Threaded anti-loosening structure and anti-loosening method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of thread locking, and particularly relates to a thread locking structure and a locking method. The thread locking structure comprises a bolt penetrating through a fastened part, a nut and a cap which are sequentially installed on the bolt; a limiting groove perpendicular to the thread is formed on the outer wall of the bolt; the side of the nut away from the fastened part is provided with an annular flange, the annular flange is provided with a vertical groove and an annular groove, the vertical groove and the annular flange form an insertion surface, the annular groove and the annular flange form a clamping surface, the direction from the insertion surface to the clamping surface is the tightening direction of the nut; the cap is provided with a first inner hole and a second inner hole, the first inner hole is provided with a first flange, the first flange can pass through the vertical groove and abut against the clamping surface, the second inner hole is provided with a second flange, and the second flange is inserted into the limiting groove. The present application solves the problems of complicated installation and dismounting of the existing mechanical locking structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thread anti-loosening technology, and in particular to a thread anti-loosening structure and method. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] Threaded connections are a common type of detachable connection, offering advantages such as simple structure, reliable connection, and easy assembly and disassembly. Threaded fasteners are used in almost all mechanical equipment. However, current threaded fasteners can loosen under vibration or other conditions, posing certain safety hazards.

[0004] Common thread locking methods include friction locking, mechanical locking, and permanent locking. Friction locking has poor reliability, and permanent locking affects secondary use. In contrast, mechanical locking has the advantages of reliable operation and reusability. Common mechanical locking methods include locking washers or series wires. Locking washers require bending the washer after tightening, while series wires require threading the wires sequentially after tightening. Therefore, installation and operation are cumbersome, and disassembly is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making them inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a thread anti-loosening structure to solve the problem of cumbersome installation and disassembly of existing mechanical anti-loosening structures.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A threaded anti-loosening structure for locking a fastener includes: a bolt passing through the fastener and a nut and a bolt mounted sequentially on the bolt; a limiting groove perpendicular to the thread is formed on the outer wall of the bolt; the nut has an annular flange on the side opposite to the fastener, the annular flange having a vertical groove and an annular groove, the vertical groove forming an insertion surface with the annular flange, and the annular groove forming a snap-fit ​​surface with the annular flange, the direction from the insertion surface to the snap-fit ​​surface being the direction of tightening the nut; the bolt has a first inner hole and a second inner hole, the first inner hole having a first flange that can pass through the vertical groove and abut against the snap-fit ​​surface, the second inner hole having a second flange that inserts into the limiting groove.

[0008] Preferably, the outer diameter of the annular flange of the nut is smaller than the diameter of the first inner hole of the nut, and the diameter of the second inner hole is larger than the diameter of the bolt.

[0009] Preferably, the first flange and the second flange of the nut are located on the same straight line.

[0010] Preferably, the vertical groove and the annular groove are evenly distributed in multiple sets on the annular flange, and the first inner hole of the nut is evenly provided with the same number of first flanges; or, the vertical groove and the annular groove are evenly distributed in multiple sets on the annular flange, and the first inner hole of the nut is provided with one first flange.

[0011] Preferably, the cross-section of the limiting groove of the bolt is rectangular, triangular, semi-circular or trapezoidal, and the shape of the second flange of the nut is the same as the shape of the limiting groove.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the limiting groove in the bolt is the same as the length of the thread, and the depth of the limiting groove is the same as the depth of the bolt thread.

[0013] Preferably, the bolt has 2-3 limiting grooves, and the nut has the same number of second flanges in its second inner hole.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom surface of the bolt limiting groove is located above the upper end surface of the nut.

[0015] Preferably, the upper end face of the bolt is lower than the upper end face of the nut, and the upper end face of the nut is provided with a cap that covers the entire second inner hole.

[0016] This invention also provides a method for preventing loosening of the threaded anti-loosening structure as described above, comprising:

[0017] When the nut is installed on the bolt, if the bolt limiting groove is aligned with the vertical groove of the nut when the thread preload meets the predetermined value, the rotation stops. If the bolt limiting groove is not aligned with the vertical groove of the nut, the rotation continues in the tightening direction until the bolt limiting groove aligns with the vertical groove of the nut.

