Joint extruder

Abstract

A ball joint extractor for installing or removing a ball joint or bushing into or from a suspension component of a vehicle. Generally, the extractor includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, a spine / shaft coupling the first frame portion and the second frame portion together, and an actuator coupled to one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion. The actuator is sized and spaced such that the combined forces of the actuators minimize the bending moment (and bending stresses) about the shaft. The actuators can also share a supply line that provides balanced pressure across both actuators. This reduces the bending axis of the shaft and causes the first frame portion and the second frame portion to remain substantially parallel and the forces to be aligned with the axis of motion to install or remove the ball joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a joint extruder device, and more specifically, to a ball joint extruder for removing a ball joint or bushing from a suspension component of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Removing and installing ball joints from vehicle suspension components typically requires applying significant force. Joint plier kits are used to install and remove press-fit joints, such as press-fit ball joints and universal joints for vehicle suspension. Joint plier kits usually include multiple adapters for different sized ball joints, and most functions are based on the same fundamental principle of pressing ball joints.

[0003] Typically, a "C"-shaped frame or yoke is used to house the assembly, applying force to the ball joint on one side via an adapter (usually via a pressure screw or hydraulic system), while on the other side it is supported by a receiver cup suitable for the ball joint. The ball joint is pressed into or through the control arm or steering knuckle.

[0004] For example, adapters are generally classified into two types: 1) "push" adapters that rest against the joint to drive the joint in a specific direction, such as into or out of the vehicle suspension; and 2) "receive" adapters that bear the vehicle suspension and receive the joint when pushed. Thus, push and receive adapters cooperate to drive the joint into or out of the vehicle suspension or steering knuckle. However, because installing and / or removing ball joints requires significant force, the frame or yoke of conventional joint clamps may be subjected to undesirable bending stresses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention broadly relates to a ball joint extruder for removing or installing ball joints or bushings from or into suspension components of a vehicle. Typically, the extruder includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, a ridge / shaft connecting the first and second frame portions, and actuators connected to either the first or second frame portion. The size and spacing of these actuators are configured such that the resultant force of the actuators minimizes the bending moment (and bending stress) around the shaft. These actuators may also share a supply line that provides balanced pressure between the two actuators. By balancing the force and pressure, tension is applied to the shaft. This also reduces the bending axis of the shaft, keeping the first and second frame portions substantially parallel and the force aligned with the axis of motion for installing or removing the ball joint.

[0006] In one embodiment, the connector extruder includes a shaft having opposing first and second ends. A first frame portion is coupled to the first end and includes an adapter connection hole adapted for coupling to a first adapter. A second frame portion is coupled to the second end. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the second frame portion and are configured to be equidistant from the shaft. The first actuator and the second actuator each include a first actuator shaft and a second actuator shaft, and the first actuator shaft is adapted for coupling to the second adapter and is linearly aligned with the adapter connection hole. Attached Figure Description

[0007] For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the subject matter sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. By observing these drawings and considering them in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter sought, its construction and operation, and its many advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0008] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a connector extruder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A First side view of the connector extruder.

[0010] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A The second side view of the connector extruder.

[0011] Figure 2 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A first end view of the connector extruder, wherein the actuator is connected to the supply line.

[0012] Figure 3A According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A First side view of the shaft of the connector extruder.

[0013] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The second side view of the axis.

[0014] Figure 4A According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A First side view of the first frame portion of the connector extruder.

[0015] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The second side view of the first frame section.

[0016] Figure 5A According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A First side view of the second frame portion of the connector extruder.

[0017] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The second side view of the second frame section.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of another connector extruder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A first end view of the connector extruder, wherein the actuator is connected to the supply line.

[0020] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of another connector extruder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Side view of the connector extruder.

[0022] Figure 9A This is a first side view of another connector extruder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A The second side view of the connector extruder.

[0024] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A A front view of the connector extruder.

[0025] Figure 9D yes Figure 9C A cross-sectional view of the joint extruder taken along line DD.

