Expansion type self-locking universal joint and self-locking universal transmission assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses an expansion type self-locking universal joint and a self-locking universal transmission assembly, and relates to the technical field of universal joints, the expansion type self-locking universal joint comprises a cross shaft and self-locking bearings, at least one pair of opposite shaft necks of the cross shaft are connected with a joint fork through the self-locking bearings respectively, a forked sleeve is arranged between a bearing ring of each self-locking bearing and a lug hole of the joint fork in a sleeving mode, and the forked sleeves are connected with the cross shaft through the self-locking bearings. The split sleeve and the self-locking bearing are matched to enable the shaft neck to be connected into a lug hole of the joint fork. According to the expansion type self-locking universal joint, through cooperation of the self-locking bearing, the split sleeve and the joint fork, bidirectional interlocking of the universal joint is achieved, it is guaranteed that installation is accurate, meanwhile, stress is uniform, and the problems that the universal joint moves, inclines in the assembling process and the like are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of universal joints, and particularly to an expansion type self-locking universal joint and a self-locking universal transmission assembly. Background Art

[0002] Currently, universal joints are all installed in universal joint forks through pressure equipment and axially positioned by circlips to prevent axial movement of the universal joint under force during operation. Since the surface hardness of the universal joint bearing is higher than that of the universal joint fork, it is easy to cause inclination when the joint fork is installed with non-perpendicular force. After installing the joint fork, circlips need to be installed at the bottom of the universal joint and inside the joint fork to prevent axial movement of the universal joint during operation. In this way, the universal joint may be unevenly stressed after being pressed in due to the inclined placement position, resulting in premature failure of the universal joint and significantly reducing the service life of the universal joint. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal joint to solve the problems of axial movement and inclination during the assembly process of the universal joint. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an expansion type self-locking universal joint and a self-locking universal transmission assembly to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, make the force on the universal joint uniform during the assembly process, and avoid axial movement and inclination.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following solutions: The present invention provides an expansion type self-locking universal joint, including a cross shaft and a self-locking bearing. At least one pair of opposite journal necks of the cross shaft are respectively connected to a joint fork through one of the self-locking bearings. An open split sleeve is sleeved between the bearing race of the self-locking bearing and the ear hole of the joint fork. The open split sleeve and the self-locking bearing cooperate to connect the journal neck to the ear hole of the joint fork.

[0005] Preferably, the self-locking bearing includes a bearing race, a gasket, needle rollers, an oil seal and a dust cover. An installation groove is provided at the inner end of the bearing race. The gasket, the needle rollers, the oil seal and the dust cover are sequentially arranged in the installation groove. The needle rollers are evenly distributed in a ring along the circumference of the installation groove. The needle rollers, the oil seal and the dust cover are all sleeved on the journal neck.

[0006] Preferably, the oil seal is in interference fit with the installation groove of the bearing race, and the dust cover is sleeved on the outer port of the bearing race and abuts against the outermost lip of the oil seal.

[0007] Preferably, an elastic gasket is provided between the needle rollers and the oil seal.

[0008] Preferably, the needle rollers are cylindrical needle rollers and are provided in two circles.

[0009] Preferably, a lubricating oil groove is provided on the surface of the gasket, and the gasket is made of thermoplastic resin; the gasket is annular, the outer diameter of the gasket is smaller than the inner diameter of the installation groove, a through hole is provided in the middle of the gasket, the radial width of the gasket is larger than the diameter of the needle roller, and the surface of the gasket abuts against the end face of the journal.

[0010] Preferably, a convex ring is provided on the outer surface of the outer end of the bearing race, and a plurality of convex blocks are movably arranged in the convex ring. All the convex blocks can be spliced into a ring, and the convex blocks can be telescopic and are used for clamping in the clamping groove of the ear hole of the joint fork; the outer surface of the convex ring is a conical surface with a smaller inner diameter and a larger outer diameter.

[0011] Preferably, a plurality of cracks are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction at the outer end of the split sleeve, and the depth of the cracks is not less than the axial length of the conical surface; a ring-shaped guide groove is provided on the convex ring, and each convex block is slidably inserted into the guide groove through a plurality of springs. The bottom of the convex block is always located in the guide groove. The outer diameter of the convex ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the ear hole of the joint fork, and the outer diameter of the convex block after popping out is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole of the joint fork.

