Coupling assembly

Abstract

A coupling assembly, used for connecting a first shaft and a second shaft, and comprises a flexible coupling and a spherical hinge assembly (2), wherein the flexible coupling is provided with a first channel (15) running through the flexible coupling in the axial direction of the flexible coupling; and at least a part of the spherical hinge assembly (2) is located in the first channel (15), the spherical hinge assembly (2) comprises at least one spherical hinge (22), and the spherical hinge (22) comprises a ball seat (221), a ball body (222) rotatably arranged in the ball seat (221), and a connecting member (21) fixedly connected to the ball body (222). By means of the arrangement, the coupling assembly can transmit a rotating speed, torque and an axial force simultaneously.

Description

A coupling assembly

[0001] This patent application claims priority from the following Chinese patent applications:

[0002] Filing date: September 5, 2023; Application number: 202311142535.8; Invention title: Coupling assembly;

[0003] The entirety of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of shaft connection, and in particular to a coupling assembly capable of simultaneously transmitting rotational speed, torque and axial force. Background Art

[0005] Flexible couplings have a certain ability to compensate for the relative offset of the two connected shafts. Commonly used flexible couplings include cross-shaft couplings, diaphragm couplings, Oldham couplings, and plum blossom elastomer couplings. These existing flexible couplings are usually used under the following two working conditions when axial forces exist:

[0006] The first operating condition: When two drive shafts are operating at low speeds and low torques while simultaneously applying relatively small bidirectional axial forces, cross-shaft universal joints and diaphragm couplings can be temporarily used, but they are not permitted to operate for extended periods. The axial forces applied in these conditions must be very small. For cross-shaft universal joints, large axial forces can place excessive pressure on the bearings at the cross-shaft position, causing heating and abnormal wear, which in turn can produce noise and even abnormal vibration. Cross-shaft couplings are also generally bulky and have low rated speeds, making them rarely used at high speeds. In diaphragm couplings, the diaphragm is typically composed of multiple layers of stacked metal sheets. Large axial forces can cause significant wave deformation in the sheets, and even friction between the sheets can occur when transmitting speed and torque. Especially at high speeds, excessive diaphragm deformation can lead to destructive consequences such as cracking and sudden temperature rise, endangering equipment and personnel.

[0007] The second operating condition: When two drive shafts are operating at low speeds and low torques while simultaneously applying relatively small unidirectional axial forces, cross-shaft universal joints, diaphragm couplings, Oldham couplings, and plum blossom elastomer couplings can be temporarily used, but they are not permitted to operate for extended periods. The disadvantages of cross-shaft and diaphragm couplings are the same as those in the first operating condition. Oldham couplings and plum blossom elastomer couplings can only withstand slight thrust, not tension. In the event of tension, the coupling will disintegrate. Furthermore, when subjected to thrust, the high friction forces can quickly build up a significant amount of heat, leading to increased wear, melting, and even fire hazards.

[0008] To this end, the present invention proposes a coupling assembly that can simultaneously transmit speed, torque and axial force between two drive shafts, which can be used in the fields of automobiles, trains, aerospace, shipbuilding, testing equipment, etc.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a coupling assembly that can transmit rotational speed, torque and axial force simultaneously.

[0011] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] A coupling assembly for connecting a first shaft and a second shaft, comprising:

[0013] at least one flexible coupling having a first passage extending axially therethrough; and

[0014] A ball joint assembly, at least a portion of which is located in the first channel, the ball joint assembly comprising at least one ball joint, the ball joint comprising a ball seat, a sphere rotatably disposed in the ball seat, and a connecting member fixedly connected to the sphere.

[0015] In one embodiment, the central axis of the connecting member is parallel to or coaxial with the central axis of the first channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the coupling assembly also includes an extension sleeve, the extension sleeve having a second channel coaxial with the first channel and passing through the extension sleeve, and first mounting portions located at both axial ends of the extension sleeve; the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the first mounting portion of the extension sleeve, and at least a portion of the ball joint assembly is located in the first channel or the second channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one flexible coupling is installed at each of the first mounting portions at both axial ends of the extension sleeve.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one of the first mounting portions at both axial ends of the extension sleeve is mounted with at least one of the flexible couplings.

