Universal shaft with protection mechanism at joint
By incorporating a top column and ball bearing structure within the connecting sleeve of the universal joint, automatic lubrication during operation is achieved, solving the problem of non-automatic lubrication in existing technologies, extending the service life of the universal joint, and improving disassembly and installation efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TANGSHAN ZHONGJUDAFU MACHINERY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, universal joints cannot achieve automatic lubrication during operation, resulting in severe wear of components and a shortened service life.
A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint was designed. Automatic lubrication is achieved by using the pressure of lubricating oil and the rotation of the balls through the top column and ball structure inside the connecting sleeve. Quick connection and stability are achieved through the fixing components.
It achieves automatic lubrication of components during movement, reduces wear, extends the service life of the universal joint, and improves disassembly and installation efficiency through quick connection.
Smart Images

Figure CN224260758U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of universal joint technology, and more specifically, to a universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint. Background Technology
[0002] A universal joint is a mechanical component used to transmit power, typically consisting of a drive shaft and universal joints at both ends. It enables power transmission between shafts at different angles, effectively compensating for angular deviations and minor axial and radial displacements, ensuring the stability and reliability of power transmission. It is widely used in automobiles, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery; for example, the drive shaft connecting the transmission and drive axle in automobiles is a typical universal joint.
[0003] Publication No. (CN220828449U) discloses a quick-release universal coupling, including universal connector A, universal connector B, and a cross pin, wherein the cross pin is disposed between universal connector A and universal connector B. In this invention, the inclusion of a fixing rod, mounting rod, adjusting rod, bolt, and limiting block B allows the fixing rod to be removed from the groove simply by removing the bolt, enabling quick disassembly of the mounting rod and universal connector B. This quick-release design allows for easy disassembly and reinstallation of critical components of the coupling, especially the universal joint. The quick-release structure reduces maintenance costs because specialized welding skills are no longer required. Maintenance personnel can more easily disassemble and replace damaged or aging parts of the coupling, making the disassembly and reinstallation process faster and more efficient, thereby reducing system downtime and improving production efficiency.
[0004] However, this type of quick-release universal coupling has the following drawbacks: although it can achieve quick release and rotation, it is mainly fixed and disassembled through multiple holes and bolts. The numerous bolts make disassembly troublesome and time-consuming, and it cannot achieve the effect of quick disassembly. Moreover, it can only achieve disassembly and rotation, and cannot automatically lubricate its internal components during the movement after rotation. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint, so as to solve the problem that the internal components cannot be automatically lubricated during the movement after rotation in the prior art.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint, comprising...
[0007] A connecting column is provided, with a connecting sleeve movably connected to its exterior. A top column is movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve. A pressure plate is fixedly connected to the exterior of the top column. A spring is fixedly connected to the exterior of the pressure plate. A sealing ring is fixedly connected to the exterior of the top column. A through hole is provided on the inner wall of the connecting sleeve. Two ball bearings are movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole. A fixing plug is movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole. A fixing assembly for fixing subsequent components is movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve.
[0008] The fixing component includes a pull column, which is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve. A pull plate is fixedly connected to the outside of the pull column, and a spring is fixedly connected to the outside of the pull plate. A bolt is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and a connecting block is movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve.
[0009] The pressure plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and one end of the spring away from the pressure plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve.
[0010] The outer part of the sealing ring is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and the outer part of the ball is in contact with the outer part of the connecting block.
[0011] The pull column is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting column, and the pull plate is externally slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve.
[0012] The end of the second spring away from the pull plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and the external thread of the bolt is connected to the inner wall of the connecting column.
[0013] The fixed plug is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and the ball is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve.
[0014] The outer side of the connecting post is in contact with the outer side of the top post, and the outer side of the sealing ring is in contact with the inner wall of the through hole;
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0016] In the above solution, a connecting column is connected inside the connecting sleeve. The top column is pressed, causing the sealing ring to move and compressing the lubricating oil in the through hole, creating pressure. The top column, through a pressure plate, causes the spring to contract, and the connecting column acts as a block to maintain pressure. During overall movement, the connecting block moves within the connecting sleeve, causing the ball bearings to rotate. The ball bearings carry lubricating oil to the gaps for lubrication, preventing component wear and effectively extending the service life of the universal joint.
