WO2020085138A1 - Ball-sheet-securing structure for ball joint - Google Patents

Ball-sheet-securing structure for ball joint Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020085138A1
WO2020085138A1 PCT/JP2019/040406 JP2019040406W WO2020085138A1 WO 2020085138 A1 WO2020085138 A1 WO 2020085138A1 JP 2019040406 W JP2019040406 W JP 2019040406W WO 2020085138 A1 WO2020085138 A1 WO 2020085138A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ring
ball
housing
ball seat
fixing structure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/040406
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
黒田　茂
裕也 永田
Original Assignee
日本発條株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2019068768A external-priority patent/JP7228449B2/en
Application filed by 日本発條株式会社 filed Critical 日本発條株式会社
Publication of WO2020085138A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020085138A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/06—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint in a suspension that plays a role of reducing a shock from a road surface of a vehicle.
  • the vehicle suspension reduces the impact transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle body, and the stabilizer enhances the roll rigidity (rigidity against torsion) of the vehicle body.
  • the suspension and the stabilizer are connected via a stabilizer link.
  • the stabilizer link is configured by providing ball joints at both ends of a rod-shaped support bar.
  • a ball portion 10b of a metal ball stud 10 is rotatably housed (included) in a metal cup-shaped housing 11 via a resin ball seat 12.
  • a resin ball seat 12 There is a configuration.
  • the ball stud 10 has a structure in which a spherical ball portion 10b is integrally connected to one end of a rod-shaped stud portion 10s.
  • a male screw 10n is threaded on the stud portion 10s, and a flange portion 10a1 and a small collar portion 10a2, which extend in a circular shape, are formed apart from each other on the tip side (ball portion 10b side) of the male screw 10n.
  • a dust cover 13 is arranged between the collar portion 10a1 and the upper end portion of the housing 11.
  • An iron link 13a is press-fitted and fixed to a portion of the dust cover 13 connected to the upper end of the housing 11.
  • a metal support bar 1a is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 11.
  • the axis of the ball stud 10 is perpendicular to the horizontal line H as shown by the vertical line V.
  • the ball seat 12 including the ball portion 10b is formed by bending the upper end 11a of the housing 11 and crimping the upper end 11a from the upper side to the lower side via a C-shaped stopper ring 14 (also referred to as a ring 14). It is pressed and fixed.
  • the upper end of the ball seat 12 has a tapered surface that is inclined from the flat surface toward the inner peripheral side.
  • the ring 14 has a flat surface that covers the upper end of the ball seat 12 and a tapered surface 14a.
  • the inclination angle of the tapered surface 14a is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 swings (arrow ⁇ 1).
  • the inner wall of the housing 11 has a straight vertical wall in cross section, and the ball seat 12 is housed on the inner wall.
  • the inner surface of the ball seat 12 has a shape of a spherical curved surface 12a along the spherical shape of the ball portion 10b.
  • the spherical curved surface 12a is also referred to as a ball seat inner spherical surface 12a or an inner spherical surface 12a. Examples of ball joints having such a structure are described in Patent Documents 1 to 3.
  • the ball portion 10b and the inner spherical surface 12a of the ball seat oscillate as the suspension of the vehicle strokes.
  • the characteristics of the oscillating slide are swing torque and rotation torque (each torque). Also called).
  • the elastic lift amount is the amount of movement of the ball portion 10b via the ball seat 12 in the housing 11.
  • the elastic lift amount is increased, the ball portion 10b is largely moved in the housing 11 via the ball seat 12, and the ball joint J is loosened, which causes abnormal noise while the vehicle is traveling. That is, there is a reciprocal relationship between each torque and the elastic lift amount, such that when each torque decreases, the elastic lift amount increases.
  • the ball seat 12 is pressed by the upper end portion 11A of the housing 11 via the ring 14, but when the housing 11 is crimped, the caulking process has three stages for the convenience of molding. There is a problem that the tact time becomes long and the manufacturing cost of the ball joint J becomes high.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint that enables a step of fixing a ring in a short tact time and can reduce costs.
  • a ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint is a ball in which a metallic sphere part is integrally joined to the other end of a stud part whose one end is connected to the structure.
  • a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint in which the spherical portion covered with the ball seat is included in the housing, wherein the ball seat is inside the opening end of the housing and on the ball seat.
  • a ring is set so as to project from the opening end, and a corner of a boundary between the ring and the housing is welded and fixed by laser welding. .
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the perimeter welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the intermittent welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the pulse welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 10. It is a perspective view of a C ring of a 2nd embodiment. It is a top view showing the state where the housing and the C ring boundary of the second embodiment were welded all around. It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the intermittent welding of the boundary of the housing and C ring of 2nd Embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing, the C ring and the ball seat shown in FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 17. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd modification of the ball seat in the ball joint of 2nd Embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing, C ring, and ball seat shown in FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 21. It is sectional drawing which shows the other shape of C ring. It is sectional drawing which shows the other shape of a housing. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional ball joint.
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a ball joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the same components as those shown in FIG. 26 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
  • the ball joint J1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is different from the conventional ball joint J (FIG. 26) in that the ball joint 22 is annular so that the tightening margin of the ball seat 22 with respect to the ball portion 10b in the housing 21 is appropriate.
  • the ball seat 22 is pressed and set by the (O-shaped) stopper ring (also referred to as an O-ring) 24, and in this set state, the O-ring 24 is fixed to the upper end of the housing 21 by laser welding.
  • Laser welding is performed using a laser welding device such as a diode laser welding device (not shown).
  • the above-mentioned annular shape means an integrally continuous annular shape or an annular shape having a narrow slit.
  • the proper tightening allowance is a tightening allowance in which the swinging torque and the rotating torque are reduced so as to improve the riding comfort of the vehicle, and the elastic lift amount can be reduced so that the ball joint J1 does not rattle. is there.
  • the O-ring 24 presses and compresses the ball seat 22 to set the proper tightening allowance, and the set O-ring 24 is laser-welded to the housing 21. All references to "sets" herein have the same meaning as the set above.
  • the shapes of the housing 21, the ball seat 22, and the O-ring 24 of the ball joint J1 are different from those of the housing 11, the ball seat 12, and the stopper ring 14 of the conventional ball joint J (FIG. 26) as described later.
  • the dust cover 13 is omitted in order to make it easy to recognize the characteristic configuration.
  • the stud portion 10s of the ball joint J1 is fixed to a suspension or stabilizer (not shown).
  • the suspension or stabilizer constitutes the structure according to the claims.
  • the housing 21 is formed by pressing or cold forging a metal plate such as an iron plate into a cup shape as shown in the sectional view of FIG.
  • the opening end 21a on the opening side of the housing 21 has a plate thickness t smaller than the plate thickness T of the body 21b below the opening end 21a. It is preferable that each plate thickness T, t has a size represented by the following equation (1). 0.3 ⁇ t / T ⁇ 0.85 (1)
  • the inner surface of the housing 21 between the plate thickness t of the opening end portion 21a and the plate thickness T of the body portion 21b is a tapered step portion (taper step portion) P1.
  • This taper step portion P1 is also referred to as a taper-shaped portion (first taper-shaped portion) P1.
  • the taper angle ⁇ 1 of the tapered portion P1 has a magnitude shown by the following expression (2) in order to properly maintain the balance between the workability of the housing 21 and the centripetal effect described later.
  • the taper angle ⁇ 1 is the inclination angle of the tapered portion P1 of the housing 21 with respect to the horizontal line H shown in FIG. 30 ° ⁇ ⁇ 1 ⁇ 60 ° (2)
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the O-ring 24, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG.
  • the outer peripheral lower end portion of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 is a tapered portion (second tapered portion) P2 having the same taper angle ⁇ 1 as the tapered portion P1 of the housing 21.
  • the inner diameter (ring inner diameter) R1 of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 3 is slightly larger than the spherical diameter (ball spherical diameter) R3 of the ball portion 10b shown in FIG. For example, when the ball sphere diameter R3 is ⁇ 16.0, the ring inner diameter R1 is ⁇ 16.1. This size is determined for inserting the O-ring 24 from the lower side of the ball portion 10b and moving it to the upper side of the ball portion 10b.
  • the ring outer diameter R2 shown in FIG. 3 is sized so that the O-ring 24 can be inserted inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21. As shown in FIG. 1, when the O-ring 24 is placed on the ball seat 22 in the housing 21, the radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 is 0.25 mm.
  • the following ring outer diameter R2 is preferable. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
  • the upper end of the ball seat 22 projects from the open end 21 a of the housing 21.
  • the tapered portion P2 of the O-ring 24 is vertically separated from the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21.
  • the ball seat 22 is compressed by pressing the O-ring 24 from above, and the tapered portion P2 of the O-ring 24 comes into contact with the tapered step portion P1 so that the O-ring 24 does not lower further.
  • the taper-shaped portion P2 does not have to abut the taper stepped portion P1 as long as the O-ring 24 is slightly pressed and the ball seat 22 has the proper tightening margin described above. That is, the ball seat 22 can be properly compressed at a height position between the position where the O-ring 24 is placed on the ball seat 22 and the position where the tapered portion P2 abuts the tapered step P1. Has become.
  • the taper step portion P1 does not lower further, so overcompression of the ball seat 22 can be prevented.
  • the height h1 from the lower surface 24a to the upper surface 24b of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 is such that when the O-ring 24 is placed in the housing 21 as shown in FIG.
  • the height is slightly higher than that in Fig. 2).
  • the height h1 is a height that slightly protrudes even when the mounted O-ring 24 is pushed down and set.
  • the height at which the O-ring 24 projects after the setting is preferably 0.05 mm or more for laser welding described later.
  • the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 has a tapered surface 24c on the inner circumference side of the O-ring that is inclined at an angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the vertical line V (FIG. 1) when set in the housing 21.
  • the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the tapered surface 24c is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 shown in FIG. 1 swings (arrow ⁇ 1).
  • the outer housing 21 is lower than the inner O-ring 24. Due to this height relationship, when the O-ring 24 is pressed by the presser (not shown), the position of the presser is higher than that of the housing 21, so that contact and interference of the presser with the housing 22 can be prevented. ing.
  • the laser welding temperature should be higher than the melting point of the material of the housing 21.
  • the material is iron, for example, the melting point of iron or higher (1300 ° C. or higher) is used.
  • laser welding has the advantages that spatter does not occur and takt time is short.
  • FIG. 5 shows a state in which the boundary between the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is welded over the entire circumference 31 indicated by a thick line.
  • FIG. 6 shows a state in which the boundary is intermittently welded (intermittent welding) 32, and
  • FIG. 7 shows a state in which the boundary is welded in a pulse shape (pulse welding) 33.
  • the intermittent welding 32 or the pulse welding 33 is performed by making the laser output of the laser welding device intermittent or pulsed.
  • FIG. 8 shows the penetration depth (penetration depth) d1 at the boundary by laser welding.
  • the penetration depth d1 is set to an appropriate depth such that the resin ball seat 22 below the O-ring 24 is not deformed or melted by the amount of electric heat during laser welding.
  • the strength of laser welding is adjusted in order to obtain the appropriate penetration depth d1.
  • the limit of the penetration depth d1 is determined according to the material of the ball seat 22 and the height of the O-ring 24 (that is, the electrothermal distance). Further, since the laser welding is performed by rotating the housing 21 at a high speed or moving the laser output side at a high speed, the amount of heat per unit time is small and the heat influence on the ball seat 22 is reduced.
  • the penetration depth required for the entire circumference welding to satisfy the necessary breaking load is d1
  • the penetration depth is 1.5 times the d1
  • the welding length is 2/3 round, and if it is doubled d1, it is 1/2 round. If it is too deep, the ball seat 22 made of resin is affected.
  • the penetration depth d1 ⁇ the penetration length is premised on that the contact area between the ball seat 22 and the O-ring 24 does not change.
  • any welding configuration is possible as long as the required breaking load is satisfied.
  • the ball joint J1 includes a ball stud 10 in which a metal ball portion 10b is integrally joined to the other end of a stud portion 10s whose one end is connected to a suspension or a stabilizer as a structure, and the ball stud 10 of the ball stud 10.
  • a metal housing 21 having a space in which the ball portion 10b is swingably and rotatably supported and one of which is open; and a resin ball seat 22 interposed between the housing 21 and the ball portion 10b.
  • the ball portion 10b covered with the ball seat 22 is included in the housing 21.
  • the ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint J1 having this structure has the following characteristic structure.
  • An O-ring 24 that is set inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21 and above the ball seat 22 so as to project from the opening end 21a is provided, and the corner of the boundary between the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is provided.
  • the part is welded and fixed by laser welding.
  • the O-ring 24 on the ball seat 22 in the housing 21 projects more than the outer housing 21. Therefore, it becomes easy to perform laser welding from the outside of the housing 21. On the contrary, from the inside of the housing 21, the ball stud 10 is erected inside the housing 21, so that it is difficult to perform laser welding. Further, since the O-ring 24 on the ball seat 22 projects from the housing 21, it becomes easy to press the O-ring 24 from above and properly compress the ball seat 22. With laser welding, welding can be performed in a short time. Due to these advantages, the step of fixing the O-ring 24 can be performed with a short takt time, and the cost can be reduced.
  • the O-ring 24 is configured as an integrally continuous ring.
  • the O-ring 24 is an integrally continuous ring, it is difficult to distort during processing, and it is possible to perform processing with stable shape and dimensions. Further, the O-ring 24 is less likely to be distorted during welding as compared with the conventional C-shaped ring 14.
  • a first taper-shaped portion P1 having a predetermined angle is provided on the inner circumference of the opening end 21a of the housing 21, and the first taper-shaped portion P1 is formed on the lower end of the outer circumference of the O-ring 24 at the same angle as the first taper-shaped portion P1.
  • the configuration is such that the second tapered shape portion P2 that can contact the shape portion P1 is provided.
  • the O-ring 24 can be set in the housing 21 so that the first tapered shape portion P1 uniformly abuts on the second tapered shape portion P2, so that the centripetal force toward the center of the O-ring 24 works (centripetal force). (Effect), the coaxiality of the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is guaranteed. Therefore, the O-ring 24 does not rattle.
  • the O-ring 24 has a height that protrudes from the upper end of the housing 21 by a predetermined height when the first tapered portion P1 is set in contact with the second tapered portion P2 inside the housing 21.
  • the O-ring 24 when the O-ring 24 is placed in the housing 21, the O-ring 24 projects from the housing 21, so the placed O-ring 24 can be easily pushed down and set.
  • the position of the pressing element is higher than that of the housing 21, so that the pressing element can be prevented from contacting or interfering with the housing 21.
  • the inner diameter of the O-ring 24 is larger than the spherical diameter of the ball portion 10b.
  • the O-ring 24 can be inserted from the lower side to the upper side of the ball portion 10b. Therefore, the O-ring 24 inserted in the ball portion 10b can be easily placed in the housing 21.
  • FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a ball joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
  • the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the ball joint J of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that the O-ring 24 is replaced with a C-shaped stopper ring having a gap 64g shown in FIG. This is due to the use of 64 (also called C ring). That is, the ball sheet 22 is pressed and set by the C ring 64, and in this set state, the C ring 64 is fixed to the upper end of the housing 21 by laser welding.
  • the O-ring 24 or the C-ring 64 constitutes the ring described in the claims.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the C ring 64
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the C ring 64 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the C ring 64.
  • the lower end of the outer periphery of the C ring 64 is a tapered portion (second tapered portion) P2 (see FIG. 9) having the same taper angle ⁇ 1 as the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21.
  • the inner diameter (C ring inner diameter) R1 of the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 10 is slightly smaller than the spherical diameter (ball spherical diameter) R3 of the ball portion 10b shown in FIG.
  • the C ring inner diameter R1 is ⁇ 15.1. This size is determined in order to prevent the ball portion 10b from coming off from the C ring 64 that is laser-welded onto the ball portion 10b.
  • the C ring 64 (FIG. 1) has a cross-sectional shape with a height higher than that of the C-shaped stopper ring 14 (FIG. 26) of the conventional housing caulking. Therefore, in the C ring 64, the section modulus is increased, the section rigidity is increased, and strong crimping strength can be secured, and the stud slip-out load is increased.
  • a metal material such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial: cold rolled steel sheet) or SPHC (Steel Plate Hot Commercial: hot rolled mild steel sheet) can be used, but a stronger metal material is used. As a result, the strength can be increased.
  • the C ring outer diameter R2 shown in FIG. 10 is sized so that the C ring 64 can be inserted inside the opening end 21a (FIG. 2) of the housing 21. Further, the gap 64g of the C ring 64 is larger than the neck portion 10d of the constricted portion to which the tip side ball portion 10b of the stud portion 10s shown in FIG. 9 is fixed. That is, the C ring 64 can be set on the ball seat 22 by passing the gap 64g through the neck portion 10d.
  • a C ring outer diameter R2 of 0.25 mm or less is preferable. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
  • the upper end 64b of the C-ring 64 projects from the open end 21a (FIG. 2) of the housing 21.
  • the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 is vertically separated from the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21.
  • the ball seat 22 is compressed by pressing the C ring 64 from above, and the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 abuts on the tapered step portion P1 so that the ball ring 22 is not lowered further. .
  • the taper-shaped portion P2 does not have to abut the taper stepped portion P1 as long as the C-ring 64 is slightly pressed and the ball seat 22 has the proper tightening margin described above. That is, at a height position between the position where the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22 and the position where the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 contacts the tapered step portion P1, the proper position of the ball seat 22 is obtained. It can be compressed.
  • the taper step portion P1 does not go down any further, so that overcompression of the ball seat 22 can be prevented.
  • the height h2 from the lower surface 64a to the upper surface 64b of the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 11 is that the C ring 64 slightly protrudes from the housing 21 when the C ring 64 is placed in the housing 21 as shown in FIG. It is high.
  • This height h2 is a height that slightly protrudes even when the mounted C-ring 64 is pushed down and set.
  • the protruding height of the C ring 64 after this setting is preferably 0.05 mm or more for laser welding described later.
  • the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 11 has a tapered surface 64c on the inner peripheral side of the C ring that is inclined at an angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the vertical line V (FIG. 9) when set in the housing 21.
  • the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the tapered surface 64c is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 shown in FIG. 9 swings (arrow ⁇ 1).
  • the corner portion of the boundary where the C ring 64 and the housing 21 are in contact with each other is laser-welded as shown by an arrow Y1.
  • This laser welding is performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned O-ring 24.
  • a load is applied to the C ring 64 from above with a pressing element (not shown), and the taper portion P2 of the C ring 64 and the taper step portion P1 of the housing 21 are brought into close contact with each other.
  • the ball seat 22 is compressed, and the ball seat 22 is compressed by an appropriate amount.
  • FIG. 13 shows a state in which the boundary between the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is C-shaped full circumference welded 31c indicated by a thick line.
  • FIG. 14 shows a state in which the boundary is intermittently welded (intermittent welding) 32, and
  • FIG. 15 shows a state in which the boundary is welded in a pulse shape (pulse welding) 33.
  • the penetration depth d1 of laser welding is as described above with reference to FIG.
  • the penetration depth d1 is required to have a predetermined depth over a predetermined circulation range. For example, when the penetration depth d1 that can safely clear the required breaking load is 0.2 mm and it is required over the entire circumference, if the penetration depth d1 is 0.3 mm, it is 2/3 circumferences. With 4 mm, it takes only 1/2 turn. If it is too deep, the ball seat 22 made of resin is affected.
  • the penetration depth d1 ⁇ welding length (entire circumference, intermittent, pulse-like plane length) is premised on that the contact area between the ball seat 22 and the C ring 64 does not change. Any welding form is possible as long as the necessary breaking load is satisfied.
  • the C ring 64 cannot be aimed by laser welding. It is preferable that the aim is the housing 21. The same applies to the O-ring 24.
  • a C ring 64 that is set inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21 and above the ball seat 22 so as to project from the opening end 21a is provided, and the corner of the boundary between the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is provided.
  • the part is welded and fixed by laser welding.
  • the C ring 64 on the ball seat 22 inside the housing 21 projects more than the outside housing 21, so that it becomes easier to perform laser welding from the outside of the housing 21.
  • the ball stud 10 is erected inside the housing 21, so that it is difficult to perform laser welding.
  • the C ring 64 on the ball seat 22 projects from the housing 21, it becomes easy to press the C ring 64 from above and properly compress the ball seat 22. With laser welding, welding can be performed in a short time. Due to these advantages, the step of pressing and fixing the ball seat 22 for tightening the ball portion 10b in the housing 21 so as to have an appropriate tightening allowance can be performed in a short takt time, which can reduce the manufacturing cost. .
  • a first taper-shaped portion P1 (taper step P1) having a predetermined angle is provided on the inner periphery of the opening end 21a of the housing 21, and the outer peripheral lower end of the C ring 64 has the same angle as the first taper-shaped portion P1. Then, the second tapered shape portion P2 that can contact the first tapered shape portion P1 is provided.
  • the C ring 64 can be set in the housing 21 such that the first tapered shape portion P1 is evenly in contact with the second tapered shape portion P2, so that the centripetal force toward the center of the C ring 64 works (centripetal force). (Effect), the coaxiality of the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is guaranteed. Therefore, the C ring 64 does not rattle.
  • the C ring 64 has a predetermined height from the upper end (or upper end surface) 21c of the housing 21 when the first tapered portion P1 is set in the housing 21 in a state of abutting against the second tapered portion P2. It is configured to have a protruding height.
  • the C ring 64 when the C ring 64 is placed in the housing 21, the C ring 64 projects from the housing 21, so that the placed C ring 64 can be easily pushed down and set.
  • the position of the pressing element is higher than that of the housing 21, so that the pressing element can be prevented from contacting or interfering with the housing 21.
  • the inner diameter of the C ring 64 is smaller than the spherical diameter of the ball portion 10b.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first modified example of the ball seat 22A in the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22A inserted into the housing 21.
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing 21, the C ring 64, and the ball seat 22A shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. However, FIG. 19 shows the ball portion 10b on the tip side of the stud portion 10s in the ball seat 22A.
  • the ball seat 22A of the first modified example shown in FIG. 16 is different from the above-described ball seat 22 (see FIG. 9) in that the upper end surface 22u of the ball seat 22A is fitted into the gap 64g (FIG. 17) of the C ring 64. This is because the projection 22b to be fitted is provided.
  • the convex portion 22b fills the gap 64g of the C ring 64, and thus can be prevented as follows. That is, it is possible to prevent the ball stud 10 from being tilted more than necessary (or improperly) when the stud portion 10s swings, it passes through the gap 64g and tilts to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21.
  • the lateral width w1 of the convex portion 22b shown in FIG. 16 is dimensioned to fit evenly into the gap 64g (FIG. 17) of the C ring 64. Further, the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b has a height lower than the upper end 21c of the housing 21 when the ball seat 22A is incorporated in the housing 21, as shown in FIG.
  • the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b is located at a depth position d2 further lower than the penetration depth d1 when the C ring 64 is laser-welded to the housing 21.
  • the height is h3.
  • the height h3 is the height from the bottom surface of the ball seat 22A to the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b.
  • the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b has a height h3 that is separated by a distance that does not melt by laser welding when incorporated in the housing 21. This can prevent melting of the ball seat 22A due to laser welding.
  • the convex portion 22b of the ball seat 22A has a tapered surface 22d (see FIGS. 16 and 17) formed on the inner peripheral side thereof so as to be flush with the tapered surface 64c of the C ring 64. ing.
  • the tapered surfaces 64c and 22d having an angle ⁇ 2 that satisfies a predetermined swing angle of the ball stud 10 can be formed. With this configuration, the ball stud 10 can be properly swung at a predetermined swing angle.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a second modified example of the ball seat 22B in the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22B inserted into the housing 21.
  • 22 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing 21, the C ring 64, and the ball seat 22B shown in FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. However, FIG. 23 shows the ball portion 10b on the tip side of the stud portion 10s in the ball seat 22B.
  • the ball seat 22B of the second modification shown in FIG. 20 differs from the ball seat 22A of the first modification (see FIG. 16) described above in the shape of the convex portion 22e.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22b of the ball seat 22A was in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22e of the ball seat 22B of the second modified example is radially separated from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 by a distance d6.
  • This separation distance d6 is a distance that the heat of laser welding does not reach the convex portion 22e.
  • the gap of this spacing is indicated by an arrow 22g in FIGS. 21 to 23.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22e is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the ball seat 22B, and the radial width of the convex portion 22e is indicated by d5.
  • the inner peripheral side surface 21Ab of the housing 21A is formed in a straight shape, and a taper surface 22Cb is provided on the inner peripheral side of the upper end surface 22Ca of the ball seat 22C in the housing 21A.
  • a configuration may be used in which a C ring 74 having a shape that abuts on the upper end surface 22Ca and the tapered surface 22Cb without a gap is placed.
  • the C ring 74 has a tapered shape in which the inner peripheral side descends along the tapered surface 22Cb of the ball seat 22C, and the tapered lower surface 74e contacts the tapered surface 22Cb of the ball seat 22C. Touching.
  • the tapered upper surface 74c has a tapered shape 74f with a steeper angle on the inner peripheral side. This taper shape 74f avoids the interference between the stud portion 10s (stud shaft) and the C ring 74, and preferentially contacts the upper surface 74c.
  • the gap between the outer surface 74d of the C ring 74 and the inner peripheral side surface of the housing 21A has a C ring outer diameter of 0.25 mm or less. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
  • the C ring 74 can have a centripetal effect. Further, there is no need to process the inner peripheral side surface 21Ab of the housing 21A into a stepped shape via the tapered stepped portion P1 unlike the above-described upper end 21c (FIG. 1) of the housing 21, so that there is an advantage that manufacturing becomes easy. .
  • the ball joint J1 of the ball seat fixing structure of the present invention can be applied to a joint part of a robot arm of an industrial robot or a humanoid robot, or a device in which an arm of a shovel car or a crane truck rotates at the joint part.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)

