Universal joint structure and its application to automotive drive shafts

Abstract

The application relates to the field of transmission structures, and particularly discloses a universal joint structure and application thereof to an automobile transmission shaft, wherein the universal joint structure comprises a cross shaft body, four shaft heads are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross shaft body, the end of the shaft head is connected with the junction of the cross shaft body to form a shaft neck, a shaft sleeve is rotatably arranged on the shaft head, the end of the shaft sleeve facing the shaft neck is an open end, a needle roller assembly is arranged between the shaft sleeve and the shaft head, a dust cover comprises a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end are separated when the dust cover is in an uninstalled state, the first end and the second end are connected when the dust cover is in an installed state, the dust cover is arranged around the shaft neck, and the open end of the shaft sleeve is sealed. The dust cover has the effect of reducing the difficulty of replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transmission structures, and in particular to a universal joint structure and its application in automotive drive shafts. Background Technology

[0002] Universal joints are a key transmission structure in automotive transmission systems. To ensure the reliability of universal joint movement, the interior of the universal joint needs to maintain good cleanliness and lubrication.

[0003] In related technologies, a universal joint includes a cross shaft, a bushing, and a needle roller assembly. The cross shaft includes four shaft ends, and the connection between the shaft ends and the cross shaft body forms a journal. The bushing is rotatably fitted onto the end of the shaft end, with the open end of the bushing facing the journal. The needle roller assembly is disposed between the shaft end and the bushing to reduce rotational resistance between the shaft end and the bushing. To maintain good cleanliness inside the universal joint, a dust cover is fitted onto the journal, and the dust cover seals the open end of the bushing.

[0004] As universal joints are used, the dust cover will age, causing its dustproof effect to deteriorate. When the dust cover's dustproof effect is poor, it needs to be replaced. However, replacing the dust cover requires first removing the bushing from the drive fork or driven fork, and then removing the cross shaft from the drive fork or driven fork before the dust cover can be replaced. This is especially difficult when the bushing is corroded, making it harder to remove from the drive fork or driven fork and thus making dust cover replacement more challenging.

[0005] Therefore, we propose a universal joint structure to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a universal joint structure and its application in automotive drive shafts to solve the problem of difficult dust cover replacement mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A universal joint structure includes: a cross shaft body having four shaft heads spaced apart along the circumferential direction, wherein the ends of the shaft heads and the cross shaft body form journals; a bushing rotatably fitted onto the shaft heads, wherein one end of the bushing facing the journal is an open end; and a needle roller assembly disposed between the bushing and the shaft heads. A dust cover, comprising a first end and a second end that are circumferentially openable and closable. When the dust cover is not installed, the first end and the second end are separated from each other. When the dust cover is installed, the first end and the second end are enclosed to form an annular structure and are sleeved on the outside of the journal to seal the open end of the journal. A locking structure is provided between the first end and the second end. The locking structure includes adhesive grooves respectively opened on the first end and the second end, a connecting port disposed between the two adhesive grooves, and a locking groove communicating with the adhesive grooves. The opening size of the locking groove is smaller than its internal size. When the first end and the second end are connected, the locking medium fills the adhesive groove, the connecting port and the locking groove and solidifies to form a locking body. The locking body forms an axial limiting connection between the first end and the second end under the structural constraint of the locking groove.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when workers use a dust cover to seal the universal joint, the dust cover is wrapped around the journal, and then the first and second ends are connected to seal the open end of the bushing, thus achieving the function of dust prevention. When the dust cover on the universal joint is damaged or aged and needs to be replaced, workers separate the first and second ends of the dust cover to be replaced, completing the dust cover removal. Then, a new dust cover is wrapped around the journal, and the first and second ends of the new dust cover are connected to seal the open end of the bushing, thus completing the dust cover replacement. As can be seen from the above, when this universal joint structure needs to replace the dust cover, it is not necessary to remove the bushing from the shaft head to complete the dust cover replacement, greatly reducing the difficulty of dust cover replacement and solving the problem of difficult dust cover replacement.

