Adjustment unit and adjustment device for adjusting the relative position of components supported relative to one another

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment unit (10) comprising a support device (11) with an inner core (12) which is designed with a passage (18) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the inner core (12), wherein a spacing element (20) is arranged in the passage (18), which spacing element has a bore (22) for receiving a support pin (24), wherein the bore (22) extends along a longitudinal axis which defines a connection axis (A) of the support device (11), wherein the connection axis (A) and a support device axis (L) can be adjusted relative to one another via adjustment of the spacing element (20). The invention is characterized in that the spacing element (20) is movably arranged in the direction of extension of the passage (18), wherein, in the mounted state of the support device (11), an axial adjustment of the spacing element (20) is carried out along the connection axis (A) and causes a translatory offset of the inner core (12) transverse to the connection axis (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment unit and an adjustment device for adjusting the relative position of components that support each other. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle's running gear is a complex composite structure that establishes the connection between the vehicle body and the lane via the wheels. The vehicle wheels are typically connected to the vehicle body via multiple control arms, enabling relative movement between the vehicle body and the wheels. Here, the control arms are mostly connected to the wheel side via a corresponding support device. On the vehicle body side, the control arms can be connected to the vehicle body, to components connecting to the vehicle body, or to the steering transmission mechanism via support devices. The control arms specifically function as connectors, through which correct wheel orientation relative to the vehicle body can be established to ensure safe and comfortable driving behavior. This is particularly achieved by adjusting the position of the support devices on the vehicle body side in the lateral direction of the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the track width or camber over the spring travel.

[0003] Adjustment devices for track or camber adjustment of the running gear or wheel suspension of motor vehicles are known. Regarding the prior art, refer to DE 41 15 111 C2, DE 44 37 661 A1, US 5 398 411 A, and EP 2 783 947A1, from which adjustment devices are known, in which the support of the control arm is fixed in a double-shear support holding portion, or between two support legs, using support pins and nuts, wherein the support pins are supported in elongated holes in the respective support legs. Guide portions are provided on both sides of the elongated holes on the support legs, and spacer elements, particularly eccentric discs, are arranged between the guide portions. To adjust the control arm, after operations such as loosening the nuts, the support pins can be moved or adjusted by rotation within the elongated holes, thereby causing movement of the support in the lateral direction of the vehicle, so as to cause, for example, relative movement between the control arm and sections of the vehicle body or wheel brackets.

[0004] EP 1 932 692 A1 discloses a hinge device for connecting a control arm to a vehicle body, comprising a rubber-metal support device through which a support pin passes, the longitudinal axis of the support pin defining the hinge axis. The control arm is screwed to the vehicle body via two mounting sections, each mounting section having a corresponding elongated hole and designed to be integrally formed with the support pin. The mounting sections extend in a plane inclined at a predetermined angle to the hinge axis. A spacer element, designed as a cam element, is arranged on one of the elongated holes. The relative position of the control arm to the vehicle body is adjustable by rotating the spacer element.

[0005] DE 10 2015 016 493 A1 discloses a support arrangement for a vehicle wheel suspension, wherein a control arm is hinged to the vehicle body, such as a subframe, about a swing axis by means of a rubber-metal support. The rubber-metal support is mounted in a control arm bracket designed as a separate component, which is connected to the vehicle body via a threaded connection of an adjustment unit through a connecting flange. Screws pass through elongated holes on the subframe side, the longitudinal extension of which defines the adjustment direction of the swing axis, particularly for adjusting the camber characteristics of the wheel suspension relative to the support structure on the vehicle body side.

[0006] DE 10 2014 201 876 A1 relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the track width and / or camber of a wheel guide element, the wheel guide element being connected to a vehicle body on one side and to the wheel frame of a motor vehicle wheel on the other side via corresponding support devices. One of the corresponding support devices has an adjustment element designed as an eccentric member, the adjustment element having an eccentric shaft adjustable by means of an adjustment drive device. Wheel-specific adjustments can be achieved by rotation of the eccentric shaft.

[0007] DE 10 2014 226 536 A1 describes a control arm for a vehicle wheel suspension, the control arm being designed as a two-piece unit. The two control arm elements are interconnected by a fixing element and a length adjustment device. The length adjustment device is designed as an eccentric screw guided through an elongated hole in a corresponding control arm element. A spacer element, such as an eccentric disc, arranged in the elongated hole is guided in a guide section. When the eccentric screw rotates, the forced guide causes movement of the screw rod along or against the longitudinal axis of the control arm, changing the relative position of the two control arm elements. Therefore, the length of the control arm can be varied and used to adjust the track width and / or camber.

