Adjustable ball joint mechanism

Abstract

The utility model provides an adjustable ball joint mechanism which comprises a shell, a ball body and an elastic device, the ball body and the elastic device are installed in the shell, the elastic device comprises a spring cover, an elastic piece, a spring seat and a wedge from top to bottom, the spring cover is used for bearing the ball body, the ball body is of a hollow structure, a horizontal notch is formed in the lower portion of the ball body, and the upper surface of the spring cover is a plane; a screw hole is transversely formed in the middle of the inclined wedge, the inclined wedge is transversely installed on an adjusting screw rod through the screw hole, the two ends of the adjusting screw rod are rotatably installed on the shell, the lower surface of the inclined wedge is a plane, the upper surface of the inclined wedge is an inclined plane, at least one inclined groove is formed in the inclined plane, and the inclined groove is communicated with the inclined plane. An inclined guide rail embedded with the inclined groove is arranged on the lower surface of the spring seat; the spring cover and the spring seat are provided with a guide sleeve and a guide column which are matched with each other, so that the spring cover and the spring seat are prevented from deflecting and clamping stagnation when moving up and down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of ball joints, in particular to an adjustable ball joint mechanism. Background Art

[0002] A ball joint is a common mechanical structure that enables objects mounted on it to swing and rotate freely in multiple directions. For example, a pan / tilt head used to mount cameras and video cameras is a typical ball joint. A ball joint typically consists of a housing with a spherical mounting slot and a sphere that is movably mounted within the housing. To ensure smooth and controllable movement of the sphere in three degrees of freedom, adjustable damping is required within the housing.

[0003] Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 2024202222621 discloses a ball joint mechanism capable of adjusting damping, comprising a housing, a ball mounted therein, and an elastic device. The elastic device comprises, from top to bottom, a ball holder, an elastic member, and a support member. The ball holder is used to support the ball, and has a horizontal section at the bottom of the ball holder and a flat upper surface. The support member comprises a cylindrical body with an upward opening and an inclined wedge disposed below the cylindrical body. An inclined guide rail is provided vertically downward on the lower end surface of the cylindrical body, and the lower edge of the inclined guide rail is an oblique line. The lower surface of the inclined wedge is flat, and the upper surface of the inclined wedge is an inclined surface with an inclined groove provided along the oblique direction. A screw hole is provided transversely in the middle of the inclined wedge, and the inclined wedge is transversely mounted on an adjusting screw through the screw hole. The two ends of the adjusting screw are rotatably mounted on the housing, and the oblique groove of the oblique wedge engages with the lower edge of the oblique guide rail. Through the cooperation of the oblique wedge, the oblique guide rail, and the cylindrical body, the damping of the elastic member can be adjusted by simply turning the adjusting screw. However, when this ball joint mechanism is in use, that is, when the ball pushes the ball holder to move downward, the ball holder is prone to deflection to a certain extent, thereby getting stuck with the inner wall of the shell, affecting the use effect. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide an adjustable ball joint mechanism which can avoid being stuck.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution of the utility model is: an adjustable ball joint mechanism, including a ball and a shell capable of accommodating the ball, a vertical ball handle is provided on the upper part of the ball, and an elastic device with adjustable elastic force is also installed in the shell, the elastic device includes a spring cover, an elastic member, a spring seat and an inclined wedge arranged below the spring seat from top to bottom, the spring cover is used to support the ball, the ball is a hollow structure and a horizontal incision is opened at the lower part, the upper surface of the spring cover is in contact with or not in contact with the lower part of the ball; a screw hole is horizontally provided in the middle part of the inclined wedge, and the inclined wedge is passed through The screw hole is horizontally installed on an adjusting screw, and the two ends of the adjusting screw are rotatably installed on the housing. The lower surface of the inclined wedge is a plane, the upper surface of the inclined wedge is an inclined surface and at least one inclined groove is provided on the inclined surface, and the lower surface of the spring seat is provided with an inclined guide rail that engages with the inclined groove; when the adjusting screw is turned, the inclined wedge can move left and right along the adjusting screw, and the oblique groove acts on the oblique guide rail to force the spring seat to move upward in the housing; a guide sleeve is provided in the middle of the lower end surface of the spring cover, and a guide column that can be inserted into the guide sleeve and can move relatively is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring seat.