[0012] Preferably, the material of the bearing race includes alloy steel or titanium diboride alloy.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a self-locking universal transmission assembly, including the above-mentioned expansion type self-locking universal joint and the joint fork. A limiting boss is provided on the side close to the center of the ear hole of the joint fork, and a clamping groove is provided on the outer side far from the center. The inner diameter of the limiting boss is smaller than the outer diameter of the split sleeve and not less than the inner diameter of the split sleeve. The outer diameter of the convex block of the bearing race of the self-locking bearing is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole and can abut against the inner bottom of the clamping groove.

[0014] The present invention has achieved the following technical effects compared with the prior art: Through the cooperation of the self-locking bearing, the split sleeve and the joint fork, the expansion type self-locking universal joint of the present invention realizes the two-way interlock of the universal joint, ensures accurate installation and uniform force, and solves the problems of universal joint crosstalk and inclination during the assembly process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic assembly structure diagram of the expansion type self-locking universal joint in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 Explosion structure schematic of the expansion type self-locking universal joint in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 3 Explosion structure schematic of the expansion type self-locking universal joint in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 4 Cross-sectional structure schematic of the self-locking bearing in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 Structure schematic of the telescopic convex block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 6 Structure schematic of the telescopic convex block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 7 Structure schematic of the joint fork in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; In the figure: 1 - cross shaft, 2 - bearing ring, 3 - gasket, 4 - needle roller, 5 - elastic gasket, 6 - oil seal, 7 - dust cover, 8 - guide groove, 9 - convex block, 10 - spring, 11 - split sleeve, 12 - joint fork, 13 - ear hole, 14 - clamping groove, 15 - limiting boss. Specific embodiments

[0017] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an expansion type self-locking universal joint and a self-locking universal transmission assembly to solve the problems existing in the prior art, make the force on the universal joint uniform during the assembly process, and avoid axial movement and inclination.

[0019] To make the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Embodiment 1 As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in this embodiment, an expansion type self-locking universal joint is provided, including a cross shaft 1 and a self-locking bearing. At least a pair of opposite journal necks of the cross shaft 1 are respectively connected to the joint fork 12 through a self-locking bearing. A split sleeve 11 is sleeved between the bearing ring 2 of the self-locking bearing and the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12. The split sleeve 11 and the self-locking bearing cooperate to connect the journal neck in the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12.

[0021] As an optional solution, the self-locking bearing in this embodiment includes a bearing ring 2, a gasket 3, a needle roller 4, an oil seal 6, and a dust cover 7. The inner end of the bearing ring 2 is provided with a mounting groove. The mounting groove (on its inner circumference) is sequentially provided with the gasket 3, needle roller 4, oil seal 6, and dust cover 7. The needle rollers 4 are evenly distributed in an annular shape along the circumference of the mounting groove. The needle rollers 4, oil seal 6, and dust cover 7 are all sleeved onto the shaft neck. The mounting groove is open at one end and open at the other to ensure sealing at the outer end. The needle rollers 4, oil seal 6, and dust cover 7 are located between the shaft neck and the inner circumference of the mounting groove.

[0022] As an optional solution, in this embodiment, the oil seal 6 is interference fit with the mounting groove of the bearing ring 2, and the dust cover 7 is mounted on the outer port of the bearing ring 2 and contacts the outermost lip of the oil seal 6 to achieve sealing of the inner end of the self-locking bearing and ensure its service life.

[0023] As an optional solution, in this embodiment, an elastic gasket 5 is provided between the needle roller 4 and the oil seal 6. During operation, the rotation between the journal of the cross shaft 1 and the needle roller 4 causes the needle roller 4 to move toward the bearing port, and the elastic gasket 5 can return the needle roller 4 to its original position.

[0024] As an optional solution, the needle rollers 4 in this embodiment are cylindrical and are provided in two rings. The two rows of needle rollers 4 in this embodiment increase the number of needle rollers 4 in the axial direction, enabling the bearing to withstand greater radial loads and improving its overall load-bearing capacity. This helps disperse the load, reducing stress concentration in a single row of needle rollers 4 and preventing premature failure of a single row of needle rollers 4 due to excessive load, thereby improving bearing stability and lifespan. This also makes the load distribution more uniform, avoiding local overload and reducing wear and failure risks. It effectively reduces deformation caused by excessive loads on a single row of needle rollers 4, ensuring the bearing's geometric accuracy and performance. This improves the bearing's overall load-bearing capacity, enhances stability, improves load distribution, and maintains bearing accuracy and performance, extending its service life.

