| 摘要 |
An improved pivot joint includes a ball stud which cooperates with a bearing seat. Axially directed load forces applied to a shank portion of the ball stud are transmitted to the bearing seat. Static friction force between the bearing seat and a sidewall of the socket chamber is sufficient to hold the bearing seat against axial movement under the influence of the axial load forces. In another embodiment of the invention, the angle at which the load forces are transmitted to the bearing seat is such that the static friction forces between the bearing seat and the socket wall are ineffective to hold the bearing seat against axial movement. Therefore, the friction forces must be supplemented by a spring force to maintain the head portion of the ball stud seated. In both embodiments of the invention, the bearing seat is constructed so as to promote a wedging action between the bearing seat and the side surface of the socket chamber. To promote the wedging action, the bearing seat has an annular inner surface with a radius of curvature which is greater than the radius of curvature of a generally spherical outer surface of the head of the ball stud. |
