Ball cage

Abstract

The utility model provides a ball cage, and belongs to the technical field of machinery. The problem that connection between the ball cage and the power output end of the automobile transmission shaft is prone to loosening is solved. A front protective cover is connected to the front end of the shell, an even number of mounting holes are evenly distributed in the shell in the circumferential direction, the front protective cover is provided with a plurality of first connecting holes, bolts are arranged on the shell, the number of the bolts is the same as that of the mounting holes, and rod portions of the bolts sequentially penetrate through the corresponding first connecting holes and the mounting holes. The ball cage further comprises gaskets, the number of the gaskets is half of that of the mounting holes, each gasket is in a strip shape, through holes are formed in the two ends of each gasket, every two bolts form a group, and the same gasket abuts against the position between the front end of the front protective cover and the heads of the two bolts in the same group. And the rod parts of the two bolts in the same group respectively penetrate through the two through holes in the same gasket. The connecting structure has the advantages of being not prone to loosening after bolt connection, firmer in connection with the power output end of the automobile transmission shaft and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of machinery and relates to a ball cage. Background Art

[0002] A universal joint, or cardan joint, is a component that enables angular power transmission and is used in locations where the direction of the transmission axis needs to be changed. There are many types of universal joints, with the ball cage being the most commonly used. It comprises a housing, a star-shaped sleeve, and a retainer, both of which are located within the housing. The retainer is located between the outer wall of the star-shaped sleeve and the inner wall of the housing, and contains a number of steel balls evenly arranged along the circumference of the retainer. Each steel ball is located in an inner ball track set in the inner wall of the housing and an outer ball track set in the outer wall of the star-shaped sleeve. The star-shaped sleeve is connected to the connecting shaft via an internal spline at its center, and the steel balls, inner ball track, and outer ball track cooperate to achieve swing.

[0003] The structure of a CVJ varies slightly depending on the vehicle used. One such CVJ structure is disclosed in Patent Application No. 200320109406.0, which describes a fixed-end constant velocity joint half-shaft assembly. The half-shaft assembly includes a connecting shaft, a protruding half-shaft with a head, a star-shaped sleeve at one end, a bell-shaped housing outside the star-shaped sleeve, and six steel balls symmetrically positioned on a retaining frame between the star-shaped sleeve and the bell-shaped housing. The bell-shaped housing has an end cap at its outer end, and a dustproof component consisting of a dust cover and a connecting sleeve at its inner end. The bell-shaped housing has six bolt holes around its perimeter. In use, the bell-shaped housing is connected to the power output end of the vehicle's drive shaft via six bolts. The other end is friction-welded to the other half-shaft via the head of the connecting shaft, thereby connecting to the power input end of the vehicle's drive shaft. The shanks of the bolts pass through holes in the dust cover, bolt holes in the bell-shaped housing, and holes in the end cap, before being threaded onto the power output end of the vehicle's drive shaft.

[0004] After assembly, the bolt head rests against the dust cover. During operation, the connecting shaft swings, and the connecting sleeve swings along with the connecting shaft, causing the entire vehicle drive shaft to vibrate. Therefore, in practice, the bolts are prone to loosening, causing the connection between the ball joint and the power output end of the vehicle drive shaft to become loose. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to solve the above problems existing in the prior art and to propose a ball cage, which solves the problem that the connection between the ball cage and the power output end of the automobile transmission shaft is easy to loosen.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] The ball cage includes a shell and a star-shaped sleeve, a retaining frame and several steel balls all arranged in the shell, the front end of the shell is connected to the front protective cover and the rear end of the shell is connected to the rear protective cover, the shell has an even number of mounting holes evenly distributed along the circumference, the front protective cover has several connecting holes aligned with the mounting holes, and the rear protective cover has several connecting holes aligned with the mounting holes, and the shell is provided with a number of bolts that match the mounting holes, and the rod of each bolt passes through the corresponding connecting hole 1, mounting hole and connecting hole 2 in sequence. It is characterized in that the ball cage also includes several gaskets, the number of gaskets is half of the mounting holes, each gasket is strip-shaped and has through holes at both ends of each gasket, the distance between the centers of the two through holes on the same gasket is the same as the distance between the centers of the two adjacent connecting holes on the front protective cover, the bolts are grouped in pairs, the same gasket rests between the front end of the front protective cover and the heads of the two bolts in the same group, and the rods of the two bolts in the same group respectively pass through the two through holes on the same gasket.

