Drive shaft assembly for motor vehicle

Abstract

A drive shaft assembly (1) for a motor vehicle (2) comprises at least: a first tripod joint (3) with a first outer part (4) and a first inner part (6), the first inner part (6) having three first journals (8) with first journal axes (9); a second mobile joint (10) with a second outer part (11) and a second inner part (13); and a connecting shaft (17) which extends in the axial direction (18) between a first end (19) and a second end (20) and which is connected in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the first end (19) to the first tripod joint (3) and by means of the second end (20) to the second moving joint (10); wherein at least the journal axis (9, 40) of the first journal (8) runs obliquely with respect to the radial direction (25) at a first angle of inclination (29), which angle of inclination is greater than zero.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive shaft assembly for a motor vehicle, which comprises at least one first tripod joint, a second movable joint (especially the second tripod joint), and a connecting shaft, which extends between a first end and a second end in an axial direction and is connected to the first tripod joint through the first end and to the second movable joint (or the second tripod joint) through the second end in a torque transmission manner. Background Art

[0002] The tripod joint (sometimes also called a tripod universal joint) is known in principle. It comprises an outer part with a first axis of rotation and an inner part with a second axis of rotation, wherein the inner part has three journals. The outer part has a receptacle for the inner part extending along the first axis of rotation and three raceways extending along the first axis of rotation and arranged distributed in the circumferential direction. The inner part has a central body extending along the second axis of rotation and three journals, each having a journal axis and arranged distributed in the circumferential direction, the journals extending from the central body at least in the radial direction. A rolling body is arranged on each journal, which contacts the journal with its inner circumferential surface and contacts the respective raceway with its outer circumferential surface.

[0003] The inner part is movable along the first axis of rotation relative to the outer part, wherein during the movement the rolling bodies roll on the respective tracks.

[0004] At least the first three-pin joint is a so-called G1 joint. In a G1 joint, the rolling bodies are formed by an annular body (which forms the outer peripheral surface) which is supported directly on the journal via roller bodies (which form the inner peripheral surface). The rolling bodies can also be supported directly on the journal, so that in this case the annular body forms the outer peripheral surface on the one hand and the inner peripheral surface on the other hand, i.e. in this case no roller bodies are provided.

[0005] In particular, the outer circumferential surface extends coaxially to the rolling element axis, wherein the rolling element axis and the respective journal axis intersect one another at an angle of at most three degrees.

[0006] In a G1 joint, the rolling elements are pivoted via the journal or via the inner part of the joint relative to the raceway or the outer part of the joint.

[0007] In contrast, the rolling elements in so-called AAR joints can be formed, for example, by an outer ring (with an outer circumferential surface) and an inner ring (with an inner circumferential surface) and roller bodies arranged therebetween. The inner ring can thus at least rotate relative to the outer ring.

[0008] In the case of an AAR joint, the rolling elements can be pivoted relative to the journal, so that the rolling elements are arranged in the raceway only in a rotatable manner but not in a pivotable manner.

[0009] The properties of a tripod joint are also defined in particular by the so-called ACFG value (Axial Cyclic Force Generation, i.e. the generation of cyclic force in the axial direction, the undesired force generated by the joint and acting in the axial direction, also called axial force). This value is given as the square mean of the force in Newton root mean square [Nrms]. This value varies in particular depending on the deflection angle of the joint, wherein the direction of the value can be defined or determined for each joint depending on the deflection angle. Therefore, the application range of the joint is limited by the maximum deflection angle at which the ACFG value does not exceed the value that is still considered permissible. In the case of a Gl joint in particular, the ACFG value can be particularly high due to the swinging of the rolling elements relative to the outer parts or raceways of the joint.

[0010] WO 95 / 12767 A1 and WO 97 / 02438 A1 disclose tripod joints in which the journal axis is designed to be inclined relative to the radial direction. This is intended to reduce the cyclic axial forces that occur during deflection of the joint.

[0011] In motor vehicles, drive shaft assemblies are used in particular for transmitting torque from a drive unit to the wheels. It is known that drive shaft assemblies are used for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive motor vehicles as well as for all-wheel drive motor vehicles. In order to compensate for the movement of the wheels relative to the components connected to the body of the motor vehicle, the drive shaft assembly has a constant velocity joint or a tripod joint and a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle and in this case extends essentially parallel to the front axle and / or the rear axle of the motor vehicle (lateral axle assembly). In particular, each driven wheel has its own drive shaft assembly. The connecting shaft can also be used to transmit torque in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (longitudinal axle assembly).

