A ball cage retainer that is easy to install

Abstract

The utility model discloses a ball cage retainer convenient to installation belongs to ball cage universal joint technical field. Retainer includes the frame body, along the axial direction of frame body, the frame body is from two ends to the center and presents the structure of gradual expansion, and a plurality of pockets are opened along the circumference of frame body to accommodate the ball, a plurality of pocket evenly interval distribution, and the pocket is located the central position of frame body, the frame body still opens one at least slope groove, and the slope groove has the entry end and the export end, and the export end communicates the pocket, and the entry end and the outer surface of frame body smooth transition, and the slope groove forms the installation channel of ball. The technical problem of inconvenient ball installation in current ball cage universal joint has been solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ball cage universal joint technology, and in particular to a ball cage retainer that is easy to install. Background Technology

[0002] The ball cage universal joint includes components such as a star-shaped sleeve, a spherical shell, a ball cage cage, and balls. The star-shaped sleeve forms an inner raceway on its outer surface, and the spherical shell forms an outer raceway on its inner surface. The ball cage cage is located between the two and has pockets in which the balls are disposed, allowing them to roll between the inner and outer raceways.

[0003] The gap between the star-shaped sleeve and the spherical shell is smaller than the diameter of the ball. Therefore, when installing the ball, the star-shaped sleeve and the spherical shell need to be in a horizontal position, while the ball cage retainer is in an inclined position relative to the two. The ball is then placed into the pocket, and the ball cage retainer and the ball are then pushed back between the star-shaped sleeve and the spherical shell. Subsequently, the inclination of the ball cage retainer is changed so that the other pocket is exposed for installation.

[0004] Because the gap between the star-shaped sleeve and the spherical shell is small, and the ball cage retainer has a structure with a central protrusion, when the ball cage retainer is tilted, its pockets cannot be fully exposed due to structural limitations. Therefore, when inserting the balls into the pockets, sometimes additional external force is required to squeeze the balls into the pockets, which is extremely inconvenient to install. In order to solve the technical problem of inconvenient ball installation in the current ball cage universal joint, a ball cage retainer that is easy to install is proposed.

[0005] ‌ Utility Model Content

[0006] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a ball cage retainer that is easy to install, aiming to solve the technical problem of inconvenient ball installation in current ball cage universal joints.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an easy-to-install ball cage retainer, comprising a frame body, wherein the frame body has a gradually expanding structure from both ends to the center along the axial direction of the frame body.

[0008] Multiple pockets are provided along the circumference of the frame to accommodate ball bearings. The multiple pockets are evenly spaced and located at the center of the frame.

[0009] The frame also has at least one groove, which has an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end is connected to the pocket, and the inlet end smoothly transitions to the outer surface of the frame. The groove forms an installation channel for the ball bearings.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the slope surface of the trough is a vertical plane along the axial direction of the frame.

[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the groove is located directly above the pocket.

[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the number of grooves is equal to the number of pockets, and each groove is connected to one pocket.

[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the groove is L, and the diameter of the ball is D, where L = (0.10~0.30)D.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the deepest point of the trough is P, where P=L.

[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the corner where the outlet end connects to the pocket is rounded, and the corner of the side wall of the trough is also rounded.

[0016] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the corners of the pocket are rounded.

[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment of this utility model, the retainer is an integral structure.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model achieves at least the following beneficial effects. To facilitate ball bearing installation, a groove is formed on the outer surface of the ball cage cage, communicating with the pocket. When installing the ball bearings, the ball cage cage is tilted. Because the cage gradually expands from both ends towards the center along the axial direction, and the pocket is located in the middle of the cage, installing the ball bearings is relatively difficult. The groove reduces the expansion of the cage to some extent, allowing the ball bearings to be quickly inserted into the pocket through the groove. Furthermore, ball bearing installation in a ball cage universal joint is usually done manually. One hand controls the ball cage cage to tilt it, exposing the pocket, while the other hand places the ball bearing into the pocket. Since both the ball bearing and the ball cage cage surfaces are relatively smooth, the groove also serves as a track for ball bearing installation, preventing slippage that could affect the installation.

