Ratchet wheel lock nut

Abstract

The invention relates to a ratchet locknut, belongs to the technical field of fasteners, and aims to solve the technical problems that a locknut in the prior art is poor in locking performance, the fatigue life of a bolt is affected and the like. The technical scheme is characterized in that the ratchet locknut comprises a ratchet nut, ratchet teeth and a locking sealing sleeve, and the lower surface of the ratchet nut is attached to the upper surfaces of the ratchet teeth; a groove is formed in the lower surface of the ratchet wheel tooth, and a locking sealing sleeve is arranged in the groove. When the ratchet nut and the to-be-screwed piece are in a screwing state, the inner surface of the locking sealing sleeve is in close contact with the outer surface of the thread of the to-be-screwed piece, and the outer surface of the locking sealing sleeve is in close contact with the inner surface of the groove; the lower surface of the ratchet nut is provided with at least one bevel helical tooth, and the upper surface of the ratchet tooth is provided with at least one bevel helical tooth; the bevel spiral teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut are embedded with the bevel spiral teeth on the upper surfaces of the ratchet teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fastener technology, and specifically to a ratchet anti-loosening nut. Background Technology

[0002] Fasteners are commonly used mechanical components for securing connections and have a wide range of applications. Common fasteners include screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, and weld studs, and different fasteners ultimately achieve different connection methods. Threaded connections are a common form of mechanical connection, with advantages such as simple structure, reliable connection, and detachability.

[0003] The simplest threaded connection method involves two parts having through holes, with a screw inserted into each hole. A nut is then used to tighten the connection, securing the two parts together. This method is simple and detachable. However, after a period of use, external vibrations and impacts can cause the nut to loosen, leading to fastening failure.

[0004] Relevant patent documents retrieved:

[0005] This patent, published in China with publication number CN216922812U and publication date July 8, 2022, discloses an eccentric anti-loosening nut assembly, including a bolt, an eccentric nut, and a locking nut. The eccentric nut has an eccentric conical boss on its upper surface, and the locking nut has a recessed hole at its lower end. The eccentric conical boss has an internal thread that matches the external thread of the bolt. The eccentric conical boss has several evenly spaced slots perpendicular to the gap of the eccentric nut. The lower surface of the eccentric nut has evenly spaced locking teeth to increase friction. The slotted structure on the eccentric conical boss allows for better contact between the two sides of the triangular thread on the eccentric conical boss and the thread on the bolt, eliminating gaps between the threads, increasing friction between the two threads, and better achieving the anti-loosening purpose. The locking teeth on the lower surface of the eccentric nut increase friction between the eccentric nut and the locked workpiece, thereby enhancing the anti-loosening effect of the nut.

[0006] The patent, published in China with publication number CN102878182A and publication date January 16, 2013, discloses an anti-loosening nut, which includes a nut body and an anti-loosening structure. The anti-loosening structure includes an elastic ring and a wedge-shaped anti-loosening structure. The elastic ring is disposed at the first end of the nut body, and the wedge-shaped anti-loosening structure is disposed on the end face of the second end of the nut body.

[0007] The prior art represented by the aforementioned patents has at least the following unresolved technical problems or defects, mainly reflected in: The prior art disclosed in CN216922812U, due to its eccentric design, generates radial shear force, which in turn affects the fatigue life of the bolt. The prior art disclosed in CN102878182A, because the nut and the connected part are in direct contact, but under severe external impact or vibration, the nut tends to move upwards, causing a sharp decrease in the friction between the nut and the connected part, resulting in reduced anti-loosening performance.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention provides a ratchet anti-loosening nut. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide: A ratchet anti-loosening nut is provided to solve the technical problems of poor anti-loosening performance and impact on bolt fatigue life in existing anti-loosening nuts, or a combination thereof.

[0010] Terminology Explanation: Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise stated, all patents, patent inventions, and disclosures cited throughout this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If multiple definitions exist for terms herein, the definitions provided in this chapter shall prevail.

