JP2013194841A - Ball joint and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Ball joint and method of manufacturing the same Download PDF

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JP2013194841A
JP2013194841A JP2012063392A JP2012063392A JP2013194841A JP 2013194841 A JP2013194841 A JP 2013194841A JP 2012063392 A JP2012063392 A JP 2012063392A JP 2012063392 A JP2012063392 A JP 2012063392A JP 2013194841 A JP2013194841 A JP 2013194841A
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ball
sliding contact
holder
opening
contact member
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JP5988636B2 (en
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Tetsuhiro Nishide
哲弘 西出
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THK Co Ltd
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THK Co Ltd
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ball joint in which, without providing an opening for power supply with respect to a holder casted with a ball as a core, electric resistance welding of a shaft member to the ball is enabled and smooth operation of a ball stud with respect to the holder can be ensured, and to provide a method of manufacturing the ball joint.SOLUTION: A ball joint includes: a ball stud in which a ball is electric resistance welded to a distal end of a shaft member; a resin slide-contact member which covers a spherical surface of the ball while remaining only a regulation opening defining a pivoting range of the ball stud and has a slide-contact surface with the ball; and a holder which is formed by casting with the ball and the resin slide-contact member covering the ball as a core, covers the periphery of the resin slide-contact member and is not brought into contact with the spherical surface of the ball exposed from the regulation opening of the resin slide-contact member. The resin slide-contact member includes a conductive area in one portion thereof and after casting of the holder, electric resistance welding of the shaft member is performed onto the spherical surface of the ball exposed from the regulation opening of the resin slide-contact member.

Description

本発明は、例えば自動車のスタビライザーコンロッドやミッションコントロール部等のリンク機構に用いられるボールジョイント及びその製造方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a ball joint used for a link mechanism such as a stabilizer connecting rod or a mission control unit of an automobile, and a manufacturing method thereof.

この種のボールジョイントとしては、軸部材の先端にリンク機構の揺動中心となるボールを有するボールスタッドと、このボールスタッドのボールの最大直径部を覆って当該ボールの球面に摺接するホルダと、から構成されたものが知られている。 As this type of ball joint, a ball stud having a ball that is a swing center of the link mechanism at the tip of the shaft member, a holder that covers the maximum diameter portion of the ball stud and that is in sliding contact with the spherical surface of the ball, What is composed of is known.

特開平９−１８９３２２号公報（特許文献１）は前記ボールジョイントの製造方法を開示している。この製造方法では、真球度の高い軸受用鋼球を前記ボールとして使用し、当該ボールを中子とした鋳造により前記ホルダを成形している。これにより、前記ホルダに対して軸受用鋼球の球面を転写することができ、当該ホルダは真球度の高い金属摺接面を備えたものになる。また、前記ホルダの鋳造後に前記ボールに対して軸部材を電気抵抗溶接することで前記ボールスタッドが完成する。この電気抵抗溶接のためには前記ボールと軸部材との間に溶接電流を通電することが必要であるが、ボールを中子として鋳造されたホルダは当該ボールに密着していることから、ボールに対して直接電極を当接させるのではなく、ボールに密着するホルダに対して電極を当接させ、それによって前記ボールと軸部材との間に溶接電流を通電している。   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-189322 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for manufacturing the ball joint. In this manufacturing method, a steel ball for a bearing having a high sphericity is used as the ball, and the holder is formed by casting using the ball as a core. Thereby, the spherical surface of the steel ball for bearing can be transferred to the holder, and the holder has a metal sliding contact surface with high sphericity. Further, the ball stud is completed by electrical resistance welding of the shaft member to the ball after the casting of the holder. For this electric resistance welding, it is necessary to pass a welding current between the ball and the shaft member. However, since the holder cast with the ball as the core is in close contact with the ball, The electrode is not brought into direct contact with the holder, but the electrode is brought into contact with a holder that is in close contact with the ball, whereby a welding current is passed between the ball and the shaft member.

一方、特開２００４−３１６７７１号公報（特許文献２）には、ボールとこれを中子として鋳造したホルダとを樹脂摺接部材で分離したボールジョイントの製造方法が開示されている。前記樹脂摺接部材はボールスタッドのボールの最大直径部を覆って当該ボールの球面に摺接しており、ホルダはこの樹脂摺接部材の周囲を覆うと共に当該樹脂摺接部材を保持している。前記ホルダは前記樹脂摺接部材が被せられたボールを中子として使用した鋳造により成形されており、前記樹脂摺接部材がボールの球面に倣った樹脂摺接面を備えた状態でホルダに固着される。   On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-316771 (Patent Document 2) discloses a ball joint manufacturing method in which a ball and a holder cast as a core are separated by a resin sliding contact member. The resin sliding contact member covers the maximum diameter portion of the ball stud and is in sliding contact with the spherical surface of the ball, and the holder covers the periphery of the resin sliding contact member and holds the resin sliding contact member. The holder is formed by casting using a ball covered with the resin sliding contact member as a core, and the resin sliding contact member is fixed to the holder with a resin sliding contact surface that follows the spherical surface of the ball. Is done.

また、前記ボールスタッドは、前述の特許文献１と同様、前記ホルダの鋳造後に前記ボールに対して軸部材を電気抵抗溶接して形成されている。但し、ボールとホルダとの間に樹脂摺接部材が存在することから、特許文献１のようにホルダを利用してボールに溶接電流を通電することはできない。このため、前記樹脂摺接部材及び前記ホルダには給電用開口部が設けられており、かかる給電用開口部を通して前記ボールに対して給電用電極を直接当接させている。   The ball stud is formed by electric resistance welding of a shaft member to the ball after casting of the holder, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. However, since a resin sliding contact member exists between the ball and the holder, it is impossible to apply a welding current to the ball using the holder as in Patent Document 1. For this reason, the resin sliding contact member and the holder are provided with a power supply opening, and the power supply electrode is brought into direct contact with the ball through the power supply opening.

特開平９−１８９３２２号公報JP-A-9-189322 特開２００４−３１６７７１号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-316771

特許文献１の製造方法では、特許文献２のように前記ホルダに対して給電用開口部を設ける必要がなく、外部からの異物侵入を防止することができるという利点がある。しかし、鋳造後のホルダはボールスタッドのボールに対して密着しているので、前記ボールスタッドを滑らかに動かすためには、当該ボールスタッドに外力を加えて前記ホルダの金属摺接面を微小に塑性変形させる必要があり、この塑性変形量がボールスタッドの運動精度に影響を与えることから、この工程を厳密に管理する必要があった。   In the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a power supply opening for the holder as in Patent Document 2, and there is an advantage that foreign matter can be prevented from entering from the outside. However, since the holder after casting is in close contact with the ball stud ball, in order to move the ball stud smoothly, an external force is applied to the ball stud so that the metal sliding contact surface of the holder is slightly plastic. This process must be strictly controlled because the amount of plastic deformation affects the motion accuracy of the ball stud.