[0009] After the workers connect the first and second ends, they inject adhesive (locking medium) into the two adhesive tanks. Because the connecting openings of the two tanks are positioned opposite each other, the adhesive in both tanks can circulate freely. Once the adhesive has solidified, the adhesive in the two tanks becomes a single unit. Furthermore, because the width of the connecting opening is smaller than the width of the adhesive tank, the opening prevents the solidified adhesive from escaping from the tanks in the direction the first and second ends are moving away from each other, thus further improving the stability of the connection between the first and second ends.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the first end and the second end. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a slot and a snap fastener that fit together. The slot is provided on one of the first end and the second end, and the snap fastener is provided on the other end.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the snap-fit ​​structure provides two advantages: First, when workers connect the first and second ends, the engagement of the slot and the snap-fit ​​provides positioning for the connection, reducing misalignment during the connection process. Second, the snap-fit ​​structure creates a certain locking force between the slot and the snap-fit, thereby improving the connection stability between the first and second ends.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the slot is opened on the side facing the buckle, and the width of the opening of the slot is smaller than the width of the inside of the slot.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, after the buckle and the slot are engaged, the width of the slot opening is smaller than the width of the slot interior. Since the buckle and the slot are compatible, the slot can form a constraint force on the buckle along the direction in which the first end and the second end are separated, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the first end and the second end.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the locking solids are continuously distributed along the circumference of the dust cover to form a circumferential constraint on the relative rotation between the first end and the second end, and to form a radial limit by being embedded in the adhesive groove, thereby achieving three-way locking of the first end and the second end in the axial, circumferential and radial directions.

[0015] In a further embodiment, along the radial direction of the dust cover, one end of the adhesive groove is connected to the outer wall surface of the dust cover, and the other end is not connected to the inner wall surface of the dust cover.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, when workers inject glue into the glue tank, the glue can remain stably in the glue tank until it solidifies because the inner walls of the glue tank and the dust cover are not connected, thus ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first end and the second end.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a pressure plate is connected to the journal, the pressure plate being located between the cross shaft body and the dust cover, and the pressure plate being used to press the dust cover towards the bushing.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, under the pressing action of the pressure plate, the dust cover can fit more tightly with the bushing, improving the sealing performance between the dust cover and the bushing, and making the dust cover have a better sealing effect.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the shaft head is provided with threads, the pressure plate is sleeved on the shaft head, and the pressure plate is threadedly connected to the shaft head through the threads.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the pressure plate and the shaft head are connected by threads. The distance between the pressure plate and the shaft sleeve can be adjusted by rotating the pressure plate, making this adjustment convenient and allowing for easy adjustment of the pressure plate's clamping force on the dust cover. Furthermore, due to the threaded connection between the pressure plate and the shaft head, the sealing between them is good, minimizing the entry of dust into the dust cover from the pressure plate side. Because of the uneven structure of the threads, the dust cover, after being fitted onto the threads of the shaft head, reduces axial movement of the dust cover on the shaft head, resulting in a more stable dust-proof effect.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the pressure plate is connected to a flange on the side near the dust cover, the flange is sleeved on the dust cover, and the inner sidewall of the flange is in contact with the outer sidewall of the dust cover.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner wall of the flange can constrain the dust cover under the action of the flange, thereby reducing the radial movement of the dust cover and reducing the risk of the first end and the second end separating.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the open end of the bushing is tapered, and the inner wall of the dust cover is tapered on the side near the bushing, with the inner wall of the dust cover and the outer wall of the bushing fitting together.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer wall of the bushing and the inner wall of the dust cover have a self-centering function, thereby ensuring the tightness of the fit between the outer wall of the bushing and the inner wall of the dust cover. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical skeleton is inserted into the inner wall of the bushing, one end of the cylindrical skeleton extends into the dust cover, and an outward flange is provided at the end of the cylindrical skeleton near the dust cover; a dustproof ring is formed on the inner wall of the dust cover, and the dustproof ring extends into the gap between the outward flange and the bushing.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, when external dust accidentally enters the dust cover from between the dust cover and the bushing, the dust ring and the outward flange can form a double shield against the dust, further preventing the dust from entering the bushing and ensuring the reliability of dust protection.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. When the dust cover on the universal joint is damaged or worn and needs replacement, the operator separates the first and second ends of the dust cover to remove it. Then, a new dust cover is wrapped around the journal, and the first and second ends of the new dust cover are connected to seal the open end of the bushing, thus completing the dust cover replacement. As can be seen from the above, when this universal joint structure needs dust cover replacement, it is not necessary to remove the bushing from the shaft head, greatly reducing the difficulty of dust cover replacement and solving the problem of difficult dust cover replacement.

