DE202014103182U1 - Spring link for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Spring link for the connection of a vehicle wheel to a body or a subframe of a vehicle, comprising a link body (2) with two attachment points (5, 6), wherein the link body (2) has a receiving area (10) which is adapted to a between supporting the handlebar body (2) and the body or the subframe anordenbares spring element (7), characterized in that the link body (2) has a first shell half (3) and a second shell half (4), wherein the two separate shell halves (3, 4) are formed from formed parts which have the same basic shape.

Description

The present invention relates to a spring link for the connection of a vehicle wheel to the body or the subframe of a vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Handlebars form part of the suspension of a vehicle. As part of the suspension in particular independent suspensions are built in the usual way from several links in the form of a multi-link axle. In order to enable the compression and rebound of the vehicle wheel, the handlebars are connected rotatably depending on the vehicle at least on the body or the chassis or on a corresponding subframe. The rotatability is reduced to an essentially vertical pivoting permitting rotation axis, so that the vehicle wheel is otherwise set horizontally with respect to the rest of the vehicle.

Depending on the design and installation position, a distinction is made between longitudinal, oblique and transverse links. Their naming is based on the orientation relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, so that, for example, a transverse link extends substantially transversely to the direction of travel. The vehicle-side connection can be made via at least one bearing bush, which can be designed as a composite bearing in the form of a rubber-metal bearing. The rubber component ensures sufficient decoupling and limited mobility of the handlebar against its storage. The wheel-side connection can be done for example via a ball joint, via which, for example, a coupling with a strut or a steering knuckle joint of the suspension is possible.

Special versions of handlebars allow the direct combination with a spring element, which may be mostly a coil spring. For this purpose, the handlebar body of the handlebar has a suitable receiving area against which the spring element can be supported in its installed position. In this context, said link, between the link body and the body or the subframe, the spring element extends, referred to as spring link. Its handlebar body may be formed for example of aluminum or a metal sheet. When using sheet metal, this is preferably at least partially reshaped, in particular to increase the stability of the spring link in addition to the individual shape adaptation.

Since the moving parts of the suspension are unsprung masses, efforts are made to reduce their weight as far as possible. As a result, the ride comfort can be increased and at the same time reduce the vehicle weight, which is becoming increasingly important, especially in view of the lowest possible fuel consumption.

A spring link for the connection of a vehicle wheel to the body or the subframe of a vehicle is for example from the JPH 08 175 142 A known. This comprises a solid link body, which has end-side attachment points for articulated coupling with the body or the subframe and a steering knuckle of the vehicle. For receiving a coil spring, the massive link body has a recess or recess whose base is inclined relative to the rest of the link body. On the bottom elastic elements are partially arranged against which the coil spring can ultimately support.

The JP 2002 316 228 A discloses an embodiment for a one-piece spring link whose arm body is formed from a double folded sheet metal. The basis is a pre-punched sheet metal semi-finished, whose contour is performed in mirror image with respect to a central strip. By folding over the median strip outgoing side areas a U-shaped handlebar body is created, wherein the side portions form the legs, which are interconnected by the median strip in the form of a web.

Of the DE 10 2004 008 957 A1 and the DE 10 2006 014 730 A1 are to be taken in one piece spring link, the handlebar body are formed from a single substantially edge-shaped formed sheet metal semi-finished, for example, in the deep drawing process.

Also the DE 102 41 406 A1 describes the production of a one-piece spring link, this being based on a semi-finished tube. The actual shape of the handlebar body is created by the semi-finished tube is designed by a hydroforming process accordingly.

Since it is handlebars to load-bearing and thus highly safety-relevant components of the chassis, their design and manufacturing requires appropriate requirements. In addition to the required load capacities, the need for predetermined properties in connection with an accident scenario, such as the deformation and / or absorption behavior, is increasingly being added. The opposite solid spring links existing advantage of those made of sheet metal is primarily in a possible weight reduction. In contrast, condition the necessary Forming steps increased production costs. This is especially true in view of the necessary cross-sectional strengths of the semi-finished sheet metal used.

