Ball joint system for automotive steering

Abstract

The invention provides a ball joint system (26) for a motor vehicle. The ball joint system comprises a suspension arm (20), a wheel support (24), a ball joint (52) with a spherical head (58) and a retaining rod (54) having a retention groove (60); a mounting passage (36); an assembly device (30) comprising a mounting plate (38) with a cutout through which the retaining rod passes and a sealing portion (40) with a mounting hole (42); and an engaged retaining pin. The retaining rod includes positioning means (56). The mounting plate is positioned between the spherical head and the positioning means to position the mounting hole relative to the retention groove and to seal the mounting passage in case of misalignment between the mounting passage and the retention groove during assembly. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Ball joint system for motor vehicle steering

[0001] The invention relates to a ball joint between a suspension triangle and a steering wheel support of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to the assembly of a ball joint between a suspension triangle and a front wheel support of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is a motor vehicle ball joint system with an assembly device. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle comprises a front axle with wheels connected to the structure by suspension systems and a steering system. In this context, each wheel is connected to a dedicated support which is pivotable about a vertical axis. Such a steering support is indirectly connected to the structure by means of suspension arms; generally called suspension triangles.

[0003] In order to support a predefined kinematics, each wheel support is fixed to the associated suspension arm using at least one ball joint. A sealed bellows protects it from water, dust, and chemical attack. In operation, each front wheel ball joint is exposed to thermal stresses generated by the brake discs. The latter reach maximum temperatures likely to prematurely degrade the sealed bellows. This risk is controlled by mounting thermal protectors between each ball joint and the adjoining brake disc.

[0004] A thermal protector has a vertical wall at a distance from the ball joint. It is mounted around the fixing rod of the ball joint. It is known to provide positioning flanges on the thermal protector, and to fix these positioning flanges using the same screw which also tightens the rod of the ball joint in a slot of the wheel support.

[0005] Document FR2709520A1 presents a device for fixing the rod of a ball joint in a slotted bore of an element, for example a front axle pivot yoke of a motor vehicle, using a screw passing through holes in the element, with which a cylindrical groove, of the same radius as the holes, machined in the ball joint rod perpendicular to the axis of this rod, can coincide, and making it possible to tighten the walls of the bore on either side of its slot. This device comprises a retractable or foolproof means placed on the path of the tightening screw, movable by the ball joint rod and preventing the installation of this screw until its groove is in coincidence with the passage holes of said screw.

[0006] This fixing device limits the risk that tightening is carried out while the ball joint rod is not correctly seated in the bore, especially when this rod is incompletely retracted so that the groove does not reach the level of the screw holes. However, there is a need to further limit this risk, and to increase the positioning accuracy of the ball joint rod before tightening.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to ensure the positioning of a motor vehicle ball joint connecting rod during its attachment. The invention also aims to optimize the positioning accuracy, safety and assembly costs of a motor vehicle ball joint connecting system.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a ball joint system for a motor vehicle; the ball joint system comprising: a suspension arm; a wheel support; a ball joint connection with a spherical head and a fixing rod having a retention groove, the ball joint connection being configured to rotatably connect the wheel support to the suspension arm; the ball joint system further comprising: a fixing passage formed in the wheel support or the suspension arm; an assembly device comprising a mounting plate with a cutout crossed by the fixing rod and a closure portion with a fixing orifice; a fixing axis engaged in the fixing orifice, the fixing passage and the positioning groove;remarkable in that the fixing rod comprises means for positioning the assembly device in order to position the fixing orifice relative to the retention groove so as to at least partially close the fixing passage in the event of an offset between the fixing passage and the retention groove during assembly of the ball joint system.;

[0009] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a ball joint system for a motor vehicle, the ball joint system has a ball joint connection with a groove and indexing means, and an assembly device with a fixing orifice; the indexing means leading to coincidence between the groove and a fixing passage before introduction and tightening of a fixing axis.

[0010] The invention reduces the risk of faulty assembly in which the ball joint is offset from its prescribed position. The probability of having to disassemble and repair the ball joint system decreases. The assembly thus formed is more secure, and this with basic tooling. The needs and costs of quality control are reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing rod comprises a cylindrical surface, the positioning means forming a protrusion on the cylindrical surface.

[0012] Preferably, the protrusion is an annular rib around the fixing rod.

[0013] Preferably, the closure portion comprises an annular part around the fixing orifice, the sealing portion further comprises a vertical wing extending from the annular portion.

