, the rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, and the method for installing a rotary coupling device, as taught in the present invention, represent improvements over conventional tools, kits, and methods. In particular, the tools, kits, and methods of the present invention enable the installer to prevent rotation of the rotary coupling device hub and, consequently, the shaft to which the rotary coupling device is attached, even in devices where the hub is deeply recessed into a pulley or another component of the device, while the fastener used to secure the rotary coupling device to the shaft is rotating. As a result, alignment of the shaft and the rotary coupling device can be maintained, and the fastener can be tightened to the desired torque without using a time-consuming and / or unsafe method of engaging the hub and rotating the shaft.

[0012] The aforementioned and other aspects, features, details, practical applications and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following description and claims and examining the accompanying drawings.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017] [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a rotary coupling device forming part of one embodiment of a rotary coupling device and installation tool kit as disclosed in the teachings. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the rotational coupling device. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of one embodiment of an installation tool for a rotary coupling device. [Figure 4] Figures 1-2 show the rotary coupling device and Figure 3 shows the installation tool from a perspective view. [Figure 5]Figures 1-2 are perspective views of another embodiment of the installation tool for the rotary coupling device. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows one embodiment of a method for installing a rotary coupling device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Herein, referring to figures where similar reference numerals are used to identify identical components in various figures, Figures 1-2 show a rotary coupling device 10 that forms part of a rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 functions as a clutch to selectively transmit torque from an input shaft 12 to an output member 14. Device 10 also functions as a brake to the output member 14 when torque is not being transmitted to the output member 14. Device 10 may be provided for use in riding lawnmowers or similar devices. However, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 can be used in a wide variety of applications requiring a clutch or brake. Device 10 may include a spacer or hub 16, a rotor 18, an electromagnet including a field shell 20 and a conductive assembly 22, a brake plate 24, an armature 26, and one or more permanent magnets 28.

[0020] The input shaft 12 provides a torque source for driving the output member 14. The shaft 12 may be made of conventional metals and metal alloys and may be solid or tubular. The shaft 12 is centered on a rotation axis 30 and is driven by an engine, electric motor or other conventional power source. The shaft 12 extends through a hub 16 and defines a bore 32 in one axial end, configured to receive fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, used to secure the device 10 to the shaft 12. The bore 32 may include a plurality of threads configured to engage with corresponding threads of fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the input shaft 12 is inserted into the device 10 on the side opposite to the output member 14. However, it should be understood that the orientation of the input shaft 12 and the hub 16 may be reversed so that the input shaft 12 is inserted into the device 10 on the same side as the output member 14.

[0021] The output member 14 transmits torque to a driven device, such as a lawnmower blade. Member 14 may include a conventional pulley around which a torque transmission belt is wound and which is coupled to the driven device.

[0022] The hub 16 is provided to support the output member 14 in an assembled relationship with the other components of the device 10, and may be made of conventional materials including powdered metal. The hub 16 is disposed about the shaft 30 and may be centered on the shaft 30. The hub 16 is substantially annular in shape and defines a bore 34. The bore 34 is disposed about the shaft 30, may be centered on the shaft 30, is aligned with the bore 32 in the shaft 12, and is configured to receive a fastener (not shown) that extends through the bore 34 into the bore 32 and is used to fix the clutch 10 to the input shaft 12. One axial end of the hub 16 adjacent to the input shaft 12 has a substantially circular outer surface, and defines a keyway configured to receive the key 36 of the rotor 18 that extends into aligned keyways in the input shaft 12 and the hub 16. The opposite axial end of the hub 16 distal from the input shaft 12 defines a flange 38. Referring to FIG. 1, the flange 38 has a shape that defines one or more flat surfaces 40 that can be gripped or otherwise engaged by an installation tool that will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 38 defines two diametrically opposed flat surfaces 40 that are separated from each other by a pair of arcuate or curved edges.

