A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage that varies dependent upon the position of each sliding connection along the first shaft.

A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage that varies dependent upon the position of each sliding connection along the first shaft.

A scissor gear assembly 1 has a main gear 3 and auxiliary gear 5 concentric to the main gear and in axial direction near the main gear. Further the assembly has a planar annular spring 7 being interrupted at one place. At the interruption the spring has two ends 7A and 7B. The spring is present between both gears and is with one end 7A connected to the main gear 3 and with the other end 7B to the auxiliary gear 5, so that both gears are connected to each other in rotation direction via the spring. Each end 7A, 7B of the spring is provided with an extension 9 forming extra mass. These extensions are each provided with a slot 13. Because of these extra masses the spring torque will vary depending on the rotational speed of the gear assembly.

A scissor gear assembly 1 has a main gear 3 and auxiliary gear 5 concentric to the main gear and in axial direction near the main gear. Further the assembly has a planar annular spring 7 being interrupted at one place. At the interruption the spring has two ends 7A and 7B. The spring is present between both gears and is with one end 7A connected to the main gear 3 and with the other end 7B to the auxiliary gear 5, so that both gears are connected to each other in rotation direction via the spring. Each end 7A, 7B of the spring is provided with an extension 9 forming extra mass. These extensions are each provided with a slot 13. Because of these extra masses the spring torque will vary depending on the rotational speed of the gear assembly.

A torque limiting device comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a machined torsion spring having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the torsion spring are coupled to the both the input shaft and the output shaft, whereby torque is transmitted between the input shaft and output shaft via the torsion spring. The couplings between the torsion spring and the input shaft and the output shaft permit limited relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft. The device further comprises a jamming mechanism operable in response to relative rotation between the input shaft and output shaft to stop rotation of both the input shaft and the output shaft.

A torque limiting device comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a machined torsion spring having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the torsion spring are coupled to the both the input shaft and the output shaft, whereby torque is transmitted between the input shaft and output shaft via the torsion spring. The couplings between the torsion spring and the input shaft and the output shaft permit limited relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft. The device further comprises a jamming mechanism operable in response to relative rotation between the input shaft and output shaft to stop rotation of both the input shaft and the output shaft.

A drive transmission device includes: a first rotating member that rotates with driving power received from a driving source, a second rotating member that rotates with driving power from the first rotating member, and a driving-side engagement member and a driven-side engagement member for transmitting the driving power of the first rotating member to the second rotating member, wherein the driving-side engagement member and the driven-side engagement member engage with each other in a state in which the first rotating member is rotating whereby a power applying portion and a power receiving portion engage with each other while resisting against a second biasing power.

The present invention relates to a rotational force driving assembly and a process cartridge used for being engaged with a rotational force driving head inside an electrophotographic image forming device. The rotational force driving assembly can comprise a hub, a rotational force receiving component, a side plate, and an axis offset adjusting mechanism. When the axis offset adjusting mechanism is not subjected to external force, the axis offset adjusting mechanism enables the axis of the rotational force receiving component to be parallel and offset to the axis of the hub. When the axis offset adjusting mechanism is subjected to external force, the rotational force receiving component extends out to be engaged with the rotational force driving head.

The present invention relates to a rotational force driving assembly and a process cartridge used for being engaged with a rotational force driving head inside an electrophotographic image forming device. The rotational force driving assembly can comprise a hub, a rotational force receiving component, a side plate, and an axis offset adjusting mechanism. When the axis offset adjusting mechanism is not subjected to external force, the axis offset adjusting mechanism enables the axis of the rotational force receiving component to be parallel and offset to the axis of the hub. When the axis offset adjusting mechanism is subjected to external force, the rotational force receiving component extends out to be engaged with the rotational force driving head.

A phase adjuster assembly configured to adjust a phase between a driving component and a driven component of an internal combustion engine is generally provided. The assembly includes an input gear assembly comprising an input gear configured to engage a driving component, and a spline carrier. An output gear assembly includes an output gear configured to engage a driven component, and a drive plate configured to drivingly engage with the spline carrier. Various components disclosed herein are formed as stamped sheet metal components. Additionally, various connections between adjacent components are provided via relative uncomplicated processes, such as welding.