[0014] Preferably, the ball joint system comprises a sealing bellows between the spherical head and the positioning means.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing rod comprises a first section extending from the retention groove towards the opposite side of the spherical head; the vertical wing extending vertically at least along the entire length of the first section.

[0016] Preferably, the retention groove is a perimeter groove surrounding the fixing rod and / or the assembly device comprises a thermal protection panel vertically at the level of the spherical head.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing rod is in the wheel support; and the spherical head is in the suspension arm.

[0018] Preferably, the wheel support comprises a bore housing the fixing rod, and a vertical slot along the bore.

[0019] Preferably, the closure portion comprises a welded nut or means for locking the rotation of a hexagonal nut.

[0020] Preferably, the cutout comprises a notch open towards the opposite side of the wheel support.

[0021] Preferably, the notch comprises two parallel rotation-locking edges, the fixing rod comprising at least one flat in contact with at least one of the two rotation-locking edges.

[0022] Preferably, the closure portion is a first closure portion, the assembly device further comprising a second closure portion symmetrical to the first closure portion; the positioning means being between the first closure portion and the second closure portion.

[0023] Preferably, the assembly device is a sealing device and / or a thermal protection device.

[0024] Preferably, the fixing rod comprises an insertion axis, the retention groove being transverse to the insertion axis.

[0025] Preferably, the fixing rod comprises an insertion axis, the retention groove being perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0026] Preferably, the fixing passage is vertically at the level of the retention groove.

[0027] Preferably, the mounting plate and the holding portion are perpendicular.

[0028] Preferably, the wheel support comprises a bore, the fixing rod being in said bore.

[0029] Preferably, the mounting plate is between the suspension arm and the support wheel.

[0030] Preferably, the retention groove is transverse to the fixing rod.

[0031] Preferably, the positioning means are between the spherical head and the retention groove.

[0032] Preferably, the positioning means are between the mounting plate and the closure portion.

[0033] Preferably, the thermal protection panel is longer and / or higher than the closure portion.

[0034] Preferably, the fixing orifice and the fixing passage comprise the same internal diameter.

[0035] Preferably, the mounting plate is between the spherical head and the positioning means.

[0036] According to another aspect, the invention provides a ball joint system for a motor vehicle; the ball joint system comprising a suspension arm, a wheel support, a ball joint connection with a spherical head and a fixing rod with an insertion axis and a retention groove, the ball joint connection being configured to rotatably connect the wheel support to the suspension arm; the ball joint system further comprising a mounting portion with a bore housing the fixing rod, a fixing passage and a device for closing the fixing passage, said closing device comprising a mounting plate with a cutout crossed by the fixing rod, and a closing portion with a fixing orifice; the ball joint system further comprising a fixing axis engaged in the fixing orifice, the fixing passage and the retention groove;remarkable in that the ball joint system further comprises at least one extension which is configured so that during assembly of the ball joint system, in the event of an offset between the retention groove and the fixing passage, the sealing portion at least partially seals the fixing passage in order to prevent insertion of the fixing pin into the fixing passage. ;

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a ball joint system; remarkable in that the ball joint system is in accordance with the invention; the wheel support is above the suspension arm and the spherical head is under the fixing rod.

[0038] Preferably, the ball joint system is for a front wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0039] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0040] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly from reading the following description, given with reference to the figures attached and listed below.

[0041] [Fig.l] is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0042] [Fig.2] shows a motor vehicle ball joint system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 3] is a section of the motor vehicle ball joint system, in the intermediate assembly stage, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0044] [Fig.4] shows an assembly device according to the first embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle ball joint system.

[0045] [Fig.5] shows an assembly device according to a second embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle ball joint system.

[0046] [Fig.6] shows an assembly device according to a third embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle ball joint system.

[0047] [Fig.7] shows an assembly device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle ball joint system.

[0048] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the ball joint system to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The term "external" will designate that which is oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle.

[0049] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0050] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron.

[0051] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0052] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the ball joint system, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0053] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same signs of reference to designate identical or similar entities.

[0054] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0055] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0056] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems 14, the steering system 16, the braking systems (not shown). Suspension systems 14 and the steering system 16 are generally associated with the front wheels 18, also called steered wheels. Each braking system commonly comprises a disc housed in a wheel, and a caliper cooperating by friction with the disc.

