Waterproof sandproof spherical joint bearing structure and use method thereof

Through a three-stage sealing structure and dynamic self-lubricating design, the problem of waterproofing and sandproofing of spherical plain bearings in harsh environments has been solved, achieving efficient lubrication and long service life of spherical plain bearings.

CN122236729APending Publication Date: 2026-06-19WUHAN LIDI HYDRAULIC EQUIP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
WUHAN LIDI HYDRAULIC EQUIP
Filing Date
2026-04-14
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing spherical plain bearings are susceptible to water and sand intrusion in harsh environments, leading to wear, corrosion, and lubrication failure, which affects their service life.

Method used

It adopts a three-stage sealing structure and dynamic self-lubricating design, including pin shaft oil supply channels, spherical bushing oil supply holes and multiple gaskets, forming a sealing barrier and an automatic oil supply system to ensure uniform distribution of lubricating oil.

Benefits of technology

It effectively blocks the intrusion of external moisture and sand particles, reduces the coefficient of friction, improves lubrication, and extends the service life and operational stability of spherical bearings.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention provides a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing structure and its usage method, comprising: a plain bearing; a pin, the pin being fixedly sleeved on the inner ring of the plain bearing, spherical bushings being respectively disposed on both sides of the inner ring of the plain bearing, and the inner diameter of the spherical bushings being fixedly sleeved on the pin, the inner diameter of the spherical bushings being provided with a first washer; a pressure cap, the inner diameter inclined surface of the pressure cap being provided with a second washer, and the inclined surfaces of the pressure cap rotatably abutting against the outer diameter inclined surface of the spherical bushings, the pressure cap abutting against both sides of the outer ring of the plain bearing, a third washer being provided on the opposite side of the two pressure caps, and an external connecting component being detachably connected to the opposite side of the pressure caps. This application has the advantages of dynamic self-lubrication and high efficiency; multiple sealing protection; and uniform oil distribution.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater spherical bearings, and in particular to a waterproof and sandproof spherical bearing structure and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] This patented mechanical component is specifically designed for harsh environments. Its special sealing structure prevents water and sand from entering the bearing, thus preventing wear, corrosion, and lubrication failure. It is primarily used in water conservancy, mining, marine engineering, and agricultural machinery to ensure flexible joint movement and extended service life even in conditions involving silt or underwater. Its application methods include specific installation specifications and maintenance procedures to guarantee effective protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing structure and its usage method, thereby solving the problem of waterproofing and sandproofing of spherical plain bearings.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing structure, comprising: Spherical plain bearings; A pin is fixedly sleeved on the inner ring of the spherical bearing. Spherical bushings are respectively provided on both sides of the inner ring of the spherical bearing, and the inner diameter of the spherical bushings is fixedly sleeved on the pin. The inner diameter of the spherical bushings is provided with a first washer. The pressure cap has a second washer on its inner diameter inclined surface, and the inclined surfaces of the pressure cap rotatably abut against the outer diameter inclined surface of the spherical bushing. The pressure cap abuts against both sides of the outer ring of the spherical bearing. A third washer is provided on the opposite side of the two pressure caps, and an external connecting component is detachably connected to the opposite side of the pressure caps.

