Ball joint structure

Abstract

The application discloses a ball hinge structure, which comprises a ball seat, a ball socket installation cavity arranged on the ball seat, a ball socket embedded in the ball socket installation cavity, a ball pin, an end of the ball pin being provided with a ball head and being embedded into the ball socket along the axial direction of the ball pin, and a lock cover arranged at the opening of the ball socket installation cavity and fixedly connected with the ball seat, and simultaneously pressing the opening of the ball socket to limit the ball head in the ball socket. The outer side wall of the ball socket is sequentially provided with a deformation section, a first conical section and a second conical section from the opening end to the bottom direction, and the deformation section is deformed and contracted when the lock cover is installed. The application can solve the problems of low load bearing upper limit and large torque during rotation of the existing ball hinge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts, specifically a ball hinge structure. Background Technology

[0002] Ball joints are a type of movable connection structure used in the control arm connection of automotive chassis. Ball joints can be divided into two categories according to their installation position and force form: axial force ball joints and radial force ball joints. Axial force ball joints mainly bear forces in two directions: along the axis of the ball pin and perpendicular to the axis. The force situation is more complex. In addition to meeting the requirements of force transmission, the ball joint structure must also provide degrees of freedom. The ball pin can rotate and swing relative to the control arm body. Therefore, the ball joint must also meet the requirements of wear resistance. Moreover, the torque of the ball joint movement cannot be too large, as it will affect the smoothness of the control arm movement. Most importantly, the ball joint needs to withstand the axial load transmitted from the control arm body (ball seat). Existing ball joints mainly support the load through the ball socket, and most of the existing ball sockets adopt a traditional spherical structure with an outer arc surface and a pressure ring in the middle for being pressed by the locking cover. When bearing the axial load of the ball pin and ball head, if the load is too large, it will cause inward deformation and the ball socket will break. Once deformation or breakage occurs, the movement of the ball pin and ball head will generate a relatively large torque, which will lead to accelerated internal wear of the ball joint and eventually premature failure. Therefore, for some high-end cars that need to withstand large loads, the existing ball joints can no longer meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a ball joint structure that can solve the problems of low load-bearing capacity and excessive torque during rotation of existing ball joints.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a ball hinge structure, comprising a ball seat, wherein the ball seat is provided with a ball socket mounting cavity; a ball socket, which is embedded inside the ball socket mounting cavity; a ball pin, wherein the end of the ball pin is provided with a ball head, which is embedded into the ball socket along the axial direction of the ball pin; and a locking cover, which is provided at the opening of the ball socket mounting cavity and is fixedly connected to the ball seat, and simultaneously presses against the opening of the ball socket to restrict the ball head inside the ball socket;

[0005] The outer wall of the ball socket is provided with a deformation section, a first conical section and a second conical section in sequence from its opening end to the bottom. The deformation section deforms and shrinks when the lock cover is installed. By providing continuous first and second conical sections on the outer wall of the ball socket, a uniform support force can be formed on the first and second conical sections respectively when the ball socket is subjected to axial load. The support force on the first and second conical sections intersects radially to effectively support the axial load. Compared with the arc surface, the support force is more concentrated, so it can withstand a larger axial load.

[0006] Preferably, the deformation segment, the first conical segment, and the second conical segment are all connected by rounded corners. The rounded corners can eliminate stress concentration, prevent cracking, and help to bear greater loads.

[0007] Preferably, the bottom center of the second conical segment is provided with an outward protrusion, and the bottom center of the ball socket mounting cavity is provided with an inward concave cavity corresponding to the outward protrusion. The outward protrusion can position the ball socket, and the inward concave cavity facilitates the processing and forming of the ball socket mounting cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the inner wall of the ball joint is provided with a number of longitudinal oil grooves evenly arranged around the circumference. One end of each longitudinal oil groove extends to the inner bottom of the ball joint, and the other end extends to the opening end of the ball joint, where the width gradually increases to form a slit near the opening end. By providing a large number of longitudinal oil grooves, lubricating grease can be evenly distributed on the inner surface of the ball joint, reducing the torque when the ball head rotates. The slit narrows when the ball joint is tightened and contracted by the locking cap, so that the width of the longitudinal oil grooves remains consistent after installation, allowing the lubricating grease to be exchanged smoothly inside the ball joint.

[0009] Preferably, the ball socket has a concave portion at the center of its inner bottom that communicates with the longitudinal oil groove. The concave portion and the ball head form an oil storage space, which can store excess lubricating grease and keep it in contact with the ball head for lubrication when the ball head rotates.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the ball socket is provided with at least one annular oil groove that connects all the longitudinal oil grooves. The annular oil groove can form a lubrication network together with the longitudinal oil grooves, thereby improving the overall lubrication effect on the outer surface of the ball head.

