Minimum side clearance ball joint

Abstract

A ball bolt assembly includes a ball bolt for engaging a component having a stepped bore extending along a bore axis and a reaction surface orthogonal to the bore axis. The bolt includes a ball first end, a threaded second end, and a flange. The bolt additionally includes a stem extending along a bolt axis between the first end and the second end, having a stepped stem shape, and configured to extend through the stepped bore with a gap between the bore and the stem. The bolt further includes a flange between the first end and the stem having a flange surface orthogonal to the bolt axis for engaging and abutting the reaction surface. The bolt additionally includes a sleeve positioned on the stem and a threaded nut configured to tighten the bolt on the component and deform the sleeve such that the sleeve fills at least a portion of the gap.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 143,495, filed January 29, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] introduction

[0004] This disclosure relates to a minimum lateral clearance ball bolt joint for use in assemblies that typically bear axial and lateral loads.

[0005] Typically, a ball joint (or spherical joint) is a type of joint in which the spherical surface of one circular component fits into the cup-shaped recess of another component. This construction allows the two components to move relative to each other about an indeterminate number of axes with a common center, thus allowing the joint to move in multiple directions.

[0006] In automobiles, ball joints are constructed as spherical bearings and typically connect suspension control arms to steering knuckles. Ball joints generally consist of bearing bolts and sockets enclosed in a housing. The bearing bolts are usually tapered and threaded and fit into tapered bores in the steering knuckle. Protective sleeves (such as rubber covers) protect the joint assembly from contamination while allowing joint movement and expansion of the internal lubricant. Such ball joints may be held in place by internal springs to help minimize vibration problems in the linkage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A ball bolt assembly includes a ball bolt for engaging a component of a certain thickness, the component defining a stepped bore extending through the thickness, centered on and along the bore axis, and having a reaction surface orthogonal to the bore axis. The ball bolt also includes a ball at a first end and a threaded at a second end. The ball bolt further includes a shank extending along the bolt axis between the first and second ends, having a stepped shank shape and configured to extend through the stepped bore and leave a gap between the stepped bore and the stepped shank shape. The ball bolt also includes a flange disposed between the ball at the first end and the shank, having a flange surface arranged orthogonal to the bolt axis and configured to engage and abut the reaction surface. The ball bolt further includes a sleeve having a sleeve central axis and positioned on the shank. Furthermore, the ball bolt includes a threaded nut configured to engage the second end of the thread to tighten the ball bolt onto the component and deform the sleeve in the gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod, such that the sleeve fills at least a portion of the gap.

[0008] In one embodiment, the stepped bore can have a stepped bore inner diameter (ID). The stepped rod shape can have a stepped rod outer diameter (OD). The stepped rod OD can include a first rod section having a first rod section OD and a second rod section having a second rod section OD. In such embodiments, the first rod section OD can be greater than the second rod section OD.

[0009] The stepped bore ID can include a first bore section having a first bore section ID and a second bore section having a second bore section ID. Additionally, the first bore section ID can be greater than the second bore section OD and the first rod section OD can be greater than the second bore section ID.

[0010] The sleeve can have a sleeve OD and a sleeve ID. In such embodiments, prior to deforming the sleeve by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve OD can be less than the first bore section ID but greater than the second bore section ID, and the sleeve ID can be greater than the second rod section OD but less than the first rod section OD. Further, the sleeve can be disposed on the second rod OD. Moreover, in such embodiments, the gap between the stepped bore and the stepped rod shape can include a space between the first rod section OD and the first bore section ID.

[0011] By tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve can be pushed toward the first bore section ID via the second bore section ID. In this case, the sleeve can be deformed by at least partially displacing from the second rod section OD to the first rod section OD.

[0012] In alternative embodiments, the stepped bore can have a polygonal first bore section and a second bore section. The second bore section can be particularly configured to engage the ball stud threaded second end. The stepped rod shape can have a polygonal first section defined by a first rod section perimeter and a polygonal second section defined by a second rod section perimeter. In such embodiments, the first rod section perimeter can be greater than the second rod section perimeter.