[0026] Figure 9E yes Figure 9B A cross-sectional view of the joint extruder taken along the EE line. Detailed Implementation

[0027] While the invention may be embodied in many different forms, with preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein, it should be understood that the disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated herein. As used herein, the term "invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is used merely for illustrative purposes to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0028] This invention broadly relates to a ball joint extruder for removing or installing ball joints or bushings from or into suspension components of a vehicle. Typically, the extruder includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, a ridge / shaft connecting the first and second frame portions, and actuators connected to either the first or second frame portion. The size and spacing of these actuators are configured such that the resultant force of the actuators minimizes the bending moment (and bending stress) about the shaft. These actuators may also share a supply line that provides substantially balanced pressure on both actuators. By balancing the force and pressure, tension is applied to the shaft. This also reduces the flexural axis of the shaft and keeps the first and second frame portions substantially parallel and the force aligned with the axis of motion for installing or removing the ball joint.

[0029] refer to Figures 1A to 1C A connector clamp 100, for example for removing or installing a ball joint or bushing from or into a vehicle's suspension components, includes a ridge or shaft 102 adapted to join a first frame portion 104 and a second frame portion 106 together, and a first actuator 108 and a second actuator 110 coupled to the second frame portion 106. The dimensions and spacing of the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 are configured such that the resultant force of the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 minimizes the bending moment (and bending stress) about the shaft 102. The first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 may also share a supply line (e.g., Figure 2 As shown and discussed in more detail below, the supply line provides substantially equal pressure on each of the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110. This reduces the bending axis of the shaft 102 and allows the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106 to remain substantially parallel to each other during use.

[0030] refer to Figures 1A to 1C In embodiments 3A and 3B, shaft 102 includes an elongated body 112 having opposing first shaft ends 114 and second shaft ends 116. A first shaft bore 118 may be provided in shaft 102 near the first shaft end 114. One or more second shaft bores 120 may be provided in shaft 102 near the second shaft end 116, and the second shaft bores 120 may be spaced axially from the second shaft end 116 in a direction toward the first shaft end 114. The second shaft bores 120 allow the throat length of the connector extruder 100 (i.e., the distance between the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106) to be adjustable. Shaft 102 may also have a hexagonal cross-section. However, in other embodiments, shaft 102 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0031] refer to Figures 1A to 1C4A and 4B, the first frame portion 104 includes a first frame body 122 having opposing first ends 124 and second ends 126 of the first frame, and opposing first sides 128 and second sides 130 of the first frame. A first frame hole 132 may be provided in the first frame portion 104 between opposing first ends 124 and second ends 126 of the first frame. The first frame hole 132 may extend between opposing first sides 128 and second sides 130 of the first frame and is centrally located between opposing first ends 124 and second ends 126 of the first frame. A pin hole 134 may also be provided in the first frame portion 104 and extends laterally through the first frame hole 132.

[0032] During assembly, the first shaft end 114 is positioned in the first frame hole 132, and the first shaft hole 118 is aligned with the pin hole 134. Fastener 136 (e.g.) Figure 1A (As shown) The first frame hole 132 is disposed in the first shaft hole 118 and the pin hole 134 to connect the first frame portion 104 and the shaft 102 together. In this respect, the first frame hole 132 has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to or corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 102. For example, the first frame hole 132 may have a hexagonal cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the first frame hole 132 may have a cross-section corresponding to other shapes of the shaft 102, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0033] The first frame portion 104 also includes an adapter connection hole 138 and a blind hole or dead end 140, respectively disposed near opposing first ends 124 and second ends 126 of the first frame. The adapter connection hole 138 extends between opposing first sides 128 and second sides 130 of the first frame, and the blind hole or dead end 140 extends into the first frame side 130. The adapter connection hole 138 is adapted to receive and / or otherwise connect to various cups and / or adapters that engage with various ball joint components. Example adapters may include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,610,664 entitled “Connector Extruder Assembly,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] refer to Figures 1A to 1C5A and 5B, the second frame portion 106 includes a second frame body 142 having opposing first ends 144 and second ends 146 of the second frame, and opposing first sides 148 and second sides 150 of the second frame. A second frame hole 152 may be disposed between the opposing first frame ends 144 and second frame ends 146 of the second frame in the second frame portion 106. The second frame hole 152 may extend between the opposing first sides 148 and second sides 150 of the second frame and is centrally located between the opposing first ends 144 and second ends 146 of the second frame.

