Cylindrical square shaft ball spline
By designing a cylindrical square shaft with 8 grooves, the problems of single-sided force on linear ball guides and low torque on rotary ball splines are solved, thus achieving stable application under high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423046702.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing linear ball guides can only bear force on one side, and the arc surface of the rotary ball spline can only be used in small torque scenarios, which limits its application in high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions.
A cylindrical square shaft 8-groove ball spline is designed. The linear guide is square, and each set of sides is equipped with two sets of arc-shaped ball grooves, a total of eight. The inner and outer sleeves of the spline are hardened, and lubricating oil is applied to the ball grooves. Connecting plates and screws ensure structural stability.
The force bearing point of the ball spline is strengthened, the service life is extended, and it can bear heavy loads and high torque in multiple directions, and is suitable for high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions.
Smart Images

Figure CN223306152U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of mechanical transmission, in particular to a cylindrical square shaft ball spline. Background Art
[0002] Ball spline is an important mechanical transmission component, which is installed on linear guide rails for use. Ball spline is mainly composed of spline sleeve and balls. There is a precision-ground ball groove on the linear guide rail, and the inner cavity of the spline sleeve is filled with steel balls. The balls roll back and forth on the ball groove of the linear guide rail, thereby realizing linear motion or transmitting torque.
[0003] In existing mechanical transmission mechanisms, the square structure of the linear guide usually has two or four ball grooves on the plane. This design is only suitable for linear reciprocating motion scenarios. Although the circular design of the linear ball spline can realize the design of two or four ball grooves on the arc surface, which can perform linear and circular motion, the arc surface is less subject to force and torque than the plane, and there are certain limitations. The linear ball guide can only be subjected to force on one side, and the arc surface of the rotatable ball spline can only be used in small torque scenarios. These all limit its application under high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions. Utility Model Content
[0004] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a heavy-load cylindrical square shaft 8-groove ball spline to solve the technical problems in the existing technology that the linear ball guide can only bear force on one side and the arc surface of the rotatable ball spline can only be used in small torque scenarios. These all limit its application under high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a cylindrical square shaft ball spline, comprising a linear guide rail, wherein a ball spline cooperating with the linear guide rail is provided on the outer side of the linear guide rail;
[0006] The cross section of the linear guide is square, and each set of outer side surfaces of the linear guide is provided with two sets of ball grooves, each two sets of ball grooves are distributed on both sides of the side surface of the linear guide, and the number of ball grooves is eight. The cross section of the ball groove is arc-shaped, and the curvature of the ball groove is consistent with the curvature of the ball, ensuring the stable operation of the ball in the ball groove;
[0007] The ball spline includes a spline inner sleeve, a spline outer sleeve and balls. The spline inner sleeve is provided with a square hole that matches the linear guide rail, and the spline outer sleeve is arranged on the outside of the spline inner sleeve. The cross-sections of the spline inner sleeve and the spline outer sleeve are circular. Multiple groups of balls are located between the spline inner sleeve and the linear guide rail, and the balls and the ball grooves are matched and movably connected. The spline inner sleeve is provided with an accommodating cavity that matches the multiple groups of balls, and the number of accommodating cavities is eight.
[0008] The spline inner sleeve, spline outer sleeve and multiple groups of balls are hardened to improve the wear resistance of the ball spline. The arc-shaped concave surfaces of the eight groups of ball grooves are hardened, and the inner surfaces of the ball grooves are coated with lubricating oil to improve the smoothness of the ball spline sliding.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the spline inner sleeve and the spline outer sleeve adopt a circular design, the linear guide is square, and each set of side surfaces of the linear guide are provided with 2 rows of ball grooves, forming a total of eight ball grooves, wherein the balls of the spline inner sleeve move in the eight ball grooves. Due to the eight ball grooves, under the action of the same external force, the number of force fulcrums increases and the average point force is reduced, thereby significantly extending the service life of the ball spline. The four sides of the linear guide adopt a high-load-bearing flat ball groove force point design, which overcomes the problem that the linear guide can only bear force on one side, and can withstand heavy loads in multiple directions. This design can not only realize linear reciprocating motion, but also work in a 360-degree rotation operation scenario, and can withstand high torque, solving the disadvantage that the rotatable ball spline arc surface can only be used in small torque scenarios.
[0010] Furthermore, connecting plates extending into the interior of the spline inner sleeve are provided at the four corners of the top and bottom of the spline outer sleeve, and screws extending into the interior of the spline inner sleeve are provided inside the connecting plates. Connecting grooves matching the connecting plates are provided at the four corners of the top and bottom of the spline inner sleeve, and internal threaded holes matching the screws are provided inside the connecting plates and the spline inner sleeve.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the function of the connecting plate and the screws is to firmly connect the spline outer sleeve and the spline inner sleeve together, ensuring that the components of the ball spline will not undergo relative displacement during movement, ensuring the stability of the entire ball spline structure, and enabling it to withstand large external forces and torques.