[0027] 2. After the workers connect the first and second ends, they inject glue into the two glue tanks. Because the connecting openings of the two tanks are positioned opposite each other, the glue in both tanks can circulate freely. Once the glue has solidified, the glue in the two tanks becomes a single unit. Furthermore, because the width of the connecting opening is smaller than the width of the glue tank, the opening can prevent the solidified glue from escaping from the tanks in the direction the first and second ends are moving away from each other, thus further improving the stability of the connection between the first and second ends.

[0028] 3. Under the pressure of the pressure plate, the dust cover can fit more tightly with the bushing, improving the sealing between the dust cover and the bushing and making the dust cover have a better sealing effect.

[0029] Another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an application of a universal joint structure on an automotive drive shaft, wherein the automotive drive shaft includes a main drive shaft and a driven drive shaft; One end of the main drive shaft is fixedly connected to a driving fork, and one end of the driven drive shaft is fixedly connected to a driven fork. The universal joint structure is installed between the driving fork and the driven fork; In the universal joint structure, two bushings arranged opposite each other are connected to the driving fork, and the other two bushings arranged opposite each other are connected to the driven fork. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the universal joint in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the universal joint in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 Examples of embodiments in this application Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle; Figure 4 Examples of embodiments in this application Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dust cover after the first and second ends are separated in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 Examples of embodiments in this application Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automobile drive shaft in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Cross shaft body; 11. Shaft head; 12. Shaft journal; 2. Shaft sleeve; 21. Open end; 3. Needle roller assembly; 4. Dust cover; 41. First end; 42. Second end; 43. Dust ring; 5. Snap-fit ​​structure; 51. Snap-fit ​​groove; 52. Snap-fit; 6. Glue groove; 61. Locking groove; 7. Pressure plate; 71. Flange; 8. Cylindrical frame; 81. Outward flange; 9. Automobile drive shaft; 91. Main drive shaft; 92. Driven drive shaft; 93. Driving fork; 94. Driven fork. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-2 This application provides an embodiment of a universal joint structure, which includes a cross shaft body 1, a bushing 2, a needle roller assembly 3, and a dust cover 4. The cross shaft body 1 has four shaft ends 11 spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and the ends of the shaft ends 11 form journals 12 at their junction with the cross shaft body 1. The bushing 2 is rotatably fitted onto the shaft ends 11, with one end of the bushing 2 facing the journal 12 being an open end 21 and the other end of the bushing 2 away from the journal 12 being a closed end. The needle roller assembly 3 is disposed between the bushing 2 and the shaft ends 11 to reduce the resistance to relative rotation between the bushing 2 and the shaft ends 11.

[0034] The dust cover 4 includes a first end 41 and a second end 42 that can be opened and closed in the circumferential direction. When not installed, the first end 41 and the second end 42 are separated from each other. When installed, the first end 41 and the second end 42 form an annular structure and cover the outside of the journal 12, thereby sealing the open end 21 of the bushing 2.

[0035] When the operator uses the dust cover 4 to seal the universal joint, the dust cover 4 is wrapped around the journal 12, and then the first end 41 and the second end 42 are connected so that the dust cover 4 seals the open end 21 of the bushing 2, thereby playing a role in dust prevention.

[0036] When the dust cover 4 on the universal joint is damaged or aged and needs to be replaced, the operator separates the first end 41 and the second end 42 of the dust cover 4 to be replaced, thus removing the dust cover 4. Then, a new dust cover 4 is wrapped around the journal 12, and the first end 41 and the second end 42 of the new dust cover 4 are connected to seal the open end 21 of the bushing 2, thereby completing the replacement of the dust cover 4. As can be seen from the above, when the dust cover 4 needs to be replaced in this universal joint structure, it is not necessary to remove the bushing 2 from the shaft head 11, which greatly reduces the difficulty of replacing the dust cover 4 and solves the problem of difficult dust cover 4 replacement.