As a result, today's spring links continue to be the expensive components of a chassis, which is in the case of made of sheet metal handlebars primarily to the necessary investment for the necessary tools and the corresponding tooling costs. In particular, handlebar bodies made of high material thicknesses cause a high tool wear. In view of the previous embodiments, the production of spring links therefore still still quite room for improvement.

Against this background, the invention has the object, further develop a spring link of the type shown above to the effect that this is more economical to produce.

The solution of the problem is achieved with a spring link with the features of claim 1. Further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention disclose the respective subclaims.

It should be noted that the features listed individually in the following description can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

According to the invention, a spring link is shown below, which is intended to arrange a vehicle wheel to the body or the subframe of a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a motor vehicle.

After this, the spring link comprises a link body, which has at least one attachment point. Preferably, the link body may have at least two attachment sites, which may be either identical or different from each other. Particularly preferably, the attachment points are or are each arranged on an end region of the link body or form its ends. The attachment point (s) is / are intended to couple the spring link to, for example, a kingpin joint and / or the body or subframe of a vehicle.

In order to bring the spring link with a suitable spring element in an operative context, the link body may advantageously have a suitable receiving area. As a receiving area is understood at least a local configuration of the link body, which is suitable to allow at least in the installed state, a connection corresponding to the application between the spring link and said spring element. For this purpose, the receiving area is preferably formed so that it serves to support the arranged in the installed state between the link body and the body or the subframe spring element.

According to the invention the handlebar body is not in one piece, but in several parts composed of at least two individual shell halves. In other words, the handlebar body for this purpose in a particularly preferred manner, a first shell half and a second shell half having, which may be formed from formed parts in an advantageous manner. Particularly preferably, these are based on a semi-finished sheet of metal, which can be converted by appropriate methods to the respective shell half. For example, the individual shell half can be punched out of the sheet metal semi-finished product and simultaneously or subsequently formed into the desired shape.

As a feature essential to the invention it should be emphasized that both shell halves have the same basic shape. The resulting advantage is that they can be virtually identical in their basic structure, with any differences are formed only later. Due to the same basic form, it is now possible to produce these, for example, with one and the same tool. As a result, in particular the tool costs are significantly minimized, since there is no need in the provision of two tools that produce different basic shapes that together form the actual handlebar body at the end.

Of course, the two shell halves can also be based on one and the same semi-finished sheet metal, with the two shell halves being able to be punched out of this, for example, and subsequently or correspondingly shaped in this connection.

Furthermore, the at least two-part design of the link body sometimes allows thinner cross-sections, the lower initially load capacity is increased by the arrangement of at least two shell halves to form the handlebar body back to the required level. Due to the lower material thicknesses thus to be processed, the tool wear can be additionally reduced. As a result, an overall more economical production of the spring link is achieved which have at least the same strength values as those produced in a conventional manner.

According to an advantageous development of the basic concept of the invention, the two shell halves can be connected to each other at least in certain areas. By a preferably shear-resistant connection of the already executed as a composite cross-section handlebar body whose strength values compared to a mere parallel unconnected arrangement again significantly increased by a corresponding connection.

The connection may be, for example, a clamping and / or screw connection. A suitable plug connection is also conceivable here. In a particularly preferred manner, the compound may be a cohesive compound. A cohesive connection is understood, for example, as an adhesive connection or a welded connection, the latter being preferred in particular in connection with the use of shell halves made of sheet metal or generally of metal.

With regard to the configuration of the same basic shape of the two shell halves, it is envisaged that they may advantageously have an outline that is bent over at least in sections to form sidewalls. In other words, the respective shell half can have, at least in sections, bent or bevelled edge regions, which then form said side walls. As a result, in particular, the moment of resistance of the two shell halves is increased in the sense of a bending load of the side walls around their strong axis.

In a particularly preferred manner, the side walls of the first shell half and the side walls of the second shell half in the assembled state of the link body can be oriented to each other so that the respective side walls of the two shell halves are oriented to each other. In this way, the two shell halves, for example, can be made such that they together form a hollow profile.

Furthermore, the two shell halves can be at least partially in contact with one another via their bent side walls. Thus, the side walls of a shell half can be placed next to the side walls of the other shell half so that they touch each other at least partially with their side surfaces. In a particularly advantageous manner, the side walls of the two shell halves can at least partially abut each other with the edges at their free ends. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned possibilities for alignment and the contact of the two shell halves is conceivable.

