Transmission shaft and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of transmission, in particular to a transmission shaft and a vehicle. The transmission shaft comprises a shaft sleeve assembly, a shaft rod assembly, a sealing assembly and a supporting assembly. The shaft sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve body unit and a sleeve clamping unit which are both tubular bodies. One end of each sleeve unit is closed; and the sleeve clamping unit is connected with the open end of the sleeve body unit. The shaft rod assembly comprises a sliding unit connected with one end of a shaft rod unit. The sleeve clamping unit is arranged on the shaft rod unit in a sleeving manner; the sliding unit abuts against an inner sliding groove in the sleeve body unit. The sleeve clamping unit and the shaft rod unit are sleeved with the two ends of the sealing assembly respectively. The supporting assembly comprises a first arc unit, a second arc unit and the other first arc unit which are sequentially connected to form a split ring. The supporting assembly abuts against the inner circumferential face of the sleeve clamping unit and the outer circumferential face of the shaft rod unit. The first deformation amount of the first arc unit is smaller than the second deformation amount of the second arc unit. Therefore, the problems of local stress concentration and abrasion of the supporting sleeve caused by inclined installation and uneven stress of the transmission shaft are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transmission technology, and in particular to a transmission shaft and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As a component that transmits torque in a mechanical transmission system, the drive shaft's structural design is crucial for both the system's power transmission and the stability of its components. In the prior art, a drive shaft typically comprises a first shaft and a second shaft. The second shaft is a hollow tubular structure with an internal spline on its inner wall. This internal spline allows for a sliding connection between the first and second shafts, thereby meeting the length changes of the drive shaft during operation. Two key components, a sealing sleeve and a support sleeve, are located at the connection between the first and second shafts. The sealing sleeve surrounds the outer periphery of the connection and primarily functions to form a seal, preventing foreign matter, such as dust and water, from entering the connection area between the first and second shafts, thereby preventing foreign matter from causing wear on the connecting components or affecting their normal sliding. The support sleeve is located within the second shaft, contacting the outer wall of the first shaft to support the sliding movement of the first shaft within the second shaft. By providing uniform support, the first shaft remains stable during sliding, preventing wear from direct contact between the outer wall of the first shaft and the inner wall of the second shaft, thereby ensuring the proper operation and service life of the drive shaft.

[0003] In mechanical transmission systems, the drive shaft is typically tilted. This installation condition causes the force applied to the first shaft to change as it slides axially along the second shaft. Due to the influence of gravity, the top of the first shaft exerts additional force on the support sleeve at the bottom of the second shaft during sliding, significantly increasing the stress in a localized area of the support sleeve and causing localized stress concentration. As the mechanical transmission system operates, the first shaft continuously slides within the second shaft. This localized stress concentration repeatedly acts on the same area of the support sleeve, exacerbating material fatigue in that area and making the support sleeve more susceptible to wear. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem of local stress concentration and wear of a support sleeve caused by tilted installation and uneven force of a transmission shaft, the present invention provides a transmission shaft and a vehicle.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a transmission shaft, comprising: The shaft sleeve assembly includes a sleeve unit, a sleeve engaging unit, and an inner slide groove; the sleeve unit is configured as a tubular body with one end closed; the sleeve engaging unit is configured as a tubular body; one end of the sleeve engaging unit is connected to the open end of the sleeve unit; the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve unit is provided with an inner slide groove; A shaft assembly, the shaft assembly comprising a shaft unit and a sliding unit; the sliding unit is connected to one end of the shaft unit; the sleeve engaging unit is sleeved on the outer circumference of the shaft unit; the sliding unit abuts against the inner sliding groove; A sealing assembly is provided in a tubular body; one end of the sealing assembly is sleeved on and connected to the outer periphery of the sleeve engaging unit, and the other end is sleeved on and abutted against the outer periphery of the shaft unit; A support assembly, the support assembly includes two first arc units and a second arc unit; one first arc unit, the second arc unit, and the other first arc unit are connected in sequence to form an open ring; the outer circumferential surface of the support assembly abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve engagement unit; the inner circumferential surface of the support assembly abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft unit; the first deformation variable is smaller than the second deformation variable; the first deformation variable is the maximum deformation variable of the first arc unit in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly before and after the support assembly is installed; the second deformation variable is the maximum deformation variable of the second arc unit in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly before and after the support assembly is installed.

