A type of agricultural machinery universal joint that facilitates the replacement of internal grease.

Abstract

This invention discloses a universal joint for agricultural machinery that facilitates the replacement of internal grease, relating to the field of couplings. It includes a universal joint with four sleeves fitted to its ends. A movable oil seal is provided between the ends of the sleeves and the universal joint. The universal joint has an oil injection channel coaxial with each sleeve. A ball valve is rotatably positioned at the intersection of the oil injection channels and has a first opening and a second opening that are orthogonal to each other. The first opening is connected to the grease injection channel, while the second opening can be independently aligned with each oil injection channel during the rotation of the ball valve. This invention, by providing ball valves that correspond to the four oil injection channels, and by adjusting the orientation of the second opening of the ball valve by rotating the lug, allows for the replacement of old grease at different sleeves, effectively avoiding insufficient lubrication or excessive grease waste caused by uneven grease pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of couplings, specifically to an agricultural machinery universal joint that facilitates the replacement of internal grease. Background Technology

[0002] The core function of the universal joint is to realize variable angle power transmission. It is mainly used in positions where the direction of the transmission axis needs to be changed, and it is a key component in agricultural equipment and other mechanical transmission systems.

[0003] In existing agricultural machinery, the universal joints used in high-intensity applications require regular grease application. Otherwise, wear between the universal joint and the bearings can be accelerated, leading to decreased transmission efficiency or even component failure. Existing agricultural machinery universal joints typically contain a cross-shaped grease channel. The intersection of this channel extends outward from the outer wall of the universal joint and has an oil inlet. When adding grease, a grease gun is connected to the inlet, and grease is simultaneously forced into each grease channel through the inlet. The new grease pushes the old grease out from the oil seals between the universal joint and the sleeve. The grease discharge from each oil seal is observed until new grease begins to drain from all oil seals, at which point the lubrication maintenance of the universal joint is complete.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, existing lubricating greases are injected into each grease channel simultaneously. When the lubricating grease in one sleeve has been completely replaced, if old lubricating grease continues to flow out of other sleeves, and lubricating grease is continued to be injected, new lubricating grease will continue to leak from the oil seal of the first sleeve. By the time the lubricating grease in all sleeves has been replaced, a large amount of lubricating grease will be wasted. If the lubrication is stopped when new lubricating grease flows out of the first sleeve, the other sleeves will not be able to completely replace the lubricating grease.

[0005] In summary, existing agricultural machinery universal joints cannot achieve uniform replacement of grease in each sleeve and avoid excessive grease waste. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, the purpose of this invention is to provide an agricultural machinery universal joint that facilitates the replacement of internal grease, so as to solve the technical problem that existing agricultural machinery universal joints are difficult to achieve uniform replacement of grease in each sleeve and avoid excessive grease waste.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a universal joint for agricultural machinery that facilitates the replacement of internal grease, comprising a universal joint shaft, four sleeves respectively fitted to the ends of the universal joint shaft, a movable oil seal structure provided between the ends of the sleeves and the universal joint shaft, an oil injection channel coaxial with each sleeve provided inside the universal joint shaft, and a ball valve, the ball valve being rotatably disposed at the intersection of the oil injection channels, and having a first opening and a second opening that are orthogonal to each other, the first opening being connected to the lubricating grease injection channel, and the second opening being able to independently align with each oil injection channel during the rotation of the ball valve.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, a ball valve is set up that can correspond to four oil injection channels respectively. By rotating the lug to adjust the orientation of the second opening of the ball valve, the old lubricating grease at different sleeves can be replaced separately. This makes the lubricating grease replacement process of each sleeve independent of each other, effectively avoiding insufficient lubrication or excessive waste of lubricating grease due to uneven lubricating grease pressure.

[0009] The invention is further configured such that the cross shaft is connected to a mounting post, the mounting post is rotatably connected to a connecting post, the bottom end of the connecting post passes through the first opening and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the ball valve, the top end of the connecting post passes through the mounting post and is connected to a swivel lug, and the axis of the connecting post is orthogonal to the axes of all oil injection channels.