一方、特許文献２に開示される製造方法によって得られたボールジョイントでは前記ホルダがボールと摺接する金属摺接面を備えておらず、ボールは樹脂摺接部材とのみ摺接することから、ボールスタッドの滑らかな運動が可能である。その反面、前記ホルダ及び樹脂摺接部材に対して前述の給電用開口部を設ける必要があり、外部からの異物侵入を防止するため、この給電用開口部はボールスタッドの完成後に閉塞キャップによって塞ぐ必要があった。前記閉塞キャップは前記給電用開口部の周縁に対してかしめ加工を施すことで前記ホルダに対して固定されていたが、ホルダの開口に対して他の部材を固定する関係上、作業に万全を期したとしても、想定し得ない事由によって前記閉塞キャップとホルダとの間の密封性が不十分になるという可能性があった。   On the other hand, in the ball joint obtained by the manufacturing method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the holder does not have a metal sliding contact surface that is in sliding contact with the ball, and the ball is in sliding contact with only the resin sliding contact member. Smooth movement is possible. On the other hand, it is necessary to provide the aforementioned power supply opening for the holder and the resin sliding contact member, and this power supply opening is closed by a closing cap after the ball stud is completed in order to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside. There was a need. The closing cap is fixed to the holder by caulking the peripheral edge of the power supply opening. However, since the other member is fixed to the opening of the holder, the work is fully performed. Even if expected, there was a possibility that the sealing performance between the closing cap and the holder would be insufficient due to unforeseen reasons.

本発明はこのような課題に鑑みなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、ボールを中子として鋳造されたホルダに対して給電用開口を設けることなく当該ボールに対する軸部材の電気抵抗溶接を可能にし、しかも前記ホルダがボールとの金属摺接面を具備せず、ホルダに対するボールスタッドの円滑な動作を確保することが可能なボールジョイント及びその製造方法を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide electric resistance welding of a shaft member to the ball without providing a power supply opening for a holder cast with the ball as a core. It is another object of the present invention to provide a ball joint capable of ensuring the smooth operation of the ball stud with respect to the holder and the manufacturing method thereof.

前記目的を達成する本発明のボールジョイントは、軸部材の先端にボールが電気抵抗溶接されたボールスタッドと、前記ボールスタッドの揺動範囲を区画する規制開口部のみを残して前記ボールの球面を覆い、当該ボールとの摺接面を有する樹脂摺接部材と、前記ボール及びこれに被せられた前記樹脂摺接部材を中子とした鋳造によって形成され、前記樹脂摺接部材の周囲を覆うと共に前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出する前記ボールの球面と非接触なホルダとを備えており、前記樹脂摺接部材はその一部分が前記ボールとホルダとの通電を可能とする導電性領域であり、前記ホルダの鋳造後に、前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出した前記ボールの球面に対して前記軸部材を電気抵抗溶接したものである。   The ball joint of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a ball stud in which a ball is electrically resistance-welded to the tip of a shaft member, and a spherical surface of the ball, leaving only a restriction opening that defines a swing range of the ball stud. A resin sliding contact member having a sliding contact surface with the ball, and formed by casting with the ball and the resin sliding contact member placed on the ball as a core, covering the periphery of the resin sliding contact member A conductive region that includes a spherical surface of the ball exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member and a non-contact holder, and a portion of the resin sliding contact member allows energization between the ball and the holder. The shaft member is electrically resistance welded to the spherical surface of the ball exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member after the holder is cast.

また、前記目的を達成する本発明のボールジョイントの製造方法は、ボールスタッドの揺動範囲を区画する規制開口部のみを残して当該ボールスタッドのボールの球面を覆い、当該ボールとの摺接面を有すると共に、その一部分に導電性領域を有する樹脂摺接部材を成形する工程と、前記ボール及びこれに被せられた樹脂摺接部材を中子とした鋳造により、前記樹脂摺接部材の周囲を覆うと共に前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出する前記ボールの球面とは非接触なホルダを成形する工程と、前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出したボールに対して軸部材を突き当てると共に当該軸部材に電極を接触させる一方、前記ホルダに電極を接触させ、前記樹脂摺接部材の導電性領域を通じて前記ホルダからボールへ通電し、前記ボールと軸部材を電気抵抗溶接によって接合して前記ボールスタッドを形成する工程とを備えている。   Further, the ball joint manufacturing method of the present invention that achieves the above-described object covers the spherical surface of the ball stud, leaving only the restriction opening that defines the swing range of the ball stud, and the sliding contact surface with the ball And forming a resin sliding contact member having a conductive region in a part thereof, and casting around the resin sliding contact member with the ball and the resin sliding contact member covered thereon as a core. A step of forming a holder that is not in contact with the spherical surface of the ball that is covered and exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member, and a shaft member that projects from the ball exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member The electrode is brought into contact with the shaft member and the electrode is brought into contact with the holder, and electricity is passed from the holder to the ball through the conductive region of the resin sliding contact member. By joining wood by electrical resistance welding and a step of forming the ball stud.

ボールスタッドのボールとホルダとの間に設けられた前記樹脂摺接部材には、その一部分に前記ボールとホルダとの間の通電を可能とする導電性領域が設けられているので、軸部材をボールに対して電気抵抗溶接して前記ボールスタッドを形成する際には、前記ホルダに給電用電極を当接させることで、前記導電性領域からボールに対して溶接電流を通電することが可能となる。すなわち、ホルダに対して給電用開口部を設けることなくボールスタッドの溶接を行うことができ、前記給電用開口部を塞ぐ閉塞キャップが不要となり、部品点数の削減や生産工程の簡略化を実現することができる。また、ボールスタッドのボールは樹脂摺接部材に包まれており、鋳造されたホルダとは一切接触しないので、ホルダに対するボールスタッドの円滑な動作を確保することが可能となる。   Since the resin sliding contact member provided between the ball stud ball holder and the holder is provided with a conductive region that allows energization between the ball and the holder, a shaft member is provided. When forming the ball stud by electric resistance welding to a ball, it is possible to pass a welding current from the conductive region to the ball by bringing a power feeding electrode into contact with the holder. Become. In other words, the ball stud can be welded without providing a power supply opening for the holder, and a closing cap that closes the power supply opening is not necessary, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the production process. be able to. Further, since the balls of the ball stud are wrapped in the resin sliding contact member and do not come into contact with the cast holder at all, it is possible to ensure the smooth operation of the ball stud with respect to the holder.

本発明が適用されたボールジョイントの実施形態の一例を示す正面断面図である。It is front sectional drawing which shows an example of embodiment of the ball joint to which this invention was applied. 図１に示すボールジョイントの製造方法において、ボールに樹脂摺接部材を被せた状態を示す正面図である。FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state where a resin sliding contact member is covered on a ball in the ball joint manufacturing method shown in FIG. 1. 図１に示すボールジョイントの製造方法において、ボール及び樹脂摺接部材を中子としてホルダを鋳造する様子を示す断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a holder is cast using a ball and a resin sliding contact member as a core in the ball joint manufacturing method shown in FIG. 1. 図１に示すボールジョイントの製造方法において、鋳造されたホルダを示す正面断面図である。FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing a cast holder in the method for manufacturing the ball joint shown in FIG. 1. 図１に示すボールジョイントの製造方法において、ホルダに包持されたボールに対して軸部材を溶接する様子を示す正面断面図である。FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a shaft member is welded to a ball held by a holder in the ball joint manufacturing method shown in FIG. 1. 図１に示すボールジョイントの製造方法において、ボールスタッドが完成した状態を示す正面断面図である。FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state where a ball stud is completed in the ball joint manufacturing method shown in FIG. 1.

