ball joint

Abstract

[Task] Provide a spherical joint that is easily mounted to a panel having a ball stud mounted therein. [Solution] The spherical joint includes a ball stud 8 and a socket 10, the socket including: a base 12 that is annular about an axis extending in an insertion direction; a plurality of first protrusions 13, each of which protrudes from the base in the insertion direction and is connected to each other at their top ends; and a plurality of second protrusions 14, 34 that protrude from the base in the insertion direction in positions between the plurality of first protrusions, wherein the plurality of second protrusions cooperate with the top ends of the plurality of first protrusions to rotatably hold a ball, each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided with an extension 18 extending laterally with respect to the protruding direction, an outer surface of the extension is provided with an engagement portion 15 that engages with an edge portion of an opening, each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions is deformable to bend in a radial direction with respect to the axis, and the top ends of the plurality of second protrusions are arranged so as to exceed the side edge of the extension on the insertion direction side in the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball joint for mounting a ball stud to a panel. Background Art

[0002] A known automotive headlamp assembly includes a spherical socket secured to a hole provided in an anchor panel and a ball stud rotatably supported by the spherical socket (e.g., Patent Document 1). The spherical socket of Patent Document 1 includes an annular washer and a plurality of arched members extending across the washer on one side to form a housing. The ball stud has a shaft and a ball disposed at the end of the shaft and housed in a housing. Each arched member includes an outward projection that engages the anchor panel and a locking member that projects toward the interior of the housing and restricts the movement of the ball.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US6837716B1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0007] To improve the efficiency of assembling headlamps and other components onto automobiles, it is desirable to be able to install a ball socket with a pre-installed ball stud on a panel. However, in the ball socket disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ball obstructs the movement of a locking member within the housing toward the interior of the housing. Consequently, when attempting to install the ball socket with the pre-installed ball stud on the anchor panel, the arched member has difficulty bending toward the interior of the housing, making installation of the ball socket difficult.

[0008] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball joint that is easily mounted to a panel having a ball stud mounted therein.

[0009] How to complete the task

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention provides a spherical joint (1, 101), comprising a ball stud (8) and a socket (10), wherein the socket is used to rotatably mount the ball (9) of the ball stud in an opening of a panel (5), the socket comprising: a base (12) which is annular around an axis extending in an insertion direction; a plurality of first protrusions (13), each of which protrudes from the base in the insertion direction and is connected to each other at its top end; and a plurality of second protrusions (14, 34) which protrude from the base in the insertion direction or from the plurality of first protrusions in positions between the plurality of first protrusions. The extended end of the protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, wherein the plurality of second protrusions cooperate with the top ends of the plurality of first protrusions to rotatably hold the ball, each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided with an extension portion (18) extending laterally with respect to the protruding direction, the outer surface of the extension portion is provided with a joint portion (15) engaged with the edge portion of the opening, each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions is capable of being deformed to bend in a radial direction with respect to the axis, and the top ends of the plurality of second protrusions are arranged to exceed the side edge of the extension portion on the side of the insertion direction in the insertion direction.

[0011] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided with an engagement portion that engages with the opening of the panel, and each of the plurality of second protrusions, which serves to retain the ball of the ball stud, is deformable so as to bend relative to the base. Therefore, when the ball joint is mounted on the panel, even if the plurality of first protrusions are pressed against the edge of the opening and bend toward the axis, the plurality of second protrusions are prevented from bending radially along the axis or toward the ball. This prevents resistance from the retaining portion during installation of the ball joint. Consequently, the insertion force required to install the ball joint can be reduced, making it easier to install the ball joint on the panel.

[0012] Furthermore, a joint portion is provided on the laterally extending extension portion, thereby making it possible to make the joint portion larger in the circumferential direction about the axis, and thus making it possible to more firmly join the ball joint and the panel to each other.

