A universal joint, a steering axle, a drive axle and a vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a universal joint, include: shell, dust cover, the dust cover with the shell is through the interference connection of the clamp, the connecting place of the shell with the dust cover is provided with first sealing portion, be provided with the mounting groove on the shell, first sealing portion is located in the mounting groove, first sealing portion includes sealed jacket, the section of sealed jacket is configured as U type and with the interference fit of shell and dust cover, the opening of sealed jacket is along the axial direction of universal joint to the inside of universal joint. The utility model can prevent the leakage of the lubricating grease in the universal joint, and effectively maintain the stability of the sealing system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a universal joint, a steering axle, a drive axle, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry, the performance requirements of transmission systems are becoming increasingly stringent. In automotive transmission systems, the driveshaft is a key component connecting the transmission and brake assembly. Its function is to transmit the torque output from the powertrain to the wheels. The universal joint's angle coordinates with wheel steering and provides length compensation, making it widely used in transmission systems. Related technologies typically design grooves on the universal joint housing, and a convex sealing structure is used at the dust cover and housing mounting points. During assembly, stainless steel clamps apply constraint force, ensuring an interference fit between the housing and dust cover to achieve a seal. However, in adverse weather conditions, grease leakage inside the universal joint frequently occurs, easily leading to sealing system failure. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to provide a universal joint, steering axle, drive axle, and vehicle that achieves sealing at the connection between the universal joint housing and the dust cover through a specially designed first sealing part, preventing leakage of internal lubricating grease and effectively maintaining the stability of the sealing system.

[0004] The second objective of this utility model is to propose a steering axle.

[0005] The third objective of this invention is to propose a drive axle.

[0006] The fourth objective of this utility model is to propose a vehicle.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model provides a universal joint, the universal joint comprising: a housing; a dust cover, the dust cover being interference-fitted with the housing by a clamp; a first sealing portion is provided at the connection between the housing and the dust cover, the housing having an installation groove, the first sealing portion being located within the installation groove, the first sealing portion comprising a sealing sleeve, the sealing sleeve having a U-shaped cross-section and being interference-fitted with the housing and the dust cover, the opening of the sealing sleeve facing the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sealing jacket is made of a non-metallic material.

[0010] In some embodiments, a spring is provided inside the sealing jacket, the cross section of the spring is configured to be V-shaped and is interference-fitted with the sealing jacket, and the opening of the spring faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0011] In some embodiments, the spring is made of metal.

[0012] In some embodiments, a second sealing portion is further provided at the connection between the housing and the dust cover. The second sealing portion includes a first mating portion provided on the housing and a second mating portion provided on the dust cover. One of the first mating portion and the second mating portion is configured as a groove and the other is configured as a protrusion. The groove and the protrusion are interference-fitted. Along the axial direction of the universal joint, the first sealing portion is located on the side of the second sealing portion away from the interior of the universal joint, so as to achieve double sealing of the universal joint.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first mating portion includes a plurality of grooves, the plurality of grooves being spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating portion includes a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first mating portion includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating portion includes a plurality of grooves spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0015] In some embodiments, the universal joint is a constant velocity universal joint.

[0016] A second aspect of this utility model provides a steering axle, including a universal joint as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0017] A third aspect of this utility model provides a drive axle, including a universal joint as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] The fourth aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle including a universal joint, a steering axle, or a drive axle as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the universal joint, steering axle, drive axle and vehicle achieve sealing at the connection between the universal joint housing and the dust cover through a specially designed first sealing part, preventing leakage of internal lubricating grease and effectively maintaining the stability of the sealing system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a universal joint sealing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 According to Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1-Outer shell; 2-Dust cover; 3-Lubricating grease; 4-Groove; 5-Protrusion; 6-Clamp; 7-Mounting groove; 8-Energy storage sealing assembly; 9-Sealing jacket; 10-Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or relative positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the above-mentioned orientational descriptions can be flexibly set in actual application, provided that the relative positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings is satisfied.