[0057] Each suspension system 14 comprises at least one suspension arm 20, generally called a suspension wishbone. The suspension arm 20 is pivotally mounted to the structure 12. The suspension arm 20 is for example a lower arm, the suspension system 14 generally comprising a similar upper arm. The arms may be of different lengths, and be inclined relative to each other. A suspension spring 22 is associated with each lower arm and is connected to the structure 12. Thus the lower arms carry the structure 12. Hereinafter, the lower arm will be referred to as the suspension arm 20. However, the present teaching also applies to each upper arm.

[0058] The steering system 16 comprises a wheel support 24 associated with each front wheel 18. The wheel supports 24 are connected by a rack and steering rods (not shown). Each wheel support 24 is rotatably connected to the corresponding suspension arm 20 using at least one ball joint system 26. Each front wheel 18 is rotatably connected to one of the wheel supports 24. Each ball joint system 26 forms a mechanical connection with at least two, preferably at least three degrees of freedom. It allows rotation of the wheel support 24 about a pivot axis 28 vertical relative to the suspension arm 20; as well as rotation about a longitudinal axis.

[0059] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0060] [Fig.2] shows a ball joint system 26 of a motor vehicle. The vehicle at car corresponds to that presented in relation to [Fig.l]. The ball joint system 26 is in an assembled state.

[0061] The suspension arm 20 and the wheel support 24 are connected by a ball joint (not visible). The suspension arm 20 has an outer end housing a spherical head of the ball joint while the wheel support 24 has a lower end with a bore housing a rod for fixing the ball joint. The fixing rod has a retention groove. The retention groove is horizontal.

[0062] According to an alternative of the invention, the spherical head is in the wheel support and the fixing rod is in the suspension arm.

[0063] According to another alternative or option of the invention, the upper end of the wheel support 24 comprises a ball joint system.

[0064] The ball joint system 26 has an assembly device 30, which secures and facilitates its assembly. The assembly device 30 makes it possible to ensure the position of a fixing axis 32 (symbolically represented by a dot-and-dash line) connecting the fixing rod to the wheel support 24. The fixing axis 32 may be a screw with a smooth bearing surface. The wheel support 24 may have a vertical slot 34 along the bore housing the fixing rod. The wheel support 24 also has a fixing passage 36. The fixing passage 36 is vertically at the level of the retaining groove of the ball joint connection.

[0065] When tightening the fixing axis 32 in the fixing passage 36, the fixing rod is clamped and locked vertically. The fixing passage 36 forms a clamping passage. This configuration makes it possible to eliminate mechanical play between the fixing rod and the wheel support 24.

[0066] The assembly device 30 comprises a mounting plate 38 with a cutout (not shown) through which the fixing rod passes and at least one closure portion 40 with a fixing orifice 42. Optionally, the assembly device 30 comprises two closure portions 40 connected by the mounting plate 38.

[0067] The mounting plate 38 is vertically between the wheel support 24 and the suspension arm 20. The assembly device 30 also comprises a thermal protection panel 44 vertically at the spherical head, and extending opposite each closure portion 40. The assembly device 30 forms a thermal protector. It extends vertically at a sealing bellows 46 and the suspension arm 20. The sealing bellows 46 is made of an elastomeric material. The thermal protection panel 44 extends vertically from the mounting plate 38. The closure portion 40 is against the wheel support 24. It allows rotational locking, which makes it possible to guarantee the angular position of the thermal protection panel 44 relative to the suspension arm 20 and the brake disc. The sealing portion 40 also forms a blocking portion in rotation. It forms an orientation flange.

[0068] The closure portion 40 comprises an annular part 48 around the fixing orifice 42. The annular part 48 forms a closed loop. The closure portion 40 further comprises a vertical wing 50 extending from the annular part 48. The annular part 48 and the vertical wing 50; and therefore generally the closure portion 40; form a shutter which masks or exposes the fixing passage 36 depending on the vertical position of the assembly device 30. Thus, the latter prevents mounting of the fixing axis 32 in the event of incorrect positioning of the ball joint. In order to index the position of the assembly device 30 relative to the ball joint, the latter has positioning means.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly device 30 is made of a metallic material. It may comprise steel or aluminum. The assembly device 30 comprises a sheet metal, for example with a thickness of between 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm. It is shaped by stamping.

[0070] [Fig. 3] shows a sectional view of a ball joint system 26 of a motor vehicle. The section passes through the vertical slot 34 which extends transversely. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The ball joint system 26 is in an intermediate state of assembly, for example at the start. The pivot axis 28 is shown. Only a closure portion 40 is visible.