[0035] During assembly, the second shaft end 116 is disposed in the second frame hole 152, wherein at least one of the second shaft holes 120 is positioned or disposed near the second side portion 150 of the second frame. Fasteners 154, such as pins (in...) Figure 1B (As shown in the diagram) A second frame hole 120 is provided to connect the second frame portion 106 and the shaft 102 together. In this respect, the second frame hole 152 has a cross-sectional shape complementary to or corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 102. For example, the second frame hole 152 may have a hexagonal cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the second frame hole 152 may have a cross-section corresponding to other shapes of the shaft 102, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. Furthermore, the distance between the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106 can be adjusted by moving the second frame portion 106 along the shaft 102 and inserting a fastener 154 into the appropriate second frame hole 120.

[0036] The second frame portion 106 also includes a first actuator connection hole 156 and a second actuator connection hole 158 disposed near opposing first ends 144 and second ends 146 of the second frame, respectively. The first actuator connection hole 156 and the second actuator connection hole 158 are adapted to receive or otherwise connect to the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110, respectively. In one example, the first actuator connection hole 156 and the second actuator connection hole 158 are configured to be substantially equidistant from the second frame hole 152 or the shaft 102.

[0037] refer to Figures 1A to 1C The first actuator 108 includes a first actuator assembly 160 having a first actuator shaft 162 and a first actuator inlet 164, and the second actuator 110 includes a second actuator assembly 166 having a second actuator shaft 168 and a second actuator inlet 170. In one example, the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 are hydraulic linear actuators and are coupled to a common supply line. For example, refer to... Figure 2The supply line 172 may have a first outlet 174 and a second outlet 176 respectively connected to the first actuator inlet 164 and the second actuator inlet 170. The supply line 172 supplies hydraulic fluid to the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110, and maintains equal pressure on both the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110.

[0038] During use, the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 cause the respective first actuator shaft 162 and second actuator shaft 168 to move linearly toward or away from the first frame portion 104. When moving linearly toward the first frame portion 104, the second actuator shaft 168 can engage a blind or dead head 140 of the first frame portion 104, while the first actuator 108 performs its function. In this regard, the adapter coupling hole 138 and the first actuator shaft 162 are substantially axially aligned with each other, and the first actuator shaft 162 is adapted to receive and / or otherwise connect to various cups and / or adapters that engage with various ball joint assemblies. As described above, example adapters may include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,610,664, entitled “Connector Extruder Assembly,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each of the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 may also have a length adjuster, such as a thread, to facilitate use with different throat lengths or ball joint / bushing depths.

[0039] Shaft 102 is subjected to tension only by balancing the forces on opposite sides of the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106. This is accomplished by using a first actuator 108 and a second actuator 110 with equal working areas at equal distances from shaft 102. For example, during use, pressure is generated on the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 once all free travel is occupied. Because the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 share a common supply, the pressure between the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 is always balanced. Since shaft 102 is primarily subjected to tension, the throat length of the joint extruder 100 is essentially unrestricted. This also eliminates the bending axis, helps to keep the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106 substantially parallel, and ensures that the working force of the joint extruder 100 is aligned with the axis of motion required for installing or removing the ball joint.

[0040] Although the connector extruder 100 is described as including modular components, these components (such as the first and second frame sections and the shaft) can be integral. See, for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The shaft can be a separate component or integrally formed with one or both of the first and second frame parts. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the connector breaker 200 is substantially the same as the connector breaker 100. For example, the connector breaker 200 includes a ridge or shaft 202 adapted to join the first frame portion 204 and the second frame portion 206 together, and a first actuator 208 and a second actuator 210 coupled to the second frame portion 206. The first actuator 208 and the second actuator 210 may be the same as the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 described above, in order to minimize the bending moment (and bending stress) around the shaft 202. The shaft 202 and the first frame portion 204 and the second frame portion 206 may also be substantially the same as the shaft 102, the first frame portion 104 and the second frame portion 106 described above, with the differences described below.

