Sealing device for ball joint

Abstract

A sealing device (100) for a ball joint (200) comprises a bellows (110) having a substantially cylindrical structure and having a first end (112) and a second end (114). Furthermore, a sealing ring (130) is coupled to the bellows (110) towards the second end (114) such that the sealing ring (130) at least partially surrounds the bellows (110) at the second end (114). The sealing device (100) is characterized in that the bellows (110) defines one or more intermediate portions (122) at a location close to the second end (114) and the sealing ring (130) defines one or more passages (140). The bellows (110) is coupled to the sealing ring (130) such that at least one of the one or more intermediate portions (122) passes through at least one of the one or more passages (140). Furthermore, a cross-section of the one or more intermediate portions (122) towards a distal end of the intermediate portion (122) is larger than the passage (140). The sealing device provided by the present disclosure serves to prevent the ball joint from being contaminated by water, dust, and other contaminants, so as to improve the practicality and / or service life of the ball joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to sealing devices, and more particularly to sealing devices for ball joints in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Ball joints are well-known in vehicle construction. A ball joint consists of a joint ball and a joint pin. The joint ball is mounted in a joint housing, allowing it to move relative to the joint housing. Ball joints are primarily used in chassis structures to articulate chassis components together. To ensure safe and durable operation, it is essential to protect the interior of the joint from moisture and / or impurities. Therefore, ball joints used in vehicle construction are equipped with sealing systems or devices, which typically include a bellows and a sealing ring connected to and at least partially surrounding the bellows. The sealing device is mounted on the outside of the joint housing to isolate the interior of the joint from the external environment, thereby preventing the intrusion of moisture and / or impurities. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one aspect, a sealing device is provided for a ball joint of a vehicle having an inner joint part. The ball joint of the inner joint part is mounted movable relative to a ball joint housing, and a ball joint pin extends from the ball joint housing. The sealing device includes a bellows of generally cylindrical structure, a first end of the bellows near the ball joint pin, and a second end near the ball joint. Furthermore, a sealing ring is coupled to the bellows toward the second end such that the sealing ring at least partially surrounds the bellows at the second end. The sealing device is characterized in that the bellows defines one or more intermediate portions near the second end, and the sealing ring defines one or more channels. The bellows is coupled to the sealing ring such that at least one portion of the one or more intermediate portions extends through at least one of the one or more channels. Furthermore, the cross-section of the one or more intermediate portions toward the distal end of the intermediate portion is larger than that of the channel.

[0004] This disclosure advantageously provides a sealing device for a ball joint in a vehicle, improving the usability and / or service life of the ball joint. The sealing device prevents contamination of the ball joint by water, dust, and other contaminants. The sealing device is at least partially installed within the ball joint housing. In particular, a bellows is at least partially installed within the ball joint housing, while a sealing ring is completely installed within the ball joint housing to achieve an effective seal of the ball joint. Furthermore, the cross-section of one or more intermediate portions toward the distal end of the intermediate portion is advantageously larger than the channel to ensure secure coupling between the bellows and the sealing ring.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bellows defines a first portion extending from a first end toward a second end, wherein the first portion has a first diameter. Furthermore, the bellows defines a second portion extending from the first portion toward the second end, wherein the second portion has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. Additionally, the bellows defines a third portion extending from the second portion to the second end, wherein the third portion has a third diameter larger than the second diameter. The bellows is designed to allow coupling with a sealing ring and further to press against the inside of the ball joint housing. Furthermore, the relationship between the first, second, and third diameters can vary depending on factors such as the ball joint housing and the device equipped with the ball joint.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this invention, the maximum diameter of the sealing ring is smaller than the third diameter. The sealing ring is designed to securely couple with the bellows, thereby providing a seal for the ball joint.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bellows has a circular protrusion defined at its second end. This circular protrusion is operably configured as an O-ring to prevent grease from passing between the ball joint housing and the ball joint connector.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a circular protrusion extends circumferentially at the second end. The circular protrusion preferably conforms to the shape of the second end of the bellows.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring is molded onto the bellows. This reduces the number of components that need to be stocked before being used in sealing ball joints.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the sealing ring and the bellows are integrally molded. The sealing ring and the bellows can be manufactured by a two-component molding or overmolding process, depending on factors such as the materials and cost of the sealing ring and the bellows, and the complexity of the sealing device structure.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this invention, the material of the bellows is harder than the material of the sealing ring. The material of the bellows can be an elastic material. Furthermore, the hardness of the bellows material relative to the hardness of the sealing ring material can be determined according to application requirements.

