Half-shaft axial play gap measuring device

By designing a combination of positioning cylinder, sleeve, retaining ring groove and digital scale, the problems of low feeler gauge measurement accuracy and slow speed are solved, and efficient and accurate measurement of the axial play clearance of the wheel-side reduction bridge half-shaft is achieved.

CN223485097UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28CHINA HEAVY VEHICLE GRP JINAN QIAOXIANG CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422999563.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-05
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The traditional feeler gauge method for measuring the axial clearance of the wheel-end reduction axle half-axle has the problems of low accuracy, slow speed, limited range, easy wear and unsuitability for "point measurement" scenarios.

Method used

The half-shaft axial play clearance measuring device is composed of a positioning cylinder, a sleeve, a retaining ring groove, a slider and a digital scale. The clearance between the elastic retaining ring for the hole and the elastic retaining ring groove for the bridge housing hole is matched, and the slider and crank structure are used to realize linear motion. Combined with the connection of the chuck and the positioning pin, it is ensured that the sleeve is aligned with the bridge housing axis, and the reading is displayed using a digital scale.

Benefits of technology

It improves measurement accuracy and efficiency, simplifies the operating process, adapts to wheel reduction bridges of different sizes, reduces tooling switching time, avoids the impact of wear, and achieves fast and accurate gap measurement.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223485097U_ABST
    Figure CN223485097U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to a half-shaft axial play clearance measuring device, and belongs to the field of vehicle production detection. According to the technical scheme, the half-shaft axial play clearance measuring device comprises a positioning cylinder, a speed reducer connecting structure is arranged at the first end of the positioning cylinder, a sleeve is arranged at the second end of the positioning cylinder in an inserted mode, and the first end of the sleeve is located in the positioning cylinder and provided with a check ring groove connecting structure; the second end of the sleeve is located outside the positioning cylinder and is provided with a pressing rod in an inserted mode, and a displacement detection structure is arranged between the pressing rod and the positioning cylinder. As the circlip for the hole is in clearance fit with the circlip groove for the axle housing hole, the circlip groove for the axle housing hole is used as a positioning reference, the only reading of the detection mechanism is the axial clearance amount after the thrust washer and the half shaft are pushed to the right limit, and the numerical deviation caused by clearance fit is also shown in the reading. And the adjusting shim with the proper thickness can be obtained without looking up the tolerance value.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle production testing, and in particular to a device for measuring the axial movement clearance of a half-shaft. Background Technology

[0002] A wheel-end reduction axle is a specialized transmission system component designed for heavy-duty vehicles. Its primary function is to provide a high reduction ratio near the wheels, increasing traction and torque. This system typically includes components such as a differential, planetary gears, and half-shafts. The differential allows the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds to adapt to different driving paths during cornering, while the planetary gear system is responsible for achieving deceleration. The advantages of a wheel-end reduction axle include improved traction, reduced transmission system size and weight, and improved vehicle handling. Widely used in heavy-duty trucks, large buses, and construction vehicles requiring high torque and good off-road performance, wheel-end reduction axles maintain stable performance under harsh working conditions and heavy loads, making them an indispensable transmission system component for these vehicles.

[0003] Traditional methods for measuring the axial runout clearance of wheel-side reduction axle half-shafts typically involve inserting a feeler gauge into the gap to be measured. However, this method has the following drawbacks: First, manual measurement is prone to error. The accuracy of feeler gauge measurements depends heavily on the operator's experience and skill, and inaccurate results may result from reading errors or uneven insertion force. Second, the measurement range is limited. The thickness range of feeler gauges may not be suitable for measuring large or small gaps. For very large or very small gaps, other measurement methods or more precise equipment may be required. Third, the measurement speed is slow. Trying different thicknesses of feeler gauges one by one makes the measurement process time-consuming, especially when measuring or adjusting the gap multiple times. In addition, feeler gauges themselves have elastic deformation, which may lead to large gap errors during the testing process. Feeler gauges are prone to wear, and different usage habits lead to different wear rates. Since companies have fixed inspection cycles for feeler gauges, severely worn feeler gauges may result in a high product defect rate. Finally, the feeler gauge testing principle is more suitable for "point measurement" scenarios. For wheel-side assemblies, which are not suitable for "point measurement," the resulting errors are uncontrollable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the problems of low accuracy and slow speed in current methods of using feeler gauges to detect the axial movement clearance of half-shafts in wheel-side reduction axles, and provides a device for measuring the axial movement clearance of half-shafts.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is a half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, including a positioning cylinder. The first end of the positioning cylinder is provided with a reducer connection structure, and the second end of the positioning cylinder is inserted with a sleeve. The first end of the sleeve is located inside the positioning cylinder and is provided with a retaining ring groove connection structure. The second end of the sleeve is located outside the positioning cylinder and is inserted with a pressure rod. A displacement detection structure is provided between the pressure rod and the positioning cylinder. For the clearance fit between the elastic retaining ring for the bore and the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing bore, the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing bore is used as the positioning reference. Only the reading of the sole detection mechanism after pushing the thrust washer and the half-shaft to the right limit is needed to obtain the axial clearance. The numerical deviation caused by the clearance fit is also reflected in the reading, allowing for the determination of an appropriate thickness of adjustment shim without consulting tolerance values.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve located outside the positioning cylinder is provided with an external thread, and a positioning ring is threaded onto the external thread. The positioning ring can abut against the second end face of the positioning cylinder. This allows for adjustment and fixation of the sleeve's position, improving detection accuracy.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of a half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the retaining ring groove connection structure includes multiple sliders. A fixed disk is provided inside the sleeve. Multiple slider rails that mate with the sliders are formed on the end face of the fixed disk. The guide direction of the slider rails is radially arranged along the fixed disk. The multiple slider rails are circumferentially distributed around the center of the fixed disk. The slider is installed in the slider rails. A through hole is formed at the center of the fixed disk for the sleeve to pass through. A first hinge point is provided on the outer periphery of the first end of the sleeve. A second hinge point is provided on the slider. A crank is provided between the first and second hinge points. Rotating the sleeve causes the slider to extend through the hinge structure of the crank and engage in the retaining ring groove for fixation.