[0071] The ball joint system 26 comprising: a horizontal fixing passage 36, an assembly device 30 comprising a mounting plate 38 with a cutout crossed by the ball joint connection 52, in particular by the fixing rod 54. The ball joint connection 52 comprises a single-piece element. The assembly device 30 also has a closure portion 40 with a central fixing orifice 42, and at the level of the fixing rod 54.

[0072] The fixing rod 54 comprises positioning means 56 for the assembly device 30, the mounting plate 38 being between the spherical head 58 and the positioning means 56 in order to position the fixing orifice 42 relative to the retention groove 60. Thus, in the event of an offset between the fixing passage 36 and the retention groove 60 during assembly, the closing portion 40 blocks access to the fixing passage 36.

[0073] In particular, the vertical wing 50 blocks the fixing passage 36. Thus, the assembly device 30 at least partially closes the fixing passage 36 in the event of an offset. This prevents the fixing axis (not shown) from being fixed when the ball joint system 26 is in a non-compliant configuration, in particular when the fixing rod 54 is not sufficiently inserted. The assembly device 30 is then a closing device. The risk of non-compliant assembly is reduced, as is the need for possible disassembly in order to repair or bring the 26 ball joint system.

[0074] The sealing bellows 46 is under the positioning means 56 and generally above the spherical head 58. The positioning means 56 optimize the sealing provided by the sealing bellows 46. The suspension arm 20 has a cup receiving the spherical head 58. The mounting plate 38 is held between the positioning means 56 and the sealing bellows 46.

[0075] The fixing rod 54 comprises a cylindrical surface 62, in particular its outer surface. The positioning means 56 form a protrusion on the cylindrical surface 62. The protrusion forms a first extension, for example an annular extension. The protrusion is an annular rib 64 around the fixing rod 54. The annular rib 64 forms a collar. It surrounds the fixing rod 54. It is vertically spaced from the spherical head 58. The retention groove 60 is a perimeter groove surrounding the fixing rod 54. The perimeter groove is formed by the cylindrical surface 62. The positioning means 56 are between the spherical head 58 and the retention groove 60. The retention groove 60 is transverse to the fixing rod.

[0076] The fixing rod 54 comprises a first section 66 extending from the retention groove 60 towards the opposite of the spherical head 58. The first section 66 may be an upper section, or a free section. During assembly, it is the first to enter the bore 68 formed in the wheel support 24; the vertical wing 50 extending vertically at least all along the first section 66. This prevents the insertion of the fixing axis when the first section is at the level of the fixing passage 36. The bore 68 and the fixing passage 36 communicate. The vertical slot 34 extends from the bore 68.

[0077] During assembly, the closure portion 40, in particular via the vertical wing 50, forms a second extension which is configured to allow or prohibit the insertion of the fixing pin into the fixing passage 36 when the retention groove 60, the fixing passage 36 and the fixing orifice 42 are aligned or offset respectively. The alignment and the offset is in the vertical direction or along the pivot axis 28. The pivot axis 28 may correspond to an axis of insertion of the fixing rod 54 into the bore 68. The retention groove 60 is transverse, preferably perpendicular to the insertion axis; and therefore to the pivot axis 28.

[0078] In particular, as soon as the fixing rod 54 engages in the bore 68, the closing portion 40 already closes the fixing passage 36. This reduces the risks of error as early as possible in the process of assembling the ball joint system 26. The conformity of the assembly is optimized.

[0079] [Fig.4] shows an assembly device 30 for a motor vehicle according to the first embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 3.

[0080] The assembly device 30 comprises a mounting plate 38 with a cutout 70 through which the fixing rod (not shown) passes and at least one closure portion 40, in this case two closure portions 40. Each closure portion 40 has a fixing orifice 42 through which the fixing axis 32 passes. The vertical wings 50 form the tops of the assembly device 30. The mounting plate 38 is perpendicular to the closure portions 40. According to one option, the thermal protection panel 44 is vertically wider than each closure portion 40. Thus, the protection function is the main function of the assembly device 30. The positioning means cooperate with the cutout 70.

[0081] The cutout 70 comprises a notch 72 open towards the opposite of the wheel support; and / or towards the opposite of the thermal protection panel 44. The notch 72 comprises two parallel rotation-locking edges 74 (only one visible), the fixing rod (not shown) comprising at least one flat in contact with at least one of the two rotation-locking edges 74. The mounting plate 38 then forms a fork. This aspect contributes to respecting a target orientation with the assembly device 30, and therefore to the thermal protection panel 44 performing its function optimally. In addition, the rotation-locking edges 74 facilitate assembly.

