Pivot ball joint for motor vehicles and manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivot ball joint (11) comprising a spherical element and a tail (13) with a groove (15), and a clip element (19) extending from the end of the tail (13), the clip element (19) comprising a foot (39) with two ends and at least one elastic arm (21) arranged at one end of the foot (39), the elastic arm(s) (21) being deformable between a folded position and a deployed rest position. The invention also relates to a vehicle demonstrating such a ball joint and methods for its manufacture and assembly. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Pivot ball joint for motor vehicles and manufacturing method

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and concerns the connection between a pivot ball joint and a pivot arm in a wheel ball joint system for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a pivot ball joint suitable for mounting and retention in a pivot support housing, and a method for manufacturing such a pivot ball joint. In particular, the invention relates to pivot ball joints equipped with safety means for verifying the assembly of the pivot tail through the housing of a steering pivot. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a pivot ball joint and its mounting method.

[0002] The pivot joints at the level of the suspension triangle are part of the steering system of a motor vehicle. These pivot joints are usually located at the front of the vehicle, forming an assembly that pivots about an axis.

[0003] The steering system of a vehicle is a crucial element for automobiles, requiring particular sensitivity and thus demanding that manufacturers pay close attention to the safety and reliability of the assembly of the various components that make up the vehicle. These steering elements are particularly critical for passenger safety, and it is therefore essential to ensure the conformity of the assemblies of these different elements. The steering system of a motor vehicle consists, in particular, of ball joints assembled in pivots to provide the necessary degrees of freedom to the vehicle's wheels, allowing them to pivot and also to lean.

[0004] An example of a ball joint is illustrated in document EP0352945A2. This document shows a ball joint having a ball stem placed in a hole in a mounting element such as a pivot arm. The stem has two cylindrical parts, the first part having a smaller diameter than the second. The hole also has parts with outside diameters corresponding to the housing. A clamping bolt passes through a clamping hole and through the housing so as to engage in a groove in the stud stem and position the stem.

[0005] Another example is given by US patent 11254176B1, which presents an adjustable ball joint for attaching a steering knuckle to a suspension arm of a vehicle. The device presented allows adjustment of the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the ball joint relative to the vertical axis of the steering knuckle and the upper and lower control arms of a motor vehicle.

[0006] Reference will be made to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows the location of ball joint systems 3 in a vehicle 1, in the case of front steering wheels. A ball joint system 3 is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. As is known, the vehicle's subframe is connected to the body by means of suspension arms, generally called wishbones 9, thus forming the front suspension. The wishbones 9 are connected to the wheels by means of pivot arms 5. The assembly forms a pivot joint thanks to the presence of a ball joint (not visible in [Fig. 2]).

[0007] Referring to [Fig. 3], it can be seen that the pivot ball joint 11 comprises a spherical element 33 and a stem 13 with a groove 15. The spherical element 33 is retained, by a locking means 53, in a cavity 35 of the suspension triangle 9, allowing the pivot ball joint 11 to rotate through three degrees of freedom. The spherical element 33 is protected by a sealing bellows 27 against various external aggressions such as water, dust, and chemical aggressions. A deflector 17 protecting the pivot ball joint 11 from the heat emanating from a brake disc (not shown) and from any projectiles during braking of the motor vehicle may also be present.

[0008] The ball joint tail 13, rising from the spherical element 33, is retained in a slotted housing 7 in the pivot arm 5. Its locking in position in the housing is ensured by a clamping screw (not shown) inserted in the groove 15 and passing through a pair of eyelets 23 arranged on either side of the slot in the housing 7. [Fig. 3] shows a correct arrangement of the ball joint tail 13 in the housing 7. It can be seen that while the pivot tail passes through the lower opening 47 of the housing 7, it does not pass through its upper opening 49.

[0009] In some cases, during vehicle assembly, the ball joint tail is not sufficiently inserted. In the case illustrated in [Fig. 4], it can be seen that the ball joint tail 13 partially obstructs the screw holes formed by the eyelets 23, which makes factory assembly either impossible or longer and more expensive, and impairs the overall quality of the vehicle.