[0008] WO 2016 041 706 A1 discloses a tie rod or steering rod for a vehicle, having a tube connected to a connector via an adjusting sleeve. The adjusting sleeve is screwed into the end of the tube in a first rotational direction and tightened to the shaft of the connector via an internal thread rotatable in the opposite direction of rotation. Axial adjustment of the tube relative to the connector is achieved by rotating the adjusting sleeve relative to the tube and relative to the shaft. The adjusting sleeve has a meandering or sinusoidal slot extending in the axial direction. A clamping clamp, with the adjusting sleeve connected in the middle, presses the tube end region against the outer periphery of the shaft. This secures the tube, adjusting sleeve, and shaft relative to each other in their positions.

[0009] One such adjusting device is described in DE 10 2015 111 438 A1. A spacer assembly adjustable via a spacer element includes a connector having a sleeve support surrounded by two support lugs. The sleeve support is designed with a through-hole arranged concentrically relative to the axis of the support. A spacer element designed as a cam is received in the through-hole, the spacer element having a continuous cam bore whose cam axis extends eccentrically relative to the axis of the support. A screw arranged in the cam bore passes through the support lugs and engages with the cam bore, such that rotation of the screw about a first cam axis causes the cam to rotate within the sleeve about the axis of the support. In this way, the support lugs move relative to the axis of the support, thereby adjusting the distance between the components of the assembly.

[0010] The disadvantages of adjustment devices are that they are mostly component-intensive and expensive constructions, often integrated into complex welded structures, thus limiting their flexibility. Furthermore, they are mostly installed in inaccessible areas with limited structural space, where multiple different components are housed, making installation even more difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to improve an adjustment unit of the aforementioned type, thereby reducing the disadvantages of previously known solutions.

[0012] This objective is achieved by an adjustment unit according to the invention, the adjustment unit comprising a support device having an inner core designed with a through portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner core, wherein a spacer element is arranged in the through portion, the spacer element having a through hole for receiving a support pin, wherein the through hole extends along a longitudinal axis defining the connecting axis of the support device, wherein the connecting axis and the axis of the support device can be adjusted relative to each other by adjusting the spacer element, the spacer element being arranged to be movable in the extending direction of the through portion, wherein, in the installed state of the support device, axial adjustment of the spacer element is performed along the connecting axis and causes a translational offset of the inner core transverse to the connecting axis, wherein the support device is designed as a rubber-metal support device, the inner core of the support device being connected to an outer sleeve by an elastomer, wherein the spacer element is movable along at least one guide rail arranged on the inner core, wherein the guide rail extends at an angle to the axis of the support device in the longitudinal direction of the through portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adjusting device for adjusting the distance between components that support each other.

[0014] In a known manner, the adjusting unit includes a support device having an inner core extending along the axis of the support device. The support device can be specifically designed as a rubber-metal support device. The inner core has a through-hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner core for receiving a support pin / support threaded pin, which can be, for example, a screw with partial threads.

[0015] An adjustable spacer element is arranged in the through section. The spacer element can be designed as a cam element, for example. The spacer element has a through hole, which is also designed to receive a support pin. In the installed state of the support device, the support pin passes through the inner core and the spacer element. The spacer element extends along a longitudinal axis that defines the support device connection axis and extends parallel to the support device axis.

[0016] Adjusting the spacer element allows the connecting axis and the support axis to be adjusted / displaced relative to each other. For example, rotation of the support pin around the corresponding longitudinal axis causes the connecting axis to be adjusted relative to the support axis, or in other words, the connecting axis rotates around the support axis. This causes adjustment of the support position. For example, in this way, the support for connecting the control arm to the subframe can be adjusted, particularly in the lateral direction of the vehicle, so as to adjust the track width and / or camber.

[0017] According to the present invention, the spacer element is movably arranged in the extending direction of the through portion, wherein, in the installed state of the support device, the axial adjustment of the spacer element is performed linearly along the connecting axis and causes the inner core to shift transversely to the connecting axis. The inner core of the support device extends coaxially with the axis of the support device, which is substantially arranged in a plane parallel to the connecting axis. The spacer element is linearly movable within the through portion of the inner core along the longitudinal axis of the through portion. Simultaneously, in the installed state of the adjustment unit, the linear movement of the spacer element is performed along the connecting axis. Due to the linear movement of the spacer element, the inner core shifts transversely to the connecting axis. In other words, the linear movement of the spacer element causes a translational movement of the axis of the support device, and thus causes a translational movement of the entire support device in the plane. Due to the translational movement of the inner core, the entire support device can move along an adjustment stroke extending transversely to the connecting axis.