[0008] As a preferred implementation of a half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the distance between the right end face of the positioning ring and the left end face of the slider is the sum of the distance between the right end face of the positioning ring and the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing and the distance between the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing and the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of a half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the displacement detection structure includes a digital display dial indicator, a support plate on the pressure rod, and the dial indicator body mounted on the support plate, with the dial indicator probe facing the second end face of the positioning cylinder. Displaying the reading via the digital display dial indicator provides a more intuitive reading and higher measurement accuracy.

[0010] As a preferred implementation of a half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the reducer connection structure includes multiple chucks disposed on the outer periphery of the first end of the positioning cylinder. Each chuck has multiple pin holes, and on each chuck, the multiple pin holes are arranged radially along the positioning cylinder. A positioning pin is detachably installed in each pin hole.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the second end of the pressure rod is provided with a thrust handle for easy pushing of the pressure rod.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, a positioning block is provided between the pressure rod and the sleeve. Installing the positioning block during the installation of the measuring device prevents relative movement between the sleeve and the pressure rod, thereby improving the initial accuracy of the measurement.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, the positioning cylinder is equipped with lifting lugs. This facilitates hoisting and transportation within the workshop, allows it to be held at a specific height on the production line, and enables rapid installation on the wheel-side reduction axle being measured.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the half-shaft axial movement clearance measuring device, a press-fit handle is also provided on the outer circumference of the second end of the sleeve. This facilitates rotation of the sleeve.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: For the clearance fit between the elastic retaining ring for the hole and the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing hole, the left end face of the slider is aligned with the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing hole for positioning. Only by pushing the thrust washer and the half shaft to the right limit, the reading of the digital scale is the axial clearance. The numerical deviation caused by the clearance fit is also reflected in the reading. It is not necessary to check the tolerance value to obtain the appropriate thickness of the adjustment shim. The chuck, sleeve, positioning ring, positioning cylinder, slider, slider guide rail, pin, crank, and rotating block can adapt to the axial movement clearance measurement scenarios of axle housing half shafts of different sizes. The precise alignment of the sleeve with the axle housing axis is ensured through the contact between the chuck and the outer end face of the reducer housing and the locating pin connection, simplifying the operation process. Meanwhile, the chuck's design with pin holes of different diameters allows the device to quickly adapt to wheel-side reduction axles of different sizes, significantly reducing the time required for tooling changes. The tapered design at the top of the slider effectively avoids the impact of surface roughness and wear of the locating cylinder on measurement accuracy. Linear motion is achieved through the crank and slider guide rail, and the adjustable rise distance allows the device to be used for measuring the axial clearance of axle housing half-shafts with elastic retaining rings of different diameter holes. The stepped design and surface threaded connection of the sleeve allow for adjustment of the locating ring position to accurately measure the axial clearance of half-shafts in different rear axle housing assemblies. Finally, the slider surface is selected as the measurement reference, allowing for quick determination of the axial clearance through a simple pushing operation, facilitating rapid installation and adjustment of shims, and significantly improving measurement and adjustment efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in the description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve structure in a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning cylinder in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed disk in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the slider in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of main figure symbols

