A cross axle universal joint assembly

CN122812964APending Publication Date: 2026-09-25WANXIANGQIANCHAO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202611334578.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-08-31
Publication Date
2026-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

轴向载荷极易直接作用于滚针端部,易引发滚针偏移、卡滞、端部磨损、变形甚至断裂等问题,同时会加剧十字轴轴颈的轴向窜动,降低十字轴万向节的整体承载性能和使用寿命,难以适配高轴向载荷的恶劣作业工况

Benefits of technology

[0025]通过轴承外圈套设轴颈,并由底板与朝内凸起的侧板及抵接部构成容纳与限位空间,为滚针单元与油封单元提供稳定的装配基准与轴向止挡,达到限位基准明确的效果;通过滚针单元采用多个圆锥滚针,其外周壁抵接侧板内侧壁与轴颈外周壁,且第一端外径大于第二端外径、自第二端向第一端间距渐增、第二端抵接底板,利用圆锥滚针的锥度结构承受更大的轴向载荷,并通过第二端抵接底板形成轴向承托,达到吸收轴向载荷并减少滚针轴向松脱倾向的效果;通过油封单元设置环状刚性骨架并包覆密封胶圈,刚性骨架套设于轴颈与轴承外圈之间、一端抵接抵接部而另一端经密封胶圈抵接圆锥滚针第一端、其内侧壁和外侧壁分别经密封胶圈抵接轴颈与侧板内侧壁,使刚性骨架一端配合密封胶圈吸收圆锥滚针的轴向载荷,另一端刚性抵接抵接部形成变形能力弱、限位效果好的刚性限位,达到在吸收载荷的同时确保轴向限位可靠性、降低圆锥滚针被挤压及松脱风险的效果;通过防尘罩套设于轴颈外周壁与侧板外侧壁之间并将该间隙密封,且位于油封单元朝向中心体的一端,达到隔绝外部泥沙与保持内部润滑的双重密封效果,解决了外部污染物侵入导致磨损加剧的问题。

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Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of universal joint, in particular to a cross shaft universal joint assembly, which comprises a cross shaft body and four bearing assemblies. The cross shaft body comprises a center body and four shaft necks. Each bearing assembly comprises a bearing outer ring, a needle roller unit, an oil seal unit and a dust cover. The bearing outer ring is sleeved on the shaft neck; the bearing outer ring comprises a bottom plate and a side plate arranged in a ring shape. The needle roller unit comprises a plurality of conical needles, and the outer peripheral wall of the conical needle abuts against the inner side wall of the side plate and the outer peripheral wall of the shaft neck. The oil seal unit comprises a rigid framework arranged in a ring shape and a sealing rubber ring coated on part of the surface of the rigid framework; the rigid framework is sleeved between the outer peripheral wall of the shaft neck and the inner side wall of the bearing outer ring; one end of the rigid framework abuts against an abutting portion, and the other end abuts against the first end through the sealing rubber ring. The dust cover is sleeved on the gap between the shaft neck and the side plate to seal the gap. Thus, the problem that the cross shaft universal joint is difficult to adapt to the working condition of high axial load is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of universal joint technology, and more specifically, to a cross-shaft universal joint assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The universal joint is a key component for transmitting power at varying angles between two intersecting shafts, and is widely used in drive axles, steering systems, and other transmission components. A typical universal joint assembly includes a universal joint body and bearings mounted on it. The universal joint body generally consists of a central body and four journals extending from the outer peripheral wall of the central body. The four journals are collinear and perpendicular to each other, and are used to hinge with external drive shaft forks to transmit torque. Each journal is fitted with a corresponding bearing to support the rotation of the fork around the journal and to achieve relative oscillation. The bearings fitted on the journals are mostly needle roller bearings, which include an outer ring, several needle rollers, and a sealing structure.

