Cross-shaped locking and limiting universal coupling and locking method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the related technical field of universal coupling assembly, in particular to a cross-shaped locking and limiting universal coupling and a locking method thereof.The cross-shaped locking and limiting universal coupling comprises a driving shaft and a driven shaft, shaft forks are arranged at the end of the driving shaft and the end of the driven shaft respectively, and a first plug pin and a second plug pin are detachably installed on the two shaft forks respectively; shaft sleeves are symmetrically and rotationally arranged at the two ends of the shaft fork, and a plurality of elastic locking pieces are arranged in the shaft sleeves; a plurality of through holes are distributed in the two ends of the first plug pin and the second plug pin along the circumference respectively; the multiple extrusion assemblies are arranged along the circumference of the shaft sleeve; when the two shaft forks are installed through the first plug pin and the second plug pin, the extrusion assemblies are extruded, so that the stored elastic potential energy of the elastic locking piece is increased, and the elastic locking piece can be quickly inserted after being aligned with the through hole; therefore, the shaft sleeve can automatically lock and limit the first plug pin or the second plug pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of universal coupling assembly, specifically a universal coupling with cross-shaped locking limit and its locking method. Background Technology

[0002] Universal joints are mechanical transmission devices used to connect two shafts, primarily for transmitting torque and rotational motion, while allowing for a certain degree of angular deviation, axial displacement, or radial displacement between the two shafts. They are widely used in various mechanical equipment. Universal joints come in various structural forms, the most common being cross-type universal joints and ball-cage type universal joints.

[0003] The existing cross shaft type universal coupling has a one-piece cross shaft at the connection node. When the cross shaft is installed with two shafts, it is necessary to first align the cross shaft with the connection seat of one shaft and then use bolts to fix it to achieve limit locking. Then the connection seat of the other shaft is installed with the cross shaft. The installation process is cumbersome, which leads to complicated operation and reduces the assembly efficiency of the universal coupling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a universal coupling with cross-locking limit to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A universal coupling with cross-locking limit includes a drive shaft and a driven shaft. The ends of the drive shaft and the driven shaft are respectively provided with shaft forks. The shaft forks are arranged in a U-shaped structure. A first pin and a second pin are detachably installed on the two shaft forks respectively. The second pin passes through the first pin and the first pin and the second pin are arranged in a cross shape. The two ends of the shaft forks are symmetrically and rotatably provided with bushings. Multiple elastic locking elements are provided inside the bushings.

[0007] Both ends of the first pin and the second pin are respectively provided with multiple through holes distributed along the circumference, and the elastic locking member can be inserted into the through holes;

[0008] The extrusion assembly has multiple components arranged along the circumference of the bushing. When the first pin and the second pin are inserted, the extrusion assembly can push the elastic locking member when it makes room, and the elastic locking member deforms.

[0009] An unlocking component, disposed on the bushing, is capable of releasing the elastic locking member from locking the through hole.

[0010] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the through holes at both ends of the first pin and the second pin are misaligned.

[0011] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the extrusion assembly includes an extrusion block, an inner cavity is formed inside the bushing, the extrusion block is slidably disposed in the inner cavity along the radial direction of the bushing, one end of the extrusion block can penetrate the inner cavity, and a sliding plate is fixedly connected to the other end, the sliding plate is slidably connected to the inner cavity through a first support frame installed in the inner cavity, and the sliding plate is connected to the elastic locking member through a balancing assembly;

[0012] It also includes a first spring, one end of which abuts against the slide plate and the other end of which abuts against the first support frame.

[0013] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the elastic locking element includes a limiting block, a second support frame is installed in the inner cavity, and the limiting block is slidably connected to the second support frame;

[0014] A plug-in plate is slidably mounted on the second support frame. A plug-in rod is installed at the end of the plug-in plate. The end of the plug-in rod away from the plug-in plate can pass through the inner cavity and is provided with a ball bearing.

[0015] The second spring has one end abutting against the limiting block and the other end abutting against the plug plate.

[0016] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the balancing component includes a connecting rod rotatably installed in the inner cavity, with a first sliding groove and a second sliding groove formed at both ends of the connecting rod, a first protrusion fixedly provided on the sliding plate that slides in cooperation with the first sliding groove, and a second protrusion fixedly provided on the limiting block that slides in cooperation with the second sliding groove.