[0013] Furthermore, because the tips of the multiple second protrusions are positioned so as to extend beyond the side edge of the extension in the insertion direction, when the ball joint is installed, the radially outward-facing surfaces of the second protrusions contact the panel opening earlier than the extensions. As a result, when the joint engages the panel, the second protrusions and the extensions have already contacted the edge of the opening, and the load applied to the ball joint during engagement is distributed across the second protrusions and the extensions. Consequently, compared to a situation where the load is applied only to the extensions, the resistance experienced by the operator during assembly is less variable, allowing for smooth, comfortable assembly.

[0014] In the above aspect, preferably, when the ball joint is mounted in the opening of the panel, the panel is positioned between and sandwiched by the engaging portion and the base.

[0015] According to this aspect, since the assembly of the ball joint to the panel is completed by inserting the ball joint until the panel reaches between the engaging portion and the base portion, the ball joint can be easily assembled to the panel.

[0016] In the above aspect, preferably, each extension portion forms a cantilever, and the engaging portion is provided on a free end of the extension portion.

[0017] According to this aspect, when the ball joint is mounted, the extension portion is bent toward the inside of the housing, and therefore the insertion force required to mount the ball joint can be further reduced.

[0018] In the above aspect, preferably, each extending portion has a plate-like shape having a surface facing the radial direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, the extended portion becomes easy to bend inward in the radial direction.

[0020] In the above aspect, preferably, the base portion is provided with an access channel (30, 103) penetrating in the radial direction in a position aligned with the extension portion and overlapping with the extension portion in the radial direction.

[0021] According to this aspect, it is possible to remove the ball joint from the panel by pushing the extension portion radially inward through the access passage and thereby bending the extension portion.

[0022] In the above aspect, preferably, the base is provided with a plurality of cutouts in positions aligned with the extensions, each cutout is recessed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and at least a portion of each extension overlaps the cutout in a radial direction.

[0023] According to this aspect, an access passage that overlaps with the extension portion in the radial direction can be provided in the base portion.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, the base is provided with a plurality of access holes (102) in a position aligned with the extension portion, each access hole penetrates the base in the radial direction, and at least a portion of each extension portion overlaps with the access hole in the radial direction.

[0025] According to this aspect, the base portion can be provided with an access path that overlaps with the extension portion in the radial direction.

[0026] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of second protrusions protrude from the base in the insertion direction, and a plate-shaped inner reinforcement (21) having a surface facing the radial direction is provided at an inner edge of a base end portion of each second protrusion.

[0027] According to this aspect, the wear resistance of the second protruding portion to the ball stud can be improved, and the bending rigidity of the second protruding portion can be enhanced.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, a plate-shaped outer reinforcement (22) having a surface facing the radial direction is provided at an outer edge of the base end portion of each second protrusion.

[0029] According to this aspect, the bending rigidity of the second protrusion can be increased, and the wear resistance of the second protrusion against the edge portion of the opening of the panel can be improved.

[0030] In the above aspect, preferably, a surface of each second protrusion facing outward in the radial direction is substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0031] According to this aspect, the second protrusion becomes less likely to hinder the insertion of the ball joint into the opening of the panel, whereby the ball joint can be easily mounted to the panel.

[0032] In the above aspect, preferably, when the ball joint is mounted in the opening of the panel, a surface of each second protrusion facing outward in the radial direction elastically contacts the edge portion defining the opening.

[0033] According to this aspect, after the ball joint is mounted on the panel, the second protrusion is prevented from being deformed and bent in the radial direction of the axis. Therefore, it is possible to improve the holding performance of the ball stud of the ball joint after the ball joint is mounted on the panel.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the above structure, it is possible to provide a ball joint that is easily mounted to a panel having a ball stud mounted therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle mounted to a millimeter wave radar device via an adapter frame provided with a ball joint according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 Yes (A) Figure 1 A magnified view of part IIA, and (B) Figure 2 (A) Enlarged view of part IIB;

[0038] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an adapter frame provided with a ball joint;

[0039] Figure 4 is a partial side view of an adapter frame provided with a ball joint;

[0040] Figure 5 is a rear view of the socket of the spherical joint according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI;

[0042] Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII;