[0023] Referring again to FIG. 2, the rotor 18 is provided for selective engagement with the armature 26 so as to transmit torque between the input shaft 12 and the output member 14. The rotor 18 is disposed about the shaft 30 and coupled to the input shaft 12 for rotation therewith. The rotor 18 may be made of conventional metals and metal alloys, and includes a hub 42 and a rotor disk 44.

[0024] The hub 42 is tubular and includes a radially inwardly extending key 36 configured to be received in the keyways of the input shaft 12 and the hub 16. Adjacent to each axial end, the hub 42 supports bearings 46, 48. At its radially outermost diameter, the hub 42 defines axially extending inner rotor poles 50. The hub 42 further defines an axially extending recess 52 radially inward of the pole 50 for the purposes described below.

[0025] The disk 44 extends radially outward from the hub 42. The disk 44 is coupled to the hub 42 through press-fit relationships including a plurality of complementary lugs and notches. As is well known in the art, the disk 44 may include a plurality of radially spaced rows of angularly spaced banana-shaped slots 54. When the conduction assembly 22 is energized, the slots 54 move magnetic flux back and forth between the disk 44 and the armature 26 across a gap that allows for high torque engagement between the rotor 18 and the armature 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the disk 44 includes three rows of slots 54. However, it should be understood that the number of rows of slots 54, the number of slots 54 in any one row, and the size and shape of the slots 54 may vary. In its outer diameter, the disk 44 defines an axially extending outer rotor pole 56. The pole 56 is radially aligned with pole 50 and radially spaced outward from pole 50.

[0026] The field shell 20 is provided to house the conduction assembly 22. The shell 20 also forms part of the magnetic circuit that causes the selective engagement of the rotor 18 and the armature 26. The field shell 20 may be made from conventional metals and metal alloys, including steel. The shell 20 is cylindrical and positioned around the axis 30. Referring to Figure 1, the shell 20 is fixed in place to prevent rotation, for example, through fasteners 58 extending through slots within the shell 20. Referring again to Figure 2, the shell 20 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and includes radially inward and radially outward annular members 60, 62.

[0027] The inner member 60 is supported by the outer ring of the bearing 46. The member 60 has a substantially L-shaped cross-section and defines an inner pole 64 that extends in the axial direction. The pole 64 extends into the recess 52 of the hub 42 of the rotor 18 and is positioned radially inward of the inner rotor pole 50.

[0028] The outer member 62 is coupled to and supported by the inner member 60. The outer member 62 defines an end wall 66, an axially extending outer pole 68, and a flange 70. The end wall 66 extends radially outward from the member 60 and defines one or more recesses 72 for purposes described below. The pole 68 is integral with the end wall 66 and extends axially from the end wall 66. The pole 68 is positioned radially outward from the pole 56 of the rotor 18. An aperture 74 is also formed through the pole 68, through which leads for the conduction assembly 22 extend outward. The flange 70 is integral with the end of the pole 68 opposite the end wall 66 and extends radially outward from the end of the pole 68 opposite the end wall 66. Referring to Figure 1, the flange 70 extends along at least a portion of the circumference of the pole 68.

[0029] The conduction assembly 22 is provided to create a magnetic circuit between the rotor 18, the spacer 76 (or the hub 16 if the orientation of the input shaft 12 is reversed), the field shell 20, and the armature 26 to cause the armature 26 to move toward engagement with the rotor 18 and to transmit torque from the input shaft 12 to the output member 14. The conduction assembly 22 is substantially annular and is positioned around the axis 30 within the field shell 20. In particular, the assembly 22 is positioned between the inner pole 64 and the outer pole 68 of the shell 20. The assembly 22 includes the conductor 78 and the shell 80.

[0030] The conductor 78 may include a conventional copper coil, but other known conductors may be used as alternatives. The conductor 78 may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a battery. When the conductor 78 is energized, a magnetic circuit is formed between the rotor 18, the spacer 76 (or the hub 16 if the orientation of the input shaft 12 is reversed), the field shell 20, and the armature 26. Magnetic flux flows from the pole 68 of the shell 20 to the pole 56 of the rotor 18, across the air gap. The magnetic flux then travels back and forth between the disk 44 and the armature 26 across the air gap between them. The magnetic flux then flows from the disk 44 to the hub 42 of the rotor 18 along various paths indicated by arrows in Figure 2, and returns to the members 60, 62 of the field shell 20.

