Flexible shaft coupling element, flexible couplings incorporating same and method for forming same

摘要

A flexible, elastomeric shaft coupling element (42) comprises a flexible sleeve shaped annular portion (46) with two opposed coupling receiving portions (48,50) having axially extending internal ribs or teeth (56) wherein each tooth has a length and circumferential width which define a tooth shear area, the sum of which possesses a cumulative shear capacity which is in excess of the torsional shear capacity of the annular portion. Preferably, fibres are incorporated in the elastomer. The invention also extends to couplings incorporating the element (42) and a method for forming said element.