[0043] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view (VI-VI cross-sectional view) for illustrating deformation (A) during assembly of the ball joint to the panel and (B) after assembly;

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (IX-IX cross-sectional view) for illustrating deformation (A) during assembly of the ball joint to the panel and (B) after assembly;

[0045] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of an adapter frame provided with a ball joint according to a second embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 11 A modification of the ball joint according to the first embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, a ball joint according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] (First embodiment)

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the ball joint 1 according to the first embodiment is used to attach an adapter frame 4 supporting a millimeter wave radar device 2 to a panel 5 provided on the front of a vehicle body 3. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be based on the posture in the state of being attached to the vehicle body 3.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), the adapter frame 4 is provided with a substantially flat plate-shaped base plate 6 oriented in the front-rear direction and three legs 7 extending in mutually different directions along the in-plane direction of the base plate 6 .

[0051] The millimeter wave radar device 2 is housed in a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and fixed to a base plate 6. Each of the legs 7 is provided with a ball stud 8. Figure 3 As shown, each ball stud 8 includes a rod-shaped shaft 8B and a ball 8A (metal ball) connected to its top end. The shaft 8B of each ball stud 8 is provided with an external thread. Each leg 7 is provided with a corresponding threaded hole that is approximately perpendicular to the main surface of the base plate 6 (i.e., extending in the front-to-back direction), and each ball stud 8 is threadedly engaged with the corresponding threaded hole. The ball 8A can be a sphere and can be provided with a recessed portion recessed toward the shaft 8B on its top end surface. Among the three ball studs 8, two ball studs 8 are respectively arranged above (the ball stud 8 set in this position will be referred to as the vertical adjustment bolt 8Y) and on the side (on the left side in the front view; the ball stud 8 set in this position will be referred to as the horizontal adjustment bolt 8Z) of one ball stud 8 (hereinafter referred to as the reference bolt 8X).

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), the panel 5 is provided with three through holes 9 (openings; see for more details Figure 8 (A)). Among the three through holes 9, two through holes 9 are respectively arranged above and on the side of one through hole 9 (in Figure 2 (A) Left side in the front view). A socket 10 is installed in each through hole 9 from front to back and fixed therein. When each ball stud 8 is inserted into the corresponding socket 10, a spherical joint 1 is formed, and the adapter frame 4 is connected to the panel 5. At this time, the ball stud 8 (more specifically, the ball 8A) is supported by the socket 10 so as to be rotatable in any direction. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 3 is provided with a cover 11 that covers the portion of the adapter frame 4 surrounding the millimeter wave radar device 2 from the front.

[0053] By threadingly advancing and retracting the vertical adjustment bolt 8Y, it is possible to rotate the base plate 6 around the axis extending in the up-down direction to adjust the tilt of the millimeter-wave radar device 2 in the vertical direction. In addition, by threadingly advancing and retracting the horizontal adjustment bolt 8Z, it is possible to rotate the base plate 6 around the axis extending in the left-right direction to adjust the tilt of the millimeter-wave radar device 2 in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the end of the shaft 8B of the vertical adjustment bolt 8Y and the end of the shaft 8B of the horizontal adjustment bolt 8Z are each provided with a hexagonal columnar operating portion 8C to facilitate the rotation operation using a tool.

[0054] Next, we will refer to Figures 3 to 9 The ball joint 1 , in particular the socket 10 , is described in detail.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in (B) and 3, the socket 10 has a substantially semi-elliptical shape that is rotationally symmetrical about an axis X extending in the insertion direction (more specifically, the direction in which the ball joint 1 is inserted into the panel 5). In the following description, as appropriate, the direction orthogonal to the axis X may be referred to as a radial direction, the direction of rotation about the axis X may be referred to as a circumferential direction, the direction orthogonal to the axis X and away from the axis X may be referred to as an outward direction, and the direction orthogonal to the axis X and toward the axis X may be referred to as an inward direction.

