Abstract: A low suspension arm strut coupling is provided for a suspension of an off-road vehicle. The suspension comprises a lower suspension arm that is hingedly coupled between a chassis of the off-road vehicle and a spindle assembly that is coupled with a front wheel. An upper suspension arm is hingedly coupled between the chassis and the spindle assembly. A strut is coupled between the lower suspension arm and the chassis. A lower pivot couples the strut to the lower suspension, and an upper pivot couples the strut to the chassis. The upper and lower pivots provide a lower center of gravity of the off-road vehicle and a relatively smaller shock angle. The lower suspension arm is reinforced to withstand forces due to movement of the front wheel and operation of the strut in response to travel over terrain.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an offset tie rod joint for vehicle steering systems. The offset tie rod joint comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing that is disposed in an opening of an offset housing. A threaded shank fixedly coupled with the offset housing is received by a steering rod. The opening is displaced from a longitudinal axis of the threaded shank by a distance that provides clearance between the offset housing and a spindle assembly during articulation of the spindle assembly during steering. A rear backstop and a front snap-ring in a groove retain the casing within the opening. A bore extending through the ball receives a bolt that fixates the ball between parallel prongs of the spindle assembly. A misalignment spacer on each side of the ball provides clearance for rotation of the ball within the offset housing.

Abstract: A cutting unit comprising a cutting drum, a drum knife, a counterpart knife, and a double-joint controller that controls swiveling about a first joint, which swivels the counterpart knife between a cutting position and a waiting position, and swiveling about a second joint, which permits adjustment of a knife gap that forms between the counterpart knife and the drum knife in the cutting position. The drum knife is disposed on a circumference of the drum such that rotation of the drum guides the drum knife past the counterpart knife to cut a label when the counterpart knife is in the cutting position. In the waiting position, the counterpart knife is out of active engagement with the drum knife. The second joint permits adjustment of the knife gap such that the knife gap remains adjusted independently of swiveling about the first joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an offset tie rod joint for vehicle steering systems. The offset tie rod joint comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing that is disposed in an opening of an offset housing. A threaded shank fixedly coupled with the offset housing is received by a steering rod. The opening is displaced from a longitudinal axis of the threaded shank by a distance that provides clearance between the offset housing and a spindle assembly during articulation of the spindle assembly during steering. A rear backstop and a front snap-ring in a groove retain the casing within the opening. A bore extending through the ball receives a bolt that fixates the ball between parallel prongs of the spindle assembly. A misalignment spacer on each side of the ball provides clearance for rotation of the ball within the offset housing.

Abstract: A spring-damper assembly includes a damper, a coil spring disposed axially about the damper and directly or indirectly engaging an upper spring seat and a lower spring seat. A spherical support is disposed about and coupled to the damper or strut and is in contact with the upper spring seat or the lower spring seat, respectively. The spherical support allows relative movement between the spherical support and the associated upper or lower spring seat to provide a self-aligning feature for minimizing side forces exerted by the coil spring on the damper or strut. In one exemplary embodiment, a layer of material is disposed between the spherical support and the associated upper or lower spring seat to facilitate relative movement between the spherical support and the associated upper or lower spring seat.

Abstract: A cable guide device and a wire harness that can allow the mounting position of the wire harness to be lowered. A bracket to be fixed to a fixed portion; a guide end disposed at an end portion of a cable guide that can be bent into a predetermined shape, and held by the bracket; a rotary portion provided on an upper surface side of the guide end in a state of being held by the bracket fixed to the fixed portion, and having an outer surface formed with a curved surface; and an upper flange protruding from the outer surface of the rotary portion substantially in a horizontal direction in the state of being held by the bracket, and configured to enter a groove formed in the bracket.

Abstract: An attitude-supporting apparatus of a wearable robot includes an actuator for generating a hydraulic pressure by a worker's direct manipulation, and a driving unit including, the driving unit including: an inner component and an outer component capable of relatively rotating, and control components for controlling the relative rotations of the inner component and the outer component, wherein a motion of the control components is controlled by receiving the hydraulic pressure generated from the actuator.

