DE202008001707U1 - Ball socket and joint - Google Patents

Abstract

Ball socket (8) for a joint (2), in particular an angle joint, comprising
a main body (10); and
a partially spherical cavity (12) formed in the body (10) for receiving a ball stud (4);
wherein in a lateral region of the cavity (12) a snap tongue (18) is arranged and formed such that a ball stud (4) inserted into the cavity (12) bears against the wall (14) of the lower wall opposite the snap tongue (18) Cavity (12) pressed and so in the cavity (12) can be fixed without play.

Description

The The invention relates to a ball socket for a joint and a joint with such a ball socket and with a ball stud.

Currently come joints with a ball socket and with one inserted therein Ball studs at flap openings and with rotatable and angle compensating fasteners for Commitment. In a motor vehicle such joints are, for example. In Glove box or located in the tailgate opening.

Such Joints often have a small size and are often high acting forces exposed. Due to production-related tolerances between the ball stud and the ball socket an undesirable Game available, which by an additional component (spring clip) is compensated. Unclamped applications often have unwanted side effects such as. Rattle, up.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a simply constructed and therefore inexpensive to produce Ball socket as well as a joint to indicate where a game between ball stud and ball socket and rattling noises reliably avoided can be.

These The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims.

A Ball socket according to the invention for a joint, especially for an angle joint, comprising a base body and a formed in the base body at least partially spherical cavity for receiving a ball stud. In a lateral area of the Cavity is a snap tongue arranged and designed such that a ball bolt inserted in the cavity against the lower and the wall opposite the tongue the cavity can be pressed and so in the cavity can be fixed without play. The top of the ball socket is doing through the opening the cavity defined in which the ball pin inserted becomes. The tongue is designed so that when inserting the Slip the ball stud into the ball socket of the ball studs over the snap tab can and that the snap gives way accordingly.

According to one Basic idea of the invention is achieved by such a ball socket a tolerance and play-free snapping of plastic ball cups, in particular of plastic ball pans, guaranteed on ball studs. The snap tongue pushes the introduced ball stud against the lower and against the Opposite tongue lying wall of the cavity, thus preventing the emergence of a undesirable Gaps or gap between the wall of the cavity and the ball stud, in particular in the axial direction. By the arrangement according to the invention and formation of the snap tongue, the ball stud is at the bottom Position fixed within the cavity of the ball socket. An undesirable Play between the ball stud and the cavity of the ball socket and the emergence of rattling noises become reliable prevented.

According to the invention ball cups and ball pins with different manufacturing technology related Tolerances are used. A play-free snapping the Plastic pan on ball stud is taking into account all tolerances of the ball stud and the ball socket including the snap tongue allows. Depending on the tolerance position of the ball pin pushes the additionally provided snap tongue the ball pin in the end position or in the lowest position within the cavity of the ball socket, this is a springy backlash allows.

The Snap tongue can be any width and circumferential arrangement within the lateral area of the cavity. By different wide and thick training of the tongue and the choice of materials can they desired Spring and tension forces be achieved. Likewise one or more snap tongues are provided.

If the snap tab from a lower portion of the body after extends above and to the side and to the rear, in relation to the Central axis of the cavity seen from the body through a gap is discontinued, a spring movement of the snap tongue to the central axis of the cavity and away from it to simple Way allows.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the length the snap tongue is larger than the half the depth / height of the spherical one Cavity. The spring force of the snap tongue is thereby advantageously in an upper region of the cavity on the introduced therein Ball studs exercised, so that the ball stud through the snap tongue in addition is fixed to the cavity.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the snap tongue is integrally formed with the main body. If the ball socket according to the invention of a plastic is made, this embodiment of the ball socket can be produced quickly and inexpensively by means of an injection molding process.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the snap tongue formed as a leaf spring.

If the snap tab has an inwardly directed snap bead, can the backlash-free fixation of the ball stud inside the cavity the ball socket can be further improved. Under inside directed here is the alignment with the central axis of the cavity to understand.

It is preferred, the snap bead in an upper region of the cavity train. It is further preferred to use the snap bead over the extend the entire width of the snap tongue.