According to an advantageous development, it is envisaged that the respective side walls of the two shell halves can have edge regions which are angled at least in sections at the end. As a result, the side walls have, at least in sections, an orientation of their free end regions which is inclined relative to their other orientation. Particularly preferably, the angled edge regions can be designed and / or oriented such that the angled edge regions of the first shell half and the edge regions of the second shell half lie against each other at least in regions with their inner surfaces.

The invention provides that, when forming the angled edge regions on the side walls, the two shell halves can be connected to each other at least in sections via the free ends of the angled edge regions. Thus, for example, a welded joint may be arranged at the free ends of the angled edge regions, in particular in the form of a spot weld or preferably a weld seam. With respect to the weld, it may preferably extend over the entire length of the superimposed angled edge regions. In this way, in addition to a strong composite, a mostly closed cross-section for the handlebar body is achieved, which provides advantages against penetrating contaminants and in particular of water, which otherwise may result in any corrosive attacks from inside the handlebar body.

With regard to the combination with the spring element, various configurations with regard to the receiving area necessary for this purpose are conceivable for this purpose. For example, this can be defined as an additional component on at least one of the two shell halves. In terms of a more economical production, according to an advantageous further development of the invention, for example, the first half shell for this purpose have a suitable recess. As a recess is understood in the context of the invention, an opening which extends locally through the shell half therethrough.

The recess is designed to support the spring element while penetrating said recess against the second shell element. In this respect, the recess ensures that the spring element can be ajar through the first shell half to the other, in this case, the second shell half. Thus, the recess forms a kind of receptacle for the spring element. As a result, in particular the Construction height of the combination of spring link and spring element kept as small as possible. This particular against the background of the composite of the two shell halves handlebar body and its associated cross-sectional height as a hollow body. Since the spring element can thus be guided through the first half shell, the actual cross-sectional height of the handlebar body does not make disadvantageous so far.

In connection with the arrangement of the recess on the first shell half, it is particularly preferred if the second shell half, in contrast, comprises a support region. In a particularly advantageous manner, said support region can be arranged in the region of the recess of the first shell half. Thereafter, the recess and support region of the assembled from the two shell halves handlebar body can be aligned congruent or aligned with each other. In any case, the support region of the second shell half is designed to ultimately support the spring element. Accordingly, the actual contact between the spring element and the link body can be effected in an advantageous manner only via one of the two shell halves, in particular the second shell half. This, provided that the recess of the first shell half is sufficiently dimensioned to provide sufficient space for the spring element sometimes deflecting during compression and compression.

Furthermore, when the support area is arranged on the second shell half, it is envisaged that the latter can advantageously have an upstand. An upstand is understood to mean a region oriented differently with respect to the remaining second half of the shell, which area is suitable for providing a type of fixation for the spring element. In this respect, the upstand is designed to support the spring element at least partially transverse to the longitudinal direction. In this way, a position assurance for the supporting itself against the second shell half spring element is provided, which allows an exact alignment of the spring element relative to the spring arm even at high amplitudes and their short distances.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the support region according to the invention on the second shell half is provided that this can be designed as a passage. Alternatively or in addition to this, the support area may comprise a passage. As a passage in the context of the invention, the flanging of the edge region of an opening is understood, wherein the edge region is quasi positioned and thus forms a mostly circumferential, the opening bounding collar. In particular, this collar of the passage allows an advantageous position assurance and / or centering of the spring element relative to the spring link.

According to an advantageous development of the handlebar body formed from the two shell halves may have opposite openings. For this purpose, the two bearing shells may have, for example, in their same basic shape corresponding formations which form together said openings in the paired state of the shell halves. Of course, only one of the shell halves may have a shape deviating from the basic shape which, in combination with the respective other shell half, provides the corresponding openings.

It is particularly preferred that the two shell halves of the link body can be connected to one another by incorporating the two attachment points within these openings. Thereafter, the openings are provided to accommodate suitable binding sites either during or after the pairing of the two shell halves. The attachment points may be separate components which serve to connect the vehicle wheel via the spring link to the vehicle structure.