Abstract

A ball joint (J1) has a ball stud (10) in which a metal ball part (10b) is integrally joined to one end part of a stud part (10s) of which another end is connected to a suspension or a stabilizer, a metal housing (21) having a space that swingably and rotatably supports the ball part (10b) and that is open on one side, and a resin ball sheet (22) interposed between the housing (21) and the ball part (10b). The ball part (10b) which is covered by the ball sheet (22), is enclosed within the housing (21). The present invention is configured such that an O ring (24) set so as to protrude past an open end part (21a) of the housing (21) is provided inside the open end part (21a) and above the ball sheet (22), and a corner of the border between the O ring (24) and the housing (21) is welded and secured by laser welding.

Description

ボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造Ball seat fixing structure of ball joint
　本発明は、車両の路面からの衝撃軽減等の役割を果たすサスペンションにおけるボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造に関する。 The present invention relates to a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint in a suspension that plays a role of reducing a shock from a road surface of a vehicle.
　車両のサスペンションは、路面から車体に伝わる衝撃を軽減し、スタビライザは、車体のロール剛性（捩れに対する剛性）を高める。このサスペンションとスタビライザは、スタビリンクを介して連結されている。スタビリンクは、棒状のサポートバーの両端にボールジョイントを備えて構成されている。 The vehicle suspension reduces the impact transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle body, and the stabilizer enhances the roll rigidity (rigidity against torsion) of the vehicle body. The suspension and the stabilizer are connected via a stabilizer link. The stabilizer link is configured by providing ball joints at both ends of a rod-shaped support bar.
　図２６に示すように、ボールジョイントＪとして、金属製のカップ状のハウジング１１内に、樹脂製のボールシート１２を介して金属製のボールスタッド１０のボール部１０ｂを回転自在に収容（包含）した構成がある。 As shown in FIG. 26, as a ball joint J, a ball portion 10b of a metal ball stud 10 is rotatably housed (included) in a metal cup-shaped housing 11 via a resin ball seat 12. There is a configuration.
　ボールスタッド１０は、棒状のスタッド部１０ｓの一端に球状のボール部１０ｂが一体に連結された構造となっている。スタッド部１０ｓには、雄ねじ１０ｎが螺刻されており、この雄ねじ１０ｎよりも先端側（ボール部１０ｂ側）に、周回状に拡がる鍔部１０ａ１と小鍔部１０ａ２とが離間して形成されている。鍔部１０ａ１とハウジング１１の上端部との間には、ダストカバー１３が配設されている。ダストカバー１３におけるハウジング１１の上端部への接続部分には、鉄リンク１３ａが圧入固定されている。 The ball stud 10 has a structure in which a spherical ball portion 10b is integrally connected to one end of a rod-shaped stud portion 10s. A male screw 10n is threaded on the stud portion 10s, and a flange portion 10a1 and a small collar portion 10a2, which extend in a circular shape, are formed apart from each other on the tip side (ball portion 10b side) of the male screw 10n. There is. A dust cover 13 is arranged between the collar portion 10a1 and the upper end portion of the housing 11. An iron link 13a is press-fitted and fixed to a portion of the dust cover 13 connected to the upper end of the housing 11.
　ハウジング１１の外周面には、金属製のサポートバー１ａが固定されている。サポートバー１ａを水平線Ｈに沿って水平とした際に、ボールスタッド１０の軸芯が水平線Ｈに対して垂直線Ｖで示す垂直となるように構成されている。 A metal support bar 1a is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 11. When the support bar 1a is horizontal along the horizontal line H, the axis of the ball stud 10 is perpendicular to the horizontal line H as shown by the vertical line V.
　ボール部１０ｂを包含するボールシート１２は、ハウジング１１の上端部１１ａを折り曲げ、この折り曲げられた上端部１１ａで、Ｃ型ストッパリング１４（リング１４ともいう）を介して上方から下方へ向かってカシメられ、押圧固定されている。ボールシート１２の上端部は、平坦面から内周側に傾斜するテーパ面を有する形状となっている。リング１４は、ボールシート１２の上端部を被覆する平坦面とテーパ面１４ａを有する形状となっている。テーパ面１４ａの傾斜角は、ボールスタッド１０が揺動（矢印α１）した際に、ボールスタッド１０の揺動角を満たす角度となっている。 The ball seat 12 including the ball portion 10b is formed by bending the upper end 11a of the housing 11 and crimping the upper end 11a from the upper side to the lower side via a C-shaped stopper ring 14 (also referred to as a ring 14). It is pressed and fixed. The upper end of the ball seat 12 has a tapered surface that is inclined from the flat surface toward the inner peripheral side. The ring 14 has a flat surface that covers the upper end of the ball seat 12 and a tapered surface 14a. The inclination angle of the tapered surface 14a is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 swings (arrow α1).
　ハウジング１１の内面は、断面形状の縦壁がストレート形状となっており、この内面にボールシート１２が収容されている。ボールシート１２の内面は、ボール部１０ｂの球状に沿った球形湾曲面１２ａの形状となっている。球形湾曲面１２ａをボールシート内球面１２ａ又は内球面１２ａともいう。このような構成のボールジョイントとして、例えば特許文献１～３に記載のものがある。 The inner wall of the housing 11 has a straight vertical wall in cross section, and the ball seat 12 is housed on the inner wall. The inner surface of the ball seat 12 has a shape of a spherical curved surface 12a along the spherical shape of the ball portion 10b. The spherical curved surface 12a is also referred to as a ball seat inner spherical surface 12a or an inner spherical surface 12a. Examples of ball joints having such a structure are described in Patent Documents 1 to 3.
　ボールジョイントＪでは、車両のサスペンションがストロークするに伴い、ボール部１０ｂとボールシート内球面１２ａとが揺摺動するが、この揺摺動する際の特性が、揺動トルク及び回転トルク（各トルクともいう）と定義づけられる。ボール部１０ｂの回転時の内球面１２ａへの摩擦力が増加して各トルクが高まると、乗り心地が悪化する。 In the ball joint J, the ball portion 10b and the inner spherical surface 12a of the ball seat oscillate as the suspension of the vehicle strokes. The characteristics of the oscillating slide are swing torque and rotation torque (each torque). Also called). When the frictional force on the inner spherical surface 12a during the rotation of the ball portion 10b increases and each torque increases, the riding comfort deteriorates.
　ハウジング１１内のボール部１０ｂに対するボールシート１２の締め代を減少させると、各トルクを下げることができるが、同時に弾性リフト量が上がる。弾性リフト量とは、ハウジング１１内のボールシート１２を介したボール部１０ｂの移動量である。弾性リフト量が大きくなると、ボール部１０ｂがハウジング１１内でボールシート１２を介して大きく移動し、ボールジョイントＪにガタが発生し、車両走行中の異音の発生に繋がる。つまり、各トルクと弾性リフト量との間には、各トルクが低下すると、弾性リフト量が増大するといった相反関係がある。 By reducing the tightening margin of the ball seat 12 with respect to the ball portion 10b in the housing 11, each torque can be reduced, but at the same time, the elastic lift amount increases. The elastic lift amount is the amount of movement of the ball portion 10b via the ball seat 12 in the housing 11. When the elastic lift amount is increased, the ball portion 10b is largely moved in the housing 11 via the ball seat 12, and the ball joint J is loosened, which causes abnormal noise while the vehicle is traveling. That is, there is a reciprocal relationship between each torque and the elastic lift amount, such that when each torque decreases, the elastic lift amount increases.
特表２００９－５３６１２２号公報Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-536122 特許３１６８２２９号公報Japanese Patent No. 3168229 特許３３６９６５９号公報Japanese Patent No. 3369659
　ボールジョイントＪの製造工程においてハウジング１１の上端部１１Ａでリング１４を介してボールシート１２を押さえているが、ハウジング１１をカシメる際に、成形の都合上、カシメ工程が三段階となるため、タクトタイムが長くなり、ボールジョイントＪの製造コストが高くなる問題があった。 In the manufacturing process of the ball joint J, the ball seat 12 is pressed by the upper end portion 11A of the housing 11 via the ring 14, but when the housing 11 is crimped, the caulking process has three stages for the convenience of molding. There is a problem that the tact time becomes long and the manufacturing cost of the ball joint J becomes high.
　本発明は、このような背景に鑑みてなされたものであり、リングを固定する工程を、短いタクトタイムで可能とし、コストを下げることができるボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造を提供することを課題とする。 The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint that enables a step of fixing a ring in a short tact time and can reduce costs. And
　前記した課題を解決するため、本発明のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造は、構造体に一端部が連結されるスタッド部の他端部に、金属製の球体部が一体に接合されて成るボールスタッドと、当該ボールスタッドの球体部を揺動及び回転可能に支持し一方が開口した空間を有する金属製のハウジングと、当該ハウジングと前記球体部との間に介在される樹脂製のボールシートとを有し、当該ボールシートに覆われた前記球体部が前記ハウジングで包含されるボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造であって、前記ハウジングの開口端部の内側で且つ前記ボールシートの上に、当該開口端部よりも突出してセットされるリングを備え、前記リングと前記ハウジングとの境界の隅部がレーザ溶接で溶接固定されて成ることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint according to the present invention is a ball in which a metallic sphere part is integrally joined to the other end of a stud part whose one end is connected to the structure. A stud, a metal housing having a space in which one side of the ball stud is swingably and rotatably supported and one of which is open, and a resin ball seat interposed between the housing and the sphere. A ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint in which the spherical portion covered with the ball seat is included in the housing, wherein the ball seat is inside the opening end of the housing and on the ball seat. A ring is set so as to project from the opening end, and a corner of a boundary between the ring and the housing is welded and fixed by laser welding. .
　本発明によれば、リングを固定する工程を、短いタクトタイムで可能とし、コストを下げるボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint that enables a process of fixing a ring in a short tact time and reduces costs.
本発明に係る実施形態のボールジョイントの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal section of a ball joint of an embodiment concerning the present invention. 第１及び第２実施形態のハウジングの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the housing of 1st and 2nd embodiment. 第１実施形態のＯ形状のストッパリングの平面図である。It is a top view of the O-shaped stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. 図３のＩＶ－ＩＶ断面図である。FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. 第１実施形態のハウジングとストッパリングの境界を全周溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the perimeter welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態のハウジングとストッパリングの境界を断続溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the intermittent welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態のハウジングとストッパリングの境界をパルス溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the pulse welding of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態のレーザ溶接によるハウジングとストッパリングの境界の溶込深さを示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the penetration depth of the boundary of the housing and stopper ring by laser welding of 1st Embodiment. 本発明に係る第２実施形態のボールジョイントの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal section of a ball joint of a 2nd embodiment concerning the present invention. 第２実施形態のストッパリングの平面図である。It is a top view of a stopper ring of a 2nd embodiment. 図１０のＸ－Ｘ断面図である。FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 10. 第２実施形態のＣリングの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a C ring of a 2nd embodiment. 第２実施形態のハウジングとＣリング境界を全周溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view showing the state where the housing and the C ring boundary of the second embodiment were welded all around. 第２実施形態のハウジングとＣリングの境界を断続溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the intermittent welding of the boundary of the housing and C ring of 2nd Embodiment. 第２実施形態のハウジングとＣリングの境界をパルス溶接した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which carried out the pulse welding of the boundary of the housing and C ring of 2nd Embodiment. 第２実施形態のボールジョイントにおけるボールシートの第１変形例の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 1st modification of the ball seat in the ball joint of 2nd Embodiment. ハウジング内に挿入されたボールシートの上にＣリングを載置した場合の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of mounting a C ring on the ball seat inserted in the housing. 図１７に示すハウジング、Ｃリング及びボールシートの組合せ構成の平面図である。FIG. 18 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing, the C ring and the ball seat shown in FIG. 17. 図１７のＶ－Ｖ断面図である。FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 17. 第２実施形態のボールジョイントにおけるボールシートの第２変形例の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd modification of the ball seat in the ball joint of 2nd Embodiment. ハウジング内に挿入されたボールシートの上にＣリングを載置した場合の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of mounting a C ring on the ball seat inserted in the housing. 図２１に示すハウジング、Ｃリング及びボールシートの組合せ構成の平面図である。FIG. 22 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing, C ring, and ball seat shown in FIG. 21. 図２１のＶＩＩ－ＶＩＩ断面図である。FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 21. Ｃリングの他の形状を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the other shape of C ring. ハウジングの他の形状を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the other shape of a housing. 従来のボールジョイントの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional ball joint.
　以下、本発明の実施形態を、図面を参照して説明する。
＜第１実施形態＞
　図１は、本発明に係る実施形態のボールジョイントの縦断面図である。図１において図２６に示した構成要素と同一部分には同一符号を付し、その説明を適宜省略する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a ball joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the same components as those shown in FIG. 26 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
　図１に示す第１実施形態のボールジョイントＪ１が、従来のボールジョイントＪ（図２６）と異なる点は、ハウジング２１内のボール部１０ｂに対するボールシート２２の締め代が適正となるように、環状（Ｏ形状）のストッパリング（Ｏリングともいう）２４でボールシート２２を押圧してセットし、このセット状態で、当該Ｏリング２４をハウジング２１の上端部にレーザ溶接で固定したことにある。レーザ溶接は、図示せぬダイオードレーザ溶接装置等のレーザ溶接装置を用いて行う。上記環状とは、一体に連続した環状、又は幅狭のスリットが入った環状をいう。 The ball joint J1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is different from the conventional ball joint J (FIG. 26) in that the ball joint 22 is annular so that the tightening margin of the ball seat 22 with respect to the ball portion 10b in the housing 21 is appropriate. The ball seat 22 is pressed and set by the (O-shaped) stopper ring (also referred to as an O-ring) 24, and in this set state, the O-ring 24 is fixed to the upper end of the housing 21 by laser welding. Laser welding is performed using a laser welding device such as a diode laser welding device (not shown). The above-mentioned annular shape means an integrally continuous annular shape or an annular shape having a narrow slit.
　また、上記適正な締め代とは、車両の乗り心地が向上するように揺動トルク及び回転トルクを低下させ、ボールジョイントＪ１にガタが発生しないように弾性リフト量を小さくできる締め代のことである。この適正な締め代となるように、Ｏリング２４でボールシート２２を押圧して圧縮するセットを行い、このセットされたＯリング２４をハウジング２１にレーザ溶接するようにした。本明細書に記載の「セット」の表現は、全てが上記セットと同じ意味を成す。 Further, the proper tightening allowance is a tightening allowance in which the swinging torque and the rotating torque are reduced so as to improve the riding comfort of the vehicle, and the elastic lift amount can be reduced so that the ball joint J1 does not rattle. is there. The O-ring 24 presses and compresses the ball seat 22 to set the proper tightening allowance, and the set O-ring 24 is laser-welded to the housing 21. All references to "sets" herein have the same meaning as the set above.
　ボールジョイントＪ１のハウジング２１、ボールシート２２及びＯリング２４の形状は、従来のボールジョイントＪ（図２６）のハウジング１１、ボールシート１２及びストッパリング１４と後述のように異なる。なお、第１実施形態のボールジョイントＪ１は、特徴構成を認識し易くするため、ダストカバー１３を省略してある。また、ボールジョイントＪ１のスタッド部１０ｓは、図示せぬサスペンション又はスタビライザに固定されている。サスペンション又はスタビライザは、請求項記載の構造体を構成する。 The shapes of the housing 21, the ball seat 22, and the O-ring 24 of the ball joint J1 are different from those of the housing 11, the ball seat 12, and the stopper ring 14 of the conventional ball joint J (FIG. 26) as described later. In the ball joint J1 of the first embodiment, the dust cover 13 is omitted in order to make it easy to recognize the characteristic configuration. The stud portion 10s of the ball joint J1 is fixed to a suspension or stabilizer (not shown). The suspension or stabilizer constitutes the structure according to the claims.
　ハウジング２１は、鉄板等の金属板がプレス成形又は冷鍛によって、図２の断面図に示すようにカップ形状に成形されている。ハウジング２１の開口側の開口端部２１ａは、開口端部２１ａの下側の胴部２１ｂの板厚Ｔよりも、薄い板厚ｔとなっている。各板厚Ｔ，ｔは、次式（１）で示すサイズとするのが好ましい。

