WO2018158031A1

WO2018158031A1 - Method for producing a leaf spring, and leaf spring and wheel suspension

Info

Publication number: WO2018158031A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/052596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ignacio Lobo Casanova
Original assignee: Zf Friedrichshafen Ag
Priority date: 2017-03-03
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2018-09-07
Also published as: DE102017203537B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a leaf spring (1), in particular a leaf spring for a wheel suspension, having at least two attachment components (3) engaging around some sections of the leaf spring (1), wherein the leaf spring (1) is produced from an endless-fiber-reinforced first plastic semi-finished product (5). In order to provide a leaf spring (1), which is characterized by a simpler fabrication and mounting operation, the attachment components (3) are produced from a fibre-reinforced second plastic semi-finished product (6), and the first plastic semi-finished product (5) and the second plastic semi-finished product (6) are connected materially in a fabrication step to form a common component.

Description

Method for producing a leaf spring, and leaf spring and suspension

The invention relates to a method for producing a leaf spring, in particular a leaf spring for a suspension, with at least two the leaf spring sections embracing connection components, wherein the leaf spring is made of a continuous fiber reinforced first plastic semi-finished product.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a leaf spring, in particular a leaf spring for a suspension, with at least two the leaf spring sections embracing connection components, wherein the leaf spring is formed of a continuous fiber-reinforced plastic first semifinished product.

Finally, the invention has a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle with at least one aforementioned leaf spring to the object.

Leaf springs are commonly used for suspension on a vehicle to cushion it against rough road conditions. Such vehicles may in particular be passenger cars, trucks and commercial vehicles, but also rail vehicles and the like.

For connection to the body of the vehicle, holding elements with bearings arranged separately on the holding elements are usually provided at two central attachment points of the leaf spring. Such holding elements are usually designed as metal shells arranged opposite one another, which surround the leaf spring in sections. Between the respective half-shell and the leaf spring rubber mats are then often arranged, which serve the vibration damping and the fixation of the leaf spring in the connection points. The outside of the holding elements arranged bearings are designed as bearing bushes made of metal with rubber bearings arranged therein and serve the connection to the body. In addition, the bearings connect the two holding elements together and fix them. The components used for connection have a high weight due to the materials used for their production. The production of retaining elements, bearings and rubber mats in separate manufacturing processes as well their mounting on the leaf spring are time consuming because of their variety. In addition, the execution of the usually made of steel shells requires measures against corrosion, which is accompanied by additional process steps in the production and thus higher costs. Furthermore, the large number of components requires increased effort to ensure a consistent quality of all components in order to avoid negative influences on the driving behavior of the vehicle due to tolerance-related changes in the connection kinematics.

From DE 10 2010 009 528 A1 discloses a leaf spring, which is in particular a leaf spring for a suspension. The leaf spring is made of a fiber composite material. The starting point is a semi-finished product consisting of layered prepreg strips. As prepregs single resin impregnated fiber fabric layers are referred to, which are manufactured according to the desired shape or cut and placed in a mold, which corresponds to the dimensions of the leaf spring. Subsequently, the leaf spring is set under the action of pressure and heat in the mold. To connect the leaf spring to the body retaining elements are mounted on the leaf spring.

Starting from the above-described prior art, it is now the object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a leaf spring, which is characterized by a simplified manufacturing and assembly process. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a leaf spring, which is characterized by a reduced weight and a simplified installation.

This object is achieved from the procedural point of view, starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. From a device technical point of view, a solution of the problem is based on the preamble of independent claim 11 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The respective subsequent dependent claims give each advantageous embodiments of the invention. A suspension in which At least one leaf spring according to the invention is used, is the subject matter of claim 13.

According to the invention, in one method, a leaf spring is produced with at least two connection components surrounding the leaf spring in sections, wherein the leaf spring is produced from an endless fiber-reinforced first plastic semifinished product. The leaf spring made of a fiber-plastic composite is known to be characterized by a low weight and a good load capacity. The connection components preferably each comprise two half-shell-shaped elements which, when combined, form the respective connection component encompassing the leaf spring at their respective section. In this case, the respective connection component completely encloses the leaf spring on the respective associated section and serves there to produce a connection to a vehicle body.

