DE102016113879A1 - Coupling element with joint arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling element, in particular for coupling a stabilizer with a wheel carrier or subframe of a motor vehicle, with a coupling body such as a coupling rod to which a joint assembly and a bearing assembly are mounted, wherein the joint assembly comprises a joint body which is held in a joint shell. In this case, the joint body has a through hole and comprises in a central portion of the surface of a spherical segment, with which the joint body is supported on the joint shell, being provided on both sides of this center portion of the joint body between the joint body and joint shell a space and the coupling body is a plastic injection molded part is, in which the joint shell is plastic encapsulated.

Description

The invention relates to a coupling element, in particular for coupling a stabilizer with a wheel or subframe of a motor vehicle, comprising a coupling body such as a coupling rod to which a hinge assembly and a bearing assembly are mounted, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a joint body which is held in a joint shell.

Such conventional coupling elements generally have a ball joint as a joint arrangement, in which the joint body has the shape of a ball having a fastening pin, wherein the joint body is mounted in a spherical shell for providing the ball joint. To secure the joint against dirt and moisture, conventional coupling elements in the region of the fastening pin on a rubber bellows, which is usually attached to a catchy locking ring and with a two-ring locking ring at different portions of the hinge assembly. A conventional coupling element thus comprises a plurality of unequally constructed components, which increases the manufacturing cost. In addition, in the assembly of a conventional coupling element with ball joint function by the provision of the pin, an increased mounting space is necessary or the assembly is associated with an increased expenditure of time.

The invention has for its object to avoid the disadvantages of conventional coupling elements described or at least reduce. This object is achieved by the invention with a coupling element comprising the features of claim 1. The coupling element according to the invention is characterized in that the joint body comprises a through hole and in a central portion has the surface of a spherical segment, with which the joint body is supported on the joint shell, said provided on both sides of this center section between the joint body and joint shell, a free space and the coupling body is a plastic injection molded part, wherein the joint shell is molded plastic.

The described design of the coupling element according to the invention simplifies on the one hand the structure and thus lowers the production costs. In addition, the assembly is facilitated by the provision of a joint body with a through hole in which a fastening bolt, for example, for attachment to the stabilizer or the wheel carrier can be added. The coupling element according to the invention can be regarded as a vehicle chassis component, which can generally be used for coupling components within a chassis or for coupling to the body of a motor vehicle and need not be limited to the coupling of a stabilizer with a wheel or subframe of a vehicle. Due to the fact that the joint shell with received joint body for the design of the coupling body is plastic-encapsulated, a cohesive connection of the joint shell with the coupling body can be provided in a simple manner, whereby the thus configured joint arrangement can provide a ball joint function. Characterized in that on both sides of the central portion, in which the joint body has the surface of a spherical segment, a clearance between the joint body and joint shell is provided, on the one hand, a gimbal deflection, in particular with respect to the direction of the through hole between the joint shell and attached thereto coupling body and be provided to the joint body, in addition, the described clearance for receiving a lubricant for reducing the friction between the joint body and joint cup can be used.

The term "sphere segment" is not limited to a mathematically ideal sphere segment, but also includes sphere-like segments with spherical-like basic shape. Furthermore, the term "bearing arrangement" is to be understood as a generic term such that such a "bearing arrangement" can also be designed as "joint arrangements". The specified clearance between the joint body and joint shell on both sides of the middle section can extend axially and radially to a longitudinal axis of the joint body.

Further features and further developments according to the invention are specified in the general description, the description of the figures, the drawings and the claims.

Conveniently, the spherical segment may be formed in the middle portion of the joint body for reasons of symmetry in the form of a sphere or a sphere-like shape with two cut ball caps, wherein the cut surfaces of both spherical caps can be parallel to each other. Further, the joint body may be symmetrically designed on both sides of the center portion to the through hole, so that the further design or completion of the joint assembly, the same parts can be used, which reduces the structure and the manufacturing cost.

Conveniently, the joint body, optionally using lubricant alone in the described center section on the joint shell can be supported to provide the function of a ball joint, wherein the space given a possible Angle deflection between bearing shell and ball segment can set.

In order to adjust or increase the clearance or the possible angle impact between the bearing shell and the ball segment formed in the middle section of the joint body, it can be provided that the contour of the joint body extends on both sides of the center section in the axial direction, i. in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the direction of the through hole, tapers. Preferably, the distance between the contour of the joint body and the inner surface of the joint shell can increase to the axial end of the joint shell.

To adjust or increase the clearance or the possible angle impact between the bearing shell and the formed in the middle portion of the joint body ball segment can be provided that inner shell portions of the joint shell on both sides of the central portion of the joint body extending transversely to the direction of the through hole and radially outward.