　０．３≦ｔ／Ｔ≦０．８５　…（１）
The housing 21 is formed by pressing or cold forging a metal plate such as an iron plate into a cup shape as shown in the sectional view of FIG. The opening end 21a on the opening side of the housing 21 has a plate thickness t smaller than the plate thickness T of the body 21b below the opening end 21a. It is preferable that each plate thickness T, t has a size represented by the following equation (1).

0.3 ≦ t / T ≦ 0.85 (1)
　開口端部２１ａの板厚ｔと、胴部２１ｂの板厚Ｔとの間のハウジング２１内面は、テーパ形状の段差部（テーパ段差部）Ｐ１となっている。このテーパ段差部Ｐ１をテーパ形状部（第１テーパ形状部）Ｐ１とも称す。テーパ形状部Ｐ１のテーパ角度θ１は、ハウジング２１の加工性と後述する求心効果とのバランスを適正に保持するために、次式（２）で示す大きさとなっている。但し、テーパ角度θ１は、図１に示す水平線Ｈに対するハウジング２１におけるテーパ形状部Ｐ１の傾斜角度である。

　３０°≦θ１≦６０°　…（２）
The inner surface of the housing 21 between the plate thickness t of the opening end portion 21a and the plate thickness T of the body portion 21b is a tapered step portion (taper step portion) P1. This taper step portion P1 is also referred to as a taper-shaped portion (first taper-shaped portion) P1. The taper angle θ1 of the tapered portion P1 has a magnitude shown by the following expression (2) in order to properly maintain the balance between the workability of the housing 21 and the centripetal effect described later. However, the taper angle θ1 is the inclination angle of the tapered portion P1 of the housing 21 with respect to the horizontal line H shown in FIG.