[0025] 1-Thrust handle, 2-Digital display dial indicator, 3-Pressure rod, 4-Support plate, 5-Pressure handle, 6-Sleeve, 7-Positioning ring, 8-Positioning cylinder, 9-Wheel-side reducer housing, 10-Brake drum, 11-Rear axle housing assembly, 12-Positioning block, 13-Fixing disc, 14-Elastic retaining ring for holes, 15-Adjusting shim, 16-Thrust washer, 17-Slider, 18-Slider guide rail, 19-Pin, 20-Crank, 21-Half shaft, 22-Positioning pin, 23-Chuck, 24-Lifting lug. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this patent, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0027] like Figure 1-7 As shown, a device for measuring the axial movement clearance of a half-shaft comprises a wheel-side reducer housing 9, a brake drum 10, a rear axle housing assembly 11, a retaining ring 14 for the bore, an adjusting shim 15, a thrust shim 16, and a half-shaft 21, forming the measured system, namely the wheel-side reducer axle half-shaft.

[0028] The measuring device includes a positioning cylinder 8. A reducer connection structure is provided at the first end of the positioning cylinder 8. The reducer connection structure includes multiple chucks 23 disposed on the outer periphery of the first end of the positioning cylinder 8. Each chuck 23 has multiple pin holes arranged radially along the positioning cylinder 8. Positioning pins 22 are detachably installed in the pin holes, accommodating wheel-side reduction axles of different sizes. This design is simple, convenient, and reduces tooling changeover time. The positioning cylinder 8 is provided with lifting lugs 24 for hoisting onto the production line. A sleeve 6 is inserted into the second end of the positioning cylinder 8. The outer periphery of the sleeve 6 located outside the positioning cylinder 8 has external threads, on which a positioning ring 7 is threaded. The positioning ring 7 abuts against the end face of the second end of the positioning cylinder 8. The first end of the sleeve 6 is located inside the positioning cylinder 8 and is provided with a retaining ring groove connection structure, which includes multiple sliders. 17. The sleeve 6 has a fixed plate 13 inside. The end face of the fixed plate 13 has a plurality of slider rails 18 that cooperate with the slider 17. The guide direction of the slider rails 18 is arranged radially along the fixed plate 13. The plurality of slider rails 18 are distributed circumferentially around the center of the fixed plate 13. The slider 17 is installed in the slider rails 18. The center of the fixed plate 13 has a through hole for the sleeve 6 to pass through. The outer periphery of the first end of the sleeve 6 has a first hinge point. The slider 17 has a second hinge point. A crank 20 is provided between the first hinge point and the second hinge point. The distance between the right end face of the positioning ring 7 and the left end face of the slider 17 is the sum of the distance between the right end face of the positioning ring 7 and the outer edge of the wheel reducer housing and the distance between the outer edge of the wheel reducer housing and the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove of the hole. The outer periphery of the second end of the sleeve 6 is also provided with a press-fit handle 5 to facilitate the rotation of the sleeve.

[0029] The working process of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] Adjust the distance between the positioning ring 7 and the end face of the positioning cylinder 8;

[0031] When the positioning cylinder 8 is in the designated position, i.e., the right end face of the chuck 23 coincides with the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing 9, insert the positioning pin 22, and push the sleeve 6 until the positioning ring 7 hits the other side of the positioning cylinder 8.

[0032] Press the handle 5, slide 17 enters the groove of the elastic retaining ring in the hole, and then remove the positioning block 12.

[0033] Push the push handle 1 until the digital display scale 2 contacts the surface of the positioning cylinder 8, which is the zero point;

[0034] Continue pushing the push handle 1 to the limit position and observe the reading on the digital display scale 2;

[0035] Select the appropriate adjustment shim 15.

[0036] The second end of the sleeve 6 is located outside the positioning cylinder 8 and is fitted with a pressure rod 3. A displacement detection structure is provided between the pressure rod 3 and the positioning cylinder 8. The displacement detection structure includes a digital display dial indicator 2. A support plate 4 is provided on the pressure rod 3. The dial indicator body of the digital display dial indicator 2 is mounted on the support plate 4. The probe of the digital display dial indicator 2 faces the second end face of the positioning cylinder 8. A thrust handle 1 is provided at the second end of the pressure rod 3. A positioning block 12 is provided between the pressure rod 3 and the sleeve 6.

