DE102011079263B4 - Connecting arrangement for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a structural component (16) comprising a connection region (15), a joint comprising a bearing element (4) and a joint (3) which is movably mounted in this and extends out of this in an axial direction (11). 5), the bearing element (4) forms an insert together with the connecting portion (15), and a casting (19) produced by encapsulating the insert and enclosing this, from which the structural component (16) and the inner joint part (3) extend out , characterized in that the structural component (16) abuts with its connecting region (15) on the bearing element (4) such that a force is transmitted between the structural component (16) and the bearing element (4) without the casting (19) is interposed.

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a structural component comprising a connection region, a joint which is movably mounted in the latter and extends out of it in an axial direction, the bearing element of which forms an insert together with the connection region, and a casting produced by encapsulating the insert and surrounding it, from which the structural component and the inner joint part extend.

The DE 10 2005 034 210 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a ball joint formed of a pivot pin having a ball joint formed at one end, a joint housing receiving the ball joint, and a substantially spherical joint shell disposed between the ball and the joint housing, wherein the joint housing is produced in a spraying or casting process , in which the joint ball is surrounded with the attached joint shell with a metallic material or a plastic. Further, the joint housing is provided in the course of the injection or casting process with a shaft for connection to other units by a tube or a rod is molded around.

Such a ball joint, also referred to as a hybrid ball joint, usually consists of two subcomponents, of which a first subcomponent forms a ball joint unit with ball stud and bearing element and a second subcomponent forms a structural component (in the abovementioned case the shaft). The two subcomponents are connected with the help of an additional element by a Montagegussprozess (injection molding, die-casting, etc.) form-fitting with each other, which thus forms a casting.

However, with current hybrid ball joints, there is the problem that the maximum transmissible forces are not large enough for all purposes.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to be able to increase the transferable forces between the joint and the structural component in a connection arrangement of the type mentioned.

This object is achieved by a connection arrangement according to claim 1 and by method according to claim 13. Preferred developments of the connection arrangement are given in the subclaims and in the following description.

The connection arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, has a structural component comprising a connection region, a bearing element and a joint which is movably mounted in this and extends out of this in an axial direction and whose bearing element forms an insert together with the connection region. and a cast part produced by casting around the insert and enclosing it, from which the structural component and the inner joint part extend, wherein the structural component bears directly against the bearing element with its connecting region.

Due to the direct contact of the structural component with the bearing element forces between the structural component and the bearing element can be transmitted directly without the casting is interposed. Possible deformations or inhomogeneities of the casting thus have less influence on the power transmission, so that higher forces between the joint and the structural component are transferable. In particular, the casting process has less influence on the quality of the joint storage. Also, a lower temperature dependence of the power transmission from the material of the casting can be achieved. Furthermore, the connection arrangement can be easily mounted and is inexpensive to produce.

The bearing element is preferably fixed, in particular rigid, connected to the connection region. For example, the bearing element is enclosed by the connection region, such that the bearing element and connection region can not be rotated or moved relative to one another.

Preferably, the connection area runs around the bearing element. Preferably, the connection area lies peripherally directly on the bearing element. This is e.g. in the transfer of radial forces between the joint and the structural component advantageous. In particular, one or any direction which is transverse to the axial direction is referred to as radial. Preferably, the joint is associated with a longitudinal central axis which extends in the axial direction. In particular, the connection region runs around the longitudinal center axis of the joint.

The connecting region preferably comprises or forms a joint receptacle in which the bearing element is seated, preferably firmly seated. The joint receptacle is advantageously in direct contact with the bearing element. The joint receptacle preferably runs around the longitudinal central axis of the joint and / or around the bearing element. Preferably is the hinge mount circumferentially directly to the bearing element. The joint receptacle is for example annular, sleeve-shaped or cup-shaped.

