Ball support device for axial piston machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball support device for a piston shoe device (1) wherein the piston shoe device (1) is configured to be arranged in an axial piston machine wherein the piston shoe device (1) comprises a piston body (2) having a spherical end (3) and a piston shoe (4) wherein the spherical end (3) is arranged in the piston shoe (4), wherein the ball support device is arranged between the piston shoe (4) and the spherical end (3). The invention aims to provide a ball support device which is easy to replace and low in maintenance cost. This object is solved by a separate and replaceable ball support device, wherein at least a ball portion (5) of said ball support device is configured to receive at least a portion of said spherical end (3).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball support device for a piston shoe device, wherein the piston shoe device is configured to be arranged in an axial piston machine, wherein the piston shoe device comprises a piston body and a piston shoe having a spherical end, and wherein the ball support device is arranged between the piston shoe and the spherical end.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a piston shoe device configured to be arranged in an axial piston machine, wherein the piston shoe device comprises a piston body and a piston shoe having a spherical end, wherein the spherical end is arranged in the piston shoe, and wherein a ball support device is arranged between the piston shoe and the spherical end.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an axial piston machine. Background Art

[0004] Axial piston machines are, for example, hydraulic (variable displacement) pumps or motors. Axial piston machines include pistons that perform reciprocating movements within respective cylinders, wherein the cylinders are arranged in a barrel. The barrel rotates relative to a swash plate, or vice versa, wherein the swash plate and the barrel are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0005] The pistons contact the swash plate via piston shoes. For this purpose, the pistons comprise spherical ends, which are received in corresponding cup-shaped recesses of the piston shoes, and wherein a ball support device is arranged between the spherical ends and the piston shoes. The ball support device also provides lubrication and damping. Usually, such a ball support device is a synthetic material layer, which is molded onto the piston shoe.

[0006] The piston shoes comprise sliding elements, via which the piston shoes contact the swash plate. In order to provide a low-wear interaction between the swash plate and the piston shoes, the sliding elements are formed from ceramics, plastics, fiber-reinforced plastics, non-ferrous metals, etc. The sliding elements are connected to the piston shoes by means of a press fit or a similar connection method. Usually, the swash plate is made of steel and the piston shoes are made of fiber-reinforced plastics. In order to obtain a more durable solution, ceramics are used against ceramics.

[0007] During operation of the axial piston machine, the moving parts (in particular the ball support device) wear out. Once the ball support device wears out, it needs to be replaced. However, in the current design, the ball support device is permanently molded onto the piston shoe, which locks the piston in place. This means that the piston also needs to be replaced. This requires removing the worn piston with the worn ball support device and installing a new piston with a new ball support device. Replacing the piston requires a large amount of personal work and maintenance work. In addition, replacing the piston is costly. This also means that when replacing the entire assembly, the still-functional parts of the assembly are not reused. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball support device that requires a low maintenance effort and is cost-effective.

