JPH02195024A - Flexible internal sealing menber of universal coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an internal tight sealing member for a universal joint, wherein a tight sealing characteristic having a cross portion and a cup is improved by composing the tight sealing member so as to be formed of a thick tight sealing member body and a thin lubricant relieving valve-like piece. CONSTITUTION: A tight sealing member 36 is composed of a thick tight sealing body 58 and a much thinner valve-like piece 60 for discharging lubricant. This tight sealing body 58 forms a completely tight-sealed portion with self-opposing and protruding lips 48 and 52 and inward protruding lips 38 and 40, and a longer lip 54 protruding inwardly and downwardly also constitutes a part of the tight sealing body 58. When a bearing cup 26 is lubricated by lubricant, excessive lubricant is discharged outwardly by the longer lip 54 through the lip 52 of the valve-like piece 60 and lips 44 and 46 protruding outward. Thus, the generation of excessive pressure for removing the tight sealing member 36 from the cup 26 is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a flexible universal joint internal sealing member that is particularly effective in accommodating wide tolerances and surface irregularities in a universal joint.

The sealing member between the cruciform portion of the universal joint and the bearing cup is subject to severe conditions. Because of the relative rotational movement between the cruciform trunnion and the bearing cup, the sealing member must provide a sealing effect during movement between the cruciform and the sealing surface of the bearing cup or any of them. Must be. The sealing member must also contain lubricant in the cup between its inner surface and the trunnion when the universal joint rotates at high speeds and is subjected to torque during operation of the drive train in which the universal joint is located. . However, at the same time, in universal joints with a lubricant supply so that the bearings are periodically lubricated, the sealing element must be such that during lubrication some of the old lubricant flows out of the bearings. Furthermore, the sealing member of the universal joint must be effective in preventing the entry of even small amounts of impurities and water that can cause rapid bearing damage. Preferably, the sealing member also does not protrude beyond the periphery of the bearing cup so as not to disrupt the cross-cup assembly with the yoke of the universal joint.

The conditions inside the sealing member also protect it from physical damage.

The present invention essentially provides an internal seal for a multi-lip universal joint as disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,675 issued July 23, 1985. The cruciform portion of the universal joint has a body and four trunnions extending from it at mutually perpendicular angles, and the cruciform has a common annular shoulder at the junction of the body and each trunnion. are doing. Each bearing cup of a universal joint in which an internal seal is used has an open end that receives one trunnion. The bearing cup has a first cylindrical inner portion of a diameter proximate the open end and a second inner cylindrical portion of a smaller diameter remote from the open end, with an annular shape between the portions. The inside shoulder is facing the open end.

The internal sealing member of a universal joint as shown in the aforementioned U.S. patent includes multiple lips that engage the first cylindrical interior portion of the cup and a face of the trunnion proximate the cruciform body. and a resilient sealing member having multiple mating lips. The sealing member includes an additional lip between two sets of multiple lips that engage the inner shoulder of the cup and a second additional lip between two sets of multiple lips that engage the body of the cruciform. It has a lip. A second additional lip provides an additional sealing member where the cruciform body has a relatively smooth shoulder proximate the trunnion. Where the annular shoulder is absent, a second additional lip engages the body portion directly to provide a resilient sealing member between the cup and the trunnion with an additional lip engaging the inner shoulder of the cup. Hold it like this. The multiple lips that engage the trunnion are effective in preventing the ingress of water and impurities, and the outer set of lips that engage the first cylindrical inner portion of the cup is particularly effective during lubrication. It is effective in forcing the medicine to flow out of the cup. This allows the used lubricant to completely flow out of the bearing cup, if desired.

The internal sealing member of the aforementioned universal joint is usually made of rubber. Although such sealing members work well, it is preferred that the internal sealing member according to the invention be formed from a thermoplastic material.