Preferably, the bearing element in the axial direction on or in the connecting region and / or on or in the joint receptacle, in particular form-fitting, secured (rotation). For this purpose, the connecting region and / or the joint receptacle preferably overlaps the bearing element in the axial direction, in particular on one side or on both sides. The bearing element can be secured on or in the connection region and / or on or in the joint receptacle in the axial direction on one side or on both sides, in particular in a form-fitting manner. For example, the connection area and / or the joint receptacle encloses the bearing element in the axial direction. The form-fitting can be ensured by existing partially outside of the bearing element and raised or recessed formed geometries, which is encompassed by encapsulated or encapsulating material. The geometries can be deepened e.g. be formed as grooves, grooves line-shaped or raised raised round, oval, rectangular or cuboid.

As an alternative or in addition to the positive connection of the bearing element and connecting region and / or joint receptacle, it can be surrounded with a bonding agent prior to encapsulation of the bearing element, e.g. by brushing or spraying. After encapsulation, an even better adhesion can be achieved.

According to one embodiment of the connection arrangement, the connection region and / or the joint receptacle comprises or forms a pot receiving the bearing element, which is preferably open in the axial direction. In particular, the inner joint part extends out of the pot through this opening of the pot. At the opposite end of this opening axial end of the pot, the pot is preferably closed by a bottom. Preferably, the pot has a peripheral to the bearing element and in particular directly adjacent to this wall, which preferably runs around the longitudinal center axis of the joint. In particular, the wall overlaps the bearing element in the axial direction, for example on one side or on both sides. Preferably, the wall extends at least partially curved relative to the axial direction, inclined or perpendicular and / or tapers at least partially in the axial direction. Thus, the bearing element in the axial direction can be positively fixed in the pot. In particular, the bearing element is secured by positive engagement axially on one side or both sides in the pot. The or one of the axial fuses can also be formed by the bottom of the pot.

According to a development of the connection arrangement, the connection region and / or the joint receiver is annular. In particular, the connecting region and / or the joint receptacle has an axially projecting and / or bent around the bearing element and preferably directly adjoining the inner edge. The inner edge preferably runs around the longitudinal center axis of the joint. In particular, the inner edge overlaps the bearing element in the axial direction. Advantageously, the inner edge extends to the axial direction at least partially curved, inclined or perpendicular and / or tapers at least partially in the axial direction. Thus, the bearing element in the axial direction can be positively secured to the inner edge. In particular, the bearing element is axially secured on one side or at least axially on one side by the form lock on the inner edge.

The casting is preferably fixed, in particular rigid, connected to the structural component and / or to the bearing element and / or to the insert. For example, the casting is in direct contact both with the bearing element and with the connection area. Alternatively, the insert can also be in direct contact only with the connection area with the casting.

According to one embodiment of the connection arrangement, the bearing element is connected to the connection region by means of the casting. Advantageously, the bearing element and the connection area are positively connected to each other by means of the casting.

The casting in particular forms a one-piece body, in the material of which the insert is preferably embedded. Advantageously, the casting forms a material-homogeneous or substantially material-homogeneous body. The insert is preferably embedded in a form-fitting manner in the material of the casting. The casting is preferably made of plastic or metal. For example, the casting is an injection molded part, a diecast part, or manufactured by another suitable casting method.

The inner joint part is assigned in particular a longitudinal central axis. Preferably, the inner joint part is rotationally symmetrical or substantially rotationally symmetrical to a rotational axis, which preferably coincides with the longitudinal central axis of the inner joint part. The inner joint part is preferably made of metal, in particular of steel.

According to one embodiment of the connection arrangement, the inner joint part forms a pivot area comprising a bearing area which cooperates with its storage area is arranged in the bearing element. Preferably, the storage area forms a joint ball, so that the pivot pin preferably forms a ball stud. The joint thus forms in particular a ball joint. Preferably, the bearing element encloses the storage area. The bearing element is formed for example as a bearing shell or spherical shell. The connecting region and / or the joint receptacle preferably overlaps the bearing region in the axial direction, in particular on one side or on both sides. For example, the connection area and / or the joint receptacle surrounds the storage area in the axial direction.