According to one another embodiment the invention is an inwardly directed, on the wall of the cavity, circular segment-shaped Bead vorgese hen to the ball stud reliably within the cavity to hold the ball socket.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the snap bead of the tongue and the bead on the wall of the cavity at the same height relative to the cavity and / or in an upper region of the cavity arranged. By doing so leaves a particularly reliable and backlash-free fixation of the ball stud inside the cavity reach the ball socket.

If the snap bead of the snap tongue is wider than the bulge on the wall is formed of the cavity, the reliable and backlash-free fixation of the ball stud within the cavity of the ball socket still further be improved.

Of the Ball studs can be made from a variety of suitable materials become. Preference is given to metal or plastic. The ball socket can also be made of a variety of suitable materials. Preferably for this is plastic.

The Invention also relates to a joint, in particular an angle joint, a ball socket of the type described above and one in the spherical Cavity of the body includes inserted ball studs.

At The ball pin can after its ball neck a suitable ball pin begin. The ball socket may comprise a connection piece. By means of the ball stud and the connector of the Ball socket, the joint suitable, depending on the application, with be connected to the two elements to be moved against each other. Therefor can the ball stud and / or the fitting suitable thread or other Connectivity exhibit.

Of the The invention is based on an embodiment with reference to the enclosed figures closer explained.

1 shows a sectional view of a joint according to the invention with a ball socket and with a ball stud;

2 shows a schematic representation of the joint 1 upon insertion of the ball stud in the spherical cavity in the base body of the ball socket;

3 shows a perspective view of the ball socket 1 ;

4 shows a longitudinal section of the ball socket along the section line AA in 3 ;

5 shows a cross section of the ball socket along the section line BB in 3 ; and

6 shows by means of her two subfigures 6 (a) and 6 (b) an alternative joint according to the invention, in which the ball pin has a tolerance slightly reduced diameter.

1 shows a sectional view of a joint 2 with a ball socket 8th and with a ball stud 4 ,

The ball socket 8th includes a main body 10 in which a spherical cavity 12 for receiving a ball stud 4 is trained.

Hereinafter, the terms "up" and "down" with respect to the center axis of the spherical cavity 12 ie in the 1 used in the drawing plane to the right and to the left. Accordingly, the terms "left" and "right" in the drawing plane are used in accordance with 1 used up and down. This applies mutatis mutandis to the other figures.

The spherical cavity 12 is in a left area of the main body 10 trained, in its right area there is a connector 24 with which the ball socket 8th can be suitably connected to a displaceable element. In 1 has the connector 24 a central recess and an outwardly cantilevered Edge up.

The cavity 12 is through a wall 14 of the basic body 10 defined, and it has a hemispherical shape in its lower region, in its left region a substantially straight upward wall 14 with a bead formed therein 16 and in its right area a substantially upwardly extending wall of a snap tongue 18 with a snap bead formed thereon 20 on.

Right of the right wall is a gap 22 to recognize itself from the top of the main body 10 to below half the depth of the cavity 12 extends.

Through this gap 22 as well as by in the 3 and 5 to be recognized lateral spaces 22 becomes a snap tongue 18 formed, extending from a lower area of the main body 10 extends upward and laterally as forward and backward of the body 10 is discontinued. This snap tongue 18 , which can also be referred to as a clamping tongue, as a snap-action nose or as a clamping nose, pushes the into the cavity 12 inserted or inserted ball studs 4 against the left and the lower wall of the cavity 12 and fix the ball stud 4 thus free of play in the cavity 12 ,

The tensioning effect of the snap tongue 18 is directed to the left, and through the left wall of the snap tongue 18 , in particular by the snap bead formed thereon 20 , becomes the ball stud 4 in the lowest position within the cavity 12 fixed. This is the emergence of gaps or gaps between the ball stud 4 and the lower portion of the cavity 12 reliably avoided, and tolerances with respect to the diameter of the ball stud 4 and the cavity 12 be compensated reliably.

The ball stud 4 , which can also be referred to as a ball head, has a spherical shape, and up close to a ball neck 6 and a ball stud for attachment to another displaceable element.

