Pushrod for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Push rod (2) for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle, comprising: a first rod element (4), a second rod element (6), a stop ring (8) for limiting a movement of the push rod (2), wherein the first rod element (4) is designed in the form of a profile shaft and the second rod element (6) has a thread for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement and the stop ring (8) is fixedly arranged between the first and the second rod element (4, 6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a push rod for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering gear and a motor vehicle with such a push rod.

[0002] Push rods for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle are known from the prior art, for example, from DE 10 2016 212 308 A1. These known push rods often have rod elements for executing a steering movement as well as stop limits for limiting the movement of a push rod or limiting a steering movement. In order to convert an introduced torque into an axial force as effectively as possible using a push rod, various push rod concepts are known today. Steering racks or push rods for vehicles are also known from the documents DE 10 2017 208 173 A1, DE 10 2022 202 506 A1, DE 10 2022 207 245 A1, and DE 10 2007 018 919 A1.

[0003] Unfortunately, most concepts are limited in terms of the power they can transmit and / or are expensive to manufacture and have an unfavorable weight.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above, in particular it is the object of the present invention to provide a weight-optimized push rod for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle, which can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner, ensures a safe and reliable limitation of a steering movement and is capable of transmitting large forces.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a push rod having the features of claim 1, a steering gear according to claim 4, and a motor vehicle according to claim 5. Further features and details emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Technical features disclosed for the push rod according to the invention also apply in connection with the steering gear according to the invention and the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure, reference is always made to the individual aspects of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0006] The push rod according to the invention for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle comprises a first rod element, a second rod element and a stop ring for limiting a movement of the push rod, wherein the first rod element is designed in the form of a profile shaft and the second rod element has a thread for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement and the stop ring is fixedly arranged between the first and the second rod element.

[0007] Due to the inventively provided design of the first rod element in the form of a profiled shaft, the second rod element in the form of a threaded element for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement and the fixed arrangement of a stop ring between the first and the second rod element, it is particularly possible to provide a weight-optimized push rod for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle, which can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner, ensures a safe and reliable limitation of a steering movement and is capable of transmitting large forces.

[0008] In contrast to known push rods, a stop element can be fixed safely and reliably in its position in a simple and cost-effective manner, preferably at the same time as a material-locking connection is created between two rod elements.

[0009] In the context of the invention, a push rod can be understood in particular as a handlebar or a steering lever that transmits a steering movement to the wheels of a vehicle. A stop ring can be understood in concrete terms as an element fastened to the push rod that limits movement of the push rod and thus a steering movement. The feature that the stop ring is firmly arranged between the first and second rod elements can be understood in particular in the context of the invention as meaning that the rod element is fixed, preferably clamped, between at least part of the first and at least part of the second rod element. The push rod in question can advantageously be made of a metal material, preferably of an aluminum material.

[0010] The push rod according to the invention can be used in particular in a passenger car or a truck. However, it is understood that the push rod according to the invention can also be used in a commercial vehicle or the like.

[0011] With regard to efficient power transmission and precise positioning, the invention preferably provides for the second rod element to be designed in the form of a threaded spindle, preferably a ball screw. The threaded spindle can, in particular, form a corresponding geometry for a push rod or tie rod tightening torque. The second rod element can be at least partially, preferably completely, hollow. Within the scope of an embodiment of the second rod element as a threaded spindle, the thread can preferably be ground, rolled, or whirled.

[0012] With a view to a simple, cost-effective and reliable fixing of a stop ring between a first and a second rod element, it can advantageously be further provided according to the invention that the stop ring is firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements, preferably via a material flow of liquefied and subsequently hardened material of the first and / or second rod element is firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements.

[0013] The push rod in question can then advantageously be manufactured using a friction welding process by sliding the stop ring onto an end region of the first or second rod element and generating a frictional force between the end faces of the first and second rod elements, which creates a material flow by means of which the stop ring is firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements. Alternatively, the stop ring can also be formed integrally with the first and / or second rod elements and preferably be formed during the joining of the first and second rod elements.

[0014] With a view to simple and cost-effective production of a stable push rod for the reliable transmission of large forces, it can advantageously be further provided that the first rod element is manufactured by cold drawing and / or semi-hot forging and / or rolling and / or machining. With regard to a rolled component, the component can be cold-rolled or hot-rolled. Within the context of a machined component, the profile can advantageously be machined. The surface of the first rod element can also preferably be brushed or finished and, for example, be provided with grease pockets that are formed or incorporated into the material of the first rod element.

