DE102012106118B3 - One-piece Cardan joint component for transferring torques and rotational movements in e.g. motor car manufacturing application, has fork-type joint arranged at end section, and connecting flange arranged at another opposite end section - Google Patents

Abstract

The component has a fork-type joint (11) arranged at an end section. A connecting flange (12) is arranged at another opposite end section. The component is formed from a fiber-plastic-composite material. Fibers of the material in component sections include different fiber orientations, respectively. The predominant fibers of different fiber types are arranged in respective composite material regions. The fiber types are different relative to fiber lengths. One of the component sections includes an outer edge region of the joint. The other section includes an inner region of the joint. The fork-type joint is a flange-side fork-type joint. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a joint shaft arrangement (2) a method for manufacturing a one-piece joint component.

Description

The invention relates to technologies in the field of propeller shafts.

background

Cardan shafts are usually used for the transmission of torques or rotational movements, be it for example in general mechanical engineering or especially in vehicle construction. In one embodiment, the propeller shaft has a tubular cardan shaft body, at the end of which at least one yoke is arranged, which is usable to produce a propeller shaft assembly in which a joint is integrated in the propeller shaft, such that the joint including the yoke on the propeller shaft body is arranged.

For the purpose of Gewichtsredzierung has been proposed to replace metallic propeller shafts by propeller shafts, in which the tubular cardan shaft body consists of a fiber-plastic composite material (FKV, Composite Material). Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) are used in particular as fiber-plastic composite materials.

In the propeller shaft different types of joints can be integrated, which can for example also allow compensation of angular misalignment and / or axial misalignment in installation and operating condition. Cardan joints, rubber disc washers, constant velocity joints, multi-plate clutches and the like belong in particular to the joint types.

If the tubular cardan shaft body is made of a fiber-plastic composite material, then a particular challenge is to functionally produce the transition to the joint. Is the joint to be integrated metal, so takes place in the region of the connection of the joint to the tubular drive shaft body, a change of the material, namely from the fiber-plastic composite material to the metal. In the document DE 30 07 896 A1 is a connection connection for fiber plastic tubes, in particular hollow shafts of motor vehicles, described, which deals with this problem. There is provided there a longitudinally toothed interference fit. A disadvantage of this technology is the need for an overlap region for the introduction of force between the tubular drive shaft body of the fiber-plastic composite material and the metallic connector, wherein due to the required joint pressure, a relatively high wall thickness of the metallic connector is necessary. This leads to a fairly high weight of the force introduction area. In addition, the production of a suitable interference fit due to low tolerances, the production of splines and the joining process with high forces is expensive.

Due to the high local forces between the yoke on the tubular shaft body on the one hand and the articulated cross coupling thereto on the other hand, the joint forks in metallic joints, such as universal joints, a fairly high wall thickness and are correspondingly heavy. However, this metallic tubular cardan shaft body in a purely metallic cardan shaft requires only a much smaller wall thickness for torque transmission. In terms of production technology, this usually results in drawn tubes and forged joint forks, which are connected to one another by means of welding processes. For small series and individual pieces, the joint forks are also produced by machining from solid material. This is associated with high costs, especially for a forging tool but also for the machining and the joining process. Overall, metallic joint forks are relatively expensive components.

A weight reduction could be achieved by making the joint fork arranged on the tubular cardan shaft body of the cardan shaft of a fiber composite material. The document DE 10 2009 026 013 A1 suggests in this context, first to produce the yoke separately from the tubular cardan shaft body in the form of two fork halves. As a manufacturing method for the separate production of the two fork halves, the fiber winding technique and the pressing or injection process for producing a fiber composite material may be mentioned. The two fork halves are each designed as a fiber composite bending beam and then mounted with the aid of a clamping ring on the tubular cardan shaft body end. The manufacturing process requires a separate manufacturing of the tubular drive shaft body on the one hand and the yoke on the other hand, which is also designed in several parts beyond. The separately produced parts of the PTO shaft must then be joined together.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide new technologies in the field of propeller shafts, which consist at least partially of a fiber-plastic composite material, with which an effort-reduced and more cost-effective production of propeller shafts or parts thereof is possible. In addition, the components should have the lowest possible weight.

This object is achieved by a one-piece joint component according to the independent claim 1. Furthermore, a propeller shaft assembly according to independent claim 8 and a method for producing a joint member according to independent claim 9 are provided. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent subclaims.