30 ° ≦ θ1 ≦ 60 ° (2)
　図３はＯリング２４の平面図、図４は図３に示すＯリング２４のＩＶ－ＩＶ断面図である。
　図４に示すＯリング２４の外周下端部は、ハウジング２１のテーパ形状部Ｐ１と同じテーパ角度θ１のテーパ形状部（第２テーパ形状部）Ｐ２となっている。図３に示すＯリング２４の内径（リング内径）Ｒ１は、図１に示すボール部１０ｂの球径（ボール球径）Ｒ３より僅かに大きいサイズとなっている。例えば、ボール球径Ｒ３がφ１６．０の場合、リング内径Ｒ１はφ１６．１となっている。このサイズは、Ｏリング２４をボール部１０ｂの下方側から挿入し、ボール部１０ｂの上側に移動させるために定めたものである。 3 is a plan view of the O-ring 24, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG.
The outer peripheral lower end portion of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 is a tapered portion (second tapered portion) P2 having the same taper angle θ1 as the tapered portion P1 of the housing 21. The inner diameter (ring inner diameter) R1 of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 3 is slightly larger than the spherical diameter (ball spherical diameter) R3 of the ball portion 10b shown in FIG. For example, when the ball sphere diameter R3 is φ16.0, the ring inner diameter R1 is φ16.1. This size is determined for inserting the O-ring 24 from the lower side of the ball portion 10b and moving it to the upper side of the ball portion 10b.
　図３に示すリング外径Ｒ２は、ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａの内側にＯリング２４が挿入可能なサイズとなっている。図１に示すように、Ｏリング２４をハウジング２１内のボールシート２２上に載置した際に、Ｏリング２４の外周面とハウジング２１の内周面との径方向のギャップが、０．２５ｍｍ以下となるリング外径Ｒ２が好ましい。このギャップサイズは、レーザ溶接時のレーザスポット径や、溶接個所面積の制約によって定まる。 The ring outer diameter R2 shown in FIG. 3 is sized so that the O-ring 24 can be inserted inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21. As shown in FIG. 1, when the O-ring 24 is placed on the ball seat 22 in the housing 21, the radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 is 0.25 mm. The following ring outer diameter R2 is preferable. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
　ハウジング２１内にボールシート２２を載置した場合、ボールシート２２の上端がハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａから突出するようになっている。このＯリング２４をボールシート２２上に載置した状態では、Ｏリング２４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２がハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１と上下に離間状態となる。 When the ball seat 22 is placed in the housing 21, the upper end of the ball seat 22 projects from the open end 21 a of the housing 21. When the O-ring 24 is placed on the ball seat 22, the tapered portion P2 of the O-ring 24 is vertically separated from the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21.
　この上下離間状態で、Ｏリング２４を上から押圧することでボールシート２２が圧縮され、Ｏリング２４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接してこれ以上、下がらないセット状態となる。このセット状態は、Ｏリング２４をやや押圧してボールシート２２が前述した適正な締め代となれば、テーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接しなくてもよい。つまり、Ｏリング２４がボールシート２２上に載置された位置と、テーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接する位置との間の高さ位置で、ボールシート２２の適正な圧縮が可能となっている。 In this vertically separated state, the ball seat 22 is compressed by pressing the O-ring 24 from above, and the tapered portion P2 of the O-ring 24 comes into contact with the tapered step portion P1 so that the O-ring 24 does not lower further. In this set state, the taper-shaped portion P2 does not have to abut the taper stepped portion P1 as long as the O-ring 24 is slightly pressed and the ball seat 22 has the proper tightening margin described above. That is, the ball seat 22 can be properly compressed at a height position between the position where the O-ring 24 is placed on the ball seat 22 and the position where the tapered portion P2 abuts the tapered step P1. Has become.
　また、Ｏリング２４を上から押圧した際に、テーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接するとこれ以上、下がらないので、ボールシート２２のオーバー圧縮を防止可能となっている。 Further, when the tapered portion P2 comes into contact with the tapered step portion P1 when the O-ring 24 is pressed from above, the taper step portion P1 does not lower further, so overcompression of the ball seat 22 can be prevented.
　図４に示すＯリング２４の下面２４ａから上面２４ｂまでの高さｈ１は、図１に示すようにＯリング２４をハウジング２１内に載置した際に、Ｏリング２４がハウジング２１の上端２１ｃ（図２）から僅かに突き出る高さとなっている。この高さｈ１は、載置されたＯリング２４を下方側に押し込んでセットした場合も、僅かに突き出る高さとする。このセット後のＯリング２４が突き出る高さは、後述のレーザ溶接のために０．０５ｍｍ以上であることが好ましい。 The height h1 from the lower surface 24a to the upper surface 24b of the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 is such that when the O-ring 24 is placed in the housing 21 as shown in FIG. The height is slightly higher than that in Fig. 2). The height h1 is a height that slightly protrudes even when the mounted O-ring 24 is pushed down and set. The height at which the O-ring 24 projects after the setting is preferably 0.05 mm or more for laser welding described later.
　また、ハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１にＯリング２４のテーパ形状部Ｐ１が当接した場合、Ｏリング２４の中心に向かう求心力が働き（求心効果）、Ｏリング２４とハウジング２１との同軸が保証される。このため、Ｏリング２４がガタつかなくなる。 Further, when the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21 comes into contact with the tapered portion P1 of the O-ring 24, a centripetal force toward the center of the O-ring 24 works (centripetal effect) to ensure that the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 are coaxial. To be done. Therefore, the O-ring 24 does not rattle.
　図４に示すＯリング２４は、ハウジング２１内へのセット状態で垂直線Ｖ（図１）に対して角度θ２で傾斜するテーパ面２４ｃを、Ｏリング内周側に有する。このテーパ面２４ｃの傾斜角θ２は、図１に示すボールスタッド１０が揺動（矢印α１）した際に、ボールスタッド１０の揺動角を満たす角度となる。 The O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 4 has a tapered surface 24c on the inner circumference side of the O-ring that is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the vertical line V (FIG. 1) when set in the housing 21. The inclination angle θ2 of the tapered surface 24c is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 shown in FIG. 1 swings (arrow α1).
　次に、図１に示すＯリング２４をハウジング２１内にセットした後、矢印Ｙ１で示すように、Ｏリング２４とハウジング２１が当接した境界の隅部をレーザ溶接する。 Next, after setting the O-ring 24 shown in FIG. 1 in the housing 21, the corner of the boundary where the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 abut each other is laser-welded as shown by an arrow Y1.
　レーザ溶接は、ハウジング２１の中央にボールスタッド１０が立設するので、ハウジング２１の内側からは適正に行えず、このため外側から行うようになっている。この外側からのレーザ溶接を行い易くするため、外側のハウジング２１が内側のＯリング２４よりも低くなっている。この高さ関係によって、Ｏリング２４を押圧子（図示せず）で押圧する際に、押圧子の位置がハウジング２１よりも高いので、押圧子のハウジング２２への接触や干渉を防止可能となっている。 Laser welding cannot be properly performed from the inside of the housing 21 because the ball stud 10 is erected in the center of the housing 21, and therefore is performed from the outside. In order to facilitate the laser welding from the outside, the outer housing 21 is lower than the inner O-ring 24. Due to this height relationship, when the O-ring 24 is pressed by the presser (not shown), the position of the presser is higher than that of the housing 21, so that contact and interference of the presser with the housing 22 can be prevented. ing.
　レーザ溶接の温度は、ハウジング２１の素材の融点以上とする。その素材が例えば鉄である場合、鉄の融点以上（１３００℃以上）とする。レーザ溶接は、アーク溶接のようにスパッタが出ず、タクトタイムも早いといった利点がある。 -The laser welding temperature should be higher than the melting point of the material of the housing 21. When the material is iron, for example, the melting point of iron or higher (1300 ° C. or higher) is used. Unlike arc welding, laser welding has the advantages that spatter does not occur and takt time is short.
　レーザ溶接は、ハウジング２１を回転させながら後述のように全周、断続的、パルス状等で行う。図５にＯリング２４とハウジング２１の境界を太線で示す全周溶接３１した状態を示す。図６に上記境界を断続的に溶接（断続溶接）３２した状態、図７に上記境界をパルス状に溶接（パルス溶接）３３した状態を示す。断続溶接３２又はパルス溶接３３は、レーザ溶接装置のレーザ出力を断続的又はパルス状にして行う。 Laser welding is performed on the entire circumference, intermittently, in pulses, etc. while rotating the housing 21, as described later. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the boundary between the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is welded over the entire circumference 31 indicated by a thick line. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the boundary is intermittently welded (intermittent welding) 32, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the boundary is welded in a pulse shape (pulse welding) 33. The intermittent welding 32 or the pulse welding 33 is performed by making the laser output of the laser welding device intermittent or pulsed.
　図８にレーザ溶接による境界の溶け込みの深さ（溶込深さ）ｄ１を示す。溶込深さｄ１は、Ｏリング２４の下側の樹脂製ボールシート２２がレーザ溶接時の電熱量によって変形や溶解しない適正な深さとする。この適正な溶込深さｄ１とするために、レーザ溶接の強度を調整する。また、レーザ溶接では、ボールシート２２の素材、Ｏリング２４の高さ（即ち電熱距離）に応じて溶込深さｄ１の限界が決まる。更に、レーザ溶接は、ハウジング２１を高速回転もしくはレーザー出力側の高速移動により行うため、単位時間当たりの熱量が少なく、ボールシート２２への熱影響が軽減される。 FIG. 8 shows the penetration depth (penetration depth) d1 at the boundary by laser welding. The penetration depth d1 is set to an appropriate depth such that the resin ball seat 22 below the O-ring 24 is not deformed or melted by the amount of electric heat during laser welding. The strength of laser welding is adjusted in order to obtain the appropriate penetration depth d1. In laser welding, the limit of the penetration depth d1 is determined according to the material of the ball seat 22 and the height of the O-ring 24 (that is, the electrothermal distance). Further, since the laser welding is performed by rotating the housing 21 at a high speed or moving the laser output side at a high speed, the amount of heat per unit time is small and the heat influence on the ball seat 22 is reduced.
　必要な破壊荷重（Ｏリング２４が外れない強度）を満足するために全周溶接が必要な溶け込み深さを仮にｄ１とした場合、溶け込み深さをｄ１の１.５倍にすれば、必要な溶接長さは２／３周、ｄ１の２倍とすれば１／２周で済む。あまりに深いと樹脂製ボールシート２２に影響が生じる。 If the penetration depth required for the entire circumference welding to satisfy the necessary breaking load (strength at which the O-ring 24 does not come off) is d1, and if the penetration depth is 1.5 times the d1, it is necessary. The welding length is 2/3 round, and if it is doubled d1, it is 1/2 round. If it is too deep, the ball seat 22 made of resin is affected.
　このため、レーザ溶接は、ボールシート２２とＯリング２４の接触面積が変わらないことを前提に、溶込深さｄ１×溶込み長さ（全周、断続的、パルス状等の平面長さ）が、必要な破壊荷重を満たせば如何なる溶接形態も可能である。 Therefore, in the laser welding, the penetration depth d1 × the penetration length (entire circumference, intermittent, pulse-like plane length) is premised on that the contact area between the ball seat 22 and the O-ring 24 does not change. However, any welding configuration is possible as long as the required breaking load is satisfied.
＜第１実施形態の効果＞
　このような第１実施形態のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造の効果について説明する。ボールジョイントＪ１は、構造体としてのサスペンション又はスタビライザに一端部が連結されるスタッド部１０ｓの他端部に、金属製のボール部１０ｂが一体に接合されて成るボールスタッド１０と、ボールスタッド１０のボール部１０ｂを揺動及び回転可能に支持し一方が開口した空間を有する金属製のハウジング２１と、ハウジング２１とボール部１０ｂとの間に介在される樹脂製のボールシート２２とを有し、ボールシート２２に覆われたボール部１０ｂがハウジング２１で包含されて成る。この構成のボールジョイントＪ１のボールシート固定構造を次の特徴構成とした。 <Effects of First Embodiment>
The effect of the ball seat fixing structure for the ball joint of the first embodiment will be described. The ball joint J1 includes a ball stud 10 in which a metal ball portion 10b is integrally joined to the other end of a stud portion 10s whose one end is connected to a suspension or a stabilizer as a structure, and the ball stud 10 of the ball stud 10. A metal housing 21 having a space in which the ball portion 10b is swingably and rotatably supported and one of which is open; and a resin ball seat 22 interposed between the housing 21 and the ball portion 10b. The ball portion 10b covered with the ball seat 22 is included in the housing 21. The ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint J1 having this structure has the following characteristic structure.
　（１）ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａの内側で且つボールシート２２の上に、当該開口端部２１ａよりも突出してセットされるＯリング２４を備え、Ｏリング２４とハウジング２１との境界の隅部がレーザ溶接で溶接固定されて成る構成とした。 (1) An O-ring 24 that is set inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21 and above the ball seat 22 so as to project from the opening end 21a is provided, and the corner of the boundary between the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is provided. The part is welded and fixed by laser welding.
　この構成によれば、ハウジング２１内のボールシート２２上のＯリング２４が外側のハウジング２１よりも突出しているので、ハウジング２１の外側からレーザ溶接を行い易くなる。この逆にハウジング２１の内側からは、ハウジング２１内にボールスタッド１０が立設しているため、レーザ溶接を行うことが困難である。また、ボールシート２２上のＯリング２４がハウジング２１よりも突出しているので、Ｏリング２４を上から押圧してボールシート２２を適正に圧縮することが容易となる。レーザ溶接では短時間で溶接を行うことができる。これらの利点から、Ｏリング２４を固定する工程を、短いタクトタイムで可能とし、コストを下げることができる。 According to this configuration, the O-ring 24 on the ball seat 22 in the housing 21 projects more than the outer housing 21. Therefore, it becomes easy to perform laser welding from the outside of the housing 21. On the contrary, from the inside of the housing 21, the ball stud 10 is erected inside the housing 21, so that it is difficult to perform laser welding. Further, since the O-ring 24 on the ball seat 22 projects from the housing 21, it becomes easy to press the O-ring 24 from above and properly compress the ball seat 22. With laser welding, welding can be performed in a short time. Due to these advantages, the step of fixing the O-ring 24 can be performed with a short takt time, and the cost can be reduced.
　（２）Ｏリング２４は、一体に連続した環状を成す構成とした。 (2) The O-ring 24 is configured as an integrally continuous ring.
　この構成によれば、Ｏリング２４が一体に連続した環状であるため、加工時に歪み難く、形状及び寸法を安定させて加工できる。また、従来のＣ型のリング１４に比べ溶接時にＯリング２４の歪が生じ難くなる。 According to this configuration, since the O-ring 24 is an integrally continuous ring, it is difficult to distort during processing, and it is possible to perform processing with stable shape and dimensions. Further, the O-ring 24 is less likely to be distorted during welding as compared with the conventional C-shaped ring 14.
　（３）ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａの内周に所定角度の第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１を設け、Ｏリング２４の外周下端部に、第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１と同じ角度で、当該第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１に当接可能な第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２を設ける構成とした。 (3) A first taper-shaped portion P1 having a predetermined angle is provided on the inner circumference of the opening end 21a of the housing 21, and the first taper-shaped portion P1 is formed on the lower end of the outer circumference of the O-ring 24 at the same angle as the first taper-shaped portion P1. The configuration is such that the second tapered shape portion P2 that can contact the shape portion P1 is provided.