[0017] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the unlocking component includes a knob, the knob is axially arranged along the bushing and rotatably connected to the bushing, the knob is fixed to a threaded rod rotatably installed in the inner cavity, and when the threaded rod rotates, it can drive a pusher provided in the inner cavity to press against the plug plate.

[0018] The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described above: the pushing member includes a sleeve sleeved on the threaded rod, the sleeve is slidably connected to the inner cavity wall and threadedly connected to the threaded rod, a plurality of unlocking blocks are distributed along the circumference of the sleeve, the end of the unlocking block is formed with a pressing surface, and the pressing surface can press the inclined end formed by the plug plate when pressed down.

[0019] A locking method for a universal coupling with cross-locking limit, employing any one of the aforementioned universal couplings with cross-locking limit, includes the following steps;

[0020] Step 1: After the first pin is aligned and inserted into the bushing, the end of the first pin presses against the pressing component during the insertion process, so that the pressing component can automatically make way for the insertion of the first pin.

[0021] Step 2: When the extrusion component moves out of position, the balancing component can drive the elastic locking component to deform and store elastic potential energy. After the first pin is fully inserted, the deflection of the first pin is adjusted until the elastic locking component is aligned with the through hole. Under the extrusion of elastic potential energy, it is inserted into the through hole to lock the first pin.

[0022] Step 3: After the first pin is inserted and locked, the second pin aligns with the bushing and passes through the first pin. After the bushing locks the two ends of the first pin, a stable connection between the driving shaft and the driven shaft is achieved.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] When the first pin and the second pin are installed with the two shaft forks, when the first pin is inserted between the two shaft sleeves, it compresses the pressing component, which increases the elastic potential energy stored in the elastic locking component. When the first pin is fully inserted between the two shaft sleeves, at the moment the through hole aligns with the elastic locking component, the elastic locking component can be quickly inserted into the through hole under the action of elastic potential energy. This allows the shaft sleeve to automatically lock and limit the first pin, and ensures the connection stability of the first pin and the second pin with the shaft sleeve, further improving the assembly efficiency of the first pin and the second pin with the two shafts. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a universal coupling with cross-shaped locking limit.

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second pins in a universal coupling with cross-shaped locking limit.

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first pin and bushing in a universal coupling with cross-locking limit.

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the bushing, balls, and compression block in a universal coupling with cross-locking limit.

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the bushing and extrusion assembly in a universal coupling with cross-locking limit.

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the unlocking component in a universal coupling with a cross-lock limit.

[0031] Figure 7A schematic diagram of the pusher component in a universal coupling with cross-locking limit.

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the extrusion assembly in a universal coupling with cross-locking limit.

[0033] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the elastic locking element in a universal coupling with cross-shaped locking limit.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Driven shaft; 2. Driven shaft; 3. First pin; 4. Second pin; 5. Bushing; 6. Knob; 7. Sleeve; 701. Strip block; 8. Unlocking block; 9. Pressing block; 10. Slide plate; 1001. First protrusion; 11. First support frame; 12. First spring; 13. Connecting rod; 1301. First slide groove; 1302. Second slide groove; 14. Connecting plate; 1401. Inclined end; 15. Limiting block; 1501. Second protrusion; 16. Second spring; 17. Connecting rod; 1701. Ball bearing; 18. Second support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0036] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0037] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented even without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, and elements well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0038] Please see Figures 1-9 In this embodiment of the invention, a universal coupling with cross-locking limit includes a drive shaft 2 and a driven shaft 1. The ends of the drive shaft 2 and the driven shaft 1 are respectively provided with shaft forks. The shaft forks are arranged in a U-shaped structure, and a first pin 3 and a second pin 4 are detachably installed on the two shaft forks respectively. The second pin 4 passes through the first pin 3 and the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 are arranged in a cross shape. The two ends of the shaft fork are symmetrically and rotatably provided with shaft sleeves 5. Multiple elastic locking elements are provided inside the shaft sleeves 5.

[0039] The first pin 3 and the second pin 4 each have multiple through holes distributed around their circumference at both ends, and the elastic locking member can be inserted into the through holes.

[0040] The extrusion assembly has multiple components arranged along the circumference of the bushing 5. When the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 are inserted, the extrusion assembly can push the elastic locking member when it makes room, and the elastic locking member will deform.