There is provided a one-piece hinge member made of a fiber-plastic composite material, which has a joint arranged at one end of a fork and a joint arranged at an opposite end connecting flange. With the aid of the yoke, the one-piece joint component can be coupled to a coupling component of a joint, in particular a universal joint, so as to be integrated into the joint. On the other hand, the one-piece joint component can be connected via the connecting flange arranged on the opposite side to components or elements which are intended to couple to a joint. In that regard, the one-piece joint component may also be referred to as a flange-side joint component.

According to another aspect, a cardan shaft assembly is provided with the one-piece hinge member. In the propeller shaft assembly, a joint-shaft-side joint component is arranged on an axially extending propeller shaft end. This is coupled to a joint coupling element, for example a spider, which on the other hand couples to the flange-side joint component, so that the propeller shaft is provided with a joint, in particular a universal joint.

Furthermore, a method for producing a joint component is provided, in which the joint component is produced at an end portion with a yoke and an opposite end portion with a connecting flange and as a one-piece component made of a fiber-plastic composite material.

A preferred embodiment provides a first component portion in which fibers of the fiber-plastic composite have a first fiber orientation and a second component portions in which fibers of the fiber-plastic composite have a second fiber orientation different from the first fiber orientation. The respective fiber orientation is expediently formed as a preferred orientation, in which a predominant proportion of the fibers, for example at least 50%, are aligned substantially in accordance with the preferred orientation. A possible fiber orientation is also characterized in that a random or disordered orientation of the fibers is formed in the component section. In this case, then preferably at least 50% of the fibers have a random orientation.

In an expedient embodiment, a first composite material region, in which mainly fibers of a first type of fiber are arranged, and a second composite material region may be provided, in which predominantly fibers of a second type of fiber are arranged, which is different from the first type of fiber. The first and second types of fibers may differ in one or more fiber properties. This includes, for example, the material from which the fibers are made. For example, carbon fibers and glass fibers can be used. But also a variation in the thickness of fibers made of the same material can lead to the distinction of fiber types.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the first and the second type of fiber differ at least with regard to the fiber length. For example, on the one hand continuous fibers and on the other hand long fibers can be used as different types of fibers. In contrast to long fibers, continuous fibers are fibers with a length that extends over the entire structural length of the component. Long fibers may, for example, have a length between about 0.5 cm and about 5 cm.

Preferably, a further development provides that the first component section comprises an outer edge region of the joint fork and the second component section comprises an inner region of the joint fork. The inner region of the yoke may be provided with one or more apertures, which may also be referred to as a pin eye. The breakthrough serves, for example, the inclusion of a joint coupling component, in particular a spider. It can then be provided that fibers in the hole or eye near area have a preferred orientation in the radial direction.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the first composite material region comprises the outer edge region of the joint fork and the second composite material region the inner region of the joint fork. In one embodiment, predominantly or exclusively endless fiber strands are arranged in the outer edge region of the yoke. This makes it possible to form a loop-like reinforcement of the plastic material in the outer region. In the inner region of the yoke, for example, around the breakthrough, long fibers are preferably introduced, which may have, for example, a random orientation.

A further development can provide that the joint component is designed as a fiber-plastic press component. In the production of the one-piece joint component, it may be provided to introduce a fiber-plastic molding compound into a molding tool in one or more press-molding steps and to apply pressure to the molding, for example using a stamp and / or a pressing component. It can be provided that fibers are inserted into the mold cavity before the introduction of the fiber-plastic molding compound, which then combine with the fiber-plastic molding compound.

In the process of producing the one-piece joint component, it may be provided that the previously hardened molded part be reworked, for example by machining to introduce, for example, one or more openings, in particular holes, which will be the case both in the area of the joint fork and in the area of the flange connection can. In the region of the yoke, one or more pin bosses can be created in this way, thereby creating a receiving device for a joint coupling part, for example a spider. One or more holes may be provided in the area of the flange connection so as to prepare the flange connection for a screw or bolt connection.

The one-piece joint member may be combined with a propeller shaft having an axially extending propeller shaft body and a yoke disposed end to the propeller shaft body. Pivot shaft body and yoke are connected to each other via a rotationally locking connection, in which the formation of the connection a shaft body side connecting element and a fork-side connecting element are interconnected. The shaft-body-side connecting element on the cardan shaft body and / or the fork-side connecting element on the yoke are formed as a fiber-plastic pressing element.

The PTO shaft may be manufactured by a method in which an axially extending PTO shaft body having a shaft body side connector and a yoke having a fork side connector are provided. Cardan shaft body and yoke are then connected together by means of a rotational connection. In the rotational connection, the yoke is arranged end to the propeller shaft body. The shaft-body-side connecting element and the fork-side connecting element are connected to each other in forming the rotational connection. The shaft-body-side connecting element on the cardan shaft body and / or the fork-side connecting element on the hinged fork are produced by means of compression molding and curing of a fiber-plastic molding compound as a fiber-plastic pressing element. It can be provided that the shaft-body-side connecting element and the fork-side connecting element are slidably connected relative to each other in the axial direction, so that, for example, for operational propeller shaft length change, an axial relative movement between the joint fork and the cardan shaft body is made possible.