[0041] The shaft 202 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and may be integral with one or both of the first frame portion 204 and the second frame portion 206. The shaft 202 may also be fixed or include a hole (e.g., the shaft hole 120 described above) to allow for throat length adjustment.

[0042] In another embodiment, see Figure 8A and 8B The shaft, the first frame portion, and the second frame portion can be a single integral piece. For example, the joint extruder 300 is substantially the same as the joint extruder 100. For example, the joint extruder 300 includes a ridge or shaft 302 connecting the first frame portion 304 and the second frame portion 306, and a first actuator 308 and a second actuator 310 connected to the second frame portion 306. The first actuator 308 and the second actuator 310 can be the same as the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 110 described above, to minimize the bending moment (and bending stress) around the shaft 302. The shaft 302, the first frame portion 304, and the second frame portion 306 can also be substantially the same as the shaft 102, the first frame portion 104, and the second frame portion 106 described above, except that the shaft 302 and the first frame portion 304 and the second frame portion 306 can be a fixed single integral piece.

[0043] In another embodiment, see Figures 9A to 9EThe first and second actuators can be integrated into the frame portion. For example, the connector extruder 400 is similar to connector extruders 100, 200, and 300. The connector extruder 400 includes a ridge or shaft 402 connecting the first frame portion 404 and the second frame portion 406, a first actuator shaft 462 and a second actuator shaft 468, and a first actuator 408 and a second actuator 410 integrated into the second frame portion 406. The shaft 402, the first frame portion 404, and the first actuator shaft 462 and the second actuator shaft 468 can be substantially the same as the shaft 102, the first frame portion 104, and the first actuator shaft 162 and the second actuator shaft 168 as described above, can be substantially the same as the shaft 202 and the first frame portion 204, or can be substantially the same as the shaft 302 and the first frame portion 304. The second frame portion 406 may also be similar to the second frame portions 106, 206, or 306 described above, except that: the first actuator 408 and the second actuator 410 are integrated into the second frame portion 406, and the connector extruder 400 includes a single actuator inlet 464 connected to a supply line that supplies hydraulic fluid to the first actuator 408 and the second actuator 410 and maintains equal pressure on the first actuator 408 and the second actuator 410.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second frame portion 406 includes a first frame side 448 facing in a direction toward the first frame portion 404. (See reference...) Figure 9D The first piston sleeve 478 and the second piston sleeve 480 (or the first piston recess and the second piston recess), as well as the first piston 482 and the second piston 484, can form corresponding first actuators 408 and 410. The first piston sleeve 478 and the second piston sleeve 480 (or the first piston recess and the second piston recess) can be disposed in the second frame portion 406, extending from the first frame side 448 into the second frame portion 406. The first piston 482 and the second piston 484 can be respectively disposed in the first piston sleeve 478 and the second piston sleeve 480, such that the first piston 482 and the second piston 484 of the corresponding first actuator 408 and the second actuator 410 are sealed with the corresponding first piston sleeve 478 and the second piston sleeve 480 (by one or more seals 486, such as O-rings or other types of seals) to form a high-pressure chamber, thereby generating working force on the first piston 482 and the second piston 484. The dimensions and spacing of the first piston 482 and the second piston 484 are set such that the sum of the torques around the shaft 402 is approximately zero. In this embodiment, the first piston 482 and the second piston 484 may be equidistant from the shaft 402 and have equal working areas. The first piston 482 and the second piston 484 may also be coupled to corresponding first actuator shaft 462 and second actuator shaft 468, such that movement of the corresponding piston causes movement of the corresponding actuator shaft.

[0045] refer to Figure 9E The actuator inlet 464 internally connects to a high-pressure chamber for the working fluid via the second frame portion 406 (via channel 488), and to the corresponding first piston sleeve 478 and second piston sleeve 480 via corresponding first ports 490 and second ports 492. By sharing the actuator inlet 464, the first actuator 408 and the second actuator 410 experience substantially equal pressure on both actuators. Through the balancing force and pressure, the shaft 402 is tensioned. This also reduces the bending axis of the shaft 402 and keeps the first frame portion 404 and the second frame portion 406 substantially parallel with forces aligned with the axis of motion for installing or removing the ball joint.