The top of the left area of the body 10 is with the exception of the cavity 12 and the gap 22 just trained. In 1 are with h _HR the height of the cavity 12 and with d _{HR, 1} whose diameter measured between the bead 16 and the snap bead 20 represented.

The main body 10 including the tongue 18 the ball socket 8th is made in one piece from plastic, in particular by an injection molding process. Alternatively, the snap tongue 18 Also provided as a separate part and with the ball socket 8th be suitably connected. The ball stud 4 with ball neck 6 and the ball stud is made of metal.

At the joint 2 it is a largest consideration, ie the ball diameter of the ball stud 4 assumes a maximum value in the tolerance range and the diameter d _{HR of} the cavity 12 assumes a minimum value in its tolerance range.

As a result of this tolerance position is the snap tongue 18 in 1 in the cavity 12 inserted ball studs 4 opposite the central axis of the cavity 12 tensioned by a clamping angle α ₁ . The snap tongue 18 pushes the ball stud 4 against the lower and the left wall 14 of the cavity 12 and fixes it backlash in the lowest position of the cavity 12 ,

As an example, for the ball diameter d _{KB of} the ball stud 4 the value 10.0 + 0.1 mm and for the diameter d _{HR of} the spherical cavity 12 the value 10.2 - 0.05 mm can be specified. The clamping angle α ₁ is at the specified tolerance position at the joint 2 in that area 1 . 5 to 2 °, measured to the central axis of the cavity 12 ,

2 shows a schematic representation of the joint 2 when inserting the ball pin 4 in the spherical cavity 12 in the main body 10 the ball socket 8th ,

In 2 is the position of the maximum spring deflection of the snap tongue 18 shown in which the ball stud 4 with its maximum, its diameter d _KB corresponding width between the bead 16 the left wall 14 of the hollow body and the Schnappwulst 20 on the left side of the snap tongue 18 lies. The suspension angle α _on is in 2 illustrates and is at the given tolerance of the joint 2 in a range between 3 and 4 °, measured to the central axis of the cavity 12 , The maximum possible suspension angle is in 2 plotted as α _max and is in a range between 7 and 10 °, measured to the central axis of the cavity 12 , This maximum springing angle α _max represents the maximum, by the width of a ball stud to be used 4 Conditional spring deflection of the snap tongue 18 without material breakage, material fatigue or plastic deformation of the snap tab 18 can be achieved. After inserting the ball stud 4 with its widest point over the bulges 16 and 20 becomes the ball stud 4 through the snap tongue 18 automatically in the lowest position within the cavity 12 pressed, and the tongue 18 squeezes under a cock angle α ₁ , which is less than the suspension angle α _on and by the tolerance position of the ball stud 4 and the cavity 12 is conditional, the ball stud while avoiding a gap or gap and thus backlash in the bottom layer of the cavity 12 ,

3 shows a perspective view of the ball socket 8th ,

In 3 you can see how the tongue is 18 from a lower portion of the main body 10 extends upwards and through a gap 22 laterally and backwards in front of the main body 10 is discontinued. Furthermore, it can be seen that the circular segment-shaped bead 16 over the entire circumference of the cavity 12 runs, that is the snap bead 20 over the entire width of the snap tongue 18 extends and that the snap bead 20 slightly wider than the circular segment-shaped bead 16 is trained. Because of the snap bead 20 slightly wider than the circular segment-shaped bead 16 is formed, in particular about 20 to 40% wider than this, can be a particularly reliable and backlash-free fixation of the ball pin 4 inside the ball socket 8th be achieved.

In the embodiment according to 3 extends the snap tongue 18 over a range of about 35 to 50% of the diameter d _{HR of} the cavity 12 , Of course, other widths and thicknesses of the tongue are synonymous 18 possible. By different width and thickness of training the snap tongue 18 the resulting spring and clamping forces can be set exactly for the required application. According to 3 is the snap tongue 18 adjacent to the fitting 24 arranged, alternatively, the snap tongue 18 also at other circumferential positions of the cavity 12 to be ordered.