[0012] Furthermore, grooves are provided at the four corners of the outer side of the spline sleeve, and the cross-section of the grooves is rectangular.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the groove can be used to install other auxiliary components or serve as a positioning mark, which facilitates the installation and positioning of the ball spline in the equipment and helps to improve the assembly accuracy of the entire mechanical system.
[0014] To sum up, the present invention mainly has the following beneficial effects: the present invention adopts a circular design through the spline inner sleeve and the spline outer sleeve, the linear guide is square, and each set of side surfaces of the linear guide is provided with 2 rows of ball grooves, forming a total of eight ball grooves, wherein the balls of the spline inner sleeve move in the eight ball grooves. Due to the eight ball grooves, under the action of the same external force, the number of force fulcrums increases and the average point force is reduced, thereby significantly extending the service life of the ball spline. The four sides of the linear guide adopt a high-load-bearing flat ball groove force point design, which overcomes the problem that the linear guide can only bear force on one side, and can withstand heavy loads in multiple directions. This design can not only realize linear reciprocating motion, but also work in a 360-degree rotation operation scenario, and can withstand high torque, solving the disadvantage that the rotatable ball spline arc surface can only be used in small torque scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the ball spline and linear guide rail of the utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 This is an enlarged bottom view of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 3 This is an enlarged front view of the linear guide rail of the present utility model.
[0018] In the figure: 1. Linear guide; 2. Ball groove; 3. Ball spline; 301. Spline inner sleeve; 302. Spline outer sleeve; 303. Ball; 4. Connecting plate; 5. Screw; 6. Groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.
[0020] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention based on its overall structure.
[0021] Example 1
[0022] A cylindrical square shaft ball spline, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes a linear guide 1 with a square cross-section. The main function of the linear guide 1 is to provide a guiding basis for the ball spline 3 in linear motion, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the entire device during linear motion. The square structure of the linear guide 1 combined with the design of multiple sets of ball grooves 2 allows all four sides to serve as high-load-bearing plane ball groove force points, overcoming the problem that traditional linear guides can only bear force on one side. It can withstand heavy loads in multiple directions and adapt to complex working environments.
[0023] The four sides of the linear guide 1 adopt a high-load-bearing plane ball groove 2 force point design, which overcomes the problem that the linear guide 1 can only bear force on one side. It can withstand heavy loads in multiple directions and can adapt to high-speed and ultra-heavy load conditions.
[0024] Each set of outer side surfaces of the linear guide rail 1 is provided with two sets of ball grooves 2. Each set of ball grooves 2 is distributed on both sides of the side surface of the linear guide rail 1. The cross-section of the ball grooves 2 is arc-shaped, and the curvature of the ball grooves 2 is consistent with the curvature of the balls 303. There are eight sets of ball grooves 2. The function of the ball grooves 2 is to accommodate and guide the rolling of the balls 303, ensuring that the balls 303 maintain a stable trajectory during movement.
[0025] The arc design of the ball groove 2 is consistent with the arc of the ball 303, which can ensure the stable operation of the ball 303 in the ball groove 2, reduce the friction and wear between the ball 303 and the groove, and improve the movement efficiency;
[0026] The curved concave surfaces of the eight sets of ball grooves 2 are hardened, and the inner surfaces of the ball grooves 2 are coated with lubricating oil. The hardening treatment enhances the wear resistance of the ball grooves 2, increases their service life, and allows them to withstand greater loads. The application of lubricating oil further reduces the friction when the balls 303 roll, making the ball spline 3 slide more smoothly, reducing energy loss, and also helps dissipate heat to prevent damage to components due to overheating.
[0027] The ball spline 3 includes a spline inner sleeve 301, a spline outer sleeve 302, and a ball 303. The cross-sections of the spline inner sleeve 301 and the spline outer sleeve 302 are circular. The function of the spline inner sleeve 301 is to cooperate with the linear guide 1 to provide installation and movement space for the ball 303. At the same time, through cooperation with the spline outer sleeve 302, the ball 303 is ensured to roll in the appropriate position. The spline inner sleeve 301 is provided with a square hole that cooperates with the linear guide 1, which can accurately adapt to the linear guide 1 and ensure the movement accuracy of the entire ball spline 3 on the linear guide 1.
[0028] The spline outer sleeve 302 is sleeved on the outside of the spline inner sleeve 301. The spline outer sleeve 302 protects the balls 303 and the spline inner sleeve 301. It cooperates with the connecting plate 4 and other components to form an integral structure of the ball spline 3. The combination with the spline inner sleeve 301 provides a stable rolling environment for the balls 303. The grooves 6 at the four corners of the spline outer sleeve facilitate connection and installation with other components.
[0029] The spline inner sleeve 301 has eight accommodating cavities for the multiple groups of balls 303. The accommodating cavities are used to accurately position and accommodate the balls 303, ensuring that the balls 303 are evenly distributed between the spline inner sleeve 301 and the linear guide rail 1, thereby achieving smooth movement and force transmission.