[0003] However, existing universal joint needle rollers generally adopt a cylindrical structure, with the needle roller axis parallel to the journal axis. This structural design can only meet the radial load requirements under normal working conditions and can effectively withstand the radial pressure generated during the operation of the universal joint. But under complex working conditions such as vehicle bumps, heavy-duty operation of construction machinery, and large-angle deflection of equipment, the universal joint will not only bear radial loads but also generate large axial loads. Axial loads can easily act directly on the needle roller ends, easily causing problems such as needle roller misalignment, jamming, end wear, deformation, and even breakage. At the same time, it will exacerbate the axial movement of the universal joint journal, reduce the overall load-bearing capacity and service life of the universal joint, and make it difficult to adapt to harsh working conditions with high axial loads. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem that universal joints are difficult to adapt to high axial load conditions, this invention provides a universal joint assembly, comprising:

[0005] The cross shaft body includes a central body and four journals; the four journals are connected to the outer peripheral wall of the central body.

[0006] Four bearing assemblies, each bearing assembly corresponding to one journal; each bearing assembly includes a bearing outer ring, a needle roller unit, an oil seal unit, and a dust cover;

[0007] The bearing outer ring is fitted onto the journal; the bearing outer ring includes a base plate and a side plate arranged in an annular shape, one end of the side plate is connected to the base plate, and the other end protrudes inward to form an abutment portion;

[0008] The needle roller unit includes multiple tapered needles, the outer peripheral walls of which abut against the inner sidewall of the side plate and the outer peripheral wall of the journal; the outer diameter of the first end of the tapered needle is larger than the outer diameter of the second end; in the direction from the second end to the first end, the distance between the central axis of the tapered needle and the central axis of the journal gradually increases; the second end abuts against the base plate.

[0009] The oil seal unit includes a rigid frame arranged in an annular shape and a sealing ring covering the surface of the rigid frame portion; the rigid frame is sleeved between the outer peripheral wall of the journal and the inner sidewall of the outer ring of the bearing; one end of the rigid frame abuts against the abutting part, and the other end abuts against the first end through the sealing ring; the inner sidewall of the rigid frame abuts against the journal through the sealing ring, and the outer sidewall abuts against the inner sidewall of the side plate through the sealing ring;

[0010] The dust cover is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the journal and the outer side wall of the side plate to seal the gap between the journal and the side plate; the dust cover is located at the end of the oil seal unit facing the central body.

[0011] Optionally, the rigid frame includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate connected in sequence; the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate are all annular plates; any one of the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate intersects with its adjacent plate;

[0012] The first plate abuts against the first end via the sealing ring; the second plate abuts against the side plate via the sealing ring; the connection between the second plate and the third plate abuts against the abutting part; the third plate abuts against the journal via the sealing ring.

[0013] Optionally, the first plate and the third plate are spaced apart, and a rubber ring connecting the first plate and the third plate is provided between them.

[0014] Optionally, the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate together form an oil storage cavity;

[0015] The oil seal unit also includes an oil injection hole, which passes through the sealing ring and the first plate and connects to the oil storage chamber.

[0016] Optionally, the central axis of the oil injection hole is parallel to the extension direction of the generatrix of the third plate.

[0017] Optionally, the oil injection hole is an oblong hole extending circumferentially along the oil seal unit.

[0018] Optionally, in the second cross section, the third plate protrudes in an arch shape relative to the journal, and the second cross section is any cross section that coincides with the central axis of the journal.

[0019] Optionally, the sealing ring includes a first ring, a second ring, and a third ring in annular shape; the first ring abuts between the first plate and the first end, the second ring connects to the outer periphery of the first ring, and the third ring connects to the inner periphery of the first ring;

[0020] The second ring abuts between the second plate and the side plate, and the third ring abuts between the third plate and the journal. The thickness of the second ring is greater than the thickness of the third ring.

[0021] Optionally, the rigid frame is a structure integrally stamped and bent from spring steel or stainless steel sheet.

[0022] Optionally, the distance between the second plate and the side plate gradually increases along the end of the second plate close to the first plate; the thickness of the second ring gradually increases along the direction close to the first plate.

[0023] Optionally, the connection between the second plate and the third plate forms an abutting plane, which abuts against the abutting portion; the abutting plane is perpendicular to the axis of the journal.