The now presented spring link according to the invention has an extremely positive effect on its production, in particular because of its two-shell design. As a result, the same basic shape of the two shell halves can be manufactured as a series part with the same tools, with only any differences between the shell halves to be mated with each other in or to the respective basic shape are introduced or attached.

Further advantageous details and effects of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the figures. Show it:

1 a spring link according to the invention in a side view in combination with an indicated spring element,

2 the spring link of the invention 1 in a cut representation,

3 the spring link according to the invention from the 1 and 2 in a supervision,

4 a first shell half as part of the spring link according to the invention from the 1 to 3 in a supervision,

5 a second shell half as part of the spring link according to the invention from the 1 to 3 in a supervision as well

6 a combination of the shell halves from the 4 and 5 to a link body of the spring link according to the invention in combination with the indicated spring element 1 in a supervision.

1 is a schematic representation of a spring arm according to the invention 1 shown in a side view. This includes a handlebar body 2 which extends in a longitudinal direction x. The handlebar body 2 has two shell halves 3 . 4 on, with reference to the representation of 1 a first shell half 3 is located above, while a second shell half 4 below the first shell half 3 is located. Here are the two shell halves 3 . 4 in the plane of the longitudinal axis x on each other.

Here are the two separate shell halves 3 . 4 each formed from a forming part. As will become clear later, said forming parts of the two shell halves have 3 . 4 the same basic form.

Furthermore, the spring link comprises 1 two attachment sites 5 . 6 , which each end of the handlebar body 2 are arranged. In this arrangement, they serve to couple the spring link 1 with a knuckle not shown in detail and a structure of a likewise not shown vehicle. With reference to the representation of 1 is a first attachment point 5 left of the handlebar body 2 located during a second attachment point 6 in contrast, right of the handlebar body 2 is arranged.

As can be seen, the spring link according to the invention 1 in the present case with an indicated spring element 7 combined, which is a coil spring. In the context of the intimation are the individual turns 8th of the spring element 7 in cut form can be seen as circular areas. In this case, the spring element extends 7 between the spring link 1 and an investment area shown only schematically 9 the vehicle structure, not shown.

2 shows the spring link invention 1 out 1 in a cutaway view of his handlebar body 2 , In this it becomes clear that the handlebar body 2 a recording area 10 for the spring element 7 having. This is adapted to the spring element 7 pick up and support. For this purpose owns the first shell half 3 a recess 11 , which are opposite to the cross section of the spring element 7 is designed larger.

In this way, the recess forms 11 a kind of passage, so that the spring element 7 under penetration of this recess 11 in the hollow handlebar body 2 protrudes into it. The spring element engages 7 so far in the handlebar body 2 until it is at the in 2 lower second shell half 4 is applied. The recess 11 the first shell half 3 opposite is the second shell half 4 For this purpose, a corresponding support area 12 against which the spring element 7 supported on the end.

For securing the position and centering of the spring element 7 owns the support area 12 the second shell half 4 an upstand 13 , against which the spring element 7 can support at least partially transversely to its longitudinal direction y. Here is the support area 12 formed in the form of a passage, the upstand 13 from a corresponding circumferential deformation of an opening 14 within the second shell half 4 in the support area 12 results.

3 illustrates the design of the spring link invention 1 in a view of the first shell half 3 , As can be seen, the outer contour of the two shell halves rotates 3 . 4 the recording area 10 for the spring element 7 , This is the range of shell halves 3 . 4 between the two attachment sites 5 . 6 thickened accordingly and the as such circular reception area 10 designed around. In contrast, the handlebar body tapers 2 to the two attachment sites 5 . 6 out. In this supervision it can be seen that the spring element 7 the upstand 13 of the support area 12 tightly encloses while the recess 11 the first shell half 3 with respect to its edge from the spring element 7 is spaced.

The two shell halves 3 . 4 are present at theirs between the two attachment sites 5 . 6 extending outer contours over welds 15 cohesively connected to each other.

4 now shows the first shell half 3 as a separate component in a supervision. At the same time, there are cut marks AA and CC through those binding sites 5 . 6 to recognize receiving ends, which through another cut track BB through the recess 11 be supplemented by. The corresponding cross sections of the first shell half 3 in the area of the cut tracks are each shown above. 5 is the analog representation of the second shell half 4 to be taken as a separate component in a plan.