[0006] In some embodiments, the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit is configured to protrude toward the central axis of the support assembly; d1>d2, wherein d1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly before the support assembly is installed, and d2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly before the support assembly is installed.

[0007] In some embodiments, D1=D2, wherein D1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly after the support assembly is installed, and D2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly after the support assembly is installed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a support retainer; the second arc unit wraps the support retainer; after the support assembly is installed, the support retainer applies a force to the second arc unit in the direction of the central axis of the support assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sealing assembly includes a sealing retainer, a sealing clamping portion, and a sealing lip; the sealing retainer is configured as a tubular body; one end of the sealing retainer is connected to the sealing clamping portion; the sealing clamping portion is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve clamping unit and connected; a sealing lip is provided on the inner peripheral side of the sealing retainer away from one end of the sealing clamping portion; the inner peripheral wall of the sealing lip abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the shaft unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a receiving groove; the receiving groove is recessed from an end of the support assembly away from the sleeve unit toward an end close to the sleeve unit; an end of the sealing lip away from the sealing retainer abuts against a side wall of the receiving groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sealing assembly further includes a third limiting portion; one end of the third limiting portion is connected to the inner circumferential wall of the sealing retainer, and the other end abuts against the support assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sleeve locking unit includes a sleeve locking body, a sleeve outer locking portion, and a sleeve limiting groove; the sleeve locking body is configured as a tubular body; the sleeve outer locking portion is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve locking body; the sleeve outer locking portion is locked and connected to one end of the sealing assembly; the sleeve limiting groove is recessed from the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve locking body toward a direction away from the central axis of the sleeve locking body; the support assembly also includes a limiting protrusion; the limiting protrusion is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second arc unit; the limiting protrusion abuts against the sleeve limiting groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, a shrinkage groove is formed between the two first arc units at one end away from the second arc unit; the sleeve locking unit also includes an expansion key; one end of the expansion key is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve locking body, and the other end extends into the shrinkage groove; the expansion key abuts against the end of the first arc unit away from the second arc unit.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a transmission shaft according to any one of the above embodiments; the height of the second arc unit is less than the height of the first arc unit away from one end of the second arc unit.