[0010] Preferably, the ball valve can be rotated by rotating the lug.

[0011] The invention is further configured such that an opening with the same diameter as the ball valve is provided inside the cross shaft, and a pad is provided between the ball valve and the mounting post, with the bottom end of the pad fitting against the outer wall of the ball valve.

[0012] Preferably, this facilitates the installation of the ball valve into the cross shaft.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the portion of the mounting post outside the cross shaft is provided with an oil interface along its own radial direction.

[0014] Preferably, the oil gun is connected using an oil connector.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that four connecting platforms are respectively provided at the ends of the cross shaft, and bearings are provided between the connecting platforms and the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0016] Preferably, the bearing, when provided with sufficient lubricating grease, can effectively reduce the resistance during universal joint rotation.

[0017] The invention is further configured such that the oil injection channel extends from the end of the connecting platform to the cross shaft, the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a flow divider facing the outlet of the oil injection channel, the flow divider is surrounded by a ring array of support blocks, the bearing bracket of the bearing is in contact with the support blocks, and the end face of the connecting platform is not in contact with the flow divider.

[0018] Preferably, this allows the lubricating grease to enter the sleeve more evenly.

[0019] The present invention is further configured such that a closing ring is provided at the end of the sleeve, and a sealing lip is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the closing ring, and the sealing lip is in contact with the outer wall of the cross shaft where the connecting platform is located.

[0020] Preferably, the sealing lip can effectively prevent the leakage of lubricating grease during the operation of the universal joint.

[0021] The present invention is further configured such that a blocking platform is fixedly provided on the cross shaft near the connecting platform, a first retaining spring is provided between the blocking platform and the closing ring, the cross shaft is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the first retaining spring at the end of the blocking platform away from the sleeve, the closing ring is slidable toward the blocking platform, and oil drain ports are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction on the side wall of the closing ring. When the closing ring contacts the blocking platform, the oil drain ports are connected to the outside and the inside of the sleeve.

[0022] Preferably, the resistance during the discharge of old lubricating grease is effectively reduced, thereby allowing new lubricating grease to replace the old lubricating grease in the sleeve more smoothly.

[0023] The present invention is further configured such that a sealing ring is installed at the end of the closed ring away from the blocking platform, and when the first snap ring is engaged between the closed ring and the blocking platform, the end of the sealing ring away from the closed ring is in close contact with the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0024] Preferably, the sealing ring can further improve the stability of the movable oil seal structure when the universal joint is in operation.

[0025] The invention is further configured such that two coaxially opposite sleeves are mounted on the same fork, and each fork is provided with a second retaining spring at the end of the sleeves that are far apart from each other to limit the sliding of the sleeves.

[0026] Preferably, the second retaining ring can effectively restrict the movement of the sleeve along its own axial direction.

[0027] In summary, the present invention has the following main beneficial effects:

[0028] 1. This invention features ball valves that correspond to four oil injection channels. By rotating the lug to adjust the orientation of the second opening of the ball valve, the old lubricating grease at different sleeves can be replaced separately. This ensures that the lubricating grease replacement process for each sleeve is independent, effectively avoiding insufficient lubrication or excessive waste of lubricating grease due to uneven lubricating grease pressure.

[0029] 2. The present invention provides ample space for the flow of lubricating grease by setting a flow distribution platform near the oil injection channel outlet and setting support blocks in a ring array around the flow distribution platform. When the new lubricating grease enters the corresponding position of the sleeve, the old lubricating grease can be pushed out better and more evenly, which effectively improves the efficiency and uniformity of replacing the old lubricating grease with the new lubricating grease, thereby extending the service life of the universal joint.

[0030] 3. By providing an oil seal structure that can move along the axis of the sleeve, when the old lubricating grease in the sleeve needs to be replaced, the first retaining ring can be removed to allow the lubricating grease to push the oil seal structure to slide, providing enough space for the old lubricating grease to leave the sleeve and flow out, reducing the oil injection resistance, and allowing the lubricating grease to be injected more fully and quickly into the required position.