With reference to the 4 and 5 have both shell halves 3 . 4 one under formation of side walls 16 edge bent at the edge. Furthermore, these sidewalls 16 end angled edge areas 17 on, with the border areas 17 the opposite side walls 16 are oriented away from each other.

6 shows again the two shell halves 3 . 4 in to the handlebar body 2 composite state, the representation analogous to 4 and 5 is designed. Especially with regard to the also shown section tracks AA, BB and CC it becomes clear that in this case the side walls 16 the first shell half 3 and the side walls 16 the second shell half 4 are oriented to each other so that the two shell halves 3 . 4 over their bent sidewalls 16 at least partially in contact with each other. Specifically, here are the angled edge areas 17 the first shell half 3 and the border areas 17 the second shell half 4 with their inner surfaces on top of each other. These are the two shell halves 3 . 4 over the free ends of the angled edge areas 17 their sidewalls 16 through the welds 15 connected with each other.

At the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction x of the handlebar body 2 this one has an opening 18 , Whose shell halves 3 . 4 Including the two attachment points not shown here 5 . 6 inside these openings 18 through the welds 15 connected to each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 spring link

2

 arm body

3

first shell half of 2

4

second shell half of 2

5

first attachment point of 1

6

second connection point of 1

7

 spring element

8th

Turn of 7

9

 plant area

10

Shooting range of 2 For 7

11

Recess in 3

12

Support area of 4

13

Upstand of 12

14

Opening of 12

15

Weld on 2

16

Sidewall of 3 and 4

17

Border area of 16

18

Opening of 2

x

Longitudinal direction of 2

y

Longitudinal direction of 7

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 08175142 A [0006]
• JP 2002316228 A [0007]
• DE 102004008957 A1 [0008]
• DE 102006014730 A1 [0008]
• DE 10241406 A1 [0009]

Claims (10)

Spring link for the connection of a vehicle wheel to a body or a subframe of a vehicle, comprising a link body ( 2 ) with two binding sites ( 5 . 6 ), wherein the handlebar body ( 2 ) a receiving area ( 10 ), which is adapted to a between the handlebar body ( 2 ) and the body or subframe can be arranged spring element ( 7 ), characterized in that the handlebar body ( 2 ) a first shell half ( 3 ) and a second shell half ( 4 ), wherein the two separate shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) are formed from formed parts which have the same basic shape. Spring link according to claim 1, characterized in that the two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) at least partially interconnected, in particular are connected materially. Spring link according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) at least in sections one with the formation of side walls ( 16 ) edge-bent contour, wherein the side walls ( 16 ) of the first shell half ( 3 ) and the side walls ( 16 ) of the second shell half ( 4 ) are oriented to each other so that the two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) over their bent side walls ( 16 ) are at least partially in contact with each other. Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective side walls ( 16 ) of the two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) at least partially end-angled edge regions ( 17 ), wherein the angled edge regions ( 17 ) of the first shell half ( 3 ) and the border areas ( 17 ) of the second shell half ( 4 ) at least partially overlap with their inner surfaces. Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) at least in sections over the free ends of the angled edge regions ( 17 ) of its side walls ( 16 ) are interconnected. Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the formation of the receiving area ( 10 ) the first shell half ( 3 ) a recess ( 11 ), which is adapted to the spring element ( 7 ) under penetration of the recess ( 11 ) against the second shell half ( 4 ). Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the formation of the receiving area ( 10 ) the second shell half ( 4 ) a support area ( 12 ), which in the region of the recess ( 11 ) of the first shell half ( 3 ), the support area ( 12 ) is adapted to the spring element ( 7 ). Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support area ( 12 ) of the second shell half ( 4 ) an upstand ( 13 ), which is adapted to the spring element ( 7 ) at least partially transverse to the longitudinal direction (y) support. Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support area ( 12 ) of the second shell half ( 4 ) is designed as a passage or includes such. Spring link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the link body ( 2 ) opposing openings ( 18 ), with its two shell halves ( 3 . 4 ) with integration of the two binding sites ( 5 . 6 ) within these openings ( 18 ) are interconnected.

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