Abstract: A mounting device to support and secure a mobile device incorporating a high pixel count camera, comprised of a first rod secured to a support plate, with the first rod connected to a ball and socket joint for rotating the mounting device into at least a 90° configuration, the ball and socket joint connected to a second rod interposed between the ball and socket joint and a pivot mechanism comprising a pivot dial facilitating pivoting around a vertical axis, and terminating in a vice clamp opposed to the support plate, with a third rod interposed between the pivot mechanism and the vice clamp. A removable mount receives a mobile device having an integrated high pixel count camera and camera lens, the removable mount securing the mobile device so as to leave the camera lens unobstructed.

Abstract: A movable bracket includes a fixing component, a covering component, a movable component and a fastening ring. The fixing component includes a main body, a first interposing part and a first screwing part. The first interposing part and the first screwing part are located at the main body. The covering component includes a second interposing part and a first pressing part. The covering component covers the first interposing part to form a pivoting space between the first interposing part and the second interposing part. The covering component has an adjusting groove connected to the pivoting space. The movable component includes a pivotal part and an assembling part that are opposite. The movable component passes through the adjusting groove. The fastening ring includes a ring body, a second pressing part and a second screwing part. The second pressing part is connected to the ring body surrounding the main body.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is presented. The coupling assembly is used to selectively couple a bone screw having an elongate shaft and a head to an elongate rod. The coupling assembly has a coupling element configured to engage the head of a bone screw, as well as the elongate rod. When the elongate rod is engaged by the portion of the top of the coupling element, the coupling element does not extend above a top most portion of elongate rod.

Abstract: The ball joint assembly includes a housing with an open interior and which extends from a closed end to an open end. A stud ball with a ball portion is disposed in the open interior of the housing. A first bearing is also disposed in the open interior and includes first and second contact surfaces which are spaced from one another by a gap. The contact surfaces are in sliding contact with the ball portion of the ball stud, and the first contact surface is semi-spherically curved with a generally constant diameter while the second contact surface is generally cylindrical in shape. A second bearing is disposed in the open interior of the housing and has a third contact surface which is in sliding contact with the ball portion of the stud ball and is biased against the ball portion.

Abstract: A suspension module for the suspension systems of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. The suspension module comprises a suspension module, a bearing housed in the suspension module wherein the bearing is comprised of a spherical bearing in a housing, the spherical bearing being fixed in the suspension module housing by a crimp in the housing. There is a set of two adapter tubes and a retainer ring mounted on the distal end of the suspension module housing to retain the suspension module in a suspension knuckle of a vehicle suspension system. There is also disclosed a crimping tool for placing a crimp in the housing to retain the spherical bearing therein.

Abstract: The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a base body, a ball socket formed in the base body, and a ball pivot having a joint ball which is received in the ball socket. The joint ball is held in the ball socket by a locking ring which has a flange portion bearing upon the base body. The flange portion has an outer periphery formed with a circumferential groove, with a groove flank of the groove providing a welding area. A welding seam running about the flange portion connects the locking ring to the base body.

Abstract: A front lower control arm assembly includes a front lower control arm and a bushing attached to the arm. The bushing has a first central axis. A ball joint is also attached to the arm. The ball joint has a second central axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first central axis.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism, for a working lamp with a housing and a base, including a connecting column, a ball joint, and a seat; wherein a second end of the connecting column extends inside the housing; the ball joint is rotatably mounted inside the seat and a elastic member pushes the ball joint against the seat; furthermore, the connecting column relative to the housing, or the seat relative to the base, can move along the axis of the housing. A certain space may be formed between the ball joint and the seat, thereby ensuring that the ball joint performs stepless rotation of 360 degrees as required and then drives the housing on the connecting column (or seat) and the illuminant in the housing to rotate, subsequently realizing universal illumination conveniently. In the invention, light can be universally adjusted to a required angle and the purpose of reliable positioning can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for a vehicle, capable of improving performance of absorbing forward and backward vibration of a vehicle body and vibration due to distortion force while improving durability. To this end, the present invention provides the single-axis damping joint for connecting chassis components for the vehicle, including: a ball stud including a spherical portion on an axis; bearings disposed so as to induce rotation of the ball stud in an axis direction; a sheet member configured to support an external circumferential surface of the bearing; a buffer member disposed at an external circumferential surface of the sheet member; and an outer pipe configured to protect the sheet member from the outside while being in close contact with the external circumferential surface of the sheet member and coupled to one end of a lower arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric joint, comprising a housing with a through-opening which extends axially along the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric joint, a pivot pin which extends through the through-opening of the housing, an elastomeric body which is fastened to the pivot pin and is arranged radially between the pivot pin and the housing, and with at least one supporting ring which is fastened to the elastomeric body on one end face of the through-opening, wherein a wire ring locks the supporting ring with respect to the housing, with the result that the pivot pin is held in the housing in an axially secured manner.