以下、添付図面を用いながら本発明のボールジョイント及びその製造方法を詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, a ball joint and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

図１は本発明を適用したボールジョイントの実施形態の一例を示すものである。このボールジョイントは、軸部材１１の先端にボール１０を備えたボールスタッド１と、前記ボール１０に被せられると共に当該ボール１０に摺接する樹脂摺接部材３と、この樹脂摺接部材３の周囲に成形されると共に当該樹脂摺接部材３が固着されたホルダ２とから構成され、前記ボールスタッド１が前記ボールを中心としてホルダ２に対して揺動自在に連結している。   FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a ball joint to which the present invention is applied. The ball joint includes a ball stud 1 having a ball 10 at the tip of a shaft member 11, a resin sliding contact member 3 that is covered with the ball 10 and that is in sliding contact with the ball 10, and around the resin sliding contact member 3. A holder 2 is molded and the resin sliding contact member 3 is fixed thereto, and the ball stud 1 is pivotably connected to the holder 2 around the ball.

前記ボールスタッド１はボール１０となる真球度の高い軸受用鋼球に対して棒状の軸部材１１を電気抵抗溶接して形成されている。前記軸部材１１にはリンク等の被取付け体を固定するための座面を備えた鍔部１２が形成される一方、かかる鍔部１２を挟んでボール１０と反対側には雄ねじ１３が形成されている。また、前記鍔部１２は六角ナットの形状に形成されており、スパナレンチを用いることで前記ボールスタッド１の雄ねじ１３をリンク等の被取付け体に締結することが可能となっている。   The ball stud 1 is formed by electric resistance welding of a rod-shaped shaft member 11 to a steel ball for a bearing having a high sphericity that becomes a ball 10. The shaft member 11 is formed with a flange 12 having a seating surface for fixing a body to be attached such as a link, and a male screw 13 is formed on the opposite side of the ball 10 with the flange 12 interposed therebetween. ing. Moreover, the said collar part 12 is formed in the shape of a hexagon nut, and it is possible to fasten the external thread 13 of the said ball stud 1 to to-be-attached bodies, such as a link, using a spanner wrench.

また、前記樹脂摺接部材３は、前記ボール１０の最大直径部を覆うと共に当該ボール１０の球面の略２／３程度を覆う第一部材３ａと、導電性を備えると共に前記第一部材３ａと組み合わさって前記ボール１０の球面を覆う第二部材３ｂとから構成されている。この第二部材３ｂは本発明の導電性領域に相当する。   The resin sliding contact member 3 includes a first member 3a that covers the maximum diameter portion of the ball 10 and covers approximately 2/3 of the spherical surface of the ball 10, and has conductivity and the first member 3a. A second member 3b that covers the spherical surface of the ball 10 in combination. The second member 3b corresponds to the conductive region of the present invention.

前記第一部材３ａは相反する方向へボール１０の球面が露出する規制開口部３１及び通電開口部３２を有して環状に形成され、内側にはボール１０の球面に略合致した凹球面状の樹脂摺接面３０を有している。前記ボールスタッド１の軸部材１１は前記規制開口部３１から露出したボール１０の球面に対して接合されている。   The first member 3a is formed in an annular shape having a restriction opening 31 and a current-carrying opening 32 through which the spherical surface of the ball 10 is exposed in opposite directions, and has a concave spherical shape that substantially matches the spherical surface of the ball 10 on the inside. A resin sliding contact surface 30 is provided. The shaft member 11 of the ball stud 1 is joined to the spherical surface of the ball 10 exposed from the restriction opening 31.

前記第二部材３ｂは凹球面を備えた円板状に形成されており、前記第一部材３ａの通電開口部３２から突出したボール１０の球面を覆うように配置されている。すなわち、前記導電性領域としての第二部材３ｂは前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１とは反対側に設けられている。この第二部材３ｂは前記ボール１０の球面と接する通電面３３を備えると共に、当該第二部材３ｂを前記第一部材３ａと組み合わせた状態では、かかる通電面３３の周縁部が前記第一部材３ａの樹脂摺接面３０と段差なく連続するようになっている。この第二部材２ｂは、前記ボール１０に対して軸部材１１を電気抵抗溶接する際に、前記ホルダ２の本体部２０からボール１０に対して溶接電流を通電する機能を発揮する。この前記第二部材３ｂとしては、例えば、カーボブラック又はカーボンナノチューブを添加して導電性を付与した合成樹脂材料や、炭素繊維や銅線の織編物を合成樹脂と組み合わせた複合材料を用いることができる。   The second member 3b is formed in a disk shape having a concave spherical surface, and is arranged so as to cover the spherical surface of the ball 10 protruding from the current-carrying opening 32 of the first member 3a. That is, the second member 3b as the conductive region is provided on the side opposite to the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3a. The second member 3b includes a current-carrying surface 33 that is in contact with the spherical surface of the ball 10, and when the second member 3b is combined with the first member 3a, the peripheral portion of the current-carrying surface 33 is the first member 3a. The resin sliding contact surface 30 is continuous with no step. The second member 2 b exhibits a function of supplying a welding current from the main body portion 20 of the holder 2 to the ball 10 when the shaft member 11 is electrically resistance welded to the ball 10. As the second member 3b, for example, a synthetic resin material added with conductivity by adding carbon black or carbon nanotubes, or a composite material in which a woven or knitted fabric of carbon fiber or copper wire is combined with a synthetic resin is used. it can.

尚、この実施形態では前記第一部材３ａと前記第二部材３ｂとを組み合わせて前記樹脂摺接部材３を構成しているが、これら第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂを一体に成形しても差し支えない。すなわち、前記規制開口部３１のみが開口した樹脂摺接部材３を成形し、当該樹脂摺接部材３の一部を導電性領域として前記第二部材３ｂの機能を発揮させるようにしても良い。   In this embodiment, the resin sliding contact member 3 is configured by combining the first member 3a and the second member 3b. However, the first member 3a and the second member 3b are integrally formed. There is no problem. That is, the resin sliding contact member 3 in which only the restriction opening 31 is opened may be molded, and the function of the second member 3b may be exhibited by using a part of the resin sliding contact member 3 as a conductive region.