[0024] To address the problem that universal joints are difficult to adapt to high axial load conditions, this invention has the following advantages:

[0025] The journal is fitted onto the outer ring of the bearing, and the base plate, inwardly protruding side plate, and abutment portion form a receiving and limiting space, providing a stable assembly reference and axial stop for the needle roller unit and oil seal unit, achieving a clear limiting reference. The needle roller unit uses multiple tapered needles, whose outer peripheral walls abut against the inner side wall of the side plate and the outer peripheral wall of the journal. The outer diameter of the first end is larger than that of the second end, and the spacing gradually increases from the second end to the first end. The second end abuts against the base plate. The tapered structure of the tapered needles can withstand greater axial loads, and the abutment of the second end against the base plate forms axial support, achieving the effect of absorbing axial loads and reducing the tendency of the needle rollers to loosen axially. The oil seal unit is equipped with an annular rigid skeleton and covered with a sealing ring. The rigid skeleton is fitted onto the journal and bearing. Between the outer rings, one end abuts against the abutment part, while the other end abuts against the first end of the tapered needle roller via a sealing rubber ring. Its inner and outer sidewalls abut against the journal and the inner sidewall of the side plate respectively via sealing rubber rings. This allows one end of the rigid skeleton to absorb the axial load of the tapered needle roller with the sealing rubber ring, while the other end rigidly abuts against the abutment part, forming a rigid limit with weak deformation capacity and good limiting effect. This achieves the effect of absorbing load while ensuring the reliability of axial limit and reducing the risk of the tapered needle roller being squeezed and loosened. A dust cover is fitted between the outer peripheral wall of the journal and the outer sidewall of the side plate to seal the gap. It is located at the end of the oil seal unit facing the center body, achieving a dual sealing effect of isolating external mud and sand and maintaining internal lubrication. This solves the problem of external contaminants intruding and causing accelerated wear. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cross-shaft universal joint assembly according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the central cross-axis universal joint;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A sectional view along section line AA;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of a portion at point B in another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the bearing assembly;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the oil seal unit.

[0033] Reference numerals: 10, cross shaft body; 11, center body; 12, journal; 20, bearing assembly; 21, bearing outer ring; 211, base plate; 212, side plate; 213, abutment part; 22, needle roller unit; 221, tapered needle roller; 2211, first end; 2212, second end; 23, oil seal unit; 231, rigid frame; 2311, first plate; 2312, second plate; 2313, third plate; 2314, oil reservoir; 232, sealing ring; 2321, first ring; 2322, second ring; 2323, third ring; 233, oil filling hole; 24, dust cover. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

[0035] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] The universal joint assembly, a key component for transmitting power at varying angles between two intersecting shafts, is used in drive axles, steering systems, and other transmission components. The universal joint assembly comprises a universal joint body and bearing assemblies mounted on the journals of the universal joint body. The universal joint body consists of a central body and four journals connected to the outer peripheral wall of the central body. The bearing assemblies are fitted onto the journals to provide transmission support. Existing universal joint assemblies use cylindrical needle rollers within the bearing assemblies, with the axis of the cylindrical needle rollers parallel to the journal axis. This structure can only bear normal loads. Under normal operating conditions, radial loads are generated. When operating under complex conditions such as vehicle bumps, heavy-duty operation of construction machinery, and large-angle deflection of equipment, the universal joint assembly will generate large axial loads in addition to radial loads. The axial load will directly act on the end of the cylindrical needle rollers, which will cause the needle rollers to deviate, jam, wear at the end, deform or even break. The axial load will also aggravate the axial movement of the journal of the universal joint body. As a result, the overall load-bearing capacity of the universal joint assembly will decrease, the service life will be shortened, and it will not be able to adapt to the harsh operating conditions with high axial loads.

[0037] Example 1:

[0038] This embodiment proposes a cross-shaped universal joint assembly, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a cross shaft body 10 and four bearing assemblies 20. The cross shaft body 10 includes a central body 11 and four journals 12; the four journals 12 are connected to the outer peripheral wall of the central body 11; the journals 12 and the cross shaft body 10 can be integrally formed by hot forging or cold extrusion. Each bearing assembly 20 corresponds to one journal 12; each bearing assembly 20 includes a bearing outer ring 21, a needle roller unit 22, an oil seal unit 23, and a dust cover 24; wherein, the bearing outer ring 21 is fitted onto the journal 12; the bearing outer ring 21 includes a base plate 211 and a side plate 212 arranged in an annular shape, one end of the side plate 212 is connected to the base plate 211, and the other end protrudes inward to form an abutment portion 213. The bearing outer ring 21 can be an integrally formed structure.

