Universal coupling locking ring

The universal coupling locking ring with magnetic guidance and self-alignment function solves the problems of low assembly efficiency and safety hazards of traditional locking rings, realizes efficient and convenient assembly and disassembly process, and improves the service life and safety of the locking ring.

CN223854699UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30BENXI BEIYING IRON & STEEL GROUP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520843834.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-29
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional cross-type universal coupling locking rings are inefficient during assembly and disassembly, the bolts are prone to breakage, the base of the positioning lugs is easily damaged, manual operation is time-consuming and costly, and there are safety hazards.

Method used

A universal coupling locking ring with magnetic guidance and self-alignment function was designed. It adopts an elliptical inner hole to match and position the roll shaft, and integrates a magnetic attraction and guidance structure, including a magnet ring and a guide block. Combined with nitriding treatment and modular disassembly design, it improves assembly accuracy and efficiency.

Benefits of technology

It enables quick alignment and disassembly of the locking ring, improves assembly efficiency by 80%, reduces maintenance time by 60%, extends the service life of the locking ring by 2 times, and significantly improves safety and durability.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a universal coupling lock ring, belongs to the technical field of heavy mechanical transmission parts, and is mainly used for solving the problems that the existing lock ring is low in mounting and positioning efficiency, difficult to disassemble and easy to crack. The lock ring is formed by cutting Q355B low alloy steel with the thickness of 30 mm through laser, the yield strength is improved through normalizing treatment, and the core design comprises an oval inner hole, inner surface nitriding treatment and non-circular shaft positioning and abrasion resistance; the positioning lugs are symmetrically arranged, and the root parts are provided with transition fillets of 6-9 mm, so that stress concentration is relieved; the neodymium iron boron magnet ring is embedded in the outer edge of the bolt hole, and the + 30-45-degree chamfer design is adopted for magnetic attraction conduction, so that 10-second quick alignment of the bolt is realized, and thread damage is avoided; the axial guide block is in clearance fit with a flange groove and is combined with a bottom magnetic adsorption unit; a dismounting guide groove is formed in the outer edge, and lossless ejection of the wedge-shaped tool is supported. Through magnetic attraction auxiliary assembly, a stress optimization structure and modular disassembly design, the disassembly and assembly efficiency of the coupler is improved by 60% or above, and the comprehensive service life is prolonged by two times.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to heavy machinery transmission technical field, specifically, especially, it is a kind of magnetic force guiding and self-centering function's universal coupling lock ring with, it is applicable to metallurgical rolling mill, ship propulsion shafting etc. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cross packing universal coupling, each column of rolling mill is equipped with two shafts, is fixed and locked by lock ring after process adjustment, in actual operation process, lock ring is under great stress, and M16 bolt is easily broken, leading to lock ring failure, and the failure rate is higher, there is long-term security risk, and the cost of routine maintenance and replacement is larger.

[0003] Traditional coupling lock ring needs to be repeatedly adjusted in phase alignment by manual, and it is time-consuming and easy to damage the matching surface.

[0004] The following problems exist in current manual operation:

[0005] Bolt insertion needs to be repeatedly adjusted in position, time-consuming and laborious;

[0006] Cracks are prone to occur in the root of positioning ear during locking;

[0007] Lock ring and flange end face are prone to be stuck, and need to be destructively separated with the aid of large tools.

[0008] Although part of the improvement scheme adopts guide structure (such as guide pin), but it cannot solve the pain points of low assembly efficiency and large long-term wear. SUMMARY

[0009] According to the above technical problems, a universal coupling lock ring with magnetic force guiding and self-centering function is provided.

[0010] The technical means adopted by the utility model are as follows: a universal coupling lock ring is formed by laser cutting a middle plate, is matched and positioned with a roll shaft through an elliptical inner hole, a positioning ear applies radial locking force, and a magnetic attraction guide structure is innovatively integrated. Specifically,

[0011] The lock ring body cut from the middle plate with a thickness of 30mm includes:

[0012] Elliptical inner hole, the ratio of major axis to minor axis is 1.3:1 to 1.7:1, the inner surface is treated by nitriding, and is used for matching and positioning with the outer contour of roll shaft;

[0013] Symmetrically distributed positioning ear, a total of 1 pair, is processed on the left and right sides of lock ring body, and the root and the hole edge transition fillet radius is 0.2-0.3 times of plate thickness;

[0014] Bolt hole assembly, suitable for M20 and above high strength bolts, with a magnetic ring embedded on the outer edge of the hole. The surface of the magnetic ring is provided with a 30°-45° concentric chamfer, and the material is neodymium iron boron permanent magnet with a magnetic strength of 300-500mT;

[0015] The guide block is symmetrically arranged on the axial end face of the locking ring body, and forms a clearance fit with the groove preset on the end face of the coupling flange, with a single-sided clearance of 0.1-0.3mm;

[0016] The disassembly guide groove is machined on the outer edge of the lock ring body, with a depth of 1 / 6-1 / 5 of the plate thickness, and is used for wedge tools to push out the lock ring.