[0037] It should be noted that the four shaft heads 11 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cross shaft body, meaning that the axial directions of two adjacent shaft heads 11 are perpendicular to each other. When using the universal joint, lubricating oil needs to be injected between the bushing 2 and the shaft heads 11 to reduce the resistance when the bushing 2 rotates relative to the shaft heads 11. The dust cover 4's dustproof function is to reduce dust entering the bushing 2 and prevent dust from affecting the relative rotation between the bushing 2 and the shaft heads 11. The dust cover 4 is made of rubber or other soft, elastic materials, making it easy to bend. When connecting the first end 41 and the second end 42, strong adhesive can be used to bond the first end 41 and the second end 42 together, or a heat fusion device can be used to fuse the first end 41 and the second end 42 together.

[0038] Furthermore, refer to Figures 3-5 A latching structure 5 is provided between the first end 41 and the second end 42. The latching structure 5 includes a latching groove 51 and a latch 52 that fit together. The latching groove 51 is located at one of the first end 41 and the second end 42, and the latch 52 is located at the other. In some embodiments, the latching groove 51 is located at the first end 41, and the latch 52 is located at the second end 42. In other embodiments, the latching groove 51 may be located at the second end 42, and the latch 52 may be located at the first end 41. In actual production, both ends of the latching groove 51 penetrate the outer and inner walls of the dust cover 4, and the latch 52 and the dust cover 4 are integrally formed.

[0039] Under the action of the snap-fit ​​structure 5, on the one hand, when the worker connects the first end 41 and the second end 42, the cooperation between the slot 51 and the snap 52 can position the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42, reducing the misalignment during the connection process. On the other hand, under the action of the snap-fit ​​structure 5, there is a certain locking force between the slot 51 and the snap 52, thereby improving the connection stability between the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0040] Furthermore, refer to Figure 5The slot 51 has an opening facing the buckle 52, and the width of the opening of the slot 51 is smaller than the width of the inside of the slot 51. In some embodiments, the slot 51 is an arc-shaped slot, and the width of the opening of the slot 51 is smaller than the diameter of the arc. The buckle 52 is an arc-shaped buckle, and the maximum width of the buckle 52 near the slot 51 is the diameter of the arc, while the size of the base of the buckle 52 is smaller than the diameter of the arc.

[0041] With the above settings, after the buckle 52 and the slot 51 are engaged, the width of the opening of the slot 51 is smaller than the width of the inside of the slot 51. Since the buckle 52 and the slot 51 are compatible, along the direction in which the first end 41 and the second end 42 are separated from each other, the slot 51 can form a constraint force on the buckle 52, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0042] To make the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42 more stable and reliable, further refer to Figures 4-6 The dust cover 4 has a glue-containing groove 6 at both the first end 41 and the second end 42. The glue-containing groove 6 at the first end 41 has a connecting port on the side of the glue-containing groove 6 near the second end 42. The glue-containing groove 6 at the second end 42 also has a connecting port on the side of the glue-containing groove 6 near the first end 41. The two connecting ports are arranged opposite to each other, and the width of the connecting port is smaller than the width of the glue-containing groove 6.

[0043] With this setup, when the worker connects the first end 41 and the second end 42, liquid adhesive (locking medium) is injected into the two adhesive reservoirs 6. Because the connecting openings of the two reservoirs 6 are positioned opposite each other, the adhesive within them flows freely. After the adhesive solidifies, the adhesive in the two reservoirs 6 becomes a single unit, forming a locking substance. Furthermore, because the width of the connecting opening is smaller than the width of the adhesive reservoir 6, the opening can prevent the solidified adhesive from escaping from the reservoirs 6 in the direction that the first end 41 and the second end 42 are moving away from each other, thus further improving the stability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0044] It should be noted that for dust covers 4 of different diameters or shapes, the shape of the first end 41 or the second end 42 of the dust cover 4 will differ after it surrounds the shaft head 11, resulting in a certain shape difference in the adhesive reservoir 6. The liquid adhesive can adapt to different reservoir shapes, making it a versatile "fixing pin" for the first end 41 and the second end 42, thus ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42. Furthermore, after the adhesive solidifies, the solidified adhesive can not only prevent the first end 41 and the second end 42 from separating tangentially along the dust cover 4, but also prevent them from separating axially along the dust cover 4.