[0015] In order to solve the problem of local stress concentration and wear of the support sleeve caused by the tilted installation and uneven force of the transmission shaft, the present invention has the following advantages: An open ring structure is formed by sequentially connecting two first arc units and a second arc unit in the support assembly, and the first arc unit and the second arc unit have different deformation amounts in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly (the first deformation amount is smaller than the second deformation amount). When the support assembly is installed, the second arc unit can be set on the side where the force acting on the sleeve engagement unit and the shaft unit is greater. Since the second arc unit has a larger deformation amount, its radial expansion degree is higher during the installation process, which can make the outer peripheral surface of the support assembly and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve engagement unit fit more tightly on the side with greater force, and at the same time, the contact pressure between the inner peripheral surface of the support assembly and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft unit in this area is evenly distributed. When the transmission shaft is in an inclined state, during the axial sliding of the shaft unit along the sleeve engagement unit, the different forces act, causing the force acting on the support assembly by the shaft unit to be buffered by the larger deformation amount of the second arc unit, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of local stress concentration. This structural design improves the tightness of the support component with the shaft unit and the sleeve locking unit on the side with greater force, effectively disperses the pressure generated when the shaft unit slides, thereby reducing the degree of wear of the sleeve locking unit and the shaft unit in the area with greater force, and solves the problem of local stress concentration and wear of the support components due to uneven force in the existing technology, thereby improving the service life and working stability of the drive shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a transmission shaft according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A front view of the transmission shaft in the embodiment; Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 AA cross-sectional view of the transmission shaft in the embodiment; Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view of the transmission shaft in the embodiment; Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of region D of the transmission shaft in the embodiment; Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a support assembly of a transmission shaft according to an embodiment is shown in a first perspective; Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the support assembly in the embodiment at a second viewing angle; Figure 8 Shown Figure 6 A bottom view of the support assembly in an embodiment; Figure 9 Shown Figure 6 A front view of the support assembly in an embodiment; Figure 10 Shown Figure 6 A top view of the support assembly in an embodiment; Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 CC cross-sectional view of the support assembly in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure numerals: 10 sleeve assembly; 11 sleeve unit; 12 locking unit; 121 locking body; 122 outer locking part; 123 limiting groove; 124 expansion key; 13 inner slide; 20 shaft assembly; 21 shaft unit; 211 shaft body; 212 first limiting part; 213 second limiting part; 22 sliding unit; 221 sliding body; 222 sliding retainer; 30 sealing assembly; 31 sealing retainer; 32 sealing locking part; 33 sealing lip; 331 first lip; 332 second lip; 34 third limiting part; 40 supporting assembly; 41 first arc unit; 42 second arc unit; 43 supporting retainer; 44 limiting ring; 45 shrinkage groove; 46 accommodating groove; 47 limiting protrusion; 50 universal joint assembly; 51 first universal joint unit; 52 second universal joint unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, rather than to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "based, at least in part, on." The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment." Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationships. For example, the term "on" may, in certain circumstances, be used to indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "disposed," "provided with," "connected," and "connected" are to be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0020] In mechanical transmission systems, such as vehicles and ships, when the drive shaft is tilted and the shaft unit 21 slides axially along the sleeve engagement unit 12, gravity causes the top of the shaft unit 21 to generate a localized stress concentration on the support assembly 40 at the bottom of the sleeve engagement unit 12. When the drive shaft is tilted, that is, when the drive shaft forms an angle with the ground reference horizontal plane, as the shaft unit 21 slides within the sleeve engagement unit 12, gravity causes the gravity component of the shaft unit 21 to act on a specific area of the support assembly 40, namely, the area of the support assembly 40 corresponding to the bottom of the sleeve engagement unit 12 and the top of the shaft unit 21. This additional force caused by gravity causes the stress in this area to be significantly higher than that in other areas, resulting in a localized stress concentration phenomenon. As the shaft unit 21 continues to slide within the sleeve engagement unit 12, this localized stress concentration will repeatedly act on the same area of the support assembly 40, exacerbating material fatigue in this area of the support assembly 40 and making it more susceptible to wear problems. This problem mainly arises from the influence of gravity on the force distribution of the shaft unit 21 when the transmission shaft is installed in an inclined state, and the resulting local stress concentration and repeated fatigue of the support assembly 40.