[0056] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the tube seat 10 includes an annular (ring-shaped) base 12, a plurality of arched pieces 13 (first protrusions) extending rearward (in the insertion direction) and connected to each other at the extended ends, a retaining portion 14 (second protrusion) protruding rearward from the base 12 at a position between the arched pieces 13, and a locking claw 15 (engaging portion) provided on each arched piece 13.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the base 12 has the shape of a circular ring plate centered on the axis X. Figure 3 As shown, each of the arch members 13 is connected to the rear surface of the base 12, protrudes rearward, and then extends toward the axis X in a gently curved manner to connect to each other at their top ends. The tube seat 10 has a basket 16 formed by the arch members 13 and the base 12, wherein the basket 16 has a semi-elliptical cage shape cut in the short axis direction. In other words, the top ends of the arch members 13 are connected to each other to form the bottom 17 of the basket 16. In this embodiment, the base ends of the arch members 13 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the top end of each arch member 13, that is, the bottom 17 of the basket 16, is placed on the X-axis. In this embodiment, the spherical joint 1 is provided with three arch members 13.

[0058] like Figure 3 and 4As shown, each arch member 13 is provided with an extension portion 18, which extends laterally with respect to the protruding direction, that is, extends in the transverse direction. Each extension portion 18 has a plate-like shape having a surface facing the radial direction. The extension portion 18 is connected to the arch member 13 at one end in the circumferential direction (hereinafter, the base end) to form a cantilever shape. Therefore, when a load directed radially inward (inward) is applied to the other end in the circumferential direction (hereinafter, the free end), each of the extension portions 18 undergoes deformation to bend radially inward (that is, toward the axis X). When the load is released, the each extension portion 18 stretches radially outward (that is, in a direction away from the axis X) to return to the initial position. In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, each extension 18 extends from the arch 13 in a counterclockwise (anticlockwise) direction when viewed from the rear and extends toward the base 12 and toward the bottom 17. Figure 3 As shown, each extension 18 cooperates with the base 12 and the arch 13 to form the semi-ellipsoidal cage-shaped outer shape of the ball joint 1 .

[0059] like Figure 3 and 6 As shown, locking claws 15 (engaging portions) are respectively provided on the outer surface (surface facing radially outward) of the free end of extension portion 18. Each locking claw 15 has a claw shape that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the free end of extension portion 18. Preferably, locking claws 15 are provided as close as possible to the edge of the free end of extension portion 18, and in this embodiment, locking claws 15 extend from the extension end (free end) toward the base end and substantially reach the center of extension portion 18. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and locking claws 15 may be provided so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with extension portion 18. The range within which locking claws 15 are provided may be changed depending on the flexibility of extension portion 18.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the top of the holding portion 14 (see Figure 4 The double-dashed line A) is arranged to be aligned with the extension portion 18 in the insertion direction (by Figure 4 The side edge on the front side (in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the figure or downward in the plane of the paper) (see Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the retaining portion 14 has a substantially trapezoidal shape having a pair of parallel sides on the radially outer side and the radially inner side when viewed in the circumferential direction. The extension portion 18 has an outer surface 18A facing radially outward and an extension surface 18B extending radially inward from the front edge of the surface in the insertion direction. The side edge of the radial outer surface of the retaining portion 14 on the insertion direction side (see Figure 4 The double-dashed line C in FIG) is arranged to be aligned with the front side edge of the outer surface 18A in the insertion direction (see Figure 4The double-dotted line D) is further forward in the insertion direction than in FIG.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown in (A), when the ball joint 1 is installed in the through hole 9 of the panel 5, an inwardly directed load is applied to the extension 18, which accordingly bends radially inward, and the locking claw 15 moves inward. When the front surface of the panel 5 contacts the rear surface of the base 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1B , the locking claws 15 elastically move radially outward to engage the edge of the through-hole 9. Once the ball joint 1 is installed, the panel 5 is positioned between the locking claws 15 and the base 12, and the panel 5 is sandwiched therebetween. Thus, the base 12 restricts rearward movement of the ball joint 1 relative to the panel 5, and the locking claws 15 restrict forward movement of the ball joint 1 relative to the panel 5. Furthermore, the movement of the ball joint 1 is restricted in the vertical and left-right directions by the edge of the opening of the panel 5, and the ball joint 1 is locked to the panel 5.