[0013] The sleeve can have a polygonal shape defined by a sleeve inner perimeter. In such embodiments, prior to deforming the sleeve by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve inner perimeter can be greater than the second rod section perimeter but less than the first rod section perimeter. Further, the gap between the stepped bore and the stepped rod shape can include a space between the first rod section and the polygonal first bore section. Moreover, in such embodiments, the sleeve can be positioned on the second rod section perimeter.

[0014] By tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve can be pushed towards the polygonal first bore section via the polygonal second bore section. In this case, the sleeve can be deformed by being at least partially displaced from the polygonal second section to the polygonal first section.

[0015] The sleeve can additionally comprise an outer surface, an inner surface and at least one longitudinal groove arranged on the sleeve inner surface or outer surface and extending parallel to the sleeve central axis. Alternatively, such longitudinal grooves can be arranged on each of the inner surface and the outer surface of the sleeve.

[0016] Also disclosed is a ball joint sub-assembly using the above disclosed ball stud assembly, such as for a vehicle suspension.

[0017] The above-mentioned features and advantages of the present disclosure and yet other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments according to the present disclosure and the best mode for practicing the disclosed disclosure, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a representative vehicle suspension corner employing two ball joints.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a ball stud according to the prior art.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic overall cross-sectional view of a ball stud assembly with a deformable sleeve according to the present disclosure shown in an installed state.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the ball stud assembly depicted in Fig. 2 according to the present disclosure prior to installation.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the ball stud assembly depicted in Fig. 2 according to the present disclosure prior to installation.

[0023] Figure 6A is Figure 4 is a schematic close-up perspective view of the embodiment of the sleeve shown.

[0024] Figure 6B is Figure 6A is a schematic close-up cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the sleeve shown.

[0025] Figure 6C is Figure 6A is a schematic close-up cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sleeve shown.

[0026] Figure 6D isFigure 6A sleeve.

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 5 sleeve.

[0028] Figure 8 is a method of generating a ball joint subassembly according to the present disclosure as Figures 1 to 7 is a flowchart of a method of generating a ball joint subassembly according to the present disclosure as DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, Figure 1 A perspective schematic view of a representative suspension corner 10 connected to a vehicle body 12 of a motor vehicle is shown. Generally, as shown, the vehicle suspension corner 10 includes a knuckle 14 configured to support a respective road wheel 16 via a hub 18 having a bearing assembly (not shown). As shown, the vehicle body 12 is operatively connected to the knuckle 14 via an upper control arm 20 and a lower control arm 22. Specifically, each of the upper control arm 20 and the lower control arm 22 is operatively connected to the knuckle 14 via a ball joint 10. Such ball joints 10 typically employ a ball stud construction 24, such as the prior art ball stud 26 shown in FIG. 2. Figure 1

[0030] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the prior art ball stud 26 includes a ball first end 28-1 and a threaded second end 28-2. The ball stud 26 additionally includes a stem 30. The stem 30 has a tapered shape configured to fit into and extend through a similarly tapered mating bore 32 to center the ball stud 26 within the respective upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22. The tapered shape of the stem 30 is configured to minimize lateral play between the ball stud 26 and the mating upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22. The particular ball stud 26 is secured to the respective mating upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22 via a threaded nut 34 engaged with the threaded second end 28-2. In some applications, the ball stud 26 and the mating upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22 are both constructed of steel. However, in other applications, the steel ball stud 26 is used with mating components constructed of a lower density and strength material, such as aluminum. In such cases, over time, suspension forces can cause the steel stem 30 to expand the diameter of the bore 32 and drive the tapered stem deeper into the respective mating upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22. This expansion of the bore 32 can cause the threaded nut 34 and ball joint 100 construction to loosen and, in extreme conditions, can cause the target control arm 20 or 22 to separate.