[0008] When assembling the CVJ on a vehicle, for example, consider eight mounting holes. The holes are grouped into four groups of two adjacent holes: the first and second holes form a group, the third and fourth holes form a group, the fifth and sixth holes form a group, and the seventh and eighth holes form a group. Connecting holes 1 and 2 also form eight groups, each grouped into four. The number of washers is four, and the number of bolts is eight, also grouped into four groups. First, insert the first set of bolts simultaneously through both through-holes in the same washer. Then, insert the shanks of these two bolts, sequentially, through connecting hole 1, the mounting hole, and the connecting hole, and then thread them into the power output end of the vehicle's drive shaft (after tightening the bolts, the washers are pressed between the heads of the two bolts and the front end of the front cover). The second, third, and fourth sets of bolts are then installed in the same manner.

[0009] After assembly, each gasket corresponds to two bolts, effectively securing the two bolts together and preventing them from loosening. This prevents the bolts from loosening even during extended operation of the CVJ, thereby enhancing the connection between the CVJ and the power output of the vehicle's driveshaft. Furthermore, each gasket is pressed against the front face of the front cover by the bolts. The gasket's strip shape allows for a greater contact area with the front cover, effectively securing it to the vehicle's housing. In other words, the gasket serves two purposes: preventing the bolts from loosening and compressing the front cover.

[0010] In the above-mentioned ball cage, the gasket includes two circular parts and an arc-shaped part connected between the two circular parts. The two circular parts are of the same size and the two through holes are respectively provided on the two circular parts. When the two through holes of the gasket are aligned with the two adjacent connecting holes on the front protective cover, the arc-shaped part is concentrically arranged with the front protective cover.

[0011] When the two through holes on the gasket are aligned with the two adjacent connecting holes on the front protective cover, the arc portion of the gasket is concentrically arranged with the front protective cover, which means that after each gasket is installed, the arc portions on each gasket are located on the same circumference, which can make the force on the front protective cover more uniform.

[0012] In the above-mentioned ball cage, the arcuate portion has an outer side and an inner side, and there is a smooth transition between the two ends of the outer side of the arcuate portion and the two circular portions. The width between the outer side and the inner side of the arcuate portion is smaller than the diameter of the circular portion, and a clearance recess is formed between the two circular portions and the inner side of the arcuate portion.

[0013] With the above arrangement, the recesses can be used to make way for some protruding positions on the front protective cover, thereby avoiding interference between the gasket and the front protective cover.

[0014] In the above-mentioned ball cage, the gasket is provided with friction lines.

[0015] By providing friction patterns on the gasket, the friction between the bolt and the gasket can be increased. Combining the same gasket to form an associated anti-loosening function between two adjacent bolts can further improve the anti-loosening effect.

[0016] In the above-mentioned ball cage, a columnar connecting portion is protruding from the center position of the front end of the front protective cover, and a dust cover is connected to the front end of the connecting portion. The dust cover is made of flexible material, the connecting portion has a center hole, and the connecting portion has a curled portion facing inward and backward from its front end portion. The rear end of the dust cover has a curled edge facing forward, a slot is formed between the curled portion and the inner wall of the connecting portion, and the curled edge is stuck in the slot, an annular flange is protruding from the inner side of the curled portion, and an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the curled portion corresponding to the position of the annular flange, and the curled edge has a recessed portion that matches the annular flange.

