A continuously lubricated ball pin
By embedding a sponge block at the ball end of the ball pin and utilizing the self-locking effect of the threaded hole, the lubricating oil is released slowly, solving the problem of rapid lubrication reduction, extending the lubrication time and reducing the replenishment frequency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG TONGSHI AUTO PARTS
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
The existing ball pins gradually lose lubricating oil during use, requiring frequent replenishment, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the friction contact surfaces.
Design a ball pin structure with a threaded hole at the end of the ball head away from the pin rod, into which a sponge block is embedded. The outer wall of the sponge block matches the threaded hole, and the threaded contact surface self-locks. The lubricating oil inside the sponge block is slowly released, extending the lubrication time.
It achieves a continuous supply of lubricating oil, reduces the frequency of lubricating oil replenishment, extends lubrication time, and is simple to produce and has low cost.
Smart Images

Figure CN224592545U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of ball pin technology, and in particular to a continuously lubricated ball pin. Background Technology
[0002] Ball pins are a basic component. Due to their ability to rotate freely in space via the ball head, ball pins are used in push-pull applications and are widely used in automotive parts.
[0003] A utility model patent with publication number CN209340335U discloses a ball head pin, including a ball head and a connecting rod disposed on the lower surface of the ball head. The connecting rod is provided with a first post, a second post, a third post and a fourth post from top to bottom. The first post is provided with a first arc-shaped groove. An annular protrusion is provided between the first post and the second post. The first arc-shaped groove is located between the ball head and the annular protrusion. The third post is shaped like an inverted frustum. A second arc-shaped groove is provided between the third post and the fourth post. The outer surface of the fourth post is provided with external threads.
[0004] The aforementioned technology is a typical ball pin structure. The ball pin is used in conjunction with the ball shell. Lubricating oil is applied between the ball head of the ball pin and the ball shell. As the ball pin is used for a longer period of time, the lubricating oil will gradually decrease and needs to be replenished. Currently, the ball pin has a relatively small amount of lubricating oil on the friction contact surface, and the frequency of lubricating oil replenishment is relatively high, which needs to be improved. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application provides a continuously lubricated ball pin that can store lubricating oil at its end, and the lubricating oil is slowly released to prolong the lubrication time and reduce the frequency of replenishing the lubricating oil.
[0006] This application provides a continuously lubricated ball pin, which adopts the following technical solution: A continuously lubricated ball pin includes an integrally fixed ball head and pin rod. The end of the ball head opposite the pin rod is provided with a threaded hole. A sponge block is embedded in the threaded hole. The outer wall shape of the sponge block matches the thread of the threaded hole. The sponge block is wetted with lubricating oil.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the sponge block is prevented from spontaneously detaching from the threaded hole after installation due to the self-locking effect of the threaded contact surface. When the lubricating oil content on the inner wall of the ball groove is low, the sponge block applies its own lubricating oil to the inner wall of the ball groove, achieving a continuous lubrication effect.
[0008] Optionally, the outer diameter of the sponge block is tapered, and the outer end of the sponge block is located on the spherical surface of the ball head.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, a smaller contact surface is used to prevent the lubricating oil from being released too quickly, thereby extending the lubrication time.
[0010] Optionally, the opening of the threaded hole is chamfered.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the chamfering avoids burrs at the opening of the threaded hole from damaging the sponge block.
[0012] Optionally, a nut is threaded onto the outer end of the pin.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the pin and nut are used to connect and install with the vehicle body components.
[0014] Optionally, the outer wall of the pin is integrally fixed with an external hexagonal segment, which is located between the nut and the ball head.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, when installing the ball pin, it is necessary to tighten the nut. At this time, the outer hexagonal section is clamped by a wrench to prevent the pin from rotating, making it easier to tighten the nut.
[0016] Optionally, the middle part of the outer hexagonal segment is provided with an annular limiting groove, which is used for the end of the dust cover to be inserted.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting groove is used for the end of the dust cover to be inserted.
[0018] Optionally, the limiting groove has a chamfer on the side near the ball head.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner wall of the dust cover is contacted by the chamfer two, and the bevel of the chamfer two conforms to the bevel of the inner wall of the dust cover, thereby preventing the edge of the limiting groove from deforming or breaking the dust cover.
[0020] Optionally, the groove opening on the side of the limiting groove away from the ball head is at a right angle.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer end of the dust cover is reliably limited by a right angle, preventing the dust cover from dislodging from the limiting groove towards the nut.
[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. When the lubricating oil content on the inner wall of the ball groove is low, the sponge block applies its own lubricating oil to the inner wall of the ball groove to achieve a continuous lubrication effect; 2. The outer end of the sponge block has a smaller contact surface to prevent the lubricating oil from being released too quickly, thereby prolonging the lubrication time; 3. Installing the sponge block through the threaded hole is simple to produce and has a low cost. It also prevents the sponge block from spontaneously detaching from the threaded hole and makes it easier to retain lubricating oil. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a continuously lubricated ball pin according to an embodiment; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the ball pin and dust cover in an embodiment.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Ball head; 2. Pin; 3. Nut; 11. Threaded hole; 4. Sponge block; 12. Chamfer 1; 5. External hexagonal segment; 51. Limiting groove; 52. Chamfer 2; 53. Right angle. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment discloses a continuously lubricated ball pin, including an integrally fixed ball head 1 and a pin 2. The outer end of the pin 2 is threaded with a nut 3. The pin 2 and the nut 3 are used to connect and install with the vehicle body parts. The ball head 1 is used to rotate and install with the corresponding ball groove.