In the manufacture of thermoplastic sealing elements, unused parts such as extrusions are remelted and reused, which reduces the final cost of the material from which the sealing element is made. However, thermoplastic seals tend to be less elastic than rubber. Therefore, the sealing member is able to withstand dimensional changes in the universal joint.
It is also less compatible with eccentric or irregular surfaces. For example, whether the universal joint is large or small, the dimensional change between the cup and the trunnion will be 0.5 mm (0.020 inches).

For example, a large joint sealing member having a 3 inch diameter trunnion can accommodate the aforementioned dimensional changes. However, for example 1.27cWL (0.5 inch)
When the same dimensional change occurs in a small universal joint with a trunnion diameter of , the smaller sealing member does not have the ability to accommodate large changes in its size.

To overcome such problems, the sealing member of the universal joint according to the invention includes an additional lip that engages the inner shoulder region of the cruciform body and a first cylindrical inner portion of the cup. It has a deep annular groove between the outer multiple lips. A large annular groove also points outwardly from the corresponding bearing cup. This new concept of the invention provides that the aforementioned additional lip is deflectable outwardly and the outer lip is deflectable inwardly to accommodate dimensional changes in the portions of the universal joint. The flexibility of the elastic sealing member is increased.

The large annular groove is located closer to the outer multiple lips than the inner multiple lips in the sealing member. The groove thus forms a seal into the thick seal body and a much thinner lubricant-passing valve.

The seal body itself forms a complete seal with additional lips that engage the inner shoulder of the cup and the body of the cruciform and inner multiple lips that engage the trunnion. When the bearing cup is lubricated, excess lubricant is directed outwardly and exits through the outer multi-lip at the location of the valve. At the same time, the outer lip on the valve piece is effective in preventing impurities from entering the bearing cup.

Also, in some universal joints, the eccentricity of the inner surface of the bearing cup and the outer surface of the trunnion may be sufficient to prevent the inner or outer lips of the sealing member from properly abutting the adjacent surfaces. .

To overcome this problem, the outer lip and, if desired, the inner lip of the sealing member have a circumferential discontinuity in the form of a slit or notch extending from the distal end of the lip to its bottom. These provide flexibility to the bevel knobs so that they conform more effectively to the surfaces of the corresponding universal joint portions and provide an effective seal despite irregularities and irregularities in their respective surfaces. do. The discontinuity also allows the outer lip portion to be more flexible, particularly to allow lubricant to pass more easily from the cup. This reduces the possibility that the sealing member will be forced out of the cup during lubrication if the lubricant is forced into the cup under sudden high pressure. This discontinuity also acts as a lubricant flow port in that situation.

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an internal sealing member for a universal joint with improved sealing properties having a cross-shaped portion and a cup of the universal joint.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an internal sealing member for a universal joint that can accommodate greater tolerances and dimensional variations in the universal joint cross and cup.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an internal sealing member for a universal joint that can obtain a greater sealing effect when there is surface irregularity or eccentricity on the cruciform portion and cup surface of the universal joint. It is to be.

Still another object of the invention is to provide multiple lips and cups that engage the cruciform portion and multiple lips that engage the deep annular outwardly directed groove to provide greater elasticity or flexibility to the sealing member. An object of the present invention is to provide an internal sealing member of a universal joint having the following features.

Yet another object of the present invention is to create a seal between a thick seal body and a thinner outer lubricant escape valve with an inner multiple lip engaging the cruciform and an outer flap. It is an object of the present invention to provide an internal sealing member of a universal joint having a deep annular outwardly directed groove located proximate the lip and an outer multiple lip that engages the cup.

Yet another object of the invention is to have multiple lips that engage the cruciform portion and at least a portion of the lip that has discontinuities in the form of slits or notches and multiple lips that engage the cup.
An object of the present invention is to provide an internal sealing member of a universal joint having a tab.

