A type of inclined roller raceway assembly ball cage

Abstract

This utility model provides a ball cage for a slanted raceway assembly, belonging to the field of automotive parts technology. It solves the problems of inconvenient maintenance and operation of existing ball cages. This slanted raceway assembly ball cage includes a bell-shaped shell, one end of which is fitted and fixedly connected to a connecting sleeve, and the other end of the bell-shaped shell has a connecting shaft. A star-shaped sleeve is disposed in the working cavity of the bell-shaped shell, and a retainer is disposed between the bell-shaped shell and the star-shaped sleeve. Several steel balls are sequentially arranged circumferentially on the retainer. A straight hole is opened on the end face of the connecting shaft, axially arranged and communicating with the working cavity of the bell-shaped shell. A sealing plug is threaded to the outer end of the straight hole to seal it. The maintenance and operation of this ball cage is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive parts technology and relates to a ball cage for a slanted raceway assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A universal joint, also known as a universal connector, is a mechanical component that enables variable-angle power transmission. It is used in locations where the direction of the drive shaft needs to be changed, and it is the "joint" component of the universal joint transmission device in an automotive drive system. Universal joints include non-constant velocity universal joints, quasi-constant velocity universal joints, and constant velocity universal joints. The ball cage universal joint is a type of constant velocity universal joint, including three-way and six-ball types.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent literature discloses a limiting ball cage (application number: CN201921444692.3; announcement number: CN210859601U), which includes a bell-shaped shell, a star-shaped sleeve fitted inside the bell-shaped shell, a steel ball between the bell-shaped shell and the star-shaped sleeve, and a limiting mechanism at the open end of the bell-shaped shell. The limiting mechanism includes a connecting sleeve fitted and engaged with the bell-shaped shell, a sealing ring groove on the outer circumferential surface of the open end of the bell-shaped shell, an O-ring seal inside the sealing ring groove, a constricted connecting sleeve, and a minimum inner diameter of the connecting sleeve smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the star-shaped sleeve. A slot is provided on one side of the sealing ring groove, and a locking part is provided at the end of the connecting sleeve connected to the bell-shaped shell along the circumference of the connecting sleeve. The locking part is recessed inward and forms a protrusion on the inner wall of the connecting sleeve. The locking part engages with the slot, and a retaining spring is fitted on the locking part.

[0004] To reduce friction and wear on the steel balls, the working cavity of the bell-shaped shell is filled with lubricating grease. As the ball cage is used, the lubricating grease is continuously consumed, and its performance deteriorates. Therefore, regular replacement and replenishment of the lubricating grease are necessary during ball cage maintenance. Currently, replenishing or replacing the lubricating grease requires removing the connecting sleeve from the bell-shaped shell, and then reinstalling it afterward. However, the connecting sleeve is secured by protrusions and slots, making disassembly difficult and often requiring specialized equipment. Furthermore, this process can easily damage the protruding structure of the connecting sleeve, making ball cage maintenance inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a ball cage with an inclined raceway assembly, thereby solving the technical problem of how to make the maintenance and upkeep of the ball cage convenient.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A ball cage for a slanted raceway assembly includes a bell-shaped shell, one end of which is fitted with and fixedly connected to a connecting sleeve, and the other end of which has a connecting shaft. A star-shaped sleeve is disposed in the working cavity of the bell-shaped shell, and a retainer is disposed between the bell-shaped shell and the star-shaped sleeve. Several steel balls are sequentially disposed on the retainer along the circumferential direction. The connecting shaft has a straight hole that is axially disposed and communicates with the working cavity of the bell-shaped shell, and a sealing plug that seals the straight hole is threaded to the outer port of the straight hole.

[0008] When the lubricating grease needs to be replaced or replenished, unscrew the sealing plug and replenish or replace the lubricating grease in the working chamber of the bell-shaped shell through the outer port of the straight hole. Then, reinstall the sealing plug into the outer port of the straight hole and tighten it. There is no need to replace the connecting sleeve, and it will not damage the structure of the connecting sleeve, making the maintenance of the ball cage convenient.

[0009] In the aforementioned inclined raceway assembly ball cage, the outer port of the straight hole is a countersunk end, and the sealing plug is bolt-shaped, with its head located inside the countersunk end. During operation, the sealing plug is concealed within the straight hole, preventing interference caused by exposed sealing plugs and ensuring normal operation of the ball cage.

[0010] In the aforementioned inclined raceway assembly ball cage, the straight hole is located at the center of the connecting shaft end face. That is, the axis of the straight hole coincides with the axis of the connecting shaft. This reduces the impact of the straight hole setting on the structural strength of the connecting shaft, allowing the ball cage to be used normally and transmit motion and force.