[0010] In the case illustrated in [Fig. 5], the ball joint tail is not sufficiently inserted, but assembly is possible since the end of the ball joint tail 13 is positioned under the screw holes formed by the eyelets 23. The screw can be inserted and tightened, but the assembly is not compliant and there is a risk of danger if the defect is not identified. Indeed, such an incorrect assembly could lead, after a few kilometers, to the ball joint tail coming out of its housing, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

[0011] To ensure correct assembly, some dedicated tools are sometimes developed, but these often create additional constraints in terms of time, handling, and cost. Furthermore, some tools may not be compatible with certain vehicle models.

[0012] Thus, there is a need for a solution to secure a lock of a pivot ball joint in a pivot arm.

[0013] Document FR2709520A1 describes a device for securing a ball joint stem in a slotted housing of a front axle pivot of a motor vehicle, using a screw that passes through holes in the component. This device is located on the deflector protecting the ball joint and includes a retractable or keying means positioned in the path of the tightening screw. This means is movable by the ball joint stem and prevents the screw from being inserted until its groove is aligned with the screw's through holes. This fastening device reduces the risk of tightening the ball joint stem when it is not correctly positioned in the housing, particularly when the stem is not fully inserted, such that the groove does not reach the level of the screw's through holes. The solution presented in this document is interesting but not entirely satisfactory.Indeed, the retractable mechanism is an elastic strip that deforms when the tail is inserted into the housing. In doing so, it exerts a force opposite to the direction of insertion, thus increasing the risk of incorrect positioning. Furthermore, it doesn't allow for easy visualization of whether the assembly is correct; to do so, one must attempt to insert the tightening screw into the eyelets of the housing.

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the problems described above. In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution for securing the locking of a pivot ball joint in a pivot arm by limiting the risks of incorrect mounting of a ball joint tail through the housing of said pivot arm and / or, when such incorrect mounting occurs, to easily detect it.

[0015] To this end and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a pivot ball joint comprising a spherical element and a tail with a groove, the pivot ball joint being remarkable in that it further comprises a clipping element extending from the end of the tail, the clipping element comprising a foot with two ends and at least one elastic arm arranged at one end of the foot, the elastic arm or arms being deformable between a folded position and a deployed rest position.

[0016] As will be understood from the definition just given, the invention proposes equipping a pivot ball joint with means for, firstly, positioning the tail in the housing of the pivot arm and, secondly, retaining it in position until it is locked by the clamping bolt. The invention is remarkable in that, to achieve this, the clipping element cooperates with the upper opening of the housing. The operator can then visually verify that the tail is correctly engaged since, in such a case, the clipping element, or at least its elastic arm(s), will extend from the housing and deploy to bear against the upper opening.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments, the pivot ball joint is notable in that the clipping element is fixed to the end of the tail by screwing its foot onto a thread extending from the end of the tail or by inserting its foot into a hole presented at the end of the tail; preferably in a tapped hole, said foot further having an external thread.

[0018] Preferably, the hole presented at the end of the tail.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the foot of the clipping element comprising an external surface, the ball joint is notable in that the clipping element is fixed to the end of the tail by inserting its foot into a hole and in that said foot comprises a stop on its external surface coming into contact with the end of the tail so as to define a distance between the elastic arm and the end of the tail.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the clipping element is made of a plastic or metallic material, preferably a plastic material.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the clipping element comprises at least two elastic arms and the diameter presented by the elastic arms in the deployed position is greater than the diameter of the tail.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the foot of the clipping element is fixed to the end of the tail by screwing and the clipping element further includes a recess intended to cooperate with a screwing tool for its attachment to the tail.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pivot ball joint comprising a spherical element and a tail, remarkable in that the pivot ball joint is according to the first aspect and in that the method includes a step of fixing a clipping element to the end of the tail; preferably by screwing or by gluing.

[0024] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a ball joint system defined by: a pivot arm comprising a split housing, a suspension triangle, a pivot ball joint comprising a tail with a groove, the vehicle being notable in that the pivot ball joint is according to the first aspect, and in that the tail is inserted into the housing so that the or at least one of the elastic arms of the clipping element is deployed outside of said housing.