　この構成によれば、Ｏリング２４をハウジング２１内に、第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１が第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２に満遍なく当接する状態にセットできるので、Ｏリング２４の中心に向かう求心力が働き（求心効果）、Ｏリング２４とハウジング２１との同軸が保証される。このため、Ｏリング２４がガタつかなくなる。 According to this configuration, the O-ring 24 can be set in the housing 21 so that the first tapered shape portion P1 uniformly abuts on the second tapered shape portion P2, so that the centripetal force toward the center of the O-ring 24 works (centripetal force). (Effect), the coaxiality of the O-ring 24 and the housing 21 is guaranteed. Therefore, the O-ring 24 does not rattle.
　（４）Ｏリング２４は、ハウジング２１内に第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１が第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２に当接状態にセットされた際に、ハウジング２１の上端より所定高さ突き出る高さを有する構成とした。 (4) The O-ring 24 has a height that protrudes from the upper end of the housing 21 by a predetermined height when the first tapered portion P1 is set in contact with the second tapered portion P2 inside the housing 21. And
　この構成によれば、Ｏリング２４をハウジング２１内に載置した際に、Ｏリング２４がハウジング２１から突き出ているので、載置されたＯリング２４を下方側に押し込んで容易にセットできる。Ｏリング２４を押圧子で押圧する際に、押圧子の位置がハウジング２１よりも高いので、押圧子がハウジング２１と接触や干渉しないようにできる。 According to this configuration, when the O-ring 24 is placed in the housing 21, the O-ring 24 projects from the housing 21, so the placed O-ring 24 can be easily pushed down and set. When the O-ring 24 is pressed by the pressing element, the position of the pressing element is higher than that of the housing 21, so that the pressing element can be prevented from contacting or interfering with the housing 21.
　（５）Ｏリング２４の内径は、ボール部１０ｂの球径よりも大きい構成とした。 (5) The inner diameter of the O-ring 24 is larger than the spherical diameter of the ball portion 10b.
　この構成によれば、Ｏリング２４をボール部１０ｂの下方側から上方側へ挿通できる。このため、ボール部１０ｂに挿通されたＯリング２４をハウジング２１内に容易に載置できる。 According to this configuration, the O-ring 24 can be inserted from the lower side to the upper side of the ball portion 10b. Therefore, the O-ring 24 inserted in the ball portion 10b can be easily placed in the housing 21.
＜第２実施形態＞
　図９は、本発明に係る第２実施形態のボールジョイントの縦断面図である。図９において図１に示した構成要素と同一部分には同一符号を付し、その説明を適宜省略する。 <Second Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a ball joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
　図９に示す第２実施形態のボールジョイントＪ２が、第１実施形態のボールジョイントＪ（図１）と異なる点は、Ｏリング２４に代え、図１２に示す隙間６４ｇを有するＣ形状のストッパリング（Ｃリングともいう）６４を用いたことにある。即ち、Ｃリング６４でボールシート２２を押圧してセットし、このセット状態で、Ｃリング６４をハウジング２１の上端部にレーザ溶接で固定したことにある。なお、Ｏリング２４又はＣリング６４は、請求項記載のリングを構成する。 The ball joint J2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the ball joint J of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that the O-ring 24 is replaced with a C-shaped stopper ring having a gap 64g shown in FIG. This is due to the use of 64 (also called C ring). That is, the ball sheet 22 is pressed and set by the C ring 64, and in this set state, the C ring 64 is fixed to the upper end of the housing 21 by laser welding. The O-ring 24 or the C-ring 64 constitutes the ring described in the claims.
　図１０はＣリング６４の平面図、図１１は図１０に示すＣリング６４のＸ－Ｘ断面図、
図１２はＣリング６４の斜視図である。 10 is a plan view of the C ring 64, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the C ring 64 shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the C ring 64.
　図１１に示すように、Ｃリング６４の外周下端部は、ハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１と同じテーパ角度θ１のテーパ形状部（第２テーパ形状部）Ｐ２（図９参照）となっている。図１０に示すＣリング６４の内径（Ｃリング内径）Ｒ１は、図９に示すボール部１０ｂの球径（ボール球径）Ｒ３より僅かに小さいサイズとなっている。例えば、ボール球径Ｒ３がφ１６．０の場合、Ｃリング内径Ｒ１はφ１５．１となっている。このサイズは、ボール部１０ｂが、この上にレーザ溶接されるＣリング６４から抜けない様にするために定めたものである。 As shown in FIG. 11, the lower end of the outer periphery of the C ring 64 is a tapered portion (second tapered portion) P2 (see FIG. 9) having the same taper angle θ1 as the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21. The inner diameter (C ring inner diameter) R1 of the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 10 is slightly smaller than the spherical diameter (ball spherical diameter) R3 of the ball portion 10b shown in FIG. For example, when the ball sphere diameter R3 is φ16.0, the C ring inner diameter R1 is φ15.1. This size is determined in order to prevent the ball portion 10b from coming off from the C ring 64 that is laser-welded onto the ball portion 10b.
　更に、Ｃリング６４（図１）は、従来のハウジングカシメのＣ型ストッパリング１４（図２６）と比較して、高さの高い断面形状を有する。このため、Ｃリング６４では、断面係数が大きくなって、断面剛性が上がり強いカシメ強度を確保でき、スタッド抜け荷重が増大する。このＣリング６４には、ＳＰＣＣ（Steel Plate Cold Commercial：冷間圧延鋼板）やＳＰＨＣ（Steel Plate Hot Commercial：熱間圧延軟鋼板）等の金属材料を使用できるが、より強度の高い金属材料を用いることで、上記強度をより強くできる。 Furthermore, the C ring 64 (FIG. 1) has a cross-sectional shape with a height higher than that of the C-shaped stopper ring 14 (FIG. 26) of the conventional housing caulking. Therefore, in the C ring 64, the section modulus is increased, the section rigidity is increased, and strong crimping strength can be secured, and the stud slip-out load is increased. For the C ring 64, a metal material such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial: cold rolled steel sheet) or SPHC (Steel Plate Hot Commercial: hot rolled mild steel sheet) can be used, but a stronger metal material is used. As a result, the strength can be increased.
　図１０に示すＣリング外径Ｒ２は、ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａ（図２）の内側にＣリング６４が挿入可能なサイズとなっている。また、Ｃリング６４の隙間６４ｇは、図９に示すスタッド部１０ｓの先端側のボール部１０ｂが固定された、くびれ部分の首部１０ｄよりも大きいサイズとなっている。つまり、隙間６４ｇを首部１０ｄに通してＣリング６４を、ボールシート２２上にセット可能となっている。 The C ring outer diameter R2 shown in FIG. 10 is sized so that the C ring 64 can be inserted inside the opening end 21a (FIG. 2) of the housing 21. Further, the gap 64g of the C ring 64 is larger than the neck portion 10d of the constricted portion to which the tip side ball portion 10b of the stud portion 10s shown in FIG. 9 is fixed. That is, the C ring 64 can be set on the ball seat 22 by passing the gap 64g through the neck portion 10d.
　Ｃリング６４をハウジング２１内のボールシート２２上に載置した際に、図９に示すＣリング６４の外周面６４ｄ（図１１）とハウジング２１の内周面との径方向のギャップが、０．２５ｍｍ以下となるＣリング外径Ｒ２が好ましい。このギャップサイズは、レーザ溶接時のレーザスポット径や、溶接個所面積の制約によって定まる。 When the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22 in the housing 21, the radial gap between the outer peripheral surface 64d (FIG. 11) of the C ring 64 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 shown in FIG. A C ring outer diameter R2 of 0.25 mm or less is preferable. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
　ハウジング２１内に挿入されたボールシート２２の上にＣリング６４を載置した場合、Ｃリング６４の上端部６４ｂがハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａ（図２）から突出するようになっている。このＣリング６４をボールシート２２上に載置した状態では、Ｃリング６４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２がハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１と上下に離間状態となる。 When the C-ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22 inserted into the housing 21, the upper end 64b of the C-ring 64 projects from the open end 21a (FIG. 2) of the housing 21. When the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22, the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 is vertically separated from the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21.
　この上下離間状態で、Ｃリング６４を上から押圧することでボールシート２２が圧縮され、Ｃリング６４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接して、これ以上、下がらないセット状態となる。このセット状態は、Ｃリング６４をやや押圧してボールシート２２が前述した適正な締め代となれば、テーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接しなくてもよい。つまり、Ｃリング６４がボールシート２２上に載置された位置と、Ｃリング６４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接する位置との間の高さ位置で、ボールシート２２の適正な圧縮が可能となっている。 In this vertically separated state, the ball seat 22 is compressed by pressing the C ring 64 from above, and the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 abuts on the tapered step portion P1 so that the ball ring 22 is not lowered further. . In this set state, the taper-shaped portion P2 does not have to abut the taper stepped portion P1 as long as the C-ring 64 is slightly pressed and the ball seat 22 has the proper tightening margin described above. That is, at a height position between the position where the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22 and the position where the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64 contacts the tapered step portion P1, the proper position of the ball seat 22 is obtained. It can be compressed.
　また、Ｃリング６４を上から押圧した際に、テーパ形状部Ｐ２がテーパ段差部Ｐ１に当接するとこれ以上、下がらないので、ボールシート２２のオーバー圧縮を防止可能となっている。 Further, when the tapered portion P2 comes into contact with the tapered step portion P1 when the C ring 64 is pressed from above, the taper step portion P1 does not go down any further, so that overcompression of the ball seat 22 can be prevented.
　図１１に示すＣリング６４の下面６４ａから上面６４ｂまでの高さｈ２は、図９に示すようにＣリング６４をハウジング２１内に載置した際に、Ｃリング６４がハウジング２１から僅かに突き出る高さとなっている。この高さｈ２は、載置されたＣリング６４を下方側に押し込んでセットした場合も、僅かに突き出る高さとする。このセット後のＣリング６４が突き出る高さは、後述のレーザ溶接のために０．０５ｍｍ以上であることが好ましい。 The height h2 from the lower surface 64a to the upper surface 64b of the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 11 is that the C ring 64 slightly protrudes from the housing 21 when the C ring 64 is placed in the housing 21 as shown in FIG. It is high. This height h2 is a height that slightly protrudes even when the mounted C-ring 64 is pushed down and set. The protruding height of the C ring 64 after this setting is preferably 0.05 mm or more for laser welding described later.
　また、ハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１にＣリング６４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２が当接した場合、Ｃリング６４の中心に向かう求心力が働き（求心効果）、Ｃリング６４とハウジング２１との同軸が保証される。このため、Ｃリング６４がガタつかなくなる。 Also, when the tapered step portion P1 of the housing 21 contacts the tapered portion P2 of the C ring 64, a centripetal force toward the center of the C ring 64 works (centripetal effect) to ensure that the C ring 64 and the housing 21 are coaxial. To be done. Therefore, the C ring 64 does not rattle.
　図１１に示すＣリング６４は、ハウジング２１内へのセット状態で垂直線Ｖ（図９）に対して角度θ２で傾斜するテーパ面６４ｃを、Ｃリング内周側に有する。このテーパ面６４ｃの傾斜角θ２は、図９に示すボールスタッド１０が揺動（矢印α１）した際に、ボールスタッド１０の揺動角を満たす角度となる。 The C ring 64 shown in FIG. 11 has a tapered surface 64c on the inner peripheral side of the C ring that is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the vertical line V (FIG. 9) when set in the housing 21. The inclination angle θ2 of the tapered surface 64c is an angle that satisfies the swing angle of the ball stud 10 when the ball stud 10 shown in FIG. 9 swings (arrow α1).
　次に、図９に示すＣリング６４をハウジング２１内にセットした後、矢印Ｙ１で示すように、Ｃリング６４とハウジング２１が当接した境界の隅部をレーザ溶接する。このレーザ溶接は、前述したＯリング２４と同様に行われる。但し、レーザ溶接を行う場合、必要に応じて、押圧子（図示せず）で上方からＣリング６４に荷重を掛け、Ｃリング６４のテーパ形状部Ｐ２とハウジング２１のテーパ段差部Ｐ１との密着性を上げたり、ボールシート２２を適正量圧縮したりする。 Next, after setting the C ring 64 shown in FIG. 9 in the housing 21, the corner portion of the boundary where the C ring 64 and the housing 21 are in contact with each other is laser-welded as shown by an arrow Y1. This laser welding is performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned O-ring 24. However, when performing laser welding, if necessary, a load is applied to the C ring 64 from above with a pressing element (not shown), and the taper portion P2 of the C ring 64 and the taper step portion P1 of the housing 21 are brought into close contact with each other. The ball seat 22 is compressed, and the ball seat 22 is compressed by an appropriate amount.
　レーザ溶接は、ハウジング２１を回転させながら後述のようにＣリング６４の全周、断続的、パルス状等で行う。図１３にＣリング６４とハウジング２１の境界を太線で示すＣ型全周溶接３１ｃした状態を示す。図１４に上記境界を断続的に溶接（断続溶接）３２した状態、図１５に上記境界をパルス状に溶接（パルス溶接）３３した状態を示す。 Laser welding is performed while rotating the housing 21, as described below, on the entire circumference of the C ring 64, intermittently, in a pulse shape, or the like. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the boundary between the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is C-shaped full circumference welded 31c indicated by a thick line. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the boundary is intermittently welded (intermittent welding) 32, and FIG. 15 shows a state in which the boundary is welded in a pulse shape (pulse welding) 33.
　レーザ溶接の溶込深さｄ１は、図８を参照して前述した通りである。要求される破壊荷重（Ｃリング６４が外れない強度）を安全にクリアするために、溶込深さｄ１は、所定の深さが所定の周回範囲に渡って必要である。例えば、必要な破壊荷重を安全にクリアできる溶込深さｄ１が０．２ｍｍでは全周に渡って必要である場合、溶込深さｄ１が０．３ｍｍでは２／３周で済み、０．４ｍｍでは１／２周で済む。あまりに深いと樹脂製ボールシート２２に影響が生じる。 The penetration depth d1 of laser welding is as described above with reference to FIG. In order to safely clear the required breaking load (strength with which the C ring 64 does not come off), the penetration depth d1 is required to have a predetermined depth over a predetermined circulation range. For example, when the penetration depth d1 that can safely clear the required breaking load is 0.2 mm and it is required over the entire circumference, if the penetration depth d1 is 0.3 mm, it is 2/3 circumferences. With 4 mm, it takes only 1/2 turn. If it is too deep, the ball seat 22 made of resin is affected.
　このため、レーザ溶接は、ボールシート２２とＣリング６４の接触面積が変わらないことを前提に、溶込深さｄ１×溶接長さ（全周、断続的、パルス状等の平面長さ）が、必要な破壊荷重を満たせば如何なる溶接形態も可能である。 Therefore, in laser welding, the penetration depth d1 × welding length (entire circumference, intermittent, pulse-like plane length) is premised on that the contact area between the ball seat 22 and the C ring 64 does not change. Any welding form is possible as long as the necessary breaking load is satisfied.
　また、ボールシート２２、Ｃリング６４、ハウジング２１の組合せ状態に応じて、Ｃリング６４がハウジング２１の先端より相対的に沈んでいる場合、レーザ溶接でＣリング６４が狙えないため、レーザ溶接の狙いをハウジング２１とするのが好ましい。この内容は、Ｏリング２４においても同様である。 Further, depending on the combination state of the ball seat 22, the C ring 64, and the housing 21, when the C ring 64 is relatively sunk from the tip of the housing 21, the C ring 64 cannot be aimed by laser welding. It is preferable that the aim is the housing 21. The same applies to the O-ring 24.
＜第２実施形態の効果＞
　このような第２実施形態のボールジョイントＪ２のボールシート固定構造の効果について説明する。 <Effects of Second Embodiment>
The effect of the ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment will be described.
　（１）ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａの内側で且つボールシート２２の上に、当該開口端部２１ａよりも突出してセットされるＣリング６４を備え、Ｃリング６４とハウジング２１との境界の隅部がレーザ溶接で溶接固定されて成る構成とした。 (1) A C ring 64 that is set inside the opening end 21a of the housing 21 and above the ball seat 22 so as to project from the opening end 21a is provided, and the corner of the boundary between the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is provided. The part is welded and fixed by laser welding.
