Automobile steering intermediate shaft steel ball retainer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a steel ball retainer for an automobile steering intermediate shaft, which belongs to the technical field of automobile steering intermediate shafts and comprises a fixing rod and a sleeve arranged at one end of the fixing rod, universal joints are fixedly connected to the ends, separated from each other, of the fixing rod and the sleeve, and a retainer body is arranged between the fixing rod and the sleeve. A lubricating structure is arranged in the retainer main body and comprises a steel ball main body which is rotationally connected to the interior of the retainer main body and extends to the exterior of the retainer main body. According to the automobile steering intermediate shaft steel ball retainer, by arranging the lubricating sleeve and the oil storage cavity, when the steel ball body rotates on the retainer body, the steel ball body can directly make contact with lubricating oil in the oil storage cavity, the lubricating oil is attached to the surface of the steel ball body, and therefore the continuous lubricating effect can be achieved, and meanwhile a part of lubricating oil can be stored; and the steel ball main body can keep a lubricating effect for a long time, so that the service life is prolonged, and the damage to the retainer main body is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering intermediate shaft technology, specifically to a steel ball retainer for automotive steering intermediate shaft. Background Technology

[0002] The steering intermediate shaft is a key component of a car's steering system. When a car turns, the driver turns the steering wheel, and the rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering intermediate shaft through the steering column. The steering intermediate shaft uses structures such as splines and universal joints to accurately transmit torque and rotation to the steering gear. The steering gear converts the rotational motion from the steering intermediate shaft into linear motion, pushing the steering tie rods and causing the wheels to steer.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN207122496U discloses a novel steel ball type automotive steering intermediate shaft steel ball retainer. It includes ball cups, and multiple parallel ball cups are arranged on the frame of the steel ball type automotive steering intermediate shaft steel ball retainer. Irregular polygonal reinforcing ribs are provided on both sides of each ball cup, and oil reservoirs are left between adjacent polygonal reinforcing ribs. This utility model can reduce the sliding force of the product, thus reducing the weight of the retainer and lowering material costs; it can improve the working conditions of the retainer, extend its service life, and, due to the reduced contact area, also play a role in reducing sliding force.

[0004] However, this utility model does not have a corresponding lubrication structure during use. When the steel balls rotate inside the frame, they consume the original lubricating oil. After a long period of operation, the lubricating oil is reduced, which affects the normal rotation of the steel balls and cannot meet production requirements. Therefore, a steel ball retainer for the intermediate shaft of an automobile steering system is proposed to solve the problems mentioned above. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a steel ball retainer for automotive steering intermediate shafts, which has the advantage of facilitating lubrication of the steel balls. This solves the problem that existing steel ball retainers lack corresponding lubrication structures, causing the steel balls to consume the original lubricating oil when rotating inside the retainer, resulting in reduced lubricating oil after prolonged operation and affecting the normal rotation of the steel balls.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a steel ball retainer for an automotive steering intermediate shaft, comprising a fixed rod and a sleeve disposed at one end of the fixed rod, wherein a universal joint is fixedly connected to the end of the fixed rod that is separate from the sleeve, a retainer body is disposed between the fixed rod and the sleeve, and a lubrication structure is disposed inside the retainer body;

[0007] The lubrication structure includes a steel ball body rotatably connected inside the cage body and extending to its outside. A lubrication sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cage body. The steel ball body passes through the lubrication sleeve and is rotatably connected to it. An oil storage cavity is opened inside the lubrication sleeve, and the oil storage cavity is filled with lubricating oil that is in contact with the steel ball body.

[0008] Furthermore, the sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the cage body, the end of the fixing rod near the cage body is fixedly connected to a sleeve shaft, the cage body is fitted onto the outside of the sleeve shaft, and the inside of the cage body is provided with a ball cup that is compatible with the steel ball body.

[0009] Furthermore, a guide groove adapted to the main body of the steel ball is formed on the outer surface of the sleeve shaft, and the number of the guide grooves is equal to the number of turns of the main body of the steel ball.

[0010] Furthermore, a protective sleeve is fixedly connected to the side of the lubricating sleeve away from the main body of the retainer, and the main body of the steel ball passes through the protective sleeve and is rotatably connected to it.

[0011] Furthermore, an outer sealing ring is fixedly connected to one end of the outer surface of the retainer body, and an inner sealing ring is fixedly connected to one end of the inner surface of the retainer body.