[0017] In the above solution, by setting a fixing component, when connecting the connecting column and the connecting sleeve, the connecting column is first pulled up. The connecting column compresses the second spring with the help of the pull plate, and the second spring stores potential energy. After the connecting column is inserted into the connecting sleeve, the connecting column is released, the second spring releases its potential energy, and the connecting column is reset and locked in the connecting column. Then, it is reinforced with bolts to achieve a quick connection, improve efficiency and ensure stability. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the through-hole structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top column structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting block structure of this utility model.
[0022] [Figure Labels]
[0023] 1. Connecting column; 2. Connecting sleeve; 3. Top column; 4. Pressure plate; 5. Spring 1; 6. Sealing ring; 7. Through hole; 8. Ball bearing; 9. Pull column; 10. Spring 2; 11. Pull plate; 12. Bolt; 13. Connecting block; 14. Fixing plug. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0025] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 An embodiment of this utility model provides a universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint, including...
[0026] Connecting column 1 is a crucial connecting component of the universal joint, used for connecting with other equipment or components. Connecting column 1 is externally connected to connecting sleeve 2, which provides space and support for its movement and together with connecting column 1 constitutes the basic connection structure of the universal joint. A top column 3 is movably connected to the inner wall of connecting sleeve 2. The top column 3 moves within the inner wall of connecting sleeve 2; when connecting column 1 is connected to connecting sleeve 2, connecting column 1 exerts a compressive force on the top column 3, causing the top column 3 to move accordingly. A pressure plate 4 is fixed externally to the top column 3, transmitting and distributing the force on the top column 3, and providing guidance and support during its movement. The pressure plate 4 is externally fixedly connected to a spring 5. One end of the spring 5 is fixedly connected to the pressure plate 4. When the top column 3 is squeezed by the connecting column 1, the pressure plate 4 will apply pressure to the spring 5. The spring 5 is elastic and will contract after being subjected to pressure to meet the movement requirements of the top column 3.
[0027] A sealing ring 6 is fixedly connected to the outside of the top column 3. The sealing ring 6 is tightly fixed to the outside of the top column 3. When the top column 3 moves inside the connecting sleeve 2, the sealing ring 6 moves with the top column 3. Its function is to prevent the lubricating oil inside the connecting sleeve 2 from leaking, ensuring the stability of the internal lubrication environment. A through hole 7 is opened on the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The through hole 7 is a channel for the storage and flow of lubricating oil, and it cooperates with the top column 3 and the sealing ring 6 to realize the compression and utilization of the internal lubricating oil. Two ball bearings 8 are movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole 7. The ball bearings 8 rotate flexibly inside the inner wall of the through hole 7. When the connecting block 13 moves inside the connecting sleeve 2, it will drive the ball bearings 8 to rotate. During the rotation of the ball bearings 8, the lubricating oil inside the through hole 7 will be carried out and applied to the gap between the connecting sleeve 2 and the connecting block 13, which will play a lubricating role, effectively avoid wear between components, and extend the service life of the universal joint. A fixed plug 14 is movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole 7. The fixed plug 14 is movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole 7. Its function is to seal the through hole 7 when lubricating oil does not need to flow out or when lubricating oil needs to be added for maintenance, so as to prevent the loss of lubricating oil and the entry of external impurities.
[0028] The fixing component includes a pull post 9, which is an important part of the fixing component and is used to achieve quick connection and fixation between the connecting post 1 and the connecting sleeve 2. The pull post 9 can move externally within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The pull post 9 is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2, and it performs telescopic movement within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. When the connecting post 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 are connected, the operation of the pull post 9 achieves a fixed connection between them. A pull plate 11 is fixed externally to the pull post 9, facilitating the operator to lift the pull post 9. Simultaneously, when the pull post 9 moves, the pull plate 11 interacts with the spring 10 to achieve position control of the pull post 9.
