A new anticorrosion structure of a swiveling outer ball head riveting site

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile steering system, disclose a new anticorrosion structure of steering outer ball head riveting part, including ball pin body and ball pin shell, ball pin shell is located ball pin body's outside lower end, the lower end of ball pin shell is equipped with the special dust cover for playing the physical protection effect to the coating damaged riveting edge, the outer surface of special dust cover is equipped with the ring for the special dust cover of hoop tightly, the inner surface of special dust cover and ball pin shell contact part is equipped with annular sealing lip for sealing, the inner surface of special dust cover is fixedly provided with the sleeve -like water -absorbing cotton piece, the utility model discloses through the physical covering riveting part, its wear -resisting layer is impacted, the buffer layer is vibration -absorbing, the anticorrosive layer is isolated corrosive medium, the ring is radial pressure dust cover, prevents the jolt loose, annular sealing lip and ball pin shell interference fit, ensure that the sealed anti -infiltration under high -frequency vibration, effectively promote anticorrosive performance, the sleeve -like water -absorbing cotton piece can further absorb the little moisture in the dust cover inside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering system technology, specifically to a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveted part of the steering outer ball joint. Background Technology

[0002] The outer ball joint of a steering system is a key component, responsible for transmitting steering force and adjusting the steering angle. Its working environment is complex, susceptible to corrosion from rainwater, de-icing agents, and road impurities. Riveting is a joining process that uses rotational pressure to plastically deform the material. In the assembly of the outer ball joint, riveting equipment applies rotational pressure to the edge of the ball joint housing, deforming it and causing it to tightly engage with the ball joint, achieving a strong connection. This process is efficient and ensures connection strength.

[0003] The existing connection between the outer ball joint and the ball pin shell often adopts the riveting process. Although this process can ensure the structural tightness, it will damage the original coating of the riveted part, forming a weak area for corrosion protection. Due to the influence of traditional structure and assembly process, the original coating of the ball pin shell is damaged when assembling the riveted sealing cover, and loses its anti-corrosion function. Even if the damaged coating is repainted later, it still cannot meet the 720h salt spray resistance requirement of high-end customers. Therefore, those skilled in the art provide a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of the steering outer ball joint to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of the steering outer ball joint, and to solve the problems mentioned in the background art above in the prior art.

[0005] This utility model provides the following technical solution: a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of the steering ball joint, including a ball pin body and a ball pin shell. The ball pin shell is located at the lower outer end of the ball pin body. A special dust cover is provided at the lower outer end of the ball pin shell to provide physical protection for the riveting edge where the coating is damaged. A retaining ring is fitted on the upper outer surface of the special dust cover to tighten the special dust cover. An annular sealing lip is provided at the contact part between the inner surface of the special dust cover and the ball pin shell for sealing. A sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton sheet is fixedly fitted on the inner surface of the special dust cover.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a sealing cover is fitted around the lower end of the ball pin body, a clamp is fitted around the lower outer surface of the sealing cover, the lower inner surface of the sealing cover abuts against the upper outer surface of the ball pin shell, a ball cup is fitted around the lower outer surface of the ball pin body, the outer wall of the ball cup contacts the inner wall of the ball pin shell, and a sealing cap is fixedly connected to the bottom of the ball cup.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the contact surface between the ball cup and the ball pin body is provided with a self-lubricating coating, the thickness of which is 0.05-0.15mm.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the special dust cover includes a wear-resistant layer, a buffer layer, and an anti-corrosion layer. The wear-resistant layer is made of high-density polyethylene, the buffer layer is made of rubber, and the anti-corrosion layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the annular sealing lip is made of an elastic material, and the annular sealing lip forms an interference fit with the ball pin shell.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the retaining ring is an annular metal clamp, the inner wall of the retaining ring forms a radial pressing fit with the outer surface of the special dust cover, and the axial cross section of the retaining ring has a strip-shaped closed structure.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the outer surface of the sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton pad is fitted to the inner wall of the special dust cover, and the shape of the sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton pad is adapted to the contour of the inner wall of the special dust cover.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] When the vehicle steering system is in operation, the ball pin body rotates at multiple angles within the ball pin housing. Since the riveting process may damage the coating on the riveted edge of the ball pin housing, a dedicated dust cover completely encloses the riveted area through physical covering. Its multi-layered composite structure includes a wear-resistant layer that effectively resists impacts from hard objects such as flying stones, a buffer layer that absorbs vibration energy during steering, and an anti-corrosion layer that isolates it from rainwater, de-icing agents, and other corrosive media. The annular sealing lip maintains an interference fit with the ball pin housing at all times, ensuring a stable seal even under high-frequency vibration conditions and preventing the infiltration of corrosive media. A retaining ring ensures a tight fit between the dust cover and the ball pin housing through continuous radial clamping force, preventing protective failure due to vehicle vibrations.

