Self-compensating universal joint

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of transmission, in particular to a self-compensating universal joint. A self-compensating universal joint comprises a ball cage assembly, a ball pin assembly, a rolling assembly and an elastic assembly. The ball cage assembly comprises a ball cage shell and a roller path. The ball pin assembly comprises a ball pin unit and a pin unit. The multiple pin units are arranged in the circumferential direction of the ball pin unit at intervals. One end of the pin unit is connected with the outer side of the ball pin unit; one end, far away from the ball pin unit, of the pin unit is at least partially arranged in the corresponding raceway; the pin unit is sleeved with the rolling assembly. The elastic assembly is arranged in a gap between the ball pin unit and one rolling assembly; when the rolling assemblies move along the central axis of the pin unit, one elastic assembly drives one rolling assembly to abut against the two side faces of the roller path respectively. Therefore, the problem that a gap exists between the rolling ball and the raceway when the universal joint works is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transmission technology, and more specifically, to a self-compensating universal joint. Background Technology

[0002] Universal joints are key components in transmission systems that enable variable-angle power transmission. Their function is to ensure reliable power transmission even when the included angle and relative position between two shafts frequently change. Universal joints are widely used in automobiles, construction machinery, rail transportation, aerospace, shipbuilding, and industrial machinery. For example, universal joints have extensive applications in automotive transmission systems. In front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the universal joint transmission device is installed between the transmission output shaft and the drive axle final drive input shaft. In front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicles, the drive shaft is omitted, and the universal joint is installed between the front axle half-shaft, which is responsible for both driving and steering, and the wheels. The three-ball-pin universal joint is a commonly used type, featuring large axial slippage and low slip resistance. It has a simple structure, low wear, easy axial expansion and contraction at high torque and zero speed, and a relatively simple manufacturing process.

[0003] A three-ball pin universal joint consists of a three-ball pin support, roller bearings, a cage, and a universal joint housing. When the universal joint housing rotates, it drives the three roller bearings to roll on the ball pins of the three-ball pin support. Simultaneously, annular rolling balls, typically fitted around the outer circumference of the roller bearings, move along raceways within the universal joint housing. This adapts to changes in angle and axial displacement between the two shafts, achieving constant velocity transmission. However, there is usually a clearance between the rolling balls and the raceways due to machining, which can prevent the rolling balls from moving properly along the raceways. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of gaps between the rolling balls and raceways in universal joints during operation, this invention provides a self-compensating universal joint, comprising:

[0005] A ball cage assembly includes a ball cage shell and raceways; the raceways are recessed on the inner circumferential surface of the ball cage shell; a plurality of raceways are spaced apart circumferentially along the ball cage shell.

[0006] A ball pin assembly, comprising ball pin units and column pin units; a plurality of column pin units are arranged at circumferential intervals along the ball pin units; one end of each column pin unit is connected to the outside of the ball pin unit; at least part of the end of each column pin unit away from the ball pin unit is disposed within the corresponding raceway;

[0007] A rolling assembly is sleeved on the pin unit; one rolling assembly is tactilely connected to one raceway.

[0008] An elastic component is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit and the rolling component; when the rolling component moves along the central axis of the ball pin unit, one of the elastic components drives one of the rolling components to abut against the two sides of the raceway respectively.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rolling assembly includes rollers and balls; the balls are arranged in annular shape; the balls are movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the pin unit; a plurality of rollers are disposed between the pin unit and the balls; the rollers abut against the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit and the inner peripheral wall of the balls, respectively; an elastic component is disposed in the gap between the pin unit and one ball; when the balls move along the central axis of the pin unit, the elastic component drives the balls to abut against the two sides of the raceway, respectively.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic component includes an elastic unit and a guide unit; the guide unit is movably sleeved on the pin unit; the guide unit is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit and the ball; the roller abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the guide unit and the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit respectively; one end of the elastic unit abuts against the guide unit, and the other end at least partially abuts against the ball pin unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the guide unit includes a top ring plate, a first guide portion, and a second guide portion; the top ring plate is arranged in a ring shape; a plurality of first guide portions and a plurality of second guide portions are respectively connected to the same side of the top ring plate; a plurality of first guide portions are spaced apart along the circumference of the top ring plate; a plurality of second guide portions are spaced apart along the circumference of the top ring plate.