[0021] Embodiment 1: In order to solve the above problems, this embodiment discloses a transmission shaft. In this embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The drive shaft includes: a sleeve assembly 10, a shaft assembly 20, a seal assembly 30, and a support assembly 40. The seal assembly 30 is sleeved on the outer circumferential wall of the joint between the sleeve assembly 10 and the shaft assembly 20. The support assembly 40 abuts against the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve assembly 10 at one end near the shaft assembly 20. The shaft assembly 20 passes through the support assembly 40 and extends into the sleeve assembly 10. The shaft assembly 20 and the sleeve assembly 10 are slidably connected, thereby forming a component of the vehicle torque transmission system, facilitating the transmission of torque in the vehicle.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the shaft sleeve assembly 10 includes a sleeve unit 11, a sleeve engaging unit 12, and an inner slide groove 13; the sleeve unit 11 is configured as a tubular body with one end closed; the sleeve engaging unit 12 is configured as a tubular body; the sleeve unit 11 and the sleeve engaging unit 12 are both hollow tubular bodies, which are convenient for placing the shaft assembly 20. One end of the sleeve engaging unit 12 is connected to the open end of the sleeve unit 11, and the connection method can be integrally formed or detachable, such as threaded connection, snap connection, etc.; the inner slide groove 13 is provided on the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve unit 11, and the inner slide groove 13 can be distributed at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve unit 11, and the inner slide groove 13 extends along the axial direction of the sleeve unit 11, that is, the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve unit 11 is formed with an internal spline structure, so as to guide the shaft assembly 20 to slide along the axial direction of the sleeve unit 11; like Figure 3As shown, the shaft assembly 20 includes a shaft unit 21 and a sliding unit 22; the sliding unit 22 is connected to one end of the shaft unit 21, and the connection method can be a detachable connection; the sleeve locking unit 12 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the shaft unit 21 to facilitate the subsequent installation of the sealing assembly 30 for protective sealing; the sliding unit 22 abuts against the inner groove 13, and the abutment method can be sliding or rolling, thereby guiding the shaft unit 21 to slide and retract along the axial direction of the sleeve unit 11 through the sliding unit 22 and the inner groove 13, thereby improving the stability of the transmission shaft.

[0023] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, the shaft unit 21 includes a shaft body 211, a first limiting portion 212, and a second limiting portion 213. One end of the shaft body 211 is slidably connected to the inner circumferential wall of the shaft sleeve assembly 10. The first limiting portion 212 and the second limiting portion 213 are arranged at an end of the shaft body 211 close to the shaft sleeve assembly 10 along the axial direction of the shaft body 211. The sliding unit 22 is provided in the area between the first limiting portion 212 and the second limiting portion 213. This can limit the position of the sliding unit 22 and prevent the shaft body 211 from falling out of the shaft sleeve assembly 10.

[0024] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, the sliding unit 22 may include a sliding body 221 and a sliding holder 222; the sliding holder 222 is connected to one end of the shaft unit 21 in the sleeve unit 11, and the connection may be a detachable connection or an integral molding. The sliding holder 222 is a hollow structure, and a plurality of sliding bodies 221 are evenly distributed along the circumference and axial intervals of the sliding holder 222. The sliding body 221 is rotatably connected to the sliding holder 222. The sliding holder 222 can prevent the rolling body from moving too much relative to the shaft unit 21 when rotating. The sliding body 221 can be a spherical body such as a ball or a roller, so that the sliding friction between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve unit 11 can be converted into rolling friction, thereby reducing the wear between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve unit 11 and improving the smoothness of the transmission shaft extension and retraction.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, the sealing assembly 30 is configured as a tubular body; one end of the sealing assembly 30 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve engaging unit 12 and connected, and the other end is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the shaft unit 21 and abuts against it; thereby forming a seal at the connection between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve engaging unit 12 to block external foreign matter.