[0014] Based on the aforementioned beneficial effects, the sealing cover and the ball joint shell of this utility model form the first line of sealing defense. The cooperation between the ball cup and the self-lubricating coating ensures both rotational flexibility and achieves closed protection of the internal space through the sealing cover. The self-lubricating coating reduces friction and wear, and its dense structure also plays an auxiliary role in corrosion prevention. The entire structure, through multi-layered protective design, forms a complete protection system from physical isolation to material corrosion protection, improving the corrosion resistance and service life of the steering ball joint in harsh environments. The included sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton pad further prevents rusting if a small amount of moisture enters the dust cover due to its strong absorbency, extending the tolerance time of the riveted parts in salt spray environments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of the steering ball joint;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of a steering ball joint;

[0017] Figure 3 A three-dimensional exploded view of a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of a steering ball joint;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the self-lubricating coating connection of the ball joint's riveting part, representing a novel anti-corrosion structure.

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a special dust cover material for a novel anti-corrosion structure of the riveting part of a steering ball joint;

[0020] Figure 6 A top view schematic diagram of a retaining ring for a novel anti-corrosion structure of the riveting part of a steering ball joint.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Ball pin body; 2. Sealing cover; 3. Clamp; 4. Ball pin shell; 5. Ball cup; 51. Self-lubricating coating; 6. Sealing cap; 7. Special dust cover; 71. Wear-resistant layer; 72. Buffer layer; 73. Anti-corrosion layer; 8. Snap ring; 9. Annular sealing lip; 10. Sheath-shaped absorbent cotton sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a new anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of the steering outer ball joint, including a ball pin body 1 and a ball pin shell 4. The ball pin shell 4 is located at the lower outer end of the ball pin body 1. A special dust cover 7 is provided at the lower outer end of the ball pin shell 4 to provide physical protection for the riveting edge where the coating is damaged. A retaining ring 8 is fitted on the upper outer surface of the special dust cover 7 to tighten the special dust cover 7. An annular sealing lip 9 is provided at the contact part between the inner surface of the special dust cover 7 and the ball pin shell 4 for sealing. A sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton sheet 10 is fixedly fitted on the inner surface of the special dust cover 7.

[0024] The ball joint body 1, as the core component of the steering outer ball joint, has a ball joint shell 4 located at its lower outer end, which is fixed by a riveting process. During processing, the riveting edge may damage the coating, creating a potential corrosion hazard. Therefore, a dedicated dust cover 7 is installed at the lower outer end of the ball joint shell 4. This dust cover protects the riveting edge through physical covering, preventing direct contact with external moisture, dust, and other corrosive media. A retaining ring 8 is fitted onto the upper outer surface of the dust cover, securing it firmly to the ball joint shell 4 with radial clamping force to prevent it from falling off or shifting. An annular sealing lip 9 is provided at the contact point between the inner surface of the dust cover and the ball joint shell 4. The sealing lip is made of elastic material and forms an interference fit with the ball joint shell 4 to ensure a tight seal, further preventing the intrusion of corrosive media.