[0005] In the preferred embodiment, oil channels extending to the outer diameter are provided at both ends of the pin shaft, and oil cups are provided at the ends of the oil channels at both ends of the pin shaft. The oil channels are connected to the oil delivery groove provided on the spherical bushing.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the spherical bushing is provided with an annular first groove and an oil delivery groove, the first washer is disposed in the first annular groove, and the spherical bushing is radially provided with an oil delivery hole, the oil delivery groove being disposed through the oil delivery hole.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment, the outer diameter sidewall of the spherical bushing is provided with a connecting bearing, and the inner diameter of the gland is provided with an abutting bearing. The connecting bearing and the abutting bearing are provided with inclined surfaces that abut against each other.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the delivery hole connects the spherical bushing, the gland, and the spherical bearing to form an oil delivery chamber.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment, a second annular groove is provided on the inclined surface of the connecting pier, and a second washer is provided in the second annular groove.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment, a first stepped groove is provided at one end of the cover opposite to the other end, and a detachable fixing ring is provided in the first stepped groove.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, a second step groove is provided on the side opposite to the fixing ring, and a skeleton oil seal is provided in the second step groove.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment, a connecting plate provided on the opposite side of the pressure cap abuts against the outer ring of the spherical bearing, and the connecting plate is located away from the outer diameter. The abutting ring provided on the inner diameter of the outer connecting component is located between the two pressure caps, and a third annular groove opened on the opposite side of the pressure cap is used to place a third washer.

[0013] A method for using a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing includes the following steps: S1. When the spherical plain bearing is movably fitted with a pin and drives it to rotate, the oil channels at both ends of the pin extend to the outer diameter, and the oil delivered by the channels is used for lubrication during the rotation of the spherical plain bearing. S2. Two spherical bushings are fixedly fitted on the pin at intervals and abut against the inner ring of the spherical bearing. The oil supply holes radially opened on the spherical bushings are set through the oil supply channel. The oil supply holes deliver oil to the oil supply cavity formed by the spherical bushings, the cover and the spherical bearing, so that the pin can rotate through the spherical bearing. S3. A first washer is installed on the inner diameter of the spherical bushing facing the pin shaft. The second washers installed on the two connecting bearings are respectively connected to the abutting bearings. The third washers installed on the corresponding surfaces of the two pressure caps are connected to the abutting rings. The first, second, and third washers are used for waterproofing and sandproofing.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the waterproof and sandproof spherical joint bearing structure and its usage method of the present invention are as follows: 1. Dynamic self-lubrication and high efficiency: Through the precise connection between the internal oil channel of the pin and the oil channel of the spherical bushing, continuous automatic oil supply is achieved during rotation, which significantly reduces the coefficient of friction and wear; 2. Multiple sealing protection: The first, second and third gaskets are used to build a three-level sealing barrier, which effectively blocks the intrusion of external moisture and sand, and adapts to harsh working conditions; 3. Uniform oil distribution: The unique oil delivery chamber design ensures that the lubricating oil can evenly cover the contact surfaces of the spherical bushing, gland, and bearing inner ring, avoiding local dry friction. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the overall assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the invention; Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 Structural diagram of A in the middle; Figure 4 This is an assembly structure diagram of the spherical bushing, pressure cap, and retaining ring and pin of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the external connection component of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the spherical bushing of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the cap of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the fixing ring of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Spherical plain bearing; 101. Ball bearing; 102. Annular ring; 2. Pin; 201. Oil channel; 202. Oil cup; 3. First washer; 4. Second washer; 5. Third washer; 6. Spherical bushing; 601. Connecting bearing platform; 6011. First annular groove; 602. Oil delivery groove; 603. Oil delivery hole; 7. Pressure cap; 701. Abutment bearing platform; 7011. Second annular groove; 702. Connecting plate; 703. Third annular groove; 704. First stepped groove; 8. Retaining ring; 801. Second stepped groove; 9. Skeleton oil seal; 10. External connecting assembly; 1001. Abutment ring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-8 This application will be described in further detail.

[0018] Example 1 Embodiment 1 of this application provides a waterproof and sandproof spherical joint bearing structure.