[0019] After the balls are inserted into the pocket, the cage returns from an inclined state to a horizontal state and resets itself between the star sleeve and the spherical shell. When the cage returns to a horizontal state, the balls cannot disengage from the cage through the groove due to the restriction of the star sleeve and the spherical shell. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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 only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of a ball cage retainer that is easy to install according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a ball cage retainer that is easy to install according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ball cage retainer of this utility model that is easy to install.

[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0026] 100. Frame; 110. Pocket; 120. Slope; 121. Slope; 122. Inlet end; 123. Outlet end;

[0027] L, width of the trough; P, deepest depth of the trough.

[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0031] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions 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 those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0033] Reference Figures 1-4 This utility model proposes an easy-to-install ball cage retainer, including a frame body 100. Along the axial direction of the frame body 100, the frame body 100 has a gradually expanding structure from both ends to the center.

[0034] Multiple pockets 110 are provided along the circumference of the frame 100 to accommodate the balls. The multiple pockets 110 are evenly spaced and located at the center of the frame 100.

[0035] The frame 100 also has at least one ramp 120, which has an inlet end 122 and an outlet end 123. The outlet end 123 is connected to the pocket 110. The inlet end 122 is smoothly transitioned to the outer surface of the frame 100. The ramp 120 forms an installation channel for the ball bearings.

[0036] To facilitate ball bearing installation, a groove 120 is formed on the outer surface of the ball cage cage, which communicates with the pocket 110. When installing the ball bearings, the ball cage cage is tilted. Since the cage body 100 gradually expands from both ends towards the center along the axial direction, and the pocket 110 is located in the middle of the cage body 100, ball bearing installation is relatively difficult. The groove 120 reduces the expansion of the cage body to some extent. When installing the ball bearings, the groove 120 allows for quick insertion into the pocket 110. Furthermore, ball bearing installation in a ball cage universal joint is usually done manually. One hand controls the ball cage cage to tilt it, exposing the pocket 110, while the other hand places the ball bearing into the pocket 110. Since both the ball bearings and the ball cage cage surfaces are relatively smooth, the groove 120 also serves as a track for ball bearing installation, preventing slippage that could affect the installation process.

[0037] After the balls are inserted into the pocket 110, the cage returns from an inclined state to a horizontal state and resets itself between the star sleeve and the spherical shell. When the cage returns to a horizontal state, the balls cannot be released from the cage through the groove 120 due to the restriction of the star sleeve and the spherical shell.

[0038] Specifically, the inlet end 122 of the groove 120 has a smooth transition with the outer surface of the frame 100. To facilitate the insertion of the ball into the pocket 110, the ball is usually pressed tightly against the outer surface and moved towards the pocket 110 during installation. The smooth transition between the inlet end 122 of the groove 120 and the outer surface of the frame 100 does not obstruct the movement of the ball and ensures smooth ball movement.

[0039] When the ball moves into the groove 120, the ball portion sinks into the groove 120. The design of the groove 120 increases the installation space for the ball, making it easier for the ball to be installed into the pocket 110. Since the outlet end 123 of the groove 120 is directly connected to the pocket 110, the ball can be directly installed into the pocket 110 through the groove 120.

[0040] After installation, the cage is reset. Due to the restriction of the spherical shell and star-shaped sleeve, the ball cage cage is located in the middle of the balls, which obstructs the balls and prevents them from leaving the ball cage cage through the groove 120.

[0041] In addition to facilitating the installation of the ball cage cage, the groove 120 also improves the lubrication of the balls. When the lubricating grease flows on the outer surface of the ball cage cage, the groove 120 guides the grease, directing it towards the pocket 110. This ensures that there is sufficient lubricating grease around the balls to form a thicker oil film, reducing friction and carrying away the heat generated by the rolling of the balls.

[0042] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the frame 100, the slope surface 121 of the trough 120 is a vertical plane.

[0043] Because the cage has a gradually expanding structure from both ends to the middle, although the slope 121 of the groove 120 is a vertical plane, the groove 120 gradually deepens from one end of the cage 100 to the middle. As the ball gradually approaches the pocket 110, the groove 120 has a stronger wrapping effect on the ball, so as to accurately guide the ball into the pocket 110.