[0011] In the aforementioned inclined raceway assembly ball cage, the side wall of the bell-shaped shell working cavity is provided with several first inclined raceways corresponding to the steel balls, and the outer circumferential surface of the star-shaped sleeve is provided with several second inclined raceways corresponding to the steel balls. The two sides of the steel balls are respectively embedded in the corresponding first and second inclined raceways. The bottom surface of the bell-shaped shell working cavity is provided with a groove, and the inner port of the straight hole is located on the bottom surface of the groove.

[0012] When the ball cage is working, the steel ball rolls and slides in the first and second inclined raceways. The inner end of the straight hole is located on the bottom surface of the groove. The straight hole is designed in a non-critical area (non-raceway) to completely avoid the first inclined raceway and the steel ball, ensuring the normal operation of the ball cage.

[0013] In the aforementioned inclined raceway assembly ball cage, the raceway surface of the first inclined raceway is connected to the groove wall surface of the groove. This facilitates the entry of lubricating grease from the groove into the first inclined raceway to lubricate the steel balls, ensuring the lubrication effect of the ball cage.

[0014] In the aforementioned inclined raceway assembly ball cage, the outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve has reinforcing ribs, and there are several reinforcing ribs that are evenly arranged along the circumference of the connecting sleeve.

[0015] When a vehicle accelerates rapidly, brakes suddenly, or corners at high speed, the connecting sleeve needs to withstand large alternating loads. Traditional connecting sleeves without reinforcing ribs are prone to plastic deformation or even breakage. The addition of reinforcing ribs can improve the structural strength of the connecting sleeve. The reinforcing ribs can resist the torsional load transmitted by the drive shaft, prevent the connecting sleeve from undergoing local instability deformation under torque, and guide the load to be evenly distributed across the entire cross-section of the connecting sleeve, thereby improving the service life of the connecting sleeve.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] The straight hole and sealing plug on the connecting shaft allow for easy replacement and replenishment of lubricating grease within the working chamber of the bell-shaped housing via the straight hole. The sealing plug is threaded onto the connecting shaft and can be easily installed and removed using a standard wrench, eliminating the need for specialized equipment to replace the connecting sleeve and simplifying ball cage maintenance. Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs on the connecting sleeve extend its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the ball cage.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial sectional view of the ball cage after the sealing plug has been removed.

[0020] Figure 3 This is the left view of the connecting sleeve.

[0021] In the figure, 1 is a bell-shaped shell; 1a is a working cavity; 1a1 is the first inclined raceway; 1b is a groove; 1c is a connecting shaft; 1c1 is a straight hole; 2 is a star-shaped sleeve; 2a is the second inclined raceway; 3 is a cage; 4 is a steel ball; 5 is a connecting sleeve; 5a is a reinforcing rib; and 6 is a sealing plug. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, a ball cage with inclined raceways includes a bell-shaped shell 1. A connecting sleeve 5 is fitted and fixedly connected to one end of the bell-shaped shell 1, and a connecting shaft 1c is located at the other end of the bell-shaped shell 1. A star-shaped sleeve 2 is disposed in the working cavity 1a of the bell-shaped shell 1. A retainer 3 is disposed between the bell-shaped shell 1 and the star-shaped sleeve 2, and several steel balls 4 are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the retainer 3. Several windows corresponding to the steel balls 4 are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the retainer 3, and the center of the steel ball 4 passes through the corresponding window. Several first inclined raceways 1a1 corresponding to the steel balls 4 are opened on the side wall of the working cavity 1a of the bell-shaped shell 1, and several second inclined raceways 2a corresponding to the steel balls 4 are opened on the outer circumference of the star-shaped sleeve 2. The two sides of the steel balls 4 are respectively embedded in the corresponding first inclined raceways 1a1 and second inclined raceways 2a. Generally, six steel balls 4 are provided to form a six-ball universal joint.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a straight hole 1c1 is provided on the end face of the connecting shaft 1c, which is axially oriented and communicates with the working cavity 1a of the bell-shaped shell 1. A sealing plug 6 is threadedly connected to the outer port of the straight hole 1c1 to seal it. A groove 1b is provided on the bottom surface of the working cavity 1a of the bell-shaped shell 1. The inner port of the straight hole 1c1 is located on the bottom surface of the groove 1b, and the raceway surface of the first inclined raceway 1a1 is connected to the groove wall surface of the groove 1b. The outer port of the straight hole 1c1 is a countersunk end, and the sealing plug 6 is bolt-shaped, with its head located inside the countersunk end. The straight hole 1c1 is located at the center of the end face of the connecting shaft 1c, that is, the axis of the straight hole 1c1 coincides with the axis of the connecting shaft 1c. The straight hole 1c1 is machined with an internal thread of M4-M6. The sealing plug 6 is bolt-shaped and is made of copper or stainless steel with external threads. The surface is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene lubricating layer. The seal is achieved by rotating and tightening. The head of the sealing plug 6 can be designed as a hexagonal shape or a hexagonal hole.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the connecting sleeve 5 is conical, with its large end fitted and fixedly connected to the bell-shaped shell 1. The connecting sleeve 5 and the bell-shaped shell 1 are fixed by an interference fit or a snap-fit. A sealing ring is provided between the connecting sleeve 5 and the bell-shaped shell 1. Several reinforcing ribs 5a are evenly arranged along the circumference of the connecting sleeve 5 on its outer circumference. During rapid acceleration, sudden braking, or high-speed cornering, the connecting sleeve 5 must withstand significant alternating loads, especially combined radial impact and torsional loads. The wall thickness of the connecting sleeve 5 is 2mm-4mm. Traditional connecting sleeves 5 are thin-walled structures without reinforcing ribs 5a, which are prone to plastic deformation or even fracture in stress concentration areas, such as the flange root and the connection transition area, commonly seen in heavy-duty vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks, or in off-road conditions. The length of the reinforcing ribs 5a covers the main stress-bearing sections of the connecting sleeve 5's cylinder, and the number of reinforcing ribs 5a is 20-30, for example, 25. The reinforcing rib 5a can resist the torsional load transmitted by the drive shaft, prevent the connecting sleeve 5 from undergoing local instability and deformation under torque, and guide the load to be evenly distributed throughout the cross section of the connecting sleeve 5, thereby improving the service life of the connecting sleeve 5.

