A thread anti-loosening structure based on cooperation of a ratchet tooth and a special-shaped gasket
The mechanical engagement of the ratchet teeth and the shaped washer solves the problem of loosening of threaded connections under vibration conditions, provides a durable and reliable anti-loosening effect, and enables convenient installation and disassembly, making it suitable for mechanical connections of various thread types.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522415584.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing threaded connections are prone to loosening under vibration, impact, or variable loads, leading to connection failure. Existing anti-loosening technologies suffer from problems such as frictional attenuation, complex installation, non-removability, or high maintenance costs.
The threaded anti-loosening structure uses ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped gaskets to achieve unidirectional limiting through the mechanical engagement of the ratchet teeth and gaskets. Combined with the detachable design of the irregularly shaped gaskets, it achieves better anti-loosening effect than friction anti-loosening and is convenient for installation and disassembly.
It achieves a long-lasting and reliable anti-loosening effect, is easy to install and disassemble, has a compact and lightweight structure, excellent load-bearing capacity, and is suitable for various thread types and various scenarios from precision electronics to heavy machinery.
Smart Images

Figure CN224932033U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical fastener technology, and in particular to a thread anti-loosening structure based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped washers. Background Technology
[0002] Bolt threaded connections are the most common connection method in mechanical assembly due to their simple structure and convenient assembly and disassembly, and are widely used in equipment assembly, structural connections, and other scenarios. However, under vibration, impact, or variable loads, the friction between the threaded pairs can easily decrease or disappear instantaneously, causing the nut and bolt to loosen, leading to connection failure, decreased equipment accuracy, equipment malfunction, or even safety accidents. Preventing nuts and bolts from loosening is not only a key technical means to ensure the stable operation of mechanical equipment and extend the life of components, but also a necessary measure to avoid significant economic losses and safety hazards caused by connection failure. Anti-loosening technology has become an indispensable core element in connection design.
[0003] Existing anti-loosening technologies are mainly divided into three categories: Friction anti-loosening: such as double nuts, spring washers, nylon self-locking nuts, etc., which achieve anti-loosening by increasing the friction of the thread pair. However, the coefficient of friction is prone to decay after long-term use, and the anti-loosening effect is not lasting. Moreover, the double nut design can lead to stress concentration, reducing the load-bearing capacity of the connection. Mechanical anti-loosening: such as slotted nuts with cotter pins, locking washers, etc., which prevent the threads from reversing through mechanical limiting. The anti-loosening reliability is high, but installation requires additional procedures and is difficult to operate in confined spaces or automated assembly. Disassembly requires damage to the limiting components. Permanent anti-loosening: such as welding, riveting, or anaerobic adhesive bonding. Although it can achieve permanent anti-loosening, it cannot be disassembled or reused after assembly, which greatly increases the equipment maintenance cost and is only suitable for special fixing scenarios. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and propose a thread anti-loosening structure based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped gaskets, which can achieve the effects of durable and reliable anti-loosening, convenient installation and disassembly, compact and lightweight structure, and excellent load-bearing performance.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following specific technical solution:
[0006] The thread anti-loosening structure based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped washers provided by this utility model includes a ratchet nut, an irregularly shaped washer, a first connected part, a second connected part, and a bolt;
[0007] The first and second connected parts are provided with coaxial connecting holes adapted to the bolt, so that the bolt thread passes through the connecting holes of the first and second connected parts. The internal thread of the ratchet nut is adapted to the thread of the bolt. The first connected part, the second connected part, the special-shaped washer and the ratchet nut are sequentially sleeved on the outer surface of the bolt thread along the axial direction of the bolt.
[0008] One end of the ratchet nut has evenly distributed one-way ratchet teeth machined along the circumference. The tooth surfaces of the one-way ratchet teeth are designed with an inclined angle. When the ratchet nut is tightened clockwise, it forms a smooth inclined surface, and when the ratchet nut is loosened counterclockwise, it forms a vertical blocking surface. The upper surface of the irregularly shaped washer has a bend that meshes with the one-way ratchet teeth of the ratchet nut. This bend allows the ratchet nut to rotate only in the tightening direction to prevent loosening. The lower bottom surface of the irregularly shaped washer has a folded edge boss. The second connected part has a positioning groove that matches the folded edge boss for fixing and installing the irregularly shaped washer.