Preferably, the joint body can be formed as an elongated body, in particular as a rotational body, in which the longitudinal axis or axis of symmetry of the joint body can coincide with the borehole axis.

To protect the joint arrangement can be provided that the bearing shell in the region of its axial ends each one integrally formed with the bearing shell, and axially at least partially spaced to the coupling body extending holding arrangement comprises, for example, for holding an elastic protective cover or protective sleeve such as a rubber bellows. This embodiment has the advantage that the protective cover can be fastened or held in the region of the coupling body without the need for special fastening means, such as a securing ring, since the bearing shell is designed for this purpose.

Preferably may be provided in the design of the joint body, that are arranged on the central portion in the longitudinal direction respectively on both sides following at least two axially spaced by a circumferential ridge, circumferential grooves. In this case, each of the middle section nearest groove contribute to the clearance between the joint body and bearing shell, while the second axially further spaced groove may be formed for receiving a securing ring or Nutrings.

Preferably, the coupling element according to the invention has two elastic protective sleeves such as rubber bellows, wherein the protective sleeves can be attached to an associated axial end portion of the joint body and to an associated axial end portion of the bearing shell for sealing the respective clearance between joint shell and joint body. In this case, the retaining arrangements already described above can serve on the joint shell for fastening the respective protective sleeve to the joint shell and thus to the coupling body.

Conveniently, the respective holding arrangements of the joint shell each have a radially outwardly and axially at least partially spaced from the coupling body extending flange, wherein the respective elastic protective sleeve can be supported with a radially inwardly extending flange on the coupling body and the flange of the protective sleeve overlapped by the flange of the holding arrangement is and is attached to this. By the described design, a clamping of the protective sleeve between Lagerschalenflansch and coupling body can be provided without further fastening means must be used. In another embodiment, it may also be provided to fasten the protective sleeve to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing shell or to the coupling body by means of a securing ring or groove.

The attachment of the protective sleeves on the coupling body can be realized in particular by means of a locking ring or Nutrings on the joint body, wherein in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the grooved ring in the above-described, may be added to the center portion located circumferential groove.

To facilitate a pre-assembly of the bearing shell and coupling body can be suitably provided that the overmolded bearing shell comprises two mutually attached bearing shell halves, wherein a arranged between the bearing shells attachment portion extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing shell halves. By this measure, the pre-assembly of bearing shell and bearing body can be carried out in that each one half of the bearing shell are pushed from a respective axial end of the joint body on this axially inward until the inner end faces of the bearing shell halves in the region of the center portion of the bearing body opposite or to each other lie. Preferably, then, an attachment of the two bearing shells to each other, for example by means of ultrasonic welding or a mutual locking, wherein the cooperating locking means of the two bearing shell halves can be preferably arranged in the region of their outer circumferential surfaces. By the measure described can despite an undercut between the composite bearing shell and the joint body a close fit between the two parts are provided, wherein moreover the attachment portion between the two bearing shell halves can be fully encapsulated in the gating of the coupling body, so that the interface between two bearings is completely embedded by the coupling body and thus protected , Preferably, both shell halves may be formed as equal parts.

In an expedient embodiment, the joint body is made of a metal, while the joint shell or both joint shell halves can comprise or can consist of an injection-moldable material such as a thermoplastic material, for example polyamide. To provide a material connection between the coupling body and the molded in the production of the coupling body bearing shell of the coupling body may comprise or consist of a thermoplastic material, for example a glass fiber reinforced polyamide. In this embodiment, in which both the bearing shell and the coupling body may comprise a thermoplastic material, by adjusting the temperature and the injection pressure during the encapsulation of the bearing shell for producing the coupling body, a corresponding softening and contact pressure of the bearing shell or the bearing shell halves to the central region be realized of the bearing body, so that a play-free function of the provided by the joint body and the joint shell joint arrangement can be provided.

The coupling element according to the invention can be used in the automotive sector for different specific applications. On the one hand for coupling a stabilizer with a wheel carrier or subframe of a motor vehicle, in this embodiment, the coupling body may have an integrally formed bearing eye, in which, for example, an elastomeric bearing is used. This elastomeric bearing may comprise, for example, a solid core and a radially outwardly arranged and attached thereto, in particular vulcanized elastomeric body which may be pressed with the bearing core in the bearing eye to provide a radial bias of the elastomer and thus to increase the life of the bearing. In principle, the coupling element according to the invention can be used in the entire vehicle chassis construction for the coupling of components within the chassis or for coupling to the body of the motor vehicle. In this case, the bearing arrangement may be adapted to the respective application, in particular also as a joint arrangement, in particular in the manner of a joint arrangement as described above, so that the coupling element in this embodiment has two joint arrangements with ball joint functionality.