[0029] A spring 10 is fixedly connected to the outside of the pull plate 11. One end of the spring 10 is fixedly connected to the pull plate 11. When the pull column 9 is pulled, the pull plate 11 compresses the spring 10. The spring 10 has the characteristic of storing potential energy. When compressed, it stores energy to provide power for the return of the pull column 9. A bolt 12 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. After the connecting column 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 are initially connected, the bolt 12 is used to fix the connecting column 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 again, further enhancing the stability of the connection between the two and ensuring the reliability of the universal joint during operation. A connecting block 13 is movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The connecting block 13 moves a certain amount of time within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. When the universal joint is working, the movement of the connecting block 13 drives the ball bearing 8 to rotate, thereby achieving lubrication between the connecting sleeve 2 and the connecting block 13.
[0030] The pressure plate 4 is externally slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The pressure plate 4 can slide along the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2, allowing the top column 3 to slide along the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2 when it is compressed by the connecting column 1, while simultaneously applying pressure to the spring 5, ensuring the smooth movement of the top column 3. One end of the spring 5, away from the pressure plate 4, is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2, and the other end of the spring 5 is also fixed to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. Thus, when the pressure plate 4 applies pressure to the spring 5, the spring 5 can contract and expand within the connecting sleeve 2, providing cushioning and support for the movement of the top column 3.
[0031] The sealing ring 6 is externally slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The sealing ring 6 can slide within the connecting sleeve 2. When the top post 3 moves within the connecting sleeve 2, the sealing ring 6 slides along with the top post 3, maintaining a seal inside the connecting sleeve 2 and preventing lubricant leakage. The outer surface of the ball bearing 8 contacts the outer surface of the connecting block 13. When the connecting block 13 moves within the connecting sleeve 2, it contacts the outer surface of the ball bearing 8 and generates friction, causing the ball bearing 8 to rotate. This allows the ball bearing 8 to carry out the lubricant from inside the through hole 7 and apply it to the gap between the connecting sleeve 2 and the connecting block 13, thus providing lubrication.
[0032] The pull column 9 is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting column 1. The pull column 9 can extend and retract within the inner wall of the connecting column 1. When the connecting column 1 is connected to the connecting sleeve 2, the extension and retraction of the pull column 9 achieves a fixed connection between the two, ensuring the speed and stability of the connection. The pull plate 11 is externally slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The pull plate 11 can slide within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. When the pull column 9 is pulled, the pull plate 11 slides within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2, simultaneously compressing the second spring 10. After the pull column 9 is released, the second spring 10 releases its potential energy, and the pull plate 11 drives the pull column 9 to reset.
[0033] One end of spring 10, away from pull plate 11, is fixedly connected to the inner wall of connecting sleeve 2, and the other end of spring 10 is also fixed to the inner wall of connecting sleeve 2. This allows spring 10 to store potential energy within connecting sleeve 2 when pull plate 11 compresses it. Upon releasing pull post 9, spring 10 releases this potential energy, causing pull post 9 to reset and lock into the interior of connecting post 1, thus achieving a rapid connection between connecting post 1 and connecting sleeve 2. The external thread of bolt 12 is connected to the inner wall of connecting post 1. After the initial connection between connecting post 1 and connecting sleeve 2 via pull post 9, tightening bolt 12 further enhances the connection strength between them, ensuring the stability and reliability of the universal joint during operation.
[0034] The fixed plug 14 is externally and movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The fixed plug 14 can move within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. When it is necessary to block the through hole 7, the fixed plug 14 is inserted into the through hole 7 to prevent the loss of lubricating oil and the entry of external impurities. When it is necessary for lubricating oil to flow out, the fixed plug 14 is pulled out, allowing the lubricating oil to flow out through the through hole 7 and provide lubrication. The ball bearing 8 is externally and movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The ball bearing 8 can rotate flexibly within the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2. When the connecting block 13 moves, the ball bearing 8 will rotate under the influence of the connecting block 13, carrying out the lubricating oil inside the through hole 7 and applying it to the gap between the connecting sleeve 2 and the connecting block 13, thus achieving lubrication between the components, effectively reducing wear between components, and extending the service life of the universal joint.