[0011] It should be understood that the above brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the subject matter of the invention in any way. In this invention, the singular is used in conjunction with the plural unless otherwise specifically stated. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the use of “or” or “or” means “and / or”. Furthermore, the use of the term “comprising” and other forms such as “including,” “containing,” and “contains” are not limiting.

[0012] The definition of standard fastener terminology can be found in the reference "Practical Fastener Handbook", Machinery Industry Press, Wei Bing, 3rd edition.

[0013] The terms “optional / arbitrary” or “optionally / arbitrarily” mean that the event or situation described below may or may not occur, including both the occurrence and non-occurrence of the event or situation.

[0014] A ratchet lock nut, comprising: The ratchet nut, ratchet teeth, and locking seal sleeve are provided, wherein the lower surface of the ratchet nut and the upper surface of the ratchet teeth are in contact; a groove is provided on the lower surface of the ratchet teeth, and a locking seal sleeve is provided in the groove; When the ratchet nut and the part to be tightened are in the tightened state, the inner surface of the locking seal sleeve and the outer surface of the thread of the part to be tightened are in close contact, and the outer surface of the locking seal sleeve and the inner surface of the groove are in close contact. The lower surface of the ratchet nut is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth, and the upper surface of the ratchet tooth is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth; the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut and the inclined helical teeth on the upper surface of the ratchet tooth are interlocked.

[0015] Based on further solutions to the technical problems of the present invention, or simultaneous solutions to multiple technical problems, the preferred solution in the technical solution provided in the first aspect of the present invention includes: First preferred option: The helix angle of the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread of the ratchet nut.

[0016] This technical solution not only addresses the technical problem of "poor anti-loosening performance," but also further solves the technical problem of "how to further improve anti-loosening performance."

[0017] Second preferred option: The helix angle of the inclined helical teeth on the upper surface of the ratchet teeth is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread of the ratchet nut.

[0018] This technical solution not only addresses the technical problem of "poor anti-loosening performance," but also further solves the technical problem of "how to further improve anti-loosening performance."

[0019] Third preferred option: The lower surface of the ratchet nut is provided with two inclined helical teeth, and the upper surface of the ratchet teeth is provided with two inclined helical teeth.

[0020] Fourth preferred option: The lower surface of the ratchet teeth is provided with a ceramic powder layer or a metal powder layer.

[0021] Fifth preferred option: The ratchet nut can be cylindrical, hexagonal, or cubic.

[0022] Sixth preferred option: The ratchet teeth have a through hole at their center, and the inner diameter of the through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the part to be tightened.

[0023] Seventh preferred option: The groove is a frustum-shaped groove; the cross-sectional diameter of the groove gradually decreases from the outer surface of the ratchet teeth to the bottom of the groove. The outer wall of the locking sealing sleeve matches the inner wall of the groove.

[0024] Eighth preferred option: The locking and sealing sleeve is annular, and the annular body of the locking and sealing sleeve has a longitudinal through groove.

[0025] Ninth preferred option: The locking and sealing sleeve has a longitudinally non-through semi-groove on its annular body; the semi-groove is located near the bottom wall of the groove.

[0026] The tenth preferred option: The locking and sealing sleeve is made of a soft, elastic material.

[0027] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has better technical effect in terms of anti-loosening performance.

[0028] During tightening, under the engagement force of the ratchet nut, the locking seal sleeve gradually embeds into the groove of the ratchet teeth. As the locking seal sleeve embeds, the ratchet teeth exert an inward radial compressive force on the locking seal sleeve, causing it to contract radially. Due to the through groove, the locking seal sleeve gradually contracts until it locks tightly against the part to be tightened, creating friction between the outer surfaces of the locking seal sleeve and the part. In subsequent operation, even under severe impact or vibration, the locking seal sleeve will not loosen due to the friction between it and the part. Furthermore, because the locking seal sleeve and ratchet teeth are tightly engaged, the ratchet teeth and ratchet nut will also remain secure, thus improving the nut's anti-loosening performance under severe impact or vibration.

