Ball joint with spacer cup
US7600940B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32704
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball joint includes a housing extending between open and closed ends. The housing has a cavity with a cylindrical wall extending from adjacent the closed end to an annular flange adjacent the open end. A stud extends into the cavity. An inner bearing element has a bore configured to slide relative to the stud and an outer bearing surface. An outer bearing element is configured to slide relative to the housing and has an inner bearing surface for pivotal movement with the inner bearing element outer bearing surface. An annular cup is disposed between the closed end of the housing and the outer bearing element. The cup can slide relative to the housing and has a bore allowing axial movement of the stud. A spring member imparts an axial bias force on the cup and imparts a preload between the outer bearing element and the inner bearing element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.