[0012] Internal combustion engines, electric drives or fuel cell drives are usually used as drive units. In part, so-called hybrid drives are also used, i.e., combinations of the above drive units. The drive shaft assembly usually extends from the transmission or differential in the direction of a corresponding wheel. The transmission or differential is connected to the connecting shaft via a constant speed joint or a tripod joint on the differential / transmission side. The connecting shaft is connected to the wheel via a constant speed joint or a tripod joint on the wheel side. Through this arrangement of the constant speed joint / tripod joint, torque can be transmitted even when the wheel swings relative to the differential / transmission. Movement in the axial direction of the connecting shaft can be compensated by a constant speed joint in the form of a movable joint or by a tripod joint. If the movable joint or tripod joint is arranged on both sides of the connecting shaft, the connecting shaft floats.

[0013] Various arrangements of movable joints in such a drive shaft assembly with a floating connecting shaft are known from WO 2021 / 115817 A1.

[0014] In particular, the second sliding joint, when it is not implemented as a tripod joint, can be implemented as a constant speed ball sliding joint, for example as described in WO 2021 / 115817 A1. In a constant speed ball sliding joint, the outer part and the inner part each have ball tracks, which form track pairs with each other. A ball is arranged on each track pair.

[0015] During operation of the drive shaft assembly, different cyclical axial forces can act on the floatingly arranged connecting shaft via the individual movement joints. The cyclical axial forces generated by the respective movement joints, in addition to being dependent on their implementation (e.g. as a tripod joint, and here for example as a G1 joint or an AAR joint), are dependent in particular on the following factors: torque, deflection angle (i.e. the angle between the axis of rotation of the inner part of the respective joint relative to the axis of rotation of the outer part), the rotational position (phase) of each joint, and the direction of the power flow (i.e. from the outer part to the inner part or from the inner part to the outer part).

[0016] The superposition of these different cyclical axial forces of the moving joint results in a synthetic cyclical axial force on the connecting shaft. These synthetic cyclical axial forces on the connecting shaft can cause the connecting shaft to have a cyclical movement in the axial direction.

[0017] The cyclic movement of the connecting shaft in the axial direction can lead to the following problems in particular:

[0018] Undesirable noise generation, especially in the case of resonances of the spring-mass-system of the connecting shaft;

[0019] Fatigue fracture in the rolling bellows or folding bellows of the joint;

[0020] · The knocking of the inner part of the joint in the bottom of the outer part;

[0021] A spring-acting element may be required to center the connecting shaft with respect to the axial direction between the joints, which should ensure the positioning of the connecting shaft in the axial direction. Summary of the invention

[0022] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems cited in the prior art. In particular, a drive shaft assembly should be proposed in which the superposition of the cyclical axial forces of the individual joints produces a resultant cyclical axial force on the connected shaft that is as small as possible.

[0023] A drive shaft assembly having the features according to claim 1 contributes to achieving these objects. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technically meaningful manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and / or details from the drawings, which show further embodiments of the invention.

[0024] A drive shaft assembly for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least:

[0025] - A first (G1) three-pin connector with:

[0026] o a first outer member having a first axis of rotation;

[0027] o a first inner component with a second axis of rotation, wherein the first inner component has three first journals with first journal axes;

[0028] - a second mobile joint (preferably a second tripod joint) with:

[0029] o a second outer member having a third axis of rotation; and

[0030] o a second inner member with a fourth axis of rotation;

[0031] A connecting shaft which extends in the axial direction between a first end and a second end and which can be connected or is connected in a torque-transmitting manner via the first end to the first tripod joint and via the second end to the second movement joint.

[0032] At least the first outer component has a receptacle for the first inner component extending along the first rotation axis and three raceways extending along the first rotation axis and arranged distributed in the circumferential direction (each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another).

[0033] At least the first inner part has a central body extending along the second rotation axis and three first journals, each of which has one of the first journal axes and is arranged distributed in the circumferential direction (each offset by 120 degrees relative to each other), and they extend from the central body at least in a radial direction. The radial direction extends perpendicularly to the second rotation axis of the inner part.

[0034] A rolling body is arranged on each first journal, the rolling body contacts the first journal with an inner peripheral surface and contacts the corresponding raceway with an outer peripheral surface extending around the rolling body axis. In particular, the outer peripheral surface (or a part thereof) extends coaxially with the rolling body axis. In particular, the rolling body axis and the corresponding first journal axis can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees, preferably up to one degree.

[0035] Therefore, at least the first three-pin joint is in particular a so-called G1 joint. In a G1 joint, the rolling bodies are formed by an annular body (which forms the outer peripheral surface) which is supported directly on the journal via roller bodies (which form the inner peripheral surface). The rolling bodies can also be supported directly on the journal, so that in this case the annular body forms the outer peripheral surface on the one hand and the inner peripheral surface on the other hand, i.e. in this case no roller bodies are provided.