[0025] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-6 As shown, a sealing cover 2 is fitted on the lower part of the center of the ball pin body 1. A clamp 3 is fitted on the lower outer surface of the sealing cover 2. The lower inner surface of the sealing cover 2 abuts against the upper outer surface of the ball pin shell 4. A ball cup 5 is fitted on the lower outer surface of the ball pin body 1. The outer wall of the ball cup 5 contacts the inner wall of the ball pin shell 4. A sealing cap 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the ball cup 5.

[0026] The sealing cover 2 is fixed to the ball pin body 1 by a clamp 3, which provides additional tightening force to ensure a tight connection between the sealing cover 2 and the ball pin shell 4. The lower inner surface of the sealing cover 2 abuts against the upper outer surface of the ball pin shell 4, forming the first sealing barrier. A ball cup 5 is fitted onto the lower outer surface of the ball pin body 1, and the outer wall of the ball cup 5 is in close contact with the inner wall of the ball pin shell 4, providing support and positioning. A sealing cap 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the ball cup 5, which further seals the internal space of the ball pin shell 4 to prevent external contaminants from entering.

[0027] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the contact surface between the ball cup 5 and the ball pin body 1 is provided with a self-lubricating coating 51, the thickness of which is 0.05-0.15mm.

[0028] The self-lubricating coating 51 uses a low-friction coefficient material, which can reduce wear between the ball pin body 1 and the ball cup 5, and at the same time has a certain anti-corrosion performance, ensuring that it will not fail due to wear during long-term use, thus extending the service life of the component and reducing maintenance costs.

[0029] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the special dust cover 7 includes a wear-resistant layer 71, a buffer layer 72, and an anti-corrosion layer 73. The wear-resistant layer 71 is made of high-density polyethylene, the buffer layer 72 is made of rubber, and the anti-corrosion layer 73 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0030] The wear-resistant layer 71 is made of high-density polyethylene, which has excellent wear resistance and can resist external friction and impact; the buffer layer 72 is made of rubber, which provides elastic support and absorbs vibration and impact; the anti-corrosion layer 73 is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, which can effectively resist the erosion of corrosive media such as acids and alkalis.

[0031] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the annular sealing lip 9 is made of elastic material, and the annular sealing lip 9 forms an interference fit with the ball pin shell 4.

[0032] The cross-section of the annular sealing lip 9 is arc-shaped, which can produce uniform deformation under pressure, further filling the tiny gaps in the contact surface and improving the sealing effect. Its elastic properties can also adapt to the slight unevenness on the surface of the ball pin shell 4, ensuring the sealing performance during long-term use.

[0033] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the retaining ring 8 is a ring-shaped metal clamp. The inner wall of the retaining ring 8 forms a radial compression fit with the outer surface of the special dust cover 7. The axial cross section of the retaining ring 8 has a strip-shaped closed structure.

[0034] The retaining ring 8 is a ring-shaped metal clamp, typically made of stainless steel or galvanized steel, possessing high strength and corrosion resistance. The inner wall of the retaining ring 8 is designed with a smooth surface, forming a radial compression fit with the outer surface of the dedicated dust cover 7, ensuring that the dust cover will not loosen or fall off under external force. The axial cross-section of the retaining ring 8 has a closed, strip-like structure, allowing it to apply pressure evenly and preventing localized stress concentration that could damage the dust cover.

[0035] As one implementation method in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2-3 As shown, the outer surface of the sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton pad 10 is fitted to the inner wall of the special dust cover 7, and the shape of the sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton pad 10 is adapted to the contour of the inner wall of the special dust cover 7.

[0036] The sheath-shaped absorbent cotton pad 10 is made of oil-resistant and aging-resistant polyester fiber absorbent cotton material, which can quickly absorb the seepage of trace amounts of moisture (such as condensation and rainwater vapor). The material is soft and will not affect the rotation of the ball pin body 1. Its oil resistance can adapt to the lubricating oil environment that the steering system may come into contact with, thus avoiding material failure.