[0028] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In embodiments of this invention, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this embodiment of the invention should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0032] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] The core importance of universal joint seals lies in ensuring stable transmission function, extending service life, and mitigating mechanical failures and safety risks caused by seal failure. They are a crucial protective barrier for the normal operation of universal joints under complex working conditions. Internal components of the universal joint, such as the cross shaft and needle roller bearings, rely on grease for friction reduction and cooling. The primary function of the seal is to prevent leakage of the lubricating medium: if the seal fails, the grease will be lost during high-speed rotation or vibration, leading to direct metal-to-metal contact between components, a sharp increase in the coefficient of friction, and the generation of high temperatures in a short time. Components lacking lubrication will experience severe wear, such as deformation of the needle roller bearings and scratches on the cross shaft journal, directly compromising the transmission accuracy of the universal joint and even causing jamming. This embodiment aims to propose a new universal joint sealing solution to address the above problems.

[0034] The following is for reference. Figures 1-3 This invention describes a universal joint, a steering axle, a drive axle, and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] An embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model provides a universal joint, which includes: a housing 1; a dust cover 2, the dust cover 2 and the housing 1 being interference-fitted by a clamp 6; a first sealing part is provided at the connection between the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, the housing 1 is provided with a mounting groove 7, the first sealing part is located in the mounting groove 7, the first sealing part includes an energy storage sealing assembly 8, which includes a sealing sleeve 9, the cross section of the sealing sleeve 9 is constructed as a U-shape and is interference-fitted with the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, and the opening of the sealing sleeve 9 faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the universal joint includes: a housing 1; a dust cover 2, the dust cover 2 and the housing 1 are interference-fitted by a clamp 6; a first sealing part is provided at the connection between the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, the housing 1 is provided with a mounting groove 7, the first sealing part is located in the mounting groove 7, the first sealing part includes a sealing sleeve 9, the cross section of the sealing sleeve 9 is constructed as U-shaped and is interference-fitted with the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, the opening of the sealing sleeve 9 faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint, when the lubricating grease 3 inside the universal joint overflows into the mounting groove 7, due to the interference fit between the sealing sleeve 9 and the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, the overflowing lubricating grease 3 will enter the sealing sleeve 9 through the opening of the sealing sleeve 9. When the lubricating grease 3 inside the sealing sleeve 9 gradually increases, it will further increase the interference fit between the sealing sleeve 9 and the housing 1 and the dust cover 2, so as to improve the sealing effect, effectively prevent the leakage of lubricating grease inside the universal joint, and effectively maintain the stability of the sealing system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sealing jacket 9 is made of a non-metallic material.

[0038] Specifically, the sealing jacket 9 requires a low coefficient of friction, high strength, and resistance to high or low temperatures. It can be, but is not limited to, non-metallic materials such as PTFE and carbon fiber.

[0039] In some embodiments, the energy storage sealing assembly 8 further includes a spring 10 disposed within the sealing sleeve 9. The cross section of the spring 10 is configured as V-shaped and is interference-fitted with the sealing sleeve 9. The opening of the spring 10 faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, a spring 10 is installed inside the sealing jacket 9. The cross-section of the spring 10 is constructed in a V-shape and is interference-fitted with the sealing jacket 9, providing a preload force to the sealing jacket 9, so that the sealing jacket 9 is tightly fitted with the outer shell 1 and the dust cover 2. The opening of the spring 10 faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint. When the lubricating grease 3 inside the universal joint overflows into the mounting groove 7, due to the interference fit between the sealing jacket 9 and the outer shell 1 and the dust cover 2, and the interference fit between the spring 10 and the sealing jacket 9, the overflowing lubricating grease 3 will enter the spring 10 through the opening. As the amount of lubricating grease 3 inside the spring 10 gradually increases, it will further increase the interference fit between the sealing jacket 9 and the outer shell 1 and the dust cover 2, resulting in a better sealing effect, effectively preventing the leakage of lubricating grease inside the universal joint, and effectively maintaining the stability of the sealing system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the spring 10 is made of metal.