The invention comprises the technical teaching that the connection components are produced from a fiber-reinforced second plastic semifinished product, wherein the first semifinished plastic product and the second semifinished plastic product are joined together in a material-locking manner to form a common component. In a leaf spring produced according to the invention, the leaf spring and the connecting components arranged thereon each consist of a fiber-plastic composite. The cohesive joining of the two plastic semi-finished products leads to a one-piece design of the leaf spring and the connection components. This has the advantage of reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing and assembling such a leaf spring. The use of fiber-plastic composite for the connection components enables a lightweight, sustainable and customizable design of the connection components as required. In addition, the layer structure of the second plastic semifinished product, from which the connection components are produced, can be adapted to different load cases. Thus, at high torsional stresses, an orientation of +/- 45 ° can be layered and, in the case of high tensile and compressive loads, additionally layered with 0 90 ° orientation. In the context of the invention, the continuous fiber-reinforced first plastic semi-finished product and the second fiber-reinforced plastic semi-finished product can be in the form of prepreg fibers, in the form of dry fibers or as textile semi-finished products (preforms), in particular in the form of preimpregnated fibers. In addition, the second plastic semifinished product can be present as a plastic semi-finished product prepared in advance by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) or Prepreg Compression Molding (PCM). Furthermore, the second plastic semifinished product can be present either as a short-fiber-reinforced plastic semifinished product, for example in the form of bulk molding compound (BMC) or as thermoset injection molding, or as a long-fiber-reinforced plastic semifinished product, which is designed in particular in the form of sheet molding compound (SMC). As fibers, different fiber types can be used for the connection components, such as carbon, glass, etc.

Regardless of the materials from which the first semifinished plastic product and the second semifinished plastic product are produced or the production process used for their production, they can be connected in the production process by hot pressing cohesively together to form a common component. Resin transfer molding or prepreg compression molding can be used as the manufacturing technology for such a manufacturing process.

Preferably, at least one elastomer layer can be integrated into the first semifinished plastic product or the second semifinished plastic product. The integration in one of the plastic semi-finished products has the advantage that a further process step in the manufacturing process of the leaf spring according to the invention can be saved. The insertion and alignment of a vibration damping rubber mat serving in the half-shell-shaped elements of the connection components, as is required in the state during assembly of the leaf spring eliminates. The implementation of the elastomer layer in the connection components is used for vibration damping and translational and rotational offset compensation. For this purpose, the geometry and the wall thickness of the elastomer layer can be adapted to different load cases occurring on the chassis as well as rotational and translational requirements of the offset compensation. Thus, the elastomer layer may have on both sides transverse to the leaf spring recesses, the sections after extend inside. Furthermore, the elastomer layer can be provided on both sides, that is, inside and outside, of the attachment components. As a result, impact and splinter protection can be realized.

The integration of the at least one elastomer layer can be carried out during the manufacturing step for materially joining the semifinished plastic products. For this purpose, the unvulcanized elastomer layer can be inserted together with the first and the second plastic semi-finished product in a tool. This can be a forming tool which is used as part of the Resin Transfer Molding process. In the course of the manufacturing step, in which the first and the second plastic semi-finished products are joined together in a material-locking manner to form a common component, the elastomer layer can be vulcanized. It can be achieved by vulcanization and bonding with the matrix system of the two plastic semi-finished a cohesive connection between the elastomer layer and the first and second plastic semi-finished product. As a result, the individual components, leaf spring, elastomer layer and connection components are fixed in their defined position. Thus, the complexity and expense of manufacturing the leaf spring can be further reduced.

Alternatively, the integration of the at least one elastomer layer during a manufacturing process for producing the second plastic semi-finished product can be carried out. To produce the second semifinished plastic product, the unvulcanized elastomer layer together with a multilayer layer structure consisting of fiber-reinforced material can be inserted into a tool and connected to one another in a material-locking manner in a preforming process. For economic reasons, wide preforms, i. Plastic semi-finished, are manufactured, which are then cut to the required for the half-shell-shaped elements of the connection components width.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the components to be joined in the manufacturing process by hot pressing together. For this, the components are inserted in a preheated tool. sets. Then this is closed to start the pressing process. Due to the temperature and the pressure in the cavity, the at least one connecting structure begins to equalize and harden the tool-provided contour. In the course of the hot pressing process, the elastomer layer is then vulcanized.