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly a radial ball joint, includes a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin having a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, the housing having a mounting opening to receive the bearing shell and the ball head, the mounting opening being closed by a housing cover which is fastened to the housing. The bearing shell is deformed by the ball head and the housing cover such that the restoring force resulting from the deformation urges the ball head away from the housing cover and prestresses it against the housing.

Abstract: A ball seat made of a resin material having a recessed spherical surface and an external peripheral surface, a stud ball having a spherical head portion that engages with the recessed spherical surface in a rotatable manner, and a housing that accommodates the ball seat which is inserted from an opening portion toward a bottom surface, and comprises a ball seat insertion unit where an inner peripheral surface is engaged with an external peripheral surface of the ball seat are provided, wherein an external diameter of the external peripheral surface increases from the bottom surface toward the opening portion, and an internal diameter of the inner peripheral surface increases from the bottom surface toward the opening portion.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a ball seat, and the ball seat includes a thermal caulking portion for fixing a ball seat to a housing. The ball seat includes a concave portion having an overhang portion for withstanding a pullout load so as to prevent a ball portion from coming off from the concave portion. The concave portion of the ball seat is formed of polyoxymethylene, and the overhang portion and the thermal caulking portion are formed of a resin, in which glass fiber is added to the polyoxymethylene, so as to be strengthened. Consequently, the pullout load can be increased, and the weight of the ball joint is maintained and the production cost is not greatly increased.

Abstract: A V-shaped torque rod includes an apex joint assembly that is attached to a component of a vehicle using only a single fastener. The apex joint assembly includes a housing, an inner metal, an elastomeric member disposed between the housing and the inner metal and a post that engages the inner metal. The single fastener extends through the inner metal and through the post to secure the apex joint assembly to the vehicle. The post can be a tapered post or the post can be a non-tapered post.

Abstract: A ball joint mechanism includes a ball joint member, a ball socket member and a plurality of elastic assemblies. The ball joint member has a head portion. The ball socket member defines a spherical engaging socket and a plurality of mounting holes communicating with the spherical engaging socket. The head portion of the ball joint member is assembled into and pivotally engages with the corresponding spherical engaging socket of the ball socket member. The plurality of elastic assemblies are assembled within the mounting holes of the ball socket member, respectively, and elastically resist against a periphery of the ball joint member. One or more kinematic chains and a parallel robot using the ball joint mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: A socket (1) for a ball joint (11) allowing transfer of motion from a drive member (3) having a major extension direction (3a) and a spherical end (3b), to at least one driven component (4) rigidly connected to the ball joint (11); and wherein said socket (1) comprises a housing body (2) having an opening (2c) and including a substantially spherical cavity (2a) suitable to house the spherical end (3b), and an elastic element (9) in engagement with the housing body (2) on the opposite side relative to the opening (2c) and able to press the housing body (2) in the direction of the drive member (3).