一方、前記ホルダ２は、前記樹脂摺接部材３の第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂを覆うようにしてその周囲に設けられた本体部２０と、かかる本体部２０をリンクに結合するための固定部２１とを備え、これら本体部２０及び固定部２１とがアルミニウム合金又は亜鉛合金のダイカスト鋳造により一体に成形されている。尚、図１中では省略してあるが、前記固定部２１には雌ねじが形成されており、例えばリンクを構成するロッド等の先端に形成された雄ねじを結合できるようになっている。また、この固定部２１を設けることなく、前記本体部２０を被取付け体に対して直接固定することも可能である。   On the other hand, the holder 2 covers the first member 3a and the second member 3b of the resin sliding contact member 3 so as to cover the main body portion 20 provided around the first member 3a and the second member 3b. The main body part 20 and the fixing part 21 are integrally formed by die casting of an aluminum alloy or a zinc alloy. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the fixing portion 21 is formed with a female screw so that, for example, a male screw formed at the tip of a rod or the like constituting the link can be coupled. Further, the main body 20 can be directly fixed to the mounted body without providing the fixing portion 21.

前記本体部２０は前記樹脂摺接部材３の外側に成形されており、当該樹脂摺接部材３は前記第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂともに前記本体部２０に対して固着されている。また、前記本体部２０には前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１に対応してホルダ開口部２２が設けられており、このホルダ開口部２２からは前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１の周縁が僅かに露出している。すなわち、前記ホルダ２の本体部２０は前記規制開口部３１から露出したボール１０の球面とは非接触である。   The main body portion 20 is formed outside the resin sliding contact member 3, and the resin sliding contact member 3 is fixed to the main body portion 20 together with the first member 3a and the second member 3b. The main body 20 is provided with a holder opening 22 corresponding to the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3a. From the holder opening 22, the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3a is provided. The periphery is slightly exposed. That is, the main body 20 of the holder 2 is not in contact with the spherical surface of the ball 10 exposed from the restriction opening 31.

更に、前記ホルダ２の本体部２０の外周縁とボールスタッド１の軸部材１１との間にはブーツシール４が取り付けられており、ボールスタッド１のボール１０とホルダ２の本体部２０との隙間に対して埃やごみ等が侵入するのを防止している他、グリース等の潤滑剤を収容するシールポケット４０を形成している。ここで、前記ブーツシール４のボールスタッド１側の端部４１はその弾性によって軸部材１１に密着する一方、ホルダ２側の端部４２は係止リングによってホルダ２の外周縁との間に挟み込まれており、ボールスタッド１の揺動あるいは回転運動によっても外れることがないようになっている。このブーツシール４は後述する製造工程の最終段階において、前記ボール１０に対して軸部材１１を溶接した後に、前記ボールスタッド１及びホルダ２に対して装着される。   Further, a boot seal 4 is attached between the outer peripheral edge of the main body portion 20 of the holder 2 and the shaft member 11 of the ball stud 1, and a gap between the ball 10 of the ball stud 1 and the main body portion 20 of the holder 2. In addition to preventing dust and dirt from entering the seal pocket 40, a seal pocket 40 for accommodating a lubricant such as grease is formed. Here, the end 41 on the ball stud 1 side of the boot seal 4 is in close contact with the shaft member 11 due to its elasticity, while the end 42 on the holder 2 side is sandwiched between the outer peripheral edge of the holder 2 by a locking ring. Therefore, the ball stud 1 does not come off even when the ball stud 1 swings or rotates. The boot seal 4 is attached to the ball stud 1 and the holder 2 after the shaft member 11 is welded to the ball 10 in the final stage of the manufacturing process described later.

次に、この実施形態のボールジョイントの具体的製造方法について説明する。   Next, a specific method for manufacturing the ball joint of this embodiment will be described.

最初の工程では、前記樹脂摺接部材３の第一部材３ａを成形し、これをボール１０となる軸受用鋼球に対して装着する。この第一部材３ａとしては耐摩耗性の高い樹脂材料が適しており、その一例はポリエーテルエーテルケトン（ビクトレックス社製／商品名：ＰＥＥＫ）であり、例えば厚さ約０．８ｍｍに成形されている。図２はボール１０に対して前記第一部材３ａを装着した状態を示す正面図である。この第一部材３ａはボール１０の外径に適合する内径を具備した環状に成形され、前述の如く相反する方向へボール１０の球面が露出する規制開口部３１及び通電開口部３２を有している。前記通電開口部３２の内径Ｄ２は前記規制開口部３１の内径Ｄ１よりも小さく設定されており、ボール１０の中心Ｏから前記規制開口部３１までの距離Ｈと、ボール１０の中心Ｏから前記通電開口部３２までの距離ｈとを比較した場合、Ｈ＜ｈとなっている。このため、前記樹脂摺接部材３とボール１０の球面との接触面積は、ボール１０の中心Ｏよりも前記規制開口部３１の側で小さく、通電開口部３２の側で大きくなっている。   In the first step, the first member 3 a of the resin slidable contact member 3 is formed and mounted on a bearing steel ball that becomes the ball 10. As the first member 3a, a resin material having high wear resistance is suitable, and an example thereof is polyetheretherketone (manufactured by Victrex Co., Ltd./trade name: PEEK), for example, having a thickness of about 0.8 mm. ing. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the first member 3 a is mounted on the ball 10. The first member 3a is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the ball 10, and has a restriction opening 31 and a current-carrying opening 32 through which the spherical surface of the ball 10 is exposed in opposite directions as described above. Yes. An inner diameter D2 of the energization opening 32 is set to be smaller than an inner diameter D1 of the restriction opening 31, and a distance H from the center O of the ball 10 to the restriction opening 31 and the energization from the center O of the ball 10 to the energization. When the distance h to the opening 32 is compared, H <h. For this reason, the contact area between the resin sliding contact member 3 and the spherical surface of the ball 10 is smaller on the restriction opening 31 side than the center O of the ball 10 and larger on the energization opening 32 side.

前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１の内径はホルダ２に対するボールスタッド１の可動範囲との関係から決定される。但し、前記ボールスタッド１に対してその軸方向に直交する方向のラジアル荷重が作用した場合を考慮すると、前記第一部材３ａとボール１０との接触面積は大きい方が好ましい。特に前記第一部材３の通電開口部３２の内径は可及的に小さく設定するのが良く、前述したように通電開口部３２の内径Ｄ２は規制開口部の内径Ｄ１より小さく設定するのが好ましい。   The inner diameter of the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3 a is determined from the relationship with the movable range of the ball stud 1 relative to the holder 2. However, in consideration of the case where a radial load in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction acts on the ball stud 1, it is preferable that the contact area between the first member 3a and the ball 10 is large. In particular, the inner diameter of the energization opening 32 of the first member 3 is preferably set as small as possible. As described above, the inner diameter D2 of the energization opening 32 is preferably set smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the restriction opening. .