　この構成によれば、ハウジング２１内のボールシート２２上のＣリング６４が外側のハウジング２１よりも突出しているので、ハウジング２１の外側からレーザ溶接を行い易くなる。この逆にハウジング２１の内側からは、ハウジング２１内にボールスタッド１０が立設しているため、レーザ溶接を行うことが困難である。また、ボールシート２２上のＣリング６４がハウジング２１よりも突出しているので、Ｃリング６４を上から押圧してボールシート２２を適正に圧縮することが容易となる。レーザ溶接では短時間で溶接を行うことができる。これらの利点から、ハウジング２１内でボール部１０ｂを締め付けるボールシート２２を適正な締め代となるように押圧固定する工程を、短いタクトタイムで行うことができ、これにより製造コストを下げることができる。 According to this configuration, the C ring 64 on the ball seat 22 inside the housing 21 projects more than the outside housing 21, so that it becomes easier to perform laser welding from the outside of the housing 21. On the contrary, from the inside of the housing 21, the ball stud 10 is erected inside the housing 21, so that it is difficult to perform laser welding. Further, since the C ring 64 on the ball seat 22 projects from the housing 21, it becomes easy to press the C ring 64 from above and properly compress the ball seat 22. With laser welding, welding can be performed in a short time. Due to these advantages, the step of pressing and fixing the ball seat 22 for tightening the ball portion 10b in the housing 21 so as to have an appropriate tightening allowance can be performed in a short takt time, which can reduce the manufacturing cost. .
　（２）ハウジング２１の開口端部２１ａの内周に所定角度の第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１（テーパ段差部Ｐ１）を設け、Ｃリング６４の外周下端部に、第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１と同じ角度で、当該第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１に当接可能な第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２を設ける構成とした。 (2) A first taper-shaped portion P1 (taper step P1) having a predetermined angle is provided on the inner periphery of the opening end 21a of the housing 21, and the outer peripheral lower end of the C ring 64 has the same angle as the first taper-shaped portion P1. Then, the second tapered shape portion P2 that can contact the first tapered shape portion P1 is provided.
　この構成によれば、Ｃリング６４をハウジング２１内に、第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１が第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２に満遍なく当接する状態にセットできるので、Ｃリング６４の中心に向かう求心力が働き（求心効果）、Ｃリング６４とハウジング２１との同軸が保証される。このため、Ｃリング６４がガタつかなくなる。 According to this configuration, the C ring 64 can be set in the housing 21 such that the first tapered shape portion P1 is evenly in contact with the second tapered shape portion P2, so that the centripetal force toward the center of the C ring 64 works (centripetal force). (Effect), the coaxiality of the C ring 64 and the housing 21 is guaranteed. Therefore, the C ring 64 does not rattle.
　（３）Ｃリング６４は、ハウジング２１内に第１テーパ形状部Ｐ１が第２テーパ形状部Ｐ２に当接状態にセットされた際に、ハウジング２１の上端（又は上端面）２１ｃより所定高さ突き出る高さを有する構成とした。 (3) The C ring 64 has a predetermined height from the upper end (or upper end surface) 21c of the housing 21 when the first tapered portion P1 is set in the housing 21 in a state of abutting against the second tapered portion P2. It is configured to have a protruding height.
　この構成によれば、Ｃリング６４をハウジング２１内に載置した際に、Ｃリング６４がハウジング２１から突き出ているので、載置されたＣリング６４を下方側に押し込んで容易にセットできる。Ｃリング６４を押圧子で押圧する際に、押圧子の位置がハウジング２１よりも高いので、押圧子がハウジング２１と接触や干渉しないようにできる。 According to this configuration, when the C ring 64 is placed in the housing 21, the C ring 64 projects from the housing 21, so that the placed C ring 64 can be easily pushed down and set. When the C-ring 64 is pressed by the pressing element, the position of the pressing element is higher than that of the housing 21, so that the pressing element can be prevented from contacting or interfering with the housing 21.
　（４）Ｃリング６４の内径は、ボール部１０ｂの球径よりも小さい構成とした。 (4) The inner diameter of the C ring 64 is smaller than the spherical diameter of the ball portion 10b.
　この構成によれば、ボール部１０ｂの球形が、この上のＣリング６４の内径よりも大きいので、レーザ溶接されたＣリング６４から、上方へ引っ張られるボール部１０ｂが抜けない様にできる。 According to this configuration, since the spherical shape of the ball portion 10b is larger than the inner diameter of the C ring 64 above this, the ball portion 10b pulled upward can be prevented from coming off from the laser-welded C ring 64.
＜ボールシートの第１変形例＞
　図１６は第２実施形態のボールジョイントＪ２におけるボールシート２２Ａの第１変形例の構成を示す斜視図である。図１７はハウジング２１内に挿入されたボールシート２２Ａの上にＣリング６４を載置した場合の構成を示す斜視図である。図１８は図１７に示すハウジング２１、Ｃリング６４及びボールシート２２Ａの組合せ構成の平面図である。図１９は図１７のＶ－Ｖ断面図である。但し、図１９には、ボールシート２２Ａ内のスタッ
ド部１０ｓの先端側のボール部１０ｂを記載している。 <First modified example of ball seat>
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first modified example of the ball seat 22A in the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22A inserted into the housing 21. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing 21, the C ring 64, and the ball seat 22A shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. However, FIG. 19 shows the ball portion 10b on the tip side of the stud portion 10s in the ball seat 22A.
　図１６に示す第１変形例のボールシート２２Ａが、上述したボールシート２２（図９参照）と異なる点は、ボールシート２２Ａの上端面２２ｕに、Ｃリング６４の隙間６４ｇ（図１７）に嵌合される凸部２２ｂを設けたことにある。この凸部２２ｂが、Ｃリング６４の隙間６４ｇが埋まるので、次のように防止できる。即ち、スタッド部１０ｓが揺動した際に隙間６４ｇを抜けてハウジング２１の内周面まで傾き、ボールスタッド１０が必要以上に（又は不適正に）傾いてしまうことを防止できる。 The ball seat 22A of the first modified example shown in FIG. 16 is different from the above-described ball seat 22 (see FIG. 9) in that the upper end surface 22u of the ball seat 22A is fitted into the gap 64g (FIG. 17) of the C ring 64. This is because the projection 22b to be fitted is provided. The convex portion 22b fills the gap 64g of the C ring 64, and thus can be prevented as follows. That is, it is possible to prevent the ball stud 10 from being tilted more than necessary (or improperly) when the stud portion 10s swings, it passes through the gap 64g and tilts to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21.
　図１６に示す凸部２２ｂの横幅ｗ１は、Ｃリング６４の隙間６４ｇ（図１７）に満遍なく嵌る寸法となっている。また、凸部２２ｂの上端面２２ｃは、図１７に示すように、ハウジング２１にボールシート２２Ａを組み込んだ際に、ハウジング２１の上端２１ｃよりも低くなる高さにしてある。 The lateral width w1 of the convex portion 22b shown in FIG. 16 is dimensioned to fit evenly into the gap 64g (FIG. 17) of the C ring 64. Further, the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b has a height lower than the upper end 21c of the housing 21 when the ball seat 22A is incorporated in the housing 21, as shown in FIG.
　詳細には、凸部２２ｂの上端面２２ｃは、図１９に示すように、ハウジング２１にＣリング６４をレーザ溶接した際の溶込深さｄ１よりも、更に下方側の深さ位置ｄ２となる高さｈ３にしてある。この高さｈ３は、ボールシート２２Ａの底面から凸部２２ｂの上端面２２ｃまでの高さである。言い換えれば、凸部２２ｂの上端面２２ｃは、ハウジング２１内に組み込んだ際に、レーザ溶接で溶けない距離離間する高さｈ３とされている。これによって、レーザ溶接によるボールシート２２Ａの溶融を防止できる。 In detail, as shown in FIG. 19, the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b is located at a depth position d2 further lower than the penetration depth d1 when the C ring 64 is laser-welded to the housing 21. The height is h3. The height h3 is the height from the bottom surface of the ball seat 22A to the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b. In other words, the upper end surface 22c of the convex portion 22b has a height h3 that is separated by a distance that does not melt by laser welding when incorporated in the housing 21. This can prevent melting of the ball seat 22A due to laser welding.
　また、図１９に示すように、ボールシート２２Ａの凸部２２ｂは、この内周側に、Ｃリング６４のテーパ面６４ｃと面一となるテーパ面２２ｄ（図１６及び図１７参照）が形成されている。これによって、図９に示すボールスタッド１０が揺動（矢印α１）した際に、ボールスタッド１０の予め定められた揺動角を満たす角度θ２のテーパ面６４ｃ，２２ｄを構成できる。この構成により、ボールスタッド１０を予め定められた揺動角で適正に揺動できる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the convex portion 22b of the ball seat 22A has a tapered surface 22d (see FIGS. 16 and 17) formed on the inner peripheral side thereof so as to be flush with the tapered surface 64c of the C ring 64. ing. As a result, when the ball stud 10 shown in FIG. 9 swings (arrow α1), the tapered surfaces 64c and 22d having an angle θ2 that satisfies a predetermined swing angle of the ball stud 10 can be formed. With this configuration, the ball stud 10 can be properly swung at a predetermined swing angle.
＜ボールシートの第２変形例＞
　図２０は第２実施形態のボールジョイントＪ２におけるボールシート２２Ｂの第２変形例の構成を示す斜視図である。図２１はハウジング２１内に挿入されたボールシート２２Ｂの上にＣリング６４を載置した場合の構成を示す斜視図である。図２２は図２１に示すハウジング２１、Ｃリング６４及びボールシート２２Ｂの組合せ構成の平面図である。図２３は図２１のＶＩＩ－ＶＩＩ断面図である。但し、図２３には、ボールシート２２Ｂ内のス
タッド部１０ｓの先端側のボール部１０ｂを記載している。 <Second Modification of Ball Seat>
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a second modified example of the ball seat 22B in the ball joint J2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the C ring 64 is placed on the ball seat 22B inserted into the housing 21. 22 is a plan view of a combined configuration of the housing 21, the C ring 64, and the ball seat 22B shown in FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. However, FIG. 23 shows the ball portion 10b on the tip side of the stud portion 10s in the ball seat 22B.
　図２０に示す第２変形例のボールシート２２Ｂが、上述した第１変形例のボールシート２２Ａ（図１６参照）と異なる点は、凸部２２ｅの形状にある。ボールシート２２Ａの凸部２２ｂは、図１９に示すように、外周面がハウジング２１の内周面に当接していた。しかし、第２変形例のボールシート２２Ｂの凸部２２ｅは、図２３に示すように、外周面がハウジング２１の内周面から径方向に距離ｄ６だけ離間している。この離間距離ｄ６は、レーザ溶接の熱が凸部２２ｅに届かない距離となっている。この離間間隔の隙間を矢印２２ｇで、図２１～図２３に指し示した。 The ball seat 22B of the second modification shown in FIG. 20 differs from the ball seat 22A of the first modification (see FIG. 16) described above in the shape of the convex portion 22e. As shown in FIG. 19, the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22b of the ball seat 22A was in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21. However, as shown in FIG. 23, the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22e of the ball seat 22B of the second modified example is radially separated from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 by a distance d6. This separation distance d6 is a distance that the heat of laser welding does not reach the convex portion 22e. The gap of this spacing is indicated by an arrow 22g in FIGS. 21 to 23.
　図２３では、凸部２２ｅの外周面が、ボールシート２２Ｂの本体の外周面と面一となっており、凸部２２ｅの径方向の幅をｄ５で示した。 In FIG. 23, the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 22e is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the ball seat 22B, and the radial width of the convex portion 22e is indicated by d5.
　このようなボールシート２２Ｂの凸部２２ｅによれば、この凸部２２ｅをＣリング６４の隙間６４ｇに嵌合してボールシート２２Ｂをセット後に、Ｃリング６４とハウジング２１とをレーザ溶接した際に、レーザ溶接の熱が凸部２２ｅに届かない距離ｄ６離れているので、レーザ溶接によるボールシート２２Ｂの溶融を適正に防止できる。 According to such a convex portion 22e of the ball seat 22B, when the convex portion 22e is fitted in the gap 64g of the C ring 64 and the ball seat 22B is set, the C ring 64 and the housing 21 are laser-welded. Since the heat of the laser welding is away from the convex portion 22e by the distance d6, it is possible to properly prevent the melting of the ball seat 22B due to the laser welding.
　この他、図２４に示すように、ハウジング２１Ａの内周側面２１Ａｂをストレート形状とし、このハウジング２１Ａ内のボールシート２２Ｃにおける上端面２２Ｃａの内周側にテーパ面２２Ｃｂを設ける。この上端面２２Ｃａ及びテーパ面２２Ｃｂに隙間なく当接する形状のＣリング７４を載置した構成としてもよい。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, the inner peripheral side surface 21Ab of the housing 21A is formed in a straight shape, and a taper surface 22Cb is provided on the inner peripheral side of the upper end surface 22Ca of the ball seat 22C in the housing 21A. A configuration may be used in which a C ring 74 having a shape that abuts on the upper end surface 22Ca and the tapered surface 22Cb without a gap is placed.
　Ｃリング７４は、図２５に示すように、内周側がボールシート２２Ｃのテーパ面２２Ｃｂに沿って下降するテーパ形状となっており、このテーパ形状の下面７４ｅがボールシート２２Ｃのテーパ面２２Ｃｂに当接している。そのテーパ形状の上面７４ｃは、内周側が更に急角度のテーパ形状７４ｆとなっている。このテーパ形状７４ｆにすることでスタッド部１０ｓ（スタッドシャフト）とＣリング７４の干渉を回避し、上面７４ｃと優先的に接するようにしている。Ｃリング７４の外側面７４ｄとハウジング２１Ａの内周側面のギャップは、０．２５ｍｍ以下となるＣリング外径が好ましい。このギャップサイズは、レーザ溶接時のレーザスポット径や、溶接個所面積の制約によって定まる。 As shown in FIG. 25, the C ring 74 has a tapered shape in which the inner peripheral side descends along the tapered surface 22Cb of the ball seat 22C, and the tapered lower surface 74e contacts the tapered surface 22Cb of the ball seat 22C. Touching. The tapered upper surface 74c has a tapered shape 74f with a steeper angle on the inner peripheral side. This taper shape 74f avoids the interference between the stud portion 10s (stud shaft) and the C ring 74, and preferentially contacts the upper surface 74c. It is preferable that the gap between the outer surface 74d of the C ring 74 and the inner peripheral side surface of the housing 21A has a C ring outer diameter of 0.25 mm or less. This gap size is determined by the laser spot diameter at the time of laser welding and the restriction of the welding spot area.
　このような構成によって、Ｃリング７４に求心効果を持たせることができる。また、ハウジング２１Ａの内周側面２１Ａｂを、前述したハウジング２１の上端２１ｃ（図１）のようにテーパ段差部Ｐ１を介して段差状に加工する必要がなくなるので、製造が容易になるメリットがある。 With such a configuration, the C ring 74 can have a centripetal effect. Further, there is no need to process the inner peripheral side surface 21Ab of the housing 21A into a stepped shape via the tapered stepped portion P1 unlike the above-described upper end 21c (FIG. 1) of the housing 21, so that there is an advantage that manufacturing becomes easy. .
　その他、具体的な構成について、本発明の主旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更が可能である。
　本発明のボールシート固定構造のボールジョイントＪ１は、産業用ロボットや人型ロボット等のロボットアームの関節部分や、ショベルカーやクレーン車等のアームが関節部分で回転する装置に適用可能である。 In addition, the specific configuration can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
The ball joint J1 of the ball seat fixing structure of the present invention can be applied to a joint part of a robot arm of an industrial robot or a humanoid robot, or a device in which an arm of a shovel car or a crane truck rotates at the joint part.
　１ａ　サポートバー
　１０　ボールスタッド
　１０ｂ　ボール部（球体部）
　１０ｓ　スタッド部
　２１　ハウジング
　２１ｃ　ハウジングの上端又は上端面
　２２，２２Ａ，２２Ｂ　ボールシート
　２２ｂ，２２ｅ　ボールシートの凸部
　２２ｃ　ボールシートの凸部の上端面
　２４　Ｏ形状のストッパリング（Ｏリング）
　６４　Ｃ型ストッパリング（Ｃリング）
　６４ａ　Ｃリングの下面
　６４ｂ　Ｃリングの上面
　６４ｃ　Ｃリングのテーパ面
　６４ｇ　Ｃリングの隙間
　ｄ１　溶込深さ
　Ｊ１，Ｊ２　ボールジョイント
　Ｐ１　ハウジングのテーパ段差部（第１テーパ形状部）
　Ｐ２　Ｃリングの第２テーパ形状部 1a Support bar 10 Ball stud 10b Ball part (sphere part)
10s Stud portion 21 Housing 21c Upper end or upper end surface of housing 22, 22A, 22B Ball seats 22b, 22e Convex portion of ball seat 22c Upper end surface of convex portion of ball seat 24 O-shaped stopper ring (O ring)
64 C type stopper ring (C ring)
64a Lower surface of C ring 64b Upper surface of C ring 64c Tapered surface of C ring 64g Clearance of C ring d1 Penetration depth J1, J2 Ball joint P1 Tapered stepped portion of housing (first tapered shape portion)
Second taper part of P2 C ring