[0012] The top ring plate is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the pin unit; the top ring plate is located in the area between the ball and the pin unit; the first guide portion and the second guide portion extend to the side of the pin unit; at least two first guide portions are located on opposite sides of the pin unit, and at least two second guide portions are located on opposite sides of the pin unit; the second guide portions are located in the area between the first guide portions and the pin unit.

[0013] When the ball moves along the central axis of the pin unit, a plurality of first guide portions abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit, and / or a plurality of second guide portions abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit.

[0014] The roller is located in the area between the top ring plate and the pin unit; at least a portion of the roller abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the top ring plate;

[0015] The elastic unit is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second guide portion; the elastic unit is located in the gap between the first guide portion and the second guide portion; one end of the elastic unit abuts against the top ring plate, and the other end abuts against the ball pin unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top ring plate includes two connecting plates and two limiting plates; one connecting plate, one limiting plate, another connecting plate, and another limiting plate are connected to form a ring;

[0017] The projection of the connecting plate along the axial direction of the pin unit coincides with that of the ball pin unit;

[0018] A portion of the first guide portion and a portion of the second guide portion are each connected to one of the limiting plates; another portion of the first guide portion and a portion of the second guide portion are each connected to another limiting plate.

[0019] One end of the elastic unit abuts against the connecting plate and the limiting plate respectively, and the other end partially abuts against the ball pin unit;

[0020] The connecting plate has at least a portion of its inner sidewall in contact with the roller; the limiting plate is spaced apart from the roller.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connecting plate at least partially abuts against the ball; the limiting plate is spaced apart from the ball.

[0022] In some embodiments, the number of the first guide portion is two; the number of the second guide portion is two; the two first guide portions are respectively connected to the two limiting plates; the two second guide portions are respectively connected to the two limiting plates.

[0023] The first guide portion and the second guide portion are respectively configured as arc-shaped plates; the circle containing the second guide portion is concentric with the circle containing the first guide portion;

[0024] As the ball moves along the central axis of the pin unit, both sides of each first guide portion abut against the pin unit; both sides of each second guide portion abut against the pin unit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pin unit includes a pin body, a retaining ring, a first snap ring, and a first groove;

[0026] One end of the pin body is connected to the outside of the ball pin unit; at least part of the end of the pin body away from the ball pin unit is disposed within the corresponding raceway.

[0027] The first groove is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the pin body, and the first retaining spring is sleeved in the first groove; the first retaining spring protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the pin body; the retaining ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the pin body, one side of the retaining ring abuts against the first retaining spring, and the other side abuts against the end of the ball and the roller away from the elastic component, respectively.

[0028] In some embodiments, the self-compensating universal joint includes a shaft assembly; the shaft assembly includes a shaft unit and a fastening unit; the shaft unit includes a splined shaft, a connecting shaft, and a second groove; the fastening unit includes an elastic ring and a second retaining ring;

[0029] The connecting shaft and the spline shaft are coaxially connected; the outer diameter of the spline shaft is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft; the spline shaft is connected to the inner hole of the ball pin unit via a spline.

[0030] The second groove is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the second retaining spring is sleeved in the second groove; the second retaining spring protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the second retaining spring is spaced apart from the elastic component;

[0031] The elastic ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the ball pin unit is located in the area between the elastic ring and the second retaining ring; the two sides of the elastic ring abut against the ball pin unit and the connecting shaft respectively; when the ball pin assembly moves along the central axis of the ball cage shell, the elastic ring drives the ball pin unit to abut against the second retaining ring.

[0032] In some embodiments, the shaft unit further includes a mounting portion; the mounting portion is connected to the end of the spline shaft away from the connecting shaft; the mounting portion is cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the mounting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the spline shaft.