[0041] An unlocking component, provided on the bushing 5, is capable of releasing the elastic locking member from locking the through hole.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 are installed with the two shaft forks in sequence, when the first pin 3 is installed with the shaft fork on the driven shaft 1, the first pin 3 is inserted between the two bushings 5, and the pressing component can make way for the insertion of the first pin 3. When the pressing component retracts into the bushing 5, it can press the elastic locking member. At this time, the first pin 3 blocks the elastic locking member, causing the elastic locking member to deform and store elastic potential energy until the first pin 3 is fully inserted between the two bushings 5 ​​and the through holes at both ends of the first pin 3 are respectively aligned with the elastic locking member. Under the action of elastic potential energy, the elastic locking component can automatically insert into the through hole, so that the bushing 5 can quickly lock and limit the first pin 3 and the first pin 3 can rotate relative to the shaft fork. After the first pin 3 is installed, when the second pin 4 is installed with the drive shaft 2, the bushing 5 on the shaft fork at the end of the drive shaft 2 locks the second pin 4 in the same way. The second pin 4 needs to pass through the first pin 3 so that the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 can be quickly installed with the drive shaft 2 and the driven shaft 1 respectively, and the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 are in a cross combination.

[0043] Preferably, the through holes located at both ends of the first pin 3 and the second pin 4 are misaligned.

[0044] As a further embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 8 The extrusion assembly includes an extrusion block 9. An inner cavity is formed inside the bushing 5. The extrusion block 9 is slidably disposed in the inner cavity along the radial direction of the bushing 5. One end of the extrusion block 9 can penetrate the inner cavity, and a slide plate 10 is fixedly connected to the other end. The slide plate 10 is slidably connected to the inner cavity through a first support frame 11 installed in the inner cavity. The slide plate 10 is connected to the elastic locking member through a balancing assembly.

[0045] It also includes a first spring 12, one end of which abuts against the slide plate 10 and the other end of which abuts against the first support frame 11.

[0046] Preferably, the pressing block 9 is inclined toward the direction in which the first pin 3 is inserted.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the first pin 3 is inserted, its end presses against the pressing block 9, causing the pressing block 9 to be subjected to an inclined force, which moves the pressing block 9 relative to the bushing 5 and retracts it into the inner groove, thus avoiding interference with the insertion of the first pin 3. At this time, the first spring 12 is compressed to store elastic potential energy, and when the pressing block 9 moves, the elastic potential energy of the elastic locking member is increased by the setting of the balancing component. After the first pin 3 is fully inserted between the two bushings 5, the elastic locking member can increase the locking force on the first pin 3 and increase the connection stability between the bushing 5 and the first pin 3.

[0048] As a further embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 9 The elastic locking member includes a limiting block 15, and a second support frame 18 is installed in the embedded cavity. The limiting block 15 is slidably connected to the second support frame 18.

[0049] A plug-in plate 14 is slidably mounted on the second support frame 18. A plug-in rod 17 is installed at the end of the plug-in plate 14. The end of the plug-in rod 17 away from the plug-in plate 14 can pass through the inner cavity and is provided with a ball bearing 1701.

[0050] The second spring 16 has one end abutting against the limiting block 15 and the other end abutting against the plug plate 14.

[0051] In this embodiment, initially, the ball bearing 1701 extends out of the inner cavity. When the first pin 3 is inserted, it squeezes the ball bearing 1701, causing it to retract into the inner cavity under the tilting squeezing force. This compresses the second spring 16. After the ball bearing 1701 is completely retracted into the inner cavity, the first pin 3 moves to squeeze the squeezing block 9. At this time, the second spring 16 is further compressed to store elastic potential energy. The first pin 3 blocks the ball bearing 1701 until the through hole on the first pin 3 is aligned with the ball bearing 1701. Under the elastic action of the second spring 16, the ball bearing 1701 and part of the insertion rod 17 are inserted into the through hole to completely lock the first pin 3. At the moment the first pin 3 is fully inserted between the two bushings 5, the bushings 5 ​​can automatically lock the first pin 3, realizing the rapid installation of the first pin 3 and the shaft fork.

[0052] It should be noted that when the first pin 3 is inserted between the two bushings 5, the first pin 3 on each bushing 5 must first squeeze the ball 1701. The squeezing block 9 pushes the ball 1701 to obstruct the installation of the first pin 3.