このような第一部材３ａをボール１０に被せる一例としては、ボール１０を中子として前記第一部材３ａを射出成形し、当該第一部材３ａの成形とボール１０への装着を一つの工程で行うことが考えられる。このようにボール１０そのものを中子として第一部材３ａの成形を行えば、ボール１０への装着手間が省略される他、ボール１０の球面が前記第一部材３ａの樹脂摺接面３０に転写されるので、かかる第一部材３ａとボール１０とが隙間なく面接触し、両者の摺接状態を良好なものにすることが可能となる。   As an example of covering the ball 10 with such a first member 3a, the first member 3a is injection molded using the ball 10 as a core, and the molding of the first member 3a and the mounting to the ball 10 are performed in one process. It is possible to do it. If the first member 3a is molded using the ball 10 itself as a core in this way, the mounting work on the ball 10 is omitted, and the spherical surface of the ball 10 is transferred to the resin sliding contact surface 30 of the first member 3a. Therefore, the first member 3a and the ball 10 are in surface contact with each other without any gap, and the sliding contact state between them can be improved.

尚、ボール１０を中子として使用することなく前記第一部材３ａのみを成形し、成形された第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１からボール１０を当該第一部材３ａの内部に押し込み、これによって第一部材３ａをボール１０に対して装着するようにしても差し支えない。   Incidentally, only the first member 3a is formed without using the ball 10 as a core, and the ball 10 is pushed into the first member 3a from the restriction opening 31 of the formed first member 3a. The first member 3a may be mounted on the ball 10.

前記ボール１０に対する第一部材３ａの装着が完了したら、図２に示すように、前記第一部材３ａの通電開口部３２から突出したボール１０の球面に対して前記第二部材３ｂを被せる。前記第二部材３ｂとしては、炭素繊維の織編物の空隙に対してエポキシ樹脂やポリエーテルエーテルケトンを充填したものや、銅線の織編物の空隙に対してＰＴＦＥを充填したものを用いることができ、その厚さは前記第一部材３ａと同程度に設定されている。また、この第二部材３ｂは前記ホルダ２の本体部２０とボール１０との間の通電を担うことから、前記炭素繊維の織編物や銅線の織編物は当該第二部材３ｂの表裏に露出していることが必要である。この第二部材３ｂを成形する際には、当該第二部材３ｂに具備される凹球面状の通電面３３と前記ボール１０の球面とが隙間なく面接触するよう、前記ボール１０と同じ直径の凸球面を利用して成形を行うことが好ましい。   When the mounting of the first member 3a on the ball 10 is completed, as shown in FIG. 2, the second member 3b is placed on the spherical surface of the ball 10 protruding from the energization opening 32 of the first member 3a. As the second member 3b, it is preferable to use a carbon fiber woven or knitted fabric filled with epoxy resin or polyether ether ketone, or a copper wire woven or knitted fabric filled with PTFE. The thickness of the first member 3a is approximately the same as that of the first member 3a. In addition, since the second member 3b is energized between the main body portion 20 of the holder 2 and the ball 10, the carbon fiber woven or copper wire knitted or knitted fabric is exposed on the front and back of the second member 3b. It is necessary to do. When the second member 3b is molded, the concave spherical energization surface 33 provided on the second member 3b and the spherical surface of the ball 10 have the same diameter as the ball 10 so that the spherical surface of the ball 10 is in contact with no gap. It is preferable to perform molding using a convex spherical surface.

また、前記ボール１０を中子として利用して、前記第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂを一体的に成形しても良い。例えば、前記第二部材３ｂをボール１０の球面に被せた状態で、当該ボール１０を中子として前記第一部材３ａを成形し、前記第二部材３ｂの周縁を前記第一部材３ａと接合して、前記規制開口部３１のみが開口した前記樹脂摺接部材３を成形することが可能である。更に、前記第一部材３ａを成形するための樹脂材料と前記第二部材３ｂを成形するための導電性樹脂材料とを用い、前記ボール１０を中子として利用した二色射出成形法によって前記規制開口部３１のみが開口した前記樹脂摺接部材３を成形することも可能である。   Further, the first member 3a and the second member 3b may be integrally formed using the ball 10 as a core. For example, in a state where the second member 3b is placed on the spherical surface of the ball 10, the first member 3a is formed using the ball 10 as a core, and the periphery of the second member 3b is joined to the first member 3a. Thus, it is possible to mold the resin sliding contact member 3 in which only the restriction opening 31 is opened. Further, the regulation is performed by a two-color injection molding method using a resin material for molding the first member 3a and a conductive resin material for molding the second member 3b and using the ball 10 as a core. It is also possible to mold the resin sliding contact member 3 in which only the opening 31 is opened.

次に、前記ホルダ２をダイカスト鋳造する。このダイカスト鋳造に際しては、図３に示すように、上下に分割された一対の鋳造金型５，６内に対してボール１０及び当該ボール１０に対して装着された樹脂摺接部材３（第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂ）を中子としてインサートし、この状態でアルミニウム合金又は亜鉛合金の溶湯を金型内のキャビティ７に圧入する。このとき、ボール１０は前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１から露出した球面が金型６に形成された凹球面状の支持座６０に嵌合し、当該支持座６０はその周縁が前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１の周縁に接する。尚、前記支持座６０に対してボール１０を確実に固定するため、当該支持座６０からボール１０に対して磁気吸引力を作用させるようにしても良い。   Next, the holder 2 is die-cast. In this die-casting, as shown in FIG. 3, the ball 10 and the resin sliding contact member 3 attached to the ball 10 (the first sliding die 5 and 6 inside the pair of casting molds 5 and 6 divided first (first) The member 3a and the second member 3b) are inserted as cores, and in this state, molten aluminum alloy or zinc alloy is press-fitted into the cavity 7 in the mold. At this time, the ball 10 is fitted into a concave spherical support seat 60 formed on the mold 6 with the spherical surface exposed from the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3a, and the periphery of the support seat 60 is the first. It contacts the periphery of the restriction opening 31 of the one member 3a. In order to securely fix the ball 10 to the support seat 60, a magnetic attractive force may be applied to the ball 10 from the support seat 60.

これにより、図４に示すように、ボール１０及び樹脂摺接部材３を前記合金でくるんだホルダ２が鋳造される。鋳造されたホルダ２には金型６の支持座６０に対応した部位に前記ホルダ開口部２２が形成され、ボール１０はこのホルダ開口部２２からのみ露出した状態となる。また、前記第一部材３ａの規制開口部３１において前記ホルダ２はボール１０と非接触であり、鋳造されたボール１０とホルダ２との間には前記樹脂摺接部材３を構成する第一部材３ａ及び第二部材３ｂが存在し、ボール１０は前記樹脂摺接部材３にのみ接触している。前記ホルダ２が鋳造されると、ボール１０に装着されていた樹脂摺接部材３は鋳造されたホルダ２の本体部２０に埋め込まれた状態となり、前記ボール１０に接している前記第一部材３ａの樹脂摺接面３０と前記第二部材の通電面３３とは段差なく連続した一つの凹球面として形成されることになる。そして、この凹球面はボール１０の球面と隙間なく接触した状態となる。   Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the holder 2 in which the ball 10 and the resin sliding contact member 3 are wrapped with the alloy is cast. In the cast holder 2, the holder opening 22 is formed at a portion corresponding to the support seat 60 of the mold 6, and the ball 10 is exposed only from the holder opening 22. The holder 2 is not in contact with the ball 10 in the restriction opening 31 of the first member 3a, and the first member constituting the resin sliding contact member 3 is between the cast ball 10 and the holder 2. 3a and the second member 3b exist, and the ball 10 is in contact only with the resin sliding contact member 3. When the holder 2 is cast, the resin sliding contact member 3 attached to the ball 10 is embedded in the main body portion 20 of the cast holder 2, and the first member 3 a in contact with the ball 10. The resin sliding contact surface 30 and the current-carrying surface 33 of the second member are formed as one concave spherical surface that is continuous without a step. The concave spherical surface is in contact with the spherical surface of the ball 10 without a gap.