[0031] 4. By incorporating a sealing ring, this invention effectively prevents lubricating grease from leaking from the side of the oil seal structure away from the sealing lip when the oil seal structure is limited by the first retaining ring. This ensures the airtight performance of the universal joint during use, prevents lubricating grease leakage, and effectively reduces dust ingress. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cross shaft and sleeve structure in this invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the cross shaft and sleeve structure from another perspective in this invention;

[0035] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross shaft and sleeve cross section in this invention;

[0037] Figure 6 In this invention Figure 5 Enlarged view of B in the middle;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the cross shaft and the sleeve from another perspective in this invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the new grease pushing the old grease and thus pushing the closed ring when grease is injected into one of the grease injection channels in this invention.

[0040] Figure 9 In this invention Figure 8 Enlarged view of C in the middle;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the mounting post and ball valve in this invention.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Cross shaft; 101. Connecting platform; 102. Oil injection channel; 103. Blocking platform; 104. Receiving groove; 2. Fork; 3. Sleeve; 301. Diverter platform; 302. Support block; 4. Bearing; 5. Sealing ring; 501. Oil drain port; 6. Sealing ring; 7. Sealing lip; 8. First snap ring; 9. Second snap ring; 10. Mounting post; 1001. Oil interface; 11. Ball valve; 1101. First opening; 1102. Second opening; 12. Connecting post; 13. Pad; 14. Rotary lug. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0046] First embodiment

[0047] For a type of agricultural machinery universal joint that allows for easy replacement of internal grease, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 - Figure 10 It includes a cross shaft 1, with four sleeves 3 respectively fitted to the ends of the cross shaft 1. A movable oil seal structure is provided between the ends of the sleeves 3 and the cross shaft 1. An oil injection channel 102 coaxial with each sleeve 3 is provided inside the cross shaft 1.

[0048] It also includes a ball valve 11, which is rotatably disposed at the intersection of the oil injection channels 102, and is provided with a first opening 1101 and a second opening 1102 that are orthogonal to each other. Specifically, the ball valve 11 is in close contact with the inner wall of the cross shaft 1 at its location, which effectively prevents grease from leaking from the gap between the ball valve 11 and the inner wall of the cross shaft 1. The first opening 1101 is connected to the lubricating grease injection channel, while the second opening 1102 can be independently aligned with each oil injection channel 102 during the rotation of the ball valve 11, so as to independently inject lubricating grease into each oil injection channel 102, thereby effectively avoiding waste caused by uneven distribution of lubricating grease.

[0049] Specifically, two coaxially opposite sleeves 3 are mounted on the same fork 2. The fork 2 is provided with a second retaining spring 9 at the ends of the sleeves 3 that are far apart from each other, which is used to restrict the sliding of the sleeves 3. The second retaining spring 9 can effectively restrict the movement of the sleeves 3 along their own axial direction.

[0050] Furthermore, four connecting platforms 101 are respectively provided at the ends of the cross shaft 1. A bearing 4 is provided between the connecting platform 101 and the inner wall of the sleeve 3. The bearing 4 can effectively reduce the resistance when the universal joint rotates under the condition of sufficient lubricating grease.

[0051] Please see Figure 3 - Figure 10 The cross shaft 1 is connected to the mounting post 10. Specifically, the cross shaft 1 and the mounting post 10 are connected by threads. The mounting post 10 is rotatably connected to the connecting post 12. The bottom end of the connecting post 12 passes through the first opening 1101 and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the ball valve 11. The top end of the connecting post 12 passes through the mounting post 10 and is connected to the lug 14. The axis of the connecting post 12 is orthogonal to the axis of all the oil injection channels 102. Rotating the lug 14 can rotate and adjust the ball valve 11. Furthermore, one end of the lug 14 is provided with an indicator notch. The orientation of the second opening 1102 can be determined by the position of the notch. For example, in this embodiment, a notch is provided at one end of the lug 14. With the lug 14 facing forward, the second opening 1102 of the ball valve 11 faces to the right. This allows us to determine the orientation of the second opening 1102 of the ball valve 11 inside the cross shaft 1. In other undisclosed embodiments, the notch of the lug 14 can be aligned with the orientation of the second opening 1102 to facilitate a faster determination of the orientation of the second opening 1102.