[0009] This utility model can achieve the following technical effects:
[0010] The thread anti-loosening structure provided by this utility model based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped gaskets provides long-lasting and reliable anti-loosening. Through the mechanical meshing of ratchet teeth and gasket teeth, a one-way limit is formed, which solves the problem of thread slippage under vibration conditions. The anti-loosening effect is better than friction anti-loosening, and there is no risk of performance degradation.
[0011] Easy to install and disassemble. No special tools are required for assembly; simply tighten the ratchet nut with a regular wrench to achieve inter-tooth engagement. When disassembling, apply torque in the opposite direction, and the irregularly shaped washer slides out of the positioning groove. The parts can be reused, solving the problem of mechanical loosening during disassembly.
[0012] With a compact and lightweight structure, it requires no additional pawls, brackets or other components. It achieves anti-loosening through the integrated fit of nuts and washers. The axial dimension is reduced by more than 30% compared to the traditional double nut structure, making it suitable for compact assembly spaces.
[0013] With excellent load-bearing capacity, the irregularly shaped gasket is made of high-strength alloy steel with a thickness of only 2-5mm, which will not cause stress concentration.
[0014] It is highly adaptable, and the ratchet tooth module and washer size can be adjusted according to the bolt specifications. It is compatible with a variety of thread types and is suitable for various scenarios from precision electronics to heavy machinery. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thread anti-loosening structure based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped gaskets according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet nut structure provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped gasket provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0018] Figure 4This is a structural schematic diagram of the second connected member according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first connected member according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a bolt provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0021] The reference numerals in the figures include:
[0022] 1. Ratchet nut; 2. Shaped washer; 3. Second connected part; 4. First connected part; 5. Bolt; 6. One-way ratchet tooth; 7. Bending; 8. Folded edge boss; 9. Positioning groove; 10. Connecting hole. Detailed Implementation
[0023] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description below, the same modules are denoted by the same reference numerals. Where the same reference numerals are used, their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof.
[0025] This utility model embodiment provides a thread anti-loosening structure based on the cooperation of ratchet teeth and irregularly shaped washers, including ratchet nut 1, irregularly shaped washers 2, first connected part 4, second connected part 3, and bolt 5;
[0026] The first connected component 4, the second connected component 3, the shaped washer 2, and the ratchet nut 1 are sleeved on the outer surface of the bolt 5 along the axial direction of the bolt 5.
[0027] Bolt 5 adopts a standard external thread structure. The first connected part 4 and the second connected part 3 are provided with coaxial connecting holes 10 that are adapted to bolt 5. The screw passes through the connecting holes 10 of the first connected part 4 and the second connected part 3, and the head of bolt 5 is in contact with the outer surface of the first connected part 4.
[0028] The lower end face of the ratchet nut 1 is machined with evenly distributed one-way ratchet teeth 6 along the circumferential direction. The tooth surface is designed with an inclined angle. The clockwise direction for tightening the nut is a smooth inclined surface, and the counterclockwise direction for loosening the nut is a vertical blocking surface. The internal thread of the ratchet nut 1 is adapted to the thread of the screw. When the nut is tightened by rotating clockwise, it can be rotated through the smooth inclined surface. When the nut is loosened by rotating counterclockwise, it is prevented from rotating by the vertical blocking surface, allowing the nut to rotate only in the tightening direction to achieve the anti-loosening effect.
[0029] The upper surface of the irregularly shaped washer 2 is provided with a bend 7 that meshes with the one-way ratchet teeth 6 of the ratchet nut 1. This bend allows the ratchet nut 1 to rotate only in the tightening direction, thus preventing loosening. The lower bottom surface of the irregularly shaped washer 2 is provided with a folded edge boss 8. The second connected component 3 has a positioning groove 9 that matches the folded edge boss 8 on the lower bottom surface of the irregularly shaped washer 2. They can cooperate to achieve circumferential rotation and fixation.
[0030] In use, bolt 5 passes sequentially through the first connected part 4, the second connected part 3, and the shaped washer 2, before being threaded into the ratchet nut 1. The shaped washer 2 is fixed in the positioning groove 9 of the second connected part 3 by the folded boss 8 on its lower surface, and the bend 7 on the upper surface of the shaped washer 2 engages with the ratchet gear ring of the one-way ratchet teeth 6 of the ratchet nut 1. When the ratchet nut 1 is tightened, the inter-tooth engagement generates a one-way locking force, preventing the nut from reversing.