[0026] like Figure 6 、 Figure 7As shown, the support assembly 40 includes two first arc units 41 and a second arc unit 42; one first arc unit 41, the second arc unit 42, and another first arc unit 41 are sequentially connected to form an open ring, and the opening can be located at one end of the two first arc units 41 away from the second arc unit 42, so as to facilitate pre-shrinkage before installation of the support assembly 40. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the outer circumference of the support assembly 40 abuts the inner circumference of the sleeve engaging unit 12 in an interference fit manner; the inner circumference of the support assembly 40 abuts the outer circumference of the shaft unit 21 in a sliding fit manner, thereby providing support for the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, avoiding significant wear caused by direct contact between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, and extending the service life of the drive shaft. The first deformation amount is less than the second deformation amount; the first deformation amount is the maximum deformation amount of the first arc unit 41 in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly 40 before and after the support assembly 40 is installed; the second deformation amount is the maximum deformation amount of the second arc unit 42 in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly 40 before and after the support assembly 40 is installed. Through such a structural setting, the shaft sleeve assembly 10 can form the main supporting structure of the transmission shaft, the closed end of the sleeve unit 11 can prevent foreign matter from entering from one end, the sleeve engaging unit 12 is connected to the sleeve unit 11 to extend the length of the shaft sleeve assembly 10, and the inner groove 13 can cooperate with the sliding unit 22 of the shaft rod assembly 20 to realize the sliding guidance of the shaft rod unit 21 in the sleeve engaging unit 12; the sliding unit 22 of the shaft rod assembly 20 abuts against the inner groove 13, which can make the shaft rod unit 21 slide along the direction of the inner groove 13 to meet the length change requirement of the transmission shaft during operation; the sealing assembly 30 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the sleeve engaging unit 12 and the shaft rod unit 21 On the other hand, a sealing structure can be formed at the connection between the two to prevent external foreign matter from entering; the open ring structure of the support component 40 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the shaft unit 21 and abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve engaging unit 12, which can support the shaft unit 21 to slide in the sleeve engaging unit 12, and the different deformation amounts of the first arc unit 41 and the second arc unit 42 enable the second arc unit 42 to be located on the side of the sleeve engaging unit 12 and the shaft unit 21 close to the ground along the direction of gravity during installation, thereby achieving a closer fit between the support component 40 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, and a closer fit between the second arc unit 42 and the shaft unit 21, thereby reducing the degree of wear in this area.

[0027] Furthermore, if Figure 8As shown, the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit 42 is configured to bulge toward the central axis of the support assembly 40, making the second arc unit 42 thicker and more wear-resistant when installed on the side of the shaft unit 21 subject to greater force. The pre-deformation provided by the bulge after wear can compensate for the gap between the shaft unit 21 and the support assembly 40; d1>d2, where d1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit 41 and the central axis of the support assembly 40 before installation of the support assembly 40, and d2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit 42 and the central axis of the support assembly 40 before installation of the support assembly 40. By configuring the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit 42 to bulge toward the central axis of the support assembly 40, and by ensuring that the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit 41 and the central axis before installation of the support assembly 40 is greater than the corresponding distance of the second arc unit 42, during the installation of the support assembly 40, the second arc unit 42 can produce a larger deformation during radial expansion due to its initial inner circumferential wall being closer to the central axis. When the first arc unit 41 is deformed and tightens the inner wall of the sleeve engaging unit 12, the protruding structure of the second arc unit 42 can provide a force toward the central axis of the support component 40. This force can offset part of the shrinkage tendency of the support component 40 caused by vibration or force, thereby reducing the risk of shrinkage of the support component 40, ensuring a stable interference fit between the support component 40 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, and improving the tightness and reliability of the connection between the two.

[0028] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, D1 = D2, where D1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit 41 and the central axis of the support assembly 40 after the support assembly 40 is installed, and D2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit 42 and the central axis of the support assembly 40 after the support assembly 40 is installed. This means that after the support assembly 40 is installed, the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit 41 and the second arc unit 42 and the central axis is the same, making the inner circumferential surface of the support assembly 40 closer to a circle. This structure facilitates processing and manufacturing, and also ensures that the support force of the support assembly 40 on the shaft unit 21 is more uniform, improving the stability of the shaft unit 21 during sliding.

[0029] Furthermore, if Figure 4As shown, the support assembly 40 further includes a support retainer 43; the second arc unit 42 wraps the support retainer 43, which can be a contoured arc-shaped metal sheet; after the support assembly 40 is installed, the support retainer 43 applies a force toward the central axis of the support assembly 40 to the second arc unit 42. The provision of the support retainer 43, after the support assembly 40 is installed, can further strengthen the force of the second arc unit 42 toward the central axis of the support assembly 40 by applying a force toward the central axis to the second arc unit 42, thereby ensuring that the outer circumference of the support assembly 40 and the inner circumference of the sleeve engagement unit 12 are tightly fitted, while delaying the trend of the support assembly 40 shrinking, extending the elastic failure period of the support assembly 40, improving the connection stability between the support assembly 40, the sleeve engagement unit 12, and the shaft unit 21, and reducing problems such as wear caused by loose fitting.