[0031] Figure 3 ​A ball joint assembly 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The ball joint assembly 100 includes a component 101, which may be, for example, a... Figure 1 To the upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22 shown in Figure 2. As shown, component 101 has a thickness t. Component 101 defines a stepped hole 102 extending through the thickness t. The stepped hole 102 is centered on and extends along the hole axis 104. The component also has a reaction surface 106 orthogonal to the hole axis 104. The reaction surface 106 may be recessed or include a step 108 in the surface profile of component 101. According to this disclosure, as Figure 3 As can also be seen, the ball bolt assembly 110 is configured as a mating member 101. The ball bolt assembly 110 has a ball bolt 112 arranged along the bolt axis 114 and includes a ball first end 116 and a threaded second end 118. The ball bolt 112 also includes a rod 120 extending along the bolt axis 114 between the first end 116 and the second end 118. As shown, the second end 118 may include a cavity 118A configured to receive a mounting or driving tool (not shown) for holding the ball bolt 112 in place when the ball joint subassembly 100 is tightened.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The rod 120 has a stepped rod shape 120A. Generally, when viewed in a cross-section along the bolt axis 114, the stepped rod shape 120A transitions between relatively small and relatively large segments, as will be described in detail below. The rod 120 is configured to extend through the stepped bore 102 such that the bolt axis 114 coincides with the bore axis 104. When positioned inside the stepped bore 102, a gap 122 is intentionally maintained between the stepped bore and the stepped rod shape 120A. The ball bolt 112 also includes a flange 124 disposed between the first end 116 of the ball and the rod 120. The flange 124 has a flange surface 124A, which is arranged orthogonal to the bolt axis 114 and configured to engage and abut or abut against the reaction surface 106 of the member 101. Thus, the flange 124 defines the longitudinal positioning of the ball bolt 112, minimizing longitudinal movement of the ball bolt due to working loads.

[0033] The ball bolt assembly 110 also includes a threaded nut 126 configured to engage the second threaded end 118 to tighten and secure the ball bolt 112 relative to the component 101. The flange 124 also prevents the threaded nut 126 from loosening by minimizing longitudinal movement of the ball bolt 112.

[0034] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the ball bolt assembly 110 also includes a sleeve 128 having a central axis 130 and positioned on the rod 120. Figures 6A to 6D as well asFigure 7 As shown, sleeve 128 includes an outer surface 128-1 and an inner surface 128-2. When ball bolt 112 is assembled with component 101, sleeve 128 is configured (i.e., its shape and size are set) to be inserted into stepped bore 102 together with rod 120. Sleeve 128 may be made (e.g., formed or machined) from a tough but deformable material such as AISI 1010 steel. Specifically as... Figure 6C As shown, the sleeve 128 may additionally include one or more longitudinal grooves 132, which are arranged on the inner surface 128-2 and extend parallel to the sleeve's central axis 130. Alternatively, the longitudinal grooves 132 may be arranged on the outer surface 128-1, such as... Figure 6D As shown. Furthermore, the sleeve 128 may include such longitudinal grooves 132 on each of the outer surface 128-1 and the inner surface 128-2. The longitudinal grooves 132 can be used to provide fillable space to facilitate displacement of the sleeve material during deformation and shifting of the sleeve within the gap 122, effectively match the volume of the gap, and thus reduce assembly forces during the installation of the ball bolt 112, as will be described in detail below. The ball bolt 112 may include an adhesive material (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) applied to the rod 120, the adhesive material being specifically configured to hold the sleeve 128 on the rod during treatment of the ball bolt assembly prior to installation of the ball bolt assembly 110 onto the component 101.

[0035] The tightening of the previously mentioned nut 126 at the second threaded end 118 (particularly when the drive tool engages the cavity 118A) causes the sleeve 128 to shift along the bolt axis 114 toward the flange 124 (from... Figure 4 The position shown has been shifted to Figure 3 The effect of the position shown. The target displacement of the sleeve 128 is accompanied by sleeve deformation to fill at least a portion of the gap 122 between the stepped hole 102 and the stepped rod 120A. In order to reduce the force during the installation of the ball bolt 112 on the mating part 101, the stepped rod shape 120-1 may include a tapered transition 136 located between its adjacent sections. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). As the sleeve 128 deforms within the gap 122, the sleeve fills at least a portion of the gap to minimize the lateral clearance between the ball bolt 112 and the component 101, while accommodating changes in machining dimensions. Furthermore, the use of the sleeve 128 between the stepped bore 102 and the stepped rod 120A minimizes the likelihood of joint loosening during the service life of the ball joint subassembly 100, especially when the mating components are made of lower-density materials. Therefore, the ball bolt assembly 110 is configured to minimize, and eliminate as much as possible, the lateral clearance between the rod 120 of the ball bolt 112 and the mating component 101.