The PTO shaft described herein may be used in the PTO shaft assembly discussed above.

In the following, further aspects of the propeller shaft, in which the propeller shaft body and the yoke are connected via a rotational connection, and their production are explained.

The rotational connection between the cardan shaft body and the yoke means, in particular, that a rotational movement of the cardan shaft body or yoke forces the co-rotation of the other joint member to transmit a torsional moment. Different materials can be used for the cardan shaft body, including in particular metallic materials or fiber-plastic composite materials. The cardan shaft body is executable as a tubular body.

The shaft-body-side connecting element is preferably produced on an outer surface of the cardan shaft body and then cooperates with a fork-side connecting element which is produced on the inside of the yoke. But also a reverse training can be provided, in which then the fork-side connecting element is made on an outer surface.

A preferred development provides that both the shaft-body-side connecting element on the cardan shaft body and the fork-side connecting element on the yoke are formed as a fiber-plastic pressing element. To form the fiber-plastic pressing element, a fiber-plastic molding compound is used in the various embodiments, in which one or more types of fibers are embedded in a moldable plastic material, which cures after pressing on the respective associated component. For example, carbon fibers and / or glass fibers can be used as fibers. Preferably, the distribution of the fibers in the plastic mass is random.

It can be provided that the shaft-body-side connecting element and the fork-side connecting element are displaceable relative to each other in the rotational connection in the axial direction, so that an axial relative movement between the joint fork and the cardan shaft body is made possible. In this way - when overcoming the connecting elements in the respective relative position to each other securing connection force, which is essentially determined by frictional forces, - allows axial relative movement between the joint fork and propeller shaft body, for example, for purposes of assembly and / or operational propeller shaft length change. The rotationally locked connection between the cardan shaft body and the yoke is designed in this embodiment such that upon occurrence of forces exceeding a constructionally adjustable limit force, the cardan shaft body and yoke are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction, so that the length of the propeller shaft changes. This makes it possible that the PTO shaft flexibly adapts in terms of their length to restrictions during installation and / or to the operating conditions in each case.

In an expedient embodiment, it can be provided that the shaft-body-side connecting element and the fork-side connecting element are provided on mutually associated surfaces with mutually corresponding and at least partially engaged surface structures. In one embodiment, the surface structures are formed with a respective tooth structure, with continuous or interrupted tooth webs preferably extending in the axial direction of the propeller shaft body. It can be provided that the surface structuring on the cardan shaft body and / or on the yoke on the respective surface are made circumferentially.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the rotational connection is made to form one or more centering aids. It may be provided that the one or more centering aids, which may be formed on the cardan shaft body and / or the yoke, circumferentially execute.

Preferably, a further development provides that the cardan shaft body consists of a fiber-plastic composite material. In one embodiment, the cardan shaft body is embodied as a fiber-wound body, for example a tube reinforced with carbon fibers and / or glass fibers.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the yoke consists of a fiber-plastic composite material.

In an expedient embodiment, it may be provided that the shaft-body-side connecting element and / or the fork-side connecting element has, at least in sections, a sliding layer on a surface facing the other connecting element.

In connection with the method for producing the propeller shaft, the embodiments described above may be provided accordingly.

It can be provided, in the propeller shaft, the opposite end in one piece with a yoke.

The one-piece joint component may further be combined with a propeller shaft, in particular universal joint shaft, of a fiber-plastic composite material, in the manufacture of which a tubular cardan shaft body and an articulated fork arranged at the end of the cardan shaft body, which is formed with a receiving device for a joint element, by means of fiber winding process in one piece getting produced.

The propeller shaft, in particular universal joint shaft, is then made of a fiber-plastic composite material and has a tubular cardan shaft body and an end of the hinge shaft body arranged joint fork, which has a receiving device for a joint element, wherein the cardan shaft body and the yoke as a one-piece, fiber-wound component are executed.

Moreover, an articulated shaft arrangement is provided with the articulated shaft, which has a tubular articulated shaft body and an articulated fork end disposed on the articulated shaft body, and a joint, which is formed with the involvement of the yoke, such that one of the articulated fork associated with the articulated shaft body at the articulated shaft body, which is formed with the hinge component described above in various embodiments, articulated via a hinge member to a receiving device which is formed on the yoke, wherein the cardan shaft body and the yoke are designed as a one-piece, fiber-wound component.