[0062] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the base 12 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 19 in positions aligned with the corresponding extensions 18 in the front-to-rear direction, so that each cutout 19 is recessed forward (ie, in the direction opposite to the insertion direction). Figure 4 As shown, each of the plurality of cutouts 19 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed in the radial direction, and the front edge of each extension 18 overlaps with the corresponding cutout 19 in the radial direction. Thus, it is possible to access the extension 18 through the cutout 19 after the ball joint 1 is mounted on the panel 5.

[0063] In other words, the plurality of cutouts 19 define a plurality of access passages 30 in the base 12 to allow access to each extension 18. The plurality of access passages 30 defined by the plurality of cutouts 19 penetrate in the radial direction at positions aligned with the extensions 18 and radially overlap with the extensions 18. Due to the plurality of access passages 30, it is possible to insert a designated tool through the plurality of cutouts 19 to push the extensions 18 radially inward and subject them to bending deformation. Due to this deformation, the engagement between the locking claws 15 and the panel 5 is released, and the ball joint 1 (more specifically, the socket 10) can be easily removed from the panel 5.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the retaining portion 14 protrudes rearward (in the insertion direction) from the rear surface of the base 12 to between adjacent arched members 13. In this embodiment, the tube socket 10 is provided with three retaining portions 14, each of which is provided between adjacent arched members 13.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, each retaining portion 14 includes a retaining portion main body 20 protruding rearward (in the insertion direction) from the rear surface of the base 12, an inner reinforcement 21 arranged on the radial inner side of the retaining portion main body 20, and an outer reinforcement 22 arranged on the radial outer side of the retaining portion main body 20.

[0066] The holding portion main body 20 has a plate-like shape having a surface facing the circumferential direction and protruding rearward from the rear surface of the base 12 .

[0067] Each of the inner reinforcement 21 and the outer reinforcement 22 has a plate-like shape with a surface facing the radial direction. Each outer reinforcement 22 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the circumferential direction when viewed in the radial direction, and is connected to the outer base end portion of the retaining portion main body 20 to define the radial outer surface of the base end portion of the retaining portion 14. Each inner reinforcement 21 has a generally rectangular shape extending from the inner base end portion of the retaining portion main body 20 to approximately the center of the retaining portion main body 20 in the front-to-back direction, and is connected to the inner base end portion of the retaining portion main body 20. As a result of the provision of the inner reinforcement 21 and the outer reinforcement 22, the base end portion of the retaining portion 14 has an H-shaped cross-section. This enhances the rigidity of the base end portion of the retaining portion 14.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the radially outwardly facing surface of each outer reinforcement 22, that is, the radially outwardly facing surface of each retaining portion 14, is substantially parallel to the insertion direction (rearward direction) before the ball 8A is inserted. Thus, the outer reinforcement 22, in cooperation with the extension 18, the base 12, and the arch 13, also form the semi-elliptical cage-shaped profile of the socket 10. The radially outwardly facing surface of the outer reinforcement 22 is generally parallel to the insertion direction, but is preferably slightly tilted radially outwardly toward the rear, at least when the ball 8A is inserted and the socket 10 is not mounted to the plate 5. Note that the radially outwardly facing surface of the outer reinforcement 22 may be pre-tilted slightly radially outwardly toward the rear before the ball 8A is inserted, or may be deformed to tilt slightly radially outwardly toward the rear when the ball 8A is inserted.

[0069] On the radially inner side of each retaining portion 14, a receiving portion 23 is provided, which is a surface inclined radially outward toward the rear. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 23 is formed by cutting off the front end of the inner reinforcement 21 radially outward.

[0070] In addition, the inner reinforcement 21 and the outer reinforcement 22 are connected by a wall-shaped connection portion 24 extending along the front edge of the holding portion main body 20. This improves the rigidity of the holding portion 14.