The invention will be explained in the following by describing an embodiment, with further modifications, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 an inventively designed coupling element in a perspective view,

2 the coupling element according to 1 in a sectional exploded view and

3 the joint arrangement of the coupling element according to 1 in an enlarged partial sectional view
shows.

1 illustrates a coupling element designed according to the invention in a perspective view, as it can be used for coupling a stabilizer with a wheel or subframe of a motor vehicle. The coupling element 1 has in the embodiment described an elongated coupling body in the form of a coupling rod 2 on, the endstämmig on one side a bearing holder in the form of a bearing eye 6 and on the other side provides a hinge mount, in which, in a manner to be described, one with a bore 40 provided joint body 4 is taken, which is supported on a joint shell, which itself with the coupling rod 2 is connected cohesively. rubber bellows 8th protect the articular surfaces of the joint assembly. In the described embodiment, the main joint axis A1 indicated in the figure is parallel to the bearing axis A2 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling rod 2 oriented. In the bearing eye 6 is a metal bearing core in the described embodiment 60 with center hole 61 and an elastomeric body arranged on the core radially outward and fastened thereto, in particular vulcanized on 62 used. bearing core 60 and elastomeric body 62 are in the bearing eye 6 pressed in to provide a radial bias of the elastomer.

2 shows the coupling element according to 1 in an exploded view in section, wherein the main hinge axis A1, and the longitudinal axis of the coupling rod 2 as well as the axis A2 of the bearing receiver 6 lie in the cutting plane. The joint body 4 is designed as an elongated body of revolution, the center hole 40 has, which is oriented in its symmetrical to the bearing shell starting position parallel to the axis of symmetry A1 of the joint assembly, so that the axis of symmetry A1 with the axis of the central bore 40 coincides. The bearing body comprises several in the axial direction Sections, wherein a middle section with a spherical segment surface 41 is trained. On both axial sides of this central portion of the joint body are axially spaced two circumferential grooves 42 . 43 formed, whose recess extending in the radial direction to the axis A1. How out 2 the bearing shell is apparent through two identically constructed bearing shell halves 50 formed, each on its inner circumferential surface a curved, to the spherical segment surface 41 adapted storage area 52 for backlash-free support of the joint body 4 exhibit. The joint shell halves 50 have in the region of their axially outer inner circumferential surface a free space 53 on that together with the clearance groove 42 of the joint body in this axial region a clearance between the joint body 4 and provide the joint shell, whose function will be discussed in more detail below. The two joint shell halves 50 have at their respective axially outer end face a retaining flange 54 which extends substantially radially outward.

At both axial end or end faces of the joint assembly is in each case a protective sleeve in the form of a rubber bellows 8th provided, which is double-S-shaped in section and at its axially inner end face a radially inwardly extending retaining flange 81 has and on the axially outer end face a securing groove 82 for receiving a locking ring 9 in the assembled state, the rubber bellows 8th in the safety groove 43 of the joint body 4 suppressed.

Regarding 3 , An enlarged sectional view of the coupling element 1 shows in detail, the exact design and manufacture of the coupling element according to the invention will be further described. The joint body has a bore centrally to the axis A1 40 for receiving a fastening bolt. In the middle section M, the joint body has the shape of a spherical segment, wherein this area by the complementarily shaped bearing surfaces 52 the joint shells 50 are supported.

For the production of the coupling element 1 First, the metal joint body 4 provided, hereinafter each one of the two joint shells 50 from one of the two end faces of the joint body moves axially toward each other until the inner end faces 51 touch. In the described embodiment, the two shell halves, which in this case represent injection-molded parts made of polyamide, are then adhesively bonded in the region of the inner end surfaces by means of an ultrasonic welding process. Thereafter, the gating of the coupling rod takes place 2 which in the described embodiment comprises a glass fiber reinforced polyamide. In this case, the injection molding process with respect to the casting temperature and the pressure is adjusted so that the arranged in the mold together with the joint body bearing shell 5 softened and pressed against the surface of the joint body in the middle region M without play.

The encapsulation of the joint shell with the joint body is designed so that the retaining flanges 54 the composite joint shell 5 axially spaced from the molded coupling rod 2 lie.

In the region of the axial section N1, which is arranged axially outward of the center section M, the joint body has, following the center section, first a conical taper and, in the further axial course, an enlargement of the radius diameter, so that a clearance groove is formed in the area N1 42 results whose surface together with the free space area 53 the joint shells 50 a rotationally symmetric to the axis A1 free space 10 forms, which provides on the one hand space for the placement of lubricant and on the other hand, an angular deflection of the joint body 4 to the joint shell 5 allows, ie a tilting of the center axis of the joint body to the center axis of the joint shell.