[0027] The end of the ball head 1 facing away from the pin 2 has a threaded hole 11. A sponge block 4 is embedded in the threaded hole 11. The outer wall shape of the sponge block 4 matches the thread of the threaded hole 11. The sponge block 4 is soaked in lubricating oil. The sponge block 4 is made of a high-hardness type. Through the self-locking effect of the threaded contact surface, the sponge block 4 is prevented from spontaneously detaching from the threaded hole 11 after installation. Furthermore, the uneven thread shape of the outer wall of the sponge block 4 and the inner wall of the threaded hole 11 makes it easier to retain lubricating oil, thereby achieving the effect of slowly releasing lubricating oil. The drilling process of the threaded hole 11 is very mature, convenient to produce, and low in cost.
[0028] Reference Figure 3 The outer diameter of the sponge block 4 is tapered, and the outer end of the sponge block 4 is located on the spherical surface of the ball head 1. When the ball head 1 rotates in the ball groove, the sponge block 4 contacts the inner wall of the ball groove through its smaller outer end. When the lubricating oil content on the inner wall of the ball groove is low, the liquid inside the sponge block 4 penetrates and coats the inner wall of the ball groove with its own lubricating oil, achieving a continuous lubrication effect. The smaller contact area prevents the lubricating oil from being released too quickly, thereby prolonging the lubrication time. The opening of the threaded hole 11 is provided with a chamfer 12 to prevent burrs at the opening of the threaded hole 11 from damaging the sponge block 4.
[0029] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The outer wall of the pin 2 is integrally fixed with an external hexagonal segment 5, which is located between the nut 3 and the ball head 1. When installing the ball pin, it is necessary to tighten the nut 3. At this time, the external hexagonal segment 5 is clamped by a wrench to prevent the pin 2 from rotating, making it easier to tighten the nut 3.
[0030] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer hexagonal segment 5 has a circular limiting groove 51 in its middle. The limiting groove 51 is used for the end of the dust cover to be inserted. The dust cover is made of rubber, and the end of the dust cover is inserted into the limiting groove 51 through elastic deformation. The groove opening of the limiting groove 51 near the ball head 1 has a chamfer 52, and the groove opening of the limiting groove 51 away from the ball head 1 is a right angle 53. The chamfer 52 allows the inner wall of the dust cover to contact the dust cover. The bevel of the chamfer 52 follows the bevel of the inner wall of the dust cover, thereby preventing the edge of the limiting groove 51 from deforming or breaking the dust cover. The right angle 53 reliably limits the outer end of the dust cover, preventing the dust cover from detaching from the limiting groove 51 towards the nut 3. In addition, the regular hexagonal shape of the outer hexagonal segment 5 provides a better limiting and anti-detachment effect for the dust cover compared with a circle.
[0031] The implementation principle of a continuously lubricated ball pin according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: a sponge block 4 is inserted into the threaded hole 11 by compression, and then lubricating oil is injected into the sponge block 4. During the use of the ball head 1 in conjunction with the ball groove, if the lubricating oil content on the inner wall of the ball groove is high, the sponge block 4 will not release lubricating oil according to the principle of liquid diffusion. When the lubricating oil content on the inner wall of the ball groove is low, the lubricating oil is applied to the inner wall of the ball groove through the penetration of the liquid within the sponge block 4, achieving a continuous lubrication effect. The smaller contact area prevents the lubricating oil from being released too quickly, thereby extending the lubrication time.
[0032] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A permanently lubricated ball pin comprising an integrally fixed ball head (1) and pin shaft (2), characterized in that: The ball head (1) is provided with a threaded hole (11) at the end away from the pin (2). A sponge block (4) is embedded in the threaded hole (11). The outer wall shape of the sponge block (4) matches the thread of the threaded hole (11). The sponge block (4) is wetted with lubricating oil. The outer end of the pin (2) is threaded with a nut (3), and the outer wall of the pin (2) is integrally fixed with an external hexagonal segment (5), which is located between the nut (3) and the ball head (1). The middle part of the external hexagonal segment (5) is provided with an annular limiting groove (51), which is used for the end of the dust cover to be inserted. The groove of the limiting groove (51) near the ball head (1) is provided with a chamfer (52), and the groove of the limiting groove (51) away from the ball head (1) is a right angle (53).
2. A permanently lubricated plain bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer diameter of the sponge block (4) is gradually reduced, and the outer end of the sponge block (4) is located on the spherical surface of the ball head (1).
3. A continuously lubricated plain bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening of the threaded hole (11) is provided with a chamfer (12).