[0071] For example, when a predetermined load is applied radially outward when the ball 8A is inserted, the retaining portion 14 is deformed to bend radially outward (i.e., in a direction away from the axis X) at its top end so that the receiving portion 23 opens radially outward (see FIG. Figure 7 When the load is removed, the retaining portion 14 returns to its original shape and the receiving portion 23 closes radially inward (see Figure 7 dashed arrow in the figure).

[0072] like Figure 7 and 9 As shown in FIG. 1A , ball 8A of ball stud 8 is housed in housing 16, with receiving portion 23 supporting ball 8A from the front and receiving the front portion of ball 8A. In this state, receiving portion 23 contacts the side surface of the front portion of ball 8A, restricting forward and radially rearward movement of ball 8A. Furthermore, the rear surface of ball 8A contacts bottom 17 of housing 16, restricting rearward movement thereof. Thus, through the cooperation of receiving portion 23 and bottom 17 of housing 16, ball 8A is rotatably retained in housing 16.

[0073] Furthermore, when the ball stud 8 is installed in the through hole 9 of the panel 5, the radially outwardly facing surface of each retaining portion 14, that is, the outer surface of each outer reinforcement 22, is pushed radially inward by the edge portion defining the through hole 9 so as to be parallel to the insertion direction (rearward direction), as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (B), as a result, each retaining portion 14 of the ball stud 8 elastically contacts the edge portion defining the through-hole 9 at the surface facing radially outward.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the connection portion (i.e., the base end) of each arch member 13 with the base 12 is provided with an easily deformable portion 13A that is more easily deformed than other portions. The easily deformable portion 13A is preferably formed by making the cross-section smaller than the cross-sections of the other portions of the base 12 and the arch member 13. The provision of the easily deformable portion 13A allows the top end portion of the arch member 13 to be easily deformed radially inward and outward. Similarly, the connection portion (i.e., the base end) of each retaining portion 14 with the base 12 is also provided with an easily deformable portion 14A that is more easily deformed than other portions. The easily deformable portion 14A is preferably formed by making the cross-section smaller than the cross-sections of the other portions of the base 12 and the retaining portion 14. The provision of the easily deformable portion 14A allows the top end portion of the retaining portion 14 to be easily deformed radially inward and outward.

[0075] Next, the effects of the thus constructed ball joint 1 will be described.

[0076] In order to improve the installation operability of the millimeter wave radar device 2, it is considered to install the ball joint 1 in the through hole 9 of the panel 5 in the state where the ball stud 8 is connected to the tube seat 10. When the ball joint 1 is installed in the through hole 9 of the panel 5, it is necessary to deform the arch member 13 so that the locking claw 15 passes through the through hole 9.

[0077] In the present invention, the arch 13 and retaining portion 14 each protrude from the base 12 and are capable of deforming radially inward relative to the base 12 independently of each other. Therefore, when the arch 13 deforms, causing the locking claws 15 to move radially inward, the retaining portion 14 is prevented from bending radially inward. This prevents the retaining portion 14 from encountering resistance when installing the ball joint 1. Consequently, compared to a case where the receiving portion 23 is provided on the arch 13 to receive the ball 8A, the insertion force required to install the ball joint 1 can be reduced. This makes it easier to install the ball joint 1 on the panel 5, and improves the ease of installation of the millimeter-wave radar device 2.

[0078] In this embodiment, locking claws 15 are provided at the free ends of extensions 18, each of which is cantilevered. Therefore, when installing ball joint 1, by bending extensions 18 inward of housing 16, locking claws 15 can be easily moved to a position where they can pass through through-hole 9. This further reduces the insertion force required to install ball joint 1. Furthermore, since each extension 18 has a plate-like shape with a surface facing the radial direction, extensions 18 are more easily deformed to bend inward of housing 16.

[0079] Furthermore, since each locking claw 15 is provided on the extension 18, the locking claw 15 can be made longer in the radial direction compared to a case where the locking claw 15 is provided only on the arch 13. Thus, it is possible to increase the size of the portion where the ball joint 1 and the panel 5 engage with each other, and thus, the ball joint 1 and the panel 5 can be more securely engaged with each other.