[0019] In one embodiment, the coupling assembly further includes a first mounting assembly, which includes a coupling mounting member and a ball joint mounting member, the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the coupling mounting member, and the ball joint is fixedly connected to the ball joint mounting member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the coupling mounting member includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and a first locking member. The inner sleeve has a second mounting portion and a third channel that are matched with the flexible coupling. The outer sleeve is sleeved on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The inner wall of the outer sleeve cooperates with the wedge surface of the outer wall of the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are fixedly connected by the first locking member. In the locked state, the outer sleeve exerts a force on the inner sleeve toward the third channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ball joint mounting member is fixed to an end surface of the first shaft or the second shaft.

[0022] In one embodiment, the coupling assembly further includes a second mounting assembly, and the ends of the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly on the same side are fixedly connected to the second mounting assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second mounting assembly includes a first flange, and ends of the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly on the same side are fixedly connected to the first flange.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second mounting assembly further includes a second flange and a second locking member, and the first flange and the second flange are fixedly connected via the second locking member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the coupling assembly is used to connect the first shaft and the second shaft, the axial ends of the flexible coupling are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft, and the axial ends of the ball joint assembly are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0026] In one embodiment, a dynamic balancing compensation device is also provided on the coupling assembly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the dynamic balance compensation device includes a plurality of holes provided on the coupling and mass blocks matched with the holes.

[0028] The present invention adopts the above-mentioned technical solution, which has the beneficial effect that the coupling assembly provided by the present invention uses a flexible coupling to transmit rotational speed and torque, and uses a ball joint assembly to transmit axial force, wherein the flexible coupling only transmits rotational speed and torque, but does not transmit axial force, and the ball joint assembly only transmits axial force, but does not transmit rotational speed and torque, so that the coupling can transmit rotational speed, torque and axial force at the same time, and is not easily damaged by the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a coupling assembly.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a diaphragm coupling.

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a ball joint assembly.

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a connection method between the ball joint assembly and the optical axis.

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a connection method of the diaphragm coupling and the coupling mounting member.

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a connection method of the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling to the optical axis.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a connection method of the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling to the first flange.

[0036] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a connection method in which the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling are connected to the flange shaft via the first flange.

[0037] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a connection method in which the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling are connected to the flange shaft through the first and second flanges.

[0038] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a connection method of a ball joint assembly and a diaphragm coupling to two flange shafts.

[0039] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of another connection method of connecting the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling to the two flange shafts.

[0040] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a connection method of a ball joint assembly and a diaphragm coupling to two optical axes.

[0041] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of another connection method between the ball joint assembly and the optical axis.

[0042] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another ball joint assembly and a connection method of the ball joint assembly and the diaphragm coupling with the optical axis and the flange axis.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a coupling assembly provided with threaded holes.

[0044] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a set screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be more clearly understood. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are only intended to illustrate the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0046] In the following description, for the purpose of illustrating the various disclosed embodiments, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other cases, well-known devices, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0047] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" and variations such as "include" and "have" should be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0048] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0049] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0050] In the following description, in order to clearly show the structure and working mode of the present invention, many directional words will be used for description, but words such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and should not be understood as restrictive terms.

[0051] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "overhanging" do not necessarily imply that a component must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted.

[0052] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] The object of the present invention is to provide a coupling assembly that can simultaneously transmit rotational speed, torque and axial force. Referring to Figures 1-3, the coupling assembly includes a flexible coupling and a ball joint assembly. The coupling assembly is located between the first shaft and the second shaft and is used to connect the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the flexible coupling is used to transmit rotational speed and torque, and the ball joint assembly is used to transmit axial force.