Furthermore, at least one functional component can be integrated into the first semifinished plastic product and / or the second semifinished plastic product. The at least one functional component can be inserted into the tool during the production step for the material-locking connection of the first plastic semi-finished product and the second plastic semi-finished product. Additionally or alternatively, at least one functional component during the manufacturing process for producing the second plastic semi-finished product can be integrated into this.

Thus, at least one sensor can be integrated into the first plastic semi-finished product. In this way, the leaf spring can be provided with a sensor by which a change in the fiber composite structure of the leaf spring recognizable and / or loads or overloads or overstress can be detected. For this purpose, the sensor can be integrated into the process step for cohesive connection of leaf spring and connection components.

Furthermore, functional components designed as bearing elements can be integrated into the second semifinished plastic product. In the course of the forming or primitive connection of the first spring forming the plastic spring plastic and the second plastic semifinished products forming the connection components corresponding bearing elements are placed at the appropriate points of the connection components, so that the final leaf spring is assembled in the course of a single manufacturing process. Thus, at the same time as the assembly of the leaf spring and the connection components at the same time also corresponding bearing elements are inserted and secured in this. The assembly of the leaf spring, connection components, elastomer layers and one or more functional components existing assembly is limited to the insertion of the prefabricated components in a tool of Resin Transfer Moulins ding method by which the components are materially interconnected. As a result, the production costs for a leaf spring according to the invention can be significantly reduced.

By integrating the bearing elements, an additional rotational / tilting movement of the leaf spring about the longitudinal axis of the connection points, which runs parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis, are made possible. Thus, the leaf spring can be installed for any Radfederwege and the application is significantly expanded.

To connect the leaf spring to the body, bores are provided in outer straps of the connection components through which connection elements are passed. Annular metal sleeve can be embedded in these holes to reinforce the bolting to the body of the vehicle. The holes can be aufgedornt or punched out during the manufacturing process for the production of the second plastic semi-finished product or subsequently.

It is advantageous if the bearing elements to be integrated are designed as ball joints. Here, the bearing elements designed as ball joints can be made one or more parts. For a one-piece design of the ball joint a ball head with a conical pin is conceivable, wherein the pin has a threaded portion for screwing to the body at its free end. A likewise one-piece embodiment provides a cylindrical rod with a ball section formed thereon. The cylindrical rod is provided at one end with a threaded portion, while the other end is modeled after a screw head. A two-part embodiment of the ball joint provides that in each case a hollow cylindrical sleeve is integrated with a spherical center portion in the outer flaps of the connection component. To screw with the body is through the hollow cylindrical sleeve a

Screw passed. A modification of the two-part embodiment of the ball joint provides that the ball joint of a hollow cylindrical sleeve and a separate spherical shell are formed, whereby the production of these components is simplified. An inventively designed leaf spring is particularly part of a suspension of a motor vehicle and is then provided here as a transverse leaf spring for connecting kinematic points of the suspension in order to transmit movements and forces of the chassis. Particularly preferably, a wheel suspension comprises at least one leaf spring designed according to the invention.

The invention is not limited to the specified combination of the features of the independent or the dependent claims. There are also opportunities to combine individual features, even if they emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention o- directly from the drawings. The reference of the claims to the drawings by use of reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are explained below, are shown in the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a suspension with a leaf spring;

2 is a partial view of a leaf spring with a connection component.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sequence of a method for producing the leaf spring from FIG. 2; FIG.

4 shows a schematic sequence of a method for producing connection components for a leaf spring according to FIG. 2;

Figures 5a-5c are sectional views of attachment components having different geometries of an elastomer layer disposed therein;

6 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of a connection component with an integrated functional component according to a first embodiment; 7 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of a connection component with an integrated functional component according to a second embodiment;

8 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of a connection component with an integrated functional component according to a third embodiment.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a suspension 100 of a vehicle with a arranged thereon, made of a fiber-reinforced composite material leaf spring 1 is shown. Preferably, the leaf spring 1 is composed of an endless fiber-plastic composite, in particular carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) together. The leaf spring 1 connects kinematic points of the suspension 100 and serves the wheel guide

and suspension and the suspension and stabilization. The leaf spring 1 is connected to two connection points 2 with a - not shown here - body of the vehicle.

