Universal joint with good sealing performance
By employing a multi-seal structure and rubber seals in the universal joint, the problem of insufficient sealing performance is solved, achieving a good sealing effect, extending service life, and improving transmission efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520354031.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing universal joints have insufficient sealing performance, allowing impurities such as dust, mud, and moisture to intrude, affecting service life and transmission efficiency, and increasing maintenance costs and downtime.
The system employs a multi-layer sealing structure, including a threaded connection and sealing ring for the first sealing plug, an engaging structure for the second sealing plug, and sealant, combined with rubber seals to form a multi-layer sealing barrier that prevents impurities from entering the universal joint.
It significantly improves the sealing performance of the cross shaft universal joint, reduces wear on key components, extends service life, improves transmission efficiency, and reduces equipment maintenance costs and downtime.
Smart Images

Figure CN223825471U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of universal joint technology, specifically a cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance. Background Technology
[0002] Universal joints are components used to transmit power at varying angles and are widely applied in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. However, existing universal joints have shortcomings in sealing performance. Due to the complex working environment, impurities such as dust, mud, and moisture can easily penetrate the universal joint, leading to accelerated wear of key components such as the cross shaft and needle roller bearings. This, in turn, affects the service life and transmission efficiency of the universal joint, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime. Therefore, developing a universal joint with excellent sealing performance is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0004] In view of the above problems, the technical solution proposed by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] A cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance includes a universal joint body and a sealing mechanism.
[0006] Furthermore, the universal joint body includes a pair of universal joint forks and a cross shaft. Each pair of universal joint forks has a connecting groove at one end close to the other, and each of the four ends of the cross shaft is fitted with a needle roller bearing. The sealing mechanism includes fixing grooves on both sides of the connecting grooves. The needle roller bearings are embedded in the fixing grooves. One end of the fixing groove is provided with a first sealing element, and the other end of the fixing groove is provided with a second sealing element. The first sealing element and the second sealing element seal the fixing groove, effectively preventing external impurities from entering the universal joint from the fixing groove, and providing basic sealing protection for the internal components.
[0007] Furthermore, the first sealing element is a first sealing plug, which is formed by connecting a pair of columns with different diameters, and the axes of the pair of columns are on a straight line. The column with smaller diameter is threadedly connected to one end of the fixing groove. This threaded connection method is convenient to install and has good sealing performance, which can effectively prevent impurities from entering from this end of the fixing groove. The column with larger diameter has a sealing ring installed on the side close to the fixing groove. The sealing ring further enhances the sealing effect. Even if a small amount of impurities bypass the threaded connection, they will be blocked by the sealing ring, preventing them from entering the fixing groove and contacting the needle roller bearing and the cross shaft.
[0008] Furthermore, the second seal is a pair of second sealing plugs, both of which are semi-circular and fit together to form an arc shape, which facilitates installation on the other side of the fixing groove and allows for close contact with the cross shaft. The pair of second sealing plugs engage with the other side of the fixing groove, and the cross shaft passes through the inner ring of the second sealing plug, effectively preventing impurities from entering from this end of the fixing groove and the gap between the cross shaft and the fixing groove.
[0009] Furthermore, a retaining ring is installed on the side of the second sealing plug, and a retaining groove is opened inside the fixing groove. The retaining ring and the retaining groove engage. The engagement structure of the ring and the groove makes the installation of the second sealing plug in the fixing groove more stable. During the operation of the universal joint, even if it is subjected to vibration or external impact, the second sealing plug is not easy to loosen or fall off, thereby ensuring the reliability of the seal.
[0010] Furthermore, a sealant is provided between the cross shaft and the fixing groove. The sealant fills any tiny gaps that may exist between the cross shaft and the fixing groove, forming an additional sealing barrier, which further improves the overall sealing performance and prevents extremely fine impurities and moisture from penetrating into the universal joint through these gaps.
[0011] Furthermore, both the first and second seals are made of rubber. Rubber has good elasticity, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, which can adapt to the vibration and deformation of the universal joint during operation and maintain a good sealing effect. At the same time, the corrosion resistance of rubber can prevent it from being eroded in complex working environments and extend the service life of the seals.
[0012] Furthermore, each of the two ends of the universal joint fork that are far apart from each other is provided with an opening, and the output shaft and the input shaft are respectively locked in the opening, which facilitates the connection of the universal joint with other components, so that the power can be smoothly transmitted from the input shaft to the universal joint, and then transmitted to the output shaft through the cross shaft and the needle roller bearing, realizing the function of power transmission with variable angle.
[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This universal joint with excellent sealing performance features a multi-layered sealing structure that works together to greatly improve the sealing performance of the universal joint. The threaded connection and sealing ring of the first sealing plug, the engaging structure of the second sealing plug, and the sealant work together to prevent dust, mud, moisture, and other impurities from entering the universal joint, reducing wear on key components such as the cross shaft and needle roller bearings. This effectively extends the service life of the universal joint, improves transmission efficiency, and reduces equipment maintenance costs and downtime. The rubber seals ensure the stability and durability of the seal, while the opening design on the universal joint fork facilitates connection with other components, enhancing the practicality and versatility of the universal joint. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of structure A in the middle.