[0018] Align the second flange of the nut with the limiting groove of the bolt, and slide the nut until it contacts the nut;

[0019] Rotate the nut in the opposite direction so that the first flange of the nut abuts against the snap-fit ​​surface of the nut.

[0020] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0021] After installation, the anti-loosening structure prevents the nut from rotating in the loosening direction under vibration or other environmental conditions. The nut's locking surface remains pressed against the second flange, preventing it from disengaging from the vertical groove. Simultaneously, the engagement of the limiting groove and the second flange prevents the nut from rotating, thus preventing loosening. This anti-loosening structure is reliable and reusable. Installation only requires a reverse rotation of a certain angle to achieve anti-loosening. Disassembly is simple: first tighten the nut to a certain angle, then remove the nut and loosen the nut. Compared to existing mechanical anti-loosening structures, this design is convenient to use.

[0022] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external shape of the thread anti-loosening structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of the thread anti-loosening structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fit between the nut and bolt in the thread-locking structure provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nut in the thread anti-loosening structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper side of the nut in the thread-locking structure provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom side of the nut in the thread-locking structure provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bolt in the threaded anti-loosening structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a bolt with two grooves in the threaded anti-loosening structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the bolt with shortened limiting groove in the thread anti-loosening structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Half-section view of the bolt fit;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the external shape of a threaded anti-loosening structure with a cap provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a half-sectional view of a nut with a cap in the thread-locking structure provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Bolt; 11. Limiting groove; 2. Nut; 21. First inner hole; 22. Second inner hole; 23. Second flange; 24. First flange; 25. Cap; 3. Nut; 31. Annular flange; 32. Annular groove; 33. Vertical groove; 34. Insertion surface; 35. Snap-fit ​​surface; 4. Fastener to be fastened;

[0038] The distances or dimensions between parts have been exaggerated to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0040] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the invention, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] For ease of description, the terms "upper" and "lower" appearing in this invention only indicate that they correspond to the upper and lower directions of the accompanying drawings and do not limit the structure. They are merely for the purpose of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components, or the interaction relationship between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0042] like Figures 1-12 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a threaded anti-loosening structure is proposed for locking a fastener 4, comprising: a bolt 1 passing through the fastener 4, and a nut 3 and a screw cap 2 sequentially mounted on the bolt 1; a limiting groove 11 perpendicular to the thread is provided on the outer wall of the bolt 1; the nut 3 has an annular flange 31 on the side away from the fastener 4, the annular flange 31 has a vertical groove 33 and an annular groove 32, the vertical groove 33 and the annular flange 31 form an insertion surface 34, the annular groove 32 and the annular flange 31 form a snap-fit ​​surface 35, the direction from the insertion surface 34 to the snap-fit ​​surface 35 is the direction of tightening the nut 3; the screw cap 2 has a first inner hole 21 close to the nut 3 and a second inner hole 22 away from the nut 3, the outer diameter of the annular flange 31 of the nut 3 is smaller than the diameter of the first inner hole 21 of the screw cap 2, and the diameter of the second inner hole 22 is larger than the diameter of the bolt 1. The first inner hole 21 is provided with a first flange 24, which can pass through the vertical groove 33 and abut against the snap-fit ​​surface 35. The second inner hole 22 has a second flange 23, which is inserted into the limiting groove 11.

[0043] As is well known, threads can still rotate a certain angle even after tightening. This invention utilizes this characteristic. In use, the nut 3 is installed on the bolt 1, and the second flange 23 of the nut 2 is aligned with the limiting groove 11 of the bolt 1. The nut 2 is then fitted onto the bolt 1, and the nut 3 is tightened until the first flange 24 of the nut 2 is inserted into the vertical groove 33 of the nut 3. Then, the nut 3 is rotated in the opposite direction so that the first flange 24 abuts against the snap-fit ​​surface 35 of the nut 3. Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown. Because the tightening is intentionally done by a certain angle while the reverse rotation angle is small, the preload required to lock in place can be guaranteed.