[0044] Furthermore, during ball bearing installation, a certain force is applied to ensure the balls fit snugly against the outer circumference of the cage, facilitating their entry into the pocket 110. When the balls enter the groove 120, friction occurs between them. To reduce wear between the balls and the groove 120, the corners of the groove 120's sidewalls are rounded. Simultaneously, to reduce friction and minimize obstruction of lubricant flow, the corners connecting the groove 120 and the pocket 110 are also rounded.

[0045] Understandably, during ball bearing installation, the installation is done one by one, and due to the limitations of already installed balls, installing balls in later sequences is more difficult. When there is only one groove 120, the pocket 110 at the groove 120 is the last pocket 110 to be installed; when there are multiple grooves 120, the pockets 110 with the groove 120 are installed first. Preferably, the number of grooves 120 is equal to the number of pockets 110, and each pocket 110 has a corresponding groove 120. This ensures the stability of the ball cage cage during rotation and significantly reduces the difficulty of ball bearing installation.

[0046] Furthermore, the groove 120 is located directly above the pocket 110. Positioning the groove 120 directly above the pocket 110 serves two purposes: firstly, it facilitates the installation and guidance of the balls, and secondly, it facilitates the inflow of lubricating grease. Since the position of the balls relative to the pocket 110 changes during the operation of the ball joint, introducing lubricating grease into the pocket 110 directly above it results in a more even lubrication effect.

[0047] Specifically, the groove 120 is a constant-width groove 120, with a width of L and a ball diameter of D, where L = (0.10~0.30)D. It is understandable that increasing the width of the groove 120 facilitates the installation of the ball into the pocket 110. However, since the groove 120 structure is a cut based on the original cage, it leads to a decrease in the overall structural strength of the cage. To achieve better ball containment or guidance from the groove 120, the width and depth of the groove 120 need to correspond. The optimal position for ball containment and guidance is achieved when the width and depth of the groove 120 are equal.

[0048] Since slope 121 is a vertical surface in this design, the depth of trough 120 gradually increases, and the deepest point of trough 120 is P, where P=L.

[0049] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 Another groove 120 structure is proposed. The groove 120 is a gradually widening structure. From both ends of the retainer towards the middle, the width of the groove 120 gradually expands as the depth of the groove 120 gradually increases, and the depth and width values ​​are the same at different positions.

[0050] Furthermore, the corners of the pocket 110 are all rounded. During operation, the ball inevitably comes into contact with the pocket 110 and rubs against its corners. To reduce wear and stress concentration at the contact points, the corners of the pocket 110 are designed as rounded.

[0051] Furthermore, the cage is a single, integrated structure with no connection points between its parts, resulting in higher strength compared to a separate cage structure. Additionally, the 120 groove structure is relatively simple, allowing for direct machining of the overall structure.

[0052] The above are merely optional embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this utility model and the contents of the specification and drawings of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A ball cage retainer that is easy to install, characterized by, The frame body is gradually expanded from both ends to the center along the axial direction of the frame body, A plurality of pockets are formed along the circumference of the frame body to accommodate the balls, and the plurality of pockets are uniformly distributed, and the pockets are located at the center of the frame body. The frame body is further provided with at least one slope groove, the slope groove has an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end is communicated with the pocket, the inlet end is smoothly connected with the outer surface of the frame body, and the slope groove forms a mounting channel for the balls.

2. The ball cage retainer for ease of installation of claim 1, wherein, The slope surface of the slope groove is a vertical plane along the axial direction of the frame body.

3. The ball cage retainer for ease of installation of claim 1, wherein, The slope groove is located directly above the pocket.

4. The ball cage retainer of claim 1, wherein, The number of the slope grooves is equal to the number of the pockets, and each slope groove is communicated with one pocket.

5. The ball cage retainer of claim 1, wherein, The width of the slope groove is L, the diameter of the ball is D, and L=(0.10-0.30)D.

6. The ball cage retainer for ease of installation of claim 5, wherein, The depth of the deepest part of the slope groove is P, and P=L.

7. The ball cage retainer of claim 1, wherein The corner of the outlet end connected with the pocket is a rounded corner, and the side wall corner of the slope groove is also a rounded corner.

8. The ball cage retainer of claim 1, wherein, The corner of the pocket is a rounded corner.

9. The ball cage retainer of claim 1, wherein, The retainer is an integral structure.

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