In the representation according to FIG. 2, a detailed view of a leaf spring 1 with a connection component 3 for attachment to one of the attachment points 2 is shown. The leaf spring 1 is embraced at the connection points 2 in each case by a connection component 3, which in each case comprises two half-shell-shaped elements 3a, 3b. For this purpose, the two half-shell-shaped elements 3a and 3b are arranged opposite each other on the leaf spring 1 and form the connection component 3. The connection components 3 are made of a fiber-reinforced composite material. Between the respective connection component 3 and the leaf spring 1, at least one elastomer layer 4 is provided. The at least one elastomer layer 4 is used for vibration damping, the offset compensation of the leaf spring 1 and the fixation of the leaf spring 1 in the connection points 2. Similarly, in the leaf spring 1 also a - not shown here - be embedded with sensor technology. The half-shell-shaped elements 3a and 3b of the connection components 3 have lug-shaped fastening sections 15 on both sides, in which holes 16 are provided, which later connect to the bodywork serve by screwing. The tab-shaped attachment portions 15 of the shell-shaped elements 3a and 3b of the respective attachment component 3 are aligned opposite each other, so that the holes 16 are aligned.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a method for producing the leaf spring 1 with the connection components 3 arranged thereon according to FIG. 2. The manufacture of the leaf spring 1 takes place by the resin molding transfer process. As can be seen, a first plastic semi-finished product 5 for the leaf spring 1 and a second plastic semi-finished product 6 for the connection component 3 are prepared in advance. Furthermore, denoted by reference numeral 7 is a prepared semifinished product, which is the at least one elastomer layer 4 in the unvulcanized state, and by reference numerals 8 and 18 in the leaf spring 1 to be integrated functional components, which in the illustrated embodiment as sensors 9 and as bearing elements 20 are formed.

The first plastic semifinished product 5 and the second semifinished plastic product 6 are present as continuous fiber-reinforced plastic semi-finished products in the form of dry fibers or as textile semifinished products (preforms). The plastic semi-finished products 5 and 6 are then positioned in a tool 10 together with the semi-finished products 7 and the functional components 8 to each other, although the plastic semi-finished 5 and 6 while pre-formed but not yet impregnated or cured. In addition, the insertion of the components into the tool 10 should take place close to the prefabrication of the plastic semi-finished products 5 and 6 in order to avoid contamination.

In a subsequent step, the reheated tool 10 is closed and the Resin Transfer Molding process started. First, resin is injected into the tool 10 to impregnate the plastic semi-finished products 5 and 6. Subsequently, a hot pressing process is started. Here, the plastic semifinished products 5 and 6, due to the temperature and the pressure in the cavity, begin to conform to the tool-defined contour and harden. At the same time, due to the temperature and the pressure in the tool 10, the semi-finished product 7 adapts to the tool-provided contour and is vulcanized. In addition, as part of the curing process, the at least one functional component 8, such as the sensors 9 as the bearing elements 20, embedded. Following this, then the finished leaf spring 1 can be removed as a one-piece component. Due to the cohesive connection of the elastomer layer with the leaf spring 1 and the connection components 3 during the manufacturing process, due to the vulcanization and the bonding of the elastomer layer 4 with the matrix system by the cured resin, the individual components are held together in their defined position and fixed.

4, a method for producing the half-shell-shaped elements 3a and 3b of the connection component 3 according to FIG. 2 is shown schematically. The second semifinished plastic products 6 to be provided in preparation for the manufacturing process consist, as already stated, of an endless fiber-plastic composite, preferably of fiberglass or CFRP. Starting point for the second semifinished plastic products 6 form dry continuous fiber structures, which are stacked to form a layer structure. The orientation of the continuous fibers per layer 11 is thereby adapted to the later expected load. Thus, the individual layers 11 may have the same fiber orientation or different fiber orientations of the layers 11 stacked one above the other are selected. Furthermore, at high torsional stresses can be increasingly piled up in +/- 45 ° orientation. At high tensile and compressive loads additional 0 ° or 90 ° orientations of the individual layers 11 can be provided. Also in preparation for the production of the second semi-finished plastic products 6 for this purpose, the semi-finished product 7 is cut.