[0031] The shell 80 is provided for housing the conductor 78 and is also used to mount the conductor 78 within the field shell 20. The shell 80 may be molded from conventional plastic. The shell 80 may include an integral terminal connector 82 through which the conductor 78 may be electrically connected to a power source. The connector 82 may extend through an aperture 74 within the field shell 20. The shell 80 may also define one or more lugs 84 sized to be received in recesses 72 within the end wall 66 to prevent rotation of the conductive assembly 22. The shell 80 may further include radially outward-extending flanges 86 positioned close to the outer poles 68 of the field shell 20, which can be fixed to the field shell 20 at multiple locations.

[0032] The brake plate 24 provides a braking surface for engagement of the armature 26 with the brake output member 14. The brake plate 24 may be made from conventional materials having relatively low magnetoresistance, including conventional metals and metal alloys, such as steel. The brake plate 24 extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the device 10 and is coupled to the field shell 20. In particular, the brake plate 24 is coupled to the flange 70 of the field shell 20 using one or more fasteners 88. The fasteners 88 may be made from a non-magnetic material or a material having relatively high magnetoresistance to facilitate clutch engagement when the conduction assembly 22 is energized by reducing or eliminating magnetic flux transmission between the brake plate 24 and the field shell 20. The brake plate 24 may be axially spaced away from the flange 70 of the field shell 20 using one or more spacers 90. The spacers 90 may include a bore 92 through which the fasteners 88 extend. The spacer 90 may also be made of a non-magnetic material or a material with relatively high magnetoresistance in order to reduce or eliminate magnetic flux transmission between the brake plate 24 and the field shell 20. Referring to Figure 1, the brake plate 24 may include one or more radially extending, arc-shaped, spaced tabs 94, which are divided by radially extending, arc-shaped, spaced slots 96 formed in the brake plate 24 for purposes described below.

[0033] The armature 26 is provided to transmit braking torque to the output member 14 and to selectively transmit driving torque from the rotor 18 to the output member 14. The armature 26 can be made from a variety of conventional metals and metal alloys, including steel. The armature 26 has an annular configuration and is positioned around the axis 30. The armature 26 is axially spaced from the rotor 18 by an air gap. Similar to the rotor disk 44, the armature 26 includes multiple radially spaced rows of angularly spaced slots 98 to facilitate the movement of magnetic flux reciprocating between the rotor 18 and the armature 26 when the conduction assembly 22 is energized. In the illustrated embodiment, the armature 26 includes two rows of slots 98. The radially inner row of slots 98 of the armature 26 is positioned between the radially inner row and the radially central row of slots 54 of the rotor disk 44. The radially outer rows of slots 98 in the armature 26 are positioned between the radially central row and the radially outer row of slots 54 in the disk 44. It is understood that the number of rows of slots 98 in the armature 26, the number of slots 98 in any one row, and the size and shape of the slots 98 can vary. The armature 26 is coupled to the output member 14. In particular, the armature 26 may be coupled to the output member 14 by a plurality of leaf springs 100. The springs 100 transmit drive and braking torque from the armature 26 to the output member 14 and allow axial movement of the armature 26 relative to the member 14 and toward and away from the rotor disk 42. The springs 100 may be made of stainless steel and connected to the armature 26 at one end and to the output member 14 at the other end using conventional fasteners 102, such as rivets, screws, bolts or pins.