[0082] [Fig. 5] shows an assembly device 30 for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0083] The assembly device 30 is similar to that shown in relation to [Fig. 4], it differs in that one of the closure portions 40 comprises means 76 for locking the rotation of a hexagonal nut. The rotation locking means 76 comprise at least one facet 78, preferably several facets 78 inclined relative to each other, capable of locking the rotation of a hexagonal screw head. The rotation locking means 76 border the associated fixing orifice 42. Such an assembly device 30 facilitates assembly because it requires only a limited number of tools.

[0084] [Fig. 6] shows an assembly device 30 for a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0085] The assembly device 30 is similar to that shown in relation to [Fig.4], it differs therefrom in that one of the closure portions 40 comprises a welded nut 80. The welded nut 80 is around the associated fixing orifice 42. Such an assembly device 30 can be assembled with one hand.

[0086] [Fig.7] shows an assembly device for a motor vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle is similar to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0087] The assembly device 30 is similar to that shown in relation to [Fig.4], it differs however in that it comprises a single obturation portion 40; and in that the cutout 70 of the mounting plate 38 forms a closed ring 82 intended to be around the fixing rod of the ball joint. The closed ring 82 materializes a vertical opening intended to surround the fixing rod. The closed ring 82 is bordered by the rotation locking edges 74. This assembly device 30 optimizes the mass and the mounting safety.

[0088] Figures 2 to 7 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Ball joint system (26) for a motor vehicle (10); the ball joint system (26) comprising: a suspension arm (20); a wheel support (24); a ball joint connection (52) with a spherical head (58) and a fixing rod (54) having a retention groove (60), the ball joint connection (52) being configured to rotatably connect the wheel support (24) to the suspension arm (20); the ball joint system (26) further comprising: a fixing passage (36) formed in the wheel support (24) or the suspension arm (20); an assembly device (30) comprising a mounting plate (38) with a cutout (70) through which the fixing rod (54) passes and a closure portion (40) with a fixing orifice (42); a fixing pin (32) engaged in the fixing hole (42), the fixing passage (36) and the retention groove (60);characterized in that the fixing rod (54) comprises positioning means (56) for the assembly device (30) in order to position the fixing orifice (42) relative to the retention groove (60) so as to at least partially close the fixing passage (36) in the event of an offset between the fixing passage (36) and the retention groove (60) during assembly of the ball joint system (26).;

2. Ball joint system (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing rod (54) comprises a cylindrical surface (62), the positioning means (56) forming a protrusion on the cylindrical surface (62); preferably the protrusion is an annular rib (64) around the fixing rod (54).

3. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the closure portion (40) comprises an annular part (48) around the fixing orifice (42), the closure portion (40) further comprises a vertical wing (50) extending from the annular part (48); preferably the ball joint system (26) comprises a sealing bellows (46) between the spherical head (58) and the positioning means (56).

4. A ball joint system (26) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing rod (54) comprises a first section (66) extending from the retention groove (60) towards the opposite side of the spherical head (58); the vertical wing (50) extending vertically at least along the entire length of the first section (66).

5. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retention groove (60) is a perimeter groove surrounding the fixing rod (54) and / or the assembly device (30) comprises a thermal protection panel (44) vertically at the level of the spherical head (58).

6. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fixing rod (54) is in the wheel support (24); and the spherical head (58) is in the suspension arm (20); preferably, the wheel support (24) comprises a bore (68) housing the fixing rod (54), and a vertical slot (34) along the bore (68).

7. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the closure portion (40) comprises a welded nut (80) or rotation locking means (76) of a hexagonal nut.

8. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutout (70) comprises a notch (72) open towards the opposite side of the wheel support (24); preferably, the notch (72) comprises two parallel rotation-locking edges (74), the fixing rod (54) comprising at least one flat in contact with at least one of the two rotation-locking edges (74).

9. Ball joint system (26) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closure portion (40) is a first closure portion, the assembly device (30) further comprising a second closure portion symmetrical to the first closure portion; the positioning means (56) being between the first closure portion and the second closure portion.

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a ball joint system (26); characterized in that the ball joint system (26) is according to one of claims 1 to 9; the wheel support (24) is above the suspension arm (20) and the spherical head (58) is below the fixing rod (54).

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