[0053] As a further embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9The balancing assembly includes a connecting rod 13 rotatably mounted in the embedded cavity. The two ends of the connecting rod 13 are respectively formed with a first sliding groove 1301 and a second sliding groove 1302. A first protrusion 1001 that slides and engages with the first sliding groove 1301 is fixedly provided on the sliding plate 10, and a second protrusion 1501 that slides and engages with the second sliding groove 1302 is fixedly provided on the limiting block 15.

[0054] In this embodiment, after the pressing block 9 moves aside, the sliding plate 10 moves relative to the first support frame 11 and presses the first spring 12. When the sliding plate 10 moves, the first protrusion 1001 slides relative to the first slide groove 1301 while pressing the first slide groove 1301, causing one end of the connecting rod 13 to deflect. The other end of the second slide groove 1302 presses the second protrusion 1501, so that during the movement of the limiting block 15, the second protrusion 1501 slides relative to the second slide groove 1302. While the limiting block 15 moves, it presses the second spring 16, causing the second spring 16 to be further compressed. At this time, the second spring 16 exerts pressure on the plug rod 17, but the first pin 3 blocks the ball 1701, so that the second spring 16 stores elastic potential energy. After the through hole is aligned with the ball 1701, it can press the plug rod 17 into the through hole, ensuring the stable connection between the bushing 5 and the first pin 3.

[0055] As a further embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The unlocking component includes a knob 6, which is axially arranged along the bushing 5 and rotatably connected to the bushing 5. The knob 6 is fixed to a threaded rod rotatably installed in the inner cavity. When the threaded rod rotates, it can drive a pusher provided in the inner cavity to press the plug plate 14.

[0056] The pusher includes a sleeve 7 sleeved on the threaded rod. The sleeve 7 is slidably connected to the inner cavity wall and threadedly connected to the threaded rod. Multiple unlocking blocks 8 are distributed along the circumference of the sleeve 7. The end of the unlocking block 8 is formed with a pressing surface, and the pressing surface can press the inclined end 1401 formed by the plug plate 14 when it is pressed down.

[0057] Preferably, at least one set of strip grooves is formed on the inner wall of the embedded cavity, and a strip block 701 that is slidably adapted to the strip groove is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 7. With the cooperation of the strip groove and the strip block 701, the sleeve 7 and the inner wall of the embedded cavity are slidably connected, and the sleeve 7 can make linear motion when the threaded rod rotates.

[0058] In this embodiment, after the plug rod 17 is inserted into the through hole, to separate the first pin 3 from the bushing 5, the knob 6 needs to be controlled to rotate relative to the bushing 5. The damping between the knob 6 and the bushing 5 is less than the damping between the bushing 5 and the shaft fork. When the knob 6 rotates, it drives the threaded rod to rotate synchronously. When the threaded rod rotates, it drives the sleeve 7 to move linearly along the axis of the threaded rod, so that multiple unlocking blocks 8 can press down at the same time. When the pressing surface abuts against the inclined end 1401, it generates an inclined force on the inclined end 1401, so that the plug plate 14 can press the second spring 16 and move towards the direction of the limiting block 15. At the same time, it drives the plug rod 17 and the ball 1701 to completely separate from the through hole. After the locking of the first pin 3 is released, the first pin 3 separates from the two bushings 5. Under the elastic action of the first spring 12 and the second spring 16, the pressing block 9 and the ball 1701 are reset respectively for the next installation.

[0059] Meanwhile, the installation and removal methods of the second pin 4 and the bushing 5 are the same as those of the first pin 3, except that the second pin 4 needs to pass through the first pin 3.

[0060] A locking method for a universal coupling with cross-locking limit, employing any one of the aforementioned universal couplings with cross-locking limit, includes the following steps;

[0061] Step 1: After the first pin 3 is aligned and inserted into the bushing 5, the end of the first pin 3 presses against the pressing component during the insertion process, so that the pressing component can automatically make way for the insertion of the first pin 3.

[0062] Step 2: When the extrusion component moves out of position, the balancing component can drive the elastic locking component to deform and store elastic potential energy. After the first pin 3 is fully inserted, the first pin 3 is deflected until the elastic locking component is aligned with the through hole. Under the extrusion of elastic potential energy, it is inserted into the through hole to lock the first pin 3.

[0063] Step 3: After the first pin 3 is inserted and locked, the second pin 4 aligns with the bushing 5 and passes through the first pin 3. After the bushing 5 locks the two ends of the first pin 3, a stable connection is achieved between the driving shaft 1 and the driven shaft 2.