[0025] As an optional solution, in this embodiment, a lubricating oil groove is provided on the surface of gasket 3, which is made of thermoplastic resin. Gasket 3 is annular, with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting groove and an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the needle roller ring after the needle roller 4 is formed (the radial width of gasket 3 is greater than the diameter of needle roller 4). A through hole is provided in the center of gasket 3 to store and circulate lubricating oil, and the surface of gasket 3 contacts the end face of the journal. During operation, the end face of the cross shaft 1 will generate friction and impact with the bottom of the bearing ring 2. Gasket 3, located between the end face of the cross shaft 1 and the bottom of the bearing ring 2, provides wear resistance, cushioning, and vibration absorption. The lubricating oil groove on gasket 3 allows lubricating oil at the end of the cross shaft 1 to be utilized during assembly, reducing relative friction.

[0026] As an alternative, in this embodiment, a convex ring is provided on the outer surface of the outer end of the bearing ring 2. A number of convex blocks 9 are movably arranged inside the convex ring. All the convex blocks 9 can be spliced into a circular ring to achieve variable-diameter expansion and contraction of the circular ring. The convex blocks 9 can expand and contract and are used to be clamped in the card slots 14 of the ear holes 13 of the joint fork 12 to form a telescopic convex block. The outer surface of the convex ring is a conical surface with a smaller inner diameter and a larger outer diameter, which is convenient for being inserted into the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12 with a one-way force. In this embodiment, the convex blocks 9 are connected to the outer end of the bearing ring 2 through a number of springs 10 to achieve inward deformation of the convex platform during the assembly process. When the convex blocks 9 are clamped in the card slots 14 of the ear holes 13 of the joint fork 12, axial limit of the bearing ring 2 can be realized.

[0027] As an alternative, in this embodiment, a number of cracks are evenly distributed along the circumference at the outer end of the split sleeve 11. The depth of the cracks is not less than the axial length of the conical surface; a circular guiding groove 8 is provided on the convex ring. Each convex block 9 is slidably inserted into the guiding groove 8 through a number of springs 10. The bottom of the convex block 9 is always located inside the guiding groove 8. The outer diameter of the convex ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12, and the outer diameter of the convex block 9 after popping out is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12. In this embodiment, the depth of the cracks of the split sleeve 11 is preferably 1 / 3 - 3 / 5 of the axial length of the split sleeve 11; the outer diameter of the split sleeve 11 has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the joint fork 12, and the split end of the split sleeve 11 contacts the convex platform of the bearing ring 2. When the convex platform outside the bearing ring 2 is stuck in the card slot 14 of the joint fork 12 and the self-locking bearing can no longer move inward in the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12, the front split part of the split sleeve 11 expands and locks, and the inner end of the split sleeve 11 also cannot move inward along the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12 under the action of the limiting step. In this way, it cooperates with the convex platform of the self-locking bearing and the card slot 14 of the joint fork 12 to form two interlocks in opposite directions, ensuring that the universal joint will not move or shake in the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12 during the working process.

[0028] As an alternative, in this embodiment, the material of the bearing ring 2 includes alloy steel or titanium diboride alloy. The material of the convex platform is preferably alloy steel or titanium diboride alloy, which is easy to deform during the installation process to complete the assembly of the interference fit.

[0029] Embodiment 2 As Figure 1 and Figure 7 shown, in this embodiment, a self-locking universal transmission component is provided, including the above-mentioned expansion type self-locking universal joint and the joint fork 12. A limiting convex platform 15 is provided on the side close to the center of the ear hole 13 of the joint fork 12, and a card slot 14 is provided on the outer side far from the center. The inner diameter of the limiting convex platform 15 is smaller than the outer diameter of the split sleeve 11 and not less than the inner diameter of the split sleeve 11. The outer diameter of the convex block 9 of the bearing ring 2 of the self-locking bearing is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole 13 and can be in contact with the inner bottom of the card slot 14.

