WO2013100838A1

WO2013100838A1 - Double ball joint device

Info

Publication number: WO2013100838A1
Application number: PCT/SE2012/000220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Eriksson
Original assignee: Zirkona Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2011-12-27
Filing date: 2012-12-26
Publication date: 2013-07-04
Also published as: SE536822C2; SE1100953A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a double ball joint device (1) comprised of a housing (2) and at least one first joint element (4) and at least one second joint element (5), said first joint element (4) and second joint element (5) each comprised of a ball-shaped part (11, 13), whose one portion of said ball-shaped part (11, 13) is mounted and retained in an interior space (3) in said housing (2) and a second portion of the ball-shaped part (11, 13) and one to the second portion of the ball-shaped part (11, 13) connected connection member (12, 14) extending out from the interior space (3) via an opening (9, 10) in the housing (2). The double ball joint device (1) is also comprised of at least one locking device and at least one inertness- generating assembly.

Description

Double ball joint device

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a double ball joint device in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention In many contexts, there is a need to position an object, objects or the like in relation to at least one other object, objects or the like and lock the relative positions of objects to each other. One such need exists, for example, during the positioning of various types of electronic equipment in relation to a specific workplace or the like. Such a situation exists for example in the positioning of a display in a vehicle or the like. One way to solve the problem of positioning the objects in relation to each other is to use different types of ball joint designs and the like. One type of ball joint design which has proved very useful and efficient is double ball joints. However, existing double ball joints have been found to include a number of shortcomings and problems.

A specific problem with known types of double ball joints and the like is that they are sensitive for example to vibrations. Vibrations over time may cause the locking function of double ball joints to loosen. Because of vibrations, an object that is connected to another object via a double ball joint may for example continually change its position to such an extent that it will not be suitable to use as intended. The fact that the double ball joint locking function vibrates out of position means that periodic adjustment of the objects relative positions must be conducted. Continual adjustment of the positions of the objects is particularly problematic in vehicles, as this may cause accidents if the driver of the vehicle is induced to perform the adjustment in connection with the operation of the vehicle.

One problem with known designs of double ball joints is that they lack a certain "inertness" from which release of the ball joint from specific positions may occur. With current designs release is incurred immediately, i.e. the double ball joint is either locked or not locked.

Known designs denote that it may be difficult to fine-tune the relative position between objects connected to a double ball joint.

A further problem with double ball joints, is that they include locking functions which typically require an amount of force to be fixed in specific positions. The force required to fix a double ball joint in a specific position may be substantial, which in combination with double ball joints lacking inertness, means that it may be difficult for a physically weak person to operate and lock these types of double ball joints.

Prior Art

Double ball joints are previously known in numerous variants. For example US611995 describes a variant of a lockable ball joint. The ball joint is only comprised of a single ball joint and therefore differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application. The design may not be used in a similar way as the design according to the present patent application.

Another variant of a double ball joint is described in GB688685. The ball joint is comprised of a coupling having one or two balls capable of angular adjustment within a housing and that each ball has its own clamping member and a component interposed between the clamping member and the actuating means and that the ball is clamped against the ends of the housing. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application. For example it does not include an inertness- generating assembly that consists of an expandable body between at least one first locking member and at least one second locking member whose inertness is achieved by the degree of compression of the expandable body between the first locking member and the second locking member.

Double ball joints are already known in several variants. For example, a variant of a double ball joint is marketed by Manfrotto. The Manfrotto design consists of two ball joints forming a double ball joint. The design differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application.

Another type of double ball joint design is already known via EP2063138 by applicant Zirkona. Even if the design according to its description meets its stated objectives very well, the design however, according to EP2063138 has a number of shortcomings. One of these shortcomings is that the design may be difficult to fine-tune because the ball joint design is essentially locked or fully released, i.e. no "inertness" when maneuvering the different parts of the ball joint during a mutual adjustment. Further, the design according to its description requires a certain force to lock (tighten and lock the ball joints mutually) in specific positions. Therefore, the design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application. Brief Description of the Invention Concept

The main purpose of the present invention is to create an improved variant of a double ball joint. Another purpose of the present double ball joint is to create a double ball joint which may be more easily locked in a specific position than the previously described design of EP20633138. It is a further purpose of the present design to create a double ball joint which requires less force to lock than the design according to EP2063138. A still further purpose of the present system is to create a double ball joint which includes "inertness" which allows the double ball joint to essentially be more easily fine-tuned.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each figure is briefly described in the following figure list. The exemplifying embodiments in the figures are not limiting for the scope of protection of the present patent application. Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted in these. Fig. 1 A shows the principal design of the present double ball joint device in accordance with the present patent application.