[0042] Specifically, since the sealing jacket 9 needs to provide pressure, it needs to be resistant to high or low temperatures and have relatively constant elasticity. The spring 10 can be, but is not limited to, a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0043] In some embodiments, a second sealing portion is further provided at the connection between the housing 1 and the dust cover 2. The second sealing portion includes a first mating portion provided on the housing 1 and a second mating portion provided on the dust cover 2. One of the first mating portion and the second mating portion is configured as a groove 4 and the other is configured as a protrusion 5. The groove 4 and the protrusion 5 are interference-fitted. Along the axial direction of the universal joint, the first sealing portion is located on the side of the second sealing portion away from the interior of the universal joint, so as to achieve double sealing of the universal joint.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a second sealing part is also provided at the connection between the outer casing 1 and the dust cover 2. Along the axial direction of the universal joint, the first sealing part is located on the side of the second sealing part away from the interior of the universal joint, for achieving double sealing of the universal joint. The second sealing part includes a first mating part provided on the outer casing 1 and a second mating part provided on the dust cover 2. One of the first mating part and the second mating part is constructed as a groove 4, and the other is constructed as a protrusion 5. The groove 4 and the protrusion 5 are interference-fitted. It can be understood that, in order to achieve the function of axial and radial double sealing, the second sealing part is provided on the side closer to the interior of the universal joint, and a conventional clamp 6 interference-fit sealing method can be used; the first sealing part is provided on the side away from the interior of the universal joint to prevent the lubricating grease 3 that has overflowed from the second sealing part from further overflowing the universal joint.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first mating part includes a plurality of grooves 4, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of protrusions 5, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, to ensure the sealing effect of the second sealing part, the first mating part includes a plurality of grooves 4, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of protrusions 5, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint, and the plurality of grooves 4 and the plurality of protrusions 5 are interference-fitted one-to-one.

[0047] In another embodiment, the first mating part includes a plurality of protrusions 5, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of grooves 4, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0048] Specifically, to ensure the sealing effect of the second sealing part, the first mating part includes a plurality of protrusions 5, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of grooves 4, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint, and the plurality of grooves 4 are interference-fitted with the plurality of protrusions 5 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0049] In some embodiments, the universal joint is a constant velocity universal joint.

[0050] The core function of a constant velocity joint is to solve the "speed fluctuation" problem that occurs in ordinary universal joints when the included angle is large. Its working principle is based on "dual universal joint transmission + angle compensation". Specifically, the constant velocity joint in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, ball cage type constant velocity joint and ball fork type constant velocity joint.

[0051] A second aspect of this utility model provides a steering axle, including a universal joint as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0052] A third aspect of this utility model provides a drive axle, including a universal joint as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0053] The fourth aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle including a universal joint, a steering axle, or a drive axle as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0054] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the universal joint, steering axle, drive axle and vehicle achieve sealing at the connection between the universal joint housing 1 and the dust cover 2 through a specially designed first sealing part, preventing leakage of internal lubricating grease of the universal joint and effectively maintaining the stability of the sealing system.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A universal joint, characterized in that, The universal joint includes: shell; A dust cover, wherein the dust cover is interference-fitted to the outer shell via clamps; A first sealing part is provided at the connection between the outer shell and the dust cover. The outer shell is provided with a mounting groove. The first sealing part is located in the mounting groove. The first sealing part includes a sealing jacket. The cross-section of the sealing jacket is constructed to be U-shaped and is interference-fitted with the outer shell and the dust cover. The opening of the sealing jacket faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

2. The universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing jacket is made of non-metallic material.

3. The universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring is provided inside the sealing jacket. The cross-section of the spring is constructed in a V-shape and is interference-fitted with the sealing jacket. The opening of the spring faces the interior of the universal joint along the axial direction of the universal joint.

4. The universal joint according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spring is made of metal.

5. The universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second sealing part is also provided at the connection between the outer shell and the dust cover. The second sealing part includes a first mating part provided on the outer shell and a second mating part provided on the dust cover. One of the first mating part and the second mating part is constructed as a groove and the other is constructed as a protrusion. The groove and the protrusion are interference-fitted. Along the axial direction of the universal joint, the first sealing part is located on the side of the second sealing part away from the interior of the universal joint, so as to achieve double sealing of the universal joint.

6. The universal joint according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mating part includes a plurality of grooves, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of protrusions, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

7. The universal joint according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mating part includes a plurality of protrusions, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint; the second mating part includes a plurality of grooves, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the universal joint.

8. The universal joint according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The universal joint is a constant velocity universal joint.

9. A steering axle, characterized in that, Including the universal joint as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A drive axle, characterized in that, Including the universal joint as described in any one of claims 1-8.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the universal joint as described in any one of claims 1-8, the steering axle as described in claim 9, or the drive axle as described in claim 10.

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