[0019] The spherical plain bearing 1 includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is a spherical ring 101, and the outer ring is an annular ring 102. The spherical ring 101 is rotatably fitted inside the annular ring 102. The spherical ring 102 has a through hole machined inside to facilitate the connection of the pin 2. The outer wall of the spherical ring 102 is machined into an outwardly convex arc surface, while the inner wall of the annular ring 102 is machined into an inwardly concave arc surface, and the outer wall is machined into a straight surface to facilitate the inner wall of the annular ring 102 to fit with the spherical ring 101 and prevent the spherical ring 101 from detaching from the annular ring 102. The pin 2 is fixedly fitted in the through hole in the middle of the spherical ring 101. Spherical bushings 6 are respectively provided on both sides of the spherical ring 101, and the inner diameter of the spherical bushings 6 is fixedly fitted onto the pin 2. The inner diameter of the spherical bushings 6 is provided with a first washer 3. The first washer 3 is used to prevent water and sand from entering the spherical plain bearing 1 and to prevent water and sand from damaging the interior of the spherical plain bearing 1 during operation. The inner diameter inclined surface of the pressure cap 7 is provided with a second washer 4, and the inclined surface of the pressure cap 7 rotatably abuts against the outer diameter inclined surface of the spherical bushing 6. The pin 2 rotates along the pressure cap 7 through the spherical bushing 6. The second washer 4 is located between the spherical bushing 6 and the pressure cap 7, which can prevent water and sand from entering when the spherical bushing 6 rotates along the pressure cap 7. The second washer 4 is a dynamic seal, and lubricating oil is added when the spherical bushing 6 and the pressure cap 7 are connected to facilitate the rotation of the spherical bushing 6 along the pressure cap 7. The pressure cap 7 abuts against both sides of the annular ring 102 provided in the spherical bearing 1. The opposite side of the two pressure caps 7 is provided with a third washer 5, and the opposite side of the pressure cap 7 is detachably connected to the external connecting assembly 10. The third washer 5 prevents water and sand from entering between the pressure cap 7 and the external connecting assembly 10.

[0020] Both ends of the pin 2 are precision machined to form oil channels 201 extending to the outer diameter. The two channels 201 are machined into holes that bend at right angles, and oil cups 202 are installed at the ends of the channels 201 to facilitate lubricant injection and storage. These oil channels 201 are not isolated but are connected to a carefully designed oil delivery groove 602 on the spherical bushing 6. This structure ensures that lubricating oil can smoothly enter the oil channels 201 from the oil cups 202 and then be evenly distributed via the oil delivery groove 602. The oil delivery groove 602 delivers the oil to the gap between the spherical bushing 6 and the pin 2, facilitating the separation of water and sand by the oil.

[0021] The inner diameter surface of the spherical bushing 6 is precision machined, with annular grooves 6011 and oil delivery grooves 602 machined at intervals. The first washer 3 is securely embedded in the first annular groove 6011, serving not only a crucial sealing, waterproofing, and sandproofing function, but also effectively preventing impurities from entering the spherical bearing 1. Simultaneously, the spherical bushing 6 has a radially penetrating oil delivery hole 603, which serves as the main channel for lubricating oil to enter the spherical bearing 1, achieving precise through-connection with the oil delivery groove 602.

[0022] The outer diameter sidewalls of the spherical bushing 6 are all machined with integrally formed trapezoidal connecting bearings 601, and the inner diameter of the mating gland 7 has a corresponding trapezoidal abutment bearing 701. These two sets of bearings are not simply in planar contact, but adopt a precise inclined abutment design. When the gland 7 is installed in place, its inclined surface fits tightly with the inclined surface of the spherical bushing 6, forming a stable wedge-shaped locking structure. This design not only effectively eliminates assembly gaps and prevents components from loosening during vibration, but also evenly transmits axial clamping force through the self-locking effect of the inclined surface, ensuring the rigidity and reliability of the overall connection.

[0023] The delivery hole 604 extends through the spherical bushing 6, the gland 7, and the spherical bearing 1, the three of which are precisely connected to form a closed oil delivery chamber. This chamber serves as the core channel of the lubrication system, ensuring that the lubricating oil can flow smoothly through all key friction pairs, achieving all-round lubrication, effectively reducing wear, and improving the overall operational stability and service life of the components.