Many other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2, the universal joint includes a cruciform portion 10 having a body portion 12 and a trunnion 1 extending from the body portion 12.
4 stands out. The main body parts 12 and 14 have a supply passage 18.
A lubricant passage 16 communicating with the lubricant supply port 20 is provided. The passageway 16 is for transporting lubricant to the end of the trunnion 14, and the trunnion 14 has a lateral passageway for supplying lubricant to the needle bearing 24, which is distributed between the bearing cup 26 and the trunnion 14. A groove 22 is provided. Groove 22 may also be located at the bottom of cup 26 instead of or in addition to that at the end of trunnion 14. With this lubrication system, the needle bearing 24 is periodically lubricated to replace lubricant that has lost or become contaminated with foreign matter, including water and wear particles, thus increasing the life of the universal joint.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each of the bearing cups 26 has an open end for receiving the trunnion 14 and has a first cylindrical interior of a diameter adjacent the open end. The trap has a portion 28 and a second cylindrical inner portion 30 of smaller diameter remote from the open end. An annular inner shoulder 62 is formed between the two portions 28 and 30 and faces the open end of the cup.

Many of the resilient seals previously formed between the cup and cruciform of a universal joint typically have a cruciform profile at the junction of the body and trunnion and a profile at the open end of the bearing cup. It was of a shape having a secondary 5 external shape. The purpose was to provide a large contact area, which was thought to provide a better seal. However, the surfaces of the juncture between the cruciform body and the trunnion and the open ends of certain shaped bearing cups have not always been as smooth as the rest of the cruciform and cup. This surface had circular irregularities that, if present, prevented effective sealing with the sealing member. Also, when there is relative movement between the cross, the cup, and the sealing member, wear often occurs on the elastic sealing member.

The universal joint of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,675 has a sealing lip that engages a relatively narrow band of a cruciform cup and cruciform trunnion. Therefore, the narrow contact between the lip and the surface makes the surface uneven and irregular.
Or even if it is eccentric, a reliable sealing effect can be provided. In such seals made of rubber, the lip has sufficient elasticity to conform to the surfaces of many universal joints. However, the sealing part of the universal joint according to the invention is preferably made of thermoplastic material, as mentioned above. Unused portions of the thermoplastic material, such as extrusions, can be remelted and reused, which saves on the final cost of the material from which the sealing member is formed. However, thermoplastic seals tend to be less elastic than their rubber counterparts, and the lips of the seal are less effective at sealing between areas of variable dimensions or eccentric or irregular surfaces. .

The sealing member 34 of the universal joint according to the invention provides a more effective seal to the annular space between the bearing cup and the cruciform. The sealing member 34 has at least two inwardly extending circular lips 68 and 40 that engage the trunnion 14 proximate the body portion 12, in this case the larger diameter portion 420 of the proximal body portion 12. Consists of an elastic sealing member 66 of thermoplastic material.A circular lip 68.
and 40 are relatively narrow and engage the trunnion in an annular narrow region to provide two seals between the sealing member 66 and the cruciform 10. The sealing member 66 also includes at least two outwardly projecting circular lips 44 and 46 that engage the inner surface of the first cylindrical inner portion 28 of the bearing cup 26.
has. These engage the face of the bearing cup in an annular narrow area to provide two seals between the sealing member 36 and the cup 26.

The sealing member 36 also includes an upwardly projecting circular lip 4 between the inner lip 38.40 and the outer lip 44.46.
It has 8. The lip 48 engages the cruciform 10 in the region of the shoulder 50, in this case between the cruciform 12 and the trunnion 14.

Lip 48 engages the cruciform over an annular narrow region to provide an additional seal between sealing member 36 and cruciform 10.

The sealing member 66 also includes a downwardly projecting circular lip 5 between the inner lip 38.40 and the outer lip 44.46.
It has 2. This lip 52 engages the inner shoulder 32 of the bearing cup 26 over an annular narrow region to provide an additional seal between the sealing member 36 and the cup 26. Lips 48 and 52 are connected to cruciform 10 and cup 26
The sealing member 64 is maintained in a properly sealed condition by engagement with the sealing member 64.