The use of the fiber winding method, which is known as such in various embodiments and is also referred to as "filament winding", allows the production of tubular cardan shaft body and joint yoke formed thereon in one step, such that a one-piece, fiber-wound component is produced. Both tubular cardan shaft body and end yoke are made of fiber Plastic composite material, which supports the lowest possible weight of the PTO shaft. The one-piece production by means of fiber coils allows the production of a component in which the integration of the joint coupling in the form of the yoke in the propeller shaft to the tubular cardan shaft body can be produced optimized. The result is a one-piece composite of tubular shaft body on the one hand and yoke on the other hand, which defies low weight meets high mechanical demands. The fiber winding method allows individual adaptation of the manufacturing process to different types of propeller shafts, for example by selecting the fibers used for winding and / or the type of winding of the fibers used in each case. In particular, carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials can be used, but also glass fiber reinforced plastic materials can be used.

Another advantage of the winding method, in contrast to the injection method, is that the raw materials fiber and matrix resin are processed at low cost into a component in one method step. In the injection method, in a first method step, first a flat semifinished textile product (fabric, scrim, mat) must be produced, which is then impregnated in a second method step by injection of the resin in the tool. The material costs are therefore significantly lower in the winding process.

In addition, the fiber winding process requires no multi-part tool, which causes high costs, but only a cylindrical winding core, which is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. As a result, the total tool costs are significantly lower than in the injection or pressing process.

A preferred development provides that at the end, at least in the region of the yoke, a material thickening is produced. By means of the material thickening, the direct transition from the tubular cardan shaft body into the end-side yoke can be carried out. The tubular cardan shaft body has a wall thickness corresponding to its function. In order to take into account the power transmission and the introduction of force in the area of the end joint yoke, a corresponding material thickening can be used. The material thickening can be carried out as a fiber-wound material thickening, which means that additional fibers are wound up in the region of the material thickening.

In an expedient embodiment, it can be provided that fibers are wound locally in the peripheral direction during formation of the material thickening and / or textile semifinished products are loaded locally. The insertion of textile semi-finished products can be used as an alternative or in addition to the fiber-wound in the circumferential direction material thickening. As textile semi-finished products, for example, tissue or so-called multiaxial scrims can be used.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the fiber-plastic composite material is post-processed after curing by machining. By means of machining, for example, edge processing can be carried out. But also the working out of recesses and / or breakthroughs can be provided.

Preferably, a training provides that the receiving device for the joint element is made with opposing pin bosses on the yoke. For example, the pin bosses are used for supporting a joint element, which is a spider, for example, a spider of a universal joint.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for recesses for engaging a joint fork assigned to the joint fork to be formed in the area of the joint fork arranged at the end. In this embodiment, in the region of the end joint yoke of the propeller shaft and / or adjacent thereto recesses are produced, for example by means of subsequent machining, so as to produce a receiving space, in which then engages a yoke, which is assigned to the joint end formed on the joint body in the trainee joint is, so cooperates with this in the joint via one or more of the forks coupling joint elements. For example, the recesses may be in the form of a semicircle or a semi-ellipse.

A development may provide that the end-mounted joint fork is formed circumferentially closed. In this embodiment, the propeller shaft in the region of the end arranged joint fork is made circumferentially closed. So it just lacks recesses, which serve in the joint training the receiving the flange-side yoke. For example, such a hinged fork allows the inclusion of an asymmetric spider on the propeller shaft. The asymmetrical spider has crossed articulated arms of different lengths. The spider thus extends in one direction to a lesser extent than in the transverse direction thereto. The extending in the respective direction from the center of the spider However, articulated arms are symmetrical in the respective direction to the center.

In conjunction with the propeller shaft and the propeller shaft arrangement, the foregoing statements apply accordingly with regard to advantageous embodiments.

In the propeller shaft assembly, the propeller shaft is integrally formed with a joint which is formed with the participation of the tubular cardan shaft end end arranged yoke, for example, such that a flange-side yoke via the joint member, for example, a spider, coupled to the yoke on the tubular cardan shaft body. The flange-side yoke is formed on a connecting flange of the joint, which preferably also consists of a fiber-plastic composite material. It can be provided that the connecting flange is designed with the flange-side yoke as a one-piece molded part.

Description of preferred embodiments

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be explained with reference to figures of a drawing. Hereby show:

1 3 a perspective view of a section of a cardan shaft arrangement with a cardan shaft and a joint formed thereon,

2 a schematic representation of the portion of the propeller shaft assembly 1 from the beginning,

3 a schematic sectional view of the portion of the propeller shaft assembly of the 1 and 2 .