[0054] Specifically, the flexible coupling can be one with an elastic element. The elastic element of this type of coupling can deform to a certain extent, thereby absorbing misalignment caused by small parallel deviations and angular deviations between the two end transmission shafts, and also has a buffering and vibration reduction effect. This type of coupling can be existing couplings such as diaphragm couplings, plum blossom elastomer couplings, and bellows couplings. Similarly, the flexible coupling can also be one without an elastic element. This type of coupling can compensate for misalignment caused by relatively small parallel deviations and angular deviations, but does not have a buffering and vibration reduction effect. This type of coupling can be existing couplings such as slider couplings, gear couplings, and chain couplings.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2 , this embodiment illustrates a diaphragm coupling 1 as a flexible coupling. The diaphragm coupling 1 comprises a first diaphragm flange 11, a diaphragm 12, and a second diaphragm flange 13. The diaphragm 12 is positioned between the first and second diaphragm flanges 11, 13. The diaphragm 12 is composed of multiple stacked metal sheets. During installation and operation, the diaphragm 12 is allowed to deform slightly, thereby absorbing misalignment caused by small parallel and angular deviations between the drive shafts at both ends. The first diaphragm flange 11, diaphragm 12, and second diaphragm flange 13 are secured together by fixing bolts 14. The diaphragm coupling 1 also has a first channel 15 extending axially through the first, diaphragm, 12, and second diaphragm flanges 11, 13.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, at least a portion of the ball joint assembly 2 is located in the first channel 15. The ball joint assembly 2 includes at least one ball joint 22. Each ball joint 22 includes a ball seat 221, a sphere 222 rotatably disposed in the ball seat 221, and a connecting member 21 fixedly connected to the sphere 222. The connecting member 21 can be integral with the sphere 222 of each ball joint 22, or it can be independent of the sphere 222 of each ball joint 22. As shown in Figure 3, the spheres 222 of the two ball joints 22 are fixedly connected to the same connecting member 21 by bolts.

[0057] Preferably, the connecting member 21 is arranged parallel to the first channel 15 of the diaphragm coupling 1. More preferably, the connecting member 21 is arranged coaxially with the first channel 15 of the diaphragm coupling 1. The sphere 222 and the ball seat 221 form a ball joint structure, and the sphere 222 can rotate in all directions relative to the ball seat 221. The relative movement between the sphere 222 and the ball seat 221 can absorb the misalignment caused by small parallel deviations and angular deviations between the transmission shafts at both ends. Figure 3 shows a structure of a ball joint assembly 2, which includes two ball joints 22. The ball seat 221 of the ball joint 22 is composed of a first ball socket 2211 and a second ball socket 2212 that are arranged opposite to each other. The first ball socket 2211 and the second ball socket 2212 are fixed into a whole by bolts 2213, and form a spherical space to accommodate the sphere 222. The sphere 222 is fixed in the spherical space of the ball seat 221, forming a mutually matching ball joint structure with the ball seat 221. The two spheres 222 are connected to the connecting member 21 via bolts 23 respectively.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 1, the diaphragm coupling 1 connects the first and second shafts at its axial ends, transmitting only the rotational speed and torque between the first and second shafts, and not axial force. During operation, the diaphragm 12 in the diaphragm coupling 1 only bears torque, and any deformation of the diaphragm 12 during movement is caused by torque. The diaphragm coupling 1 does not bear axial force, thus effectively protecting the diaphragm coupling.

[0059] The axial ends of the ball joint assembly 2 are connected to the first and second shafts, respectively, and only the axial force between the first and second shafts is transmitted. Because the ball 222 can rotate freely relative to the ball seat 221, there is no torque in the ball joint assembly 2, and neither rotation speed nor torque is transmitted, which effectively protects the ball joint assembly.

[0060] This embodiment only illustrates an example of a ball joint assembly consisting of two ball joints. In actual applications, the ball joint assembly may have only one ball joint, or may be composed of two or more ball joints connected end to end along the axial direction. A ball joint assembly containing two or more ball joints can absorb misalignment caused by larger parallel deviations and angular deviations between the two drive shafts. A ball joint assembly with only a single ball joint can only absorb misalignment caused by smaller angular deviations between the two drive shafts. In addition, the first shaft and the second shaft can be connected by multiple ball joint assemblies arranged in parallel, and multiple parallel ball joint assemblies can withstand greater axial forces.

[0061] Referring again to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the coupling assembly further includes an extension sleeve 16 having a second passage 17 coaxially disposed with the first passage 15 and extending therethrough, as well as first mounting portions 18 located at either axial end of the extension sleeve 16. The second passage 17 typically has a similar inner diameter to the first passage 15, with the inner diameter being determined based on the size of the ball joint assembly so as not to interfere with its installation and movement. The second passage 17 typically serves as an extension of the first passage 15. The ball joint assembly can be located within both the first and second passages 15, 17, or only within the first or second passage 17, depending on the length of the ball joint assembly and its connection structure with the first and second shafts. The extension sleeve 16 has flange surfaces formed at either axial end to mate with the second diaphragm flange 13, serving as the first mounting portions 18. The extension sleeve 16 is fixedly connected to the second diaphragm flange 13 on either side via bolts 19.