[0017] The curling and the grooves work together to form a connection between the dust cover and the connecting portion, preventing them from becoming detached. After the connection is complete, the curled portion is riveted, forming a raised annular flange on its inner side. Because the dust cover is made of a flexible material, a recessed portion corresponding to the shape of the annular flange forms on the dust cover. The annular groove on the outer side of the curled portion is naturally formed after riveting. The coordination of the annular flange and recessed portion further enhances the secure connection between the dust cover and the connecting portion, ensuring that the dust cover will not become detached from the front cover even during prolonged use.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present ball cage is provided with gaskets having half the number of mounting holes. The gaskets are strip-shaped and have through holes at both ends, so that each gasket can correspond to two bolts at the same time. That is to say, the two bolts are linked to each other by one gasket, which plays a role in preventing each other from loosening. As a result, the bolts are not easy to loosen during long-term operation of the ball cage, thereby improving the connection firmness between the ball cage and the power output end of the vehicle transmission shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the ball cage after being assembled with bolts.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gasket in this ball cage.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the gasket, bolts and front cover after they are matched.

[0023] In the figure, 1. housing; 1a. inner ball track; 1b. mounting hole; 2. star-shaped sleeve; 2a. inner spline hole; 2b. outer ball track; 3. retaining frame; 4. steel ball; 5. front protective cover; 5a. connecting hole 1; 5b. connecting part; 5c. curled part; 5c1. annular flange; 5c2. annular groove; 5d. slot; 6. rear protective cover; 6a. connecting hole 2; 7. dust cover; 7a. curled edge; 7a1. recessed part; 7b. annular convex part; 7c. annular mounting groove; 8. gasket; 8a. through hole; 8b. circular part; 8c. arc-shaped part; 8d. recess; 9. bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings to further describe the technical solution of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the cage comprises a housing 1 with an inner bore extending in the front-to-back direction, a star-shaped sleeve 2, a retainer 3, and a plurality of steel balls 4, all disposed within the housing 1. The retainer 3 is positioned between the star-shaped sleeve 2 and the housing 1. The star-shaped sleeve 2 has an inner splined hole 2a, and each steel ball 4 is mounted on the retainer 3. The inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a plurality of inner ball paths 1a, the number of which corresponds to the number of steel balls 4. The outer side of the star-shaped sleeve 2 is provided with a plurality of outer ball paths 2b, the number of which corresponds to the number of steel balls 4. Each steel ball 4 is simultaneously located within a corresponding inner ball path 1a and outer ball path 2b. The number of steel balls 4 is an even number. The housing 1 also has a plurality of mounting holes 1b, all extending in the front-to-back direction. Each mounting hole 1b is evenly arranged around the inner bore of the housing 1. The number of mounting holes 1b is the same as the number of steel balls 4, and the inner ball paths 1a and mounting holes 1b are spaced circumferentially.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the front end of the housing 1 is connected to a front protective cover 5, which has several connection holes 5a aligned with the mounting holes 1b. The rear end of the housing 1 is connected to a rear protective cover 6, which has several connection holes 6a aligned with the mounting holes 1b. The housing 1 is provided with a number of bolts 9 that matches the number of mounting holes 1b, with the rod of each bolt 9 passing through the corresponding connection hole 5a, mounting hole 1b, and connection hole 6a in sequence. A columnar connection portion 5b protrudes from the center of the front end of the front protective cover 5. The connection portion 5b has a center hole, and the front end of the connection portion 5b is connected to a dust cover 7 made of a flexible material (specifically, rubber). Specifically, the front protective cover 5 is formed by pressing a metal plate, and the connecting portion 5b is also stretched from the front protective cover 5. The connecting portion 5b has a curled portion 5c extending inward and rearward from its front end. The rear end of the dust cover 7 has a curled edge 7a extending forward. A slot 5d is formed between the curled portion 5c and the inner wall of the connecting portion 5b, and the curled edge 7a is retained within the slot 5d. An annular flange 5c1 protrudes from the inner side of the curled portion 5c. The curled edge 7a has a recessed portion 7a1 that mates with the annular flange 5c1. An annular groove 5c2 is formed on the outer side of the curled portion 5c at a position corresponding to the annular flange 5c1. The cooperation between the curled edge 7a and the slot 5d forms a connection between the dust cover 7 and the connecting portion 5b, preventing the two from becoming detached. After the connection is complete, the curled portion 5c is riveted, forming a protruding annular flange 5c1 on its inner side. Since the dust cover 7 is made of a flexible material, a recessed portion 7a1 corresponding in shape to the annular flange 5c1 is formed on the dust cover 7. The annular groove 5c2 on the outer side of the curled portion 5c is naturally formed after the riveting is completed. The cooperation between the annular flange 5c1 and the recessed portion 7a1 further enhances the connection between the dust cover 7 and the connecting portion 5b, ensuring that the dust cover 7 is not easily separated from the front cover 5 even during prolonged use. The front end of the dust cover 7 has an annular protrusion 7b on its inner side and an annular mounting groove 7c on its outer side for receiving a clamp.