After the introduction of lubricant into the free spaces 10 each is a rubber bellows 8th pushed over the outer regions of the joint assembly and both on the coupling rod 2 as well as on the joint body 4 attached. The rubber bellows 8th has a double-S-shape and on its inner side facing the hinge assembly on a radially inwardly extending flange, which is between coupling rod 2 and the retaining flange 54 jammed. The attachment of the rubber bellows 9 on the joint body 4 takes place in each case by means of a securing ring 9 which the securing groove 82 of rubber bellows 8th in the safety groove 43 of the joint body 4 suppressed.

In an embodiment not shown can also be provided that the axially inner end face of the rubber bellows 8th by means of a securing ring on the joint shell or the coupling rod 2 is attached.

In the described embodiment, the two bearing shells 50 , The two protective sleeves and the two retaining rings each formed as a common part.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 coupling element

2

 coupling rod

3

 joint Taping

4

 joint body

5

 joint shell

6

 bearing eye

7

 elastomeric bearings

8th

 Rubber bellows

9

 circlip

10

 Clearance / clearance

20

 franking

40

 drilling

41

 Spherical segment surface

42

 Freigangnut

43

 securing groove

50

 Joint shell half

51

 Inside face

52

 storage area

53

 Clearance surface

54

 retaining flange

60

 bearing core

61

 drilling

62

 elastomer body

81

 flange

82

 securing groove

A1

 Main joint axis, axis of symmetry of the joint arrangement

A2

 bearing axle

M

 mid section

N1

 Freigangnut

N2

 securing groove

Claims (12)

Coupling element ( 1 ), in particular for coupling a stabilizer with a wheel carrier or auxiliary frame of a motor vehicle, with a coupling body such as a coupling rod ( 2 ), to which a joint arrangement and a bearing arrangement are attached, wherein the joint arrangement comprises a joint body ( 4 ) in a joint cup ( 5 ), characterized in that the joint body ( 4 ) a through hole ( 40 ) and in a middle section (M) the surface ( 41 ) of a ball segment, with which the joint body ( 4 ) on the joint shell ( 5 ) is supported, wherein on both sides of this central portion (M) of the joint body between joint body ( 4 ) and joint shell ( 5 ) a free space ( 10 ) is provided and the coupling body is a plastic injection molded part, wherein the joint shell ( 5 ) is plastic encapsulated. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contour of the joint body ( 4 ) on both sides of the middle section (M) to provide the free space ( 10 ) tapers in the axial direction. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner shell sections of the joint shell ( 5 ) on both sides of this middle section (M) of the joint body ( 4 ) in each case for the provision of the free space ( 10 ) between joint bodies ( 4 ) and joint shell ( 5 ) transversely to the direction of the through hole ( 40 ). Coupling element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the joint body ( 4 ) is designed as an elongated body. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bearing shell ( 5 ) in the region of its axial ends in each case an integrally formed with the joint shell, and at least partially spaced apart extending to the coupling body extending holding arrangement comprises, in particular for holding an elastic protective cover such as a rubber bellows ( 8th ). Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the central portion (M) of the joint body ( 4 ) in the longitudinal direction in each case following at least two axially spaced by a circumferential ridge, circumferential grooves ( 42 . 43 ) are arranged. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by two elastic protective sleeves such as rubber bellows ( 8th ), wherein the protective sleeves each at an associated axial end portion of the joint body ( 4 ) and attached to an associated axial end portion of the bearing shell are for sealing the respective free space ( 10 ). Coupling element ( 1 ) according to claim 5 and 7, characterized in that the holding arrangements each have a radially outwardly and axially at least partially spaced from the coupling body extending flange ( 54 ), wherein the respective elastic protective sleeve with a radially inwardly extending flange ( 81 ) is supported on the coupling body and the flange of the protective sleeve ( 81 ) from the flange ( 54 ) of the holding arrangement is overlapped. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the protective sleeves each by means of a locking ring ( 9 ) on the joint body ( 4 ) are attached. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the overmolded bearing shell ( 5 ) two mutually attached bearing shell halves ( 50 ), wherein a fastening portion approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing shell ( 5 ) runs. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a cohesive connection between the coupling body and the encapsulated bearing shell ( 5 ) is produced by the injection molding process. Coupling element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the coupling body for providing a bearing arrangement, a bearing eye ( 6 ) into which an elastomeric body ( 62 ) with this radially inner bearing core ( 60 ) is pressed.

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