[0062] FIG2 shows an example diagram of a diaphragm coupling 1 mounted on each of the first mounting portions 18 at the axial ends of the extension sleeve 16. The two diaphragm couplings 1 are used to connect the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively. Of course, it is also possible to mount only one diaphragm coupling 1 on one of the first mounting portions 18 at the axial ends of the extension sleeve 16, with the diaphragm coupling 1 and the other first mounting portion 18 connected to the first shaft or the second shaft, respectively. A single diaphragm coupling can absorb misalignment caused by small angular deviations between the two drive shafts, while two diaphragm couplings can absorb misalignment caused by larger parallel deviations and angular deviations between the two drive shafts. It is also possible to mount multiple diaphragm couplings connected end to end along the axial direction on a single first mounting portion 18. That is, multiple diaphragm couplings connected end to end can form a diaphragm coupling group to achieve functions equivalent to or similar to those of a single diaphragm coupling.

[0063] In order to facilitate the fixed connection between the coupling assembly and the shaft, in one embodiment, the coupling assembly also includes a first mounting assembly, the first mounting assembly includes a coupling mounting member and a ball joint mounting member, the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the coupling mounting member, the coupling mounting member is connected to the first shaft or the second shaft, the ball joint is fixedly connected to the ball joint mounting member, and the ball joint mounting member is connected to the first shaft or the second shaft.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4 , the ball joint mounting member, a plate-shaped ball joint plate 4, is used to securely connect the ball joint 22 to the optical axis 8. During installation, the ball joint assembly 2 and the ball joint plate 4 are first secured using bolts 41, and then the ball joint plate 4 is secured to the end face of the optical axis 8 using bolts 42.

[0065] The ball joint mounting member can also be a connecting shaft 43 with an I-shaped cross-section, as shown in Figure 13 . The second ball socket 2212 of the ball joint 22 is secured to the connecting shaft 43 via bolts 44 , and the connecting shaft 43 is then secured to the end face of the optical axis 8 via bolts 45 . Alternatively, the ball joint plate 4 in Figure 4 , the connecting shaft 43 in Figure 13 , or even the optical axis 8 and associated transition pieces, can be integrated with the second ball socket 2212 to achieve a similar mounting effect.

[0066] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, as a fixed connection between the diaphragm coupling 1 and the optical axis, the coupling mounting assembly includes an inner sleeve 31, an outer sleeve 32, and a first locking member 33. The inner sleeve 31 has a second mounting portion 311 on the end surface opposite the diaphragm coupling 1, which is configured to mate with the diaphragm coupling 1. This second mounting portion 311 is a flange surface that mates with the first diaphragm flange 11 of the diaphragm coupling 1. The first diaphragm flange 11 and the second mounting portion 311 are fixedly connected by bolts 34. The inner sleeve 31 also includes a conduit portion that accommodates a portion of the end of the first or second shaft. The conduit portion has a third channel 312 that mates with the first or second shaft and is provided with a clearance fit therewith. The outer circumferential surface of the conduit portion is a first inclined surface, the radial thickness of which gradually decreases along its axial direction away from the second mounting portion 311. The outer sleeve 32 is sleeved onto the outer tube portion of the inner sleeve 31. The inner wall of the outer sleeve 32 features a second inclined surface that matches the outer circumference of the outer sleeve 32. The radial thickness of this second inclined surface gradually increases along its axial direction away from the second mounting portion 311, creating a wedge-shaped fit between the first inclined surface on the outer wall of the inner sleeve 31 and the second inclined surface on the inner wall of the outer sleeve. The first locking member 33 is a bolt that axially secures the inner and outer sleeves. During the locking phase, due to the wedge-shaped fit between the first and second inclined surfaces, tightening the first locking member 33 causes the outer sleeve 32 to exert a force on the inner sleeve 31 toward the third channel 312, tightening the inner sleeve 31 against the optical axis and thus achieving a rigid connection between the diaphragm coupling 1 and the optical axis.

