Ball joint

US7037023B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG · DE

Inventors

• Andreas Mönninghoff · Mettingen, DE
• Martin Wellerding · Damme, DE
• Martin Rechtien · Damme, DE
• Olaf Abels · Belm, DE
• Matthias Gercke · Affinghausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2001
• Grant date: May 2, 2006
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/32737
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A ball-and-socket joint, especially a wheel guide joint for motor vehicles is provided with a housing (1), in the cavity (2) of which, which is open on at least one side, a bearing shell (3) is inserted with a joint ball (4) mounted therein. The bearing shell (3) forms a assembly unit (3,4) together with the joint ball (4) accommodated therein. The assembly unit is displaceable in the cavity (2) along a axis (6). A first collar (7) and a second collar (8), between which a limited free path (5) of the displaceable assembly unit (3, 4) is defined, form end stops in the cavity (2) of the housing (1). The bearing shell (3) is a accomodated in the cavity (2) under a slight radial pretension and at least one compensating element (15) is arranged between the bearing shell (3) and the inner surface of the cavity (2).