[0025] Preferably, the housing comprising an upper mouth and a lower mouth, the vehicle is notable in that the elastic arm(s) of the clipping element are dimensioned to bear against the external perimeter of the upper mouth of the housing when they are in the deployed position.

[0026] Advantageously, the housing comprising an upper mouth and a lower mouth, the foot of the clip-on element comprising at least one external part extending from the end of the tail, the vehicle is remarkable in that the upper mouthpiece has a smaller diameter than the lower mouthpiece, in that the housing has an internal shoulder forming a stop against which the end of the tail is placed and in that the external part of the foot shows a length greater than or equal to the distance between the internal shoulder and the external circumference of the upper mouthpiece of the housing.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle; according to the third aspect, the method comprises: a) supplying a pivot ball joint comprising a spherical element and a tail with a groove, and a pivot arm comprising a split housing with eyelets; b) inserting the tail into the housing; and c) assembling by inserting a clamping screw into the groove of the pivot ball joint and into the eyelets of the housing and tightening by cooperation with a nut; The method being notable in that the pivot ball joint is according to the first aspect and in that the insertion step b) is carried out so that the elastic arm(s) of the clipping element are deployed out of said housing after passing through it.

[0028] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" or "according to an embodiment" or "advantageously" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0029] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description given with reference to the plates of figures on which:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of the ball joint system.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a correct mounting of a ball joint tail in a housing of pivot arm.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a figure similar to Fig. 3 but in which the tail is insufficiently engaged in its housing and partially obstructs the screw passage holes formed by the eyelets.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a figure similar to Fig. 3 but in which the tail is insufficiently engaged in its housing but without obstructing the screw passage holes formed by the eyelets.

[0035] Figure 6 presents an example of an embodiment of a pivot ball joint according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates the step of fixing by screwing a clip element to the end of a ball joint tail.

[0037] [Fig.8] is a figure similar to [Fig.3] but in which the pivot ball joint is according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a close-up view showing a shoulder in the pivot arm housing.

[0039] Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but in which the pivot ball joint is according to the invention.

[0040] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the pivot joint or the motor vehicle or other steps in the process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented outward from the vehicle and inward from the vehicle.

[0041] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0042] The terms "tail" and "kneecap tail" can be used synonymously.

[0043] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly mounting configuration unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0044] Throughout the description, the various figures use the same reference numerals to designate identical or similar entities. The pivot ball joint, the motor vehicle, and their manufacturing and assembly processes will be described together.

[0045] Figures 1 to 5 having been commented on in the introductory part, reference will now be made to figures 6 and 7 illustrating an example of the realization of a pivot ball joint according to the invention and its manufacturing process.

[0046] As can be seen in [Fig. 6], the pivot ball joint 11 comprises a spherical element 33 and a tail 13 with a groove 15. According to the invention, the pivot ball joint 11 is notable in that it further comprises a clip element 19 extending from the end of the tail 13, the clip element 19 comprising a foot 39 with two ends and at least one elastic arm 21 arranged at one end of the foot 39, the elastic arm(s) 21 being deformable between a folded position and a deployed rest position. In [Fig. 6], the clip element 19 comprises two diametrically opposed elastic arms 21.

[0047] The clipping element 19 shall advantageously be made of a plastic or metallic material, preferably a plastic material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, the clipping element is made in one piece, which can be produced by molding.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the clipping element is made in two parts and comprises a first part formed by the foot including a stop and a second part formed by its elastic arm(s). This embodiment is particularly suitable when the clipping element is made of two different materials, preferably steel for the foot and plastic for the elastic elements. In this embodiment, the two elements can be assembled by screwing, gluing, or snapping.

[0049] The clipping element may be formed from the same material as the ball joint tail. In such a case, the pivot ball joint may be produced by additive manufacturing. However, in a preferred embodiment, the clipping element 19 is fixed to the end of the tail 13. This fixing may be achieved by any means, including bonding, screwing, and snap-fitting.