[0036] In the case of G1 joints, the rolling bodies oscillate together via the journal or the inner part of the joint relative to the raceway or the outer part of the joint. The oscillation of the rolling bodies relative to the journal axis is only possible to a small extent (angles less than 3 degrees or even less than 1 degree).

[0037] In the drive shaft assembly, the journal axis of the first journal (or, if the second joint is also a tripod joint, the journal axis of the second journal if possible) is inclined relative to the radial direction at an inclination angle having a value greater than zero.

[0038] It has been shown that, especially in floating drive shaft assemblies, in which at least one sliding joint is designed as a G1 tripod joint, the axial forces occurring during operation can be further reduced by the inclined arrangement of the journal axis. In this regard, it has also been shown that in certain embodiments of the drive shaft assembly, a particularly strong reduction in the axial forces can be achieved.

[0039] In particular, the drive shaft assembly comprises a kit, which consists of a first (G1) tripod joint, a second movable joint (which is preferably embodied as a tripod joint and particularly preferably as a G1 tripod joint) and a connecting shaft, wherein these components are embodied in such a way that the joints can be connected in a torque-transmitting manner via the connecting shaft (directly or indirectly) (complete set). In particular, the drive shaft assembly comprises a first tripod joint, a second movable joint (which is preferably embodied as a tripod joint) and a connecting shaft, via which the joints are connected in a torque-transmitting manner (directly or indirectly) (in the assembled or assembled state). The joints are respectively movable joints, i.e. the inner part can be moved relative to the outer part along the axis of rotation of the outer part.

[0040] In particular, the second sliding joint can be implemented as a constant speed ball sliding joint, which is described, for example, in WO 2021 / 115817A1. In a constant speed ball sliding joint, the outer part and the inner part each have a ball track, which form a track pair with each other. A ball is arranged in each track pair.

[0041] The joint of the drive shaft assembly is a moving joint, i.e. the inner part can move relative to the outer part in the axial direction. The moving path in each direction is at least 3.0 mm [millimeters] starting from the position of the inner part and the outer part in which the rolling bodies (balls or rolling elements) of the joint are located in the center plane of the joint. Thus, the total moving path is at least 6.0 mm. In particular, the total moving path is at least 10.0 mm.

[0042] In particular, the second mobile joint is a second tripod joint having:

[0043] - a second outer part with a third axis of rotation, and

[0044] A second inner part with a fourth axis of rotation, wherein the second inner part has three journals with second journal axes.

[0045] The connecting shaft, which extends in the axial direction between the first end and the second end, can be connected or connected in a torque-transmitting manner via the first end to the first tripod joint and via the second end to the second tripod joint.

[0046] As in the case of the first outer part, the second outer part also has a receptacle for the second inner part extending along the third axis of rotation and three raceways extending along the respective axis of rotation and arranged distributed in the circumferential direction (each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another).

[0047] As in the first inner part, the second inner part also has a central body extending along the fourth axis of rotation and three second journals, each of which has one of the second journal axes and is arranged distributed in the circumferential direction (each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another), and which extend from the central body at least in a radial direction. The radial direction extends perpendicularly to the fourth axis of rotation of the second inner part.

[0048] A respective rolling body is arranged on each second bearing journal, which rolling body contacts the second bearing journal with its inner circumferential surface and contacts the respective raceway with its outer circumferential surface.

[0049] For example, the second tripod joint can be designed as an AAR tripod joint or a G1 tripod joint. In particular, the second tripod joint is however a G1 tripod joint, wherein a rolling body is arranged on each second journal, which rolling body contacts the second journal with an inner peripheral surface and contacts the corresponding raceway with an outer peripheral surface extending around the rolling body axis. In particular, the outer peripheral surface (or a part of the outer peripheral surface) extends coaxially with the rolling body axis. In particular, the rolling body axis and the respective second journal axis can intersect each other at an angle of up to three angles, preferably up to one angle.

[0050] In the drive shaft assembly, at least the journal axis of the first journal or the second journal (or both journals) extends obliquely at an inclination angle relative to the radial direction, and the value of the inclination angle is greater than a zero angle.

[0051] Now, at least one tripod joint of the drive shaft assembly is implemented so that the journal axis of the journal is tilted with an inclination angle relative to the radial direction. Here, the inclination angles of all journal axes of the tripod joint are respectively the same.

[0052] The inclination angle is determined in particular between the journal axis and a radial direction extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the inner component. This inclination angle is usually zero degrees.