Claims (11)

  1. 　構造体に一端部が連結されるスタッド部の他端部に、金属製の球体部が一体に接合されて成るボールスタッドと、当該ボールスタッドの球体部を揺動及び回転可能に支持し一方が開口した空間を有する金属製のハウジングと、当該ハウジングと前記球体部との間に介在される樹脂製のボールシートとを有し、当該ボールシートに覆われた前記球体部が前記ハウジングで包含されるボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造であって、
    　前記ハウジングの開口端部の内側で且つ前記ボールシートの上に、当該開口端部よりも突出してセットされるリングを備え、
    　前記リングと前記ハウジングとの境界の隅部がレーザ溶接で溶接固定されて成る
    　ことを特徴とするボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     A ball stud in which a metallic sphere is integrally joined to the other end of the stud, one end of which is connected to the structure, and the sphere of the ball stud is swingably and rotatably supported, and one of A metal housing having an open space and a resin ball seat interposed between the housing and the spherical body portion, and the spherical body portion covered with the ball seat is included in the housing. The ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint,
    A ring that is set inside the opening end of the housing and on the ball seat so as to project from the opening end,
    A ball seat fixing structure of a ball joint, wherein a corner portion of a boundary between the ring and the housing is welded and fixed by laser welding.
  2. 　前記リングは、一体に連続した環状を成す
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint according to claim 1, wherein the ring forms an integrally continuous ring.
  3. 　前記リングの内径は、前記球体部の球径よりも大きい
    　ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint according to claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the ring is larger than the spherical diameter of the spherical body portion.
  4. 　前記リングは、隙間が形成されたＣ形状を成す
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint according to claim 1, wherein the ring has a C shape with a gap formed therein.
  5. 　前記リングの内径は、前記球体部の球径よりも小さい
    　ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint according to claim 4, wherein the inner diameter of the ring is smaller than the spherical diameter of the spherical body portion.
  6. 　前記ボールシートは、当該ボールシートの上端面に、前記リングの隙間に嵌合される凸部を備える
    　ことを特徴とする請求項４又は５に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ball seat is provided with a convex portion that is fitted into a gap of the ring on an upper end surface of the ball seat.
  7. 　前記ボールシートの凸部は、前記ハウジングの内部に組み込まれた当該ボールシート上の前記リングと、当該ハウジングとのレーザ溶接により下方に延びる溶込深さよりも深い位置に、当該凸部の上端面が位置する高さを備える
    　ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The convex portion of the ball seat has an upper end surface of the convex portion at a position deeper than a penetration depth extending downward by laser welding with the ring and the ring on the ball seat incorporated inside the housing. The ball seat fixing structure of the ball joint according to claim 6, further comprising a height at which is located.
  8. 　前記リングは、当該リングの内周面に予め定められた角度で傾斜するテーパ面を備え、
    　前記ボールシートの凸部は、当該凸部の内周側に、前記リングのテーパ面と面一となるテーパ面を備える
    　ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ring has a taper surface inclined at a predetermined angle on the inner peripheral surface of the ring,
    The ball seat fixing structure for the ball joint according to claim 6, wherein the convex portion of the ball seat includes a tapered surface on the inner peripheral side of the convex portion, the tapered surface being flush with the tapered surface of the ring.
  9. 　前記ボールシートの凸部は、当該凸部の外周面が前記ハウジングの内周面から径方向にレーザ溶接で溶けない距離離間している
    　ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ball of the ball joint according to claim 6, wherein the convex portion of the ball seat is such that the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion is radially separated from the inner peripheral surface of the housing by a distance that does not melt by laser welding. Seat fixing structure.
  10. 　前記ハウジングの開口端部の内周に所定角度の第１テーパ形状部を設け、
    　前記リングの外周下端部に、前記第１テーパ形状部と同じ角度で、当該第１テーパ形状部に当接可能な第２テーパ形状部を設けた
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     A first taper portion having a predetermined angle is provided on the inner circumference of the opening end of the housing,
    The ball according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral lower end portion of the ring is provided with a second tapered shape portion that can abut the first tapered shape portion at the same angle as the first tapered shape portion. Joint ball seat fixing structure.
  11. 　前記リングは、前記ハウジング内に前記第１テーパ形状部が前記第２テーパ形状部に当接してセットされた際に、当該ハウジングの上端より所定高さ突き出る高さを有する
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１０に記載のボールジョイントのボールシート固定構造。     The ring has a height protruding from the upper end of the housing by a predetermined height when the first taper-shaped portion is set in the housing in contact with the second taper-shaped portion. Item 11. A ball seat fixing structure for a ball joint according to Item 10.
PCT/JP2019/040406 2018-10-24 2019-10-15 Ball-sheet-securing structure for ball joint WO2020085138A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2018-200288 2018-10-24
JP2018200288 2018-10-24
JP2019-068768 2019-03-29
JP2019068768A JP7228449B2 (en) 2018-10-24 2019-03-29 Ball joint ball seat fixing structure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020085138A1 true WO2020085138A1 (en) 2020-04-30