[0017] In the diagram: 100, universal joint body; 1001, universal joint fork; 1002, cross shaft; 1003, connecting groove; 1004, opening; 200, sealing mechanism; 2001, first sealing plug; 2002, fixing groove; 2004, retaining groove; 2005, second sealing plug; 2006, retaining ring. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0019] Please see Figure 1 - Figure 3 This utility model provides a technical solution: a cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance, comprising the following steps:
[0020] High-strength steel is forged into blanks for the universal joint fork 1001 and the cross shaft 1002 using a forging process. Through machining, connecting grooves 1003 are precisely machined at the adjacent ends of the universal joint fork 1001, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface roughness to allow for a tight fit with the needle roller bearings. Simultaneously, suitable journals are machined at all four ends of the cross shaft 1002 for mounting the needle roller bearings.
[0021] The first sealing plug 2001 and the second sealing plug 2005 are manufactured using injection molding. The first sealing plug 2001 is composed of a pair of cylinders with different diameters connected together. Threads are machined on the outer surface of the smaller diameter cylinder to allow for threaded connection with the fixing groove 2002. A sealing ring is installed on the side of the larger diameter cylinder closest to the fixing groove 2002 to ensure a sealing effect. The second sealing plug 2005 is designed in a semi-circular shape. A pair of second sealing plugs 2005 fit together to form a complete arc shape, and a retaining ring 2006 is installed on its side. At the same time, a retaining groove 2004 matching the retaining ring 2006 is machined inside the fixing groove 2002.
[0022] Install the needle roller bearings onto the four journals of the cross shaft 1002 to ensure a secure installation and flexible rotation of the needle rollers.
[0023] Place the cross shaft 1002 with the needle roller bearing installed in the connecting groove 1003 of the universal joint fork 1001, so that the needle roller bearing is embedded in the fixing grooves 2002 on both sides of the connecting groove. First, screw the small-diameter cylinder of the first sealing plug 2001 into one end of the fixing groove 2002, and achieve initial fixation through thread engagement. At this time, the sealing ring on the large-diameter cylinder is tightly attached to the inner wall of the fixing groove, which plays a sealing role. Then, put a pair of second sealing plugs 2005 together so that the arc-shaped inner ring formed is fitted onto the cross shaft 1002, and snap it into the other side of the fixing groove 2002, ensuring that the retaining ring 2006 on the side of the second sealing plug 2005 is accurately engaged in the retaining groove 2004 in the fixing groove 2002, so as to achieve reliable positioning and sealing.
[0024] Two universal joint forks 1001, each equipped with a sealing mechanism and needle roller bearing, are connected by a cross shaft 1002 to complete the overall assembly of the universal joint. The input shaft and output shaft are installed in the openings 1004 at the opposite ends of the universal joint forks 1001, ensuring a tight connection and smooth power transmission.
[0025] Specifically, the working principle of this type of well-sealed universal joint is as follows: During use, when the universal joint is working, the input shaft transmits power to the universal joint fork 1001. The universal joint fork 1001 drives the universal shaft 1002 to rotate. The universal shaft 1002 then transmits power to another universal joint fork 1001 through a needle roller bearing, and finally to the output shaft, achieving variable-angle power transmission. In this process, the sealing mechanism plays a crucial role. The threaded connection and sealing ring of the first sealing plug 2001 prevent impurities from entering from one end of the fixed groove 2002; the engaging structure of the second sealing plug 2005 and its retaining ring 2006 with the retaining groove 2004 prevents impurities from entering from the other end of the fixed groove, while also tightly fitting the universal shaft 1002, blocking impurities from entering through the gap between the universal shaft and the fixed groove. Sealant fills tiny gaps, further preventing the penetration of extremely fine impurities and moisture. Because the first sealing plug 2001 and the second sealing plug 2005, made of rubber, have good elasticity and flexibility, they can adapt to the vibration and deformation of the universal joint during operation and always maintain a good sealing effect.
Claims
1. A cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance, characterized in that, include: Universal joint body (100), the universal joint body (100) includes a pair of universal joint forks (1001) and a cross shaft (1002), the pair of universal joint forks (1001) are provided with connecting grooves (1003) at their close ends, and the four ends of the cross shaft (1002) are fitted with needle roller bearings. A sealing mechanism (200) includes a fixing groove (2002) formed on both sides of the connecting groove (1003), a needle roller bearing is embedded in the fixing groove (2002), a first sealing element is provided at one end of the fixing groove (2002), and a second sealing element is provided at the other end of the fixing groove (2002), the first sealing element and the second sealing element seal the fixing groove (2002).
2. The universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing element is a first sealing plug (2001), which is formed by connecting a pair of columns with different diameters, and the axes of the pair of columns are on a straight line. The column with smaller diameter is threadedly connected to one end of the fixing groove (2002), and the column with larger diameter has a sealing ring installed on the side near the fixing groove (2002).
3. A cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second seal is a pair of second sealing plugs (2005), both of which are semi-arc-shaped and fit together to form an arc shape. The pair of second sealing plugs (2005) engage with the other side of the fixing groove (2002), and the cross shaft (1002) passes through the inner ring of the second sealing plug (2005).
4. A universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 3, characterized in that, A retaining ring (2006) is installed on the side of the second sealing plug (2005), and a retaining groove (2004) is opened inside the fixing groove (2002), and the retaining ring (2006) and the retaining groove (2004) engage.
5. A cross-shaped universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealant is provided between the cross shaft (1002) and the fixing groove (2002).
6. A universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second seals are made of rubber.
7. A universal joint with good sealing performance according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the universal joint forks (1001) has an opening (1004) at one end that is far apart from the other.