[0053] In particular, the inclination angle extends (only) in a plane which includes the rotation axis of the inner component, wherein the value of the inclination angle is between 2 and 10 degrees, in particular between 3 and 9 degrees, preferably between 4 and 8 degrees. In particular, small deviations of the position of the journal axis from the above-mentioned plane are possible, for example a deviation of up to 5 degrees, preferably up to 2 degrees, and in particular preferably up to 1 degree.

[0054] In particular, the first journal axis is inclined at a first inclination angle and the second journal axis is inclined at a second inclination angle relative to the radial direction, ie at an inclination angle whose value is greater than a zero angle.

[0055] In particular, in the case of a positive inclination angle, the journal axis is inclined starting from the central body towards the respective other tripod joint.

[0056] In particular, in the case of a negative tilt angle, the journal axis is tilted away from the respective other tripod joint starting from the central body.

[0057] In particular, the first inclination angle has a positive value and the second inclination angle has a negative value, or all inclination angles have positive or negative values. In any case, the inclination angles are not equal to zero.

[0058] In particular, the first inclination angle and the second inclination angle have the same value or have angle values ​​that are different from each other.

[0059] In particular, the first tripod joint has a first phase determined by the first journal axis relative to the peripheral direction, and the second mobile joint (or second tripod joint) has a second phase determined by the second journal axis. In particular, the joints are arranged in the drive shaft assembly or at the connecting shaft with phases offset to each other relative to the peripheral direction.

[0060] In particular, the phase shift is between 150 and 210 degrees, preferably between 160 and 200 degrees. In particular, the phase shift is 180 degrees (with a maximum deviation of 2 degrees as permissible tolerance).

[0061] In particular, each joint of the drive shaft assembly can have a specific phase (rotational position or rotation angle, 0 to 360 degrees). The phase is determined by the position of the rolling body (or ball) or the raceway relative to the peripheral direction. Here, the phase is the same for the outer and inner parts of the joint, because these parts are arranged in a shape-fitting manner relative to the peripheral direction through the rolling bodies. In particular, in the case of different phases of the joint (and when a deflection angle greater than zero exists between the rotation axis of the inner and outer parts), different cyclic axial forces are caused. For example, in the case of the same joint construction, if the same joint is arranged identically relative to the peripheral direction (that is, if the raceways or rolling bodies (or balls) are arranged aligned with each other in the axial direction when the rotation axis and the axial direction are coaxially arranged), the phase of the joint is then the same.

[0062] In particular, the cyclic axial forces are caused by the friction between the rolling elements (balls) and the raceways. The forces generated vary as the joint is rotated through 360 degrees about the axis of rotation. The friction depends in particular on the design of the joint, the torque present, the rotational speed and the deflection angle.

[0063] High cyclical axial forces occur precisely in the G1 tripod joint. However, it is desirable to use such a G1 tripod joint because they can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. With the drive shaft assembly described here, the cyclical axial forces that occur during operation can be effectively reduced.

[0064] In particular, each joint has a specific phase of the outer part and the inner part relative to the circumferential direction, wherein the first phase of the first joint and the second phase of the second joint are set so that during operation of the drive shaft assembly, the cyclic axial forces occurring at each joint and acting on the connecting shaft offset each other as much as possible.

[0065] The phase of the joint of the drive shaft assembly does not change during operation of the drive shaft assembly, but is permanently fixed. In particular, the phase can only be set with a certain tolerance. For example, this tolerance can be achieved by a wedge meshing between the connecting shaft and a corresponding joint part connected to the end of the connecting shaft. In this case, the joint part arranged at the end of the connecting shaft can be arranged rotatably relative to the connecting shaft with at least one tooth of the corresponding wedge meshing.

[0066] For example, if the phase shift is 180 degrees, the first journal axis extends vertically upward (angular position is zero degrees), and the second journal axis extends vertically downward. In other words, for example, if both joints are implemented as tripod joints, the journal axes of the two tripod joints are each rotated relative to each other by 60 degrees.

[0067] In particular, the first tripod joint and the second tripod joint are arranged in the drive shaft assembly in the same orientation such that the connecting shaft is connected to one of the outer components at one end and to one of the inner components at the other end.

[0068] In particular, the first tripod joint and the second tripod joint are arranged in the drive shaft assembly in different orientations so that the connecting shaft is connected to the outer component at both ends or to the inner component at both ends.

[0069] The tripod joint is preferably arranged in the same orientation on the connecting shaft so that a power flow is achieved, for example, from the first outer part via the first inner part to the connecting shaft and via the second outer part to the second inner part, or alternatively from the first inner part via the first outer part to the connecting shaft and via the second inner part to the second outer part.