[0012] Other applicable scopes of this utility model will become apparent from the detailed description below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples illustrate preferred embodiments of this utility model, they are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the scope of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2A This is a front perspective view of a bellows according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 2B This is a bottom perspective view of a bellows according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 3A This is a front perspective view of a sealing ring according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 3B This is a bottom perspective view of a sealing ring according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 4A This is a front perspective view of a sealing device according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0019] Figure 4B This is a bottom perspective view of a sealing device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use. Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts in the figures.

[0021] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sealing device 100 is shown. The sealing device 100 is used for a vehicle ball joint 200 with an inner joint component. The sealing device 100 protects the interior of the joint from moisture and / or impurities. Furthermore, the sealing device 100 can also serve as a structural support and / or bearing for the ball joint 200. The ball head 210 of the inner joint component is mounted such that the ball head 210 can move relative to the ball head housing 300, and the ball head pin 220 extends from the ball head housing 300. The ball head 210 is preferably integrally formed with the ball head pin 220. Furthermore, the formation of the ball head housing 300 allows the ball head 210 to be hinged relative to the ball head housing 300. Additionally, a spring 230, particularly a finger spring, is provided between the sealing device 100 and the ball head 210. The spring 230 is made of hardened spring steel and is configured as a bearing for the ball head 210. Furthermore, the sealing device 100 is configured to press the spring 230 against the ball head housing 300, thereby helping to control the preload of the ball head housing 300. Additionally, when the ball head 210 is lifted in the vertical direction, the sealing device 100 is also configured to prevent the ball head 210 from being pulled out of the ball head housing 300 by providing a rigid stop to the thin spring 230.

[0022] Furthermore, the sealing device 100 also includes a bellows 110, which is generally cylindrical in shape. However, the bellows 110 can have any other shape in a non-limiting manner. The bellows 110 has a first end 112 near the ball head pin 220 and a second end 114 near the ball head 210. In other words, when the sealing device 100 is used with the ball head joint 200, the bellows 110 extends substantially from the ball head pin 220 to the ball head 210. The bellows 110 at least partially surrounds the ball head pin 220 and the ball head 210. Furthermore, a sealing ring 130 is connected to the bellows 110 at a position facing the second end 114, such that the sealing ring 130 at least partially surrounds the bellows 110 at the second end 114. The shape and size of the sealing ring 130 depend on the shape and size of the bellows 110. Furthermore, in the assembled state, the sealing device 100 is at least partially installed within the ball head housing 300. In addition, the sealing ring 130 is configured to engage with the spring 230, thereby providing structural support for the spring 230 and the ball head 210 by the sealing device 100.

[0023] Figure 2A This is a front perspective view of the bellows 110. Figure 2B This is a bottom perspective view of the bellows 110. The bellows 110 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a first end 112 and a second end 114 opposite to the first end 112. Furthermore, the bellows 110 defines a first portion 116 extending near the first end 112 and toward the second end 114, the first portion having a first diameter "D1". The bellows 110 also defines a second portion 118 extending from the first portion 116 and toward the second end 114, the second portion 118 having a second diameter "D2". The second diameter "D2" is larger than the first diameter "D1". The extent to which the second diameter "D2" is larger than the first diameter "D1" depends on factors such as space constraints, sealing ring size, and the ball head housing 300. Furthermore, the bellows 110 also defines a third portion 120 extending from the second portion 118 to the second end 114, the third portion 120 having a third diameter "D3", the third diameter "D3" being larger than the second diameter "D2". The dimensional differences between the first diameter "D1", the second diameter "D2" and the third diameter "D3" also depend on factors such as space constraints, sealing ring size, and ball head housing 300.

[0024] Furthermore, the bellows 110 defines one or more intermediate portions 122 near the second end 114. The one or more intermediate portions 122 are located within the third portion 120 of the bellows 110. The one or more intermediate portions 122 may be equidistant or unequally spaced from each other. The configuration of the one or more intermediate portions 122 allows connection with the sealing ring 130 to form a sealing device 100. The bellows 110 also defines a circular protrusion 124 on the second end 114. The circular protrusion 124 extends circumferentially from the second end 114. The circular protrusion 124 is located below the one or more intermediate portions 122 in the third portion 120 of the bellows 110. The one or more intermediate portions 122 can close the gap between the top of the third portion 120 and the circular protrusion 124. The circular protrusion 124 can engage with or abut against the ball joint housing 300, providing a seal for the ball joint 200.