Abstract: A parallel robot includes a fixed platform, a movable platform, and a plurality of chains positioned in parallel between the fixed platform and the movable platform. Each chain includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a first ball joint, and a second ball joint. The first connecting member connects to the second connecting member with a prismatic joint. The first connecting member connects to the fixed platform via the first ball joint, and the second connecting member connects to the movable platform via the second ball joint. Each of the first and second ball joints includes a ball member, a socket member, and a resilient pressing mechanism. The ball member couples with the socket member. The resilient pressing mechanism is positioned between the ball member and the socket member, applying compression to cause the ball member to tightly contact the socket member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint includes the following steps: a) a bearing shell having a plastic extension is produced; b) a spring element is arranged in a region of the plastic extension; and c) the spring element is fastened to the bearing shell by deformation of the plastic extension. The invention further relates to a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint, including a bearing shell and a spring element, the spring element being non-detachably connected with the bearing shell.

Abstract: A suspension arm may include a metal portion including a hemispherical metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, and a metal connecting portion, one end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal ball housing and the other end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal bushing housing, a bearing, made of synthetic resin material, disposed in and coupled to the metal ball housing, a ball stud, one end of which is disposed in and coupled to the bearing, and a reinforcement member, made of synthetic resin material, wrapping the metal portion and connecting the bearing to the metal ball housing.

Abstract: A ball joint provided with a ball stud having a ball section at one end thereof, a socket for housing the ball section, and an elastically deformable anti-friction seat mounted between the ball section and the socket and rotatably supporting the ball section, wherein the socket and the anti-friction seat have an opening through which the stud section of the ball stud can be inserted in a loose fit condition. Bases and grooves are arranged in the inner surface of the anti-friction seat so as to extend in a direction across the peripheral edge of the opening and be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction extending along the peripheral edge of the opening. Each of the grooves is isolated from the opening by a partition wall extending between bases on opposite sides of the groove. The bases are in spherical contact with the ball section, and the grooves are filled with a lubricating agent.

Abstract: A front lower control arm assembly includes a front lower control arm and a bushing attached to the arm. The bushing has a first central axis. A ball joint is also attached to the arm. The ball joint has a second central axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first central axis.

Abstract: A socket (1) for a ball joint (11) allowing transfer of motion from a drive member (3) having a major extension direction (3a) and a spherical end (3b), to at least one driven component (4) rigidly connected to the ball joint (11); and wherein said socket (1) comprises a housing body (2) having an opening (2c) and including a substantially spherical cavity (2a) suitable to house the spherical end (3b), and an elastic element (9) in engagement with the housing body (2) on the opposite side relative to the opening (2c) and able to press the housing body (2) in the direction of the drive member (3).

Abstract: A ball joint (1) comprising a case (5) having an inner chamber (6) suitable to house a ball head (4), an annular eye (8) external to the case (5), and an elastic body (9) positioned between the case (5) and the eye (8), and having different deformation capacities according to the direction of the forces, the elastic body (9) and the eye (8) being provided with grooves (9a, 10) mutually countershaped and suitable to define a predetermined angular position for insertion of the elastic body (9) between the case (5) and the eye (8), and the case (5) being provided with flanged expansions (11a, 12a) suitable to act as opposite sides to contain and protect the elastic body (9).

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly an axial joint, having a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin with a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, is characterized in that the bearing shell is bent open elastically by the ball head so that the restoring force resulting from its deformation applies a prestress onto the ball head which attempts to press the latter out of the housing.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided for a motor vehicle that has a joint housing (1), in the interior space of which a ball shell (2) is arranged. The ball (3) of a ball pivot (4) is accommodated in the ball shell (2). A sensor device (7), for measuring forces and loads, is arranged on a flexurally elastic printed circuit board (6). The printed circuit board is fastened in the joint housing (1) in a flexurally mobile manner. The sensor device (7) measures deflections and mechanical stresses of the sensor printed circuit board (6). A transmission device introduces forces or a bending moments into the sensor printed circuit board (6) in case of a deformation of the ball shell (2). The process makes possible the permanent determination of the state of wear of the ball and socket joint via measurement of the prestressing force of the ball shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint, particularly a radial ball joint, including a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin having a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, the housing having a mounting opening to receive the bearing shell and the ball head, the mounting opening being closed by a housing cover which is fastened to the housing. The bearing shell is deformed by the ball head and the housing cover such that the restoring force resulting from the deformation urges the ball head away from the housing cover and prestresses it against the housing.