[0070] The connecting shaft extends in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle and substantially parallel to the front and / or rear axle of the motor vehicle (lateral shaft assembly). In particular, each driven wheel has its own drive shaft assembly. The connecting shaft can also be used to transmit torque in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (longitudinal shaft assembly).

[0071] Therefore, the drive axle assembly is in particular a longitudinal axle assembly or a lateral axle assembly. As a lateral axle assembly, the drive axle assembly is in particular provided for a rear axle, in which a smaller steering angle occurs than at the front axle.

[0072] In particular, the connecting shaft is positioned between the joints with respect to the axial direction by at least one elastically spring-acting element. In particular, the connecting shaft can be connected or connected to at least one of the (tripod) joints by at least one elastically spring-acting element with respect to the axial direction.

[0073] For example, the spring-acting element can be a spring, which is arranged between the inner part and the outer part in the joint. Alternatively or additionally, the spring-acting element can also be realized by a sealing element, such as a thermoplastic sealing element, such as a rolling bellows or a (diaphragm) folding bellows.

[0074] The connecting shaft can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the at least one (tripod) joint by means of at least one spring-acting element, wherein the element is elastically deformed in the process.

[0075] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed, which has at least one drive unit and a plurality of wheels, wherein at least one wheel can be driven by the drive unit. At least the drive shaft assembly is arranged between the drive unit and at least one of the wheels.

[0076] In particular, each of the wheels can be driven by at least one drive unit. In particular, each wheel is connected to the at least one drive unit in a torque-transmitting manner via a corresponding one of the drive shaft assemblies.

[0077] The descriptions relating to the drive shaft assembly can be transferred in particular to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0078] It should be noted for the sake of caution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", ...) are mainly used to distinguish several similar objects, parameters or processes, that is, they do not necessarily indicate any dependency and / or order of these objects, parameters or processes with respect to each other. If a dependency and / or order should be required, it is explicitly stated here or it is obvious to a person skilled in the art when studying the design of the specific description. If a component can appear multiple times ("at least once"), the description of one of the components may also apply to all or most of the components, but this is not mandatory.

[0079] The use of indefinite articles ("a", "an", "one" and "an"), especially in the claims and in the description reciting these claims, is to be understood as referring to these indefinite articles and not to numerals. Accordingly, terms or components introduced in this way are to be understood as meaning that they are present at least once, but also and in particular may be present a plurality of times. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] The invention and the technical environment will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited to the embodiments listed. In particular, as long as no different description is explicitly given, some aspects of the matters explained in the drawings can also be extracted and combined with other components and knowledge in the present description. It should be noted in particular that the drawings and in particular the scales shown are only schematic. Here:

[0081] Figure 1 A known deflected G1 tripod joint is shown partially in section in a view along a first axis of rotation;

[0082] Figure 2 Another known G1 tripod connector is shown in cross-section in side view;

[0083] Figure 3 Motor vehicles are shown;

[0084] Figure 4 Various embodiments of a drive shaft assembly in a motor vehicle are shown;

[0085] Figure 5 The phases of the drive shaft assembly and joints are shown;

[0086] Figure 6 Shows the Figure 5 The direction of the resultant cyclic axial force of the drive shaft assembly;

[0087] Figure 7 The drive shaft assembly is shown;

[0088] Figure 8 Shows the Figure 7 The direction of the resultant cyclic axial force of the drive shaft assembly;

[0089] Fig. 9 The internal components of the G1 tripod connector are shown in side view, partially in section;

[0090] Fig.10 Shows the Fig. 9 The inner part of the bearing with rolling elements and journals cut away; and

[0091] Fig.11 The G1 tripod connector is shown in side view and in section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 In a view along the first axis of rotation 5, a known pivoted G1 tripod joint 3 is shown partially in section. Figure 2 Another known G1 tripod joint 3 is shown in a side view in section (in the extended position, ie at a deflection angle 37 of zero degree). Figure 1 and Figure 2 They will be described together below.

[0093] The tripod joint 3 comprises an outer part 4 with a first rotation axis 5 and an inner part 6 with a second rotation axis 7, wherein the inner part 6 has three journals 8. The outer part 4 has a receptacle 21 for the inner part 6 extending along the first rotation axis 5 and three raceways 23 extending along the first rotation axis 5 and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction 22. The inner part 6 has a central body 24 extending along the second rotation axis 7 and three journals 8, each having a journal axis 9 and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction 22, extending from the central body 24 only in the radial direction 25. A rolling body 26 is arranged on each journal 8, which contacts the journal 8 with an inner peripheral surface 27 and contacts the respective raceway 23 with an outer peripheral surface 28.