[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0032] 1. Structural parameters
[0033] Taking the M10 bolt adapter structure as an example, the specific parameters are as follows:
[0034] Bolts: Standard bolts are used, with a nominal diameter of 10mm, a thread pitch of 1.5mm, and made of 8.8 grade high-strength steel;
[0035] Irregularly shaped gasket: outer diameter 15mm, inner diameter 10.5mm, thickness 1mm, material is 65Mn spring steel;
[0036] Ratchet nut: It adopts standard thread M10×1.5, ratchet gear has 48 teeth, the tooth direction is consistent with the thread tightening direction, and the material is 40Cr quenched and tempered steel.
[0037] 2. Assembly steps
[0038] Pre-treatment: A positioning groove with a depth of 1.5mm, a width of 1.5mm, and a length of 5mm is machined on the outside of the connecting hole of the second connected part, and oil stains and burrs are cleaned from the surface of each part;
[0039] Through bolt: The bolt is inserted through the connecting hole from one side of the first connected part, with the bolt extending out of the outside of the second connected part;
[0040] Installing gaskets: The folded edge protrusion of the irregular gasket is embedded into the positioning groove of the second connected part to achieve circumferential fixation of the irregular gasket;
[0041] Tighten the nut: Use a torque wrench to tighten the ratchet nut into the bolt until the ratchet teeth are fully engaged with the washer teeth, reaching the preset torque (e.g., 200 N·m), and complete the anti-loosening assembly.
[0042] 3. Disassembly and Maintenance
[0043] When disassembly is required, apply a counterclockwise torque (generally more than 3 times the tightening torque) with a wrench. The folded protrusion on the bottom surface of the irregular washer will deform and flatten under the strong torque, disengaging from the positioning groove, allowing the nut to be unscrewed. If the tooth surface is worn, simply replace the irregular washer to restore the anti-loosening performance. The bolt and nut can be reused.
[0044] This invention utilizes the mechanical engagement of ratchet teeth and washer teeth to create a unidirectional limiting mechanism, completely solving the problem of thread slippage under vibration conditions. Its anti-loosening effect is superior to friction-based anti-loosening, and it carries no risk of performance degradation. No special tools are required during assembly; simply tightening the ratchet nut with a regular wrench achieves inter-tooth engagement. During disassembly, a reverse torque is applied, causing the shaped washer to slide out of the positioning groove. The components are reusable, solving the disassembly problem of mechanical anti-loosening. No additional pawls, brackets, or other components are needed; anti-loosening is achieved through the integrated cooperation of the nut and washer. The axial dimension is reduced by more than 30% compared to traditional double-nut structures, making it suitable for compact assembly spaces. The shaped washer is made of high-strength alloy steel with a thickness of only 2-5mm, preventing stress concentration. The ratchet tooth module and washer size can be adjusted according to bolt specifications, compatible with various thread types from M6 to M64, and suitable for various scenarios from precision electronics to heavy machinery.
[0045] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
[0047] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A thread-locking structure based on the engagement of ratchet teeth and a shaped washer, characterized in that, Includes ratchet nut (1), shaped washer (2), first connected part (4), second connected part (3) and bolt (5); The first connected part (4) and the second connected part (3) are provided with coaxial connecting holes (10) adapted to the bolt (5) for the bolt (5) screw to pass through the connecting holes (10) of the first connected part (4) and the second connected part (3). The internal thread of the ratchet nut (1) is adapted to the thread of the screw. The first connected part (4), the second connected part (3), the special-shaped washer (2) and the ratchet nut (1) are sequentially sleeved on the outer surface of the bolt (5) screw along the axial direction of the bolt. One end of the ratchet nut (1) is machined with evenly distributed one-way ratchet teeth (6) along the circumferential direction. The tooth surface of the one-way ratchet teeth (6) is designed with an inclined angle. When the ratchet nut (1) is tightened, it is a smooth inclined surface in the clockwise direction. When the ratchet nut (1) is loosened, it is a vertical blocking surface in the counterclockwise direction. The upper surface of the irregular washer (2) is provided with a bend (7) that meshes with the one-way ratchet teeth (6). It is used to cooperate with the one-way ratchet teeth (6) and only allows the ratchet nut (1) to rotate in the tightening direction to prevent loosening. The bottom surface of the irregular washer (2) is provided with a folded boss (8). The second connected part (3) is provided with a positioning groove (9) that matches the folded boss (8) for fixing and installing the irregular washer (2).