[0030] Furthermore, if Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the seal assembly 30 includes a seal holder 31, a seal engaging portion 32, and a sealing lip 33. The seal holder 31 is tubular; one end of the seal holder 31 is connected to the seal engaging portion 32, i.e., the inner circumference of one end of the seal holder 31 is integrally formed with the seal engaging portion 32. The seal engaging portion 32 is sleeved over and connected to the outer circumference of the sleeve engaging unit 12. The seal lip 33 is provided on the inner circumference of the seal holder 31 away from the seal engaging portion 32. The inner circumference of the seal lip 33 abuts the outer circumference of the shaft unit 21. The seal lip 33 and the seal engaging portion 32 may be integrally formed with rubber that wraps around the seal holder 31. Such a sealing assembly 30 structure, the sealing clamping part 32 is connected to the sleeve clamping unit 12 to fix the position of the sealing assembly 30, the sealing retainer 31 forms a supporting structure, and the sealing lip 33 abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the shaft unit 21, which can form a sealing barrier at the connection between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve clamping unit 12, thereby blocking external foreign matter from entering from the connection between the shaft unit 21 and the sleeve clamping unit 12, ensuring the sealing of the drive shaft, and preventing foreign matter from causing wear to internal components or affecting their normal operation.

[0031] Furthermore, if Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10As shown, the support assembly 40 further includes a receiving groove 46. The receiving groove 46 is recessed from the end of the support assembly 40 away from the sleeve unit 11 toward the end closer to the sleeve unit 11, thereby forming a certain receiving space along the circumference of the shaft unit 21, allowing the sealing lip 33 to extend and extend therein, thereby increasing the adjustable length of the sealing lip 33 and enhancing the sealing effect. The end of the sealing lip 33 away from the seal retainer 31 abuts against the side wall of the receiving groove 46. The configuration of the receiving groove 46 provides an abutment position for the sealing lip 33. When the end of the sealing lip 33 away from the seal retainer 31 abuts against the side wall of the receiving groove 46, the sealing lip 33 can provide a limiting force on the support assembly 40 along the axial direction of the support assembly 40, thereby reducing the axial movement of the support assembly 40, ensuring the position stability of the support assembly 40 within the sleeve engagement unit 12, and thereby improving the overall working stability of the transmission shaft.

[0032] Furthermore, if Figure 5 As shown, the sealing assembly 30 also includes a third limiting portion 34. The third limiting portion 34 may be a rubber member integrally molded with the sealing lip 33 and the sealing engaging portion 32, formed by extending a portion of the rubber member toward the support assembly 40. One end of the third limiting portion 34 is connected to the inner circumferential wall of the sealing retainer 31, and the other end abuts the support assembly 40. The arrangement of the third limiting portion 34, with one end connected to the sealing retainer 31 and the other end abutting the support assembly 40, further provides an axial limit for the support assembly 40, further stabilizing the axial position of the support assembly 40. Furthermore, the third limiting portion 34 shares some of the axial force, reducing wear on the sealing lip 33 caused by excessive axial force, thereby extending the service life of the sealing lip 33.

[0033] Furthermore, if Figure 5 As shown, the sealing lip 33 may include a first lip 331 and a second lip 332. One end of the first lip 331 is fixedly connected to the inner circumferential wall of the sealing holder 31, and the other end extends in a direction away from the support assembly 40 to abut against the outer circumferential wall of the shaft unit 21. One end of the second lip 332 is fixedly connected to the inner circumferential wall of the sealing holder 31, and the other end extends in a direction close to the receiving groove 46 to abut against the side wall of the receiving groove 46. This can improve the sealing effect of the sealing assembly 30. The thickness of the second lip 332 can be greater than that of the first lip 331, so as to improve the wear resistance of the second lip 332 and prolong the abutment and limiting effect of the second lip 332 on the support assembly 40.