[0036] In one embodiment of the ball joint sub-assembly 100, the stepped hole 102 and the stepped rod 120 may each have a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown). Specifically, the stepped hole 102 may have a stepped hole inner diameter (ID), while the stepped rod shape 120A may have a stepped rod outer diameter (OD). In such embodiments, the stepped rod OD may include a first rod segment 120-1 having a first rod segment OD and a second rod segment 120-2 having a second rod segment OD. Figure 4 As further shown, the OD of the first segment is greater than the OD of the second segment. The stepped hole ID of the cylindrical stepped hole 102 may include a first hole segment 102-1 with a first hole segment ID and a second hole segment 102-2 with a second hole segment ID. As further shown, the first hole segment ID is greater than the OD of the second hole segment. Figure 3 As shown, in the ball bolt 112, the first segment OD of the stepped bar shape 120A can be larger than or aligned with the second hole segment ID. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first section OD of the mating stepped bar shape 120A in the ball bolt 112 can be smaller than the second hole section ID.

[0037] Figures 6A to 6D The mating sleeve 128 of the embodiment shown has a sleeve OD defined by an outer surface 128-1 and a sleeve ID defined by an inner surface 128-2. Figures 6A to 6D As shown in the diagram), the thickness of the sleeve is determined. This is done by tightening the threaded nut 126 (…). Figure 3 Before (as shown), sleeve 128 is initially positioned on the second rod segment OD. Therefore, before deforming sleeve 128 by tightening threaded nut 126, sleeve OD is smaller than the first hole segment ID but larger than the second hole segment ID. Similarly, before tightening threaded nut 126, sleeve ID is larger than the second rod segment OD but smaller than the first rod segment OD. By tightening threaded nut 126, sleeve 128 can be pushed towards the first hole segment ID via the second hole segment ID. Therefore, sleeve 128 will deform by at least partially shifting from the second rod segment OD to the first rod segment OD. Figure 3 As can be seen, the gap 122 between the stepped hole 102 and the stepped rod 120A may nominally include clearance or space 122A, such as clearance or space between the first rod segment OD and the first hole segment ID. After the sleeve 128 is deformed by tightening the threaded nut 126, the sleeve is generally squeezed through the gap 122 and at least partially clamped in the space 122A between the first rod OD and the first hole ID, and the final assembly ultimately has at least some clearance 122B between the second rod OD and the second hole ID.

[0038] exist Figure 5In another embodiment shown, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the bore axis 104, the stepped bore 102 is depicted as having a polygonal shape, such as, for example, a rectangular or square shape (as shown). The polygonal stepped bore 102 can be used to enhance the lateral load-bearing capacity of the ball bolt 112 by increasing the working surface area, and additionally serves as an anti-rotation feature for the ball bolt within component 101. In such embodiments, the stepped bore 102 includes a polygonal first bore segment 138-1 and a second bore segment 138-2, the first and second bore segments being configured to thread-engage a second end 118 of the thread. Figure 5 In one embodiment, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the bolt axis 114, the stepped bar shape 120A may have a polygonal first segment 140-1. The polygonal first segment 140-1 is defined by a perimeter P1 of the first bar segment. Additionally, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the bolt axis 114, the stepped bar shape 120A may have a polygonal second segment 140-2. The polygonal second segment 140-2 is defined by a perimeter P2 of the second bar segment. In this embodiment, the perimeter P1 of the first bar segment is larger than the perimeter P2 of the second bar segment.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The implementation plan, and as Figure 7 Additionally, as shown, sleeve 128 may have a polygonal shape complementary to the polygonal stepped hole 102. In other words, where the polygonal stepped hole 102 has a square shape, sleeve 128 also has a square shape. Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram). Alternatively, the shapes of sleeve 128 and stepped hole 102 may be different and not complementary. Polygonal sleeve 128 has an inner perimeter PS defined by inner surface 128-2. 内 and the outer periphery of the sleeve defined by the outer surface 128-1 PS 外 This determines the thickness of the sleeve. Before deforming the sleeve 128 by tightening the threaded nut 126, the inner periphery of the sleeve PS... 内 The sleeve 128 is larger than the periphery P2 of the second rod section but smaller than the periphery P1 of the first rod section. Therefore, before tightening the threaded nut 126, the sleeve 128 is initially positioned on the periphery P2 of the second rod section.