In a first method step 12, the layers 11 are cut from which the second plastic semifinished product 6 consists. Subsequently, the cut layers 11 are inserted into a tool 13 and subjected to a shaping and fixing in a second method step 14. Subsequently, the second plastic semi-finished product 6 is removed from the tool 13. In the course of this preform manufacturing process holes 16 can be introduced into the second plastic semi-finished product 6. In addition, this manufacturing process allows the introduction of metallic sleeves in the plastic semi-finished product 7 to reinforce the holes 16, the inclusion of means for attachment to the body of the Serve vehicle. The holes 15 can also be previously drilled or punched out later.

A modification of the method for producing the second plastic semifinished product 6 provides that the non-vulcanized semifinished product 7 is subjected together with the dry layers 11 and preforms to the preform manufacturing process described above, wherein the semifinished product 7 is vulcanized during the second method step 14, so that the elastomer layer 4 is formed. Subsequent to this manufacturing process, the production of the leaf spring 1 by the above-described Resin Molding Transfer process, in a modification of which already provided with the elastomer layer 4 second semi-finished plastic 6 is inserted together with the plastic semi-finished product 5 in the tool 10 and molded with resin is then to connect them by hot pressing materially together.

Regardless of the process time in the manufacture of the leaf spring 1 and the connection components 3, the at least one elastomer layer 4 is integrated, this requires no additional manufacturing process.

The geometry and wall thickness of the vibration damping and the rotational and translational offset compensation serving at least one elastomer layer 4 can be adapted to different load cases and requirements. Thus, depending on the requirements of the entire layer structure of the second plastic semi-finished product 6 and the elastomer layer 4 vary. In addition to the layer structure described above, which provides a layer of the plastic semifinished product 6 and a layer of the semifinished product 7, at least one layer of plastic semifinished product 7 can be embedded between two layers of the semifinished product 7 or at least one layer of semifinished product 7 can be enclosed between two layers of plastic semifinished product 6. The arrangement of the layers of plastic semi-finished product 6 and semifinished product 7 takes place during insertion into the tool 10th

The illustrations in FIGS. 5a to 5c show a sectional view of the connection components 3 for illustrating the variations of geometry and wall thickness. strengthen the integrated elastomer layer 4 in order to realize different behavior in the vibration damping and the rotational and translational offset compensation. The elastomer layer 4 shown in FIG. 5a has a cuboid cross section with a constant wall thickness. The illustrations in FIGS. 5b and 5c each show an elastomer layer 4 with a greater wall thickness. In addition, the geometry deviates from the elastomer layer 4 to the effect that on the outer sides of the elastomer layer 4 recesses 17 are provided, for example, have an approximately arcuate or trapezoidal course.

The representation in FIG. 6 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of the connection component 3 with functional components 18 integrated therein according to a first embodiment. The leaf spring 1 and the attachment components 3 are manufactured according to the method described above. The integration of the functional components 18 takes place in accordance with the introduction of the sensors 9 together with the insertion of the first and second plastic semi-finished products 5 and 6 in the tool 10. The functional components 18 serve to connect the leaf spring 1 at the connection points 2 to a body 19 of the illustrated only hinted vehicle. The detachable connection of the leaf spring 1 to the body 19 by means of the connection components 3 by screwing.