Preferably, the bearing element is rotationally symmetrical or substantially rotationally symmetrical to a rotational axis, which preferably coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the joint. In particular, the bearing element comprises a hollow spherical bearing surface on which a spherical outer surface of the ball joint slidably bears. The bearing element is preferably made of plastic. The plastic may be filled with fibers, e.g. be added with glass fibers and / or carbon fibers, by which the strength of the bearing element can be increased. Alternatively, the plastic is free of fibers.

Preferably, the structural component and the inner joint part extend in different directions out of the cast-iron rope. In particular, the inner joint part extends in the axial direction out of the casting. The structural component preferably extends out of the casting transversely or obliquely to the axial direction. Preferably, the casting extends in or in the region of a plane out of the casting, which extends transversely to the axial direction and through the center of the ball joint. This is advantageous for transmitting radial forces between the joint and the structural component.

The structural component is preferably made of metal, in particular of steel. For example, the structural component consists of sheet metal. Alternatively, the structural component may comprise a pipe or a rod. For example, the structural component is an elongated or polygonal body. In particular, the structural component extends outside of the casting away from the joint, preferably transversely or obliquely to the axial direction. The structural component may be rotationally symmetrical or substantially rotationally symmetrical, e.g. if it includes a pipe or a pole. Alternatively, however, the structural component can not form a rotational body.

The structural component is preferably at a distance from the joint and / or to the casting with one or at least one component, preferably fixed, connected or connectable. In particular, the structural component is designed to transmit forces between the joint and the component. The component is preferably a vehicle component. For example, the component is defined by a vehicle body, a chassis, another articulation, such as a car seat. another ball joint, an elastomeric bearing, a tie rod, a roll stabilizer, a Radlenker, a wheel or any other chassis component formed. Preferably, the component to the joint and / or to the bearing element and / or to the inner joint part and / or to the casting at a distance.

On the structural component and / or on the bearing element and / or on the casting, one or at least one sealing element is preferably fastened, which extends up to the inner joint part and preferably rests sealingly against it. In particular, the sealing element bears against the inner joint part in a region which lies outside the bearing element and / or outside the casting. The sealing element is preferably a sealing bellows.

The invention further relates to a method for producing the connection arrangement, wherein the inner joint part is movably mounted in the bearing element and the connection region of the structural component is brought into direct contact with the bearing element, before the insert formed from the bearing element and the connection region encapsulated with a pourable and hardenable material which forms the casting after its curing. The encapsulation of the insert with the castable and curable material is carried out, for example, by an injection molding method, by a die casting method or by another suitable casting method. The connection arrangement can be developed according to all the embodiments explained.

• 1 einen Schnitt durch eine Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht der Verbindungsanordnung nach 1 und
• 3 einen Schnitt durch eine Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

The invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. In the drawing show:

• 1 a section through a connection arrangement according to a first embodiment,
• 2 a schematic side view of the connection arrangement according to 1 and
• 3 a section through a connection assembly according to a second embodiment.

Out 1 is a sectional view of a connection assembly 1 according to a first embodiment, wherein a joint ball 2 comprehensive ball stud 3 with his joint ball 2 in a trained as a spherical shell bearing element 4 is mounted rotatably and pivotally. The ball stud 3 and the bearing element 4 and thus form a ball joint 5 whose ball stud 3 forms an inner joint part. The bearing element 4 includes one inner space 6 and a pin hole 7 through which the interior 6 is accessible. The ball stud 3 sits with his joint ball 2 in the interior 6 and extends through the pin opening 7 through from the bearing element 4 out. The the interior 6 bounding wall 8th of the bearing element 4 has a hollow spherical bearing surface 9 on, at the a spherical outer surface 10 the joint ball 2 slippery.

The ball joint 5 is one in an axial direction 11 extending longitudinal central axis 12 assigned. Furthermore, the ball stud 3 a longitudinal central axis 13 assigned according to the 1 apparent position of the ball stud 3 with the longitudinal center axis 12 coincides. The bearing element 4 is rotationally symmetric to the longitudinal central axis 12 educated. Further, the ball stud 3 rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal central axis 13 educated.