[0052] Specifically, the cross shaft 1 has an opening with the same diameter as the ball valve 11. A pad 13 is provided between the ball valve 11 and the mounting post 10. The bottom end of the pad 13 fits against the outer wall of the ball valve 11, which facilitates the installation of the ball valve 11 into the cross shaft 1 and also ensures the stable rotation of the ball valve 11. Furthermore, a seal is provided between the bottom end of the pad 13 and the outer wall of the ball valve 11 to prevent grease from leaking from the gap between the pad 13 and the ball valve 11 during the oil injection process. The part of the mounting post 10 outside the cross shaft 1 has an oil interface 1001 arranged radially. The oil gun is connected through the oil interface 1001. The oil gun is a mature technology in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0053] Second embodiment

[0054] For a type of agricultural machinery universal joint that allows for easy replacement of internal grease, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 - Figure 10 Based on the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the oil injection channel 102 extends from the end of the connecting platform 101 to the cross shaft 1. A diverter platform 301 is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 3 facing the outlet of the oil injection channel 102. Support blocks 302 are arranged in a ring array around the diverter platform 301. The bearing bracket of the bearing 4 is in contact with the support block 302. The end face of the connecting platform 101 is not in contact with the diverter platform 301, so that the lubricating grease can enter the sleeve 3 more evenly. Specifically, a gap of 0.5-1mm is reserved between the end face of the connecting platform 101 and the diverter platform 301 to ensure that the grease is evenly diffused and the pressure is stable.

[0055] Specifically, the end of the sleeve 3 is provided with a closing ring 5, and the inner wall of the closing ring 5 is fixedly connected with a sealing lip 7. The sealing lip 7 is in contact with the outer wall of the cross shaft 1 where the connecting platform 101 is located. The sealing lip 7 can effectively prevent the universal joint from leaking lubricating grease during operation. The sealing lip 7 is made of oil-resistant rubber material, which has good elasticity and sealing performance, ensuring that it can maintain a reliable sealing effect during long-term operation.

[0056] Please see Figure 5 - Figure 10 A blocking platform 103 is fixedly installed on the cross shaft 1 near the connecting platform 101. A first retaining spring 8 is provided between the blocking platform 103 and the closing ring 5. A receiving groove 104 for accommodating the first retaining spring 8 is provided at the end of the blocking platform 103 away from the sleeve 3. The receiving groove 104 is used to temporarily store the first retaining spring 8 to prevent it from falling off and being lost. The closing ring 5 can slide toward the blocking platform 103. Oil drain ports 501 are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction on the side wall of the closing ring 5. When the closing ring 5 contacts the blocking platform 103, the oil drain ports 501 connect the outside to the inside of the sleeve 3, effectively reducing the resistance when the old lubricating grease is discharged, so that the new lubricating grease can replace the old lubricating grease in the sleeve 3 more smoothly.

[0057] Furthermore, a sealing ring 6 is installed at the end of the closed ring 5 away from the blocking platform 103. When the first snap ring 8 is locked between the closed ring 5 and the blocking platform 103, the end of the sealing ring 6 away from the closed ring 5 is in close contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 3. The sealing ring 6 can further improve the stability of the oil seal structure when the universal joint is working, effectively prevent the seal failure caused by vibration or pressure fluctuation, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the lubrication system.

[0058] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When it is necessary to inject lubricating grease into the universal joint, first rotate the lug 14 to align the second opening 1102 with one of the oil injection channels 102, use snap ring pliers to remove the corresponding first snap ring 8, and temporarily snap the first snap ring 8 into the receiving groove 104. The lubricating grease enters the mounting post 10 through the oil interface 1001, flows down along the mounting post 10 into the ball valve 11, and is discharged from the second opening 1102 of the ball valve 11 to the oil injection channel 102. The lubricating grease flowing out of the oil injection channel 102 is evenly diffused along the circular cross section by the diversion platform 301, and is diverted by the ring-shaped support blocks 302, forming a stable moving annular new oil layer evenly along the axial direction of the sleeve 3, pushing the old oil out.