[0040] The gap 122 between the stepped hole 102 and the stepped rod 120A may nominally include the space 122A between the periphery P1 of the first rod section and the polygonal first hole section 138-2. Figure 3(As shown in the diagram). By tightening the threaded nut 126, the sleeve 128 can be pushed through the second hole section 138-2 toward the polygonal first hole section 138-1. Therefore, the sleeve 128 will deform and at least partially shift from the polygonal second section 140-2 to the polygonal first section 140-1. After deforming the sleeve 128 by tightening the threaded nut 126, the sleeve is generally squeezed through the gap 122 and at least partially clamped in the space 122A between the first rod periphery P1 and the polygonal first hole section 138-1. Furthermore, the final assembly will ultimately have at least some clearance 122B between the second rod periphery P2 and the second hole section 138-2.

[0041] Overall, in Figure 4 Implementation plan or Figure 5 In one embodiment, the ball joint subassembly 100 employs a ball bolt assembly 110 with a deformable sleeve 128, which is positioned on a section of the stepped shank 120 of the ball bolt before the ball bolt assembly is inserted into the mating member 101. The sleeve 128 is also configured to shift to another section of the shank as the ball bolt assembly 110 is tightened onto the mating member 101, thereby filling the lateral clearance between the shank of the ball bolt and the stepped bore of the member, thus creating a robust ball joint subassembly 100. Specifically, this construction of the ball bolt assembly 110 minimizes the likelihood of loosening during its service life, particularly when the mating member 101 uses a lower-density material.

[0042] Figure 8 The method 200 for generating ball joint subassembly 100 is shown in the figure and is referred to below. Figures 1 to 7 The description of component 101 (such as upper control arm 20 or lower control arm 22) and mating ball bolt assembly 110 is presented. Method 200 begins in block 202 with providing component 101 or positioning said component in such a device as a fixing device (not shown). After block 202, the method proceeds to block 204. In block 204, the method includes engaging component 101 with ball bolt assembly 110. Specifically, the threaded second end 118 of ball bolt assembly 110 is alignable with stepped hole 102 for insertion into said stepped hole. After block 204, the method proceeds to block 206.

[0043] In frame 206, the method includes inserting rod 120 together with sleeve 128 into stepped hole 102. (As stated above regarding...) Figure 6CThe sleeve 128 may include at least one longitudinal groove 132, which is arranged on the outer surface 128-1 or the inner surface 128-2 of the sleeve and extends parallel to the central axis 130 of the sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeve 128 may include such a longitudinal groove 132 on each of the outer surface 128-1 and the inner surface 128-2. Insertion of the rod 120 allows the rod to extend through the stepped hole 102 and leave a gap 122 between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape 120A. The method continues from frame 206 to frame 208. In frame 208, the method includes engaging a threaded nut 126 with a threaded second end 118 and tightening it on the threaded second end to tighten the ball bolt 112 onto the component 101. Tightening the threaded nut 126 engages the flange 124 with the reaction surface 106, such that the flange abuts the reaction surface, while the sleeve 128 shifts from one segment of the stepped rod shape 120A to another segment of the stepped rod shape. As the sleeve 128 deforms in the gap 122, it also partially shifts from one segment of the stepped rod shape 120A to another segment, thereby filling at least a portion of the space 122A. The longitudinal groove 132 may be specifically used to facilitate the reduction of assembly forces, i.e., the torque and stress applied due to the deformation of the sleeve 128, during tightening of the threaded nut 126.

[0044] The stepped hole 102, the stepped rod shape 120A, and the mating sleeve 128 each have a generally cylindrical shape. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve is pushed towards the first hole section ID via the second hole section ID. Therefore, the sleeve 128 is deformed by at least partially shifting from the second rod section OD to the first rod section OD. Alternatively, in which the stepped hole 102, the stepped rod shape 120A, and the mating sleeve 128 each have a generally polygonal shape... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, by tightening the threaded nut 126, the sleeve 128 deforms and is at least partially pushed via the second hole section 138-2 towards the polygonal first hole section 138-1. Furthermore, in embodiments where the sleeve 128 and the stepped rod shape 120A have different shapes, tightening the threaded nut 126 causes the sleeve shape to substantially conform to the space 122A between the first section 140-1 and the first hole section 138-1. Thus, the sleeve 128 deforms and at least partially shifts from the polygonal second section 140-2 to the polygonal first section 140-1. Method 200 may conclude in block 210 following block 208 by, for example, verifying the tightening torque of the threaded nut 126, to complete the manufacture of the ball joint subassembly 100.