[0037] Working Principle: When the vehicle steering system is in operation, the ball pin body 1 rotates at multiple angles within the ball pin housing 4. Since the riveting process may damage the coating on the riveted edge of the ball pin housing 4, a dedicated dust cover 7 completely encloses the riveted area through physical covering. Its multi-layered composite structure includes a wear-resistant layer 71 that effectively resists the impact of hard objects such as flying stones from the road, a buffer layer 72 that absorbs vibration energy during steering, and an anti-corrosion layer 73 that isolates it from corrosive media such as rainwater and de-icing agents. The annular sealing lip 9 maintains an interference fit with the ball pin housing 4 at all times, ensuring a stable seal even under high-frequency vibration conditions and preventing the infiltration of corrosive media. The retaining ring 8 ensures a tight fit between the dust cover and the ball pin housing 4 through continuous radial clamping force, preventing protective failure due to vehicle bumps.

[0038] The contact between the sealing cover 2 and the ball joint housing 4 forms the first line of defense. The cooperation between the ball cup 5 and the self-lubricating coating 51 ensures both rotational flexibility and, through the sealing cover 6, provides enclosed protection for the internal space. The self-lubricating coating 51 reduces friction and wear, and its dense structure also provides auxiliary corrosion protection. The entire structure, through its multi-layered protective design, forms a complete protection system from physical isolation to material corrosion prevention, improving the corrosion resistance and service life of the steering ball joint in harsh environments. The included absorbent pad 10 further prevents rusting if a small amount of moisture enters the special dust cover 7 due to its strong absorbency, extending the tolerance of the riveted parts in salt spray environments.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveting part of a steering ball joint, comprising a ball pin body (1) and a ball pin shell (4), characterized in that: The ball pin shell (4) is located on the lower outer side of the ball pin body (1). The lower outer side of the ball pin shell (4) is provided with a special dust cover (7) for physical protection of the riveted edge where the coating is damaged. The upper outer surface of the special dust cover (7) is fitted with a retaining ring (8) for tightening the special dust cover (7). The inner surface of the special dust cover (7) and the contact part of the ball pin shell (4) are provided with an annular sealing lip (9) for sealing. The inner surface of the special dust cover (7) is fixedly fitted with a sleeve-shaped absorbent cotton sheet (10).

2. The novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing cover (2) is fitted on the lower part of the center of the ball pin body (1). A clamp (3) is fitted on the lower outer surface of the sealing cover (2). The lower inner surface of the sealing cover (2) abuts against the upper outer surface of the ball pin shell (4). A ball cup (5) is fitted on the lower outer surface of the ball pin body (1). The outer wall of the ball cup (5) contacts the inner wall of the ball pin shell (4). A sealing cap (6) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the ball cup (5).

3. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact surface between the ball cup (5) and the ball pin body (1) is provided with a self-lubricating coating (51), the thickness of which is 0.05-0.15mm.

4. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The special dust cover (7) includes a wear-resistant layer (71), a buffer layer (72) and an anti-corrosion layer (73). The wear-resistant layer (71) is made of high-density polyethylene, the buffer layer (72) is made of rubber, and the anti-corrosion layer (73) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

5. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular sealing lip (9) is made of an elastic material, and the annular sealing lip (9) forms an interference fit with the ball pin shell (4).

6. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining ring (8) is an annular metal clamp. The inner wall of the retaining ring (8) forms a radial pressing fit with the outer surface of the special dust cover (7). The axial cross section of the retaining ring (8) has a strip-shaped closed structure.

7. A novel anti-corrosion structure for the riveted portion of the steering ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the sheath-shaped absorbent cotton pad (10) is in contact with the inner wall of the special dust cover (7), and the shape of the sheath-shaped absorbent cotton pad (10) is adapted to the inner wall contour of the special dust cover (7).

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