[0026] When lubricating grease needs to be replaced or replenished, the sealing plug 6 is unscrewed using a general-purpose wrench. The lubricating grease in the working chamber 1a of the bell-shaped housing 1 is then replenished or replaced through the outer port of the straight hole 1c1. Afterwards, the sealing plug 6 is reinstalled onto the outer port of the straight hole 1c1 and tightened. There is no need to replace the connecting sleeve 5, nor will it damage the structure of the connecting sleeve 5, making the maintenance of the ball cage convenient. This ball cage allows for lubricating grease replenishment and internal cleaning through the straight hole 1c1, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional ball cages that are either unmaintainable or inconvenient to maintain, making ball cage maintenance easy. Ordinary repair shops or users can operate it themselves without professional equipment, and the maintenance time generally does not exceed 10 minutes.

[0027] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ball cage for a slanted raceway assembly, comprising a bell-shaped shell (1), one end of which is fitted with and fixedly connected to a connecting sleeve (5), the other end of which has a connecting shaft (1c), a star-shaped sleeve (2) disposed in the working cavity (1a) of the bell-shaped shell (1), a retainer (3) disposed between the bell-shaped shell (1) and the star-shaped sleeve (2), and a plurality of steel balls (4) sequentially disposed on the retainer (3) along the circumferential direction, characterized in that, The end face of the connecting shaft (1c) is provided with a straight hole (1c1) that is axially arranged and communicates with the working cavity (1a) of the bell-shaped shell (1). A sealing plug (6) is threadedly connected to the outer port of the straight hole (1c1) to block the straight hole (1c1).

2. The ball cage of the inclined raceway assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer port of the straight hole (1c1) is a countersunk opening, the sealing plug (6) is bolt-shaped, and the head of the sealing plug (6) is located inside the countersunk opening.

3. The ball cage of the inclined raceway assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straight hole (1c1) is located at the center of the end face of the connecting shaft (1c).

4. The ball cage of the inclined raceway assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The working cavity (1a) of the bell-shaped shell (1) has several first inclined raceways (1a1) corresponding to the steel ball (4) on its side wall. The outer circumferential surface of the star-shaped sleeve (2) has several second inclined raceways (2a) corresponding to the steel ball (4). The two sides of the steel ball (4) are respectively embedded in the corresponding first inclined raceway (1a1) and second inclined raceway (2a). The bottom surface of the working cavity (1a) of the bell-shaped shell (1) is provided with a groove (1b). The inner port of the straight hole (1c1) is located on the bottom surface of the groove (1b).

5. The ball cage of the inclined raceway assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The raceway surface of the first inclined raceway (1a1) is connected to the groove wall surface of the groove (1b).

6. The ball cage of the inclined raceway assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve (5) has reinforcing ribs (5a), and there are several reinforcing ribs (5a) arranged evenly along the circumference of the connecting sleeve (5).

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