The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 15, 2003
Filed:
Jul. 18, 2001
Martin Rechtien, Neuenkirchen-Vörden, DE;
Martin Wellerding, Damme, DE;
Abstract
A process for manufacturing a low-friction ball-and-socket joint is provided in which a ball pivot with a pivot area and with a joint ball made in one piece therewith is first introduced into a bearing shell ( ) and the latter is in turn introduced through an opening ( ) into a joint housing ( ), wherein the opening ( ) of the housing ( ) is closed by a housing cover ( ) after the introduction of the components. The pivot area ( ) of the ball pivot ( ) is then introduced into a recording device of a torque measuring device to determine the torque of the joint between the bearing shells ( ) and the joint ball ( ). The housing cover ( ) is then permanently fixed by a rolling device ( ) by bending over a rolled edge ( ) of the housing arranged on the housing ( ). The torque of the joint is continuously measured during the rolling operation and is compared with a presettable set point. The housing cover ( ) displaces the upper bearing shell ( ) in the axial direction against the joint ball ( ) and generates a pressing force, which is partially compensated by a support element ( ) at the housing cover ( ). The rolling process is immediately terminated when the set point of the torque of the joint is reached.