[0018] The adjustment unit can be used, for example, as a support device for connecting components. Therefore, the relative positions of these components can be changed by the adjustment unit. For example, the adjustment unit can be used to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in components that support each other, or to adjust wheel position parameters.

[0019] The adjustment unit has the advantage of having a small structural space requirement, which corresponds to the structural space requirement of a conventional support device.

[0020] Furthermore, the adjustment unit can then be integrated into the joint. For example, the conventional rubber-metal support device pressed into the joint can be replaced by the adjustment unit. The adjustment unit can be sold, for example, as an additional accessory or as a running gear adjustment kit.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the spacer element is arranged in the inner core in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The spacer element is arranged in a through-hole of the inner core and may have a shorter longitudinal extension than the through-hole. The through-hole and the spacer element may have substantially complementary shapes relative to each other, which prevent rotation of the spacer element relative to the inner core. Thus, the through-hole and the spacer element are, for example, hexagonal in shape, wherein the through-hole and the spacer element fit together precisely. Here, the spacer element may be designed, for example, as a standard hexagonal nut, and the inner core may be designed with hexagonal perforations formed by an extrusion process. Advantageously, the adjustment unit can be manufactured cost-effectively and with minimal expense.

[0022] Alternatively, it can be envisioned that the perforation is designed as a substantially rectangular notch, and the spacer element has, for example, a cubic shape, wherein the spacer element has two parallel cubic edges arranged in a precisely fitted manner within the perforation to prevent the spacer element from rotating relative to the perforation. Furthermore, the spacer element is integrated into the core of the support device in a space-saving and dust- and dirt-resistant manner.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the through portion of the inner core has a longitudinal axis extending at an angle to the axis of the support device. The through portion of the inner core is geometrically designed to be inclined relative to the axis of the support device. That is, the respective axes of the through portion and the support device are arranged at an angle relative to each other, for example, this angle can be 5° to 30°. In particular, this angle can be 8°.

[0024] The inner core of the support device may, for example, have the aforementioned hexagonal through-hole, designed such that its longitudinal axis extends at an angle relative to the axis of the support device. Spacer elements, which may have a longitudinal extension smaller than the through-hole, are linearly movable in the longitudinal direction within the through-hole. In the installed state, the linear adjustment of the spacer elements is performed along the connecting axis, defined by the through-hole of the spacer elements. The effect of both the forced guidance of the spacer elements along the connecting axis and the forced guidance of the spacer elements within the through-hole, which extends at an angle relative to both the axis of the support device and the connecting axis, is that the movement of the spacer elements causes a translational shift of the inner core of the support device, wherein the direction of action extends transversely to the connecting axis. In other words, the linear adjustment of the spacer elements causes a translational shift of the inner core, and consequently, a translational shift of the entire support device relative to the connecting axis.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment, the spacer element is movable along at least one guide rail arranged on the inner core, wherein the guide rail extends at an angle to the axis of the support device in the longitudinal direction of the through-hole. In this embodiment, the through-hole may be specifically designed as a right-angled notch extending in the axial direction of the support device. The through-hole may be arranged coaxially with the axis of the support device. For example, a cubic spacer element is arranged in the through-hole in a manner that prevents it from rotating relative to the inner core. A guide rail is arranged on the inner core, which is designed, for example, as a groove, to guide the spacer element. For example, the guide rail may have a shaped portion.

[0026] The guide rail extends longitudinally along the through-section at an angle to the axis of the support device. This angle can be, for example, 8°. The spacer element can be adjusted along the guide rail in the longitudinal direction of the through-section, wherein the movement of the spacer element along the guide rail, while being forcibly guided along the connecting axis, causes a transverse translational offset of the inner core of the support device relative to the connecting axis. In this way, the entire support device moves transversely to the connecting axis.

[0027] In general, the direction of the translational offset of the inner core and the supporting device is transverse to the connecting axis. The direction of action can be flexibly adjusted by changing the orientation of the adjusting unit or the orientation of the supporting device of the adjusting unit.