In 3 are further adjacent the sidewalls of the cavity 12 two half-moon shaped recesses 26 , which may also be referred to as spring lugs provided. This will cause a spring movement of the sidewalls of the cavity 12 when inserting the ball pin 4 and at the inserted position of the ball stud 4 allows.

A first intersection AA is through the longitudinal axis of the ball socket 8th placed. A second cutting line BB extends at right angles thereto through the central axis of the cavity 12 ,

4 shows a longitudinal section of the ball socket 8th along the section line AA.

The sectional view of the ball socket 8th in 4 corresponds to the sectional view from 1 , where here is no ball stud 4 in the cavity 12 is introduced and, accordingly, the snap tongue 18 is not deflected at a clamping angle, but rather parallel to the central axis of the cavity 12 is in its rest position.

Furthermore, in 4 the following dimensions are indicated: d _AS : Diameter of the fitting 24 ; h _SZ : height of the snap tongue 18 , ½ h _HR : half the height / depth of the cavity 12 ; b _SW : the width of the snap bead 20 ; d _{HR, 1} : the diameter of the cavity 12 , measured between the beads 16 and 20 ; and d _HR.2 : the diameter of the cavity 12 , measured from left to right wall.

Exemplary numerical values for these quantities are as follows: d _AS = 9 mm, h _SZ = 6 mm; ½ h _HR = 4.5 mm; b _SW = 2.8 mm, d _{HR, 1} = 9.9 mm and d _{HR, 2} = 10.1 + 0.1 mm.

5 shows a cross section of the ball socket 8th along the section line BB.

In 5 the following dimensions are indicated: b _GK : width of the main body 10 ; d _HR : diameter of the cavity 12 , measured from wall to wall 14 ; A _W : distance of the bead 16 , measured from its center line to the surface of the body 10 ; b _W : width of the bead 16 ; d _HR : diameter of the cavity 12 ; h _HMA : height of the crescent-shaped recess 26 ; h _HR : height of the cavity 12 ; b _SZ : width of the tongue 18 ; b _ZR : width of the gap 22 ; b ₁ : distance of the inner surfaces of the crescent-shaped recess 26 and b ₂ : width of the outer surfaces of the crescent-shaped recess 26 ,

Exemplary numerical values for these dimensions are: b _GK = 16 mm; d _HR = 9.9 +/- 0.05 mm; A _W = 2.5 + 0.1 mm; b _W = 2 mm; d _HR = 10.2 - 0.05 mm; h _HMA = 4.5 mm; h _HR = 9.22 - 0.05 mm; b _SZ = 4 mm; b _ZR = 6 mm; b ₁ = 12.0 + 0.2 mm and b ₂ = 14 mm.

6 shows by means of her two subfigures 6 (a) and 6 (b) an alternative joint 2 in which the ball stud 4 having a tolerance slightly reduced diameter.

At the in 6 (a) and 6 (b) shown joints 2 is given a minimum tolerance position, it is a micro view.

In the 6 (a) shown joint position 2 is an intermediate position where the ball stud 4 tangent to the snap tongue 18 is applied and for the sake of simplicity it is assumed that no clamping force of the snap tongue 18 on the ball stud 4 is exercised. Due to the minimal tolerance position results between the bottom of the ball stud 4 and the lower wall 14 of the cavity 12 a gap with a gap width b _SP . Because of this gap is a game of ball stud 4 opposite the spherical cavity 12 given, and the result of this would be rattling noises and possibly an impaired function of the joint 2 ,

Through the snap tongue 18 becomes the ball stud 4 now according to the invention against the tongue 18 opposite wall 14 and the lower wall 14 of the spherical cavity 12 pressed, and the ball stud 4 is accordingly free of play in the lowest position of the spherical cavity 12 fixed. This will cause rattling noises as well as impairing the function of the joint 2 reliably avoided.

The clamping angle α ₂ at this minimum tolerance position, under which the snap tongue 18 the ball stud 4 in the spherical cavity 12 is fixed in 6 (b) denoted by α ₂ . This clamping angle α ₂ is smaller than the adjusting clamping angle α ₁ at a larger tolerance position, as for example. In 1 is shown. The clamping angle α ₂ is in the present embodiment 1 °, measured to the central axis of the cavity 12 ,

In the 6 (a) visualized gap width b _sp of 0.4 mm causes a deflection of the snap tongue 18 at 1 °. For smaller gap widths, accordingly, there is a larger clamping angle α and, for larger gap widths, a smaller gap angle α.