[0028] Furthermore, if Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the CVJ also includes several washers 8, the number of which equals half the number of mounting holes 1b. Each washers 8 is strip-shaped and has a through-hole 8a at each end. The distance between the centers of the two through-holes 8a on a given washers 8 is the same as the distance between the centers of two adjacent connecting holes 1a 5a on the front cover 5. Each bolt 9 is grouped in pairs, with each washers 8 resting between the front end of the front cover 5 and the heads of the two bolts 9 in the same group. The shafts of the two bolts 9 in the same group pass through the two through-holes 8a on the same washers 8. In this embodiment, there are eight mounting holes 1b and four washers 8. When the CVJ is assembled in a vehicle, the mounting holes 1b are grouped into four groups of two adjacent holes: the first and second holes, the third and fourth holes, the fifth and sixth holes, and the seventh and eighth holes. The number of connecting holes 1a 5a and the second hole 2a 6a is correspondingly eight and grouped into four groups. The number of bolts 9 is also eight and grouped into four groups. First, simultaneously insert the first set of bolts 9 through the two through-holes 8a of the same gasket 8. Then, sequentially insert the stems of these two bolts 9 through the first set's connection hole 1a, the first set's mounting hole 1b, and the first set's connection hole 2 6a, before threading them into the power output end of the vehicle's drive shaft. (After tightening the bolts 9, the gasket 8 is compressed between the heads of the two bolts 9 and the front end of the front cover 5.) Then, install the second, third, and fourth sets of bolts 9 in the same manner.

[0029] After assembly, each washer 8 corresponds to two bolts 9, effectively securing the two bolts 9 against each other. This prevents the bolts 9 from loosening even during extended operation of the CVJ, thereby enhancing the secure connection between the CVJ and the power output end of the vehicle's drive shaft. Furthermore, each washer 8 is pressed against the front end of the front cover 5 by the bolts 9. The strip-shaped washer 8 provides a relatively large contact area with the front cover 5, effectively securing the front cover 5 against the housing 1. In other words, the washer 8 serves two purposes: preventing the bolts 9 from loosening and compressing the front cover 5.

[0030] Among them, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the gasket 8 includes two circular portions 8b and an arcuate portion 8c connected between the two circular portions 8b. The two circular portions 8b are of equal size, and the two through holes 8a are respectively provided on the two circular portions 8b. When the two through holes 8a of the gasket 8 are aligned with the two adjacent connecting holes 5a on the front protective cover 5, the arcuate portion 8c is concentrically arranged with the front protective cover 5. When the two through holes 8a on the gasket 8 are aligned with the two adjacent connecting holes 5a on the front protective cover 5, the arcuate portion 8c of the gasket 8 is concentrically arranged with the front protective cover 5. This means that after each gasket 8 is installed, the arcuate portions 8c on each gasket 8 are located on the same circumference, which can ensure more uniform force on the front protective cover 5. The arcuate portion 8c has an outer edge and an inner edge. The outer ends of the arcuate portion 8c form a smooth transition with the two circular portions 8b. The width between the outer and inner edges of the arcuate portion 8c is less than the diameter of the circular portions 8b. A clearance recess 8d is formed between the two circular portions 8b and the inner edge of the arcuate portion 8c. The clearance recess 8d allows for clearance of protruding portions on the front cover 5, thereby preventing interference between the gasket 8 and the front cover 5.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] The structure and principle of this embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, except that: in this embodiment, friction lines are provided on the gasket 8 .