[0012] Furthermore, there are two outer sealing rings and two inner sealing rings, which abut against the sleeve and the shaft, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer surface of the cage body is provided with an anti-corrosion coating, and the inner wall of the protective sleeve is provided with a wear-resistant coating.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a steel ball retainer for an automotive steering intermediate shaft, which has the following advantages:

[0015] 1. The automotive steering intermediate shaft steel ball cage, by setting a lubrication sleeve and an oil reservoir, allows the steel ball body to directly contact the lubricating oil in the oil reservoir when it rotates on the cage body. This causes the lubricating oil to adhere to the surface of the steel ball body, thereby achieving a continuous lubrication effect. At the same time, it can store a portion of the lubricating oil to ensure that the steel ball body can maintain the lubrication effect for a long time, thereby improving its service life and reducing damage to the cage body.

[0016] 2. This automotive steering intermediate shaft ball cage, by setting external and internal sealing rings, can simultaneously seal the gap between the sleeve and the shaft and the cage body, thereby preventing oil leakage. It also prevents external dust from entering the cage body, further providing good protection for the cage body. This solves the problem that existing ball cages do not have corresponding lubrication structures, which consume the original lubricating oil when the steel balls rotate inside the cage, leading to a reduction in lubricating oil after long-term operation, thus affecting the normal rotation of the steel balls. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the cage of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of the main body of the retainer of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer sealing ring of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wear-resistant coating of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Fixed rod; 2. Sleeve; 3. Universal joint; 4. Sleeve shaft; 5. Cage body; 6. Steel ball body; 7. Lubrication sleeve; 8. Oil reservoir; 9. Protective sleeve; 10. Outer sealing ring; 11. Inner sealing ring; 12. Ball cup; 13. Guide groove; 14. Wear-resistant coating; 15. Corrosion-resistant coating. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 3This embodiment of a steel ball retainer for an automotive steering intermediate shaft includes a fixed rod 1 and a sleeve 2 disposed at one end of the fixed rod 1. A universal joint 3 is fixedly connected to the ends of the fixed rod 1 and the sleeve 2. A retainer body 5 is disposed between the fixed rod 1 and the sleeve 2. A lubrication structure is disposed inside the retainer body 5. The lubrication structure includes a steel ball body 6 rotatably connected inside the retainer body 5 and extending to its outside. A lubrication sleeve 7 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the retainer body 5. The steel ball body 6 passes through the lubrication sleeve 7 and is rotatably connected to it. An oil storage cavity 8 is opened inside the lubrication sleeve 7. The oil storage cavity 8 is filled with lubricating oil that is in contact with the steel ball body 6.

[0025] Specifically, a protective sleeve 9 is fixedly connected to the side of the lubricating sleeve 7 away from the cage body 5, and the steel ball body 6 passes through the protective sleeve 9 and is rotatably connected to it.

[0026] It should be noted that by setting the lubrication sleeve 7 and the oil storage cavity 8, when the steel ball body 6 rotates on the cage body 5, it will directly contact the lubricating oil in the oil storage cavity 8, so that the lubricating oil adheres to the surface of the steel ball body 6, thereby achieving a continuous lubrication effect.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the sleeve 2 is sleeved on the outside of the retainer body 5, and the end of the fixing rod 1 near the retainer body 5 is fixedly connected to the sleeve shaft 4. The retainer body 5 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve shaft 4. The outer surface of the sleeve shaft 4 is provided with a guide groove 13 that is adapted to the steel ball body 6. The number of guide grooves 13 is equal to the number of turns of the steel ball body 6. The inside of the retainer body 5 is provided with a ball cup 12 that is adapted to the steel ball body 6.

[0028] Specifically, the inner wall of the sleeve 2 is also provided with a guide groove 13 with the same number of turns as the main body of the steel ball 6. By setting the guide groove 13, the main body of the steel ball 6 can only roll along the preset trajectory, avoiding torque transmission deviation or jamming caused by free movement.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, an outer sealing ring 10 is fixedly connected to one end of the outer surface of the retainer body 5, and an inner sealing ring 11 is fixedly connected to one end of the inner surface of the retainer body 5. There are two outer sealing rings 10 and two inner sealing rings 11. The outer sealing rings 10 and the inner sealing rings 11 abut against the sleeve 2 and the sleeve shaft 4, respectively.