[0094] The tripod joint 3 is a so-called G1 joint, in which the rolling element 26 is formed by an annular body which forms an outer peripheral surface 28 and which is supported directly on the journal 8 via a roller body which forms an inner peripheral surface 27. The outer peripheral surface 28 extends coaxially with the rolling element axis 40, wherein the rolling element axis 40 and the respective journal axis 9 can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees (here an intersection of zero degrees is shown).

[0095] In the G1 joint, the rolling elements 26 are also pivoted relative to the raceway 23 or the outer part 4 via the journal 8 or via the inner part 6 .

[0096] exist Figure 2 In Figure 1 The deflection angle 37 between the first axis of rotation 5 and the second axis of rotation 7 present in FIG. 7 is only schematically indicated.

[0097] Figure 3 A motor vehicle 2 is shown with a drive axle assembly 1. The drive axle assembly 1 is designed as a lateral axle assembly.

[0098] The drive shaft assembly 1 extends from the differential 38 in the direction of the wheel 35. The differential 38 is connected to the drive unit 34 via a simplified drive shaft. The differential 38 is connected to the connecting shaft 17 via a first tripod joint 3 on the differential side. The connecting shaft 17 is connected to the wheel 35 via a second tripod joint 10 on the wheel side. By means of this arrangement of the joints 3, 10, torque can be transmitted even in the event of a swing of the wheel 35 relative to the differential 38. Movements of the connecting shaft 17 in the axial direction 18 can be compensated by means of the tripod joints 3, 10. The tripod joints 3, 10 are arranged on both sides of the connecting shaft 17 so that the connecting shaft 17 is arranged in a floating manner (i.e. can be displaced in the axial direction 18 via the two joints 3, 10).

[0099] The second outer part 11 of the second tripod joint 10 on the wheel side is connected to the second connecting shaft and transmits the torque to the wheel 35. The first connecting shaft is connected to the first outer part 4 of the first tripod joint 3 on the differential side and transmits the torque of the first connecting shaft to the connecting shaft 17.

[0100] The power flow via the drive shaft assembly 1 with such differently oriented joints 3 , 10 is therefore achieved as follows: starting from the first outer part 4 of the first tripod joint 3 via the first inner part 6 to the connecting shaft 17 and via the second inner part 13 of the second tripod joint 10 to the second outer part 11 .

[0101] With respect to the axial direction 18 , the connecting axis 17 is positioned between the tripod joints 3 , 10 by means of a respective elastically spring-acting element 33 .

[0102] Figure 4Different embodiments of a drive shaft assembly 1 in a motor vehicle 2 are shown. Figures 1 to 3 's explanation.

[0103] In the middle embodiment, the first tripod joint 3 and the second tripod joint 10 are arranged in the drive shaft assembly 1 in the same orientation, so that the connecting shaft 17 is connected to one of the outer parts 4, 11 at one end 19, 20 and is connected to one of the inner parts 6, 13 at the other end 20, 19.

[0104] In the above and below embodiments, the first tripod joint 3 and the second tripod joint 10 are arranged in the drive shaft assembly 1 in different orientations, so that the connecting shaft 17 is connected to the external components 4, 11 at both ends 19, 20 (the following embodiment), or is connected to the internal components 6, 13 at both ends 19, 20 (the above embodiment).

[0105] Figure 5 The drive shaft assembly 1 and the phases 31, 32 of the tripod joints 3, 10 are shown. Figures 1 to 4 's explanation.

[0106] The axes of rotation 5 , 7 , 12 , 14 of the respective tripod joint 3 , 10 are each pivoted by a pivot angle 37 .

[0107] The first tripod joint 3 has a first phase 31 determined by the first journal axis 9 with respect to the peripheral direction 22, and the second tripod joint 10 has a second phase 32 determined by the second journal axis 16. The tripod joints 3, 10 are arranged in the drive shaft assembly 1 or at the connecting shaft 17 with phases 31, 32 offset by 180 degrees with respect to the peripheral direction 22.

[0108] The phase positions 31, 32 are determined by the position of the journal axis 9, 16 or the rolling elements 26 and the raceway 23 relative to the peripheral direction 22. The phase positions 31, 32 are respectively identical for the outer part 4, 11 and the inner part 6, 13 of the tripod joint 3, 10, since these parts are arranged relative to each other in a form-fitting manner relative to the peripheral direction 22 via the rolling elements 26.

[0109] The first phase 31 of the first tripod joint 3 is zero degrees. The second phase 32 of the second tripod joint 10 is 180 degrees. Therefore, the phases 31, 32 are offset by 180 degrees. Here, therefore, the first journal axis 9 extends vertically upwards (angle position is zero degrees) and the second journal axis 16 extends vertically downwards. In other words, the journal axes 9 and 16 of the two tripod joints 3, 10 are each rotated by 60 degrees relative to each other.