[0009] This object is solved by a ball support device as described at the beginning, wherein the ball support device is separate and replaceable, and at least the ball retaining part of the ball support device is configured to receive at least a part of the spherical end. The term "separate" in the present application means that the ball support device can be installed on and removed from the piston shoe device without tools. No fastening devices, adhesives or any other bonding devices are involved. By separating the ball support device from the piston shoe, the ball support device can replace itself without also replacing the piston shoe. Thus, the piston does not need to be replaced, resulting in a low maintenance effort. In addition, only the ball support device can be replaced in a cost-effective manner and requires a low personal effort. Furthermore, this separation allows for a material pairing with good friction characteristics, not limited to certain materials that allow for a molded connection. In addition, worn elements (such as the ball support device) can be replaced individually, reducing waste. Moreover, by using a separate ball support device with corresponding dimensions, tolerances can be taken into account. In addition, wear compensation can also be incorporated.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ball support device is formed from at least one material of a group of materials including plastics, ceramics, metals, and fibers, wherein the plastic is preferably PEEK, and the fiber is preferably carbon fiber and / or glass fiber. Additionally, for example, the plastic material may contain fillers such as ceramic powder. By using different materials for the piston, piston shoe, and / or ball support device, the lubrication and damping characteristics can be easily adapted to match the predetermined fluid transmitted through the axial piston machine. For example, plastics, especially thermoplastics, can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured by means of an injection molding process.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ball support device includes mounting means configured to releasably mount the ball support device to the spherical end and / or the piston shoe. Using such mounting means allows the ball support device to be easily mounted to and removed from the spherical end and / or the piston shoe without the need for other fastening elements such as bolts, pins, etc., which results in a low maintenance and installation effort. For example, the mounting means includes a protrusion configured to interact with a recess of the piston shoe, and / or the mounting means includes a recess configured to interact with a protrusion of the piston shoe. This allows for positioning with high repeat accuracy.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least the ball holding portion is configured to be fixed to the piston shoe by a fixing cup. The fixing cup provides additional stability to the ball support device, especially if the ball support device is formed of a soft material such as plastic.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ball support device, preferably at least the ball holding portion, is configured to be attached to the spherical end by a snap connection. In this embodiment, at least the ball holding portion includes at least one element that returns to its intended state after deformation. During installation, the ball holding portion is deformed to slide over the spherical end. After deformation, the ball support element, especially at least the ball holding portion, returns to its intended shape such that the ball support device is fixed to the spherical end, for example, by a friction fit and / or a press fit. To remove the ball support device, at least the ball holding portion is deformed again to slide over the spherical end. This is a simple process that can be performed without any tools.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ball holding portion includes a plurality of ball holding elements. For example, the first ball holding element is bowl-shaped, while the second ball holding element is annular. The first ball holding element is configured to be closer to the swash plate than the second ball holding element in the assembled state. Additionally, the inner diameter of the second ball holding element can be smaller than the diameter of the spherical end. If the first ball holding element and the second ball holding element are disposed on opposite sides of the ball diameter of the spherical end, the degree of movement of the spherical end within the piston shoe can be adjusted. As a result, the ball support device can be adjusted to desired characteristics and tolerances can be taken into account.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ball support device includes a fixing portion configured to separate the fixing plate from the piston shoe and / or the fixing cup. As described above, the piston shoe interacts with the swash plate, where the piston shoe is coupled to the swash plate by the fixing plate, depending on the design of the axial piston machine. During operation, the piston shoe and the swash plate move relative to each other. The wear-affected area is provided on the fixing portion such that the fixing portion (rather than the piston shoe) wears, and correspondingly the fixing plate and / or the fixing plate wears. Additionally, the ball support device (especially the fixing portion) can be easily replaced, which is cost-effective and has a low workload.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ball holding portion and the fixing portion are formed as one piece or are separated from each other. In a one-piece design, the positioning of the ball holding portion and the fixing portion is always correct, which simplifies assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ball holding portion and the fixing portion are formed to be separated from each other. The ball holding portion and the fixing portion are separated from each other such that the ball holding portion and the fixing portion can be arranged separately, which provides good adjustment options.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ball support device includes an axis, wherein the ball support device is symmetric about the axis. In this case, the term "symmetric" means the existence of at least one of the following symmetries: rotational symmetry about the axis and / or mirror geometry, where the mirror plane includes the axis. Symmetric elements are easy to design and easy to manufacture. In addition, since there are no restrictions on the orientation about the axis, assembly is easy.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ball retaining part includes at least one first recess at least partially in a direction parallel to the axis, and / or the fixed part includes at least one second recess at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The recesses can accommodate, for example, debris, dust or other particles. This prevents premature failure of the ball support device. In addition, the at least one recess allows a certain degree of flexibility, which can be adjusted by the design of the at least one groove. More recesses result in higher flexibility. Here, a compromise must be found between flexibility and stability. This depends on the size, number and shape of the recesses.

[0020] Furthermore, the above object is solved by a piston shoe device as described at the beginning, wherein the ball support device is formed as described above.

