A grease seal for an axle knuckle
By setting grease overflow grooves on the steering knuckle oil seal of the axle, the problem of difficulty in judging the timing of grease injection completion is solved, realizing directional overflow and efficient use of grease.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HILYWILL ADVANCED MATERIALS TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the timing of grease injection cannot be accurately determined, leading to excessive grease overflow and waste.
Design a grease seal for axle steering knuckle, with a grease overflow groove to direct the grease overflow, making it easier to observe the overflow status and reducing the probability of excessive overflow.
The design of the grease overflow channel allows workers to accurately determine when grease filling is complete, reducing excessive grease overflow and improving grease utilization efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224397133U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle axle steering knuckle technology, specifically a grease seal for vehicle axle steering knuckles. Background Technology
[0002] The steering knuckle is a crucial component of a car's steering system, one of its functions being to ensure the vehicle's steering agility. To reduce wear during use, grease is injected into the grease fitting on the steering knuckle to effectively lubricate the bushings and extend its lifespan. However, during the production and assembly process, injecting grease into the sealed and invisible cavity makes it impossible to directly observe the grease injection level. Most manufacturers increase the injection pressure to forcibly open the steering knuckle oil seal lip, and after the cavity is completely filled with grease, they observe the grease overflowing from the other side of the oil seal to confirm complete grease filling.
[0003] However, since the grease overflows from the circumferential direction of the oil seal, the location of the grease overflow is uncertain, and the staff cannot predict the location of the grease overflow. Therefore, the existing oil seal is not convenient for the staff to observe the grease overflow status, and the staff cannot accurately grasp the timing of judging when the grease filling is complete, resulting in excessive grease overflow and excessive waste of grease. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a grease seal for axle steering knuckle. This device is equipped with a grease overflow groove, which allows the grease to overflow in a directional manner. This facilitates the operator in measuring the overflow status of the grease, enabling them to determine when the grease filling is complete and thus reducing the probability of excessive grease overflow.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle, comprising a skeleton and a sealing rubber fixedly connected to the inner side of the skeleton, wherein the axial cross section of the skeleton is L-shaped, and one or more grease overflow grooves are provided at the upper end of the skeleton, wherein the length direction of the grease overflow grooves is arranged along the radial direction of the skeleton.
[0006] The above structural design allows the grease to overflow in a directional manner through the grease overflow groove, making it easier for workers to measure the overflow status of the grease. This enables workers to judge when the grease filling is complete, thereby reducing the probability of excessive grease overflow.
[0007] Preferably, the outer wall at the bend of the skeleton is provided with a rounded chamfer.
[0008] The above structural design reduces friction between the oil seal and the mounting surface; it disperses stress generated during installation, preventing stress concentration in a specific area of the oil seal; and it makes the oil seal easier to insert into the mounting hole, reducing resistance during installation and making installation smoother and more convenient.
[0009] Preferably, the upper end of the skeleton is provided with an outer chamfer, and the lower end of the outer chamfer is connected to the grease overflow groove.
[0010] With the above structural design, after the oil seal is installed, an annular groove is formed between the outer chamfer of the skeleton and the shell wall of the oil seal mounting housing to accommodate grease. The overflowing grease can enter the outer chamfer of the skeleton from the overflow groove. The grease adheres to the outer chamfer and has good adhesion. It is not easy to lose or be thrown off from the friction surface, which helps to maintain the sealing performance of the oil seal.
[0011] Preferably, the sealing rubber includes a lower sealing lip fixedly connected to the lower end of the skeleton and an upper sealing lip fixedly connected to the lower sealing lip, wherein the diameter of the upper lip opening of the upper sealing lip is smaller than the diameter of its lower lip opening.
[0012] With the above structural design, the upper sealing lip and the shaft inserted into the oil seal can be interference-fitted to achieve a sealing effect. During the process of filling with grease, the upper lip of the upper sealing lip is opened to ensure that the grease is injected into the oil seal from the outside.
[0013] Preferably, the upper sealing lip has an inverted trumpet-shaped structure, and an inner chamfer is provided at the upper lip opening of the upper sealing lip.