[0033] To solve the problem of gaps between the rolling balls and raceways in universal joints during operation, this invention has the following advantages:

[0034] An elastic component is installed in the gap between the ball pin unit and the rolling component. When the universal joint rotates, the rolling component moves along the central axis of the ball pin unit. The elastic component drives the rolling component to abut against the raceway, thus eliminating the gap between the rolling component and the raceway caused by the machining. This allows the rolling component to roll normally along the raceway, thereby ensuring the normal use of the universal joint. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a self-compensating universal joint according to an embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly;

[0037] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the self-compensating universal joint in the middle;

[0038] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the guide unit;

[0039] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A in the image;

[0040] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 Sectional view of the central axis unit;

[0041] Figure 7 It shows the application to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the components installed in the middle;

[0042] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a self-compensating universal joint installation method is shown.

[0043] Reference numerals: 10 Ball pin assembly; 11 Ball pin unit; 111 Ball pin body; 112 Spline hole; 113 Support platform; 12 Pillar pin unit; 121 Pillar pin body; 122 First groove; 123 Retaining ring; 124 First snap ring; 20 Elastic assembly; 21 Elastic unit; 22 Guide unit; 221 Top ring plate; 2211 Connecting plate; 2212 Limiting plate; 222 First guide part; 223 Second guide part; 30 Rolling assembly; 31 Roller; 32 Ball; 40 Ball cage assembly; 41 Ball cage shell; 42 Raceway; 50 Shaft assembly; 51 Shaft unit; 511 Mounting part; 512 Splined shaft; 513 Second groove; 514 Connecting shaft; 52 Fastening unit; 521 Elastic ring; 522 Second snap ring; 60 Mounting assembly; 61 Guide part; 62 Positioning part; 63 Mounting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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 thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] As used herein, the term "comprising" 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 "at least partially based 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". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should 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 or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, 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 stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0046] Universal joints are key components in transmission systems for transmitting power at varying angles. Their function is to ensure reliable power transmission even when the included angle and relative position between two shafts frequently change. The three-ball pin universal joint is a commonly used type, consisting of a three-ball pin support, roller bearings (31), a cage, and a universal joint housing. Due to potential errors in the machining depth of the raceway 42 within the universal joint housing, assembly errors between the rolling balls (sleeved on the outside of the roller bearings) and the roller bearings themselves, and machining errors in the rolling balls themselves, a machining-induced gap usually exists between the rolling balls and the raceway 42 when the rolling balls roll along it. This prevents the rolling balls from rolling normally along the raceway 42 during operation.

[0047] Example 1:

[0048] This application proposes a self-compensating universal joint, as shown in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a self-compensating universal joint includes a ball cage assembly 40, a ball pin assembly 10, a rolling assembly 30, and an elastic assembly 20.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the ball cage assembly 40 includes a ball cage shell 41 and raceways 42. The raceways 42 are recessed on the inner circumferential surface of the ball cage shell 41; a plurality of raceways 42 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the ball cage shell 41.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the ball pin assembly 10 includes ball pin units 11 and pin units 12. Pin units 12 are spaced circumferentially along the ball pin units 11; one end of each pin unit 12 is connected to the outer side of the ball pin unit 11; and at least partially, the end of each pin unit 12 away from the ball pin unit 11 is disposed within the corresponding raceway 42. This provides a mounting base for the rolling assembly 30 to be installed inside the ball cage housing 41.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the rolling component 30 is fitted onto the pin unit 12; as Figure 1 As shown, a rolling component 30 is rollingly connected to a raceway 42. This ensures that when the ball pin assembly 10 moves along the axial direction of the ball cage assembly 40, the friction between the rolling component 30 and the raceway 42 is rolling friction. When the ball pin assembly 10 moves along a direction with a small angle to the axial direction of the ball cage assembly 40, the friction between the rolling component 30 and the raceway 42 is rolling friction, rather than just sliding friction, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the rolling component 30 and the ball cage assembly 40.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The elastic component 20 is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit 11 and the rolling component 30. When the rolling component 30 moves along the central axis of the pin unit 12, one elastic component 20 drives one rolling component 30 to abut against the two sides of the raceway 42 respectively. This ensures that the rolling component 30 is always in contact with the raceway 42 when the self-compensating universal joint rotates, eliminating the gap caused by machining between the rolling component 30 and the raceway 42, and reducing the noise generated by the collision between the two. When the self-compensating universal joint rotates, there can be a small angle between the axis of the ball cage assembly 40 and the axis of the ball pin assembly 10. Since the rolling component 30 is always in contact with the raceway 42, the variable angle power transmission between the ball pin assembly 10 and the ball cage assembly 40 can be achieved through the contact force. Thus, after the ball pin assembly 10 and the ball cage assembly 40 are respectively connected to the external structure, the function of the self-compensating universal joint in transmitting variable angle power is realized.