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ID=70330602

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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WO (1) WO2020085138A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4559692A (en) * 1981-01-23 1985-12-24 Societe Anonyme D.B.A. Method and apparatus for the manufacture of a ball joint
US5564853A (en) * 1993-07-22 1996-10-15 Dana Corporation Ball and socket joint assembly
DE19756984A1 (en) * 1997-12-20 1999-07-08 Daimler Chrysler Ag Ball joint and procedure for its preload
US6488436B1 (en) * 1999-02-04 2002-12-03 Societe Mecanique De Villeurbanne Ball joint, in particular steering or suspension ball joint for motor vehicles and, method for making a bearing for same
DE102004040403A1 (en) * 2004-08-19 2006-03-09 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Ball joint and method for its production
US9010783B2 (en) * 2013-05-17 2015-04-21 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Ball joint and control arm for a motor vehicle

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4559692A (en) * 1981-01-23 1985-12-24 Societe Anonyme D.B.A. Method and apparatus for the manufacture of a ball joint
US5564853A (en) * 1993-07-22 1996-10-15 Dana Corporation Ball and socket joint assembly
DE19756984A1 (en) * 1997-12-20 1999-07-08 Daimler Chrysler Ag Ball joint and procedure for its preload
US6488436B1 (en) * 1999-02-04 2002-12-03 Societe Mecanique De Villeurbanne Ball joint, in particular steering or suspension ball joint for motor vehicles and, method for making a bearing for same
DE102004040403A1 (en) * 2004-08-19 2006-03-09 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Ball joint and method for its production
US9010783B2 (en) * 2013-05-17 2015-04-21 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Ball joint and control arm for a motor vehicle

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