[0033] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Persons skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, or substitutions to the described specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ball cage, comprising a shell (1) and a star-shaped sleeve (2), a retainer (3) and a plurality of steel balls (4) all arranged in the shell (1), wherein the front end of the shell (1) is connected to a front protective cover (5) and the rear end of the shell (1) is connected to a rear protective cover (6), the shell (1) is uniformly provided with an even number of mounting holes (1b) along the circumference, the front protective cover (5) has a plurality of connection holes (5a) aligned with the mounting holes (1b), the rear protective cover (6) has a plurality of connection holes (6a) aligned with the mounting holes (1b), the shell (1) is provided with bolts (9) of the same number as the mounting holes (1b), the rod of each bolt (9) passes through the corresponding connection hole (5a), the mounting hole (1b) and the connection hole (6a) in sequence, characterized in that: The ball cage further comprises a plurality of gaskets (8), the number of the gaskets (8) being half of the number of the mounting holes (1b), each gasket (8) being strip-shaped and each gasket (8) having a through hole (8a) at both ends, the distance between the centers of the two through holes (8a) on the same gasket (8) being the same as the distance between the centers of the two adjacent connecting holes (5a) on the front protective cover (5), each bolt (9) being grouped in pairs, the same gasket (8) being abutted between the front end of the front protective cover (5) and the heads of the two bolts (9) in the same group, and the rods of the two bolts (9) in the same group respectively passing through the two through holes (8a) on the same gasket (8).

2. The ball cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gasket (8) comprises two circular portions (8b) and an arcuate portion (8c) connected between the two circular portions (8b); the two circular portions (8b) are of the same size and the two through holes (8a) are respectively arranged on the two circular portions (8b); when the two through holes (8a) of the gasket (8) and two adjacent connecting holes (5a) on the front protective cover (5) are aligned, the arcuate portion (8c) is arranged concentrically with the front protective cover (5).

3. The ball cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The arc-shaped portion (8c) has an outer side and an inner side, and the two ends of the outer side of the arc-shaped portion (8c) and the two circular portions (8b) form a smooth transition, the width between the outer side and the inner side of the arc-shaped portion (8c) is smaller than the diameter of the circular portion (8b), and a clearance recess (8d) is formed between the two circular portions (8b) and the inner side of the arc-shaped portion (8c).

4. The ball cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gasket (8) is provided with friction patterns.

5. The ball cage according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that: A columnar connecting portion (5b) is protrudingly provided at the center position of the front end of the front protective cover (5), and a dust cover (7) is connected to the front end of the connecting portion (5b). The dust cover (7) is made of a flexible material, and the connecting portion (5b) has a central hole, and the connecting portion (5b) has a curling portion (5c) extending inward and backward from the front end thereof, and the rear end of the dust cover (7) has a curling edge (7a) arranged forward, and a groove (5d) is formed between the curling portion (5c) and the inner wall of the connecting portion (5b), and the curling edge (7a) is stuck in the groove (5d), and an annular flange (5c1) is protrudingly provided on the inner side of the curling portion (5c), and an annular groove (5c2) is provided on the outer side of the curling portion (5c) at a position corresponding to the position of the annular flange (5c1), and the curling edge (7a) has a recessed portion (7a1) matched with the annular flange (5c1).

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