次に、前記ボール１０に対して軸部材１１を溶接する。かかる溶接には電気抵抗溶接の一種であるプロジェクション溶接が用いられる。具体的には、図５に示すように、前記ホルダ開口部２２から露出したボール１０の球面に対して軸部材１１の端面を所定の力Ｆで圧接させる一方、前記ホルダ２の本体部２０及び前記軸部材１１の夫々に対して電極１４，１５を当接させ、これら本体部２０及び軸部材１１に溶接電流を通電する。前記本体部２０には前記ホルダ開口部２２の反対側の位置に電極取付け面２４が形成されており、かかる電極取付け面２４は前記ボールスタッド１の軸心線を中心とした円形状をなしている。また、前記電極１５は環状に形成され、前記軸部材１の鍔部１２に当接している。   Next, the shaft member 11 is welded to the ball 10. For such welding, projection welding which is a kind of electric resistance welding is used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the end surface of the shaft member 11 is pressed against the spherical surface of the ball 10 exposed from the holder opening 22 with a predetermined force F, while the main body 20 of the holder 2 and The electrodes 14 and 15 are brought into contact with the shaft member 11, respectively, and a welding current is supplied to the main body 20 and the shaft member 11. An electrode mounting surface 24 is formed on the main body 20 at a position opposite to the holder opening 22, and the electrode mounting surface 24 has a circular shape centered on the axial center line of the ball stud 1. Yes. The electrode 15 is formed in an annular shape and abuts against the flange 12 of the shaft member 1.

前記ボール１０及び樹脂摺接部材３を中子として前記ホルダ２を鋳造したことから、既に説明した通り、導電性領域としての前記第二部材３ｂはその通電面３３をボール１０の球面に隙間なく接触させた状態でホルダ２の本体部２０に埋め込まれている。このため、前記ホルダ２の本体部２０に電極１４を当接させることで、導電性を付与された前記第二部材３ｂを通じて前記ホルダ２からボール１０に対して溶接電流を通電することができ、ボール１０と軸部材１１を電気抵抗溶接することが可能となる。   Since the holder 2 is cast using the ball 10 and the resin sliding contact member 3 as a core, as already described, the second member 3b as a conductive region has its current-carrying surface 33 on the spherical surface of the ball 10 without a gap. It is embedded in the main body 20 of the holder 2 in a state of contact. For this reason, by bringing the electrode 14 into contact with the main body portion 20 of the holder 2, a welding current can be passed from the holder 2 to the ball 10 through the second member 3b provided with conductivity. It becomes possible to perform electric resistance welding between the ball 10 and the shaft member 11.

そして、このようにして電気抵抗溶接が終了すると、図６に示すように、軸部材１１の先端面がボール１０に対して接合され、ボール１０が樹脂摺接部材３を介してホルダ２の本体部に保持されたボールスタッド１が完成する。   When the electric resistance welding is completed in this way, as shown in FIG. 6, the tip surface of the shaft member 11 is joined to the ball 10, and the ball 10 is connected to the main body of the holder 2 via the resin sliding contact member 3. The ball stud 1 held by the part is completed.

前記ボール１０と軸部材１１とを電気抵抗溶接するためには、これら両者の間の通電抵抗に比べて前記第二部材３ｂとボール１０との間の通電抵抗、及び前記第二部材３ｂとホルダ２との間の通電抵抗が小さいことが必要である。このため、前記第二部材３ｂとボール１０との接触面積、すなわち前記第二部材に形成された凹球面状の通電面３３の面積は、ボール１０と軸部材１１との溶接部面積よりも大きく設定される必要がある。ここで溶接部面積とは前記軸部材１１の先端面がボール１０と接合された面積であり、具体的には図６中に符号７０で示された溶接部における円形状面積であり、軸部材１１の断面積に相当している。より厳密には軸部材１１がボール１０と接合される部位における当該ボール１０の球面の表面積である。   In order to perform electrical resistance welding between the ball 10 and the shaft member 11, compared to the current resistance between them, the current resistance between the second member 3b and the ball 10, and the second member 3b and the holder. 2 is required to have a small energization resistance. For this reason, the contact area between the second member 3 b and the ball 10, that is, the area of the concave spherical conductive surface 33 formed on the second member is larger than the weld area between the ball 10 and the shaft member 11. Need to be set. Here, the welded portion area is an area where the tip end surface of the shaft member 11 is joined to the ball 10, specifically, a circular area in the welded portion indicated by reference numeral 70 in FIG. 11 corresponds to a cross-sectional area of 11. More precisely, it is the surface area of the spherical surface of the ball 10 at the part where the shaft member 11 is joined to the ball 10.

前記ホルダ２の鋳造後であって軸部材１１をボール１０に対して溶接する以前の段階では、鋳造後に進行するホルダ２の収縮により、当該ホルダ２の本体部２０が樹脂摺接部材３の第一部材３ａの外側からボール１０を締め付ける状態となるので、そのままでは第一部材３ａに対するボール１０の回転には大きな抵抗が作用する。また、前記樹脂摺接部材３の第二部材な具備された通電面３３もボール１０に緊密に接触していることから、この点においてもボール１０の自由な回転は妨げられた状態にある。   At the stage after the casting of the holder 2 and before the shaft member 11 is welded to the ball 10, the main body portion 20 of the holder 2 is moved to the position of the resin sliding contact member 3 by the shrinkage of the holder 2 that proceeds after the casting. Since the ball 10 is tightened from the outside of the one member 3a, a large resistance acts on the rotation of the ball 10 relative to the first member 3a as it is. Further, since the current-carrying surface 33 provided as the second member of the resin sliding contact member 3 is also in close contact with the ball 10, the free rotation of the ball 10 is also prevented in this respect.