[0050] Advantageously, the ball joint tail 13 includes at its end additional fastening means to the fastening means shown by the clip element 19. For example, in the case of a fixing by gluing, the tail 13 may have a hole 43 at its end into which the foot of the clip element 19 will be inserted. It will be understood that the hole is advantageously a blind hole.

[0051] In the case of screw fastening, the foot of the clip element may have a tapped hole and be screwed onto a thread extending from the end of the tail (not shown). Preferably, it is the ball joint tail 13 that has a tapped hole 43 at its end. The foot 39 of the clip element 19 has an external thread 45, and fastening is achieved by screwing the foot 39 into the hole 43. This configuration is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8.

[0052] When the foot 39 is fixed to the end of the tail 13 by screwing, it is advantageous for the clipping element 19 to also include a recess 37 intended to cooperate with a screwing tool for fixing the clipping element 19 onto the tail 13. The assembly of the clipping element 19 onto the tail 13 by screwing is illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0053] In all cases, it is important to ensure that the elastic arms 21 of the clipping element 19 are arranged at a given distance from the end of the tail 13. In the case where the foot 39 of the clipping element 19 is inserted into a hole 43 at the end of the tail 13, it is advantageous for said foot 39 to include a stop 41 on its external surface in contact with the end of the tail 13 so as to define a distance E between the elastic arm(s) 21 in the rest position and the end of the tail 13. It is also advantageous to define a distance C between the elastic arm(s) 21 in the rest position and the middle of the groove 15.

[0054] Referring now to [Fig.8], we can see a ball joint system according to the invention wherein the tail 13 of a pivot ball joint 11 comprising a clipping element 19 is engaged in the housing 7 of a pivot arm 5. The housing 7 comprises an upper mouth 49 and a lower mouth 47.

[0055] It is understood that during the insertion of the tail 13, the elastic arms 21 are folded and that they extend when they emerge from the upper opening 49 of the housing 7. They then bear against the outer edge of the upper opening 49, holding the pivot ball 11 in position within the housing 7 until the assembly is locked by a locking screw (not shown) that passes through the eyelets 23 of the housing 7. The elastic arms 21 are therefore configured and dimensioned for this purpose. For example, when, as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, the clip element 19 comprises at least two elastic arms 21, the diameter of the elastic arms in the extended position will be greater than the diameter of the tail 13 or, more preferably, the diameter of the upper opening 49.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8], the upper opening 49 and the lower opening 47 of the housing 7 have the same diameter. However, in a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9], the upper opening 49 has a smaller diameter than the lower opening 47, so that the housing 7 has an internal shoulder 51 forming a stop against which the end of the tail 13 rests. Such a configuration contributes to the correct positioning of the ball joint tail 13 in the housing 7. In such a case, it is advantageous for the external part of the foot 39 (i.e., the part not inserted into the hole of the ball joint tail 13) to have a length greater than or equal to the distance between the internal shoulder 51 and the external circumference of the upper opening 49 of the housing, in order to allow the elastic arms to extend.

[0057] The ball joint system 3 of a vehicle according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig. 10]. It will be understood that the ball joint tail is inserted into the housing 7 such that one or more of the elastic arms 21 of the clip element 19 are extended outside of said housing. By comparing [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 2], it will be understood that the invention provides a simple and direct means of visualizing the conformity of the assembly. The assembly is compliant, that is to say, the groove of the ball joint tail is aligned with the eyelets of the housing, when the clip element has emerged from the upper opening of the housing and has extended its elastic arms. In other cases, the ball joint tail is not correctly engaged in the housing.

[0058] Thus, the invention also relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle 1, comprising the following steps: a. supplying a pivot arm 5 comprising a slotted housing 7 with eyelets 23, and a pivot ball joint 11 comprising a spherical element and a tail 13 with a groove 15, the pivot ball joint 11 an element clipping element 19 extending from the end of the tail 13, the clipping element 19 comprising a foot 39 with two ends and at least one elastic arm 21 arranged at one end of the foot 39, the elastic arm(s) 21 being deformable between a folded position and a deployed rest position. b. Inserting the tail into the housing 7 so that the elastic arm(s) 21 of the clipping element 19 are deployed outside of said housing 7 after passing through it; and c. assembly by inserting a clamping screw into the groove 15 of the pivot ball joint 11 and into the eyelets 23 of the housing and tightening by cooperation with a nut.