[0067] During installation, referring to Figure 5 , connect the diaphragm coupling 1 to the inner sleeve 31 using bolts 34. Insert the outer sleeve 32 into the inner sleeve 31 and insert the bolts, which serve as the first locking members 33. At this point, do not tighten the bolts; they remain loose. Referring to Figure 6 , insert the assembled diaphragm coupling 1 and the coupling mounting assembly shown in Figure 5 into the optical shaft 8. Once inserted to the appropriate depth, tighten the bolts, which serve as the first locking members 33, to tighten the inner sleeve 31 onto the optical shaft 8, thus achieving a rigid connection between the diaphragm coupling 1 and the optical shaft 8.

[0068] Furthermore, the coupling mounting members of the diaphragm couplings shown in Figures 5 and 6 are expansion-type, but are not limited to expansion-type coupling mounting members. Inner sleeve 31 may also employ a slotted bolt clamping structure, a keyway structure, a spline structure, or other similar structures. As long as inner sleeve 31 can be connected to the drive shaft and ensure speed and torque transmission between the two drive shafts, the coupling mounting effect of the present invention can be achieved.

[0069] In another embodiment, the coupling further includes a second mounting assembly, and the ends of the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly on the same side are fixedly connected to the second mounting assembly, and the second mounting assembly is used to connect the first shaft or the second shaft.

[0070] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a fixed connection method is used between the ball hinge assembly 2, the diaphragm coupling 1 and the flange shaft 9. The second mounting assembly is a first flange 51, which has a ball hinge assembly portion 511 that matches the ball hinge of the ball hinge assembly 2 and a coupling assembly portion 512 that matches the diaphragm coupling 1. During installation, the first flange 51 is connected to the second diaphragm flange 13 of the diaphragm coupling 1 by bolts 513, at which time the connection between the first flange 51 and the diaphragm coupling 1 is realized. The first flange 51 is connected to the second ball socket 2212 by bolts 514, at which time the connection between the first flange 51 and the ball hinge assembly 2 is realized.

[0071] Referring to Figure 8 again, the diaphragm coupling 1 and the first flange 51 of the ball joint assembly 2 installed in Figure 7 are connected to the flange surface 91 of the flange shaft 9 through bolts 515, that is, the diaphragm coupling 1 and the ball joint assembly 2 are connected to the flange shaft 9.

[0072] Referring to Figure 9, in an optional embodiment, the second mounting assembly further includes a second flange 52 and a second locking member 53. The first flange 51 and the second flange 52 are fixedly connected via the second locking member 53, and the second flange 52 is used to connect to the flange shaft 9. During installation, the second flange 52 is fixedly connected to the flange surface 91 of the flange shaft 9 via bolts 521. The first flange 51 and the second flange 52 are then fixedly connected via the bolts serving as the second locking member 53, thereby enabling the diaphragm coupling 1 and the ball hinge assembly 2 to be connected to the flange shaft 9. Compared to using a single first flange 51 to connect the diaphragm coupling 1 and the ball hinge assembly 2 to the flange shaft 9, the addition of the second flange 52 can accommodate fixed connections between flange shafts with flange surfaces of different sizes, and can even accommodate fixed connections to an optical axis.

[0073] The combination of the first and second mounting assemblies allows the diaphragm coupling 1 and ball joint assembly 2 to be connected to different shafts. For example, in Figure 10 , the diaphragm coupling 1 and ball joint assembly 2 are fixedly connected to two flanged shafts 9 via the first flange 51 and the second flange 52 . In Figure 11 , the diaphragm coupling 1 and ball joint assembly 2 are fixedly connected to two flanged shafts 9 via the first flange 51 .

[0074] Referring to Figure 12, the first flange 51 can also cooperate with the inner sleeve 31 in the coupling mounting member to achieve a fixed connection with the optical axis 8. The inner sleeve 31 is tightened onto the optical axis 8 through the cooperation of the outer sleeve 32 and the first locking member 33, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the inner sleeve 31 and the optical axis 8. Then, the first flange 51 is fixedly connected to the flange surface of the inner sleeve 31 via bolts 516, thereby allowing the diaphragm coupling 1 and the ball joint assembly 2 to be fixed to the optical axis 8 via the first flange 51 and the coupling mounting member. Alternatively, the first flange 51 is first fixedly connected to the flange surface of the inner sleeve 31 via bolts 516, and then the inner sleeve 31 is tightened onto the optical axis 8 through the cooperation of the outer sleeve 32 and the first locking member 33, thereby fixing the inner sleeve 31 and the first flange 51 to the optical axis 8.