4 a schematic sectional view along a sectional plane through a designed as a symmetrical spider joint element in the propeller shaft assembly of the 1 and 2 .

5 3 a perspective view of a section of a further cardan shaft arrangement with a cardan shaft and a joint formed thereon with an outbreak for better visibility of the spider,

6 a schematic representation of the portion of the further propeller shaft assembly 5 from the beginning,

7 a schematic sectional view of the portion of the further propeller shaft assembly of the 5 and 6 .

8th a schematic sectional view taken along a sectional plane through an executed as an asymmetric spider joint element in the further propeller shaft assembly of the 5 and 6 .

9 a schematic representation of a joint component of a fiber-plastic composite material from the front,

10 a schematic representation of the joint component 9 from above,

11 a schematic representation of a method for producing the joint component of the 9 and 10 showing a preforming tool for preforming with a stamping tool,

12 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein a preformed fiber-plastic molding compound is introduced in the preforming tool,

13 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein the fiber-plastic molding compound is preformed,

14 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein a non-preformed fiber-plastic molding compound is introduced in the preforming tool,

15 1 is a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein a preform for the joint component is shown,

16 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein the preform is introduced in a further pressing tool,

17 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein a semifinished product is shown,

18 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein the means of finishing of the semi-finished in 17 shown hinged component is shown

19 a further schematic representation of the method for producing the joint component, wherein a further representation of the semifinished product from 17 is shown

20 a schematic representation of a portion of a drive shaft body from the front and from the side,

21 a schematic representation of the portion of the propeller shaft body 20 from the front and from the side, wherein a fiber-plastic molding compound is applied for forming a shaft-body-side connecting element,

22 a schematic representation of the portion of the cardan shaft body 21 from the front and from the side, wherein a multi-part mold is shown for forming the shaft-body-side connecting element,

23 a schematic representation of the portion of the cardan shaft body 22 from the front and from the side after removing the multi-part mold,

24a and b schematic representations of an arrangement with a winding core and a molded shell arranged thereon from the front and from the side,

25a and b schematic representations of the arrangement 24a and 24b , wherein in the area of the shell mold a fiber-plastic molding compound is applied,

26a and b schematic representations of the arrangement 25a and 25b in which a supporting laminate is applied by means of filament winding,

27a and b schematic representations of the arrangement 26a and 26b from the front and from the side, where local reinforcements are formed by means of filament winding,

28 a schematic representation of the arrangement 27b from the side, with the winding core and the shell mold removed,

29 a schematic representation of a yoke,

30 a schematic representation of a portion of a propeller shaft with the tubular cardan shaft body, on the end of the yoke is arranged, and

31 a schematic representation of a portion of the propeller shaft assembly 30 in section along a line AA 'in 30 ,

1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a propeller shaft assembly 1 with a propeller shaft 2 at the joint 3 is arranged, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a universal joint. The PTO shaft 2 has a tubular cardan shaft body 4 , at the end a yoke 5 in the area of material thickening 6 is made. In the area of material thickening 6 has the PTO shaft 2 over an increased wall thickness, with a direct and gradual transition 7 between the tubular cardan shaft body 2 and the end material thickening 6 is made.

The PTO shaft 2 with the tubular cardan shaft body 4 and the yoke 5 is manufactured in one piece by means of fiber winding method. Filament winding methods are known as such in various embodiments. For producing the tubular cardan shaft body 4 a winding method with a classic laying eye or with a ring thread eye can be used. The end material thickening 6 Can be produced in the winding process with a classic laying eye or by means of an additional device on the winding machine, can be wound with the band-shaped textile semi-finished products.

Preferably, carbon fibers are used in the winding process. But also the at least partial use of glass fibers can be provided. The material thickening 6 can by means of additional fiber windings and / or by inserting fibers and / or textile semi-finished products in the local area of material thickening 6 getting produced.

In the embodiment in 1 has the yoke 5 over two pin bosses 8th . 9 , Which are arranged opposite to each other and designed as a spider joint element 10 take up. About the joint element 10 couples the yoke 5 to one of these associated yoke 11 that with a connection flange 12 connected is. In that regard, it is in the associated yoke 11 around a flange-side yoke. The associated joint fork 11 also couples to the spider 10 , so that to form the joint, the yoke 5 and the associated yoke fork 11 over the joint element 10 are hingedly connected.

For receiving the associated joint fork 11 are in the area of material thickening 6 adjacent to the yoke 5 recesses 13 . 14 produced. The production of the recesses 13 . 14 For example, by means of subsequent machining of the semi-finished product previously produced by means of fiber winding process.