[0034] Furthermore, if Figure 5As shown, the sleeve engaging unit 12 includes a sleeve engaging body 121, an outer sleeve engaging portion 122, and a sleeve limiting groove 123; the sleeve engaging body 121 is configured as a tubular body; the outer sleeve engaging portion 122 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve engaging body 121 and can be integrally formed; the outer sleeve engaging portion 122 is engaged with one end of the sealing assembly 30, that is, the outer sleeve engaging portion 122 is engaged with the sealing engaging portion 32; the sleeve limiting groove 123 is recessed from the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve engaging body 121 toward a direction away from the central axis of the sleeve engaging body 121; as shown Figure 5 、 Figure 11 As shown, the support assembly 40 further includes a limiting protrusion 47 connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second arc unit 42; the limiting protrusion 47 abuts the sleeve limiting groove 123. The sleeve outer engaging portion 122 engages with the sealing assembly 30 to secure the sealing assembly 30, and the sleeve limiting groove 123 abuts the limiting protrusion 47 of the support assembly 40, forming a circumferential limiting structure, thereby limiting the circumferential position of the support assembly 40, preventing the support assembly 40 from rotating within the sleeve engaging unit 12, ensuring the relative position between the support assembly 40 and the sleeve engaging unit 12 is stable, and allowing the support assembly 40 to always perform its supporting function in the predetermined position.

[0035] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, a contraction groove 45 is formed between the ends of the two first arc units 41 distal from the second arc unit 42. The sleeve engaging unit 12 also includes an expansion key 124. One end of the expansion key 124 is connected to the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve engaging body 121, and the other end extends into the contraction groove 45. The expansion key 124 abuts the end of the first arc unit 41 distal from the second arc unit 42. The contraction groove 45 provides space for the expansion key 124 to extend into. The expansion key 124 abuts the end of the first arc unit 41 distal from the second arc unit 42. After the support assembly 40 is installed, it can apply an outward force to the first arc unit 41, further reducing the risk of contraction of the support assembly 40, ensuring interference fit between the support assembly 40 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, and maintaining a tight connection between the support assembly 40 and the sleeve engaging unit 12, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the drive shaft.

[0036] Furthermore, if Figure 5 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, the support assembly 40 also includes a retaining ring 44. The retaining ring 44 is fixedly connected to the ends of the first and second arc units 41, 42 near the sealing lip 33. The diameter of the retaining ring 44 is larger than the diameter of the open ring formed by the two first arc units 41 and the second arc unit 42. One side of the retaining ring 44 abuts the third retaining portion 34, and the other side abuts the end of the sleeve engaging body 121 away from the sleeve unit 11. This prevents axial movement of the support assembly 40.

[0037] In other embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the transmission shaft also includes a universal joint assembly 50; the universal joint assembly 50 includes a first universal unit 51 and a second universal unit 52; the first universal unit 51 is detachably connected to the end of the shaft unit 21 away from the sleeve unit; the second universal unit 52 is detachably connected to the end of the sleeve unit away from the shaft unit 21; the first universal unit 51 and the second universal unit 52 are mainly used to change the direction of torque transmitted by the transmission shaft, the first universal unit 51 can be a universal joint such as a cross-axis universal joint or a ball cage universal joint, and the second universal unit 52 can be a universal joint such as a cross-axis universal joint or a ball cage universal joint.