[0046] It should also be understood that actuators 108, 110; 208, 210; and / or 308, 310 can be integrated into the respective second frame portions 106, 206, 306 in a manner similar to that of the second frame portion 406. Furthermore, any features of the various embodiments can be modified or incorporated into any other embodiment.

[0047] As used herein, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are not necessarily limited to a direct, mechanical connection between two or more components. Rather, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are intended to refer to any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental substances. In some examples, "connection" is also intended to indicate that one object is integral with another.

[0048] The description and accompanying drawings above are provided by way of illustration only and not as limiting. While specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contributions. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined by the claims when viewed appropriately from the perspective of prior art.

Claims

1. A connector extruder, comprising: A shaft having opposing first and second ends; A first frame portion and a second frame portion, the first frame portion and the second frame portion being respectively connected to a first end and a second end, wherein the first frame portion includes an adapter connection hole adapted to receive a first adapter; and A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the second frame portion. The dimensions and spacing of the first actuator and the second actuator are configured such that the resultant force of the first actuator and the second actuator during use minimizes the bending moment about the axis. The first actuator includes a first actuator shaft adapted to be coupled to a second adapter, and the adapter coupling hole and the first actuator shaft are substantially axially aligned with each other.

2. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be substantially equal in distance from the axis.

3. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft includes a shaft hole, and the second frame portion is connected to the shaft by a fastener disposed in one of the shaft holes.

4. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator includes a hydraulic linear actuator.

5. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft, the first frame portion, and the second frame portion are a single integral component.

6. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is connected to a common supply line.

7. The connector extruder according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is coupled to the second frame portion by integrating the first actuator and the second actuator into the second frame portion.

8. The connector extruder of claim 7 further includes a first piston recess disposed in the second frame portion and a first piston disposed in the first piston recess to form the first actuator.

9. The connector extruder according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is coupled to a common actuator inlet extending into the second frame portion.

10. A connector extruder, comprising: A shaft having opposing first and second ends; A first frame portion, the first frame portion being connected to the first end, and including an adapter connection hole adapted for connection to a first adapter; The second frame portion is connected to the second end; and A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the second frame portion. The size and spacing of the first actuator and the second actuator are configured such that the resultant force of the first actuator and the second actuator during use minimizes the bending moment about the axis. The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be equidistant from the axis. The first actuator and the second actuator each include a first actuator shaft and a second actuator shaft. The first actuator shaft is adapted to be coupled to a second adapter and substantially axially aligned with the adapter's connection hole.

11. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, The second actuator shaft is adapted to engage the first frame portion during use.

12. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, The shaft includes a shaft hole, and the second frame portion is connected to the shaft by a fastener disposed in one of the shaft holes.

13. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is a hydraulic linear actuator.

14. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, The shaft, the first frame portion, and the second frame portion are a single integral component.

15. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is connected to a common supply line.

16. The connector extruder according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is coupled to the second frame portion by integrating the first actuator and the second actuator into the second frame portion.

17. The connector extruder of claim 16, further comprising a first piston recess disposed in the second frame portion and a first piston disposed in the first piston recess to form the first actuator.

18. A connector extruder, comprising: A shaft having opposing first and second ends; A first frame portion and a second frame portion, wherein the first frame portion and the second frame portion are respectively connected to the first end and the second end; and A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the second frame portion. The dimensions and spacing of the first actuator and the second actuator are configured such that the resultant force of the first actuator and the second actuator during use minimizes the bending moment about the axis. Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is coupled to a common actuator inlet extending into the second frame portion. The first actuator includes a first piston recess disposed in the second frame portion and a first piston disposed in the first piston recess.

19. The connector extruder according to claim 18, wherein, The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be substantially equal in distance from the axis.

20. The connector extruder according to claim 18, wherein, The shaft includes a shaft hole, and the second frame portion is connected to the shaft by a fastener disposed in one of the shaft holes.

21. The connector extruder according to claim 18, wherein, The shaft, the first frame portion, and the second frame portion are a single integral component.

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