The outer surface 14 of the bearing element 4 is curved and follows in wide areas approximately the bearing surface 9 , A connection area 15 a structural component 16 is annular, runs around the longitudinal central axis 12 around and surrounds the bearing element 4 , An inner edge 17 of the connection area 15 is axially in the direction of the pin opening 7 bent and lies all around directly on the bearing element 4 at. The connection area 15 thus forms a joint receptacle in which the ball joint 5 with its bearing element 4 and the ball of the ball 2 sitting. Furthermore, the inner edge 17 formed curved in the axial direction and follows the outer surface 14 so that the connection area 15 in the axial direction 11 with increasing distance to the center 18 the joint ball 2 rejuvenated. Thus, the connection area overlaps 15 with its inner edge 17 the bearing element 4 and the joint ball 2 axially, so the ball joint 5 in the axial direction 11 positively at the connection area 15 is secured.

The bearing element 4 and the connection area 15 Together they form an insert, which is cast in a mold 19 is embedded. The casting 19 connects the bearing element 4 and the connection area 15 positively with each other and is made by molding the insert with a pourable and curing material, which after curing the casting 19 forms. The casting 19 stands in direct contact with the bearing element 4 and with the connection area 15 , Furthermore, the casting comprises 19 a pin opening 20 through which passes the ball stud 3 from the casting 19 extends out. The pin opening 20 is dimensioned such that the ball stud 3 at least one through the center 18 extending axis can pivot, not with the longitudinal center axis 12 coincides. Furthermore, the structural component consisting of sheet metal extends 16 at the level of the center 18 transverse to the axial direction 11 from the casting 19 out.

The bearing element 4 is up to the pin opening 7 or at least on its the pin opening 7 formed closed opposite side, so that no material in the interior when Umgießen 6 of the bearing element 4 can penetrate. Because the joint ball 2 a flattening 29 has, the bearing element could 4 in the area of this flattening 29 be pressed in while pouring. For this reason, the bearing element 4 on his the pin opening 7 facing away from a reinforcement 30 on, which withstands the pressure during encapsulation and an impression of the bearing element 4 prevented in this area. The reinforcement 30 preferably forms a survey on the outer surface 14 of the bearing element 4 and is preferably conical.

Out 2 is a schematic side view of the connection assembly 1 can be seen, wherein on the structural component 16 at a distance to the joint 5 a second joint 21 is attached. Further, the ball stud 3 with a first vehicle component 22 firmly connected. The joint 21 includes a fixed to the structural component 16 connected housing 23 and in this movably mounted inner joint part 24 , which with a second vehicle component 25 is firmly connected. The two vehicle components 22 and 25 are thus by means of the connection arrangement 1 hinged together. The connection arrangement 1 forms, for example, a handlebar or a pendulum support.

Out 3 is a sectional view through a connection assembly 1 according to a second embodiment, wherein identical or similar features to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the connection area comprises 15 a pot 27 in which the bearing element 4 is arranged. The pot 27 thus forms a joint receptacle in which the ball joint 5 with its bearing element 4 and the ball of the ball 2 sitting.

The bearing element 4 is in the axial direction 11 in three areas 32 . 33 and 34 divided, of which two areas axial end portions 33 and 34 form a third area and a middle area 32 forms axially between the end portions 33 and 34 is arranged and in the axial direction 11 at the level of the center 18 the joint ball 2 lies. The outer surface 14 of the bearing element 4 is in the middle range 32 cylindrically shaped and tapers in the end regions 33 and 34 with increasing axial distance to the center 18 , The wall 28 of the pot 27 lies directly on the bearing element 4 and follows the course of the outer surface 14 so that the wall 28 two axial end areas 36 and 37 and one in the axial direction 11 at the level of the center 18 arranged, cylindrical central region 35 comprising, axially between the end portions 36 and 37 lies with increasing axial distance to the center 18 rejuvenate. The wall 28 thus overlaps the bearing element 4 and the joint ball 2 in the axial direction 11 on both sides, so that the ball joint 5 with the bearing element 4 and the ball of the ball 2 positive fit in the pot 27 is secured. Furthermore, the pot includes 27 a floor 31 and one to the ground 31 axially opposite pin opening 26 through which passes the ball stud 3 out of the pot 27 extends out.