[0075] The ball joints of the present invention can be configured in other ways depending on the actual working conditions. Figure 3 illustrates only one type of ball joint. Referring to Figure 14 , another common ball joint is shown, whose structure and principle are consistent with those described above. In Figure 14 , the spheres of two ball joints 22 are integrally formed with a connector, which is then connected by a threaded rod 24 to form a ball joint assembly.

[0076] One end of the ball joint 22 of the ball joint assembly is fixed to the first flange 51 or the ball joint plate 4 by a bolt 25, and the first flange 51 or the ball joint plate 4 is locked on the corresponding flange shaft or optical axis by bolts, thereby realizing a fixed connection between the ball joint assembly and the shaft.

[0077] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, in another optional embodiment, a dynamic balancing compensation device is also provided on the coupling to make it suitable for transmission shaft systems that require high-speed operation. Referring to Figure 15, the coupling of the present invention can be machined with multiple threaded holes 61 on the outer circumferential surface and end faces of parts such as the first flange 51, the second flange 52, the extension sleeve 16, and the inner sleeve 31, and a set screw 62 that matches the threaded hole 61 is used as a mass block. Based on the imbalance result measured by the dynamic balancing instrument, the set screw 62 is screwed into the threaded hole 61 where the mass needs to be increased. This method of increasing the mass block can achieve rapid dynamic balancing mass block adjustment, which is more convenient and quicker than dynamic balancing methods that remove material such as drilling or cutting.

[0078] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that, after reading the above teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to the present invention. Such equivalents also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coupling assembly, characterized in that: include: at least one flexible coupling, the flexible coupling having a first passage extending through the flexible coupling along its axial direction; as well as A ball joint assembly, at least a portion of which is located in the first channel, the ball joint assembly includes at least one ball joint, the ball joint includes a ball seat, a sphere rotatably disposed in the ball seat, and a connecting piece fixedly connected to the sphere.

2. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The central axis of the connecting member is parallel to or coaxial with the central axis of the first channel.

3. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling assembly also includes an extension sleeve, which has a second channel coaxial with the first channel and passing through the extension sleeve, and first mounting portions located at both axial ends of the extension sleeve; the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the first mounting portion of the extension sleeve, and at least a portion of the ball joint assembly is located in the first channel or the second channel.

4. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the flexible couplings is respectively installed at the first installation portions at both axial ends of the extension sleeve.

5. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the first mounting portions at both axial ends of the extension sleeve is mounted with at least one of the flexible couplings.

6. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling assembly also includes a first mounting assembly, which includes a coupling mounting piece and a ball joint mounting piece. The flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the coupling mounting piece, and the ball joint is fixedly connected to the ball joint mounting piece.

7. The coupling assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The coupling mounting component includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and a first locking piece. The inner sleeve has a second mounting portion and a third channel matched with the flexible coupling. The outer sleeve is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the inner sleeve. The inner wall of the outer sleeve cooperates with the wedge surface of the outer wall of the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are fixedly connected by the first locking piece. In the locked state, the outer sleeve exerts a force on the inner sleeve toward the third channel.

8. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling assembly also includes a second mounting assembly, and the ends of the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly on the same side are fixedly connected to the second mounting assembly.

9. The coupling assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that The second mounting assembly includes a first flange, and ends of the flexible coupling and the ball joint assembly on the same side are fixedly connected to the first flange.

10. The coupling assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that The second mounting assembly further includes a second flange and a second locking member, and the first flange and the second flange are fixedly connected via the second locking member.

11. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling assembly is used to connect the first shaft and the second shaft, the axial ends of the flexible coupling are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft, and the axial ends of the ball joint assembly are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft.

12. The coupling assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: A dynamic balance compensation device is also arranged on the coupling assembly.

13. The coupling assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The dynamic balance compensation device comprises a plurality of holes arranged on the coupling and mass blocks arranged to match the holes.

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