A ball cage retainer with a local reinforcement structure

Abstract

This application discloses a ball cage cage with a locally reinforced structure, comprising a cage body having concentric inner and outer spherical surfaces and two parallel end faces. The cage body has windows evenly distributed along its circumference. Reinforcing portions are provided on the spherical portions adjacent to the two parallel end faces on either side of the windows. These reinforcing portions are designed to fit snugly against the outer spherical surface according to its curvature, increasing the thickness at the contact point between the window side and the rolling elements (balls). During operation of the ball cage universal joint, the balls frequently collide with the edges of the windows. The reinforcing portions effectively disperse and bear these forces, preventing excessive local stress concentration, thereby significantly enhancing the load-bearing capacity of this critical component, reducing the risk of deformation due to excessive stress, and effectively extending the service life of the cage, thus extending the service life of the entire ball cage universal joint and even the automotive transmission system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of ball cage cages, and particularly relates to a ball cage cage with a locally reinforced structure. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive transmission systems, the ball-cage constant velocity joint (CV joint) is a critical component. It ensures stable and efficient torque transmission between the drive shaft and wheels, guaranteeing smooth and reliable power transmission whether the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, turning, or navigating complex road conditions. The ball cage, as the core component of the CV joint, precisely positions the balls to ensure constant velocity transmission, reliably transmits torque to maintain stable power output, and buffers stress and vibration to improve transmission smoothness. Its good condition reduces wear and extends the lifespan of the CV joint and the entire transmission system. Its performance and condition play a vital role in the overall performance of the CV joint and the entire transmission system.

[0003] However, during actual operation of the ball joint, the balls continuously roll inside the joint, and the pockets of the ball cage are approximately rectangular. During this rolling process, the balls frequently contact and collide with the upper and lower edges of the pockets. Because the contact area is limited, and the balls must withstand significant loads under operating conditions, these contact and collision areas easily become sites of high stress concentration, according to the principle of stress concentration. As the balls continue to roll, repeated contact and collisions cause a sharp increase in local stress, far exceeding the material's yield strength. This leads to plastic deformation, which alters the pocket size and shape, affecting the normal trajectory of the balls and preventing efficient power transmission from the driveshaft to the wheels. This results in decreased vehicle acceleration performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to other transmission components. Therefore, the existing technology requires further improvement and enhancement. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure to at least solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art, or at least provide a beneficial alternative.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A ball cage cage with a locally reinforced structure includes a cage body having concentric inner and outer spherical surfaces and two parallel end faces. The cage body has windows evenly distributed along the circumference. The spherical portions adjacent to the two parallel end faces of the windows are provided with reinforcing parts. The reinforcing parts are designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to the curvature of the outer spherical surface to increase the thickness of the contact position between the side of the window and the rolling element, effectively improving the local strength.

[0007] This application features a ball cage cage with a locally reinforced structure. The spherical portion adjacent to the two parallel end faces of the opening is reinforced, and the reinforcement is designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to its curvature, directly increasing the thickness at the contact point between the opening side and the rolling elements (balls). During operation of the ball cage universal joint, the balls frequently collide with the edge of the opening. The reinforcement effectively disperses and bears these forces, preventing excessive local stress concentration. This significantly enhances the load-bearing capacity of this critical component, reduces the risk of deformation due to excessive stress, and effectively extends the service life of the cage, thereby extending the service life of the entire ball cage universal joint and even the automotive transmission system.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing part is integrally formed with the cage body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing part is detachably connected to the cage body.

[0010] In a preferred implementation, the reinforcing part starts from one side of the window and extends to the location of the two parallel end faces.

[0011] The reinforcement starts from one side of the window opening and extends to the two parallel end faces, essentially creating a continuous support structure in the critical stress area, increasing the thickness and material volume of this part. This effectively disperses and withstands the load transmitted by the ball bearings, preventing excessive local stress concentration.

[0012] In a preferred implementation, the width of the reinforcing part is designed to match the length of the window opening and the side parallel to the end face.

[0013] The width of the reinforcing section is designed to match the length of the parallel side, meaning that the reinforcing section can fully cover and strengthen this stress-bearing area. When force is applied, the reinforcing section with this width design can more effectively disperse stress, making the stress distribution more uniform and avoiding deformation or fracture caused by excessive local stress.