[0110] Figure 6 Shows the Figure 5The resulting cyclic axial force 36 of the drive shaft assembly 1 is plotted 39. The deflection angle 37 is plotted in degrees on the horizontal axis of the diagram. The axial force 36 is plotted in Newton root mean square [Nrms] on the vertical axis of the diagram.

[0111] It can be seen that the resulting axial force 36 increases continuously with increasing deflection angle 37 .

[0112] Figure 7 A drive shaft assembly 1 is shown. Reference is made to Figures 1 to 6 's explanation.

[0113] The drive shaft assembly 1 comprises a first G1 tripod joint 3 having a first outer part 4 with a first rotation axis 5 and a first inner part 6 with a second rotation axis 7, wherein the first inner part 6 has three first journals 8 with first journal axes 9.

[0114] Furthermore, the drive shaft assembly 1 comprises a second G1 tripod joint 10 having a second outer part 11 with a third rotation axis 12 and a second inner part 13 with a fourth rotation axis 14, wherein the second inner part 13 has three second journals 15 with second journal axes 16.

[0115] Furthermore, the drive shaft assembly 1 comprises a connecting shaft 17 which extends in an axial direction 18 between a first end 19 and a second end 20 and is connected in a torque-transmitting manner via the first end 19 to the first tripod joint 3 and via the second end 20 to the second tripod joint 10 .

[0116] Each of the outer parts 4 , 11 has a receptacle 21 for the respective inner part 6 , 13 extending along the respective rotational axis 5 , 12 , and three raceways 23 extending along the respective rotational axis 5 , 12 and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction 22 , each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another.

[0117] Each of the inner parts 6, 13 has a central body 24 extending along the respective axis of rotation 7, 14 and three journals 8, 15, each having one of the journal axes 9, 16 and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction 22 (each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another), and extending from the central body 24 at least in a radial direction 25. The radial direction 25 extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 7, 14 of the respective inner part 6, 13.

[0118] Arranged on each journal 8 , 15 is a respective rolling element 26 , which contacts the journal 8 , 15 with its inner circumferential surface 27 and contacts the corresponding raceway 23 with its outer circumferential surface 28 .

[0119] The tripod joints 3, 10 are each designed as so-called G1 joints, wherein the rolling element 26 is formed by an annular body which forms an outer peripheral surface 28 and which is supported directly on the journal 8 via a roller body which forms an inner peripheral surface 27. The outer peripheral surface 28 extends coaxially with the rolling element axis 40, wherein the rolling element axis 40 and the corresponding journal axis 9 can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees (here an intersection of zero angles is shown).

[0120] In the G1 joint, the rolling bodies 26 are also pivoted via the journals 8 , 15 or via the inner parts 6 , 13 relative to the raceways 23 or the outer parts 4 , 11 .

[0121] In the drive shaft assembly 1, the first journal axis 9 of the first journal 8 and also the second journal axis 16 of the second journal 15 extend obliquely with respect to the radial direction 25 at an inclination angle 29, 30, the value of which is greater than the zero angle. Here, the inclination angles 29, 30 of all journal axes 9, 16 of the tripod joints 3, 10 are respectively the same.

[0122] The tilt angle 29 , 30 is determined between the journal axis 9 , 16 and a radial direction 25 which runs perpendicularly to the rotation axis 7 , 14 of the inner part 6 , 13 .

[0123] The inclination angles 29, 30 each extend only in a plane which includes the axis of rotation 7, 14 of the respective inner part 6, 13. The value of the inclination angles 29, 30 is approximately 5 degrees.

[0124] The first journal axis 9 extends obliquely at a first inclination angle 29 and the second journal 16 extends obliquely at a second inclination angle 30 relative to the radial direction 25 , ie at inclination angles 29 , 30 respectively, which have a value greater than the zero angle.

[0125] In the case of a positive inclination angle 29 , 30 , the journal axis 9 , 16 is inclined starting from the central body 24 toward the respective other tripod joint 3 , 10 (here in the case of the first tripod joint 3 ).

[0126] In the case of a negative inclination angle 29 , 30 , the journal axis 9 , 16 is inclined starting from the central body 24 away from the respective other tripod joint 3 , 10 (in this case the second tripod joint 10 ).

[0127] Therefore, the first inclination angle 29 has a positive value and the second inclination angle 30 has a negative value.

[0128] The first inclination angle 29 and the second inclination angle 30 have the same value.

[0129] The first phase 31 of the first tripod connector 3 is zero angle. The second phase 32 of the second tripod connector 10 is 180 degrees. Therefore, the phases 31, 32 are offset by 180 degrees.