[0059] The vehicle 1 thus produced can be a vehicle with a thermal, electric or hybrid motor.

Claims

Demands

1. Pivot ball joint (11) comprising a spherical element and a tail (13) with a groove (15), the pivot ball joint (11) being characterized in that it further comprises a clipping element (19) extending from the end of the tail (13), the clipping element (19) comprising a foot (39) with two ends and at least one elastic arm (21) arranged at one end of the foot (39), the elastic arm(s) (21) being deformable between a folded position and an extended rest position.

2. Pivot ball joint (11) according to claim 1 characterized in that the clipping element (19) is fixed to the end of the tail (13) by screwing its foot (39) onto a thread extending from the end of the tail (13) or by inserting its foot into a hole presented at the end of the tail (13); preferably into a tapped hole (43), said foot further having an external thread.

3. Pivot ball joint (11) according to claim 1 or 2, the foot (39) of the clipping element (19) comprising an external surface, the ball joint is characterized in that the clipping element (19) is fixed to the end of the tail (13) by inserting its foot (39) into a hole (43) and in that said foot (39) comprises a stop (41) on its external surface coming into contact with the end of the tail (13) so as to define a distance between the elastic arm (21) and the end of the tail (13).

4. Pivot ball joint (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the clipping element (19) is made of a plastic or metallic material, preferably a plastic material.

5. Pivot ball joint (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the clipping element (19) comprises at least two elastic arms (21) and in that the diameter presented by the elastic arms in the deployed position is greater than the diameter of the tail (13); and / or in that the foot (39) of the clipping element (19) is fixed to the end of the tail (13) by screwing and in that the clipping element (19) further comprises a recess (37) intended to cooperate with a screwing tool for its attachment to the tail (13).

6. Method of manufacturing a pivot ball joint (11) comprising a spherical element and a tail (13), characterized in that the pivot ball joint (11) is according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and in that the method includes a step of fixing a clipping element (19) to the end of the tail (13); preferably by screwing or by gluing.

7. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a ball joint system (3) defined by: a pivot arm (5) comprising a split housing (7), a suspension triangle (9), a pivot ball joint (11) comprising a tail (13) with a groove (15), the vehicle (1) being characterized in that the pivot ball joint (11) is according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and in that the tail (13) is inserted into the housing (7) so that the or at least one of the elastic arms (21) of the clipping element (19) is deployed outside of said housing (7).

8. Vehicle (1) according to claim 7, the housing (7) comprising an upper mouth (49) and a lower mouth (47), the vehicle is characterized in that the elastic arm(s) (21) of the clipping element (19) are dimensioned to bear against the outer perimeter of the upper mouth (49) of the housing (7) when in the deployed position.

9. Vehicle (1) according to claim 7 or 8, the housing (7) comprising an upper mouth (49) and a lower mouth (47), the foot (39) of the clip-on element (19) comprising at least an external part rising from the end of the tail (13), the vehicle is characterized in that the upper mouth (49) has a diameter less than that of the lower mouth, in that the housing (7) has an internal shoulder (51) forming a stop against which the end of the tail (13) is placed and in that the external part of the foot (39) shows a length greater than or equal to the distance between the internal shoulder (51) and the external circumference of the upper mouth of the housing (7).

10. A method for assembling a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the method comprising: a) supplying a pivot ball joint (11) comprising a spherical element and a tail (13) with a groove (15), and a pivot arm (5) comprising a slotted housing (7) with eyelets (23); b) inserting the tail into the housing (7); and c) assembling by inserting a clamping screw into the groove (15) of the pivot ball joint (11) and into the eyelets (23) of the housing (7) and tightening by cooperation with a nut. The method being characterized in that the pivot ball joint (11) is according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and in that the insertion step b) is conducted so that the elastic arm(s) (21) of the clipping element (19) are deployed outside said housing (7) after passing through it.

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