[0017] The structural design of the above technical solution, specifically the elliptical inner hole structure, aims to adapt to the non-circular cross-sectional profile of the roll shaft, and to enhance wear resistance with a nitrided layer (thickness 0.1-0.2mm).

[0018] The purpose of the positioning ear structure design is to avoid stress concentration at the edge of the bolt hole during tightening.

[0019] The purpose of the magnetic ring structure design is to use magnetic force to attract the bolt head and chamfer to guide the thread smoothly into the hole.

[0020] The purpose of the guide block structure design is to determine the relative angle between the coarse positioning locking ring and the coupling flange.

[0021] The purpose of the disassembly guide groove structure design is to provide a fulcrum for the wedge-shaped tool to apply force, avoiding direct hammering of the locking ring. Disassembly efficiency is increased by 60%, and the locking ring itself remains undamaged.

[0022] Furthermore,

[0023] The middle plate is made of Q355B low-alloy steel with a yield strength ≥355MPa. It is formed by laser cutting and then normalized, with a surface roughness Ra≤3.2μm. Design objective: To balance cost and load-bearing capacity, and the laser cutting process reduces deformation in the heat-affected zone.

[0024] Furthermore,

[0025] The chamfer direction of the magnetic ring is consistent with the bolt installation angle, and the chamfer height covers 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the bolt diameter. A buffer layer is embedded at the root of the chamfer, made of polyurethane rubber with a hardness of 70A-90A. Design purpose: The chamfer guides the bolt centerline to be aligned, and the buffer layer absorbs installation impact.

[0026] Furthermore,

[0027] The bottom of the groove is equipped with a magnetic adsorption unit that matches the guide block. The magnetic force is perpendicular to the contact surface, and the adsorption force is ≥50N. Design purpose: To use magnetic attraction to make the guide block and the groove fit stably.

[0028] The core design of this utility model, employing the above technical solution, includes: an elliptical inner hole (major axis to minor axis ratio 1.3:1 to 1.7:1), with nitrided inner surface treatment, balancing non-circular shaft positioning and wear resistance; symmetrical positioning ears with a 6-9mm transition radius at the root to alleviate stress concentration and increase fatigue strength by 40%; neodymium iron boron magnet rings (magnetic strength 300-500mT) embedded in the outer edge of the bolt hole, with magnetic attraction guidance and a 30°-45° chamfer design, enabling bolts to be quickly aligned in 10 seconds and avoiding thread damage; an axial guide block with a clearance fit (0.1-0.3mm on one side), combined with a bottom magnetic adsorption unit (adsorption force ≥50N), ensuring an assembly angle error ≤1°; and a 5-6mm deep disassembly guide groove on the outer edge to support non-destructive ejection by wedge tools. This invention improves the assembly and disassembly efficiency of couplings by more than 60% through magnetic assisted assembly, stress-optimized structure and modular disassembly design. It is suitable for high-load scenarios such as metallurgical rolling mills and ship propulsion systems, and extends the overall service life by 2 times.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0030] 1. Operators can sense the alignment by magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for visual alignment before final tightening. This makes the operation very convenient, freeing up repeated manual adjustments and increasing assembly efficiency by more than 80%.

[0031] 2. The design of setting a transition rounded corner at the base of the positioning ear, and using Q355B steel that has undergone normalizing treatment to eliminate residual stress, increases the fatigue strength of the locking ring by 40% and avoids cracking and plastic deformation at the base.

[0032] 3. Modular magnetic attraction combined with mechanical means for easy disassembly and maintenance. During disassembly, the locking ring can be separated by inserting a wedge tool into the guide groove, without the need for violent destruction. The magnetic self-locking mechanism between the guide block and the groove makes the linkage disengagement more precise, reducing maintenance time by 60%. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model when it is aligned and assembled with a universal coupling.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the non-guide block end face of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a front view of the guide block end face of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 4 This is the front view of the end face of the universal coupling connection.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 101. Elliptical inner hole;

[0040] 102. Locate the ear;

[0041] 103. Bolt hole assembly;

[0042] 104. Disassemble the guide groove;

[0043] 111. Guide block;

[0044] 115. Magnetic adsorption unit;

[0045] 116. Magnetic ring. Detailed Implementation

[0046] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this utility model or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0048] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0050] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0053] likeFigure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this utility model provides a universal coupling locking ring, the locking ring body of which is cut from a 30mm thick medium plate, comprising:

[0054] The elliptical inner hole 101 has a major axis to minor axis ratio of 1.3:1 to 1.7:1, and its inner surface is nitrided for matching and positioning with the outer contour of the roll shaft.

[0055] The symmetrically distributed positioning ears 102, in a pair, are machined on the left and right sides of the lock ring body, with the radius of the transition fillet at the root and the edge of the opening being 0.2-0.3 times the plate thickness;

[0056] Bolt hole group 103 is suitable for M20 and above high strength bolts. A magnetic ring (116) is embedded on the outer edge of the hole. The surface of the magnetic ring is provided with a 30°-45° concentric chamfer. The material is neodymium iron boron permanent magnet with a magnetic strength of 300-500mT.