[0035] The outer side of the connecting post 1 contacts the outer side of the top post 3. When the connecting post 1 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 2, the outer side of the connecting post 1 contacts the outer side of the top post 3 and squeezes the top post 3, causing the top post 3 to move within the connecting sleeve 2, thereby squeezing and utilizing the lubricating oil inside the through hole 7. The outer side of the sealing ring 6 contacts the inner wall of the through hole 7. As the sealing ring 6 moves with the top post 3, its outer side will be in close contact with the inner wall of the through hole 7, ensuring the seal of the through hole 7, preventing lubricating oil from leaking from the through hole 7, and also preventing external impurities from entering the interior of the through hole 7, ensuring the cleanliness of the lubricating oil and the lubrication effect.
[0036] The working process of this utility model is as follows:
[0037] First, the connecting post 1 is connected to the inside of the connecting sleeve 2. The connecting post 1 compresses the top post 3, which moves along with the sealing ring 6. This compresses the lubricating oil inside the through hole 7, creating pressure inside the through hole 7. When the top post 3 is compressed, the pressure plate 4 applies pressure to the spring 5. The spring 5 contracts under pressure to satisfy the movement of the top post 3. The connecting post 1 acts as a block behind the top post 3, ensuring continuous compression and maintaining pressure inside the through hole 7. During the overall movement, the connecting block 13 moves inside the connecting sleeve 2. At this time, the ball bearing 8 rotates due to the influence of the connecting block 13, carrying the lubricating oil to the gap between the connecting sleeve 2 and the connecting block 13 for lubrication. This prevents wear between components and extends the service life of the universal joint.
[0038] During the connection of connecting post 1 to connecting sleeve 2, by pulling post 9, post 9 will compress spring 10 through pull plate 11. Due to the characteristics of spring 10, potential energy will be stored. Then, after connecting post 1 is inserted into the interior of connecting sleeve 2, pull post 9 is released. At this time, spring 10 will release potential energy, causing pull post 9 to reset and be stuck inside connecting post 1. Then, bolt 12 is used to fix connecting post 1 and connecting sleeve 2 again, realizing a quick connection, improving work efficiency and ensuring connection stability.
[0039] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change.
[0040] Secondly: The accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this utility model. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0041] Finally: The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint, characterized in that, The device includes a connecting column (1), a connecting sleeve (2) movably connected to the outside of the connecting column (1), a top column (3) movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), a pressure plate (4) fixedly connected to the outside of the top column (3), a spring (5) fixedly connected to the outside of the pressure plate (4), a sealing ring (6) fixedly connected to the outside of the top column (3), a through hole (7) opened in the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), two ball bearings (8) movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole (7), a fixing plug (14) movably connected to the inner wall of the through hole (7), and a fixing component for fixing subsequent components movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2).
2. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a pull post (9), the pull post (9) is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), the pull post (9) is externally fixedly connected to a pull plate (11), the pull plate (11) is externally fixedly connected to a spring (10), the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2) is threadedly connected to a bolt (12), and the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2) is movably connected to a connecting block (13).
3. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate (4) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), and the end of the spring (5) away from the pressure plate (4) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2).
4. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the sealing ring (6) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), and the outer side of the ball (8) is in contact with the outer side of the connecting block (13).
5. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pull column (9) is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting column (1), and the pull plate (11) is externally slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2).
6. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the second spring (10) away from the pull plate (11) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), and the external thread of the bolt (12) is connected to the inner wall of the connecting column (1).
7. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed plug (14) is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2), and the ball (8) is externally movably connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2).
8. A universal joint with a protective mechanism at the joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outside of the connecting post (1) is in contact with the outside of the top post (3), and the outside of the sealing ring (6) is in contact with the inner wall of the through hole (7).