[0014] With the above structural design, when the rotational speed of the shaft inserted into the oil seal reaches a certain speed, there will be a difference in the angle between the upper and lower sides of the upper sealing lip and the shaft inserted into the oil seal, resulting in a pumping effect and forming a sealing effect.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0016] This device uses a grease overflow tank to direct the grease to full, making it easier for staff to observe the grease overflow status and determine when the grease filling is complete, thereby reducing the probability of excessive grease overflow. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 This utility model provides a technical solution: a grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle, including a skeleton 1 and a sealing rubber 2 fixedly connected to the inner side of the skeleton 1. The axial section of the skeleton 1 is L-shaped, and one or more grease overflow grooves 3 are opened at the upper end of the skeleton 1. The length direction of the grease overflow grooves 3 is arranged along the radial direction of the skeleton 1.
[0021] A rounded chamfer 11 is provided on the outer wall of the bend of the skeleton 1.
[0022] The upper end of the skeleton 1 is provided with an outer chamfer 12, and the lower end of the outer chamfer 12 is connected to the grease overflow groove 3.
[0023] The sealing rubber 2 includes a lower sealing lip 21 fixedly connected to the lower end of the skeleton 1 and an upper sealing lip 22 fixedly connected to the lower sealing lip 21. The diameter of the upper lip opening of the upper sealing lip 22 is smaller than the diameter of its lower lip opening, and the upper end face of the upper sealing lip 22 is flush with the bottom of the grease overflow groove 3.
[0024] The upper sealing lip 22 has an inverted trumpet-shaped structure and a tapered structure with an upper diameter smaller than a lower diameter. An inner chamfer 23 is provided at the upper lip opening of the upper sealing lip 22. When the upper sealing lip 22 is in an interference fit with the shaft inserted into the oil seal, the angle between the chamfer 23 and the shaft is the oil-side lip angle, with an optimal design angle of 45° to 60°. The angle between the chamfer of the upper sealing lip 22 and the shaft is the air-side lip angle, with an optimal design angle of 12° to 30°.
[0025] Working principle: The operator installs the oil seal onto the housing. During installation, the operator marks the housing at the location corresponding to the grease overflow groove 3. The operator can use a marker or other tools to mark the housing, ensuring grease will overflow from the marked location. Next, the operator uses an oil seal installation tool to smoothly push the oil seal into the housing. The interference fit between the skeleton 1 and the housing achieves a static seal, providing the oil seal with the appropriate force and preventing it from detaching from the housing. The sealing rubber 2 will also have an interference fit with the shaft inserted into the oil seal, thus... Sealing function; Next, the operator injects grease into the oil seal from the outside. The injection pressure causes the upper sealing lip 22 to deform elastically, forming a grease channel. The cavity between the upper sealing lip 22 and the skeleton 1 is completely filled with grease. The grease will overflow from the grease overflow groove 3 in a directional manner. Excess grease will be discharged from the grease overflow groove 3 from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, which makes it easier for the operator to confirm when the grease injection process is completed. The overflowing grease will enter the gap between the outer chamfer 12 and the housing. The grease adheres to the outer chamfer 12, which helps to maintain the sealing performance of the oil seal.
[0026] The structures, proportions, and sizes illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes and to aid those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein. They are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of this utility model, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of this utility model's implementation.
[0027] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Various modifications can be made to the present invention, and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way.
Claims
1. A grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle, comprising a skeleton (1) and a sealing rubber (2) fixedly connected to the inner side of the skeleton (1), characterized in that: The axial section of the skeleton (1) is L-shaped, and one or more grease overflow grooves (3) are opened at the upper end of the skeleton (1). The length direction of the grease overflow grooves (3) is arranged along the radial direction of the skeleton (1).
2. The grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the bent part of the skeleton (1) is provided with a rounded chamfer (11).
3. The grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the skeleton (1) is provided with an outer chamfer (12), and the lower end of the outer chamfer (12) is connected to the grease overflow groove (3).
4. A grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sealing rubber (2) includes a lower sealing lip (21) fixedly connected to the lower end of the skeleton (1) and an upper sealing lip (22) fixedly connected to the lower sealing lip (21). The diameter of the upper lip of the upper sealing lip (22) is smaller than the diameter of its lower lip.
5. A grease seal for a vehicle axle steering knuckle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper sealing lip (22) has an inverted trumpet-shaped structure, and an inner chamfer (23) is provided at the upper lip opening of the upper sealing lip (22).