The 2 and 3 show the section of the cardan shaft assembly 1 out 1 from the front and on average. 4 shows a sectional view along a cutting plane through that as a spider executed joint element 10 therethrough. It turns out that joint element arms 10a . 10b have an equal length and in each case symmetrically to the center of the joint element 10 are arranged. This embodiment can also be referred to as a symmetrical joint element, whereby then a symmetrical joint on the propeller shaft 2 is appropriate.

In contrast, the show 5 to 8th an embodiment in which the joint element arms 10a . 10b Although in each case symmetrical to the center of the joint element 10 are arranged, but are of different lengths (see, in particular 8th ). It is made as an asymmetric joint element, resulting in an asymmetrical joint on the propeller shaft 2 leads. In this embodiment, the propeller shaft 2 then circumferential in the area of material thickening 6 free from the recesses 13 . 14 (see. 1 ). Their training is due to the unequal lengths of the joint element arms 10a . 10b unnecessary. It is the mechanical stability of the PTO shaft 2 in the area of thickening 6 not influenced by the recesses 13 . 14 ,

With reference to the 9 to 19 subsequently become a joint component 20 and a method for its production from a fiber-plastic composite material described.

The joint component 20 can in the above-described propeller shaft assemblies as the component with the associated yoke 11 and the associated flange 12 be used. But it can also be provided that to use the joint component in conjunction with other propeller shafts, such as propeller shafts, which consist wholly or partly of metal. For example, in propeller shafts, which have a tubular shaft body made of fiber composite plastic material and a metallic yoke. But also the use of a completely made of metal propeller shaft can be provided to the then via one or more joint elements, the joint component 20 coupled.

The 9 and 10 show the joint component 20 from the front and from the top. A yoke 21 is over a transitional area 22 with a flange 23 integrally connected. The joint fork 21 has an eye area 24 in which two pin eyes 25 . 26 are made. The bolt eyes 25 . 26 serve for example for receiving a spider, as this above in connection with the embodiments in the 1 to 8th has been described.

The following is with reference to the 11 to 18 the manufacture of the joint component 20 described from a fiber-plastic composite material.

According to 11 is a preform tool 30 with a cavity 31 provided in the matrix resin impregnated endless fiber strands 32 inserted and then with the help of a stamp 33 be consolidated, in particular preformed. This is then in the cavity 31 a fiber-plastic molding compound 34 introduced and with the help of a pressing tool 35 Consolidates what happens in the 12 and 14 is shown schematically. The fiber-plastic molding compound 34 contains long fibers in a malleable plastic mass. Here, according to 13 be provided, the fiber-plastic molding compound 34 in an intermediate step in an auxiliary tool 36 by means of an auxiliary stamp 37 preform and then the preformed fiber-plastic molding compound 34 according to 12 in the cavity 31 of the preforming tool 30 contribute. In the embodiment according to 14 is the fiber-plastic molding compound 34 not preformed in this form.

In this way, now became a preform 38 for the joint component 20 according to 15 produced. The preform 38 has areas 39 , in which endless fiber strands are embedded in the plastic material, as well as areas 40 with the long fibers of the fiber-plastic molding compound 34 , The endless fibers 32 extend in particular in the edge region of the traction joint fork of the joint component 20 ,

In the further process, the preform 38 according to 16 in another pressing tool 41 with a lower part 42 introduced, which is a cavity 43 and by means of a shell 44 subjected to pressing pressure. This creates a semi-finished product 45 according to 17 which is subsequently machined to the hinge component 20 according to 18 manufacture. Here is the flange 23 with holes 46 provided, which serve to form a Flanschverschraubung.

19 shows a further illustration of the semifinished product 45 out 17 , where the areas with continuous fibers 39 and the areas with long fibers 40 are shown schematically. The future bolt eye 26 is indicated by a dash-dot line. In the area of a border 47 the future bolt eye 26 a proportion of the total embedded fiber amount of at least about 30% is provided in which the fibers are not more than about +/- 20 ° from the radial direction of the future pinhole 26 differ.

The joint component 20 represents an advantageous development for several reasons. With its help, there is also a flange-side part of a joint made of fiber-plastic Composite material. The joint component 20 increases the bearing fatigue by a different fiber orientation in the region of the bore edge, by the hole is introduced only after the molding and the fibers are intentionally cut through this. It is by means of simple, inexpensive, easily automatable manufacturing processes.

A loop-like fiber orientation around a pin bore results in only low bearing strength when the fiber loop is not laterally supported. Such lateral support is in a yoke made of fiber-plastic composite material, in particular CFRP, but not possible or at least not appropriate to produce. In order to achieve a much higher bearing fatigue and fatigue strength, it has been proposed here to arrange a considerable proportion of the fibers radially outward from the edge of the bore. Good bearing strength thus already reach laminates, which have many different fiber orientations when the hole is machined.