The respective functional component 18 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a bearing element 20, which is designed as a one-piece ball joint. The bearing member 20 comprises a hollow cylindrical sleeve 21 having a central spherical shaped portion 22. The spherical portion 22 is integrated between the mounting portions 15 of the connection component 3 in this. A connecting element 23 having a threaded portion extends through the sleeve 21 in order to screw the leaf spring 1 to the body 19 at its connection point 2. The functional component 18 can also be designed in several parts by the hollow cylindrical sleeve 21 and the ball portion 22 are made as separate parts, which are integrated in the production of the leaf spring 1 in the connection components 3. The representation in FIG. 7 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of the connection component 3 with integrated functional components 18 according to a second embodiment. The respective functional component 18 according to the second embodiment forms a bearing element 20, which is also designed as a one-piece ball joint. For this purpose, the bearing element 20 is formed as a made of the solid rod 24 with a central ball portion 25 and an end formed in the rod 24 threaded portion 26. Through the threaded portion 26, the bearing element 20 with the body 19 in Anbin- point 2 verschrobbar. At the opposite end of the rod 24 is a head portion 27 with which a tool force or form-fitting is engageable. The bearing element 20 serves in this embodiment as a bearing and connecting element.

The illustration in FIG. 8 shows an isometric view and a corresponding partial sectional view of the connection component 3 with integrated functional components 18 according to a third embodiment. The respective functional component 18 according to the third embodiment forms a bearing element 20, which also has the functionality of a ball and socket joint. The integrally formed bearing element 20 comprises a spherical head portion 28, to which a pin-shaped portion 29 connects. End side of the pin-shaped portion 29 is provided with a threaded portion 30. In the head portion 28, a profiled recess 31 is incorporated, in which a tool can engage positively.

By means of the embodiments according to the invention of a leaf spring with connection components and a method according to the invention for producing the same, a resilient leaf spring with connection components made of a fiber-plastic composite can be realized, which is characterized by a reduced weight and a significantly simplified production. By the simultaneous assembly of the leaf spring 1, the Anbindungskomponenten3, the elastomer layers 4 and additional functional components 8, 18, in particular the bearing elements 20, to a common component in a single joint manufacturing step complexity and effort in the manufacture and assembly of the leaf spring 1 according to the invention are reduced. REFERENCE CHARACTERS

leaf spring

access point

connection component

a Half shell-shaped element Half shell-shaped element

elastomer layer

First plastic semi-finished product

Second plastic semi-finished product

Workpiece

functional component

sensor

0 tool

1 location

2 First process step

3 tool

4 Second process step

5 Tab-shaped attachment section6 Bore

7 recess

8 functional component

9 bodywork

0 bearing element

1 sleeve

2 Spherical section

3 connecting element

4 pole

5 ball section

6 threaded section

7 headboard

8 head section

9 peg-shaped section

0 threaded section Recess wheel suspension

Claims

claims

1. A method for producing a leaf spring (1), in particular a leaf spring for a suspension, with at least two the leaf spring (1) partially embracing connection components (3), wherein the leaf spring (1) is made of a continuous fiber reinforced first plastic semi-finished product (5), characterized in that the connection components (3) made of a fiber-reinforced second plastic semi-finished product (6) are produced, and that the first plastic semi-finished product (5) and the second plastic semi-finished product (6) are integrally connected in a manufacturing step to a common component.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first plastic semifinished product (5) or the second plastic semi-finished product (6) at least one elastomer layer (4) is integrated.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the integration of the at least one elastomer layer (4) during the manufacturing step for cohesive bonding of the plastic semi-finished products (5, 6) is performed.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the integration of the at least one elastomer layer (4) during a manufacturing process for producing the second plastic semi-finished product (6) is performed.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components to be connected (1, 3, 4) are connected to each other in the manufacturing process by hot pressing.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first plastic semi-finished product (5) and / or the second plastic semi-finished product (6) at least one functional component (9, 18) is integrated.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the first plastic semifinished product (5) at least one sensor (9) is integrated.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the second plastic semifinished product (6) bearing elements (20) are integrated.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the bearing elements (20) are designed as ball joints.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one functional component (8, 18) is embedded in the course of the hot pressing.

11. leaf spring (1), in particular a leaf spring for a suspension, with at least two the leaf spring (1) partially embracing connection components (3), wherein the leaf spring (1) consists of a continuous fiber reinforced first plastic semi-finished product (5), characterized in that the connection components (3) consist of a fiber-reinforced second plastic semifinished product (6), and in that the first semifinished plastic product (5) and the second semifinished plastic product (6) are bonded to a common component in one production step.

12. leaf spring (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that it is further designed according to one or more of claims 2 to 10.

13. Wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one leaf spring (1) according to claim 11 or 12.