[0038] Embodiment 2: This embodiment discloses a vehicle comprising a drive shaft according to any of the above embodiments; the height of the second arc unit 42 is less than the height of the first arc unit 41 at the end distal to the second arc unit 42. Because the height of the second arc unit 42 is less than the height of the first arc unit 41 at the end distal to the second arc unit 42, when the support assembly 40 is installed, the second arc unit 42 can be positioned on the side of the drive shaft closest to the ground in the direction of gravity. This specific positioning reduces the gap between the side support assembly 40 and the shaft unit 21, thereby reducing local stress concentration caused by gravity, thereby reducing abnormal wear in this area and extending the service life of the drive shaft.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present disclosure, and that in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A transmission shaft, characterized in that: The transmission shaft comprises: The shaft sleeve assembly includes a sleeve unit, a sleeve engaging unit, and an inner slide groove; the sleeve unit is configured as a tubular body with one end closed; the sleeve engaging unit is configured as a tubular body; one end of the sleeve engaging unit is connected to the open end of the sleeve unit; the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve unit is provided with an inner slide groove; A shaft assembly, the shaft assembly comprising a shaft unit and a sliding unit; the sliding unit is connected to one end of the shaft unit; the sleeve engaging unit is sleeved on the outer circumference of the shaft unit; the sliding unit abuts against the inner sliding groove; A sealing assembly is provided in a tubular body; one end of the sealing assembly is sleeved on and connected to the outer periphery of the sleeve engaging unit, and the other end is sleeved on and abutted against the outer periphery of the shaft unit; A support assembly, the support assembly includes two first arc units and a second arc unit; one first arc unit, the second arc unit, and the other first arc unit are connected in sequence to form an open ring; the outer circumferential surface of the support assembly abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve engagement unit; the inner circumferential surface of the support assembly abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft unit; the first deformation variable is smaller than the second deformation variable; the first deformation variable is the maximum deformation variable of the first arc unit in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly before and after the support assembly is installed; the second deformation variable is the maximum deformation variable of the second arc unit in the radial direction away from the central axis of the support assembly before and after the support assembly is installed.

2. A transmission shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit is configured to bulge toward the central axis of the support assembly; d1>d2, wherein d1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly before the support assembly is installed, and d2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly before the support assembly is installed.

3. A transmission shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: D1=D2, where D1 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the first arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly after the support assembly is installed, and D2 is the minimum distance between the inner circumferential wall of the second arc unit and the central axis of the support assembly after the support assembly is installed.

4. The transmission shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support assembly further includes a support retainer; the second arc unit wraps the support retainer; after the support assembly is installed, the support retainer applies a force to the second arc unit in the direction of the central axis of the support assembly.

5. The transmission shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing assembly includes a sealing retainer, a sealing clamping portion, and a sealing lip; the sealing retainer is configured as a tubular body; one end of the sealing retainer is connected to the sealing clamping portion; the sealing clamping portion is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve clamping unit and connected; a sealing lip is provided on the inner peripheral side of the sealing retainer away from one end of the sealing clamping portion; the inner peripheral wall of the sealing lip abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the shaft unit.

6. The transmission shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support assembly further includes a receiving groove; the receiving groove is recessed from an end of the support assembly away from the sleeve unit toward an end close to the sleeve unit; an end of the sealing lip away from the sealing retainer abuts against a side wall of the receiving groove.

7. The transmission shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing assembly further comprises a third limiting portion, one end of which is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the sealing retainer, and the other end of which abuts against the supporting assembly.

8. The transmission shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve locking unit includes a sleeve locking body, a sleeve outer locking portion, and a sleeve limiting groove; the sleeve locking body is configured as a tubular body; the sleeve outer locking portion is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve locking body; the sleeve outer locking portion is locked and connected to one end of the sealing assembly; the sleeve limiting groove is recessed from the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve locking body toward a direction away from the central axis of the sleeve locking body; the support assembly also includes a limiting protrusion; the limiting protrusion is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second arc unit; the limiting protrusion abuts against the sleeve limiting groove.

9. The transmission shaft according to claim 8, characterized in that: A shrinkage groove is formed between the two first arc units at one end away from the second arc unit; the sleeve clamping unit also includes an expansion key; one end of the expansion key is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve clamping body, and the other end extends into the shrinkage groove; the expansion key abuts against the end of the first arc unit away from the second arc unit.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises a transmission shaft according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a height of the second arc unit is smaller than a height of the first arc unit away from an end of the second arc unit.

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