[0011] Preferably, at least one anti-rotation protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the ball socket, and an anti-rotation groove is provided inside the ball socket mounting cavity to fit the anti-rotation protrusion. The anti-rotation protrusion can effectively prevent the ball socket from rotating and displacing within the ball socket mounting cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the opening edge of the ball socket mounting cavity is provided with a riveted edge to press and fix the lock cover, and the lock cover can be firmly pressed by the riveted edge.

[0013] Preferably, a gap is left between the lower inner end of the lock cover and the ball socket mounting cavity. The gap can provide sufficient downward pressure margin for the lock cover and prevent the ball socket mounting cavity from interfering with the downward pressure of the lock cover.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0015] By setting continuous first and second conical sections on the outer wall of the ball socket, the supporting force is more concentrated compared to the arc surface, so it can withstand a larger axial load. The upper limit of its axial load is increased by 10-15% compared to the ball socket with an arc surface. It is equipped with evenly distributed lubricating oil grooves, which can provide comprehensive lubrication to the ball head and reduce the torque when the ball head rotates. Because the ball socket bears a larger axial load and is not easily deformed, the torque is reduced by 20-30% compared to the existing ball socket. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a first-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of the ball-and-socket joint of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a second-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of the ball-and-socket joint of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the ball socket structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 BB-direction sectional view of the structure.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 1. Ball socket mounting cavity; 2. Concave cavity; 3. Oil storage space; 4. Ball seat; 5. Ball socket; 6. Clearance; 7. Riveted edge; 8. Locking cover; 9. Ball pin; 91. Ball head; 10. Axial direction; 11. Upper spherical surface; 12. Anti-rotation boss; 13. Cutout; 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19. Longitudinal oil groove; 20. Deformation section; 21. First conical section; 22. Second conical section; 23. Outer convex part; 24. Inner concave part; 25 / 26. Annular oil groove. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] like Figure 1-5 As shown, to solve the problems of low load-bearing capacity and excessive torque during rotation in existing ball hinges, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a ball hinge structure, including a ball seat 4, wherein the ball seat 4 is provided with a ball socket mounting cavity 1; a ball socket 5, which is embedded in the ball socket mounting cavity 1; a ball pin 9, wherein the end of the ball pin 9 is provided with a ball head 91, which is embedded in the ball socket 5 along the axial direction 10 of the ball pin 9; and a locking cover 8, which is provided at the opening of the ball socket mounting cavity 1 and fixed to the ball seat 4, and simultaneously presses against the opening of the ball socket 5 to restrict the ball head 91 inside the ball socket 5;

[0025] The outer wall of the ball socket 5 is provided with a deformation section 20, a first conical section 21, and a second conical section 22 sequentially from its opening end to the bottom. The deformation section 20 deforms and shrinks when the locking cover 8 is installed. By providing continuous first conical sections 21 and second conical sections 22 on the outer wall of the ball socket 5, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the ball socket 5 is subjected to axial load, uniform support forces can be formed on the first conical segment 21 and the second conical segment 22 respectively. The support forces on the first conical segment 21 and the second conical segment 22 cross along the radial direction to effectively support the axial load. Compared with the arc surface, the support force is more concentrated, so it can withstand a larger axial load.

[0026] Among them, the ball socket 5 can be a thermoplastic injection molded part, such as... Figure 2-3 As shown, the deformation section 20 is cylindrical before the ball socket 5 is installed, which makes it easy for the ball head 91 to be inserted into the ball socket 5. When the locking cover 8 is installed, the opening of the deformation section 20 can be compressed and deformed to form the upper spherical surface 11 to cover the upper part of the ball head 91.

[0027] Among them, the deformation segment 20, the first conical segment 21 and the second conical segment 22 are all rounded transitions. The rounded transitions can eliminate stress concentration, prevent cracking, and help to bear greater loads. The rounded transitions can be formed in one step during injection molding.

[0028] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and 5 As shown, the bottom center of the second conical segment 22 is provided with an outward protrusion 23, and the bottom center of the ball socket mounting cavity 1 is provided with an inward concave cavity 2 corresponding to the outward protrusion 23. The outward protrusion 23 can position the ball socket 5, and the inward concave cavity 2 facilitates the processing and forming of the ball socket mounting cavity 1. The outward protrusion 23 is a circular arc surface protrusion, which can be partially embedded into the inward concave cavity 2 for positioning when the ball socket 5 is installed. When the lock cover 8 is placed, the ball socket 5 will not deflect.