[0037] In this design, the digital display dial indicator is used to detect the axial clearance value, making the axial runout visible. The chuck and locating pin are used for initial positioning. The chuck contacts the outer end face of the reducer housing and is connected by the locating pin to ensure that the sleeve and the axle housing axis coincide. The structure is simple and easy to operate. The chuck has pin holes for different diameter installation positions, which can accommodate wheel-side reduction axles of different sizes, making it simple, convenient, and reducing the time for changing tooling. The push rod provides thrust, pushing the pressure rod to move the half shaft of the rear axle housing assembly to its right limit, thereby obtaining its axial runout. One side of the sleeve is stepped and has threads on its surface that connect to the internal thread of the locating ring. The right end face of the locating ring... The distance between the positioning ring and the left end face of the slider is the sum of the distance from the right end face of the positioning ring to the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing and the distance from the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing to the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove in the inner hole of the reducer housing. The position of the positioning ring on the sleeve is adjustable, which is suitable for rapid measurement of the axial movement clearance of the half shaft of different wheel-side reducer axles. The end face of the positioning cylinder coincides with the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing, providing initial positioning for the measurement process. The slider enters the groove of the elastic retaining ring through the combined action of the sleeve, slider guide rail, pin, crank, and rotating block, providing a measurement reference. The slider rising distance is adjustable, which is suitable for rapid measurement of the axial movement clearance of the half shaft of wheel-side reducer axles using elastic retaining rings of different sizes.

[0038] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: for the clearance fit between the elastic retaining ring for the hole and the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing hole, the left end face of the slider is aligned with the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove for the axle housing hole for positioning. After pushing the thrust washer and the half shaft to the right limit, the reading of the digital scale is the axial clearance. The numerical deviation caused by the clearance fit is also reflected in the reading. It is not necessary to check the tolerance value to obtain the appropriate thickness of the adjustment shim. The chuck, sleeve, positioning ring, positioning cylinder, slider, slider guide rail, pin, crank, and rotating block can adapt to the axial movement clearance measurement scenarios of axle housing half shafts of different sizes. The precise alignment of the sleeve with the axle housing axis is ensured through the contact between the chuck and the outer end face of the reducer housing and the locating pin connection, simplifying the operation process. Meanwhile, the chuck's design with pin holes of different diameters allows the device to quickly adapt to wheel-side reduction axles of different sizes, significantly reducing the time required for tooling changes. The tapered design at the top of the slider effectively avoids the impact of surface roughness and wear of the locating cylinder on measurement accuracy. Linear motion is achieved through the crank and slider guide rail, and the adjustable rise distance allows the device to be used for measuring the axial clearance of axle housing half-shafts with elastic retaining rings of different diameter holes. The stepped design and surface threaded connection of the sleeve allow for adjustment of the locating ring position to accurately measure the axial clearance of half-shafts in different rear axle housing assemblies. Finally, the slider surface is selected as the measurement reference, allowing for quick determination of the axial clearance through a simple pushing operation, facilitating rapid installation and adjustment of shims, and significantly improving measurement and adjustment efficiency.

[0039] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the axial movement clearance of a half-shaft, characterized in that, The device includes a positioning cylinder. The first end of the positioning cylinder is equipped with a reducer connection structure, and the second end of the positioning cylinder is fitted with a sleeve. The first end of the sleeve is located inside the positioning cylinder and is equipped with a retaining ring groove connection structure. The second end of the sleeve is located outside the positioning cylinder and is fitted with a pressure rod. A displacement detection structure is provided between the pressure rod and the positioning cylinder.

2. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve located outside the positioning cylinder is provided with external threads, and a positioning ring is installed on the external threads. The positioning ring can abut against the second end face of the positioning cylinder.

3. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining ring groove connection structure includes multiple sliders. A fixed plate is provided inside the sleeve. Multiple slider rails that cooperate with the sliders are opened on the end face of the fixed plate. The guide direction of the slider rails is set along the radial direction of the fixed plate. The multiple slider rails are distributed around the center of the fixed plate. The sliders are installed in the slider rails. A through hole for the sleeve to pass through is opened in the center of the fixed plate. A first hinge point is provided on the outer periphery of the first end of the sleeve. A second hinge point is provided on the slider. A crank is provided between the first hinge point and the second hinge point.

4. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the right end face of the positioning ring (7) and the left end face of the slider (17) is the sum of the distance between the right end face of the positioning ring (7) and the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing and the distance between the outer edge of the wheel-side reducer housing and the left end face of the elastic retaining ring groove of the hole.

5. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement detection structure includes a digital display dial indicator, a support plate on the pressure rod, the dial indicator body mounted on the support plate, and the probe of the digital display dial indicator facing the second end face of the positioning cylinder.

6. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reducer connection structure includes multiple chucks disposed on the outer periphery of the first end of the positioning cylinder. Each chuck has multiple pin holes. On each chuck, the multiple pin holes are arranged radially along the positioning cylinder, and a positioning pin is detachably installed in each pin hole.

7. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the pressure rod is equipped with a thrust handle.

8. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A positioning block is provided between the pressure rod and the sleeve.

9. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning cylinder is equipped with lifting lugs.

10. The axle shaft axial movement clearance measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second end of the sleeve is also equipped with a press-fit handle.