Although all sealing lips prevent water and other impurities from entering the cup, the lips 44, 46, and 52 also allow lubricant to flow out of the cup 26 when lubricant is supplied to the supply port 20. Make it. The annular gap formed between lips 40 and 48 and between lips 68 and 40 also tends to trap water and impurities that may attempt to enter the cup.

They also capture lubricant attempting to drain from the cup and provide another safeguard against the ingress of water and impurities into such captured lubricant.

In this case, the sealing member 66 also has a cross-shaped portion 10, in particular a cup.
It has a more elongated, inwardly and downwardly projecting cup 54 that can project toward and engage the upper end of the needle bearing 24 to help hold it in place in the cup when separated from the cup. are doing. The lip 54 also tends to direct lubricant out of the cup between the cylindrical portion 28 of the cup and the sealing member 64 when the lubricant is supplied through the supply port 20 .

The universal joint cruciform 10 and bearing cup 26 are shown in relative extreme positions in FIGS. 6 and 4. In FIG. 6, bearing cup 26 has the largest allowable size and cruciform 10 and trunnion 14 have the smallest allowable size.

The opposite is true in FIG. As previously discussed, this change can be a change in the cruciform-to-cup spacing of 0.020 inches or more. Furthermore, the magnitude of this change in spacing is, for example, 1.27 cm (
A small one with a trunnion diameter of 0.5 inches (0.5 inches) or a large one with a trunnion diameter of 7.52 cm (3 inches) can occur. In larger universal joints, the sealing member is correspondingly larger and is more sufficient to "absorb" or accommodate the change in size. However, when the greatest spacing changes occur in smaller universal joints with smaller sealing elements, the sealing elements may not be adapted to these changes, especially if they are made of thermoplastic materials. .

This drawback is caused by the large, deep, annular groove 5 in the sealing member 66.
It was found that the problem could be solved by providing 6. The groove 56 has an upper lip 48 that engages the cruciform 10 between the trunnion 14 and the cruciform body 12, and the bearing cup 2.
6 and an outwardly projecting lip 46 at the open end thereof. The groove 56 allows the sealing member 66 to bend or flex to a greater extent. This allows the upper lip 48 to flex upwardly in the situation of FIG. 6, and allows the outer lips 44 and 56 to flex inwardly to some extent in the situation of FIG. The annular recess @56 faces outwardly away from the bearing cup 26 and does not prevent lubricant from draining from the cup. If groove 56 were to face into the cup, the pressure of the lubricant would force sealing member 64 out of its sealed state.

The upper side walls of the groove 56 are connected to each other and to the lips l,
parallel to the ends of 40 and 44,46. Concave groove 5
The bottom of the outer sidewall of 6 is inwardly sloped parallel to the outer surface of the corresponding portion of the sealing member 66. This is because, according to the condition shown in FIG. 4, when there is a narrow space between the trunnion and the cup, the outer annular portion of the sealing member with a uniform cross section can flex inwardly more uniformly. It is intended to do so.

The grooves 56 are located closer to the outer lips 44 and 56 than the inner lips 38 and 40 to form the seal 36 as a thicker seal 58 and a much thinner lubricant discharge valve 60.

The seal body 58 itself forms a complete seal with oppositely projecting lips 48 and 52 and inwardly projecting lips 68 and 40. A longer inwardly and downwardly projecting lip 54 also forms part of the seal body 58. When the bearing cup is lubricated, excess lubricant is directed outwardly by the longer lip 54 and flows out through the lip 52 of the flap 60 and the outwardly projecting lips 44 and 46. This prevents excessive pressure from building up that would cause the seal to dislodge from the cup. At the same time, valve-like piece 6
The zero outer lips 44 and 46 are effective in preventing impurities from entering the inner portion 28 of the bearing cup and reaching the lip 52.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outer lip 44 can have a discontinuity in the form of a notch or slit around its periphery. The notch can be shaped like a "v" and can be partially circular or rectangular. The outer lip 46 can have a similar discontinuity 64 in the form of a notch or slit. At least one such discontinuity is placed around each lip.Inner lip 68
and 40 can likewise have discontinuities in the form of notches or slits 66 and 68. These allow for greater flexibility of the lip so that it can respond more effectively to the surface of the corresponding universal joint, especially when that surface is eccentric or has irregularities or irregularities. It is something to do. The greater flexibility allows lubricant to exit the cup more easily, particularly through lips 44 and 46. The discontinuities also act as lubrication ports.