[0059] The pressure when the old oil is discharged will push the closed ring 5 to slide toward the blocking platform 103 and contact the blocking platform 103. The old oil, pushed by the new oil, will be discharged from the drain port 501, which effectively reduces the discharge pressure and allows the new lubricating grease to replace the old lubricating grease more smoothly.

[0060] When new lubricating grease is found to be discharged from the drain port 501, stop adding lubricating grease, scrape off the old lubricating grease at the sealing ring 5, push the sealing ring 5 back into place, and install the first retaining spring 8 back into its original position. Then rotate the lug 14 ninety degrees to replace the lubricating grease in the next sleeve 3 in the same way.

[0061] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the invention and are not intended to limit it. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, but such modifications, substitutions, and variations are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A type of agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement, characterized in that, include: A cross shaft (1) is provided with four sleeves (3) respectively at its ends. A movable oil seal structure is provided between the ends of the sleeves (3) and the cross shaft (1). An oil injection channel (102) coaxial with each sleeve (3) is provided inside the cross shaft (1). A ball valve (11) is rotatably disposed at the intersection of the oil injection channels (102), and is provided with a first opening (1101) and a second opening (1102) that are orthogonal to each other. The first opening (1101) is connected to the lubricating grease injection channel, while the second opening (1102) can be independently aligned with each oil injection channel (102) during the rotation of the ball valve (11). The cross shaft (1) is connected to a mounting post (10), and the mounting post (10) is rotatably connected to a connecting post (12). The bottom end of the column (12) passes through the first opening (1101) and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the ball valve (11). The top end of the connecting column (12) passes through the mounting column (10) and is connected to the lug (14). The axis of the connecting column (12) is orthogonal to the intersection center line of the four oil injection channels (102). The cross shaft (1) has an opening with the same diameter as the ball valve (11). A pad (13) is provided between the ball valve (11) and the mounting column (10). The bottom end of the pad (13) is in contact with the outer wall of the ball valve (11).

2. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting post (10) has an oil port (1001) located radially outside the cross shaft (1).

3. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the cross shaft (1) are provided with four connecting platforms (101), and bearings (4) are provided between the connecting platforms (101) and the inner wall of the sleeve (3).

4. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 3, characterized in that: The oil injection channel (102) extends from the end of the connecting platform (101) through the cross shaft (1). The inner wall of the sleeve (3) is provided with a diversion platform (301) facing the outlet of the oil injection channel (102). Support blocks (302) are arranged in a ring array around the diversion platform (301). The bearing frame of the bearing (4) is in contact with the support block (302). The end face of the connecting platform (101) is not in contact with the diversion platform (301).

5. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sleeve (3) is provided with a closing ring (5) at its end. A sealing lip (7) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the closing ring (5). The sealing lip (7) is in contact with the outer wall of the cross shaft (1) where the connecting platform (101) is located.

6. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross shaft (1) has a blocking platform (103) fixedly installed near the connecting platform (101). A first retaining ring (8) is provided between the blocking platform (103) and the closing ring (5). The cross shaft (1) has a receiving groove (104) for accommodating the first retaining ring (8) at the end of the blocking platform (103) away from the sleeve (3). The closing ring (5) can slide toward the blocking platform (103). The side wall of the closing ring (5) is provided with oil drain ports (501) at intervals along the circumferential direction. When the closing ring (5) contacts the blocking platform (103), the oil drain ports (501) connect the outside to the inside of the sleeve (3).

7. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing ring (6) is installed at the end of the closed ring (5) away from the blocking platform (103). When the first snap ring (8) is locked between the closed ring (5) and the blocking platform (103), the end of the sealing ring (6) away from the closed ring (5) is in close contact with the inner wall of the sleeve (3).

8. The agricultural machinery universal joint with convenient internal grease replacement according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two sleeves (3) are mounted on the same fork (2) on opposite sides of the same axis. The fork (2) is provided with a second retaining ring (9) at the ends of the sleeves (3) that are far apart from each other to restrict the sliding of the sleeves (3).

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