[0044] After installation, the anti-loosening structure ensures that the nut 3 will only tend to rotate in the loosening direction under vibration and other environmental conditions. Therefore, the locking surface 35 of the nut 3 will always abut against the second flange 23, preventing the second flange 23 from dislodging from the vertical groove 33. Simultaneously, the cooperation between the limiting groove 11 and the second flange 23 prevents the nut 2 from rotating, thus preventing the nut 3 from loosening. This anti-loosening structure has advantages such as reliable operation and reusability. Furthermore, during installation, only a certain angle of reverse rotation is needed to achieve anti-loosening. For disassembly, first tighten the nut 3 to a certain angle, at which point the nut 2 can be removed from the nut 3, and then the nut 3 can be loosened. Disassembly is simple and more convenient than existing mechanical anti-loosening structures.

[0045] During installation, if the nut 3 and the bolt 2 are simultaneously installed onto the bolt 1 and then tightened, it is inconvenient to observe the relative position of the vertical groove 33 of the nut 3 and the first flange 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first flange 24 and the second flange 23 of the bolt 2 are located on the same straight line, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown. Since the second flange 23 is used to mate with the limiting groove 11 of the bolt 1, by arranging the first flange 24 and the second flange 23 on the same straight line, the position of the first flange 24 on the circumference after the nut 2 is installed can be known. Therefore, the nut 2 can be installed without first tightening the nut 3 into place, which is convenient for observation and operation.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the vertical groove 33 and the annular groove 32 are evenly distributed in multiple sets on the annular flange 31, for example, 4-6 sets. In this embodiment, 5 sets are used. It can be understood that the first inner hole 21 of the nut 2 should be evenly provided with the same number of first flanges 24 so that the first flanges 24 and the vertical grooves 33 correspond one-to-one; or the first inner hole 21 of the nut 2 is provided with only one first flange 24.

[0047] The cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove 11 of the bolt 1 can be regular or irregular, as long as it can satisfy the requirement of circumferentially locking the nut 2. For example, the cross-section of the limiting groove 11 of the bolt 1 can be rectangular, triangular, semi-circular or trapezoidal, and the shape of the second flange 23 of the nut 2 is the same as the shape of the limiting groove 11.

[0048] Since bolt 1 may be used in different situations, the thickness of the fastener 4 it needs to connect is variable. In order to adapt to different applications, such as... Figure 7As shown, the length of the limiting groove 11 in the bolt 1 is the same as the length of the thread. At the same time, in order to ensure the connection strength between the bolt 1 and the nut 3, the depth of the limiting groove 11 is the same as the thread depth of the bolt 1.

[0049] Furthermore, to ensure the limiting effect of the limiting groove 11 and the second flange 23, the bolt 1 can have multiple limiting grooves 11, such as 2-3. Figure 8 As shown, the second inner hole 22 of the nut 2 is provided with the same number of second flanges 23.

[0050] To balance the connection strength between nut 3 and bolt 1 with the limiting effect of the limiting groove 11 and the second flange 23, in known application scenarios, the length of the limiting groove 11 can be shortened while the depth of the limiting groove 11 can be increased, such as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the bottom surface of the bolt 1 limiting groove 11 is located above the upper end surface of the nut 3, and the depth of the limiting groove 11 is greater than the thread depth of the bolt 1. In this way, the connection strength between the nut 3 and the bolt 1 can be guaranteed, while also taking into account the limiting effect of the limiting groove 11 and the second flange 23.

[0051] In some cases requiring anti-theft measures, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the bolt 1 is lower than the upper surface of the nut 2, and the upper surface of the nut 2 is provided with a cap 25, which covers the entire second inner hole 22. Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown. In this invention, the nut 2 and the bolt are connected by a longitudinal sliding connection rather than a rotating connection, and the nut 3 only has a tendency to rotate in the loosening direction. This causes the first flange of the nut 2 to be stuck in the annular groove of the nut 3. When the upper end of the nut 3 is covered by the cap 25, people who are unaware of this structure will obviously not think that they need to tighten the nut 3 further before removing the nut 2. Therefore, they cannot remove the nut 2 by rotating it or moving it directly. Through the cooperation of the cap 25 of the nut 2, the two flanges, and the two grooves on the annular flange 31 of the nut 3, not only is the loosening of the nut 3 prevented, but also a good anti-theft effect is achieved.