[0029] In addition, the helix angle of the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut is set to be greater than the thread helix angle. Under the tendency of mutual rotation, the two conjugate ratchet teeth are axially squeezed against each other. When this squeezing force acts on the bottom contact surface, the axial pressure increases accordingly. Under the action of the squeezing force, the ratchet nut generates an upward axial force, which increases the friction between the threaded pairs and further improves the anti-loosening friction.

[0030] 2. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has better technical effect in improving the fatigue life of bolts.

[0031] The locking and sealing sleeve in this invention is made of elastic material. When compressed, it has the functions of vibration absorption and damping, which can improve the bolt stress condition at the contact surface between the ratchet teeth and the connected parts; it can reduce the bending stress and shear force on the parts to be tightened, and improve and increase the fatigue life of the parts to be tightened.

[0032] 3. This invention features an axisymmetric design, which, compared to existing eccentric anti-loosening components, avoids the impact of radial shear force on bolt fatigue life caused by eccentric design. Furthermore, compared to existing double-toothed anti-loosening washers, which rely primarily on friction between the washer and the contact surfaces of the workpiece and nut for anti-loosening, this invention uses a locking sealing sleeve to increase friction between the ratchet teeth and the bolt, solving the problem of axial loosening of the ratchet teeth under high-intensity vibration. Finally, compared to existing technologies that "change the included angle at the bottom of the nut thread, i.e., add a chamfer on one side of the thread to increase the friction between the nut thread and bolt thread in the tightened state to achieve anti-loosening," the anti-loosening nut has excessive "meat" on one side, easily damaging the bolt thread; this is a major drawback of the anti-loosening nut. The locking and sealing sleeve of the present invention is made of soft elastic material, which can effectively protect the threads in the tight and locked state. In addition, the soft elastic material has the effect of vibration absorption and damping, which can improve the fatigue life of the bolt. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram from another perspective of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Ratchet nut, 101. First helical tooth, 102. Internal thread; 2. Ratchet tooth; 201. Second helical tooth; 202. Coating; 203. Through hole; 204. Flange; 205. Boss. 3. Lock the sealing sleeve, 301, through groove, 302, half groove. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following non-limiting embodiments are intended to enable those skilled in the art to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. The following content is merely an exemplary description of the scope of protection claimed by the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention based on the disclosed content, and such changes should also fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0036] The present invention will be further described below by way of specific embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, all instruments, devices, equipment and other items used in the embodiments of the present invention are obtained through conventional commercial means.

[0037] This embodiment provides a ratchet lock nut, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a ratchet nut 1, ratchet teeth 2, and a locking sealing sleeve 3, to... Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the ratchet nut 1 is positioned above the ratchet tooth 2, and a locking sealing sleeve 3 is disposed inside the ratchet tooth 2. Specifically, the lower surface of the ratchet nut 1 is in contact with the upper surface of the ratchet tooth 2; a groove is provided on the lower surface of the ratchet tooth 2, and the locking sealing sleeve 3 is disposed within the groove. When the ratchet nut 1 and the part to be tightened are in the tightened state, the inner surface of the locking sealing sleeve 3 is in close contact with the threaded outer surface of the part to be tightened, and the outer surface of the locking sealing sleeve 3 is in close contact with the inner surface of the groove.

[0038] The ratchet nut 1 has a threaded hole at its center, and the inner wall of the threaded hole has an internal thread 102. The ratchet nut 1 and the part to be tightened are threadedly connected. The part to be tightened can be a screw, bolt or other structural part with external threads.