[0045] The detailed description and accompanying drawings are supporting and illustrating this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one example of an embodiment may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ball joint sub-assembly, comprising: A component having a certain thickness, the component defining a stepped hole extending through the thickness, centered on and along the hole axis, and having a reaction surface orthogonal to the hole; A ball bolt, extending along a bolt axis and engaging the component, the ball bolt having: The first end of the ball; The second end of the thread; A rod, which extends along the bolt axis between the first end of the ball and the second end of the thread, has a stepped rod shape, extends through the stepped hole, and leaves a gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape; A flange is disposed between the first end of the ball and the rod, having a flange surface arranged orthogonal to the bolt axis, and engaging and abutting the reaction surface; as well as A sleeve having a central axis and positioned on the rod inside the hole; and A threaded nut engages with the second end of the thread to tighten the ball bolt onto the component and deform the sleeve in the gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape, such that the sleeve fills at least a portion of the gap.

2. The ball joint sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The stepped hole has a stepped hole inner diameter; The stepped rod shape has a stepped rod outer diameter; The outer diameter of the stepped bar includes a first bar segment having a first bar segment outer diameter and a second bar segment having a second bar segment outer diameter; and The outer diameter of the first rod section is larger than the outer diameter of the second rod section.

3. The ball joint sub-assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The stepped hole inner diameter includes a first hole section having a first hole section inner diameter and a second hole section having a second hole section inner diameter; The inner diameter of the first hole section is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section; and The outer diameter of the first rod section is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section.

4. The ball joint sub-assembly of claim 3, wherein the sleeve has a sleeve central axis, a sleeve outer diameter, and a sleeve inner diameter, and wherein before deforming the sleeve by tightening the threaded nut: The outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the first hole section but larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section; The inner diameter of the sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the second rod section but smaller than the outer diameter of the first rod section; The sleeve is positioned on the outer diameter of the second rod section; and The gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape includes the space between the outer diameter of the first rod section and the inner diameter of the first hole section.

5. The ball joint sub-assembly of claim 4, wherein by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve is pushed from the inner diameter of the second bore section to the inner diameter of the first bore section, and the sleeve is deformed by at least partially shifting from the outer diameter of the second rod section to the outer diameter of the first rod section.

6. The ball joint sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The stepped hole has a polygonal first hole section and a second hole section; The stepped bar shape has a polygonal first segment defined by the periphery of a first bar segment and a polygonal second segment defined by the periphery of a second bar segment; and The perimeter of the first pole section is larger than that of the second pole section.

7. The ball joint subassembly of claim 6, wherein the sleeve has a polygonal shape defined by an inner periphery of the sleeve, and wherein before deforming the sleeve by tightening the threaded nut: The inner perimeter of the sleeve is larger than the perimeter of the second rod section but smaller than the perimeter of the first rod section; The sleeve is arranged around the periphery of the second rod section; and The gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape includes the space between the periphery of the first rod segment and the polygonal first hole segment.

8. The ball joint sub-assembly of claim 6, wherein by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve is pushed toward the polygonal first hole section via the second hole section, and the sleeve is deformed by at least partially shifting from the polygonal second section to the polygonal first section.

9. The ball joint sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes an outer surface, an inner surface and at least one longitudinal groove, and wherein the at least one longitudinal groove is disposed on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the sleeve and extends parallel to the central axis of the sleeve.

10. A ball bolt assembly configured to engage a component having a thickness, said component defining a stepped bore extending through said thickness, centered on and along said bore axis, and having a reaction surface orthogonal to said bore axis, said ball bolt assembly comprising: Ball bolt, the ball bolt extending along the bolt axis and comprising: The first end of the ball; The second end of the thread; A rod that extends along the bolt axis between the first end of the ball and the second end of the thread, has a stepped rod shape, and is configured to extend through the stepped hole and leave a gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape; A flange, disposed between the first end of the ball and the rod, having a flange surface arranged orthogonal to the bolt axis and configured to engage and abut the reaction surface; and A sleeve having a central axis and positioned on the rod; and A threaded nut configured to engage the second end of the thread to tighten the ball bolt onto the component and deform the sleeve in the gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape, such that the sleeve fills at least a portion of the gap.