[0053] When the self-compensating universal joint rotates, the elastic component 20 drives the rolling component 30 to always abut against the two sides of the raceway 42. This allows the ball pin assembly 10 to move axially within the ball cage assembly 40. When there is a small angle between the axis of the ball cage assembly 40 and the axis of the ball pin assembly 10, the elastic component 20 can, under complex working conditions, drive the rolling component 30 to move closer to or further away from the inner peripheral wall of the ball cage assembly 40 through its own elasticity, and ensure that the rolling component 30 always abuts against the two sides of the raceway 42. That is, the abutment force between the rolling component 30 and the raceway 42 is adaptive through the adaptive elastic force, so that the abutment force can remain relatively stable under complex working conditions, thereby reducing the friction between the rolling component 30 and the raceway 42 and reducing the wear of the rolling component 30 and the ball cage assembly 40.

[0054] Preferably, the small angle between the axis of the ball cage assembly 40 and the axis of the ball pin assembly 10 is less than 22°.

[0055] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the rolling assembly 30 includes rollers 31 and balls 32. The balls 32 are annular and movably fitted onto the outer periphery of the pin unit 12. Multiple rollers 31 are disposed between the pin unit 12 and the balls 32. The rollers 31 abut against the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit 12 and the inner peripheral wall of the balls 32, respectively. This allows the rollers 31 to roll or remain stationary between the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit 12 and the inner peripheral wall of the balls 32 when the self-compensating universal joint is subjected to vibration, thereby allowing the balls 32 to roll or slide along the raceway 42. An elastic component 20 is disposed within the gap between the pin unit 11 and one ball 32. When the balls 32 move along the central axis of the pin unit 12, the elastic component 20 drives the balls 32 to abut against both sides of the raceway 42.

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic component 20 includes an elastic unit 21 and a guide unit 22. The guide unit 22 is movably sleeved on the pin unit 12; the guide unit 22 is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit 11 and the roller 32; the roller 31 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the guide unit 22 and the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit 12 respectively; one end of the elastic unit 21 abuts against the guide unit 22, and the other end at least partially abuts against the ball pin unit 11. In this way, the ball pin unit 11, the elastic unit 21, the guide unit 22 and the roller 32 can be connected in sequence, and the guide unit 22 and the roller 32 are sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the roller 31. The elastic unit 21 can be set as a compression spring, so that the guide unit 22 can provide a guiding effect for the extension and contraction of the compression spring on the pin unit 12, and prevent the compression spring from deforming or even falling out of the pin unit 12 after long-term use.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the guide unit 22 includes a top ring plate 221, a first guide portion 222, and a second guide portion 223; the top ring plate 221 is arranged in a ring shape; a plurality of first guide portions 222 and a plurality of second guide portions 223 are respectively connected to the same side of the top ring plate 221; a plurality of first guide portions 222 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the top ring plate 221; a plurality of second guide portions 223 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the top ring plate 221.

[0058] The top ring plate 221 is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the pin unit 12; the top ring plate 221 is located in the area between the ball 32 and the pin unit 11; the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223 extend to the side of the pin unit 11; at least two first guide portions 222 are located on opposite sides of the pin unit 11, and at least two second guide portions 223 are located on opposite sides of the pin unit 11; the second guide portion 223 is located in the area between the first guide portion 222 and the pin unit 12.