[0039] The ratchet nut 1 can be cylindrical, hexagonal, cuboid, or other shapes. In this embodiment, the ratchet nut 1 is hexagonal, which allows it to better fit the wrench.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower surface of the ratchet nut 1 is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth, which is the first helical tooth 101; the upper surface of the ratchet tooth 2 is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth, which is the second helical tooth 201; the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut 1 and the inclined helical teeth on the upper surface of the ratchet tooth 2 are interlocked. Preferably, there are two of each of the first helical tooth 101 and the second helical tooth 201. In other embodiments, the first helical tooth 101 and the second helical tooth 201 can also be provided in other quantities such as 3, 4, 5, 6, etc., and the number of the first helical tooth 101 and the second helical tooth 201 is the same.

[0041] The helix angle of the first helical tooth 101 is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread 102 of the ratchet nut 1. The helix angle of the second helical tooth 201 is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread 102 of the ratchet nut 1.

[0042] After tightening, under high-intensity vibration conditions, the ratchet nut 1 exhibits a rotational tendency, meaning there is a relative rotational tendency between the ratchet nut 1 and the ratchet teeth 2. Since the helix angles of both the first helical tooth 101 and the second helical tooth 201 are greater than the helix angle of the internal thread 102, this tendency to rotate relative to each other causes the two conjugate helical teeth to axially compress each other. This compressive force acts on the bottom contact surface, generating axial pressure. Furthermore, as the compressive force increases, the axial pressure also increases. Under the action of this compressive force, the ratchet nut 1 generates an upward axial force, which further increases the friction between the threaded pairs, thus improving the anti-loosening performance.

[0043] In addition, the ratchet tooth 2 includes a flange 204 and a boss 205, the outer diameter of the boss 205 being smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 204. The upper surface of the boss 205 is provided with a second helical tooth 201, and the lower surface of the flange 204 is provided with a coating 202; the upper surface of the flange 204 is a horizontal surface or an inclined surface.

[0044] The boss 205 is hexagonal in shape, but in other embodiments, it can also be cylindrical, quadrilateral, or other structural forms. The coating 202 on the lower surface of the flange 204 is specifically a ceramic powder layer or a metal powder layer. Both the ceramic powder layer and the metal powder layer are processed using a spraying process. The coating 202 increases the roughness of the lower surface of the flange 204, thereby increasing the friction between the flange 204 and the connected parts. The ceramic powder layer can be made of materials such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, or zirconium carbide. The metal powder layer can be made of materials such as carbon steel or alloy steel.

[0045] The ratchet tooth 2 has a through hole 203 at its center, and the inner diameter of the through hole 203 is larger than the outer diameter of the part to be tightened. The center of the groove coincides with the center of the through hole 203. The groove is a frustum-shaped groove; the cross-sectional diameter of the groove gradually decreases from the outer surface of the ratchet tooth 2 towards the bottom of the groove; the outer sidewall of the locking sealing sleeve 3 matches the inner sidewall of the groove. Furthermore, the minimum outer diameter of the locking sealing sleeve 3 in its disassembled state is larger than the inner diameter of the bottom wall of the groove, but smaller than the maximum inner diameter of the groove.

[0046] The locking and sealing sleeve 3 is annular, with a through hole at its center for the part to be tightened. The through hole is cylindrical. The annular body of the locking and sealing sleeve 3 has a longitudinally penetrating groove 301. The annular body of the locking and sealing sleeve 3 also has a longitudinally non-penetrating semi-groove 302; the semi-groove 302 is located near the bottom wall of the groove. The semi-groove 302 and the through groove 301 can be spaced 180° apart, 90° apart, or at other angles.

[0047] The inner diameter of the locking and sealing sleeve 3 in the disassembled state is larger than the outer diameter of the part to be tightened, and its height can be the same as or less than the depth of the groove.

[0048] The locking and sealing sleeve 3 is made of a soft-based elastic material, such as polymer materials or aluminum alloy materials. This allows the locking and sealing sleeve 3 to effectively protect the threads in the tightened state, generate sufficient friction, and the soft-based elastic material has a vibration-absorbing and damping effect, which can improve the fatigue life of bolts or screws and other tightened parts.