[0028] The geometry of the inner core can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of the adjustment unit or the hinged connection. Therefore, by changing the inner core, that is, by selecting the geometry of the inner core accordingly, the adjustment unit can be used with particular flexibility.

[0029] The spacer element preferably has at least one guide element received in a guide rail. The guide element can be designed, for example, as a guide pin. The guide rail and the guide element can, for example, have complementary profiles. The guide element reliably guides the linearly adjustable spacer element along the guide rail, wherein the spacer element is movable along the guide rail like a mounted carriage. Here, the guide element moves along the direction of action, i.e., transversely to the connecting axis, within the inner core of the translational support device.

[0030] The spacer element is preferably designed with internal threads. These internal threads specifically engage with the external threads of the support pin, wherein tightening the spacer element onto the support pin causes adjustment of the spacer element along the connecting axis. The spacer element is designed with internal threads, which specifically have the same dimensions as the external threads of the support pin to be received. The internal threads can engage with the external threads, such that tightening the spacer element onto the support pin causes displacement of the spacer element along the connecting axis, or longitudinal axis, of the support pin. Simultaneously, the spacer element is forcibly guided along the support pin, or along the connecting axis, and in a through-hole extending at an angle to the connecting axis, thereby causing the spacer element to subsequently move its inner core. This causes a translational offset of the inner core, or the axis of the support device, relative to the connecting axis.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the relative position of two components supporting each other. The adjustment device includes an adjustment unit with a support device in which a spacer element with a perforation is arranged, the perforation defining the connecting axis of the support device. The support device is received in a support device receiving portion of each of the components. The support device receiving portion is surrounded, in a manner known per se, by a support device retainer arranged on the corresponding additional component, the support device retainer being designed as a double-shear connector, for example, having forked support legs, receiving legs, support device lugs, etc.

[0032] When using a support pin and nut, the support device is secured in the support device retainer. The support pin can be designed, for example, as a partially threaded screw, which passes through the support device, the spacer element, and the support device retainer, and can be fixed to the support device retainer by means of a screw-on nut.

[0033] According to the present invention, the adjusting device has an adjusting unit as described above. The adjusting unit is designed with a support device, the inner core of which has a through portion in which spacer elements are axially movable. In the installed state of the adjusting device, the adjustment of the spacer elements along the straight line of the connecting axis causes a translational offset of the inner core transverse to the connecting axis, thereby enabling adjustment of the relative positions of the components supporting each other.

[0034] The regulating device advantageously enables the relative positions of the supporting components to be set over a large regulating stroke, wherein the structural space requirement of the regulating device remains unchanged compared to conventional double-shear support connections. Compared to regulating devices known in the prior art, this regulating device requires less structural space and can be advantageously and easily installed in critical, hard-to-access areas of structural space.

[0035] The adjustment device can be used at any support location with a double-shear hinge connection or support device connection. For example, it can be used to connect a drive assembly to a subframe.

[0036] Specifically, the adjustment device can be used in the running gear at kinematic points having a double-shear hinged connection or a support device connection. Thus, for example, a control arm can be connected to the subframe via the adjustment device, wherein wheel position parameters, such as track angle and / or camber angle, can be influenced and adjusted by the adjustment device.

[0037] Because the support device can be adjusted in orientation or alignment, the adjustment device is advantageously direction-independent. For example, it is suitable for achieving different vehicle level heights with the same wheel position parameters, as well as achieving the same gradient of wheel position parameters over spring travel.

[0038] Tolerances in the components to be connected due to manufacturing can also be compensated for in a simple way by adjusting the equipment.

[0039] Furthermore, adjustment equipment offers advantages in automated vehicle production. For example, in automated axle adjustment, the translational offset of automatic screw coupling machines is no longer needed, thereby reducing assembly time.

[0040] High flexibility can be achieved in the development of, for example, vehicles, by adjusting the equipment and the adjustment unit. Therefore, in the event of structural changes, such as changes to the structure of the components to be connected, the direction of the adjustment stroke of the equipment can be easily changed due to the change in the orientation of the support device. Furthermore, only the inner core of the support device of the adjustment unit needs to be changed, without altering the entire component, such as the entire subframe structure.