[0045] In some implementations, refer to Figure 6 A locking groove 61 is also connected to the side of the adhesive reservoir 6 near the shaft head 11. The locking groove 61 has an opening on the side near the adhesive reservoir 6, and the size of the opening of the locking groove 61 is smaller than the size of the inside of the locking groove 61. With this configuration, after the worker injects adhesive into the adhesive reservoir 6, the liquid adhesive can flow into the locking groove 61. Since the size of the opening of the locking groove 61 is smaller than the size of the inside of the locking groove 61, the locking groove 61 can lock the solidified adhesive after it solidifies, reducing the amount of adhesive falling off the dust cover 4, thereby further improving the stability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the locking groove 61 can be trapezoidal or other shapes.

[0046] Furthermore, refer to Figure 6 Along the radial direction of the dust cover 4, one end of the adhesive reservoir 6 is connected to the outer wall of the dust cover 4, while the other end is not connected to the inner wall of the dust cover 4. With this configuration, when the worker injects adhesive into the reservoir 6, because the reservoir 6 and the inner wall of the dust cover 4 are not connected, the liquid adhesive can remain stably in the reservoir 6 until it solidifies. This ensures that the solidified adhesive can provide good constraint on the separation of the first end 41 and the second end 42, guaranteeing the reliability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0047] In summary, a locking structure is provided between the first end 41 and the second end 42. The locking structure includes glue-containing grooves 6 respectively opened on the first end 41 and the second end 42, a connecting port provided between the two glue-containing grooves 6, and a locking groove 61 connected to the glue-containing grooves 6. In the axial direction, since the opening size of the locking groove 61 is smaller than its internal size, the cured glue-locking body forms an inverted structure, thereby restricting the axial separation of the first end 41 and the second end 42. In the circumferential direction, the cured adhesive lock solid is continuously distributed along the circumference of the dust cover 4, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the first end 41 and the second end 42. In the radial direction, the cured adhesive lock body is embedded in the adhesive receiving groove 6 and the locking groove 61, thereby forming a radial constraint on the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0048] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 A pressure plate 7 is connected at the journal 12. The pressure plate 7 is located between the cross shaft body 1 and the dust cover 4. The pressure plate 7 is used to press the dust cover 4 towards the bushing 2. In some embodiments, the pressure plate 7 is sleeved on the shaft head 11. In other embodiments, other methods can be used to connect the pressure plate 7 and the outer wall of the shaft head 11.

[0049] Under the pressure of the pressure plate 7, the dust cover 4 can fit more tightly with the bushing 2, improving the sealing performance between the dust cover 4 and the bushing 2, resulting in a better sealing effect for the dust cover 4. At the same time, the pressure plate 7 can also create an obstruction for the first end 41 and the second end 42 in the axial direction of the dust cover 4, further reducing the separation of the first end 41 and the second end 42 in the axial direction of the dust cover 4.

[0050] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 The outer wall of the shaft head 11 is provided with threads, the pressure plate 7 is sleeved on the shaft head 11, the pressure plate 7 and the shaft head 11 are connected by threads, and the dust cover 4 is sleeved on the outside of the threads.

[0051] The pressure plate 7 and the shaft head 11 are connected by a thread. The distance between the pressure plate 7 and the shaft sleeve 2 can be adjusted by rotating the pressure plate 7, making it convenient to adjust the distance between the pressure plate 7 and the shaft sleeve 2, thereby making it convenient to adjust the clamping force of the pressure plate 7 on the dust cover 4.