Fig. IB shows the contact surface between the joint elements and the housing in more detail.

Fig. 2 A and 2B show a first embodiment of the locking device of the double ball joint device.

Fig. 3 A shows a second embodiment of the locking device whereat locking of the double ball joint occurs by way of pulling force.

Fig. 3B shows a third embodiment of the locking device whereat locking of the double ball joint occurs by way of pressing force.

Fig. 4A shows a fourth embodiment of the locking device.

Fig. 4B shows a fifth embodiment of the locking device. Fig. 5 shows a sixth embodiment of the locking device.

Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a device used to create inertness during the positioning of the joint elements in relation to the housing. Fig. 7A shows a second embodiment of a device used to create inertness during the positioning of the joint elements in relation to the housing.

Fig. 7B shows a third embodiment of a device used to create inertness during the positioning of the joint elements in relation to the housing. Fig. 8A exemplifies recesses (notches, grooves) in the housing, used for downward angulation of the joint elements.

Fig. 8B shows possible downward angulations of joint elements in the recesses (notches, grooves) in the housing.

Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to the figures and initially to Fig. 1 A, a double ball joint device 1 in accordance with present patent application is shown. The double ball joint device 1 will in the following text also be referred to as the double ball joint 1. The double ball joint device 1 includes at least one housing 2 with at least one interior space 3 and at least one first joint element 4 and at least one second joint element 5, said joint elements 4 and 5 are pivotally (articulately) arranged in relation to the housing 2.

The housing 2 in the preferred embodiment is comprised of at least a first part 6 and at least a second part 7 which, via at least one connection device 8 are connected to each other. The connection device 8 is preferably comprised of an inner threaded portion and an external threaded portion (not shown in the figures) which may be screwed together with, and apart from, each other. In alternative embodiments, the connection between the first part 6 and second part 7 may occur with other suitable for the purpose known techniques. The housing 2 is comprised of at least one interior space 3 which extends in the axial direction of the housing 2 from a first opening 9 in the one axial end of the housing 2, to a second opening 10 in the other axial end of the housing 2. The first joint element 4 is comprised of at least one first ball-shaped part 11 and at least one connection member 12, such as an axle (shaft), spindle (axle journal) or the like. A major portion of the said first ball-shaped part 11 is mounted and retained in the said housing 2 and a lesser portion of the first ball-shaped part 11 as well as the axle 12 protrudes out from the housing 2 through the first opening 9. The ball-shaped part 11 is pivotally (articulately) arranged relative to the housing 2. The second joint element 5 is comprised of at least one second ball-shaped part 13 and at least one connection member 14, such as an axle (shaft), spindle (axle journal) or the like. A major portion of the said ball-shaped part 13 is mounted and retained in the said housing 2 and a lesser portion of the second ball portion 13 as well as the axle 14 protrudes out from the housing 2 through the second opening 10. The ball-shaped part 13 is pivotally (articulately) arranged relative to the housing 2.

Each respective joint element 4 and 5 is retained in the housing 2 by the interior space 3, at the first opening 9 and the second opening 10 (in the respective ends of the housing), having a smaller diameter than the interior space's diameter in the intermediate portion 15 (between openings 9 and 10). The diameter of each opening 9 and 10 is smaller than the diameters of the ball-shaped parts 8 and 13. Each joint element 4 and 5 is arranged to swivel (pivot) in the intermediate portion (the portion between the openings). In each end, the housing 2 includes at least one contact surface 16, for the ball-shaped parts, on the inner wall 17 adjacent the smaller diameter at each opening 9 and 10. Referring to Fig. IB, it is shown that contact surface 16 is preferably angled, as the angle V in relation to the housing's axial direction. It has unexpectedly been found that the double ball joint receives an essentially optimal function if the angle V is in the range of X to Y degrees.