Exemplary numerical values for in the 6 (a) and 6 (b) dimensions given are as follows: d _KB (ball stud diameter): 9.2-0.05 mm; d _{HR, 1} : 9.9 +/- 0.05 mm, d _{HR, 2} : 10.1 mm, d _KB : 10.15 mm, α _max : 8 °.

All stated numerical values are only to be understood as examples, the joint according to the invention and the ball socket according to the invention 8th can be made with any dimensions.

By the ball socket according to the invention and the joint according to the invention can different tolerances are easily compensated and rattling noises as well as impairments of functions safely avoided.

Through different choice of material for the snap tongue 18 by different configurations of the same, by different widths, thicknesses, material thicknesses and arrangements thereof along the circumference of the spherical cavity 12 you can get it through the tongue 18 applied clamping forces are made individually, and thus can the ball socket 8th tailored to the particular application.

2

joint

4

ball pin

6

ball neck

8th

ball socket

10

body

12

spherical cavity

14

wall

16

circle segment-shaped bead

18

locking tongue

20

snap bead

22

gap

24

connector

26

Crescent-shaped recesses

b _GK

width of the basic body

h _HR

Height of the cavity

d _{HR, 1} , d _{HR, 2}

diameter of the cavity

b _W

width of the bead

A _W

distance of the bead

h _SZ

Height of the tongue

b _sz

width the snap tongue

b _SW

width of the snap bead

d _KB

diameter ball pin

b _ZR

width of the gap

h _AS

Height of the connection piece

h _HMA

Height of the crescent-shaped recesses

b _1,2

width the crescent-shaped recesses

α _max

maximum Auffederungswinkel

α _on

Auffederungswinkel

α ₁ , α ₁

rake angle

^b sp

gap width

Claims (11)

Ball socket ( 8th ) for a joint ( 2 ), in particular an angle joint, comprising a base body ( 10 ); and one in the base body ( 10 ) formed partial spherical cavity ( 12 ) for receiving a ball stud ( 4 ); wherein in a lateral region of the cavity ( 12 ) a snap tongue ( 18 ) is arranged and formed such that a into the cavity ( 12 ) introduced ball pin ( 4 ) against the lower and the snap tongue ( 18 ) opposite wall ( 14 ) of the cavity ( 12 ) and so in the cavity ( 12 ) is fixable without play. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to claim 1, wherein the snap tongue ( 18 ) from a lower area of the basic body ( 10 ) extends upward and laterally and rearwardly of the main body ( 10 ) is offset to a spring movement of the snap tongue ( 18 ) to the central axis of the cavity ( 12 ) and away from it. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to claim 2, wherein the length of the snap tongue ( 18 ) greater than half the depth of the spherical cavity ( 12 ). Ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the snap tongue ( 18 ) with the basic body ( 10 ) is formed in one piece. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the snap tongue ( 18 ) is designed as a leaf spring. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the snap tongue ( 18 ) an inwardly directed snap bead ( 20 ) having. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein on the wall ( 14 ) of the cavity ( 12 ) an inwardly directed, circular segment-shaped bead ( 16 ) or a similar design is provided. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to claim 7, wherein the snap bead ( 20 ) of the tongue ( 18 ) and the bead ( 16 ) on the wall ( 14 ) of the cavity ( 12 ) at the same height relative to the cavity ( 12 ) are arranged. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the snap bead ( 20 ) of the tongue ( 18 ) and the bead ( 16 ) on the wall ( 14 ) of the cavity ( 13 ) in an upper region of the cavity ( 12 ) are arranged. Ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the snap bead ( 20 ) of the tongue ( 18 ) wider than the bead ( 16 ) on the wall ( 14 ) of the cavity ( 12 ) is trained. Joint ( 2 ), in particular angle joint, comprising a ball socket ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, and one in the partial spherical cavity ( 12 ) of the basic body ( 10 ) ball stud ( 4 ).