[0030] During the process of assembling the knuckle fork 12 on the cross shaft 1, after the two ends of the cross shaft 1 are inserted into the ear holes 13 of the knuckle fork 12, the self-locking bearing and the split sleeve 11 are pressed into the ear holes 13 from the outer end of the knuckle fork 12. The outer diameter of the split sleeve 11 has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the knuckle fork 12 for circumferential positioning. The split sleeve 11 will be subjected to the acting force of the limiting boss 15 on the inner wall of the ear hole 13, and the direction of this acting force is opposite to the pressing direction. The boss of the self-locking bearing will apply a force in the same direction as the pressing direction. Under the action of the two opposite-direction forces, the crack of the split sleeve 11 will gradually deform. When the inner end of the split sleeve 11 contacts the limiting step in the knuckle fork 12 and cannot move, and the boss of the self-locking bearing is also stuck in the card slot 14 of the knuckle fork 12 and cannot move, the deformation amount of the split sleeve 11 reaches the maximum. At this time, through the expansion deformation of the split sleeve 11 and the interference fit between the bearing ring 2 and the split sleeve 11, the bearing ring 2 is locked in the ear hole 13 of the knuckle fork 12, thereby ensuring that the universal joint will not cause potential risks such as crosstalk, tilt, or axial movement during operation, resulting in the failure of the universal joint.

[0031] The present invention solves the problems of crosstalk and tilt during the assembly process of the universal joint through the axial bi-directional limiting and interlocking structure of the boss of the self-locking bearing, the card slot 14 of the split sleeve 11 and the knuckle fork 12, and the limiting boss 15, as well as the clamping and locking structure formed radially in the knuckle fork 12 after the split sleeve 11 is split.

[0032] Specific examples are used in the present invention to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. An expandable self-locking universal joint, characterized in that: It includes a cross shaft and a self-locking bearing. At least a pair of opposite journal necks of the cross shaft are respectively connected to a knuckle fork through one of the self-locking bearings. A split sleeve is sleeved between the bearing ring of the self-locking bearing and the ear hole of the knuckle fork. The split sleeve and the self-locking bearing cooperate to connect the journal neck in the ear hole of the knuckle fork.

2. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 1, wherein: The self-locking bearing includes a bearing ring, a gasket, needle rollers, an oil seal and a dust cover. An installation groove is provided at the inner end of the bearing ring. The gasket, the needle rollers, the oil seal and the dust cover are sequentially arranged in the installation groove. The needle rollers are circumferentially evenly distributed in a ring shape along the installation groove. The needle rollers, the oil seal and the dust cover are all sleeved on the journal neck.

3. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, wherein: The oil seal is in interference fit with the installation groove of the bearing ring. The dust cover is sleeved on the outer port of the bearing ring and abuts against the outermost lip of the oil seal.

4. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: An elastic gasket is arranged between the needle rollers and the oil seal.

5. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, wherein: The needle rollers are cylindrical needle rollers and are arranged in two circles.

6. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the gasket is provided with a lubricating oil groove. The material of the gasket is thermoplastic resin. The gasket is circular. The outer diameter of the gasket is smaller than the inner diameter of the installation groove. A through hole is provided in the middle of the gasket. The radial width of the gasket is larger than the diameter of the needle roller. The surface of the gasket abuts against the end face of the journal neck.

7. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, wherein: A convex ring is provided on the outer surface of the outer end of the bearing ring. A plurality of convex blocks are movably arranged in the convex ring. All the convex blocks can be spliced into a ring. The convex blocks can expand and contract and are used for clamping in the clamping groove of the ear hole of the knuckle fork. The outer surface of the convex ring is a conical surface with a smaller inner diameter and a larger outer diameter.

8. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 7, wherein: A plurality of cracks are evenly distributed along the circumference at the outer end of the split sleeve. The depth of the cracks is not less than the axial length of the conical surface. An annular guide groove is provided on the convex ring. Each convex block is slidably inserted into the guide groove through a plurality of springs. The bottom of the convex block is always located in the guide groove. The outer diameter of the convex ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the ear hole of the knuckle fork. The outer diameter of the convex block after popping out is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole of the knuckle fork.

9. The expandable self-locking universal joint according to claim 2, wherein: The material of the bearing ring includes alloy steel or titanium diboride alloy.

10. A self-locking universal transmission assembly, comprising the expansion type self-locking universal joint and the joint fork described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: A limiting boss is provided on the side close to the center of the ear hole of the knuckle fork, and a clamping groove is provided on the outer side far from the center. The inner diameter of the limiting boss is smaller than the outer diameter of the split sleeve and not less than the inner diameter of the split sleeve. The outer diameter of the convex block of the bearing ring of the self-locking bearing is larger than the inner diameter of the ear hole and can abut against the inner bottom of the clamping groove.

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