The double ball joint device 1 includes at least one locking device 18, which is comprised of at least one locking member 19 and at least one control apparatus 20. The joint elements' 4 and 5 mutual position (distance from each other) may be regulated by the locking device 18. The locking device 18 may be designed in a variety of embodiments, several of which are exemplified in the embodiments described in the following. The locking member 19 or locking members may be operable between positions where the double ball joint's 1, first joint element 4 and the second joint element 5 are respectively completely locked or pivotal (movable) with respect to the housing 2 by way of the control apparatus 20. Common for the different types of locking devices 18 is that they during locking maneuver the first joint element 4 and the second joint element 5 in a direction away from each other against the contact surfaces 16 of the inner wall sections 17 of the housing's 2 respective ends. Upon release of the locking of the double ball joint's 1, first joint element 4 and second joint element 5 relative to the housing, the locking member 19 is maneuvered so that the joint elements are allowed to approach each other so that the locking against the contact surfaces at each end of the housing is released. Locking between the ball-shaped parts 11 and 13 and the contact surfaces 16 of the housing occurs when the pressing force between the ball-shaped parts and the contact surfaces exceeds a certain level. When a force between the ball-shaped part and the contact surfaces diminishes below a certain level, the first joint element 4 and the second joint element 5 are able to pivot (move, swivel) relative to the housing 2.

Fig. 2 A and 2B show a second embodiment of the present locking device 18. In this embodiment of the locking device, it includes a variant of a clamping device comprised of at least one first locking member 19 and at least one second locking member 21 which may be operated to approach each other or move away from each other by way of at least one control apparatus 20. The first and the second locking members are preferably crescent-shaped. The control apparatus 20 is comprised of a rotatable (revolving) threaded rod (shaft) 22 which extends through a hole 23 in the housing 2, and an operating handle 24 which is attached to the threaded rod. When the crescent-shaped locking members 19 and 21 are caused by the control apparatus 20 to move closer together, the ball-shaped parts in each respective joint element are caused to be pushed apart from each other in the axial direction and thereby lock the respective ball-shaped parts against the housing's contact surfaces 16.

Fig. 3 A and 3B show a third and a fourth embodiment of the locking device 18, where the locking member 19 consists of a disc-shaped body 25 which is arranged to be positioned between the first ball-shaped part 11 and the second ball-shaped part 13. The disc-shaped body 25 includes on its one side a first seat (indentation) 26 which lies against the first joint element's 4 ball-shaped part 11. The disc-shaped body 25 includes on its opposite side a second seat (indentation) 27 which lies against the second joint element's 5 ball-shaped part 13. During an actuation of the disc-shaped body 25 in the double ball joint's 1 transverse direction, the ball-shaped parts 11 and 13 are caused to be pushed apart from each other. Each ball-shaped part 11 and 13 is pressed against the contact surface at each end in the interior space in proximity to each respective opening in the ends of the double ball joint. When the pressing force between the ball-shaped parts and the contact surfaces 16 exceeds a certain level, a locking of the double ball joint's first joint element 4 and the second joint element 5 relative to the housing 2 occurs. When the pressing force between the ball joint's first joint element 4 and its second joint element 5 and contact surfaces 16 diminishes below a certain level, the locking between the joint elements and housing is released. When the control apparatus is maneuvered to the locked state, it is arranged to move the discshaped body 25 in the radial direction to an eccentric position relative to the housing. The movement of the disc-shaped body 25 in the radial direction may be accomplished via pressing (pushing) force or pulling force. Fig. 3 A shows an alternative embodiment of the locking device 18 in which the locking member 19 consists of a disc-shaped body 25 which is operable by pulling force from the control apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the hole 23 in the housing 2 is not threaded. The threaded rod is however connected by threads to the first locking member 19. Fig. 3B shows an alternative embodiment of the locking device 18 where locking member 19 consists of a disc-shaped body 25 which is operated by pressing force from the control apparatus 20. The hole 23 is threaded in this embodiment. Unique to the design according to the present embodiment is that the displacement of the disc-shaped part is accomplished by aid of pulling force in the control apparatus unlike the previously known design marketed by Zirkona where maneuvering occurs with pressing force.

Fig. 4A and 4B show a fifth and a sixth embodiment of the present locking device. In this embodiment, the design includes at least one first locking member 19 in the form of an angled (wedge-shaped) body 28, which with an actuating device is caused to move in the double ball joint's transverse direction in between at least one second locking member 21 in the form of a second angled wedge-shaped body 29 and preferably also at least one third locking member 30 in the form of an angled wedge-shaped third body 31. The first wedge-shaped body 28 is pressed in between the second wedge-shaped body 29 and the third wedge-shaped body 31. Upon insertion of the first wedge-shaped body 28 between the second wedge-shaped body 29 and the third wedge-shaped body 31, the ball-shaped parts 11 and 13 are caused to be pushed apart from each other. Each ball-shaped part 11 and 13 is pressed against the contact surface at each end in the interior space in proximity to each respective opening in the ends of the housing 2. When the pressing force between the ball-shaped parts and contact surfaces exceeds a certain level, a locking of the double ball joint parts occurs. When the pressing force between the ball-shaped parts and the contact surfaces diminishes below a certain level, the locking between the ball-shaped parts and contact surfaces is released.