[0006] In the above technical solution, since the spring seat provides elastic support to the spring cover through the elastic member, the sphere is a hollow structure and has a horizontal incision at the bottom. The upper surface of the spring cover is in contact with or not in contact with the lower part of the sphere. Since the distance between the lower end of the sphere and the center of the sphere is less than the distance between the spherical surface and the center of the sphere, when the sphere is manually rotated in the shell so that the sphere contacts the upper surface of the spring cover, the sphere will push the spring cover to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member and move downward. Once the hand is released, the elastic force of the elastic member will act on the spring cover to push the sphere back to its original position, so that the horizontal incision of the sphere contacts or corresponds to the upper surface of the spring cover. When the elastic force of the elastic member needs to be adjusted, turning the adjustment screw causes the angled wedge to move left and right along the adjustment screw. The angled groove acts on the angled guide rail, forcing the spring seat to move upward within the housing, thereby squeezing the elastic member and increasing its damping. Turning the adjustment screw in the opposite direction gradually reduces the upward force exerted by the angled wedge on the spring seat, causing the spring seat to move downward within the housing under the elastic force of the elastic member, further reducing the damping of the elastic member. The coordinated arrangement of the guide sleeve and guide post prevents the spring cover and spring seat from deflecting and jamming during their vertical movement.

[0007] In one embodiment, a raised truncated cone is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring cover. A conical or spherical surface is formed between the periphery of the cone and the upper end surface of the spring cover. Preferably, the angle between the cone or spherical surface and the cone is 15° to 30°. The provision of such a conical or spherical surface ensures that the ball always acts on the conical or spherical surface when the ball is rotated, thereby maintaining good contact between the ball and the spring cover, thereby better pushing the spring cover downward to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wedge is further provided with a light hole parallel to the screw hole, through which a polished rod passes, with both ends of the polished rod mounted on the housing. By adding a polished rod to limit the position of the wedge, it is further ensured that when the adjustment screw is turned, the wedge can only move horizontally left and right without deflection.

[0009] In one embodiment, a flat plate is provided below the wedge, which is in contact with the lower surface of the wedge and is fixed to the housing. By adding a flat plate to limit the position of the wedge, it can be further ensured that when the adjustment screw is turned, the wedge can only move horizontally left and right without deflection.

[0010] In one embodiment, the oblique groove of the oblique wedge is a T-slot or a dovetail groove, and the shape of the oblique guide rail is adapted to the structure of the oblique groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner wall of the housing is provided with an inwardly protruding longitudinal rib at positions corresponding to the ends of the adjusting screw; and the circumference of the spring seat is provided with an axial groove at positions corresponding to the ends of the inclined guide rail, which engages with the longitudinal rib. The coordinated arrangement of the axial groove and the longitudinal rib facilitates the installation of the spring seat and serves to guide the spring seat's vertical movement within the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the left and right end surfaces of the inclined wedge are both arc surfaces, and each of the left and right end surfaces of the inclined wedge is provided with a longitudinal groove running through the end surface, and the longitudinal groove is embedded with the longitudinal rib.

[0013] Preferably, the length of the axial groove is smaller than the length of the spring seat.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic member is a compression spring, comprising a main compression spring with a large coil diameter and a micro-force compression spring with a small coil diameter. The micro-force compression spring is sheathed outside the main compression spring, and the main compression spring is shorter than the micro-force compression spring. When the spacing between the spring seat and the spring cover is adjusted to the maximum, the micro-force compression spring can press the two together, preventing unpleasant noises caused by the swaying of the parts.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inclined guide rail and the spring seat are integrally formed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inclined guide rail is provided on a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is fitted to the lower end surface of the spring seat and fixed by screws.