[0030] The inner spline sleeve 301, outer spline sleeve 302, and multiple sets of balls 303 have undergone a hardening treatment. This hardening treatment increases the surface hardness and wear resistance of these components, enabling the ball spline 3 to operate stably and for extended periods under heavy loads. This reduces wear-induced precision degradation and component damage, thereby extending the service life of the entire device.
[0031] Multiple sets of balls 303 are located between the spline inner sleeve 301 and the linear guide 1, and the balls 303 and the ball grooves 2 are matched and movably connected. The function of the balls 303 is to convert the sliding friction between the spline inner sleeve 301 and the linear guide 1 into rolling friction, which greatly reduces friction and improves motion efficiency. The multiple sets of balls 303 move in the eight ball grooves 2. Due to the eight ball grooves 2, under the same external force, the number of force fulcrums increases and the average point force is reduced, further extending the service life of the ball spline 3 and making the device smoother in both linear and rotational motion.
[0032] The four corners of the top and bottom of the spline outer sleeve 302 are all provided with connecting plates 4 extending into the interior of the spline inner sleeve 301. The four corners of the top and bottom of the spline inner sleeve 301 are all provided with connecting grooves that cooperate with the connecting plates 4. The connecting plates 4 are provided with screws 5 that extend into the interior of the spline inner sleeve 301. The connecting plates 4 and the spline inner sleeve 301 are both provided with internal threaded holes that cooperate with the screws 5.
[0033] The function of the connecting plate 4 is to connect the spline outer sleeve 302 and the spline inner sleeve 301, so that the two form a stable integral structure, ensuring that the relative positions of the various components of the ball spline 3 remain unchanged during movement. By cooperating with the screw 5, it can provide reliable fastening force to prevent the spline inner sleeve 301 and the spline outer sleeve 302 from loosening or displacement during operation, ensuring that the ball 303 rolls in a stable environment, thereby maintaining the normal operation and performance of the device;
[0034] The function of the screw 5 is to achieve a tight connection by cooperating with the threads of the connecting plate 4 and the spline inner sleeve 301. It can be easily installed and removed, and is convenient for maintenance and repair of the ball spline 3. At the same time, it can provide sufficient pre-tightening force to ensure the reliability of the connection.
[0035] Grooves 6 are provided at the four corners of the outer side of the spline sleeve 302 and have a rectangular cross-section. The grooves 6 can be used to install other auxiliary components or serve as positioning marks to facilitate the installation and positioning of the ball spline 3 in the equipment, thereby helping to improve the assembly accuracy of the entire mechanical system.
[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not limitations on the present invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they are protected by patent law.
Claims
1. A cylindrical square shaft ball spline, comprising a linear guide rail (1), characterized in that: The outer side of the linear guide rail (1) is provided with a ball spline (3) that matches the linear guide rail; The linear guide rail (1) has a square cross-section, and each set of outer side surfaces of the linear guide rail (1) is provided with two sets of ball grooves (2). The ball spline (3) comprises a spline inner sleeve (301), a spline outer sleeve (302), and balls (303). The spline inner sleeve (301) and the spline outer sleeve (302) have circular cross-sections. Multiple sets of balls (303) are located between the spline inner sleeve (301) and the linear guide rail (1), and the balls (303) and the ball grooves (2) are matched and movably connected.
2. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: A square hole matching the linear guide rail (1) is provided in the spline inner sleeve (301), and the spline outer sleeve (302) is sleeved on the outside of the spline inner sleeve (301).
3. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: Every two groups of ball grooves (2) are distributed on both sides of the side of the linear guide rail (1), and the number of ball grooves (2) is eight.
4. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the ball channel (2) is arc-shaped, and the curvature of the ball channel (2) is consistent with the curvature of the ball (303), ensuring the stable operation of the ball (303) in the ball channel (2).
5. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spline inner sleeve (301) is provided with accommodating cavities matched with multiple groups of balls (303), and the number of accommodating cavities is eight.
6. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spline inner sleeve (301), the spline outer sleeve (302) and the plurality of groups of balls (303) are hardened to improve the wear resistance of the ball spline (3).
7. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arc-shaped concave surfaces of the eight groups of ball grooves (2) are hardened, and the inner surfaces of the ball grooves (2) are smeared with lubricating oil to improve the smoothness of the ball spline (3) when sliding.
8. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: Connecting plates (4) extending into the interior of the spline inner sleeve (301) are provided at the four corners of the top and bottom of the spline outer sleeve (302), and screws (5) extending into the interior of the spline inner sleeve (301) are provided inside the connecting plates (4).
9. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 8, characterized in that: The four corners of the top and bottom of the spline inner sleeve (301) are provided with connection grooves that match the connection plate (4), and the connection plate (4) and the spline inner sleeve (301) are provided with internal threaded holes that match the screws (5).
10. The cylindrical square shaft ball spline according to claim 1, characterized in that: Grooves (6) are provided at the four corners of the outer side of the spline outer sleeve (302), and the cross section of the grooves (6) is rectangular.