The joint component 20 is therefore pierced only after the forming process and has many different fiber orientations in the vicinity of the bore, of which at least about 30% do not deviate more than about +/- 20 ° from the radial direction. This is conveniently and inexpensively achieved by using a long fiber reinforced molding compound with random fiber orientation in the vicinity of the later bore.

This material selection is combined with endless fiber strands, which form a loop-like reinforcement only in the outer area of the eye, but not in the vicinity of the bore. In the transition area between the outer area and the vicinity of the bore, a gradual, harmonic transition of the fiber orientation from the endless fiber strands in the outer area to the random fiber orientation of the long fibers in the bore area is formed by the preforming technique used and by the flow processes during the pressing (cf. 19 ). This achieves both a high flexural strength of the eye area and a high bearing fatigue strength.

The other areas of the joint component 20 preferably also have a random (involuntary) fiber orientation and are thus inexpensive to manufacture without any costly measures to ensure any prescribed (arbitrary) fiber orientation.

The somewhat lower rigidity and strength values of a long-fiber-reinforced molding compound than continuous-fiber-reinforced laminates can be compensated by a suitable geometric design with slightly increased wall thicknesses. The low density compared to steel fiber-plastic composite material used then still leads to a lightweight component, but in contrast to a continuous fiber reinforced component can be made much cheaper and easier to automate.

The following are with reference to the 20 ff. A propeller shaft, in particular universal joint shaft, and a method for producing described, in which an axially extending cardan shaft body is connected via a rotationally locked connection with a yoke, which is arranged on the end side of a cardan shaft body.

The 20 to 23 show schematic representations for describing a method for producing a Gelenkwellenkörpers 50 , which is manufactured in the embodiment shown as a tubular drive shaft body. According to 20 is initially on a winding core 51 the cardan shaft body 50 made of a fiber-plastic composite material by means of fiber coils. Filament winding processes, which are referred to in embodiments as "filament winding", are known as such in various embodiments.

According to 21 then becomes a fiber-plastic molding compound 52 on the manufactured drive shaft body 50 applied. The fiber-plastic molding compound 52 comprises a moldable plastic material in which fibers are randomly distributed, for example glass fibers and / or carbon fibers.

Then according to 22 a mold shell 53 which is made in several parts in the embodiment shown and an internal tooth structure 53a comprises, applied by means of the fiber-plastic molding compound 52 a shaft body side connector 54 with a surface structure 55 to produce. In the embodiment shown according to 23 has the surface structure 55 about a gearing 56 and a centering section 57 , The gearing 56 has outwardly projecting teeth or toothed ridges and recesses formed therebetween extending in the axial direction of the cardan shaft body 50 extend. The cardan shaft body 50 is then with mounted mold shell 53 hardened. After curing, the winding core 51 undressed (in 23 not yet shown) and the mold shell 53 removed in the radial or axial direction. As a result, the cardan shaft body 50 with the integrally formed shaft body-side connecting element 54 formed over the centering section 57 features.

The 24 to 29 show schematic representations in conjunction with a yoke and their preparation. This is in accordance with 24a and 24b an arrangement with a winding core 60 and thereon mounted mold shell 61 provided. The shape shell 61 has a negative surface structure 62 with a toothing 62a as well as a centering seat 62b , The shape shell 61 is mirror-symmetric with respect to the negative surface structure 62 ,

The following will now be according to 25a and 25b in the area of the shell mold 61 and adjacent thereto a fiber-plastic molding compound 63 applied and with the help of a contour spatula 64 processed. Then, one or more layers of a support laminate 65 applied by means of fiber winding process, what 26a and 26b show schematically.

On and / or between the individual layers of the supporting laminate 65 are then according to 27a and 27b local amplification areas 66 . 67 wrapped / wrapped, also by means of fiber winding method, wherein the wound fibers are embedded in a conventional manner in a plastic material.

After curing then the winding core 60 with the mold shell 61 from the component made from the fiber-plastic composite according to 28 separated. By piercing here is a polar cap 68 away. In the embodiment shown, the on the shell mold in a comparable manner 61 separated symmetrically formed components.

For producing a joint fork 69 that is schematically in 29 is shown, then recesses in the embodiment shown 70 manufactured, preferably by means of machining. Also will be drilling 71 manufactured for receiving a joint element, in particular for connecting a spider. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 70 also be omitted, as this compares above in conjunction with the 5 to 8th has been described.