[0021] By providing the above ball support device to the piston shoe device, the piston shoe device can be easily maintained by simply replacing the ball support device. This is cost-effective and easy to implement because neither the piston nor the piston shoe needs to be replaced as a whole. Only the worn parts, especially the ball support device, are replaced.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ball support device includes a ball retaining part which is fixedly and releasably connected to the piston shoe. Thus, there is no relative movement between the piston shoe and the ball support device, resulting in low wear.

[0023] Furthermore, the above object is solved by an axial piston machine including the above piston shoe device having the above ball support device. By being able to replace only the worn parts, the axial piston machine is easy to maintain, cost-effective, and requires a low maintenance workload, and correspondingly a low personal workload. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is shown herein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a first embodiment of the piston shoe device;

[0026] Figure 2 is the spring guide of the first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3is the ball support device of the first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 is an alternative sliding device of the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 is the second embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0030] Figure 6 is the third embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0031] Figure 7 is the ball support device of the third embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 is the fourth embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0033] Figure 9 is the fifth embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0034] Figure 10 is the ball support device of the fifth embodiment;

[0035] Figure 11 is the sixth embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0036] Figure 12 is the ball support device of the sixth embodiment;

[0037] Figure 13 is the seventh embodiment of the piston boot device;

[0038] Figure 14 is the eighth embodiment of the piston boot device. Detailed implementation

[0039] Throughout the description, the same components / elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0040] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a piston shoe device 1 is shown, the piston shoe device 1 having a piston body 2 with a spherical end 3, at least a part of the spherical end 3 being arranged in a piston shoe 4. A ball retaining part 5 is provided between the piston shoe 4 and the spherical end 3. The ball retaining part 5 is fixed to the piston shoe 4 by a retainer cup 6. A retainer portion 7 of the ball support device is arranged between the retainer cup 6 and a retainer plate 8. The piston shoe 4 interacts with a swash plate (not depicted) via a friction seal element 9. The friction seal element 9 is slidably press-fitted onto the piston shoe 4 and is compressed by a compression ring 10. In addition, the friction seal element 9 is formed of a ceramic material. The compression ring 10 includes an annular groove 13 on its radially outer side. The retainer portion 7 is releasably interlocked with the groove 13 by a nib 14. The retainer plate 8 couples the piston shoe device 1 to the swash plate (not shown).

[0041] In the first embodiment, the ball support device is formed by the ball retaining part 5 and the retainer portion 7.

[0042] The piston shoe 4, the retainer cup 6, and the ball retaining part 5 share an axis (not depicted), where the piston shoe 4, the retainer cup 6, and the ball retaining part 5 are symmetric about the axis, rotationally symmetric about the axis, or mirror symmetric about a plane that includes the axis.

[0043] The retainer cup 6 includes an annular projection 11 that interacts with a top region of the ball retaining part 5 to fix the ball retaining part 5 to the piston shoe 4. In this case, the ball retaining part 5 includes protrusions 12 that project radially outward relative to the axis and form ribs on an outer surface of the ball retaining part 5. These protrusions 12 interact with the annular projection 11.

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 provided, the retainer portion 7 includes three sections. The first section is annular and is provided on an inner diameter of a second section that projects in the axial direction, where the second section projects in a radially outward direction of an axial end of the first section. The third section is provided on the second section at its outer diameter, where the third section projects in a direction opposite to the first section. The third section is substantially a ring that is interrupted multiple times. An insertion portion 13 is provided at an axial end of the third section, which allows connection to a groove 14 of the compression ring 10. The retainer portion 7 provides lubrication and damping between the retainer cup 6 and the retainer plate 8 in the axial and radial directions.

[0045] Figure 3The ball holding part 5 of the first embodiment is shown. The ball holding part 5 is formed in a cup shape to accommodate the spherical end 3. The ball holding part 5 includes a plurality of recesses 15 that are arranged at least partially in the axial direction, thereby forming a plurality of finger-like parts 16 that are connected to each other in the axial direction. The ball holding part 5 includes a hole 17, where the hole axis is concentric with the above-mentioned axis. The protrusions 12 are arranged on the outer side of the ball holding part 5, respectively on the outer side of the finger-like parts 16.