[0080] The top end of retaining portion 14 is positioned further forward in the insertion direction than the front edge of extension portion 18 in the insertion direction. As a result, when the ball joint is installed, the radially outwardly facing surface of retaining portion 14 contacts the opening edge of panel 5 earlier than extension portion 18. Since locking claw 15 is provided on extension portion 18, when locking claw 15 contacts and engages with the opening edge of panel 5, both retaining portion 14 and extension portion 18 are already in contact with the opening edge of panel 5.

[0081] As a result, when the locking claw 15 engages the opening edge of the panel 5, the load applied to the ball joint 1 is dispersed between the extension 18 and the retaining portion 14. Therefore, compared to a case where the load is applied only to the extension 18, the resistance experienced by the operator during assembly can be made less variable, allowing for smooth assembly work without discomfort.

[0082] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1A , before the ball joint 1 is installed, the radially outwardly facing surface of each outer reinforcement 22 is substantially parallel to the insertion direction. As a result, the retaining portion 14 becomes less likely to interfere with the insertion of the ball joint 1 into the opening of the panel 5, thereby enabling the ball joint 1 to be easily installed on the panel 5.

[0083] Each retaining portion 14 is provided with an inner reinforcement 21 along the inner edge of its base end portion. This improves the bending rigidity of the retaining portion 14. In addition, this protects the retaining portion 14 from the radial inside, thereby improving the wear resistance of the retaining portion 14 relative to the ball stud 8.

[0084] Each retaining portion 14 is provided with an outer reinforcement 22 along the outer edge of its base end. This improves the bending rigidity of the retaining portion 14. Furthermore, this protects the retaining portion 14 from the radial outside, thereby improving the wear resistance of the retaining portion 14 against the opening edge of the panel 5.

[0085] The radially outward-facing surface of each retaining portion 14 resiliently contacts the edge portion defining the through-hole 9 of the panel 5. As a result, after the ball joint 1 is mounted on the panel 5, the retaining portions 14 are less likely to expand in the radial direction, and radially outward bending deformation of the retaining portions 14 is prevented. This makes it easier to maintain contact between the side surface of the ball 8A and the retaining portions 14 after the ball joint 1 is mounted on the panel 5, thereby making it less likely that the ball 8A will separate from the receiving portion 23. Consequently, the ball joint 1 can improve its ability to retain the ball stud 8.

[0086] (Second embodiment)

[0087] The ball joint 101 according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that Figure 10 As shown, the base 12 is provided with an access hole 102 instead of the cutout 19, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0088] The access hole 102 is a hole that penetrates the base 12 in the radial direction in a position aligned with the extension portion 18. At least a portion of each extension portion 18 overlaps with the access hole 102 in the radial direction.

[0089] Next, the effects of the thus constructed ball joint 101 will be described. Due to the access hole 102, the base 12 is provided with an access passage 103 that radially passes through to reach the extension 18. Due to the access passage 103, it is possible to insert a tool to push the extension 18 radially inward, causing the extension 18 to undergo bending deformation. As a result of this deformation, the engagement between the locking claw 15 and the panel 5 is released, and the ball joint 101 (more specifically, the socket 10) can be easily removed from the panel 5.

[0090] The above description is based on a specific embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified and altered in various ways. In the above embodiment, the retaining portion 14 is configured to protrude backward (in the insertion direction) from the base 12, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, Figure 11 As shown, the holding portion 34 may extend forward from the bottom 17 of the housing 16 , ie, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, to each have a cantilever shape, and the arch 13 and the holding portion 14 may each be configured to be deformable to bend in the radial direction.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the ball joint 1 is used to attach the adapter frame 4 supporting the millimeter-wave radar device 2 to the vehicle body 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the ball joint 1 can also be used to attach the adapter frame supporting various lighting fixtures such as headlights and taillights of a four-wheeled vehicle, as well as sonar and on-board cameras for acquiring information about the vehicle's surroundings, to the vehicle body 3.