[0024] A second annular groove 7011 is precisely formed on the inclined surface of the connecting base 601, in which a second washer 4 is securely embedded. When the inclined surface abuts, the washer is deformed under pressure, which not only fills the micro gaps to enhance the sealing performance and effectively prevents lubricating oil leakage and external impurities from entering, but also plays a role in buffering and shock absorption, ensuring the tightness and long-term reliability of the connection interface.

[0025] The pressure cap 7 has a precision-machined first stepped groove 704 on the side opposite to the connecting end, within which a retaining ring 8 is fitted. Both the pressure cap 7 and the retaining ring 8 have multiple screw holes spaced evenly in the circumferential direction. During installation, the screw holes on the pressure cap 7 and the retaining ring 8 are aligned and connected by screws, facilitating quick disassembly and replacement during later maintenance. This structure effectively enhances the end protection, prevents axial movement of internal components, and significantly improves the assembly flexibility and operational reliability of the overall device.

[0026] The fixed ring 8 has a second stepped groove 801 precisely machined on the opposite side, within which a skeleton oil seal 9 is securely embedded. This oil seal utilizes the interference fit between its lip and the journal to form a dynamic sealing barrier, effectively preventing external dust intrusion and internal grease leakage, significantly improving the sealing performance and service life of the joint under harsh working conditions. Although the skeleton oil seal 9 and the spherical bushing 6 have an interference fit, the lip of the skeleton oil seal 9 is made of special rubber with excellent elasticity, so there will be no jamming when the pin 2 rotates, and the oil film lubrication during rotation reduces friction.

[0027] The integrally formed connecting plate 702 on the opposite side of the pressure cap 7 tightly abuts against the annular ring 102 of the spherical bearing 1, its position deliberately far from the outer diameter edge. At the inner diameter of the outer connecting assembly 10, the abutment ring 1001 is precisely embedded between the two pressure caps 7, its inner wall abutting against the connecting plate 702 and the annular ring 102. The pressure caps 7 and the abutment ring 1001 are detachably connected, and multiple screw holes are machined at equal intervals around the circumference, allowing for screw connection between the pressure caps 7 and the abutment ring 1001. Furthermore, the opposite surfaces of the pressure caps 7 are precision-machined with a third annular groove 703, specifically for accommodating the third washer 5. This washer undergoes elastic deformation after assembly under pressure, effectively filling the microscopic gaps between components and enhancing the overall sealing performance to prevent lubricant leakage.

[0028] Example 2 Embodiment 2 of this application provides a method for using a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing.

[0029] When the pin 2 is movably fitted onto the center of the spherical plain bearing 1 and drives its rotation, the precision-machined oil channels 201 at both ends of the pin 2 extend directly to the outer diameter. During rotation, lubricating oil is continuously delivered along this channel, providing dynamic lubrication to the spherical plain bearing 1 and effectively reducing friction and wear. Two spherical bushings 6 are fixedly spaced on the pin 2, tightly abutting against the inner ring of the bearing; their radially opened oil channels 603 are precisely connected to the oil channels 201, efficiently guiding the oil into the sealed oil delivery chamber formed by the spherical bushings 6, the gland 7, and the spherical plain bearing 1, ensuring smooth rotation of the pin 2 within the spherical plain bearing 1.

[0030] For sealing and protection, a first washer 3 is installed at the inner diameter of the spherical bushing 6, a second washer 4 on the connecting bearing 601 is tightly connected to the abutting bearing 701, and a third washer 5 between the glands 7 is tightly fitted to the abutting ring 1001. These three washers form a multi-level protective barrier, which not only blocks the intrusion of external moisture but also effectively prevents sand and dust particles from entering the internal friction pair. The fixed ring 8 is equipped with a skeleton oil seal 9 facing the spherical bushing 6 for easy lubrication during rotation. This design significantly improves the adaptability of the components under harsh working conditions, prevents failure caused by impurities or corrosion, and ensures the long-term stable operation and high reliability of the transmission system.