[0030] Specifically, both the outer sealing ring 10 and the inner sealing ring 11 are made of rubber. By setting the outer sealing ring 10 and the inner sealing ring 11, the gap between the sleeve 2 and the shaft 4 and the cage body 5 can be sealed at the same time, thereby avoiding oil leakage. At the same time, it can prevent external dust from entering the cage body 5, thus providing a good protective effect for the cage body 5.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, an anti-corrosion coating 15 is provided on the outer surface of the cage body 5, and a wear-resistant coating 14 is provided on the inner wall of the protective sleeve 9.

[0032] Specifically, the wear-resistant coating 14 uses hard coatings such as diamond-like carbon (DLC), W-aC:H, or phosphating treatment, which can significantly improve the hardness and wear resistance of the inner surface of the protective sleeve 9 and effectively reduce the wear between the steel ball and the cage. The anti-corrosion coating 15 can use ceramic coating, zinc plating, or nickel-phosphorus plating to enhance corrosion resistance. For non-magnetic environments, the anti-corrosion coating 15 can also use non-magnetic alloy steel or silver plating to avoid magnetic field interference.

[0033] The working principle of the above embodiments is as follows:

[0034] First, the worker injects lubricating oil into the lubrication sleeve 7. Then, the steel ball body 6 is installed on the cage body 5. Next, the worker puts the cage body 5 on the outside of the sleeve shaft 4. At this time, the guide groove 13 on the outer surface of the sleeve shaft 4 should be aligned with the steel ball body 6 on the cage body 5. After the sleeve is put on, the sleeve 2 is put on the outside of the cage body 5. When the sleeve 2 and the sleeve shaft 4 rotate, the steel ball body 6 will rotate at the same time. At this time, the steel ball body 6 will fully contact the lubricating oil inside the lubrication sleeve 7, thereby achieving a continuous lubrication effect.

[0035] The installation, connection, or setting methods disclosed in this embodiment are all common mechanical connection methods, and any method that can achieve its beneficial effects can be implemented.

[0036] It should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated herein are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steel ball cage for a steering intermediate shaft of an automobile, comprising a fixed rod (1) and a sleeve (2) arranged at one end of the fixed rod (1), characterized in that: The fixed rod (1) and the sleeve (2) are fixedly connected with universal joints (3) at one end, the fixed rod (1) and the sleeve (2) are provided with a cage main body (5), the inside of the cage main body (5) is provided with a lubricating structure; The lubricating structure includes a steel ball main body (6) rotatably connected to the inside of the cage main body (5) and extending to the outside thereof, the inner wall of the cage main body (5) is fixedly connected with a lubricating sleeve (7), the steel ball main body (6) penetrates the lubricating sleeve (7) and is rotatably connected therewith, the inside of the lubricating sleeve (7) is provided with an oil storage cavity (8), the inside of the oil storage cavity (8) is provided with lubricating oil in contact with the steel ball main body (6).

2. A steel ball cage for a vehicle steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (2) is sleeved on the outside of the cage main body (5), one end of the fixed rod (1) close to the cage main body (5) is fixedly connected with a sleeve shaft (4), the cage main body (5) is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve shaft (4), the inside of the cage main body (5) is provided with a ball bowl (12) matched with the steel ball main body (6).

3. A steel ball cage for a vehicle steering intermediate shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the sleeve shaft (4) is provided with a guide groove (13) matched with the steel ball main body (6), the number of the guide groove (13) is equal to the number of turns of the steel ball main body (6).

4. A steel ball cage for a vehicle steering intermediate shaft as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: The lubricating sleeve (7) is fixedly connected with a protective sleeve (9) away from the cage main body (5), the steel ball main body (6) penetrates the protective sleeve (9) and is rotatably connected therewith.

5. A steel ball cage for a vehicle steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the outer surface of the cage main body (5) is fixedly connected with an outer sealing ring (10), one end of the inner surface of the cage main body (5) is fixedly connected with an inner sealing ring (11).

6. A retainer for a steel ball of an automobile steering intermediate shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the outer sealing ring (10) and the inner sealing ring (11) is two, the outer sealing ring (10) and the inner sealing ring (11) respectively abut against the sleeve (2) and the sleeve shaft (4).

7. A steel ball cage for a vehicle steering intermediate shaft according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer surface of the cage main body (5) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating (15), the inner wall of the protective sleeve (9) is provided with a wear-resistant coating (14).

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