[0025] Figure 3A This is a front perspective view of the sealing ring 130. Figure 3B This is a bottom perspective view of the sealing ring 130. The sealing ring 130 is generally cylindrical in shape. The sealing ring 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite to the first end 132. Furthermore, the sealing ring 130 defines a first portion 136 extending near the first end 132 and toward the second end 134, the first portion having a first diameter "d1". Additionally, the sealing ring 130 defines a second portion 138 extending from the first portion 136 and toward the second end 134, the second portion 138 having a second diameter "d2". The second diameter "d2" is smaller than the first diameter "d1". The degree to which the second diameter "d2" is smaller than the first diameter "d1" depends on factors such as space constraints, bellows size, and the ball head housing 300. The maximum diameter "d1" of the sealing ring 130 is smaller than the third diameter "D3" of the bellows 110.

[0026] Furthermore, the sealing ring 130 defines one or more channels 140 near the second end 134. The one or more channels 140 are located in the second portion 138 of the sealing ring 130. The one or more channels 140 may be equidistant or unequally spaced from each other. The configuration of the one or more channels 140 allows connection to the bellows 110 to form a sealing device 100. The one or more channels 140 correspond to one or more intermediate portions 122.

[0027] Figure 4A This is a front perspective view of the sealing device 100. Figure 4BThis is a bottom perspective view of the sealing device 100. Depending on application requirements and / or other manufacturing factors, the sealing ring 130 may be molded onto the bellows 110, or the sealing ring 130 and the bellows 110 may be molded together. The material of the bellows 110 has a higher hardness than the material of the sealing ring 130. The bellows 110 is connected to the sealing ring 130 such that at least one of one or more intermediate portions 122 passes through at least one of one or more channels 140. Furthermore, the cross-section of the one or more intermediate portions 122 toward their distal ends is larger than the dimensions of the channels 140. Additionally, the sealing ring 130 at least partially surrounds the bellows 110 at its second end 114, and / or the sealing ring 130 at least partially surrounds a third portion 120 of the bellows 110. Furthermore, during installation, the bellows 110 and the sealing ring 130 at least partially engage with the ball joint housing 300 from within, preventing the interior of the ball joint 200 from being affected by external factors.

[0028] While various aspects of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various other embodiments can be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] 100 sealing device

[0031] 110 corrugated pipe

[0032] 112 First End

[0033] 114 Second End

[0034] 116 Part 1

[0035] Part 2 of 118

[0036] Part 3 of 120

[0037] 122 Middle Part

[0038] 124 circular protrusions

[0039] 130 sealing ring

[0040] 132 First End

[0041] 134 Second End

[0042] 136 Part 1

[0043] Part 2 of 138

[0044] 140 channels

[0045] 200 ball joint

[0046] 210 ball head

[0047] 220 ball head pin

[0048] 230 spring

[0049] 300 ball head shell

[0050] D1 First Diameter

[0051] D2 Second Diameter

[0052] D3 third diameter

[0053] d1 First diameter / Maximum diameter

[0054] d2 second diameter

Claims

1. A sealing device (100) for a ball joint (200) of a vehicle having an inner joint component, wherein the ball joint (210) of the inner joint component is mounted such that the ball joint (210) is movable relative to a ball joint housing (300), and a ball joint pin (220) extends from the ball joint housing (300), the sealing device (100) comprising: A bellows (110) having a cylindrical structure, the bellows (110) having a first end (112) near the ball head (220) and a second end (114) near the ball head (210); and The second end (114) facing outwards is coupled to a sealing ring (130) of the bellows (110) such that the sealing ring (130) at least partially surrounds the bellows (110) at the second end (114); Its features are: The bellows (110) defines one or more intermediate portions (122) near the second end (114); and The sealing ring (130) defines one or more channels (140); The bellows (110) is coupled to the sealing ring (130) such that at least one of the one or more intermediate portions (122) extends through at least one of the one or more channels (140); and The cross-section of the one or more intermediate portions (122) toward the distal end of the intermediate portion (122) is larger than that of the channel (140).

2. The sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bellows (110) defines: A first portion (116) extending near the first end (112) and toward the second end (114), wherein the first portion (116) has a first diameter (D1); A second portion (118) extending from the first portion (116) and toward the second end (114), wherein the second portion (118) has a second diameter (D2) such that the second diameter (D2) is larger than the first diameter (D1); and A third portion (120) extending from the second portion (118) and extending to the second end (114), wherein the third portion (120) has a third diameter (D3) such that the third diameter (D3) is larger than the second diameter (D2).

3. The sealing device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The maximum diameter (d1) of the sealing ring (130) is smaller than the third diameter (D3).

4. The sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The bellows (110) defines a circular protrusion (124) at the second end (114).

5. The sealing device (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The circular protrusion (124) extends circumferentially at the second end (114).

6. The sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring (130) is molded onto the bellows (110).

7. The sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring (130) and the bellows (110) are molded together.

8. The sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the material of the bellows (110) is harder than the material of the sealing ring (130).

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