[0031] The above embodiments are merely preferred technical solutions of the present invention and should not be considered as limitations on the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be limited to the technical solutions described in the claims, including equivalent substitutions of the technical features described in the claims. That is, equivalent substitutions and improvements within this scope are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure, characterized in that, include: Spherical bearing (1); Pin (2) is fixedly sleeved on the inner ring of spherical bearing (1). Spherical bushings (6) are respectively provided on both sides of the inner ring of spherical bearing (1), and the inner diameter of the spherical bushings (6) is fixedly sleeved on the pin (2). The inner diameter of the spherical bushings (6) is provided with a first washer (3). The pressure cap (7) has a second washer (4) on its inner diameter inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the pressure cap (7) rotates and abuts against the outer diameter inclined surface of the spherical bushing (6). The pressure cap (7) abuts against both sides of the outer ring of the spherical bearing (1). The two pressure caps (7) have a third washer (5) on their opposite sides, and the opposite sides of the pressure caps (7) are detachably connected to an external connecting component (10).

2. The waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pin (2) has oil channels (201) extending to the outer diameter at both ends, and oil cups (202) are provided at the ends of the oil channels (201) at both ends of the pin (2). The oil channels (201) are connected to the oil delivery groove (602) provided on the spherical bushing (6).

3. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the spherical bushing (6) is provided with an annular first groove (6011) and an oil delivery groove (602). The first washer (3) is located in the first annular groove (6011). The spherical bushing (6) is radially provided with an oil delivery hole (603). The oil delivery groove (602) is provided through the oil delivery hole (603).

4. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter sidewall of the spherical bushing (6) is provided with a connecting bearing (601), and the inner diameter of the cover (7) is provided with an abutting bearing (701). The connecting bearing (601) and the abutting bearing (701) are provided with inclined surfaces that abut against each other.

5. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The delivery hole (604) is connected to the spherical bushing (6), the gland (7) and the spherical bearing (1) to form an oil delivery cavity.

6. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inclined surface of the connecting base (601) is provided with a second annular groove (7011), and a second washer (4) is provided in the second annular groove (7011).

7. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end opposite to the pressure cap (7) is provided with a first step groove (704), and a detachable fixing ring (8) is provided in the first step groove (704).

8. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A second step groove (801) is provided on the opposite side of the fixing ring (8), and a skeleton oil seal (9) is provided in the second step groove (801).

9. A waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting plate (702) provided on the opposite side of the pressure cap (7) abuts against the outer ring of the spherical bearing (1), and the connecting plate (702) is located away from the outer diameter. The abutting ring (1001) provided on the inner diameter of the outer connecting assembly (10) is located between the two pressure caps (7). The third annular groove (703) opened on the opposite side of the pressure cap (7) is used to place the third washer (5).

10. A method of using a waterproof and sandproof spherical plain bearing, characterized in that, Using the waterproof and sand-resistant spherical plain bearing structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, the following steps are included: S1. When the spherical bearing (1) is movably fitted with a pin (2) and drives it to rotate, the oil channels (201) opened at both ends of the pin (2) extend to the outer diameter, and the oil transported by the channels (201) is used for lubrication during the rotation of the spherical bearing (1). S2. Two spherical bushings (6) are fixedly sleeved on the pin (2) at intervals and abut against the inner ring of the spherical bearing (1). The oil supply hole (603) of the spherical bushing (6) is radially opened and passes through the oil supply channel (201). The oil supply hole (603) delivers oil to the oil supply cavity formed by the spherical bushing (6), the cover (7) and the spherical bearing (1), so that the pin (2) can rotate through the spherical bearing (1). S3. The spherical bushing (6) has a first washer (3) installed on the inner diameter facing the pin (2). The second washer (4) installed on the two connecting bases (601) is connected to the abutting base (701) respectively. The third washer (5) installed on the corresponding surfaces of the two pressure caps (7) is connected to the abutting ring (1001). The first washer (3), the second washer (4) and the third washer (5) are used for waterproofing and sandproofing.