In the 29 shown yoke 69 has a fork-side connector 72 , which is formed in the embodiment shown with an internally circumferential toothing whose surface structure through the shell mold 61 is characterized.

30 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a propeller shaft, in which now to form a rotational connection now the yoke 69 end to the cardan shaft body 50 is pushed, such that the shaft body-side connecting element 54 and the fork-side connecting element 72 are engaged. This means in the described embodiment that the mutually associated toothings at least partially interlock.

According to 30 is provided for forming a sliding layer over an opening 73 a liquid filling material 74 to bring in a cavity 75 between the surface of the fork-side connecting element 72 and the shaft body side connecting element 54 deposited and then solidified. At the filling mass 74 it may preferably be a thermoset or a thermoplastic plastic. In order to maintain the desired tolerances and to achieve a seal, this is a centering 76 pushed in the cardan shaft body 50 to the joint fork 69 centered fork-side and which after solidification of the filling 74 is removed again. Centering also takes place on the shaft body side by the pressed centering 57 ,

Overall, this creates an arrangement in which the yoke 69 centered on the end of the cardan shaft body 50 is mounted, wherein by means of the rotational connection, by means of the shaft body side and the fork-side connecting element 54 . 72 and the solidified filling 74 is formed, a play-free axial relative movement between the cardan shaft body 50 and the yoke 69 is enabled, so that the PTO shaft during operation, when appropriate forces occur, can change their length. Such a relative movement occurs only when attacking forces exceed a limit force. Below the limit force are cardan shaft bodies 50 and yoke 69 secured against unintentional slipping. The rotational engagement of the connection is in the illustrated embodiment by means of the engagement of the teeth on the shaft body side connecting element 54 and at the fork-side connecting element 72 ensured.

To stick the over the opening 73 introduced filling material 74 for forming the sliding layer in the surface region of at least one of the joining partners, for example on the surface of the fork-side connecting element 72 It may be provided to activate the surface areas to be coated, for example by means of radiation, chemical activation and / or the use of a primer. In addition or as an alternative, it is possible to provide the surface regions of the other joining partner, that is to say, for example, the surface of the shaft-body-side connecting element 54 , for which an adhesion of the filling mass 74 is not desired to deactivate, for example by applying a release agent or a release wax and / or the use of oil or grease in these surface areas.

Previously, the preparation of the fork-side connecting element 72 and the shaft body side connecting element 54 on a respective propeller shaft component described by way of example, which itself consists of a fiber-plastic composite material. Without further ado it follows that the connecting elements produced as fiber-plastic press components can be formed in a comparable manner also on joint components made of other materials, which consist for example of metal. Thus, it may be provided to produce the shaft body-side connecting element on a tubular metal shaft body.

The PTO shaft can be combined with other PTO shaft technologies described above. Thus, for example, be provided to perform the propeller shaft in the opposite end portion in one piece, as above, for example, with reference to the 1 to 8th was explained.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims (9)

One-piece joint component ( 20 ) made of a fiber-plastic composite material, having an end portion arranged at a joint fork ( 11 ) and arranged at an opposite end portion connecting flange ( 12 ). Joint component ( 20 ) according to claim 1, characterized by a first component portion in which fibers of the fiber-plastic composite have a first fiber orientation, and a second component portion in which fibers of the fiber-plastic composite have a second fiber orientation, which is different from the first fiber orientation is. Joint component ( 20 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a first composite material region, in which mainly fibers of a first type of fiber are arranged, and a second composite material region, in which predominantly fibers of a second type of fiber are arranged, which is different from the first type of fiber. Joint component ( 20 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second type of fiber differ with regard to the fiber length. Joint component ( 20 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the first component portion an outer edge region of the yoke ( 11 ) and the second component portion an inner portion of the yoke ( 11 ). Joint component ( 20 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the first composite material region the outer edge region of the yoke ( 11 ) and the second composite region the inner region of the yoke ( 11 ). Joint component ( 20 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, designed as a fiber-plastic pressed component. Cardan shaft arrangement ( 1 ), with - an axially extending propeller shaft ( 2 ), - a joint shaft side joint component ( 3 ), which end on the propeller shaft ( 2 ), - a joint coupling component ( 5 ), which on the joint shaft side joint component ( 3 ), and - a flange-side joint component ( 11 ) which is connected to the articulated coupling component ( 5 ) and formed as a one-piece joint component according to at least one of the preceding claims. Method for producing a joint component ( 20 ), in which the joint component ( 20 ) at one end portion with a yoke ( 11 ) and at an opposite end portion with a connecting flange ( 12 ) and is manufactured as a one-piece component from a fiber-plastic composite material.

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