According to the design shown in Fig. 4A the operation of the wedge-shaped body 28 is accomplished by pulling force. In Fig. 4B operation of the wedge-shaped body is

accomplished by means of compression against the wedged body 28. Fig. 5 shows a double ball joint 1 with a locking device 18 that is operated via a turning (revolving) motion around the axial center of the housing by at least one control apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the control apparatus 20 consists of a lever 32 or other maneuvering device that is pivotally arranged around the double ball joint's axial axis of rotation. In the preferred embodiment, the locking device 18 consists of a first locking member 19 and a second locking member 21 whose common axial length is extended or shortened in the axial direction of the housing by rotation (turning) of the control apparatus. The first locking member 19 includes threads or the like which engage with threads in the lever 32. By way of this design the ball-shaped parts are pushed apart from each other in the direction of each respective contact surface 16.

Referring to Fig. 6A and 6B a first embodiment of an inertness-generating assembly 33 is shown with which the aforesaid inertness of the double ball joint 1 is created (achieved). The inertness-generating assembly 33 allows for the inertness, ie, the force required to rotate the respective ball-shaped part in relation to the contact surface during operation of the joint elements 4, 5 relative to the housing 2, to be adjusted. Inertness in the first embodiment is created by at least one cylinder-shaped unit 34 which is placed between the first joint element 4 and the second joint element 5. The cylinder-shaped unit 34 lies against each respective joint elements' 4 and 5, ball-shaped part 11 and 13. The cylinder-shaped unit 34 preferably consists completely or partly of a polymeric material. Because the polymeric material lies against the joint elements 4 and 5, a certain force is required to rotate the joint elements relative to the housing. In one preferred embodiment of the present inertness-generating assembly 33, the contact surface 35 of the cylinder-shaped unit 34, against each respective joint elements' 4 and 5 ball-shaped part, is concave or convex. Thanks to the contact surface's shape, the inertness-generating effect of the double ball joint is further improved. The cylinder-shaped unit 34 includes, in the same way as the housing 2, recesses 36 which enables downward angulation (movement) of each joint element in each respective recess (notch).

With reference to Fig. 7A and 7B, a second embodiment of the inertness-generating assembly 33 which is connected to a locking device 18 that essentially corresponds to the locking device shown in Fig. 2A and 2B, is shown. The difference compared with the embodiments of Fig. 2 A and 2B is that the locking device consists of at least one expandable body 37 which is placed between the crescent-shaped locking members 19 and 21. The expandable body is preferably comprised of at least one material layer 38. During movement of the crescent- shaped locking members 19 and 21 toward each other, a compression of the material layer 38 will occur. Compression of the material layer 38 causes the material layer 38 to expand in the direction towards the ball-shaped parts and thereby it will rest against the ball-shaped parts. The expanding material 38 will thereby be pressed against each respective ball-shaped part and thereby create an "inertness" in the design. The inertness is regulated by the degree of compaction of the material layer. The design will thus reduce problems during fine adjustment of the relative positions of objects connected to the double ball joint device.

In an alternative embodiment, inertness may be achieved by the design including at least one spring unit 39. The spring unit 39 may have a limited spring length and for example consist of a spring-loaded ball in a housing or the like, in accordance with known techniques. The spring unit may for example be connected to the housing wall and directed in the radial direction towards the locking member 19 of the locking device shown in Fig. 2A and 2B. By way of this design, the spring force from the spring unit will cause the locking member 19 to rest against the ball-shaped part and thereby create inertness.