It will be obvious that various changes may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention, and it will be understood that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the cruciform portion of the universal joint with bearing cups installed and one bearing cup shown in cross section. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the cruciform body, trunnion, and bearing cup with sealing member of a universal joint according to the present invention in an assembled state; 6 is a further enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the universal joint and sealing member of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 with portions of the universal joint of different lateral dimensions. FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the universal joint seal partially broken away. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Cross-shaped part, 12... Main body part, 14... Trunnion, 22... Concave groove, 24... Needle bearing, 26...
・・Bearing cup, 28.30・・Inner part, 62・・
・Shoulder part, 64.56... Sealing member, 38.40, 44
, 46, 52. 54... lip, 56... concave groove, 6
0... Valve-like piece. (4 other people)

Claims (1)

What is claimed is: one to four trunnions and an annular shoulder around the trunnions, and a bearing cup for each of the trunnions;
a universal joint sealing member for each of said bearing cups, each said shoulder being in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of a corresponding trunnion, and said bearing cup having an open end for receiving a corresponding trunnion; a first inner portion of circular cross section of a diameter proximate the open end, and a second inner portion of cylindrical shape of a smaller diameter remote from the open end. an inner shoulder is formed between the inner portions, the cup shoulder being in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the cup, the plane of the cruciform shoulder and the plane of the cup shoulder being a thermoplastic sealing member having a first lip that is substantially parallel and engages a shoulder portion of a corresponding trunnion over an annular region; a second lip engaging a shoulder of the trunnion and bearing cup, the first lip and the second lip projecting in generally opposite directions, and the sealing member projecting inwardly and outwardly; a plurality of inner and outer lips engaging the sealing member, at least a portion of the plurality of lips having a discontinuity in the form of a slit or notch extending from the outer end thereof toward the bottom thereof; a cup having a deep annular groove between the first lip and the plurality of outer lips and opening away from the bearing cup, the deep annular groove corresponding to the cruciform portion; and the deep annular groove is closer to the plurality of outer lips than the plurality of inner lips, the sealing member being able to accommodate dimensional changes within an acceptable range of spacing between the surfaces of the plurality of surfaces, and the deep annular groove being closer to the plurality of outer lips than the plurality of inner lips. wherein the seal is formed as a thicker seal body having first and second lips and a plurality of inner lips and a much thinner lubricant relief flap having a plurality of outer lips. An internal sealing member of a universal joint. 2. All of the outwardly projecting lips have discontinuities in the form of slits or notches extending from their outer ends toward the bottom.
The internal sealing member described in section. 3. All of the inwardly projecting lips have discontinuities in the form of slits or notches extending from their outer ends toward the bottom.
The internal sealing member described in section. 4. The deep annular groove is formed by inner and outer side walls partially parallel to each other and parallel to the ends of the plurality of lips. The internal close-contact member described. 5. The deep annular groove is further formed by a lower inclined wall portion extending from the outer side wall toward the inner side wall and away from the open end of the bearing cup. An internal sealing member according to claim 4. 6. The patent characterized in that the thick sealing member body has a longer inwardly and downwardly projecting lip that projects between the bearing cup and the corresponding trunnion towards the needle bearing in the corresponding bearing cup. An internal sealing member according to claim 1. 