[0052] In addition, due to the threaded connection between the pressure plate 7 and the shaft head 11, the sealing between the pressure plate 7 and the shaft head 11 is good, thus minimizing the possibility of dust entering the dust cover 4 from the side of the pressure plate 7. Because the threads have an uneven structure, after the dust cover 4 is fitted onto the threads of the shaft head 11, it reduces the axial movement of the dust cover 4 on the shaft head 11, making the dustproof effect of the dust cover 4 more stable.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, a flange 71 is connected to the side of the pressure plate 7 near the dust cover 4. The flange 71 is fitted onto the dust cover 4, and the inner wall of the flange 71 fits against the outer wall of the dust cover 4. Under the action of the flange 71, the inner wall of the flange 71 can constrain the dust cover 4, thereby reducing the radial movement of the dust cover 4 and also reducing the risk of the first end 41 and the second end 42 detaching. In addition, the pressure plate 7, together with the flange 71, forms a certain wrapping effect on the dust cover 4, reducing the entry of external dust into the dust cover 4 from the pressure plate 7 side, further improving the dustproof function of the universal joint.

[0054] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 The outer wall of the opening end 21 of the bushing 2 is tapered, and the inner wall of the dust cover 4 is tapered on the side near the bushing 2. The inner wall of the dust cover 4 and the outer wall of the bushing 2 are in contact.

[0055] Through the above-described configuration, the outer wall of the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the dust cover 4 have a self-centering function, thereby ensuring the tightness of the fit between the outer wall of the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the dust cover 4. When the inner wall of the dust cover 4 and the outer wall of the bushing 2 are not tightly fitted after a period of use, the pressure plate 7 can be rotated to bring it closer to the bushing 2. The inner wall of the dust cover 4 can then move along the outer wall of the bushing 2. Under the self-centering effect of the outer wall of the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the dust cover 4, the new part of the inner wall of the dust cover 4 fits with the outer wall of the bushing 2, restoring the reliable dustproof function of the dust cover 4 and the bushing 2, thus extending the service life of the dust cover 4.

[0056] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 A cylindrical frame 8 is inserted into the inner wall of the bushing 2. One end of the cylindrical frame 8 extends into the dust cover 4. An outward flange 81 is provided at the end of the cylindrical frame 8 near the dust cover 4. A dust cover ring 43 is formed on the inner wall of the dust cover 4. The dust cover ring 43 extends into the gap between the outward flange 81 and the bushing 2.

[0057] With the above settings, when external dust accidentally enters the dust cover 4 from between the dust cover 4 and the bushing 2, the dust cover ring 43 and the outer flange 81 can form a double shield against the dust, further preventing the dust from entering the bushing 2 and ensuring the reliability of dust protection.

[0058] In some embodiments, as the pressure plate 7 rotates and gradually approaches the bushing 2, the pressure plate 7 and the outer flange 81 clamp the dust cover 4. That is, they clamp the first end 41 and the second end 42, thereby further preventing the first end 41 and the second end 42 from separating from each other, effectively improving the reliability of the connection between the first end 41 and the second end 42.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, the universal joint structure of the present invention can be directly applied to an automotive driveshaft 9. The automotive driveshaft 9 typically includes a main driveshaft 91 and a driven driveshaft 92. One end of the main driveshaft 91 is fixedly connected to the driving fork 93 via a flange or welding, and one end of the driven driveshaft 92 is similarly fixedly connected to the driven fork 94. A universal joint structure of the present invention is installed between the driving fork 93 and the driven fork 94. Specifically, the connection method is as follows: the bushings 2 on the two oppositely arranged shaft ends 11 on the cross shaft body 1 are connected to the two fork arms of the driving fork 93 via bolts or snap rings; the bushings 2 on the other two oppositely arranged shaft ends 11 are connected to the two fork arms of the driven fork 94.

[0060] In this way, power can be transmitted from the main drive shaft 91 through the driving fork 93, the cross shaft body 1, and the driven fork 94 to the driven drive shaft 92. During this process, when there is a certain working angle between the main and driven drive shafts, the single cross shaft universal joint can realize the core function of power transmission with variable angle between the two shafts.