Abstract: The position of a lever is adjustable relative to its bearing via a locking clip that is arranged opposite to a catch. The lever is arranged in a bearing shell with a ball therein in which the lever is arranged so as to be displaceable with the catch attached. The locking clip is guided in the walls of the ball, and the locking of the locking clip and catch in the closed state of the bearing shell forms a positive engagement. The adjustable ball bearing apparatus for shift levers and selector levers compensates for tolerances in the installation of a lever between the ball, the bearing shell, and the axis of the lever.

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly an axial joint, having a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin with a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, is characterized in that the bearing shell is bent open elastically by the ball head so that the restoring force resulting from its deformation applies a prestress onto the ball head which attempts to press the latter out of the housing.

Abstract: This ball joint assembly comprises an external body made of a plastic matrix composite material, in which there is fitted an internal centrepiece with the interposition of a metal rigid hollow insert. This insert delimits, on the one hand, an interior surface collaborating in articulated contact with the exterior surface of the centrepiece and, on the other hand, an exterior surface fixedly attached to the external body by being covered thereby in order to form an interface via which stresses can be transmitted between this insert and this external body. In order to enhance the strength of the aforementioned interface, the exterior surface of the insert is designed to be substantially in the shape of a truncated sphere and is advantageously provided with at least one peripheral groove.

Abstract: A bearing shell for a ball and socket joint has a core made of plastic, which is jacketed by a film at least in some areas.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (2). The ball (7) of a ball pivot (1) is received in the interior space of the joint housing (2) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing (2) includes a ball pivot-side and a housing cover-side housing half (4, 5). The two housing halves (4, 5) have an essentially circumferential axial stop (9). Based on the axial stop (9), the housing halves (4, 5) can be brought into contact with one another in the axial direction in an exactly defined manner. The reproducibility of tolerances in manufacture can be carefully controlled allowing manufacture at a low cost. The specific load-bearing capacity of the ball and socket joint can be increased or the dimensions of the ball and socket joint can be reduced.

Abstract: A joining element for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein the joining element includes a connection member for the pivotable mounting of the first component, and part of the connection member is receivable in at least one aperture of the second component in a predetermined orientation. A fixing mechanism is provided for directly fixing the connection member to the second component when the part of the connection member received in the aperture.

Abstract: A vibration-decoupling coupling element made of an elastically deformable female part and a male part is described. The female part has a fastening area, a decoupling area and a receiving area. The decoupling area is made up of a wall portion expanding away from the fastening area and shaped on the fastening area, a sleeve-shaped wall portion shaped on the receiving area and an annular shoulder wall portion connecting both these wall portions together. The male part has a fastening area and an insertion area. The insertion area is adjusted for the receiving area of the female part in order to form a plug-in connection in the assembled state of the coupling element.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint has a pivot pin accommodated rotatably and tiltably with a spherical joint area in a bearing shell. The bearing shell is in turn arranged in the recess of a joint housing. A closing ring fixes the bearing shell in the joint housing in the axial longitudinal direction of the pivot pin by at least one surface pair. Corresponding to a first solution variant, an intermediate element made of an elastic material may be arranged between the corresponding contact surfaces of the surface pair on the bearing shell and the closing ring. As an alternative an insert element may be arranged between the outer contour of the bearing shell and the bottom area of the recess, wherein at least one intermediate element made of an elastic material is arranged between the outer surface of the insert element and the corresponding inner surface of the recess.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting first and second members through a sealing member sandwiched therebetween includes a position adjustment portion which adjusts a position of the first member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the second member with respect to the sealing member arranged on the second member, a reference portion which is provided to the second member and has a reference surface substantially perpendicular to the surface of the second member, and a pressing portion which presses the first member in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the second member against the reference surface of the reference portion. A positioning member is provided to the first member and comes into contact with the reference surface of the reference portion, with the positioning member being position-adjustable with respect to a reference position of the first member.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling for removably interconnecting a first structural member and a second structural member comprises a resiliently deformable female coupling part adapted to be inserted into a socket at the first structural member such that it is retained therein. The female coupling part comprises a ball-shaped cup, an intermediate annular wall integral with said ball-shaped cup and serving as a guide portion, and a tubular external wall integral with said annular intermediate wall. The external wall surrounds at least a part of the ball-shaped cup in spaced relation thereto and engages a peripheral wall of the socket when the female coupling part is inserted into the socket. A male coupling part comprises a ball-shaped head and a fixing portion for securing the male coupling part to the second structural member. The intermediate annular wall of the female coupling part is of an undulated shape at least in a certain area thereof.