[0046] In addition, the ball holding part 5 is formed of plastic, or particularly of PEEK. During the installation process of being mounted to the spherical end 3, the ball holding part 5 is elastically deformed, where the finger-like parts 16 are pushed apart to accommodate the spherical end 3. Once the ball holding part 5 is in its final position, the ball holding part 5 returns to its corresponding expected original shape. The deformation during assembly is a so-called snap connection. For example, the mounting assembly may include a snap connection or a snap connector.

[0047] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view depicts an alternative design of the compression ring 10 and the friction seal element 9. The remaining elements are consistent with the elements described with respect to Figure 1 description. In the Figure 4 illustrated embodiment, the compression ring 10 and the piston boot 4 are formed as one piece. To install the friction seal element 9, the piston boot 4 is expanded by heating. After inserting the friction seal element 9, the piston boot 4 is cooled and shrinks back to its original state, and compresses the friction seal element 9. In this embodiment, the fixing part 7 only includes a first section and a second section.

[0048] Figure 5 A second embodiment is shown in cross-section, where the piston boot device 1 has a piston body 2, a spherical end 3, and a piston boot 4. The spherical end of the piston body 2 and the piston boot 4 are formed of ceramic material. The piston boot 4 is compressed by the compression ring 10, and the fixing cup 6 is mounted to the compression ring 10. The fixing cup 6 fixes the ball holding part 5 of the ball support device to the piston boot 4. In addition, a fixing part 7 is provided between the fixing cup 6 and the fixing plate 8. The ball holding part 5 is formed in the same way as the ball holding part in the first embodiment. The spherical end 3, the piston boot 4, the ball holding part 5, the fixing cup 7, and the compression ring 10 are respectively symmetric about an axis that is concentric with the compression ring 10 on the circumferential outer surface of the piston boot 4. In this embodiment, the ball support device is formed by the ball holding part 5 and the fixing part 7. The fixing part 7 is formed similarly to the fixing part of the first embodiment, where the fixing part 7 only includes a first section and a second section in the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6The third embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional view, in which the ball holding part 5 and the fixing part 7 are formed as one piece, together forming a ball support device. The piston body 2, the spherical end 3 and the piston shoe 4 are formed of a ceramic material. The piston shoe 4 is compressed by the surrounding compression ring 10. The fixing plate 8 is separated from the compression ring 10 by the fixing part 7, and the fixing part 7 guides the fixing plate 8 in the axial and radial directions around an axis, where the axis is concentric with the outer circumferential surface of the piston shoe 4.

[0050] Figure 7 The ball support device of the third embodiment is shown. The ball holding part 5 is similar to the ball holding part in the first embodiment, in which the first section and the second section of the fixing part 7 of the first embodiment and the ball holding part 5 are formed as one piece. Accordingly, the fingers 16 of the ball holding part 5 are thickened by the dimensions of the first section of the fixing part. Further, compared with the first embodiment, no third section and the protrusion 12 are provided in this embodiment. The second section protruding in the radial direction of the axis includes a plurality of notches 17, which cut off the fixing part in the circumferential direction.

[0051] Figure 8 The fourth embodiment of the piston shoe device 1 having a ball support device is shown. The piston body 2, the spherical end 3 and the piston shoe 4 are formed of a ceramic, where the piston shoe 4 is compressed in the radial direction by the compression ring 10. The spherical end 3 is supported by two ball support elements 5a, 5b, where the ball support elements 5a, 5b together form the ball holding part 5.

[0052] The first ball support element 5a is cup-shaped and has an edge provided at its widest opening diameter. The first ball support element 5 interacts with the piston shoe 4 and is arranged between the piston shoe 4 and the spherical end 3. The second ball support element 5b is an annular ring and is arranged at a distance from the first ball support element 5a in the axial direction pointing away from the piston shoe 4. The fixing cup 6 fixes the second ball support element 5b, where the second ball support element 5b contacts the fixing cup 6 and the spherical end 3.

[0053] The fixing part 7 is provided on the outside of the fixing cup 6. The fixing cup 6 is held to the compression ring 10 in the radial and axial directions. The fixing part 7 is annular and includes a U-shaped cross-section, where the opening of the U-shape points outward in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the ball support device is formed by the first ball support element 5a, the second ball support element 5b and the fixing part 7.