[0014] In a preferred implementation, the reinforcing part has an oil passage inside, with one end of the oil passage opening near the window hole and the other end opening near the end face.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, an oil-cutting hole is provided on the inner circular surface of the cage body, and the oil-cutting hole is connected to the oil passage.

[0016] As the lubricating oil flows on the inner surface, the oil-stopping hole acts like a "collector," effectively guiding the lubricating oil into multiple oil passages. After the lubricating oil is delivered to the contact side between the ball and the window through the oil-stopping hole and oil passages, it can form a uniform dynamic lubricating oil film on the contact surface. This oil film transforms the direct contact between the ball and the window into intramolecular friction within the oil film, thereby significantly reducing the coefficient of friction.

[0017] In a preferred implementation, the cross-section of the window opening is composed of a central rectangle and semicircular arcs on both sides of the rectangle.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the window is provided with an annular oil storage groove, which extends from a semi-circular arc area to a rectangular area. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic front view of one embodiment of the ball cage retainer with a partially reinforced structure according to this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of one embodiment of the ball cage retainer with a partially reinforced structure according to this application is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the ball cage retainer with a partially reinforced structure according to this application is shown.

[0023] Label Explanation:

[0024] 1. Cage body; 10. Window opening; 100. Oil reservoir; 11. End face; 12. Oil cut-off hole; 2. Reinforcing part; 20. Oil passage. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and 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 of this utility model. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature being "upper" or "lower" than the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium.

[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two main bodies at the connection point are not connected by an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0029] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The specific solution adopted is as follows:

[0031] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a ball cage cage with a locally reinforced structure, including a cage body 1 with concentric inner and outer spherical surfaces and two parallel end faces 11. The cage body 1 has windows 10 evenly distributed along the circumference. The spherical portion adjacent to the two sides of the window 10 that are parallel to the two parallel end faces 11 is provided with a reinforcing part 2. The reinforcing part 2 is designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to the curvature of the outer spherical surface to increase the thickness of the contact position between the side of the window 10 and the rolling element, effectively improving the local strength.

[0032] The ball cage cage of this application features a reinforcing part 2 on the spherical portion adjacent to the two parallel end faces 11 on both sides of the aperture 10. This reinforcing part 2 is designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to its curvature, directly increasing the thickness of the contact area between the aperture 10 and the rolling elements (balls). During operation of the ball cage universal joint, the balls frequently collide with the edge of the aperture 10. The reinforcing part 2 effectively disperses and bears these forces, preventing excessive local stress concentration and significantly enhancing the load-bearing capacity of this critical component, thus reducing the risk of deformation due to excessive stress. Under complex operating conditions, such as high-speed vehicle travel, sharp turns, or travel on bumpy roads, the ball cage cage needs to withstand various dynamic loads and impacts. The presence of the reinforcing part 2 allows the cage to better resist these external forces, maintain structural stability, better resist plastic deformation, reduce failures caused by structural deformation, and effectively extend the service life of the cage, thereby extending the service life of the entire ball cage universal joint and even the automotive transmission system.

[0033] The reinforcing part 2 is designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to its curvature, a design that is feasible in terms of manufacturing process. In the first embodiment, mature processes such as casting and forging can be used to achieve the integrated manufacturing of the reinforcing part 2 and the cage body 1.

[0034] In the second embodiment, the reinforcing part 2 is detachably connected to the cage body. This detachable connection can be achieved through threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or other methods. Furthermore, the cage body 1 is made of an alloy material, while the reinforcing part 2 can be made of a lightweight material such as engineering plastic to reduce the overall weight of the ball cage cage.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reinforcing part 2 starts from one side of the window 10 and extends to the location of the two parallel end faces 11.