[0015] With a view to a particularly lightweight and weight-saving design of a push rod for use in a motor vehicle, it can advantageously be further provided that the first rod element is at least partially hollow, preferably completely hollow. The diameter of the bore of the first rod element can preferably be smaller than that of a corresponding tie rod thread. The profile of the first rod element can preferably have a suitable geometry for a tie rod tightening torque. The profile can preferably be introduced via a contour or profile cut.

[0016] In the context of efficient power transmission, precise positioning and high wear resistance, it is advantageously further provided according to the invention that the first rod element has a tooth profile, wherein the tooth profile preferably has a plurality of teeth and tooth gaps arranged between each two teeth.

[0017] In order to maximize power transmission while simultaneously minimizing wear, it can be particularly advantageous if the tooth profile has more than three teeth and / or tooth gaps, preferably more than five teeth and / or tooth gaps.

[0018] Furthermore, the teeth and / or tooth gaps differ, at least partially, in terms of their size and / or shape. This allows, for example, a targeted insertion of the first rod element into a corresponding component or the establishment of a safety mechanism such as a poka-yoke.

[0019] With a view to simple and cost-effective production with low manufacturing tolerances and low friction generation, the invention advantageously provides for the teeth to have at least a partially polygonal shape, preferably a triangular, square, or pentagonal shape. The flank shape of the teeth can preferably be straight, curved, or involute.

[0020] The invention also further relates to a steering gear for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a push rod as described above. Thus, the steering gear according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the push rod according to the invention.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a push rod as described above, preferably a steering gear as described above. Thus, the motor vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the push rod or steering gear according to the invention.

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a push rod according to the invention for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment in a spatial view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the profile of the first rod element of the push rod according to the invention in a plan view.

[0024] In the figures, identical reference symbols are used for the same technical features.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a push rod 2 according to the invention for use in a steering gear of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment in a spatial view.

[0026] As per Fig. 1, the push rod 2 according to the invention has a first rod element 4, a second rod element 6 and a stop ring 8 for limiting a movement of the push rod 2, wherein the first rod element 4 is designed in the form of a profile shaft and the second rod element 6 has a thread for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement and the stop ring 8 is fixedly arranged between the first and the second rod element 4, 6.

[0027] As per Fig. 1, the second rod element (6) is designed in the form of a ball screw.

[0028] The stop ring 8 is also firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements 4, 6.

[0029] The first rod element 4 can preferably be cold-drawn and / or semi-hot forged and / or rolled and / or machined.

[0030] As per Fig. 1, the first rod element 4 is at least partially hollow, preferably completely hollow.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the profile of the first rod element 4 of the push rod 2 according to the invention in a plan view.

[0032] As per Fig. 2, the first rod element 4 has a tooth profile with a plurality of teeth 10 and tooth gaps 12 arranged between each two teeth 10.

[0033] According to the Fig. 2 has in particular six teeth 10 and six associated tooth gaps 12, wherein the teeth 10 and tooth gaps 12 are arranged according to the tooth profile according to Fig. 2 are arranged and designed symmetrically.

[0034] Alternatively, it may also be conceivable that the teeth 10 and / or tooth gaps 12 differ at least partially in terms of their size and / or shape.

[0035] The teeth 10 are according to the design according to Fig. 2 polygonal, especially square shaped. List of reference symbols 2 push rods 4 first rod element 6 second rod element 8 Stop ring 10 teeth 12 tooth gap

Claims

[1] Push rod (2) of a steering gear of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a first rod element (4), - a second rod element (6), - a stop ring (8) for limiting movement of the push rod (2), characterized by , - that the first rod element (4) is designed in the form of a profile shaft and the second rod element (6) has a thread for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement and the stop ring (8) is fixedly arranged between the first and the second rod element (4, 6), - that the first rod element (4) has a tooth profile, wherein the tooth profile is arranged radially around the outer circumference of the first rod element (4), wherein the tooth profile preferably has a plurality of teeth (10) and tooth gaps (12) arranged between each two teeth (10), and - that the teeth (10) differ at least partially in terms of their size and / or shape, and that the tooth gaps (12) differ at least partially in terms of their size and / or shape, and - that the stop ring (8) is firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements (4, 6) and is firmly clamped between the first and second rod elements (4, 6) via a material flow of liquefied and subsequently hardened material of the first and / or second rod elements (4, 6). [2] Push rod (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second rod element (6) is designed in the form of a threaded spindle, preferably a ball screw spindle. [3] Push rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tooth profile has more than three teeth (10) and / or tooth gaps (12). [4] Steering gear of a motor vehicle, comprising a push rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [5] Motor vehicle, comprising a push rod (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, preferably a steering gear according to claim 4.

Images