[0049] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When tightening is required, the locking seal sleeve 3, ratchet teeth 2, and ratchet nut 1 are placed onto the part to be tightened in sequence. At this time, ratchet teeth 2 do not contact the part to be connected below due to the obstruction of the locking seal sleeve 3. The first helical tooth 101 of ratchet nut 1 and the second helical tooth 201 of ratchet teeth 2 are engaged, and ratchet nut 1 is tightened. Under the action of the engagement force, ratchet nut 1 squeezes ratchet teeth 2 down, and locking seal sleeve 3 is gradually embedded into the groove.

[0050] As the embedment depth increases, the ratchet teeth 2 exert an inward radial compressive force on the locking seal sleeve 3, causing the locking seal sleeve 3 to contract radially. Due to the through groove 301, the locking seal sleeve 3 gradually contracts until it locks with the part to be tightened, resulting in a certain amount of friction between the locking seal sleeve 3 and the outer surface of the part to be tightened. In addition, under the tightening force of the ratchet nut 1, there is a certain amount of friction between the lower surface of the ratchet teeth 2 and the part to be connected.

[0051] When external vibration is minimal or the device is stationary, the ratchet nut 1 can be prevented from loosening by relying on the friction between the ratchet teeth 2 and the part to be connected. When external vibration is significant, the ratchet nut 1 will not loosen because all components are in close contact and have friction, and the locking seal sleeve 3 and the part to be tightened are locked. Even if the ratchet teeth 2 loosen slightly under severe vibration, reducing the friction between the ratchet teeth 2 and the part to be connected, the ratchet teeth 2 are still subjected to the tension force of the locking seal sleeve 3. The locking seal sleeve 3 is locked tightly against the part to be tightened, so the ratchet teeth 2 will not loosen, thus effectively preventing the ratchet nut 1 from loosening.

[0052] In summary, this invention can be applied to fields such as rail transportation, wind power, shipbuilding, bridges, chemical industry, power transmission and transformation, heavy industry, vehicles, and aviation, and can effectively ensure the tight connection of the components to be connected.

[0053] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ratchet-locking nut, characterized in that, include: The ratchet nut, ratchet teeth, and locking seal sleeve are provided, wherein the lower surface of the ratchet nut and the upper surface of the ratchet teeth are in contact; a groove is provided on the lower surface of the ratchet teeth, and a locking seal sleeve is provided in the groove; When the ratchet nut and the part to be tightened are in the tightened state, the inner surface of the locking seal sleeve and the outer surface of the thread of the part to be tightened are in close contact, and the outer surface of the locking seal sleeve and the inner surface of the groove are in close contact. The lower surface of the ratchet nut is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth, and the upper surface of the ratchet tooth is provided with at least one inclined helical tooth; the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut and the inclined helical teeth on the upper surface of the ratchet tooth are interlocked.

2. The ratchet anti-loosening nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The helix angle of the inclined helical teeth on the lower surface of the ratchet nut is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread of the ratchet nut.

3. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The helix angle of the inclined helical teeth on the upper surface of the ratchet teeth is greater than the helix angle of the internal thread of the ratchet nut.

4. The ratchet anti-loosening nut according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower surface of the ratchet nut is provided with two inclined helical teeth, and the upper surface of the ratchet teeth is provided with two inclined helical teeth.

5. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface of the ratchet teeth is provided with a ceramic powder layer or a metal powder layer.

6. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratchet teeth have a through hole at the center, and the inner diameter of the through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the part to be tightened.

7. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove is a frustum-shaped groove; the cross-sectional diameter of the groove gradually decreases from the outer surface of the ratchet teeth to the bottom of the groove. The outer wall of the locking sealing sleeve matches the inner wall of the groove.

8. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and sealing sleeve is annular, and the annular body of the locking and sealing sleeve has a longitudinal through groove.

9. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking and sealing sleeve has a longitudinally non-through semi-groove on its annular body; the semi-groove is located near the bottom wall of the groove.

10. The ratchet locking nut according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and sealing sleeve is made of a soft, elastic material.

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