[0039] The base plate 211, side plate 212, and abutment part 213 together enclose a cavity for accommodating the needle roller unit 22 and oil seal unit 23. The abutment part 213 provides an axial stop reference, enabling the orderly assembly of each component in the circumference of the journal 12, thereby providing a stable assembly reference and limit reference for the needle roller unit 22 and oil seal unit 23.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the needle roller unit 22 includes a plurality of tapered needle rollers 221, the outer peripheral wall of which abuts against the inner side wall of the side plate 212 and the outer peripheral wall of the journal 12; as Figure 3As shown, the outer diameter of the first end 2211 of the tapered needle roller 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the second end 2212; the distance between the central axis of the tapered needle roller 221 and the central axis of the journal 12 gradually increases in the direction of the second end 2212 pointing towards the first end 2211; the second end 2212 abuts against the base plate 211.

[0041] The tapered structure of the tapered needle roller 221 increases the axial contact area, and the second end 2212 abuts against the base plate 211 to form axial support. This allows the roller to absorb a larger axial load while bearing radial force, suppressing the axial movement of the needle roller. This improves the axial load-bearing capacity and reduces the tendency of the tapered needle roller 221 to loosen axially, thus reducing the risk of the tapered needle roller 221 being squeezed or loosened under load and impact.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the oil seal unit 23 includes a rigid frame 231 arranged in an annular shape and a sealing ring 232 covering a portion of the surface of the rigid frame 231; the rigid frame 231 is sleeved between the outer peripheral wall of the journal 12 and the inner sidewall of the bearing outer ring 21; one end of the rigid frame 231 abuts against the abutting part 213, and the other end abuts against the first end 2211 through the sealing ring 232; the inner sidewall of the rigid frame 231 abuts against the journal 12 through the sealing ring 232, and the outer sidewall abuts against the inner sidewall of the side plate 212 through the sealing ring 232.

[0043] One end of the rigid frame 231, in conjunction with the sealing ring 232, abuts against the tapered needle roller 221 to absorb axial load, while the other end rigidly abuts against the abutment portion 213. This forms a rigid limiter with weak deformation capacity and good limiting effect. Compared to abutting the abutment portion 213 with a sealing ring, the rigid abutment has weaker deformation capacity, resulting in a better limiting effect. This ensures the reliability of axial limiting while absorbing load, reducing the risk of the tapered needle roller 221 being squeezed and loosening axially, and improving the structural reliability of the universal joint assembly. It solves the problem of unreliable limiting by flexible oil seals. Moreover, compared to the complex limiting structure set between the journal 12 and the side plate 212 in the prior art, the oil seal unit 23 used in this embodiment can not only achieve the sealing function, but also limit the tapered needle roller 221 by relying on the abutment portion 213 in conjunction with the oil seal unit 23, thereby simplifying the universal joint structure. Furthermore, the tapered needle rollers 221 in this embodiment do not need to be limited by a cage, thereby enabling a dense arrangement of the tapered needle rollers 221. The load is distributed among more tapered needle rollers 221 in the stress area, reducing the pressure on each tapered needle roller 221 and improving the structural reliability of the universal joint.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the dust cover 24 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the journal 12 and the outer side wall of the side plate 212 to seal the gap between the journal 12 and the side plate 212; the dust cover 24 is located at the end of the oil seal unit 23 facing the central body 11.

[0045] The dust cover 24 forms another barrier outside the oil seal unit 23, which prevents external mud and sand from entering and maintains the internal lubricating grease, achieving the effect of double sealing and reducing wear, and reducing the risk of increased wear caused by the intrusion of external contaminants.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rigid frame 231 includes a first plate 2311, a second plate 2312, and a third plate 2313 connected in sequence; the first plate 2311, the second plate 2312, and the third plate 2313 are all annular plates; each of the first plate 2311, the second plate 2312, and the third plate 2313 intersects with its adjacent plate; the first plate 2311 abuts against the first end 2211 through the sealing ring 232; the second plate 2312 abuts against the side plate 212 through the sealing ring 232; the connection between the second plate 2312 and the third plate 2313 abuts against the abutting part 213; the third plate 2313 abuts against the journal 12 through the sealing ring 232.