[0036] The reinforcing section 2 starts from one side of the window opening 10 and extends to the two parallel end faces 11, essentially creating a continuous support structure in the critical stress area, increasing the thickness and material volume of this part. This effectively disperses and bears the load transmitted by the ball bearings, preventing excessive local stress concentration. For example, when a vehicle is traveling at high speed or making sharp turns, the ball cage cage needs to withstand greater dynamic loads. This design of the reinforcing section 2 can prevent plastic deformation or fracture at the edge of the window opening 10 due to excessive stress, significantly improving the load-bearing capacity of the local structure.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the width of the reinforcing part 2 is designed to match the length of the side parallel to the end face 11 of the window opening 10. When the ball cage cage is in operation, the area parallel to the end face 11 of the window opening 10 is a critical area for stress transmission and concentration. The width of the reinforcing part 2 being designed to match the length of this parallel side means that the reinforcing part 2 can fully cover and strengthen this stress-bearing area. When force is applied, the reinforcing part 2 with this width design can more effectively disperse stress, making the stress distribution more uniform and avoiding deformation or fracture caused by excessive local stress.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the reinforcing part 2 is provided with an oil passage 20. One end of the oil passage 20 is open near the window hole 10, and the other end is open near the end face 11. Multiple oil passages 20 can be provided and are evenly distributed along the length direction parallel to the window hole 10. Furthermore, an oil-cutting hole 12 is provided on the inner circular surface of the retainer body 1. The oil-cutting hole 12 is connected to the oil passage 20. The oil-cutting hole 12 is rectangular and its length can match the parallel side of the window hole 10 so as to simultaneously connect multiple oil passages 20.

[0039] As the lubricating oil flows on the inner circular surface, the oil-stopping hole 12 acts like a "collector," effectively guiding the lubricating oil into the multiple oil passages 20. After the lubricating oil is delivered to the contact side between the ball and the window 10 through the oil-stopping hole 12 and the oil passages 20, a uniform dynamic lubricating oil film can be formed on the contact surface. This oil film transforms the direct contact between the ball and the window 10 into intramolecular friction within the oil film, thereby significantly reducing the coefficient of friction.

[0040] The ball cage cage is subjected to complex alternating loads during operation, and stress concentration occurs at the contact points between the balls and the aperture 10. When lubricating oil flows between the contact surfaces, it can disperse the localized high stress over a larger area, reducing stress peaks. The lubricating oil also has excellent thermal conductivity. When heat is generated due to friction at the contact points between the balls and the aperture 10, the lubricating oil can quickly carry away this heat during its flow. The multiple oil passages 20 increase the flow rate of the lubricating oil, reduce thermal deformation caused by thermal stress, and ensure the geometric accuracy and transmission performance of the ball cage cage.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the cross-section of the window 10 is composed of a rectangle in the middle and semicircular arcs on both sides of the rectangle. Furthermore, an annular oil reservoir 100 is formed on the inner wall of the window 10, extending from the semicircular arc region to the rectangular region.

[0042] The combined rectangular and semi-circular cross-sectional shape provides a better strength distribution mechanically. The rectangular portion can withstand larger axial forces, while the semi-circular portion can disperse radial forces, allowing the window 10 as a whole to better withstand the complex loads transmitted by the balls. The annular oil reservoir 100 extends from the semi-circular region to the rectangular region, forming a continuous oil storage space. Compared to the inner wall of a conventional planar window 10, the annular oil reservoir 100 can store more lubricating oil. When the ball cage cage is operating, lubricating oil can be continuously supplied from the oil reservoir 100 to the contact area between the balls and the window 10. In the event of insufficient lubricating oil supply or a temporary failure of the lubrication system, the lubricating oil in the oil reservoir 100 can continue to function, ensuring lubrication between the balls and the window 10 and reducing wear.

[0043] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0044] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A ball cage retainer having a locally reinforced structure, comprising a retainer main body having concentric inner and outer spherical surfaces and two parallel end surfaces, the retainer main body being provided with window holes which are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, characterized in that, The spherical portion adjacent to the two parallel end faces of the window is provided with a reinforcing part. The reinforcing part is designed to fit the outer spherical surface according to the curvature of the outer spherical surface to increase the thickness of the contact position between the side of the window and the rolling element, thereby effectively improving the local strength.

2. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing part is integrally formed with the cage body.

3. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing part is detachably connected to the cage body.

4. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcement starts from one side of the window opening and extends to the location of the two parallel end faces.

5. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the reinforcing section is designed to match the length of the window opening and the side parallel to the end face.

6. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforced section has an oil passage inside, with one end opening near the window and the other end opening near the end face.

7. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, An oil-cutting hole is provided on the inner circular surface of the cage body, and the oil-cutting hole is connected to the oil passage.

8. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the window is composed of a rectangle in the middle and semicircular arcs on both sides of the rectangle.

9. The ball cage retainer with a locally reinforced structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the window is provided with an annular oil storage groove, which extends from a semi-circular arc area to a rectangular area.

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