[0054] Each of the first ball support element 5a and the second ball support element 5b may include at least one recess. This design allows for easy installation while collecting debris, dirt and / or dust in the corresponding recesses.

[0055] Figure 9The fifth embodiment is depicted in a sectional view, in which the piston body 2 and its spherical end 3 are formed of steel. The piston shoe 4 is formed of a ceramic material and is compressed by the compression ring 10. The annular element 18 projects in the axial direction away from the piston shoe 4 from the compression ring 10 towards the axis. The ball support device is formed by the ball retaining part 5 integrally formed with the fixed part 7. The annular element 18 is arranged between the fixed part 7 and the ball retaining part 5, in particular between the first section and the ball retaining part 5. The fixed part 7 provides axial and radial guidance for the fixing plate 8 relative to the compression ring 10, and axial and radial guidance relative to the piston shoe 4 and the respective axis, respectively. The fixing plate 8 is arranged on the retaining part 7, where the retaining part 7 is arranged in the axial direction between the fixing plate 8 and the compression ring 10.

[0056] Figure 10 The ball support device of the fifth embodiment is shown in a sectional view. The fixed part 7 includes an L-shape, where one leg of the L-shape extends radially (corresponding to the second section described above with respect to the first embodiment), and the other leg is arranged axially relative to the axis (corresponding to the first section described above with respect to the first embodiment). The radially arranged leg is a continuous ring, where the radially arranged leg includes a plurality of recesses 15, and these recesses 15 transition into the recesses 15 of the ball retaining part 5. The recesses 15 follow the shape of the ball retaining part 5 and project at least partially in the axial direction relative to the axis.

[0057] Figure 11 The sixth embodiment is depicted in a sectional view. The piston body 2, the spherical end 3 and the piston shoe 4 are formed of metal, preferably of steel. The ball support device is formed by the ball retaining part 5 and the fixed part 7, where the fixed part 7 and the ball retaining part 5 are formed as one piece. Similar to the fifth embodiment, the piston shoe 4 includes an annular element 18 projecting in the axial direction, where the annular element 18 is received between the fixed part 7 and the ball retaining part 5.

[0058] Figure 12 The ball support device of the sixth embodiment is depicted in a sectional view. The ball support device is similar to the ball support device of the fifth embodiment, and the axial leg of the fixed part 7 includes a plurality of recesses 15, and these recesses 15 transition into the recesses 15 provided in the ball retaining part 5.

[0059] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Two piston shoe devices similar to the piston shoe device of the sixth embodiment are depicted. Figure 13The seventh embodiment is shown in a sectional view, in which the piston shoe 4 is equipped with a friction seal element 9, which is configured to contact a swash plate (not depicted). The friction seal element 9 is formed of plastic. In addition, the friction seal element 9 has an annular shape, and the friction seal element 9 is compressed by a compression ring 10 integrally provided with the piston shoe 4. The ball support device of the seventh embodiment is identical to the ball support device of the sixth embodiment.

[0060] Figure 14 The eighth embodiment is depicted in a sectional view. The piston shoe 4 is integrally formed with the compression ring 10, which has a ring projection 20 disposed radially inwardly of the compression ring 10. The compression ring 10 and the ring projection 20 together form an annular groove for receiving the friction seal element 9. The ring projection 20 further includes an O-ring groove, which forms a sealed connection with the friction seal element 9 in combination with an O-ring 19. The ball support device of the eighth embodiment is identical to the ball support device of the sixth embodiment.

[0061] Depending on the required characteristics, an axial piston machine (not depicted) can be equipped with any of the ball support devices described above, and correspondingly with a piston shoe device 1. The piston shoe device 1 is coupled to the swash plate of the axial piston machine.

[0062] Each of the above-described piston body 2, spherical end 3, piston shoe 4, and ball retaining portions 5, 5a, 5b is axisymmetric, i.e., rotationally symmetric or mirror symmetric. This axis is concentrically arranged with the circumferential outer surface of the piston shoe 4.