[0064] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A universal coupling with cross-locking limit, comprising a drive shaft (2) and a driven shaft (1), wherein the ends of the drive shaft (2) and the driven shaft (1) are respectively provided with shaft forks, the shaft forks are arranged in a U-shaped structure, and a first pin (3) and a second pin (4) are detachably installed on the two shaft forks respectively, the second pin (4) passing through the first pin (3) and the first pin (3) and the second pin (4) forming a cross, characterized in that, The two ends of the shaft fork are symmetrically and rotatably provided with bushings (5), and multiple elastic locking elements are provided inside the bushings (5); The first pin (3) and the second pin (4) have multiple through holes distributed around their ends along the circumference, and the elastic locking member can be inserted into the through holes. The extrusion assembly is provided with multiple components along the circumference of the bushing (5). When the first pin (3) and the second pin (4) are inserted respectively, the extrusion assembly can push the elastic locking member when it makes room, and the elastic locking member deforms. The unlocking component, provided on the bushing (5), is capable of releasing the elastic locking member from locking the through hole.

2. The universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The through holes located at both ends of the first pin (3) and the second pin (4) are misaligned.

3. A universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion assembly includes an extrusion block (9), and an inner cavity is formed inside the bushing (5). The extrusion block (9) is slidably disposed in the inner cavity along the radial direction of the bushing (5). One end of the extrusion block (9) can penetrate the inner cavity, and a slide plate (10) is fixedly connected to the other end. The slide plate (10) is slidably connected to the inner cavity through a first support frame (11) installed in the inner cavity. The slide plate (10) is connected to the elastic locking member through a balance assembly. It also includes a first spring (12), one end of which abuts against the slide plate (10) and the other end of which abuts against the first support frame (11).

4. A universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic locking member includes a limiting block (15), and a second support frame (18) is installed in the embedded cavity. The limiting block (15) and the second support frame (18) are slidably connected. A plug plate (14) is slidably mounted on the second support frame (18). A plug rod (17) is installed at the end of the plug plate (14). The end of the plug rod (17) away from the plug plate (14) can penetrate the inner cavity and is provided with a ball (1701). The second spring (16) has one end abutting against the limiting block (15) and the other end abutting against the plug plate (14).

5. A universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The balancing assembly includes a connecting rod (13) rotatably mounted in the inner cavity. The two ends of the connecting rod (13) are respectively formed with a first sliding groove (1301) and a second sliding groove (1302). A first protrusion (1001) that slides and engages with the first sliding groove (1301) is fixedly provided on the sliding plate (10), and a second protrusion (1501) that slides and engages with the second sliding groove (1302) is fixedly provided on the limiting block (15).

6. A universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The unlocking component includes a knob (6), which is axially arranged along the bushing (5) and rotatably connected to the bushing (5). The knob (6) is fixed to a threaded rod rotatably installed in the inner cavity. When the threaded rod rotates, it can drive a pusher provided in the inner cavity to squeeze the plug plate (14).

7. A universal coupling with cross-locking and limiting as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The pusher includes a sleeve (7) sleeved on the threaded rod. The sleeve (7) is slidably connected to the inner cavity wall and threadedly connected to the threaded rod. Multiple unlocking blocks (8) are distributed along the circumference of the sleeve (7). The end of the unlocking block (8) is formed with a pressing surface, and the pressing surface can press the inclined end (1401) formed by the plug plate (14) when it is pressed down.

8. A locking method for a universal coupling with cross-shaped locking limit, characterized in that, The universal coupling with cross-locking limit as described in any one of claims 1-7 is used. Includes the following steps; Step 1: After the first pin (3) is aligned and inserted into the bushing (5), the end of the first pin (3) presses against the pressing component during the insertion process, so that the pressing component can automatically make way for the insertion of the first pin (3). Step 2: When the extrusion component is in place, the balance component can drive the elastic locking component to deform and store elastic potential energy until the first pin (3) is fully inserted. Then, the first pin (3) is adjusted to deflect until the elastic locking component is aligned with the through hole. Under the extrusion of elastic potential energy, it is inserted into the through hole to lock the first pin (3). Step 3: After the first pin (3) is inserted and locked, the second pin (4) is aligned with the bushing (5) and passes through the first pin (3). After the bushing (5) locks the two ends of the first pin (3), a stable connection between the driving shaft (1) and the driven shaft (2) is achieved.

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