[0017] The utility model provides an inclined guide rail cooperation between the inclined wedge and the spring seat, and the damping size of the elastic member can be adjusted by simply turning the adjusting screw. At the same time, the cooperation setting of the guide sleeve and the guide column avoids deflection and jamming of the spring cover and the spring seat when they move up and down. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ball joint mechanism structure in Examples 1 and 3 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the wedge structure in Examples 1 and 3 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the first left-view structure;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the second left-view structure;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the top view structure;

[0023] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the spring seat and inclined guide rail structure in Examples 1, 2, and 3 of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure viewed from above;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The first right view structural diagram;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 6 The second right view structural diagram;

[0027] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the spring cover structure in Examples 1, 2, and 3 of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ball joint mechanism structure in Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined wedge structure in Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the left view structure;

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the top view structure;

[0032] The accompanying drawings are:

[0033] 1. Sphere; 2. Shell; 3. Spring cover; 3a. Guide sleeve; 3b. Cone; 4. Spring seat; 4a. Oblique guide rail; 4b. Axial groove; 4c. Guide column; 5. Oblique wedge; 5a. Oblique groove; 5b. Screw hole; 5c. Light hole; 5d. Longitudinal groove; 6. Adjusting screw; 7. Light rod; 8. Main compression spring; 9. Micro-force compression spring; 10. Bushing; 11. Flat plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model more clearly understood, the utility model is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the utility model and are not limited to the utility model. Example 1

[0035] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an adjustable ball joint mechanism includes a ball 1 and a shell 2 capable of accommodating the ball 1, a vertical ball handle is provided on the upper part of the ball 1, a bushing 10 is provided between the ball 1 and the shell 2, and an elastic device with adjustable elastic force is also installed in the shell 2, the elastic device includes a spring cover 3, an elastic member, a spring seat 4 and an inclined wedge 5 arranged below the spring seat 4 from top to bottom, the spring cover 3 is used to support the ball 1, the ball 1 is a hollow structure and has a horizontal incision at the bottom, the upper surface of the spring cover 3 is in contact with or not in contact with the lower part of the ball 1; the lower surface of the inclined wedge 5 is a plane, the upper surface of the inclined wedge 5 is an inclined surface and is provided with an inclined groove 5a along the inclined direction, and the middle part of the inclined wedge 5 is horizontally arranged There is a screw hole 5b, and the inclined wedge 5 is horizontally mounted on an adjusting screw 6 through the screw hole 5b. The two ends of the adjusting screw 6 are rotatably mounted on the housing 2. The lower surface of the inclined wedge 5 is a plane, and the upper surface of the inclined wedge 5 is an inclined surface and at least one inclined groove 5a is provided on the inclined surface. The lower surface of the spring seat 4 is provided with an inclined guide rail 4a that engages with the inclined groove; when the adjusting screw 6 is turned, the inclined wedge 5 can move left and right along the adjusting screw 6, and the oblique groove 5a acts on the oblique guide rail 4a to force the spring seat 4 to move upward in the housing 2; a guide sleeve 3a is provided in the middle of the lower end surface of the spring cover 3, and a guide column 4c that can be inserted into the guide sleeve 3a and can move relatively is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring seat 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, since the spring seat 4 provides elastic support to the spring cover 3 through the elastic member, the sphere 1 is a hollow structure and has a horizontal incision at the bottom. The upper surface of the spring cover 3 is a plane. The upper surface of the spring cover 3 is in contact with or not in contact with the lower part of the sphere 1. Since the distance between the lower end surface of the sphere 1 and the center of the sphere is less than the distance between the spherical surface and the center of the sphere, when the sphere 1 is manually rotated in the housing 2 so that the sphere 1 contacts the upper surface of the spring cover 3, the sphere 1 will push the spring cover 3 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member and move downward. Once the hand is released, the elastic force of the elastic member will act on the spring cover 3 to push the sphere 1 back to its original position, so that the horizontal incision of the sphere 1 contacts or corresponds to the upper surface of the spring cover 3. When the elastic force of the elastic member needs to be adjusted, the adjusting screw 6 is turned, and the inclined wedge 5 moves left and right along the adjusting screw 6. The inclined groove 5a acts on the inclined guide rail 4a to force the spring seat 4 to move upward within the housing 2, thereby squeezing the elastic member and increasing its damping. If the adjusting screw 6 is turned in the opposite direction, the upward force exerted by the inclined wedge 5 on the spring seat 4 gradually decreases, and the spring seat 4 moves downward within the housing 2 under the elastic force of the elastic member, thereby reducing the damping of the elastic member. The coordinated arrangement of the guide sleeve 3a and the guide post 4c prevents the spring cover 3 and spring seat 4 from deflecting and jamming during their vertical movement.