[0034] The magnets 28 are provided to create a magnetic circuit between the brake plate 24 and the armature 26 in order to draw the armature 26 into engagement with the brake plate 24 and provide braking torque to the output member 14. The magnets 28 may include neodymium iron boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets or other known permanent magnets. Referring to Figure 2, the magnets 28 may be embedded in a closed bore 104 within the brake plate 24 and positioned such that one face of the magnet 28 is coplanar with one side (and engagement surface) of the brake plate 24. Referring to Figure 1, the magnets 28 may be spaced apart from each other in an arc shape around the circumferential extension of the brake plate 24. A single magnet 28 may be located in each tab 94, and the slots 96 function to magnetically isolate each magnet 28 from other magnets 28. Alternatively, two or more magnets 28 may be located in a single tab 94 (and / or removed slots 96) if the multiple magnets 28 are appropriately spaced apart from each other. Magnets 28 may also be placed on every other tab 94 to increase the wear surface. It is further understood that the number and position of magnets 28 within the brake plate 24 may vary depending on the characteristics of the device 10 and the associated design requirements. As shown in the figure, the magnets 28 are arranged such that the opposing poles of adjacent magnets have the same polarity, thereby forming a parallel magnetic circuit. Alternatively, the magnets 28 may be arranged such that the opposing poles of adjacent magnets 28 have opposite polarity, thereby forming a less efficient series magnetic circuit. Referring again to Figure 2, the magnets 28 are axially aligned with a portion of the armature 26 and are oriented so that the magnetic flux moves axially through the magnets 28.

[0035] Specific forms of rotary coupling devices are shown in Figures 1 and 2, but it should be understood that the rotary coupling devices in the rotary coupling devices and installation tool kits described herein may vary, and the installation tools described below may be used with a variety of different rotary coupling devices. For example, device 10 may function as both a clutch and a brake, but the device may be configured to function as either a clutch or a brake only. Device 10 is driven using electromagnetic force, but alternatively, device 10 may be driven through fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) force. The kit described herein is any rotary coupling device which includes a hub, for example, a hub 16 configured to be attached to a shaft, for example, an input shaft 12, and positioned around a rotation axis 30 of the shaft 12 and spaced apart from the shaft 12, and a bore 34 which is centered on the rotation axis 30, aligned with a corresponding bore 32 in the shaft 12, and configured to receive a fastener extending along the rotation axis 30 through the bore 34 in the hub 16 into the bore 32 in the shaft 12, and the installation tools described herein may be used with any rotary coupling device.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, one embodiment of a tool 106 for mounting a rotary coupling device, such as device 10, to a shaft, such as an input shaft 12, is shown. The tool 106 includes a body 108 and an arm 110.

[0037] The body 108 is configured to receive the engaging hub 16, and in particular to engage with the flange 38 of the hub 16. The body 108 may be annular in shape and define an aperture 112 extending through it. Referring to Figure 4, in use, the aperture 112 is configured to be positioned around the input shaft 12, the hub 16, and an axis 30 extending through a fastener (not shown) that extends into the bore 32 of the input shaft 12 through the bore 34 of the hub 16. The aperture 112 has a shape complementary to the flange 38 of the hub 16 and the shape of the aperture 112. Referring again to Figure 3, the aperture 112 defines at least one plane 114. The plane 114 is configured to engage with a corresponding plane 40 of the flange 38 of the hub 16. Planes 40 and 114 cooperate to prevent relative rotation between the hub 16 and the tool 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outer surface 116 of the body 108 is circular in shape, and the aperture 112 defines a pair of diametrically opposed planes 114 separated by a curved or arched segment 118. However, it should be understood that the shape of the body 108 can vary, as long as the aperture 112 (which may be open or closed) has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub 16 and defines at least one plane 114 configured to engage with a corresponding plane 40 of the hub 16 in order to prevent relative rotation between the hub 16 and the tool 106.

[0038] The arm 110 extends from the main body 108 and is provided to allow the user to block or prevent movement of the tool 106 and, as a result, the hub 16 and input shaft 12 of the device 10 when a fastener rotates, entering the bore 32 of the input shaft 12 through the bore 34 of the hub 16 to secure the device 10 to the input shaft 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 110 includes an axially extending portion 120 and a radially extending portion 122.