[0052] The anti-loosening methods of the above-mentioned thread anti-loosening structure include:

[0053] When the nut 3 is installed on the bolt 1, if the bolt 1 limiting groove 11 is aligned with the vertical groove 33 of the nut 3 when the thread preload meets the predetermined value, the rotation stops. If the bolt 1 limiting groove 11 is not aligned with the vertical groove 33 of the nut 3, the rotation continues in the tightening direction until the bolt 1 limiting groove 11 is aligned with the vertical groove 33 of the nut 3. Since the annular flange 31 of the nut 3 is provided with multiple sets of groove structures, the threads will not be damaged by rotating at a large angle.

[0054] Align the second flange 23 of the nut 2 with the limiting groove 11 of the bolt 1, slide the nut 2 until it contacts the nut 3, and insert the first flange 24 into the vertical groove 33 of the annular flange 31 of the nut 3;

[0055] By rotating the nut 3 in the opposite direction (i.e., rotating it in the direction of loosening the nut 3), the first flange 24 of the nut 2 abuts against the snap-fit ​​surface 35 of the nut 3, thus preventing the threads from loosening.

[0056] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A threaded anti-loosening structure for locking fasteners, characterized in that, The utility model provides a fastening device for fastening a workpiece, comprising: a bolt passing through the workpiece to be fastened, and a nut and a cap mounted on the bolt in sequence; a limiting groove perpendicular to the thread is formed on the outer wall of the bolt; the nut has an annular flange on the side away from the workpiece to be fastened, the annular flange is provided with a vertical groove and an annular groove, the vertical groove and the annular flange form an insertion surface, the annular groove and the annular flange form a clamping surface, and the direction from the insertion surface to the clamping surface is the tightening direction of the nut; the cap has a first inner hole and a second inner hole, the first inner hole is provided with a first flange, the first flange can abut against the clamping surface through the vertical groove, the second inner hole is provided with a second flange, the second flange is inserted into the limiting groove, the outer diameter of the annular flange of the nut is smaller than the diameter of the first inner hole of the cap, the diameter of the second inner hole is larger than the diameter of the bolt, and the first flange and the second flange of the cap are located on the same straight line; the upper end surface of the bolt is lower than the upper end surface of the cap, the upper end surface of the cap is provided with a cover, the cover covers the entire second inner hole, the first flange of the cap is clamped in the annular groove of the nut, and the cap cannot be removed no matter whether the cap is rotated or directly moved when the upper end of the nut is shielded by the cover, the cooperation of the cover of the cap, the two flanges and the two grooves on the annular flange of the nut not only avoids loosening of the nut but also achieves good anti-theft effect.

2. The thread locking structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of groups of vertical grooves and annular grooves are uniformly formed on the annular flange, and the first inner hole of the cap is uniformly provided with the same number of first flanges; or a plurality of groups of vertical grooves and annular grooves are uniformly formed on the annular flange, and the first inner hole of the cap is provided with one first flange.

3. The thread locking structure according to claim 1, wherein The limiting groove of the bolt is in the shape of a rectangle, a triangle, a semicircle or a trapezoid, and the shape of the second flange of the cap is the same as that of the limiting groove.

4. The thread locking structure according to claim 1, wherein The length of the limiting groove in the bolt is the same as the length of the thread, and the depth of the limiting groove is the same as the depth of the thread of the bolt.

5. The thread locking structure according to claim 4, wherein The number of limiting grooves of the bolt is 2-3, and the second inner hole of the cap is provided with the same number of second flanges.

6. The thread locking structure according to claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the limiting groove of the bolt is located above the upper end surface of the nut.

7. A method of locking a threaded connection according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The utility model provides a fastening device for fastening a workpiece, comprising: the nut is mounted on the bolt, when the thread pre-tightening force meets the predetermined value, if the limiting groove of the bolt hits the vertical groove of the nut, the rotation is stopped, if the limiting groove of the bolt does not hit the vertical groove of the nut, the rotation is continued in the tightening direction until the limiting groove of the bolt hits the vertical groove of the nut; the second flange of the cap is aligned with the limiting groove of the bolt, and the cap is slid until the cap is in contact with the nut; the nut is reversely rotated so that the first flange of the cap abuts against the clamping surface of the nut.

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