[0041] Preferably, the support pin is operatively connected to the inner core via a spacer element, causing the inner core to offset laterally to the connecting axis during the adjustment stroke. The external thread of the support pin engages with the internal thread of the spacer element. Rotation of the support pin causes the spacer element to move linearly along the support pin. The rotational movement of the support pin causes the spacer element to move linearly along the support pin. The spacer element is guided in a through-hole in the inner core, wherein the through-hole has an angle or slope relative to the connecting axis and the support pin. Due to the interaction of the spacer element being forcibly guided both in the guide rail and along the support pin, the linear movement of the spacer element causes a translational movement of the inner core, wherein the direction of action extends laterally to the support pin. This means that the axis of the support device can be offset laterally to the connecting axis during the adjustment stroke, resulting in the ability to adjust the relative positions of the components supported relative to each other via the adjustment device. Furthermore, the advantage of the adjustment device is that the relative positions of the components supported relative to each other are set simply by rotating the support pin. This advantageously eliminates other complex and sometimes expensive structures, such as welded structures at the support device retainer or subframe structure. This reduces installation and manufacturing costs.

[0042] Preferably, the adjustment stroke can be adjusted based on the axial displacement of the spacer element. Due to the geometry of the guide rail, the adjustment stroke of the inner core relative to the connecting axis has a direct relationship with the relative position of the spacer element along the connecting axis. Alternatively, the adjustment stroke can be adjusted based on the number of rotations / turns of the support pin. Depending on the number of rotations of the support pin, the spacer element can move with precise adjustment stroke relative to the connecting axis. In this way, it is possible to identify when the adjustment stroke approaches the end stop. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Other advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The diagram shows:

[0045] Figure 1 The adjustment unit according to the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 2 An adjustment unit arranged in the support device receiving portion of the control arm according to the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 3 The control arm of which is provided with the adjusting device according to the invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 4 The subframe and control arm are shown, which are supported relative to each other via an adjustment device according to the invention;

[0049] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an adjusting device according to the invention is shown, the adjusting device having a spacer element in a middle position;

[0050] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an adjusting device with offset interval elements according to the present invention is shown; and

[0051] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an adjusting device with offset interval elements according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] exist Figure 1 The figure shows an adjustment unit, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to the present invention.

[0053] The adjusting unit 10 has a support device 11, which is designed as a rubber-metal support device 11. The support device 11 has an inner core 12, which is connected to the outer sleeve 16 via an elastomer 14. The inner core 12 of the support device 11 is designed to be substantially cylindrical and extends in the direction of the support device axis L. The inner core 12 has a through portion 18, which is designed as a substantially rectangular, continuous notch 18 extending in the axial direction of the support device 11.

[0054] A spacer element 20 is arranged in the through portion 18, the spacer element having a through hole 22 for receiving a support pin 24 (not shown). The through hole 22 is designed with internal threads (also not shown). The through hole 22 defines the connecting axis A of the support device 11, which extends parallel to the axis L of the support device. Here, the connecting axis A and the axis L of the support device coincide. Here, the spacer element 20 is designed to be cubic and is precisely arranged in the through portion 18 of the inner core 12 via two relatively parallel edges 26, 28, in order to prevent the spacer element 20 from rotating relative to the inner core 12.

[0055] The spacer element 20 is linearly adjustable or movable within the through-part 18 in the extending direction of the support device 11. Here, the spacer element 20 is guided in the guide rail 32 by a guide element 30, for example, designed as a guide pin 30. The guide rail 32 is arranged on the inner wall 13 of the inner core 12 and can be specifically designed as a groove, notch, or slot in the inner wall 13. It is also possible, for example, that the guide rail 32 is designed as a separate, track-type component 32. The guide rail 32 extends at an angle to the axis L of the support device in the longitudinal direction of the through-part 18. That is, the guide rail 32 has an inclination relative to the axis L of the support device.

[0056] Here, the inner core 12 has another guide rail 33 opposite to the guide rail 32. The two guide rails 32 and 33 are designed to be substantially identical and extend parallel to each other.

[0057] The spacer element 20 is linearly adjustable within the through-hole 18 along the longitudinal axis of the through-hole 18. When the adjustment unit 10 is in the inserted state, the linear movement of the spacer element 20 is forced along the connecting axis A, thereby causing the inner core 12 and, consequently, the entire support device 11 to shift laterally to the connecting axis A.