[0059] When the ball 32 moves along the central axis of the pin unit 12, a plurality of first guide portions 222 respectively abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit 11, and / or a plurality of second guide portions 223 respectively abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit 11; the roller 31 is located in the area between the top ring plate 221 and the pin unit 12; at least a portion of the roller 31 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the top ring plate 221; thus, the guide unit 22 can be installed between the pin unit 11 and the roller 31 and sleeved on the outer peripheral side of a portion of the roller 31, so that the guide unit 22 can only move along the axial direction of the pin unit 12, and the elastic unit 21 prevents the guide unit 22 from rotating around the axis of the pin unit 12 when driving the guide unit 22 to move along the axial direction of the pin unit 12.

[0060] The elastic unit 21 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second guide portion 223; the elastic unit 21 is located in the gap between the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223; one end of the elastic unit 21 abuts against the top ring plate 221, and the other end abuts against the ball pin unit 11. In this way, at least part of the elastic unit 21 can be restricted between the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223, and the guide unit 22 further restricts the deformation of the elastic unit 21 in the axial direction of the pin unit 12, so that the elastic unit 21 will not deviate from the axial deformation after long-term vibration of the self-compensating universal joint, thus extending the service life of the elastic unit 21.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the top ring plate 221 includes two connecting plates 2211 and two limiting plates 2212; one connecting plate 2211, one limiting plate 2212, another connecting plate 2211, and another limiting plate 2212 are connected to form a ring;

[0062] The projection of the connecting plate 2211 along the axis of the pin unit 12 coincides with that of the ball pin unit 11;

[0063] A portion of the first guide portion 222 and a portion of the second guide portion 223 are respectively connected to a limiting plate 2212; another portion of the first guide portion 222 and a portion of the second guide portion 223 are respectively connected to another limiting plate 2212.

[0064] One end of the elastic unit 21 abuts against the connecting plate 2211 and the limiting plate 2212 respectively, and the other end abuts against the ball pin unit 11;

[0065] The inner wall of the connecting plate 2211 at least partially abuts against the roller 31; this restricts the translation of the guide unit 22 along the line connecting the two connecting plates 2211. The limiting plate 2212 is spaced apart from the roller 31, which reduces the friction between the other part of the top ring plate 221, i.e., the limiting plate 2212, and the roller 31.

[0066] Further, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The connecting plate 2211 at least partially abuts against the rolling ball 32; thus, the elastic force of the elastic unit 21 can be transmitted to the rolling ball 32 only through the connecting plate 2211. Since the rolling ball 32 will slide against the top ring plate 221 when rolling, the limiting plate 2212 is spaced from the rolling ball 32, so that only the connecting plate 2211 rubs against the rolling ball 32 in the top ring plate 221, thereby reducing the friction between the top ring plate 221 and the rolling ball 32.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, there are two first guide parts 222 and two second guide parts 223; the two first guide parts 222 are respectively connected to the two limiting plates 2212; the two second guide parts 223 are respectively connected to the two limiting plates 2212.

[0068] The first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223 are respectively configured as arc-shaped plates; the circle containing the second guide portion 223 is concentric with the circle containing the first guide portion 222. Compared with the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223 being configured as multiple columnar structures, the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223, which are configured on each side, have a larger area for cooperation with the elastic unit 21, and the first guide portion 222 and the second guide portion 223 have higher strength.

[0069] When the ball 32 moves along the central axis of the pin unit 12, both sides of each first guide portion 222 abut against the pin unit 11; both sides of each second guide portion 223 abut against the pin unit 11. In this way, a limiting plate 2212 can be provided on both sides of the pin unit 11, and each limiting plate 2212 is respectively configured as an arc-shaped plate for a first guide portion 222 and a second guide portion 223. Since the circle in which the second guide portion 223 is located is concentric with the circle in which the first guide portion 222 is located, the limiting plates 2212 on both sides can have the same limiting effect on the elastic unit 21 and be symmetrical about the center.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the pin unit 12 includes a pin body 121, a retaining ring 123, a first retaining ring 124, and a first groove 122;

[0071] One end of the pin body 121 is connected to the outside of the ball pin unit 11; at least part of the end of the pin body 121 away from the ball pin unit 11 is disposed in the corresponding raceway 42.