[0037] like Figure 1 、 10 As shown, a raised truncated cone 3b is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring cover 3. A conical or spherical surface is formed between the periphery of the truncated cone 3b and the upper end surface of the spring cover 3. The angle between the conical or spherical surface and the truncated cone 3b is 15° to 30°. This conical or spherical surface ensures that the ball 1 always acts on the conical or spherical surface when the ball 1 is rotated, maintaining good contact between the ball 1 and the spring cover 3. This effectively pushes the spring cover 3 downward, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a flat plate 11 is provided below the wedge 5 and is in contact with the lower surface of the wedge 5. The flat plate 11 is fixed to the housing 2. By adding the flat plate 11 to limit the position of the wedge 5, this embodiment can further ensure that when the adjustment screw 6 is turned, the wedge 5 can only move horizontally left and right without deflection.

[0039] like Figure 1 、 6 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the inner wall of the housing 2 is provided with an inwardly projecting longitudinal rib at locations corresponding to the ends of the adjusting screw 6. The circumference of the spring seat 4 is provided with an axial groove 4b at locations corresponding to the ends of the inclined guide rail 4a. The length of the axial groove 4b is less than that of the spring seat 4, and the axial groove 4b engages with the longitudinal rib. The coordinated arrangement of the axial groove 4b and the longitudinal rib facilitates the installation of the spring seat 4 and guides the vertical movement of the spring seat 4 within the housing 2.

[0040] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the left and right end faces of the inclined wedge 5 are both arcuate surfaces, and a longitudinal groove 5d is provided on each of the left and right end faces, which passes through the end face. The longitudinal groove 5d is embedded with the longitudinal ribs of the shell 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the inclined guide rail 4a and the spring seat 4 can be made in an integral manner or in a combined manner. Specifically, the inclined guide rail 4a is set on a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is then attached to the lower end surface of the spring seat 4 and fixed by screws.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the elastic member of this embodiment is a compression spring, comprising a main compression spring 8 with a large diameter and a micro-force compression spring 9 with a small diameter. The micro-force compression spring 9 is sheathed outside the main compression spring 8, and the length of the main compression spring 8 is shorter than that of the micro-force compression spring 9. When the spacing between the spring seat 4 and the spring cover 3 is adjusted to the maximum, the micro-force compression spring 9 can press the two together, preventing unpleasant sounds caused by the swaying of the parts. Obviously, the elastic member can also be a hydraulic cylinder or elastic rubber. Example 2

[0043] like Figures 6 to 14 As shown, this embodiment provides an adjustable ball joint mechanism. Its overall structure and principles are basically the same as those of Example 1. The difference is that this embodiment eliminates the plate 11 below the angled wedge 5. Instead, an optical hole 5c is provided on the angled wedge 5, parallel to the screw hole 5b. A polished rod 7 passes through the optical hole 5c, and both ends of the polished rod 7 are mounted on the housing 2. The addition of the polished rod 7 to limit the position of the angled wedge 5 further ensures that the angled wedge 5 can only move horizontally left and right when the adjustment screw 6 is turned. Example 3

[0044] This embodiment provides an adjustable ball joint mechanism, the overall structure and principle of which are basically the same as those of embodiment 1, except that the flat plate 11 below the wedge 5 can be retained or eliminated in this embodiment. Figure 4 、 9 As shown, the oblique groove 5a of the oblique wedge 5 is set as a dovetail groove, or can also be set as a T-slot, and the shape of the oblique guide rail 4a is adapted to the structure of the oblique groove 5a.