[0058] Alternatively, the through-hole 18 may have a hexagonal shape and extend at an angle to the axis L of the support device 11 in the longitudinal direction, wherein the axis L of the support device and the longitudinal axis of the through-hole 18 extend substantially in the same plane. In this alternative embodiment, the spacer element 20 has a hexagonal shape designed to complement the through-hole 18. The spacer element 20 is linearly movable in the through-hole 18, wherein the longitudinal axis of the through-hole 18 has an inclination or angle relative to the axis L of the support device. Due to the forced guidance of the spacer element 20 along the connecting axis A, the spacer element translates to move the inner core 12 of the support device 11, wherein the direction of movement extends transversely to the connecting axis A.

[0059] Figure 2 The vehicle's lateral control arm 34 is shown, designed to have a first support receiving portion 36 and a second support receiving portion 38 at its ends. Here, the first support receiving portion 36 is arranged with... Figure 1 The adjustment unit 10 shown allows the lateral control arm 34 to be connected, for example, to a subframe 40 (not shown). The adjustment unit 10 has a guide rail 32 oriented such that the direction of movement of the inner core 12 extends along the longitudinal axis of the control arm. With the control arm 34 in the inserted state, the 90° rotation of the support device enables adjustments such as wheel position tilt, wheel track angle, and / or camber angle changes over the spring travel.

[0060] exist Figure 3 The text shows the data according to... Figure 1 The lateral control arm 34 includes an adjustment device according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 50. The adjustment device 50 includes an adjustment unit 10, which is received in a first support receiving portion 36 of the lateral control arm 34 and fastened to a double-shear support holding portion 52 via a support pin 24. The adjustment unit 10 is space-savingly concealed behind the support holding portion 52 and advantageously has the same structural space requirements as a conventional rubber-metal support device 11, through which the control arm 42 can be connected to the subframe 40.

[0061] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows the connection between the lateral control arm 34 and the subframe 40, which is made via an adjusting device 50. Here, the subframe 40 has two longitudinal beams 42 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle, which are interconnected by two crossbeams 44 extending in the lateral direction Y of the vehicle. The direction of travel is indicated by F. Multiple support device holders 46, 52 for connecting wheel guide elements are arranged laterally on the subframe 40; only the lateral control arm 34 is shown among the wheel guide elements.

[0062] The adjustment device 50 according to the invention is arranged in the connection area of ​​the subframe 40, which is difficult to see and / or access due to the narrow structural space. The support device 11 of the adjustment device 50 is fixed to the double-shear support device retainer 52 of the subframe 40 by means of a support pin 24 via a threaded connection. By rotating the support pin 24, the distance between the subframe 40 and the lateral control arm 34 can be conveniently adjusted in the lateral direction Y of the vehicle, so as to change, for example, wheel position parameters, such as track width and / or camber.

[0063] The adjustment device 50 is not limited to use in wheel suspension. For example, it can also be used to mount components on the subframe 40.

[0064] Figure 5 The diagram shows the view from an oblique angle along the connecting axis A according to... Figure 3 The cross-section of the adjusting device 50 is shown. The adjusting device 50 includes an adjusting unit 10 having a support device 11 received in a first support device receiving portion 36 of the lateral control arm 34. The support device receiving portion 36 is surrounded by a double-shear support device retaining portion 52 having two support device lugs 54, 56. The support device 11 and the support device lugs 54, 56 are passed through by a support pin 24, which is designed to be partially threaded and fastened in the support device retaining portion 52 using a nut 58. The support pin 24 rests against the connecting axis A of the support device 11.

[0065] Here, the inner core 12 of the support device 11 is designed with a substantially rectangular through-hole 18. A guide rail 32, specially designed as a groove, is arranged on the inner core 12 within the through-hole 18. The guide rail 32 extends in the longitudinal direction of the through-hole 18, wherein the guide rail 32 extends at an angle to the axis L of the support device and therefore at an angle to the connecting axis A. That is, the guide rail 32 has an inclination relative to the axis L of the support device and relative to the connecting axis A.

[0066] The cubic spacer element 20 is guided in the guide rail 32 by means of at least one guide element 30. The guide element 30, designed as a guide pin 30, is arranged on the spacer element 20 and is guided in the guide rail 32.