The pot 27 is in a casting 19 embedded, which by pouring the pot 27 is made with a pourable and hardenable material, which after curing the casting 19 forms. Furthermore, the bearing element 4 on his the pin opening 7 open side formed opposite. This is possible because of the soil 31 of the pot 27 when encapsulating a penetration of material into the interior 6 of the bearing element 4 prevented. Furthermore, the pot points 27 such a strength that it withstands the pressure during encapsulation and does not deform. In contrast to the first embodiment is according to the second embodiment, the bearing element 4 not in direct contact with the casting 19 ,

Apart from these differences, the second embodiment substantially coincides with the first embodiment, so that reference is made to the description of the first embodiment for further description of the second embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

joint assembly

2

joint ball

3

Inner joint part / ball stud

4

bearing element

5

ball joint

6

Interior of the bearing element

7

Pintle opening of the bearing element

8th

Wall of the bearing element

9

Bearing surface of the bearing element

10

Outer surface of the joint ball

11

axial direction

12

Longitudinal central axis of the ball joint

13

Longitudinal axis of the ball stud

14

Outer surface of the bearing element

15

Connection area of the structural component

16

structural component

17

Inner edge of the connection area

18

Center of the joint ball

19

casting

20

Spigot of the casting

21

joint

22

first vehicle component

23

joint housing

24

Inner race

25

second vehicle component

26

Pintle opening of the pot

27

pot

28

Wall of the pot

29

Flattening of the joint ball

30

Reinforcement of the bearing element

31

Bottom of the pot

32

Area of the bearing element

33

Area of the bearing element

34

Area of the bearing element

35

Area of the wall

36

Area of the wall

37

Area of the wall

Claims (13)

Connection arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a structural component (16) comprising a connection region (15), a joint comprising a bearing element (4) and a joint (3) which is movably mounted in this and extends out of this in an axial direction (11). 5), the bearing element (4) forms an insert together with the connecting portion (15), and a casting (19) produced by encapsulating the insert and enclosing this, from which the structural component (16) and the inner joint part (3) extend out , characterized in that the structural component (16) abuts with its connecting region (15) on the bearing element (4) such that a force is transmitted between the structural component (16) and the bearing element (4) without the casting (19) is interposed. Connecting arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the connecting region (15) to the bearing element (4) rotates and circumferentially rests against this. Connecting arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the connecting region (15) comprises an annular, sleeve-shaped or cup-shaped joint receptacle, in which the bearing element (4) is seated. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting region (15) comprises a bearing element (4) receiving and open in the axial direction pot (27). Connecting arrangement according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the pot (27) around the bearing element (4) encircling, directly adjacent thereto and opposite the axial direction (11) at least partially curved or inclined wall (28) extending, which the bearing element (4) in axial direction (11) overlaps. Connecting arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the connecting region (15) is annular and has an axially projecting, around the bearing element (4) encircling and adjoining this inner edge (17). Connecting arrangement according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the inner edge (17) with respect to the axial direction (11) at least partially curved or inclined and the bearing element (4) in the axial direction (11) overlaps. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing element (4) and the connecting region (15) by means of the casting (19) are interconnected. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casting (19) forms a one-piece body, in the material of which the insert is embedded. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner joint part (3) forms a ball stud comprising a ball joint (2) which sits with its ball joint (2) in which the bearing element (4) surrounds it. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural component (15) and the inner joint part (3) extend in different directions out of the cast iron cable (19). Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural component (15) at a distance from the joint (5) with at least one component (21) fixedly connected or connectable and for transmitting forces between the joint (5) and the component ( 21) is designed. Method for producing a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner joint part (3) is movably mounted in the bearing element (4) and the connecting region (15) of the structural component (16) is brought into contact with the bearing element (4), before the insert formed from the bearing element (4) and the connecting region (15) is encapsulated with a pourable and hardenable material which forms the cast part (19) after it has hardened.

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