[0045] The above embodiments are preferred implementation schemes of the present invention. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways. Any obvious replacement without departing from the concept of the present technical solution is within the scope of the present invention patent.

[0046] In order to make it easier for ordinary technicians in this field to understand the improvements of the present invention over the prior art, some drawings and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified, and for the sake of clarity, some other elements are omitted in this application document. Ordinary technicians in this field should realize that these omitted elements may also constitute the content of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable ball joint mechanism, comprising a ball (1) and a shell (2) capable of accommodating the ball (1), wherein a vertical ball handle is provided on the upper portion of the ball (1), and an elastic device with adjustable elastic force is also installed in the shell (2), wherein the elastic device comprises, from top to bottom, a spring cover (3), an elastic member, a spring seat (4), and an inclined wedge (5) arranged below the spring seat (4), wherein the spring cover (3) is used to support the ball (1), wherein the ball (1) is a hollow structure and has a horizontal cutout at the lower portion, wherein the upper surface of the spring cover (3) is in contact with or not in contact with the lower portion of the ball (1); and a screw hole (5b) is horizontally provided in the middle portion of the inclined wedge (5). The inclined wedge (5) is laterally mounted on an adjusting screw (6) through a screw hole (5b), and both ends of the adjusting screw (6) are rotatably mounted on the housing (2). The lower surface of the inclined wedge (5) is a plane, and the upper surface of the inclined wedge (5) is an inclined surface with at least one inclined groove (5a) provided on the inclined surface. The lower surface of the spring seat (4) is provided with an inclined guide rail (4a) that engages with the inclined groove (5a). When the adjusting screw (6) is turned, the inclined wedge (5) can move left and right along the adjusting screw (6), and the inclined groove (5a) acts on the inclined guide rail (4a) to force the spring seat (4) to move upward in the housing (2). It is characterized in that: A guide sleeve (3a) is provided in the middle of the lower end surface of the spring cover (3), and a guide column (4c) that can be inserted into the guide sleeve (3a) and relatively moved is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring seat (4).

2. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A raised truncated cone (3b) is provided in the middle of the upper end surface of the spring cover (3), and a conical surface or a spherical surface is formed between the periphery of the truncated cone (3b) and the upper end surface of the spring cover (3).

3. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The angle between the conical surface or spherical surface and the frustum (3b) is 15° to 30°.

4. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A flat plate (11) is provided below the inclined wedge (5) and is in contact with the lower surface of the inclined wedge (5). The flat plate (11) is fixed to the housing (2).

5. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The wedge (5) is also provided with a light hole (5c) parallel to the screw hole (5b), and a light rod (7) passes through the light hole (5c), and both ends of the light rod (7) are mounted on the housing (2).

6. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The oblique groove (5a) of the oblique wedge (5) is a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, and the shape of the oblique guide rail (4a) is adapted to the structure of the oblique groove (5a).

7. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the housing (2) is provided with an inwardly protruding longitudinal rib at positions corresponding to both ends of the adjusting screw (6); the circumferential surface of the spring seat (4) is provided with an axial groove (4b) at positions corresponding to both ends of the inclined guide rail (4a), and the axial groove (4b) is engaged with the longitudinal rib.

8. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The left and right end faces of the inclined wedge (5) are both arcuate surfaces. A longitudinal groove (5d) passing through the end face is provided on each of the left and right end faces of the inclined wedge (5), and the longitudinal groove (5d) is engaged with the longitudinal ribs of the shell (2).

9. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The elastic member is a compression spring, comprising a main compression spring (8) with a large circle diameter and a micro-force compression spring (9) with a small circle diameter, wherein the length of the main compression spring (8) is shorter than the length of the micro-force compression spring (9).

10. The adjustable ball joint mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inclined guide rail (4a) and the spring seat (4) are integrally formed, and the elastic member is a hydraulic cylinder or elastic rubber.

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