[0067] Spacer element 20 has a through hole 22 in which a support pin 24 is received. Here, spacer element 20 is shown in its intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the support device 11. Here, the support device axis L and the connecting axis A coincide. The through hole 22 is designed with an internal thread (not shown) that engages with the external thread of the support pin 24. The support pin 24 is screwed into the internal thread, wherein rotation of the support pin 24 causes spacer element 20 to move axially along the support pin 24. The nut 58 of the support pin 24 is not yet tightened. Due to the forced guidance of spacer element 20 along the support pin 24, guide element 30 moves inner core 12 laterally to the connecting axis in the adjustment stroke. That is, inner core 12, and thus the entire support device 11, can move laterally to the support pin 24. Once the desired adjustment stroke of the support device 11, and thus the lateral control arm, relative to the subframe (not shown) is reached, the nut 58 of the support pin 24 is tightened. Thus, force flows again through the end side of inner core 12.

[0068] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Show respectively according to Figure 5 The adjustment device 50, wherein the spacer element 20 is arranged along the support pin 24 at positions offset to varying degrees. The adjustment device 50 shown here is specifically configured for camber or track correction. If the support pin 24 rotates, the inner core 12 of the support device 11 moves laterally to the support pin 24, or laterally to the connecting axis A, due to the forced guidance of the spacer element 20 along the support pin 24 and the interaction of the guide element 30 (not shown) with the guide rail 32. The movement of the inner core 12 changes the relative position of the inner core 12 and the entire support device 11 with respect to the connecting axis A abutting against the support pin 24. This changes the position of the control arm 42 relative to the support lugs 54, 56 of the support device holder 52, which is arranged, for example, on the subframe 40.

[0069] Due to the geometric design of the guide rail 32, the movement of the control arm 34 can be set as a function of the position of the spacer element 20 along the support pin 24, and further as a function of the number of rotations of the support pin 24, thereby making it easy to identify when the control arm 24 approaches the corresponding end stop.

[0070] The distance between the lateral control arm 34 and the subframe 40 (not shown) can be adjusted by rotating the support pin 24 in this manner. Therefore, in Figure 6 In the middle, the distance between the control arm and the subframe 40 (not shown) is reduced by the offset of the spacer element 20 in one direction, while Figure 7 The distance between the central control arm 34 and the subframe 40 is increased by the offset of the spacer element 20 in the corresponding other direction.

Claims

1. An adjustment unit (10) comprising a support device (11) having an inner core (12) having a through portion (18) extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner core (12), wherein, A spacer element (20) is arranged in the through section (18), the spacer element having a through hole (22) for receiving a support pin (24), wherein the through hole (22) extends along the longitudinal axis defining the connecting axis (A) of the support device (11), wherein the connecting axis (A) and the support device axis (L) can be adjusted relative to each other by adjusting the spacer element (20). Its features are, The spacer element (20) is arranged to be movable in the extension direction of the through portion (18), wherein, in the installed state of the support device (11), axial adjustment of the spacer element (20) is performed along the connecting axis (A) and causes the inner core (12) to be transversely offset to the connecting axis (A), wherein the support device (11) is designed as a rubber-metal support device, the inner core (12) of the support device is connected to the outer sleeve (16) by an elastomer (14), wherein the spacer element (20) is movable along at least one guide rail (32, 33) arranged on the inner core (12), wherein the guide rail (32, 33) extends at an angle to the axis (L) of the support device in the longitudinal direction of the through portion (18).

2. The adjustment unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer element (20) is arranged in the inner core (12) in a manner that prevents relative rotation.

3. The adjustment unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The through portion (18) of the inner core (12) has a longitudinal axis that extends at an angle to the axis (L) of the support device.

4. The adjustment unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer element (20) has at least one guide element (30) received in the guide rails (32, 33).

5. The adjustment unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spacer element (20) is designed with internal threads.

6. An adjusting device (50) for adjusting the relative position of two components (34, 40) supporting each other, the adjusting device comprising an adjusting unit (10) having a support device (11) in which spacer elements (20) are arranged, wherein, The support device (11) is received in the support device receiving portion (36) of a corresponding component (34), wherein the support device receiving portion (36) is surrounded by a support device retaining portion (52) arranged on a corresponding other component (40), wherein the support device (11), the spacer element (20) and the support device retaining portion (52) are passed through by a support pin (24), which is fixed to the support device retaining portion (52) by means of a screw-on nut (58). Its features are, The adjustment unit (10) is an adjustment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The regulating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support pin (24) is operatively connected to the inner core (12) via the spacer element (20) so that the inner core (12) is offset laterally from the connecting axis (A) during the adjustment stroke.

8. The regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustment stroke can be adjusted based on the axial displacement of the spacer element (20).

9. The regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stroke can be adjusted based on the number of rotations of the support pin (24).

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