[0063] Each of the above-described piston body 2, spherical end 3, piston shoe 4, and ball retaining portions 5, 5, 5b includes an axial hole. The hole is a through hole in the spherical end 3, piston shoe 4, and ball retaining portions 5, 5, 5b.

[0064] In each embodiment, the piston body 2 and the spherical end 3 are formed as one piece. Accordingly, the piston body 2 and the spherical end 3 are formed of the same material.

[0065] The ball support device, particularly the ball retaining portion 5, is formed to provide a friction fit or press fit to the piston shoe 4, fixed cup 6, and / or compression ring 10, thereby reassembling the mounting device. This allows for easy installation and disassembly.

[0066] The flexibility or flexibility of the ball retaining portion 5 is increased by the recess 15, such that the diameter of the ball retaining portion 5 can extend onto the spherical end 3 during the installation operation. Once the ball retaining portion 5 is set in place on the spherical end 3, the ball retaining portion 5 returns to its corresponding intended original form. This reassembles a preferred version of the above-described mounting device in terms of snap connection. Reference Numerals 1 Piston Shoe Device 2 Piston body 3 Spherical end 4 Piston boot 5 Ball retaining part 5a, 5b Ball support elements 6 Fixed cup 7 Fixed part 8 Fixed plate 9 Friction seal element 10 Compression ring 11 Annular protrusion 12 Protrusion 13 Groove 14 Insertion part 15 Recess 16 Finger-like part 17 Notch 18 Annular element 19 O-ring 20 Ring protrusion

Claims

1. A ball support device for a piston shoe device (1), wherein the piston shoe device (1) is configured to be arranged in an axial piston machine, wherein the piston shoe device (1) comprises a piston body (2) having a spherical end (3) and a piston shoe (4), wherein the spherical end (3) is arranged in the piston shoe (4), wherein the ball support device is arranged between the piston shoe (4) and the spherical end (3), characterized in that The ball support device is detachable and replaceable, wherein at least a ball retaining portion (5) of the ball support device is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the spherical end portion (3).

2. The ball support device according to claim 1, wherein: The ball support is formed of at least one material from the group consisting of plastic, ceramic, metal and fiber, wherein the plastic is preferably PEEK and the fiber is preferably carbon fiber and / or glass fiber.

3. The ball support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ball support comprises mounting means configured to releasably mount the ball support to the spherical end and / or the piston shoe.

4. The ball support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least the ball retaining portion (5) is configured to be fixed to the piston shoe (4) via a fixing cup (6).

5. The ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The ball support means is configured to be attached to the spherical end (3) by means of a snap connection, preferably at least the ball retaining portion (5) is configured to be attached to the spherical end (3) by means of a snap connection.

6. The ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The ball holding portion (5) comprises a plurality of ball supporting elements (5a, 5b).

7. The ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The ball support device comprises a fixing portion (7) which is configured to separate a fixing plate (8) from the piston shoe (4) and / or the fixing cup (6).

8. The ball support device according to claim 6, wherein: The ball retaining portion (5) and the fixing portion (7) are formed in one piece.

9. The ball support device according to claim 6, wherein: The ball holding portion (5) and the fixing portion (7) are separated from each other.

10. The ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The ball support includes an axis, wherein the ball support is symmetrical about the axis.

11. The ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The ball holding portion (5) at least partially comprises at least one recess (14) in a direction parallel to the axis, and / or the fixing portion at least partially comprises at least one notch (16) in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

12. A piston shoe device (1) configured to be arranged in an axial piston machine, wherein the piston shoe device (1) comprises a piston body (2) having a spherical end (3) and a piston shoe (4), wherein the spherical end (3) is arranged in the piston shoe (4), wherein a ball support device is arranged between the piston shoe (4) and the spherical end (3), characterized in that: The ball support device is a ball support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The piston shoe device (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The ball support device (1) comprises a ball retaining portion (5) which is releasably connected to the piston shoe (4) in a fixed manner.

14. An axial piston machine comprising a piston shoe arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12.

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