11. The ball bolt assembly of claim 10, wherein: The stepped hole has a stepped hole inner diameter; The stepped rod shape has a stepped rod outer diameter; The outer diameter of the stepped bar includes a first bar segment having a first bar segment outer diameter and a second bar segment having a second bar segment outer diameter; and The outer diameter of the first rod section is larger than the outer diameter of the second rod section.

12. The ball bolt assembly of claim 11, wherein: The stepped hole inner diameter includes a first hole section having a first hole section inner diameter and a second hole section having a second hole section inner diameter; The inner diameter of the first hole section is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section; and The outer diameter of the first rod section is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section.

13. The ball bolt assembly of claim 12, wherein the sleeve has a sleeve central axis, a sleeve outer diameter, and a sleeve inner diameter, and wherein before the sleeve is deformed by tightening the threaded nut: The outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the first hole section but larger than the inner diameter of the second hole section; The inner diameter of the sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the second rod section but smaller than the outer diameter of the first rod section; The sleeve is positioned on the outer diameter of the second rod section; and The gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape includes the space between the outer diameter of the first rod section and the inner diameter of the first hole section.

14. The ball bolt assembly of claim 13, wherein by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve is pushed from the inner diameter of the second hole section to the inner diameter of the first hole section, and the sleeve is deformed by at least partially shifting from the outer diameter of the second rod section to the outer diameter of the first rod section.

15. The ball bolt assembly of claim 10, wherein: The stepped hole has a polygonal first hole section and a second hole section; The stepped bar shape has a polygonal first segment defined by the periphery of a first bar segment and a polygonal second segment defined by the periphery of a second bar segment; and The perimeter of the first pole section is larger than that of the second pole section.

16. The ball bolt assembly of claim 15, wherein the sleeve has a polygonal shape defined by an inner periphery of the sleeve, and wherein before the sleeve is deformed by tightening the threaded nut: The inner perimeter of the sleeve is larger than the perimeter of the second rod section but smaller than the perimeter of the first rod section; The sleeve is arranged around the periphery of the second rod section; and The gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape includes the space between the periphery of the first rod segment and the polygonal first hole segment.

17. The ball bolt assembly of claim 15, wherein by tightening the threaded nut, the sleeve is pushed through the second hole section toward the polygonal first hole section, and the sleeve is deformed by at least partially shifting from the polygonal second section to the polygonal first section.

18. The ball bolt assembly of claim 10, wherein the sleeve includes an outer surface, an inner surface and at least one longitudinal groove, and wherein the at least one longitudinal groove is disposed on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the sleeve and extends parallel to the central axis of the sleeve.

19. A method for generating a ball joint subassembly, the method comprising: A component with a certain thickness is provided, the component defining a stepped hole extending through the thickness, centered on the hole axis and extending along the hole axis, and having a reaction surface orthogonal to the hole; The component is engaged with a ball bolt assembly, the ball bolt assembly comprising: Ball bolt, the ball bolt extending along the bolt axis and having: The first end of the ball; The second end of the thread; A rod, which extends along the bolt axis between the first end of the ball and the second end of the thread, and has a stepped rod shape; A flange, the flange being disposed between the first end of the ball and the rod, having a flange surface arranged orthogonally to the bolt axis; and A sleeve having a central axis and positioned on the rod; Insert the rod into the stepped hole such that the rod extends through the stepped hole and leaves a gap between the stepped hole and the shape of the stepped rod; and Engaging the threaded nut with the second threaded end and tightening it on the second threaded end to tighten the ball bolt onto the component, such that the flange engages with and abuts the reaction surface, and the sleeve is displaced from one segment of the stepped rod shape to another segment of the stepped rod shape, thereby deforming the sleeve in the gap between the stepped hole and the stepped rod shape and filling at least a portion of the gap.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the sleeve includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one longitudinal groove, and wherein the at least one longitudinal groove is disposed on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the sleeve and extends parallel to the central axis of the sleeve, the method further comprising reducing the assembly force during tightening of the threaded nut via the at least one longitudinal groove.

Images