[0072] The first groove 122 is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the pin body 121, and the first retaining ring 124 is sleeved in the first groove 122; the first retaining ring 124 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the pin body 121; the retaining ring 123 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the pin body 121, one side of the retaining ring 123 abuts against the first retaining ring 124, and the other side abuts against the ends of the ball 32 and the roller 31 away from the elastic component 20, respectively. In this way, the retaining ring 123 can be installed on the side of the first retaining ring 124 near the ball pin unit 11 by the first retaining ring 124 sleeved in the first groove 122, thereby blocking the ball 32 and the roller 31 on the side of the retaining ring 123 near the ball pin unit 11, and preventing the ball 32 from excessive displacement under the abutment of the elastic unit 21.

[0073] Further, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The self-compensating universal joint includes a shaft assembly 50. The shaft assembly 50 includes a shaft unit 51 and a fastening unit 52; the shaft unit 51 includes a splined shaft 512, a connecting shaft 514, and a second groove 513; the fastening unit 52 includes an elastic ring 521 and a second retaining ring 522.

[0074] The connecting shaft 514 and the spline shaft 512 are coaxially connected; the outer diameter of the spline shaft 512 is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft 514; the spline shaft 512 is connected to the inner hole of the ball pin unit 11 through a spline.

[0075] The second groove 513 is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft 512; the second retaining spring 522 is sleeved in the second groove 513; the second retaining spring 522 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft 512; the second retaining spring 522 is spaced from the elastic component 20.

[0076] An elastic ring 521 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft 512; the ball pin unit 11 is located in the area between the elastic ring 521 and the second retaining ring 522; the two sides of the elastic ring 521 abut against the ball pin unit 11 and the connecting shaft 514, respectively; when the ball pin assembly 10 moves along the central axis of the ball cage shell 41, the elastic ring 521 drives the ball pin unit 11 to abut against the second retaining ring 522. In this way, the displacement of the ball pin unit 11 on the spline shaft 512 can be limited by the second retaining ring 522 sleeved on the second groove 513 and the elastic ring 521 abutting against the ball pin unit 11 and the connecting shaft 514, respectively. Because the elastic ring 521 is elastic and drives the ball pin unit 11 to abut against the second snap ring 522, the ball pin unit 11 will always abut against the second snap ring 522 when the self-compensating universal joint rotates and vibrates, thereby limiting the movement of the ball pin assembly 10 on the spline shaft 512 and avoiding the problem of collisions that may occur when using a rigid connection, which could damage the ball pin assembly 10 and the connecting shaft 514.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the shaft unit 51 also includes a mounting portion 511. The mounting portion 511 is connected to the end of the spline shaft 512 away from the connecting shaft 514; the mounting portion 511 is cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the mounting portion 511 is smaller than the outer diameter of the spline shaft 512.

[0078] In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the mounting assembly 60 includes a guide portion 61, a positioning portion 62, and a mounting groove 63. The mounting assembly 60 can be used to mount the second snap ring 522 into the second groove 513 and abut against the ball pin unit 11. One side of the guide portion 61 is connected to one side of the positioning portion 62. The mounting groove 63 is recessed into the side of the positioning portion 62 away from the guide portion 61; the shape of the mounting groove 63 is adapted to the mounting portion 511; before installing the second snap ring 522, the positioning portion 62 is mounted on the outer periphery of the mounting portion 511 via the mounting groove 63; the outer diameter of the positioning portion 62 is equal to the outer diameter of the spline shaft 512. The outer diameter of the guide portion 61 gradually decreases in the direction away from the positioning portion 62. After the second retaining ring 522 is abutted against the outer periphery of the guide portion 61, the second retaining ring 522 is pushed along the guide portion 61 and brought closer to the positioning portion 62. At this time, the diameter of the second retaining ring 522 is gradually expanded until the second retaining ring 522 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the positioning portion 62. Then, the second retaining ring 522 is pushed along the direction closer to the ball pin unit 11 until the second retaining ring 522 enters the second groove 513 and abuts against the ball pin unit 11, thus completing the installation of the second retaining ring 522.