[0061] 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 joint structure, characterized by, include: The cross shaft body (1) has four shaft heads (11) spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and the end of the shaft head (11) and the junction of the cross shaft body (1) form a journal (12); A bushing (2) is rotatably fitted onto a shaft head (11), and one end of the bushing (2) facing the journal (12) is an open end (21). Needle roller assembly (3), which is disposed between the bushing (2) and the shaft head (11); Dust cover (4), the dust cover (4) includes a first end (41) and a second end (42) that can be opened and closed in the circumferential direction. When the dust cover (4) is not installed, the first end (41) and the second end (42) are separated from each other. When installed, the first end (41) and the second end (42) are enclosed to form an annular structure and sleeved on the outside of the journal (12) to seal the opening end (21) of the bushing (2). Wherein, a locking structure is provided between the first end (41) and the second end (42), the locking structure includes a glue-containing groove (6) respectively opened on the first end (41) and the second end (42), a communication port provided between the two glue-containing grooves (6), and a locking groove (61) communicating with the glue-containing groove (6). The opening size of the locking groove (61) is smaller than its internal size; When the first end (41) and the second end (42) are connected, the locking medium is filled into the adhesive groove (6), the connecting port and the locking groove (61) and solidified to form a locking body. The locking body forms an axial limiting connection between the first end (41) and the second end (42) under the structural constraint of the locking groove (61). A pressure plate (7) is connected to the journal (12). The pressure plate (7) is located between the cross shaft body (1) and the dust cover (4). The pressure plate (7) is used to press the dust cover (4) towards the bushing (2). The pressure plate (7) has a flange (71) connected to the side of the dust cover (4) near the dust cover (4). The flange (71) is fitted onto the dust cover (4), and the inner wall of the flange (71) is in contact with the outer wall of the dust cover (4).

2. A universal joint structure according to claim 1, wherein A snap-fit ​​structure (5) is provided between the first end (41) and the second end (42). The snap-fit ​​structure (5) includes a slot (51) and a buckle (52) that fit together. The slot (51) is provided on one of the first end (41) and the second end (42), and the buckle (52) is provided on the other.

3. A gimbal structure according to claim 2, wherein, The slot (51) is open on one side facing the buckle (52), and the width of the opening of the slot (51) is smaller than the width inside the slot (51).

4. A universal joint structure according to claim 1, wherein The locking bodies are continuously distributed along the circumference of the dust cover (4) to form a circumferential constraint on the relative rotation between the first end (41) and the second end (42), and to form a limit in the radial direction by being embedded in the adhesive groove (6), thereby realizing the three-way locking of the first end (41) and the second end (42) in the axial, circumferential and radial directions.

5. A gimbal structure according to claim 4, wherein, Along the radial direction of the dust cover (4), one end of the adhesive groove (6) is connected to the outer wall surface of the dust cover (4), and the other end is not connected to the inner wall surface of the dust cover (4).

6. A universal joint structure according to claim 1, wherein The outer wall of the shaft head (11) is provided with threads, and the pressure plate (7) is sleeved on the shaft head (11). The pressure plate (7) is threadedly connected to the shaft head (11) through the threads.

7. A universal joint structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The outer side wall of the opening end (21) of the bushing (2) is tapered, and the inner side wall of the dust cover (4) near the bushing (2) is tapered. The inner side wall of the dust cover (4) and the outer side wall of the bushing (2) are in contact. A cylindrical frame (8) is inserted into the inner wall of the bushing (2). One end of the cylindrical frame (8) extends into the dust cover (4). An outward flange (81) is provided at the end of the cylindrical frame (8) near the dust cover (4). The inner wall of the dust cover (4) is formed with a dust ring (43), which extends into the gap between the outer flange (81) and the bushing (2).

8. Use of the cardan structure according to claim 1 on a drive shaft of a motor vehicle, characterized in that, The automotive drive shaft includes a main drive shaft (91) and a driven drive shaft (92). One end of the main drive shaft (91) is fixedly connected to the driving fork (93), and one end of the driven drive shaft (92) is fixedly connected to the driven fork (94). The universal joint structure is installed between the driving fork (93) and the driven fork (94); The two bushings (2) arranged opposite to each other in the universal joint structure are connected to the driving fork (93), and the other two bushings (2) arranged opposite to each other are connected to the driven fork (93).

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