しかし、前記ホルダ１０の鋳造後に当該ボール１０に対して軸部材１１を電気抵抗溶接すると、前記ボール１０と軸部材１１の接合部分の周辺が発熱源となって当該ボール１０が加熱され、ボール１０を締め付けている第一部材３ａにもその熱が伝達される。前記ボール１０と合成樹脂から形成された前記第一部材３ａは熱膨張率に差が存在し、且つ、冷却時の収縮速度にも差が存在することから、加熱によって一旦拡げられた第一部材３ａは冷却時の収縮段階で元の形状にまで完全には戻りきらず、前記ボール１０に対する第一部材３ａの締め付けを緩めることが可能となる。   However, when the shaft member 11 is electrically resistance-welded to the ball 10 after the holder 10 is cast, the ball 10 is heated by using the vicinity of the joint portion between the ball 10 and the shaft member 11 as a heat source. The heat is also transmitted to the first member 3a that is tightening. The first member 3a formed from the ball 10 and the synthetic resin has a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion and also a difference in shrinkage rate at the time of cooling. 3a does not completely return to its original shape at the contraction stage at the time of cooling, and the tightening of the first member 3a with respect to the ball 10 can be loosened.

このとき、ボール１０それ自身は常温下よりも僅かに熱膨張を生じて前記第一部材３ａを押し拡げることになるが、発熱源はボール１０と軸部材１１との接合部分なので、当該ボール１０は規制開口部３１の近傍で膨張量が大きくなり、発熱源から離れた第二部材３ｂの近傍では規制開口部３１の近傍よりもその膨張量が小さくなる。すなわち、前記第一部材３ａがボール１０の熱膨張によって押し拡げられる量は、第二部材３ｂの近傍よりも規制開口部３１の近傍で大きくなる。その結果、ボール１０と軸部材１１の接合が完了して当該ボール１０が冷めた状態では、ボール１０が第二部材３ｂの通電面３３から浮き上がる方向に関して当該ボール１０が微小変位することになり、ボール１０は前記第二部材３ｂの通電面３３と接触はしているものの、両者の間の接触面圧は軽減される。   At this time, the ball 10 itself undergoes a slight thermal expansion at a lower temperature than normal temperature to push the first member 3a apart. However, since the heat source is a joint between the ball 10 and the shaft member 11, the ball 10 Is larger in the vicinity of the restriction opening 31, and smaller in the vicinity of the second member 3 b away from the heat source than in the vicinity of the restriction opening 31. That is, the amount by which the first member 3a is expanded by the thermal expansion of the ball 10 is larger in the vicinity of the restriction opening 31 than in the vicinity of the second member 3b. As a result, in a state where the joining of the ball 10 and the shaft member 11 is completed and the ball 10 is cooled, the ball 10 is slightly displaced in the direction in which the ball 10 is lifted from the current-carrying surface 33 of the second member 3b. Although the ball 10 is in contact with the current-carrying surface 33 of the second member 3b, the contact surface pressure between them is reduced.

すなわち、この実施形態のボールジョンイトでは、ボール１０に対する軸部材１１の電気抵抗溶接が完了すると、前記ボール１０に対する第一部材３ａの締め付け力が軽減され、更にボール１０と前記第二部材３ｂの通電面３３との接触面圧が軽減され、当該溶接によって完成したボールスタッド１をホルダ２に対して軽く動かすことが可能となる。   That is, in the ball joint of this embodiment, when the electric resistance welding of the shaft member 11 to the ball 10 is completed, the tightening force of the first member 3a to the ball 10 is reduced, and the ball 10 and the second member 3b are further reduced. The contact surface pressure with the current-carrying surface 33 is reduced, and the ball stud 1 completed by the welding can be moved lightly with respect to the holder 2.

特に、前述の実施形態では、前記第一部材３ａの通電開口部３２の内径Ｄ２を規制開口部３１の内径Ｄ１よりも小さく形成しており、ボール１０はその中心より前記第二部材３ｂ側においてより多くの球面が前記第一部材３ａに接している。このため、ボール１０に対する軸部材１１の溶接によって前記第一部材３ａの締め付け力が軽減されると、前記規制開口部３１と通電開口部３２とが同一の内径に形成されている場合と比較して、ボール１０は第二部材３ｂの通電面３３から浮き上がる方向に関しての自由度が増大し易い。従って、本実施形態のボールジョイントでは、前記通電面３３とボール１０との接触面圧を一層軽減し易く、ボールスタッド１をホルダ２に対して軽く動かすことが可能となる。   In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the inner diameter D2 of the energization opening 32 of the first member 3a is formed smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the restriction opening 31, and the ball 10 is closer to the second member 3b than the center. More spherical surfaces are in contact with the first member 3a. For this reason, when the tightening force of the first member 3a is reduced by welding the shaft member 11 to the ball 10, the restriction opening 31 and the current-carrying opening 32 are compared with the case where the same inner diameter is formed. Thus, the degree of freedom with respect to the direction in which the ball 10 floats from the energizing surface 33 of the second member 3b is likely to increase. Therefore, in the ball joint of this embodiment, the contact surface pressure between the current-carrying surface 33 and the ball 10 can be further reduced, and the ball stud 1 can be moved lightly with respect to the holder 2.

そして、このようなボールジョンイトによれば、前記樹脂摺接部材３の一部に導電性領域３ｂが設けられているので、その製造過程において前記ボール１０に対して軸部材１１を電気抵抗溶接するに際し、当該樹脂摺接部材３の導電性領域を通じて前記ホルダ２からボール１０に対して溶接電流を通電することが可能となる。このため、前記ボール１０に対して電極を当接させる目的で前記ホルダ２に対して給電用開口部を設ける必要がなく、ボールスタッド１の溶接完了後に前記給電用開口部を塞ぐ閉塞キャップが不要となるので、その分だけ部品点数の削減や生産工程の簡略化を実現することができ、生産コストの低減化を図ることが可能となる。   According to such a ball joint, since the conductive region 3b is provided in a part of the resin sliding contact member 3, the shaft member 11 is electrically resistance welded to the ball 10 during the manufacturing process. In doing so, a welding current can be applied to the ball 10 from the holder 2 through the conductive region of the resin sliding contact member 3. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a power supply opening for the holder 2 for the purpose of bringing the electrode into contact with the ball 10, and a closing cap for closing the power supply opening after completion of welding of the ball stud 1 is unnecessary. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the production process can be simplified correspondingly, and the production cost can be reduced.

また、前記樹脂摺接部材は前記規制開口部を除いて前記ボールと隙間なく摺接しており、当該樹脂摺接部材の外側に鋳造されたホルダがボールと接触することがないので、経時的な使用によるボールの摩耗を防止して、ホルダに対するボールスタッドの円滑な動作を長期にわたり確保することが可能となる。   In addition, the resin sliding contact member is in sliding contact with the ball without any gap except for the restriction opening, and the holder cast outside the resin sliding contact member does not contact the ball. Ball wear due to use can be prevented, and smooth operation of the ball stud with respect to the holder can be ensured over a long period of time.