[0029] To ensure proper lubrication between the ball socket 5 and the ball head 91, several longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are evenly arranged around the circumference of the inner wall of the ball socket 5. One end of each longitudinal oil groove 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 extends to the inner bottom of the ball socket 5, and the other end extends to the opening end of the ball socket 5, gradually increasing in width near the opening end to form a slit 13. By setting a large number of longitudinal oil grooves, lubricating grease can be evenly distributed on the inner surface of the ball socket 5, reducing the torque when the ball head 91 rotates. The slit 13 narrows in width when the ball socket 5 is pressed and contracted by the locking cover 8, so that the width of the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 remains consistent after installation, allowing lubricating grease to be smoothly added to the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

[0030] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the inner bottom center of the ball socket 5 is provided with an inner recess 24 that communicates with the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. The inner recess 24 and the ball head 91 form an oil storage space 3. The oil storage space 3 can store excess lubricating grease and can always be in contact with the ball head 91 for lubrication when the ball head 91 rotates.

[0031] To allow lubricating oil to circulate between the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, at least one annular oil groove 25 or 26 is provided on the inner wall of the ball socket 5, which connects the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. The annular oil grooves 25 and 26 together with the longitudinal oil grooves 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 can form a lubrication network, thereby improving the overall lubrication effect on the outer surface of the ball head 91.

[0032] To prevent the ball socket 5 from rotating within the ball socket mounting cavity 1, such as Figure 2 As shown, at least one anti-rotation protrusion 12 is provided on the outer wall of the ball socket 5, and an anti-rotation groove is provided inside the ball socket mounting cavity 1 that fits into the anti-rotation protrusion 12. The anti-rotation protrusion 12 can effectively prevent the ball socket 5 from rotating and displacing within the ball socket mounting cavity 1. The anti-rotation protrusion 12 can be located at the position of the first conical section 21, and its outer wall is part of a cylinder, which is beneficial for placing the ball socket 5 into the ball socket mounting cavity 1 and positioning it quickly.

[0033] As one way to install the lock cover 8, such as Figure 1As shown, the opening edge of the ball socket mounting cavity 1 is provided with a riveting edge 7 to press and fix the lock cover 8. By providing the riveting edge 7, the lock cover 8 can be firmly pressed. At the same time, a gap 6 is left between the lower inner end of the lock cover 8 and the ball socket mounting cavity 1. The gap 6 can provide sufficient downward pressure margin for the lock cover 8 and prevent the ball socket mounting cavity 1 from interfering with the downward pressure of the lock cover 8.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A ball joint structure, comprising: Ball seat (4), wherein a ball socket mounting cavity (1) is provided on the ball seat (4); The ball socket (5) is embedded inside the ball socket mounting cavity (1); Ball pin (9), the end of which is provided with a ball head (91), which is embedded into the ball socket (5) along the axial direction (10) of the ball pin (9); A locking cover (8) is provided at the opening of the ball socket mounting cavity (1) and fixed to the ball seat (4), while simultaneously pressing against the opening of the ball socket (5) to confine the ball head (91) inside the ball socket (5), characterized in that: The outer wall of the ball socket (5) is provided with a deformation section (20), a first conical section (21) and a second conical section (22) in sequence from its opening end to the bottom. The deformation section (20) deforms and shrinks when the lock cover (8) is installed. The deformation segment (20), the first conical segment (21), and the second conical segment (22) are all connected by rounded corners; The inner wall of the ball socket (5) is uniformly provided with several longitudinal oil grooves (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) around the circumference. One end of the longitudinal oil groove (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) extends to the inner bottom of the ball socket (5), and the other end extends to the opening end of the ball socket (5), and the width gradually increases near the opening end of the ball socket (5) to form a cut (13).

2. The ball hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom center of the second conical segment (22) is provided with an outward protrusion (23), and the bottom center of the ball socket mounting cavity (1) is provided with an inward concave cavity (2) corresponding to the outward protrusion (23).

3. The ball hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball socket (5) has an inner recess (24) at the bottom center of its inner side that communicates with the longitudinal oil grooves (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), and the inner recess (24) and the ball head (91) form an oil storage space (3).

4. The ball hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the ball socket (5) is provided with at least one annular oil groove (25, 26) that connects all the longitudinal oil grooves (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19).

5. The ball hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one anti-rotation protrusion (12) is provided on the outer wall of the ball socket (5), and an anti-rotation groove is provided inside the ball socket mounting cavity (1) to fit into the anti-rotation protrusion (12).

6. The ball hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening edge of the ball socket mounting cavity (1) is provided with a riveted edge (7) to press and fix the lock cover (8).

7. The ball hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A gap (6) is left between the lower inner end of the lock cover (8) and the ball socket mounting cavity (1).

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