Referring to Fig. 8 A a downward angulation function (downward angular movement) of the present double ball joint is exemplified. This downward angulation function is achieved by the housing in at least one of its ends being provided with at least one recess 36. Preferably, the housing is provided with at least one recess 36 at both ends of the housing. The recesses 36 permit the respective ball joint axle (connected to each respective ball-shaped part) to be folded (angled) down (be pivotally arranged) relative to the housing. Each end of the housing is comprised of at least one first recess 36 and preferably at least one first recess 36 and at least one second recess 36. The housing may further include at least one third recess 36, one fourth recess 36 or more recesses 36. The shape (form) of the recesses 36 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. However, in the shown embodiment, the recess has a U-shape. The shape (form) of the contact surfaces 16 may have a radius corresponding to the radius of the first and the second ball-shaped part. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the contact surfaces have a shape which deviates from the shape of the ball-shaped parts.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art of the technical field of the device. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present device is achieved. Even if certain preferred embodiments have been shown and described in more detail, variations and modifications of the device may become apparent for specialists in the field of the invention. All such modifications and variations are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. For example, movement in the joint's transverse direction may be achieved by another for the purpose suitable technique.

Advantages of the Invention

With the present invention it is possible to achieve several advantages. The most obvious is that an improved double ball joint is obtained. Another advantage of the present patent application is that a double ball joint is obtained that includes a function by which "inertness" in the design is achieved. A further advantage of the double ball joint in accordance with the present patent application is that it is easier to lock into place than the previously known double ball joint of EP2063138.

Claims

1. Double ball joint device (1) comprised of a housing (2) and at least one first joint element (4) and at least one second joint element (5), said first joint element (4) and second joint element (5) each comprised of a ball-shaped part (11, 13), whose one portion of said ball-shaped part (11, 13) is mounted and retained in an interior space (3) in said housing (2) and a second portion of the ball-shaped part (11, 13) and one to the second portion of the ball-shaped part (11, 13) connected connection member (12, 14) extending out from the interior space (3) via an opening (9, 10) in the housing (2), and that the double ball joint device (1) is comprised of at least one locking device (18), said locking device (18) consisting of at least one locking member between said first ball-shaped part (11) and the second ball-shaped part (13), said locking member via at least one control apparatus being arranged to affect the mutual distance between the ball-shaped parts (11, 13) between a locked state and a non-locked state, where the ball-shaped parts (11, 13) in the locked state are affected by at least one locking member to mutually move away from each other and by means of clamping lock against at least one contact surface (16) in the respective axial end of the interior space (3) in the housing (2), and that the joint elements (4, 5) in the non-locked position affected to approach mutually to each other, relative to the locked position, whereby locking between the ball-shaped parts (11, 13) and the contact surfaces (16) are released and that the joint elements (4, 5) thus becomes pivotally arranged and that the double ball joint device (1) is also comprised of at least one inertness-generating assembly (33) with which inertness, i.e., the force required to swivel each respective ball-shaped part relative to the contact surface upon maneuvering of the joint elements (4, 5) relative to the housing (2), may be adjusted characterized by that the inertness- generating assembly (33) consists of an expandable body (37, 38) between at least one first locking member (19) and at least one second locking member (21) whose inertness is achieved by the degree of compression of the expandable body (37, 38) between the first locking member (19) and the second locking member (21).

2. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized by that the operation of the locking device, between a locked state and non-locked state, is accomplished by at least one locking member being affected by the pulling force from the control apparatus.

3. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized by that the operation of the locking device, between a locked state and non-locked state, is accomplished by at least one locking member being affected by the pressing force from the control apparatus.

4. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the operation of the locking device, between a locked state and non-locked state, is accomplished by a turning movement of the control apparatus around the housing's axial axis of rotation.

5. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the locking of the first joint element (4) and the second joint element relative the housing (2) is accomplished by at least one locking member being affected by the pulling force from the control apparatus.

6. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the locking of the first joint element (4) and the second joint element (5) relative the housing (2) is accomplished by at least one locking member being affected by the pushing force from the control apparatus.

7. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the locking device (18) includes at least one first locking member (19) in the form of a wedge-shaped body, at least one second locking member (21) in the form of a second wedge-shaped body and at least one third locking member (30) in the form of a third wedge-shaped body which are arranged to be mutually sliding between a locked state by joint elements (4, 5) relative the housing (2) and an non- locked state by joint elements (4, 5) relative the housing (2).

8. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the locking device (18) includes at least one first locking member (19) one second locking member (21) whose axial length is respectively extended and shortened in the housing's axial direction by a turning of the control apparatus, said extension of the axial length allows for the ball-shaped parts to be pressed apart from each other and be locked against the contact surfaces (16), where locking of the joint elements relative the housing and a shortening of the axial length means that the ball- shaped parts may approach one another thereby allowing a release of the joint elements relative the housing to occur.

9. Double ball joint device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the said housing (2) includes two halves that are connected with one another, whereby each respective half includes the said first and second openings.