7. An assembly comprising four trunnions and an annular shoulder around the trunnions, a bearing cup having an open end for receiving the trunnions, and a universal joint sealing member for each of the bearing cups, The bearing cup has a first inner portion of circular cross section of a diameter proximate the open end and a second inner portion of cylindrical shape of a smaller diameter remote from the open end. an inner shoulder formed between the inner portions, the sealing member having at least two inner lips that engage corresponding shoulders of the cup over a narrow annular region; , a much thinner lubricant relief flap, a first lip engaging a corresponding trunnion shoulder portion over an annular region, and a second lip engaging a corresponding cup shoulder over an annular region. a second lip, the lubricant relief valve-shaped piece being joined to the thick seal body adjacent to the second lip and extending over a narrow annular region of the corresponding cup; An internal sealing member of a universal joint having at least two outer lips engaging a first inner portion. 8. Some of said inner and outer lips have discontinuities, such that each of said lips having discontinuities has at least three discontinuities substantially uniformly spaced around its circumference; The internal sealing member according to claim 7, characterized in that: 9. The first inner portion of the cup is such that substantially only a first lip that engages a shoulder portion of the corresponding trunnion projects beyond the open end of the corresponding bearing cup. The internal sealing member according to claim 7, characterized in that: 10, said thicker sealing member body has a longer lip projecting towards a needle bearing located at a corresponding cup between a wall of said cup and a corresponding trunnion, said longer lip extending from said cup; The internal sealing member according to claim 7, characterized in that the internal sealing member acts to direct lubricant therein toward the lubricant release valve-like piece. 11. A cruciform portion having a body and four trunnions projecting outwardly from the body, an open end for receiving the trunnions, and an inner annular shoulder facing the open end. a bearing cup for each of the trunnions;
A seal comprising a resilient sealing member having a first lip that engages a portion of a corresponding trunnion on the cruciform body and at least two inwardly projecting lips that engage a corresponding trunnion over an annular region. parts and
an assembly comprising: a second lip projecting in a direction generally opposite to the first lip and engaging a corresponding shoulder of the bearing cup over an annular region; at least two outwardly projecting lips that engage the inside of the corresponding bearing cup between the shoulder of the shoulder and the open end of the cup, and opening outwardly away from the corresponding bearing cup; a deep annular groove between the first lip and a more proximal one of the outwardly projecting lips, the deep annular groove allowing the sealing member to close the cruciform portion. The deep annular groove is closer to the outwardly projecting lip than the inwardly projecting lip, and the deep annular groove is closer to the outwardly projecting lip than the inwardly projecting lip. forming the sealing member as a thicker sealing member body having said first and second lips and an inwardly projecting lip, and a much thinner lubricant relief valve having an outwardly projecting lip; 12. An internal sealing member of a universal joint, characterized in that the inwardly and outwardly projecting lips have a discontinuity in the form of a slit or notch extending from their outer ends toward the bottom; The continuous portion allows lubricant to flow out more easily from the corresponding cup, and even if the surfaces of the corresponding trunnion and cup are eccentric or have irregularities or irregularities, the lip with the discontinuous portion will 12. Internal sealing member according to claim 11, characterized in that it is adapted to be effectively conformable. 13. Claim 1, characterized in that all of said outwardly projecting lips have a discontinuity in the form of a slit or notch extending from their outer ends toward the bottom.
The internal sealing member according to item 2. 14. characterized in that said deep annular groove is partially defined by inner and outer side walls parallel to each other and to the ends of said inwardly and outwardly projecting lips; An internal sealing member according to claim 11. 15. The deep annular groove is further formed by a lower sloped wall portion extending from the outer side wall toward the inner side wall and away from the open end of the bearing cup. An internal sealing member according to claim 14. 16, the thicker sealing member body having a longer lip projecting towards the needle bearing at a position in the corresponding cup between the wall of the cup and the corresponding trunnion, the longer lip being in the cup; 12. The internal sealing member according to claim 11, wherein the internal sealing member acts to direct the lubricant toward the lubricant release valve-like piece.