[0057] Guide blocks 111 are symmetrically arranged on the axial end face of the locking ring body, forming a clearance fit with the groove preset on the end face of the coupling flange, with a single-sided clearance of 0.1-0.3mm;

[0058] Disassemble the guide groove 104, which is machined on the outer edge of the lock ring body and has a depth of 1 / 6-1 / 5 of the plate thickness. It is used to push out the lock ring with a wedge tool.

[0059] The structural design of the above technical solution, specifically the elliptical inner hole 101, aims to adapt to the non-circular cross-sectional profile of the roll shaft, and to enhance wear resistance with a nitrided layer (thickness 0.1-0.2mm).

[0060] The purpose of the positioning ear 102 structure design is to avoid stress concentration at the edge of the bolt hole during tightening.

[0061] The purpose of the 116 magnetic ring structure design is to use magnetic force to attract the bolt head and guide the chamfered thread to smoothly enter the hole.

[0062] The purpose of the guide block 111 structural design is to determine the relative angle between the coarse positioning locking ring and the coupling flange.

[0063] The purpose of the disassembly guide groove 104 structure design is to provide a fulcrum for the wedge-shaped tool to apply force, avoiding direct hammering of the locking ring. Disassembly efficiency is increased by 60%, and the locking ring itself is free from deformation and damage.

[0064] Furthermore,

[0065] The middle plate is made of Q355B low-alloy steel with a yield strength ≥355MPa. It is formed by laser cutting and then normalized, with a surface roughness Ra≤3.2μm. Design objective: To balance cost and load-bearing capacity, and the laser cutting process reduces deformation in the heat-affected zone.

[0066] Furthermore,

[0067] The chamfer direction of the magnetic ring 116 is consistent with the bolt installation angle, and the chamfer height covers 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the bolt diameter. A buffer layer is embedded at the root of the chamfer, made of polyurethane rubber with a hardness of 70A-90A. Design purpose: The chamfer guides the bolt centerline to be aligned, and the buffer layer absorbs installation impact.

[0068] Furthermore,

[0069] The bottom of the groove is provided with a magnetic adsorption unit 115 that matches the guide block 111. The magnetic force is perpendicular to the contact surface, and the adsorption force is ≥50N. Design purpose: To use magnetic attraction to make the guide block 111 fit stably with the groove.

[0070] The core design of this utility model, employing the above technical solution, includes: an elliptical inner hole (major axis to minor axis ratio 1.3:1 to 1.7:1), with nitrided inner surface treatment, balancing non-circular shaft positioning and wear resistance; symmetrical positioning ears with a 6-9mm transition radius at the root to alleviate stress concentration and improve fatigue strength by 40%; neodymium iron boron magnet rings (magnetic strength 300-500mT) embedded in the outer edge of the bolt holes, with magnetic attraction guidance and a 30°-45° chamfer design, enabling bolts to be quickly aligned in 10 seconds and avoiding thread damage; a clearance fit between the axial guide block and the flange groove (0.1-0.3mm on one side), combined with a bottom magnetic adsorption unit (adsorption force ≥50N), ensuring an assembly angle error ≤1°; and a 5-6mm deep disassembly guide groove on the outer edge to support non-destructive ejection by wedge tools. This invention, through magnetically assisted assembly, stress-optimized structure, and modular disassembly design, improves the coupling assembly and disassembly efficiency by over 60%.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lock ring for a universal joint, characterized by, The lock ring body cut from the medium plate with a thickness of 30mm, comprising: An oval inner hole (101) with a long axis to short axis ratio of 1.3:1 to 1.7:1, the inner surface is treated by nitriding, and is used for matching positioning with the outer profile of the roll shaft; Symmetrically distributed positioning ears (102), a total of one pair, machined on the left and right sides of the lock ring body, the root and the opening edge transition fillet radius is 0.2-0.3 times the plate thickness; A bolt hole group (103) suitable for M20 and above high-strength bolts, the hole outer edge is embedded with a magnet ring (116), the surface of the magnet ring is provided with a 30°-45° centripetal chamfer, the material is a neodymium iron boron permanent magnet, and the magnetic force strength is 300-500mT; A guide block (111) symmetrically arranged on the axial end face of the lock ring body, and gap matched with the recess pre-set on the flange end face of the coupling; A disassembly guide groove (104) machined on the outer edge of the lock ring body, the depth is 1 / 6-1 / 5 of the plate thickness, and is used for wedge-shaped tool ejection of the lock ring.

2. The universal coupling lock ring according to claim 1, wherein the medium plate material is Q355B low alloy steel with a yield strength of ≥355MPa, and is formed by laser cutting and then normalized.

3. The universal coupling lock ring according to claim 1, wherein the chamfer direction of the magnet ring (116) is consistent with the installation angle of the bolt, the chamfer height covers 1 / 3-1 / 2 of the bolt diameter, the chamfer root is embedded in a buffer layer, and the material is polyurethane rubber.

4. The universal coupling lock ring according to claim 3, wherein the recess bottom is provided with a magnetic adsorption unit (115) matched with the guide block (111), the magnetic force direction is perpendicular to the contact surface, and the adsorption force is ≥50N. ​ ​ ​