Abstract: An elastic chassis bearing in utility vehicles is provided as a joint as such for the elastic mechanical connection of two machine parts especially in the construction of vehicles, having a claw (connection part) 1 and a housing (13, 14). The claw (1) has a middle area (4) and two end areas (2). The claw is a rotationally symmetrical turned part, and the housing (13, 14) includes at least two bushes 5, 6, 7; 7, 15 inserted concentrically one into another, which together define a hollow cylinder and an intermediate space (8, 9, 16). The intermediate space is filled with an elastic material, so that the claw 1 enclosed by the innermost bush 5, 15 is cardanically movable in relation to the bush 7 or the other bushes 6, 7 of the housing 13, 14.

Abstract: A process for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics during the manufacture of a plastic shell, especially a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein liquefied plastic is introduced between an inner mold (3) and an outer mold (2) in order to be cured therein, wherein the plastic is partially fixed on the outer mold (2) during the curing. This process can be preferably used in a device for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics, which has a casting mold, which accommodates at least one outer mold (2) and an inner mold (3) inserted into same, wherein the liquefied plastic (1) to be molded can be introduced between the mold parts (2, 3), wherein means for fixing the liquid plastic (1) are formed on the outer mold (2).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for a rocker pendulum of a motor vehicle, is provided with a housing (1), which is open on at least one side and into the interior space (2) of which a bearing shell (3) is inserted, which in turn accommodates a joint ball (4) of a ball pivot (5) in a slidingly movable manner. The interior space (2) has elevations and/or depressions (7) along its inner jacket surface (6) or a polygonal cross section, so that the bearing shell (3), which is provided with an oversize in relation to the inner jacket surface (6), can be inserted into the housing (1) in a positive-locking manner while its outer surface undergoes a partial plastic deformation. The inner jacket surface (6) may have pressure zones (19) which shorten the effective length of the elevations and/or depressions (7).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, is provided, wherein the ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (4) provided with a joint opening (6) as well as a ball pivot (3). The ball pivot (3) includes a joint ball (1) and a pivot (2). The ball pivot (3) is mounted with its joint ball (1) rotatably and pivotably in the ball-and-socket joint housing (4) and protrudes with its pivot (2) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (4). A separate closing element (10), which closes a mounting opening (9) provided in the ball-and-socket joint housing at least partially, and at which at least one electronic component (11) is arranged, is fastened to the ball-and-socket joint housing (4).

Abstract: A low insertion force snap together automotive coupler for the suspension of a vehicle includes a spherical bearing insert having a first end, a second end, a pocket adapted to engage a ball stud that is integrally formed onto a suspension component, and an axially extending annular flange. The coupler further includes a receiver adapted to receive the spherical bearing insert after the spherical bearing insert has been placed to a ball stud and to engage the flange to secure the spherical bearing insert within the receiver. The pocket within the spherical bearing insert is shaped such that an axial force tending to pull the ball stud out of the pocket will result in a radial force exerted upon the flange, thereby causing additional force to keep the flange engaged within the receiver.

Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is provided that includes an optical element, which is connected to a support element by at least one ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint has a spherical ball and a spherical socket. The socket encloses the ball with socket segments and is inserted together with the ball into a receptacle, and contacts, via its socket segments, the inside of the receptacle. The socket contacts the bottom of the receptacle with a base, and has on the other side freestanding elastic socket segments that enclose the ball. Elastic detent elements of the receptacle engage behind the base of the socket and retain the socket axially in the receptacle.