[0079] In other embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the inner hole of the ball pin unit 11 is configured as a spline hole 112. The ball pin unit 11 includes a ball pin body 111, a spline hole 112, and support platforms 113. The spline hole 112 penetrates the ball pin body 111 along the axial direction of the ball cage shell 41; multiple support platforms 113 are connected to the outer side wall of the ball pin body 111 along the circumferential direction of the ball pin body 111; the spline shaft 512 is splinedly connected to the spline hole 112.

[0080] One end of the pin unit 12 is connected to the support platform 113; the elastic component 20 is disposed in the gap between the support platform 113 and the ball 32; one end of the elastic component 20 abuts against the rolling component 30, and the other end at least partially abuts against the support platform 113. This provides positioning and support for the installation of the pin unit 12 on the outer peripheral wall of the ball pin unit 11.

[0081] Example 2:

[0082] This application also proposes an installation method for a self-compensating universal joint, applicable to any of the self-compensating universal joints in Embodiment 1. The self-compensating universal joint further includes a shaft assembly 50; the shaft assembly 50 includes a shaft unit 51, a fastening unit 52, and a mounting portion 511; the shaft unit 51 includes a splined shaft 512, a connecting shaft 514, and a second groove 513; the fastening unit 52 includes an elastic ring 521 and a second retaining ring 522; as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the installation method of the self-compensating universal joint includes steps S10 to S30, which are explained in detail below:

[0083] Step S10: The elastic component 20 and the rolling component 30 are sequentially fitted and installed on the outer periphery of the pin unit 12 of the ball pin assembly 10;

[0084] Step S20: Fit the elastic ring 521 onto the splined shaft 512; insert the splined shaft 512 into one end of the inner hole of the ball pin, allowing the splined shaft 512 to extend out from the other end of the inner hole of the ball pin; install the mounting assembly 60 onto the mounting portion 511 through the mounting groove 63; fit the second retaining ring 522 onto the guide portion 61, and push the second retaining ring 522 towards the second groove 513 until the second retaining ring 522 is fitted into the second groove 513, so that the second retaining ring 522 cooperates with the elastic ring 521 to limit the ball pin unit 11. This simplifies the installation steps of the second retaining ring 522 and improves installation efficiency through the mounting assembly 60.

[0085] Step S30: Disassemble and install assembly 60, and install ball pin assembly 10 into ball cage shell 41 so that rolling assembly 30 abuts against raceway 42.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A self-compensating universal joint, characterized in that, The self-compensating universal joint includes: A ball cage assembly includes a ball cage shell and raceways; the raceways are recessed on the inner circumferential surface of the ball cage shell; a plurality of raceways are spaced apart circumferentially along the ball cage shell. A ball pin assembly, comprising ball pin units and column pin units; a plurality of column pin units are arranged at circumferential intervals along the ball pin units; one end of each column pin unit is connected to the outside of the ball pin unit; at least part of the end of each column pin unit away from the ball pin unit is disposed within the corresponding raceway; A rolling assembly is sleeved on the pin unit; one rolling assembly is tactilely connected to one raceway. An elastic component is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit and the rolling component; when the rolling component moves along the central axis of the ball pin unit, one of the elastic components drives one of the rolling components to abut against the two sides of the raceway respectively.

2. The self-compensating universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling assembly includes rollers and balls; the balls are arranged in annular shape; the balls are movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the pin unit; a plurality of rollers are disposed between the pin unit and the balls; the rollers abut against the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit and the inner peripheral wall of the balls respectively; the elastic component is disposed in the gap between the pin unit and one ball; when the balls move along the central axis of the pin unit, the elastic component drives the balls to abut against the two sides of the raceway respectively.

3. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic component includes an elastic unit and a guide unit; the guide unit is movably sleeved on the pin unit; the guide unit is disposed in the gap between the ball pin unit and the rolling ball; the rollers abut against the inner peripheral wall of the guide unit and the outer peripheral wall of the pin unit respectively; one end of the elastic unit abuts against the guide unit, and the other end at least partially abuts against the ball pin unit.

4. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guiding unit includes a top ring plate, a first guiding portion, and a second guiding portion; the top ring plate is arranged in a ring shape; a plurality of first guiding portions and a plurality of second guiding portions are respectively connected to the same side of the top ring plate; a plurality of first guiding portions are spaced apart along the circumference of the top ring plate; a plurality of second guiding portions are spaced apart along the circumference of the top ring plate. The top ring plate is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the pin unit; the top ring plate is located in the area between the ball and the pin unit; the first guide portion and the second guide portion extend to the side of the pin unit; at least two first guide portions are located on opposite sides of the pin unit, and at least two second guide portions are located on opposite sides of the pin unit; the second guide portions are located in the area between the first guide portions and the pin unit. When the ball moves along the central axis of the pin unit, a plurality of first guide portions abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit, and / or a plurality of second guide portions abut against the opposite side walls of the pin unit. The roller is located in the area between the top ring plate and the pin unit; at least a portion of the roller abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the top ring plate; The elastic unit is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second guide portion; the elastic unit is located in the gap between the first guide portion and the second guide portion; one end of the elastic unit abuts against the top ring plate, and the other end abuts against the ball pin unit.

5. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top ring plate includes two connecting plates and two limiting plates; one connecting plate, one limiting plate, and the other connecting plate and the other limiting plate are connected to form a ring; The projection of the connecting plate along the axial direction of the pin unit coincides with that of the ball pin unit; A portion of the first guide portion and a portion of the second guide portion are each connected to one of the limiting plates; another portion of the first guide portion and a portion of the second guide portion are each connected to another limiting plate. One end of the elastic unit abuts against the connecting plate and the limiting plate respectively, and the other end partially abuts against the ball pin unit; The connecting plate has at least a portion of its inner sidewall in contact with the roller; the limiting plate is spaced apart from the roller.

6. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting plate at least partially abuts against the rolling ball; the limiting plate is spaced apart from the rolling ball.

7. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of first guide portions is two; the number of second guide portions is two; the two first guide portions are respectively connected to the two limiting plates; the two second guide portions are respectively connected to the two limiting plates. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are respectively configured as arc-shaped plates; the circle containing the second guide portion is concentric with the circle containing the first guide portion; As the ball moves along the central axis of the pin unit, both sides of each first guide portion abut against the pin unit; both sides of each second guide portion abut against the pin unit.

8. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pin unit includes a pin body, a retaining ring, a first retaining spring, and a first groove; One end of the pin body is connected to the outside of the ball pin unit; at least part of the end of the pin body away from the ball pin unit is disposed within the corresponding raceway. The first groove is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the pin body, and the first retaining spring is sleeved in the first groove; the first retaining spring protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the pin body; the retaining ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the pin body, one side of the retaining ring abuts against the first retaining spring, and the other side abuts against the end of the ball and the roller away from the elastic component, respectively.

9. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-compensating universal joint includes a shaft assembly; the shaft assembly includes a shaft unit and a fastening unit; the shaft unit includes a splined shaft, a connecting shaft, and a second groove; the fastening unit includes an elastic ring and a second retaining ring; The connecting shaft and the spline shaft are coaxially connected; the outer diameter of the spline shaft is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft; the spline shaft is connected to the inner hole of the ball pin unit via a spline. The second groove is recessed into the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the second retaining spring is sleeved in the second groove; the second retaining spring protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the second retaining spring is spaced apart from the elastic component; The elastic ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the spline shaft; the ball pin unit is located in the area between the elastic ring and the second retaining ring; the two sides of the elastic ring abut against the ball pin unit and the connecting shaft respectively; when the ball pin assembly moves along the central axis of the ball cage shell, the elastic ring drives the ball pin unit to abut against the second retaining ring.

10. A self-compensating universal joint according to claim 9, characterized in that, The shaft unit further includes a mounting part; the mounting part is connected to the end of the spline shaft away from the connecting shaft; the mounting part is cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the mounting part is smaller than the outer diameter of the spline shaft.

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