[0092] Reference Signs List

[0093] 1 Ball Joint According to First Embodiment

[0094] 5 Panel

[0095] 8 ball studs

[0096] 8A Ball

[0097] 10 tube socket

[0098] 12 base

[0099] 16 box

[0100] 18 Extension

[0101] 19 incision

[0102] 21 Internal reinforcement

[0103] 22 External reinforcement

[0104] 30 Approach Channel

[0105] 101 Spherical joint according to the second embodiment

[0106] 102 access hole

[0107] 103 Approach Channel

[0108] X axis

Claims

1. A spherical joint comprising a ball stud and a socket, wherein the socket is used to rotatably mount the ball of the ball stud in an opening of a panel, the socket comprising: a base portion having an annular shape about an axis extending in the insertion direction; a plurality of first protrusions each of which protrudes from the base in the insertion direction and is connected to one another at its top end; as well as a plurality of second protrusions that protrude from the base in the insertion direction in positions between the plurality of first protrusions or that protrude from extended ends of the plurality of first protrusions in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, wherein the plurality of second protrusions cooperate with the top ends of the plurality of first protrusions to rotatably hold the ball; Each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided with an extension portion extending laterally with respect to the protruding direction, The outer surface of the extension portion is provided with a joint portion that is engaged with the edge portion of the opening, The plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are each deformable to bend in a radial direction about the axis, and The top ends of the plurality of second protrusions are positioned so as to exceed the side edge of the extension portion on the side in the insertion direction in the insertion direction, and The base portion is provided with an access channel, the access channel penetrates in the radial direction at a position aligned with the extension portion and overlaps with the extension portion in the radial direction.

2. The ball joint according to claim 1, wherein: When the ball joint is installed in the opening of the panel, the panel is positioned between and sandwiched by the engaging portion and the base.

3. The ball joint according to claim 2, wherein: Each extension forms a cantilever, and The engaging portion is provided on the free end of the extending portion.

4. The ball joint according to claim 3, wherein: Each extension portion has a plate-like shape having a surface facing the radial direction.

5. The ball joint according to claim 4, wherein: The base is provided with a plurality of cutouts in a position aligned with the extension, each cutout being recessed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and At least a portion of each extension overlaps the cutout in the radial direction.

6. The ball joint according to claim 4, wherein: The base is provided with a plurality of access holes in a position aligned with the extension, each access hole penetrating the base in the radial direction, and At least a portion of each extension portion overlaps with the access hole in the radial direction.

7. The ball joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A surface of each second protrusion facing outward in the radial direction is substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

8. A spherical joint comprising a ball stud and a socket, wherein the socket is used to rotatably mount the ball of the ball stud in an opening of a panel, the socket comprising: a base portion having an annular shape about an axis extending in the insertion direction; a plurality of first protrusions each of which protrudes from the base in the insertion direction and is connected to one another at its top end; as well as a plurality of second protrusions that protrude from the base in the insertion direction in positions between the plurality of first protrusions or that protrude from extended ends of the plurality of first protrusions in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, wherein the plurality of second protrusions cooperate with the top ends of the plurality of first protrusions to rotatably hold the ball; Each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided with an extension portion extending laterally with respect to the protruding direction, The outer surface of the extension portion is provided with a joint portion that is engaged with the edge portion of the opening, The plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are each deformable to bend in a radial direction about the axis, and The top ends of the plurality of second protrusions are arranged to extend beyond the side edge of the extension portion on the insertion direction side in the insertion direction. wherein the plurality of second protrusions protrude from the base in the insertion direction, and A plate-shaped inner reinforcement having a surface facing the radial direction is provided at an inner edge of a base end portion of each second protrusion.

9. The ball joint according to claim 8, wherein: A plate-shaped outer reinforcement having a surface facing the radial direction is provided at an outer edge of the base end portion of each second protrusion.

10. The ball joint according to claim 9, wherein When the ball joint is mounted in the opening of the panel, a surface of each second protrusion facing outward in the radial direction elastically contacts the edge portion defining the opening.

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