[0039] Section 120 extends from the body 108 in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 30. Referring again to Figure 4, the configuration of section 120 of the arm 110 allows the body 108 of the tool 106 to engage with the hub 16 of the device 10, even when the hub 16 is deeply recessed into the output member 14. Referring again to Figure 3, section 120 has a roughly rectangular shape, and each side of section 120 is flat. However, it should be understood that the shape of section 120 can vary. The first axial end 124 of section 120 is coupled to the body 108, and the second axial end 126 of section 120 is coupled to section 122 of the arm 110. The width w of section 120 is constant except for the end 124 of section 120, where the width of section 120 increases when section 120 is in contact with the body 108. Similarly, the depth d of portion 120 is constant except for the end portion 124 of portion 120, where the depth of portion 120 decreases when portion 120 is in contact with the main body 108.

[0040] Section 122 extends radially from section 120 of arm 110, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis 30, and away from the axis 30. Section 122 is also roughly rectangular in shape, and each side of section 122 is flat. One end 128 of section 122 is joined to the end 126 of section 120 of arm 110. The ends 128 of section 122 and 126 of section 120 together define a curved transition section 130 having a 90-degree or approximately 90-degree arc. The opposite end 132 of section 122 defines a semicircular edge and defines an aperture 134 which can be used to fix arm 110 to a fixed structure to prevent movement of tool 106 when tool 106 is not in use, and / or to attach tool 106 to peg or other structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 134 has a rectangular shape, but it is understood that the shape of the aperture 134 can vary.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5, another embodiment of a tool 136 for mounting a rotary coupling device, such as device 10, to a shaft, such as an input shaft 12, is shown. The tool 136 includes a body 138 and an arm 140.

[0042] The body 138 receives the engaging hub 16 and is configured to engage in particular with the flange 38 of the hub 16. The body 138 may be annular in shape and define an aperture 142 extending through it. In use, the aperture 142 is configured to be positioned around the input shaft 12, the hub 16, and an axis 30 extending through a fastener (not shown) that enters the bore 32 of the input shaft 12 through the bore 34 of the hub 16. The aperture 142 has a shape complementary to the flange 38 of the hub 16, and the aperture 142 defines at least one plane 144. The plane 144 is configured to engage with the flange 38 of the corresponding plane 40 of the hub 16. Planes 40 and 144 cooperate to prevent relative rotation between the hub 16 and the tool 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 142 defines a pair of diametrically opposed planes 144 separated by a curved or arched segment 146. Furthermore, the shape of the radially outer surface of the body 138 varies along its axial length. A portion 148 of the body 138 defining the first axial end 150 of the body 138 is configured to engage with the hub 16 during use of the tool 136 and has a radially outer surface with a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture 142. In particular, the portion 148 defines a pair of diametrically opposed flat sides 152 separated by a diametrically opposed curved or arched side 154. Another portion 156 of the body 138 defining the second axial end 158 of the body 138 is spaced away from the hub 16 during use of the tool 136 and has a circular shape, projecting further outward in the entire radial direction from the axis 30 relative to the portion 148 of the body 138. In this case as well, it should be understood that the shape of the body 138 can change, insofar as the aperture 142 (which may be open or closed) has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub 16 and defines at least one plane 144 configured to engage with the corresponding plane 40 of the hub 16, thereby preventing relative rotation between the hub 16 and the tool 136.

[0043] The arm 140 extends from the body 138 and is provided to allow the user to block or prevent movement of the tool 136 and consequently the hub 16 and input shaft 12 of the device 10 when a fastener rotates, entering the bore 32 of the input shaft 12 through the bore 34 of the hub 16 to secure the device 10 to the input shaft 12. The arm 140 extends from the end 158 of the body 138 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis 30 and away from the axis 30. The arm 140 is substantially rectangular in shape, and each side of the arm 140 is flat. One end 160 of the arm 140 is coupled to the end 158 of the body 138. The opposite end 162 of the arm 140 defines a semicircular edge and may define an aperture similar to the aperture 134 in the tool 106, which can be used to attach the tool 136 to a peg or other structure when the tool 136 is not in use.