[0047] The plate, formed by integral bending, creates a continuous load-bearing skeleton between the journal 12 and the outer ring 21 of the bearing, enabling multi-level transmission and dispersion of load along the skeleton, resulting in high skeleton strength and stable positioning after bending.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313 are spaced apart, and a rubber connecting the sealing ring 232 is provided between the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313.

[0049] Because the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313 are spaced apart, and a rubber sealing ring 232 is provided between the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313, the gap between the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313 accommodates the rubber connection and avoids deformation, thereby reducing the collision between the first plate 2311 and the third plate 2313 when under load, achieving a buffering effect.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the first plate 2311, the second plate 2312, and the third plate 2313 together form an oil storage cavity 2314; the oil seal unit 23 also includes an oil injection hole 233, which passes through the sealing ring 232 and the first plate 2311 and communicates with the oil storage cavity 2314.

[0051] By additionally accommodating lubricating medium in the oil reservoir 2314, lubricating medium can be replenished between the bearing outer ring 21 and the journal 12 in real time, thereby improving lubrication function. It is also worth noting that the sealing ring 232 is vulcanized onto the rigid skeleton 231. During molding, the sealing ring 232 may enter the oil reservoir 2314 through the gaps between the oil seal skeletons, thus occupying oil reservoir space. However, the operator can clean the rubber inside the oil reservoir 2314 through the oil injection hole 233. After cleaning, the lubricating medium can be injected into the oil reservoir 2314 through the oil injection hole 233, thus preventing the rubber from occupying oil reservoir space.

[0052] Furthermore, the central axis of the oil injection hole 233 is parallel to the extension direction of the generatrix of the third plate 2313.

[0053] By extending the axis of the oil injection hole 233 toward the deepest part of the oil storage cavity 2314, the oil injection hole 233 is connected to the deep part of the oil storage cavity 2314, which makes it convenient for processing personnel to clean the rubber deep in the oil storage cavity 2314 and achieves the effect of convenient rubber removal.

[0054] Furthermore, the oil injection hole 233 is an oblong hole that extends circumferentially along the oil seal unit 23.

[0055] Since the oil injection hole 233 is an oblong hole that extends circumferentially along the oil seal unit 23, by increasing the opening length of the oil injection hole 233 in the circumferential direction, it is more convenient for the processing personnel to clean the rubber, and the oil injection channel can be enlarged, making it smoother for the processing personnel to fill the lubricating medium.

[0056] Furthermore, the rigid frame 231 is a structure integrally stamped and bent from spring steel or stainless steel sheet.

[0057] Since the rigid frame 231 is a one-piece stamped and bent structure made of spring steel or stainless steel sheet, the continuous frame is formed by one-piece stamping and bending of the sheet, which simplifies the forming process and makes full use of the material strength, achieving the effect of high frame strength and low forming difficulty. In addition, in other embodiments, the rigid frame 231 can also be formed by welding the first plate 2311, the second plate 2312, and the third plate 2313.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 5As shown, in the second cross section, the third plate 2313 protrudes in an arch shape relative to the journal 12, and the second cross section is any cross section that coincides with the central axis of the journal 12.

[0059] Since the third plate 2313 protrudes in an arch shape relative to the journal 12 in the second section, the arch structure disperses stress with a curved surface when under load, thereby improving deformation capacity and load-bearing capacity; moreover, compared with the straight structure of the third plate 2313 in the second section, this embodiment can reduce the difficulty of forming during integral stamping and bending.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sealing ring 232 includes a first ring 2321, a second ring 2322, and a third ring 2323 in annular shape. The first ring 2321 abuts between the first plate 2311 and the first end 2211. The second ring 2322 connects to the outer periphery of the first ring 2321. The third ring 2323 connects to the inner periphery of the first ring 2321. The second ring 2322 abuts between the second plate 2312 and the side plate 212. The third ring 2323 abuts between the third plate 2313 and the journal 12. The thickness of the second ring 2322 is greater than the thickness of the third ring 2323. By making the second ring 2322 in the load-concentration area have a greater thickness, stronger buffering is provided at the stress concentration point, thereby improving the buffering effect.

[0061] Furthermore, the distance between the second plate 2312 and the side plate 212 gradually increases along the end near the first plate 2311; the thickness of the second ring 2322 gradually increases along the direction near the first plate 2311.

