Kabushiki Kaisha Somic Ishikawa

Toyota Jishoda Kabushiki Kaisha

Takaji Hattori

Tadao Muramatsu

Youichi Hyodo

A spherical slide bearing having dust covers fixed by outer sealing collar portions interposed between a housing and a bearing or bearings. The interposed outer sealing collar portions of the dust covers are retained by flange portions of the housing and the bearing such that they are not forced out through narrow gaps therebetween through which bellows of the dust covers pass. Interference by the outer sealing collar portions with the degree of angular movement of a ball stud of the spherical slide bearing and damage to the dust covers is thus prevented. Tapered motion limiting surfaces incorporated into one of a ball stud, an inside bearing surface, and a ball stud and an inside bearing member surface provide an increased range of angular movement while protecting the dust cover from damage.

Spherical slide bearing

A ball joint includes a pair of generally hemispheric head members including facing surfaces. A bearing member is disposed between the facing surfaces. One of the head members is connected to a ball stud, the other includes a shank hole through which the ball stud passes. Both head members are enclosed in a ball seat which is deformed into conformity with a generally spherical outer surface of the combined first and second head members by a socket that is formed about them. An elastic member between the socket and the ball seat applies an axial force to said first and second head members, whereby a substantial preload on the ball joint permits take-up of wear during use.

Growing community of inventors

Hamamatsu, Japan

Takaji Hattori