更に、この実施形態のボールジョイントでは、前記導電性領域としての第二部材３ｂが第一部材３ａに対してその規制開口部３１の反対側に設けられているので、前記ボールスタッド１に対してその軸方向に垂直なラジアル荷重が作用する使用条件の下では、前記ボールスタッド１のボール１０が前記樹脂摺接部材３の第二部材３ｂに対して強く擦れることはない。このため、前記第一部材３ａとして耐摩耗性に優れた樹脂材料を選択しさえすれば、前記導電性領域３ｂを形成する樹脂材料は前記第一部材３ａに対して耐摩耗性が劣るものであっても使用することができ、その分だけ材料の選択幅を拡げて、十分な導電性を確保することが可能となる。   Furthermore, in the ball joint of this embodiment, the second member 3b as the conductive region is provided on the opposite side of the restriction opening 31 with respect to the first member 3a. Under the use conditions in which a radial load perpendicular to the axial direction acts, the ball 10 of the ball stud 1 does not rub against the second member 3b of the resin sliding contact member 3 strongly. For this reason, as long as a resin material having excellent wear resistance is selected as the first member 3a, the resin material forming the conductive region 3b is inferior in wear resistance to the first member 3a. Even if it exists, it can be used, and it becomes possible to widen the selection range of the material and to secure sufficient conductivity.

１…ボールスタッド、２…ホルダ、３…樹脂摺接部材、３ａ…第一部材、３ｂ…第二部材（導電性領域）、１０…ボール、１１…軸部材、２０…本体部、３１…規制開口部、３２…通電開口部、３３…通電面   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ball stud, 2 ... Holder, 3 ... Resin sliding contact member, 3a ... 1st member, 3b ... 2nd member (conductive area), 10 ... Ball, 11 ... Shaft member, 20 ... Main-body part, 31 ... Restriction Opening portion, 32 ... energization opening portion, 33 ... energization surface

Claims (6)

軸部材の先端にボールが電気抵抗溶接されたボールスタッドと、前記ボールスタッドの揺動範囲を区画する規制開口部のみを残して前記ボールの球面を覆い、当該ボールとの摺接面を有する樹脂摺接部材と、
前記ボール及びこれに被せられた前記樹脂摺接部材を中子とした鋳造によって形成され、前記樹脂摺接部材の周囲を覆うと共に前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出する前記ボールの球面と非接触なホルダとを備え、
前記樹脂摺接部材はその一部分が前記ボールとホルダとの通電を可能とする導電性領域であり、
前記ホルダの鋳造後に、前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出した前記ボールの球面に対して前記軸部材を電気抵抗溶接したことを特徴とするボールジョイント。 A ball stud in which a ball is electrically resistance-welded to the tip of a shaft member, and a resin having a sliding contact surface with the ball, covering only the ball spherical surface except for a restriction opening that defines a swing range of the ball stud A sliding contact member;
The ball and the spherical surface of the ball, which is formed by casting with the resin and the resin sliding contact member placed on the ball as a core, covers the periphery of the resin sliding contact member and is exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member; With a non-contact holder,
A part of the resin sliding contact member is a conductive region that allows the ball and the holder to be energized,
A ball joint, wherein the shaft member is electrically resistance-welded to the spherical surface of the ball exposed from the restriction opening of the resin sliding contact member after casting of the holder. 前記樹脂摺接部材の導電性領域は、前記規制開口部と反対側に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記載のボールジョイント。 The ball joint according to claim 1, wherein the conductive region of the resin sliding contact member is provided on a side opposite to the restriction opening. 前記樹脂摺接部材は、前記規制開口部及びこの規制開口部と相反する方向へ開口する通電開口部を有する第一部材と、前記第一部材の通電開口部から突出したボールの球面を覆って当該通電開口部を塞ぐ前記導電性領域としての第二部材とを備えていることを特徴とする請求項２記載のボールジョイント。 The resin sliding contact member covers a first member having a current-carrying opening that opens in the direction opposite to the regulation opening and the regulation opening, and a spherical surface of a ball protruding from the current-carrying opening of the first member. The ball joint according to claim 2, further comprising a second member serving as the conductive region that closes the energization opening. ボールスタッドの揺動範囲を区画する規制開口部のみを残して当該ボールスタッドのボールの球面を覆い、当該ボールとの摺接面を有すると共に、その一部分に導電性領域を有する樹脂摺接部材を成形する工程と、
前記ボール及びこれに被せられた樹脂摺接部材を中子とした鋳造により、前記樹脂摺接部材の周囲を覆うと共に前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出する前記ボールの球面とは非接触なホルダを成形する工程と、
前記樹脂摺接部材の規制開口部から露出したボールに対して軸部材を突き当てると共に当該軸部材に電極を接触させる一方、前記ホルダに電極を接触させ、前記樹脂摺接部材の導電性領域を通じて前記ホルダからボールへ通電し、前記ボールと軸部材を電気抵抗溶接によって接合して前記ボールスタッドを形成する工程とを備えたことを特徴とするボールジョイントの製造方法。 A resin sliding contact member that covers the spherical surface of the ball stud, leaving only the restriction opening that defines the swing range of the ball stud, has a sliding contact surface with the ball, and has a conductive region in a part thereof. Molding process;
The ball and the resin slidable contact member placed on the ball are cast into a core to cover the periphery of the resin slidable contact member and to contact the spherical surface of the ball exposed from the restriction opening of the resin slidable contact member. Forming a simple holder;
While the shaft member is abutted against the ball exposed from the regulation opening of the resin sliding contact member and the electrode is brought into contact with the shaft member, the electrode is brought into contact with the holder, and through the conductive region of the resin sliding contact member A method of manufacturing a ball joint, comprising: energizing the ball from the holder and joining the ball and a shaft member by electric resistance welding to form the ball stud. 前記樹脂摺接部材の導電性領域は、前記規制開口部と反対側に設けることを特徴とする請求項４記載のボールジョイントの製造方法。 The ball joint manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the conductive region of the resin sliding contact member is provided on a side opposite to the restriction opening. 前記樹脂摺接部材を成形する工程は、前記規制開口部及びこの規制開口部と相反する方向へ開口する通電開口部を有する第一部材を成形する工程と、前記第一部材の通電開口部から突出したボールの球面を覆って当該通電開口部を塞ぐ前記導電性領域としての第二部材を成形する工程とを含み、
これら第一部材及び第二部材をボールに被せて前記樹脂樹脂摺接部材を組み立てた後に前記ホルダを鋳造することを特徴する請求項５記載のボールジョイントの製造方法。
The step of forming the resin sliding contact member includes the step of forming the first member having the restriction opening and a current-carrying opening that opens in a direction opposite to the restriction opening, and the current-carrying opening of the first member. Forming a second member as the conductive region that covers the spherical surface of the protruding ball and closes the current-carrying opening.
6. The method of manufacturing a ball joint according to claim 5, wherein the holder is cast after the first member and the second member are put on a ball and the resin-resin sliding contact member is assembled.
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JP2017141906A (en) * 2016-02-10 2017-08-17 日本発條株式会社 Manufacturing method of ball joint and manufacturing method of stabilizer link
WO2017138573A1 (en) * 2016-02-10 2017-08-17 日本発條株式会社 Method for manufacturing ball joint and method for manufacturing stabilizer link
US10994458B2 (en) 2016-02-10 2021-05-04 Nhk Spring Co., Ltd. Method for manufacturing ball joint and method for manufacturing stabilizer link

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