[0044] Here, with reference to Figure 6, a method for installing the rotary coupling device 10 will be described. The method may begin with step 164, in which the device 10 is attached to the input shaft 12. If an existing rotary coupling device is being replaced, steps related to the removal of the existing rotary coupling device and the preparation of the input shaft 12 (e.g., cleaning) may be performed before step 164. Step 164 may include several substeps 166, 168. In substep 166, one of the device 10 and shaft 12 is rotated around the axis 30 relative to the other of the device 10 and shaft 12 to align the key 36 of the rotor hub 42 with the keyway of the shaft 12. In substep 168, one of the device 10 and shaft 12 is moved along the axis 30 relative to the other of the device 10 and shaft 12 to move the key 36 into the keyway of the shaft 12. Upon completion of substep 168, the hub 16 is positioned around the axis of rotation 30 of the shaft 12 and spaced away from the shaft 12, and the bore 34 within the hub 16 is centered on the axis 30 and aligned with the bore 32 within the shaft 12. The method may follow step 170, which moves a tool 106 or 136 along the axis 30 and engages with the hub 16. In particular, the body 108 of tool 106 or the body 138 of tool 136 is moved along the axis 30 until the flange 38 of the hub 16 enters the aperture 112 or 142 of the corresponding tool 106 or 136. As a result, the plane 114 or 144 of the corresponding tool 106 or 136 engages with the flag 40 of the flange 38 of the hub 16. Once tool 106 or 136 engages with hub 16, the method may proceed to step 172, inserting the fastener through bore 34 of hub 16 into bore 32 of shaft 12. The method may then proceed to step 174, rotating the fastener around shaft 30 while simultaneously preventing the rotation of tools 106, 136 around shaft 30 until the fastener is tightened to a desired torque. By preventing the rotation of tools 106 or 136, the interface of planes 114 or 144 of tool 106 or 136 and the plane 40 of flange 38 of hub 16 prevent the hub 16 of device 12 from rotating around shaft 30.Furthermore, the interface of the key 36 in the aligned keyway within the shaft 12 and hub 16 prevents the shaft 12 from rotating around the shaft 30. In this way, the rotation and tightening of the fastener does not result in rotation of the shaft 12, thereby preventing misalignment between the device 10 and the shaft 12, and tightening the fastener to the desired torque.

[0045] The installation tool 106 or 136 for the rotary coupling device 10, the kit of the rotary coupling device 10 and the installation tool 106 or 136, and the method for installing the rotary coupling device 10, as taught in the present invention, represent improvements over conventional tools, kits, and methods. In particular, the tool 106 or 136, the kit of 10, 106 or 136, and the method of the present invention enable the installer to prevent rotation of the rotary coupling device hub 16 and thus the shaft 12 to which the rotary coupling device 10 is attached, even in devices where the hub 16 is deeply recessed into the pulley 14 or another component of the device 10, while the fastener used to secure the rotary coupling device 10 to the shaft 12 is rotating. As a result, the alignment of the shaft 12 and the rotary coupling device 10 can be maintained, and the fastener can be tightened to the desired torque without using a time-consuming and / or unsafe method of engaging the hub and rotating the input shaft 12.

[0046] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to one or more specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and forms can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, A rotary coupling device configured to be attached to a shaft, comprising a hub configured to be positioned around the axis of rotation of the shaft and spaced apart from the shaft, wherein the hub has a bore, centered on the axis of rotation, aligned with a corresponding bore in the shaft, and configured to receive a fastener extending through the bore in the hub into the bore in the shaft, along the axis of rotation, A tool for installing the rotary coupling device on the shaft The tool includes, A body that defines an aperture positioned around the rotation axis and configured to receive the hub of the rotary coupling device, wherein the aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub and defines at least one plane, An arm extending from the main body, wherein at least a portion of the arm is configured to be axially spaced away from the hub, and extends perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation, and A rotary coupling device and installation tool kit, comprising, wherein the tool is configured to fix the fastener so as not to move around the axis of rotation when the fastener is rotated and enters the hub and shaft of the rotary coupling device.