[0062] By increasing the gap in the load-bearing area at the root and accommodating a thicker sealant, the buffer margin is enhanced at the point of stress concentration, resulting in stronger buffering capacity and a thicker load-bearing area, thus improving the buffering effect.

[0063] Furthermore, the connection between the second plate 2312 and the third plate 2313 forms an abutting plane, which abuts against the abutting part 213; the abutting plane is perpendicular to the axis of the journal 12.

[0064] Since the connection between the second plate 2312 and the third plate 2313 forms an abutting plane, which abuts against the abutting part 213 and is perpendicular to the axis of the journal 12, the abutting plane rigidly abuts against the abutting part 213 in a direction perpendicular to the radial load, so that the bearing surface is directly facing the radial load, thereby improving the bearing capacity.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cross-shaft universal joint assembly, characterized in that, The universal joint assembly includes: The cross shaft body includes a central body and four journals; the four journals are connected to the outer peripheral wall of the central body. Four bearing assemblies, each bearing assembly corresponding to one journal; each bearing assembly includes a bearing outer ring, a needle roller unit, an oil seal unit, and a dust cover; The bearing outer ring is fitted onto the journal; the bearing outer ring includes a base plate and a side plate arranged in an annular shape, one end of the side plate is connected to the base plate, and the other end protrudes inward to form an abutment portion; The needle roller unit includes multiple tapered needles, the outer peripheral walls of which abut against the inner sidewall of the side plate and the outer peripheral wall of the journal; the outer diameter of the first end of the tapered needle is larger than the outer diameter of the second end; in the direction from the second end to the first end, the distance between the central axis of the tapered needle and the central axis of the journal gradually increases; the second end abuts against the base plate. The oil seal unit includes a rigid frame arranged in an annular shape and a sealing ring covering the surface of the rigid frame portion; the rigid frame is sleeved between the outer peripheral wall of the journal and the inner sidewall of the outer ring of the bearing; one end of the rigid frame abuts against the abutting part, and the other end abuts against the first end through the sealing ring; the inner sidewall of the rigid frame abuts against the journal through the sealing ring, and the outer sidewall abuts against the inner sidewall of the side plate through the sealing ring; The dust cover is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the journal and the outer side wall of the side plate to seal the gap between the journal and the side plate; the dust cover is located at the end of the oil seal unit facing the central body.

2. The universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid frame includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate connected in sequence; the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate are all annular plates; any one of the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate intersects with its adjacent plate; The first plate abuts against the first end via the sealing ring; the second plate abuts against the side plate via the sealing ring; the connection between the second plate and the third plate abuts against the abutting part; the third plate abuts against the journal via the sealing ring.

3. A universal joint assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plate and the third plate are spaced apart, and a rubber ring connecting the first plate and the third plate is provided between them.

4. A universal joint assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plate, the second plate, and the third plate together form an oil storage cavity; The oil seal unit also includes an oil injection hole, which passes through the sealing ring and the first plate and connects to the oil storage chamber.

5. A universal joint assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central axis of the oil injection hole is parallel to the extension direction of the generatrix of the third plate.

6. A universal joint assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The oil injection hole is an oblong hole that extends circumferentially along the oil seal unit.

7. A universal joint assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the second cross section, the third plate protrudes in an arch shape relative to the journal, and the second cross section is any cross section that coincides with the central axis of the journal.

8. A universal joint assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing ring includes a first ring, a second ring, and a third ring in annular shape; the first ring abuts between the first plate and the first end; the second ring connects to the outer periphery of the first ring; and the third ring connects to the inner periphery of the first ring. The second ring abuts between the second plate and the side plate, and the third ring abuts between the third plate and the journal. The thickness of the second ring is greater than the thickness of the third ring.

9. A universal joint assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rigid frame is a one-piece stamped and bent structure made of spring steel or stainless steel sheet.

10. A universal joint assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the second plate and the side plate gradually increases from the end of the second plate close to the first plate; the thickness of the second ring gradually increases from the direction close to the first plate.

11. A universal joint assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connection between the second plate and the third plate forms an abutting plane, which abuts against the abutting portion; the abutting plane is perpendicular to the axis of the journal.