2. The aforementioned arm is An axially extending portion extending from the main body in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, From the axially extending portion, a radially extending portion extends in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation. A rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to claim 2, wherein the radially extending portion of the arm includes a first end connected to the axially extending portion of the arm, a second end opposite to the first end, and an aperture adjacent to the second end.

4. The rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a first axial end configured to receive the hub and a second axial end spaced apart from the hub, and the arm extends from the second axial end of the main body.

5. The rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to claim 1, wherein the main body has an annular shape.

6. The rotary coupling device and installation tool kit according to claim 1, wherein the aperture defines first and second opposing planes in the diametrical direction.

7. A method for installing a rotary coupling device, A step of mounting a rotary coupling device to a shaft such that the hub of the rotary coupling device is positioned around the axis of rotation of the shaft and spaced apart from the shaft, wherein the hub has a bore that is centered on the axis of rotation and is configured to be aligned with a corresponding bore in the shaft; A step of moving a tool along the axis of rotation and engaging with the hub, wherein the tool includes a body having a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defining an aperture defining at least one plane, and an arm extending from the body in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation, wherein at least a portion of the arm is axially spaced away from the hub of the rotary coupling device; The steps include inserting a fastener into the bore of the shaft through the bore of the hub, The steps of rotating the fastener around the rotation axis while preventing the rotation of the tool around the rotation axis, thereby preventing the rotation of the hub and shaft of the rotary coupling device; A method that includes this.

8. The arm of the tool is An axially extending portion extending from the main body in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, From the axially extending portion, a radially extending portion extends in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the radially extending portion of the arm includes a first end connected to the axially extending portion of the arm, a second end opposite to the first end, and an aperture adjacent to the second end.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the main body has a first axial end configured to receive the hub and a second axial end spaced apart from the hub, and the arm extends from the second axial end of the main body.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the main body has an annular shape.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the aperture defines a plane that is opposite to the first and second diametrically opposed planes.

13. The step of attaching the rotary coupling device to the shaft is: The steps include rotating one of the rotary coupling device and the shaft around the rotation axis relative to the other of the rotary coupling device and the shaft to align the key of the rotary coupling device, which is positioned in the keyway of the hub, with the keyway of the shaft, A step of moving one of the rotary coupling device and the shaft along the axis of rotation relative to the other of the rotary coupling device and the shaft, thereby moving the key into the keyway of the shaft. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

14. A tool for installing a rotary coupling device on a shaft, The device comprises a body defining an aperture configured to be positioned around an axis extending through the shaft, a hub of the rotary coupling device, and a fastener extending into the shaft through the hub, wherein the aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defines at least one plane, the body, hub and fastener, The arm extending from the main body and The arm includes, An axially extending portion extending from the main body in a direction parallel to the aforementioned axis, From the axially extending portion, a radially extending portion extends in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis. Tools, including

15. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the main body has an annular shape.

16. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the aperture defines first and second planes facing each other in the diametrical direction.

17. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the radially extending portion of the arm includes a first end connected to the axially extending portion of the arm, a second end opposite to the first end, and an aperture adjacent to the second end.

18. A tool for installing a rotary coupling device on a shaft, A body defining an aperture configured to be positioned around an axis extending through the shaft, a hub of the rotary coupling device, and a fastener extending into the shaft through the hub, wherein the aperture has a shape complementary to the shape of the hub of the rotary coupling device and defines at least one plane, and the body has a first axial end configured to receive the hub and a second axial end spaced apart from the hub, An arm extending from the second axial end of the main body in a direction perpendicular to and away from the axis, Tools including.

19. The tool according to claim 18, wherein the main body has an annular shape.

20. The tool according to claim 18, wherein the aperture defines first and second planes facing each other in the diametrical direction.

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