[0130] Figure 8 Shows the Figure 7 The resulting cyclic axial force 36 of the drive shaft assembly 1 is plotted 39. The deflection angle 37 is plotted in degrees on the horizontal axis of the diagram. The axial force 36 is plotted in Newton root mean square [Nrms] on the vertical axis of the diagram.

[0131] It can be seen that as the deflection angle 37 increases, the resulting axial force 36 remains almost constant. The resulting axial force 36 is significantly lower than in the case of the known drive shaft assembly 1 (see FIG. Figure 6 ).

[0132] Fig. 9 The inner parts 6 of the G1 tripod connector 3 are shown in a side view, partly in section. Fig.10 Display according to Fig. 9 The inner part 6 has rolling elements 26 and the journal 8 which has been cut away. Fig.11 The G1 tripod connector 3 is shown in cross-section in a side view. Figures 9 to 11 They will be described together below. Figures 1 to 8 's explanation.

[0133] The inner part 6 has a central body 24 extending along the second rotation axis 7 and three journals 8, each having one of the journal axes 9 and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction 22 (each offset by 120 degrees relative to one another), and extending from the central body 24 at least in a radial direction 25. The radial direction 25 extends perpendicularly to the rotation axis 7 of the inner part 6.

[0134] Arranged on each journal 8 is a respective rolling element 26 which contacts the journal 8 , 15 with its inner circumferential surface 27 and contacts the respective raceway 23 with its outer circumferential surface 28 .

[0135] The tripod joint 3 is designed as a so-called G1 joint, wherein the rolling element 26 is formed by an annular body which forms an outer peripheral surface 28 and which is supported directly on the journal 8 via a roller body which forms an inner peripheral surface 27. The outer peripheral surface 28 extends coaxially with the rolling element axis 40, wherein the rolling element axis 40 and the corresponding journal axis 9 can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees (here an intersection of zero angles is shown).

[0136] In a G1 joint, the rolling elements 26 are pivoted via the journal 8 or via the inner part 6 relative to the raceway 23 or the outer part 4 .

[0137] The journal axis 9 of the journal 8 extends obliquely relative to the radial direction 25 at an inclination angle 29, the value of which is greater than the zero angle. The inclination angle 29 of all journal axes 9, 16 of the tripod joint 3 is the same.

[0138] An inclination angle 29 is determined between the journal axis 9 and a radial direction 25 which runs perpendicularly to the rotation axis 7 of the inner part 6 .

[0139] The inclination angles 29 each extend only in a plane which includes the axis of rotation 7 of the inner part 6. The value of the inclination angle 29 is approximately 5 degrees.

[0140] Reference numerals list

[0141] 1 Drive shaft assembly

[0142] 2Motor Vehicles

[0143] 3First tripod connector

[0144] 4 First external component

[0145] 5First axis of rotation

[0146] 6First internal parts

[0147] 7 Second rotation axis

[0148] 8First journal

[0149] 9First journal axis

[0150] 10 Second mobile joint / tripod joint

[0151] 11 Second external component

[0152] 12Third rotation axis

[0153] 13 Second internal component

[0154] 14Fourth rotation axis

[0155] 15 Second journal

[0156] 16 Second journal axis

[0157] 17 Connecting shaft

[0158] 18 Axial direction

[0159] 19 First End

[0160] 20 Second End

[0161] 21 Accommodation

[0162] 22 Peripheral direction

[0163] 23 Roller

[0164] 24 Centrosome

[0165] 25 radial direction

[0166] 26 rolling elements

[0167] 27 Inner peripheral surface

[0168] 28 outer peripheral surface

[0169] 29 First tilt angle

[0170] 30 second tilt angle

[0171] 31 First Phase

[0172] 32 Second Phase

[0173] 33 elements

[0174] 34 drive units

[0175] 35 wheels

[0176] 36 Axial force

[0177] 37 Deflection Angle

[0178] 38 Differential

[0179] 39 Trend

[0180] 40 rolling element axis

Claims

1. A drive shaft assembly (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising at least: - A first tripod connector (3) with: ○ a first outer part (4) having a first axis of rotation (5); o a first inner part (6) with a second axis of rotation (7), wherein the first inner part (6) has three first journals (8) with first journal axes (9); - A second mobile joint (10) with: o a second outer part (11) with a third axis of rotation (12); and a second inner part (13) with a fourth axis of rotation (14), the second inner part (13) being movable along the third axis of rotation (12) relative to the second outer part (11); a connecting shaft (17) which extends in an axial direction (18) between a first end (19) and a second end (20) and which can be connected or connected in a torque-transmitting manner via the first end (19) to the first tripod joint (3) and via the second end (20) to the second movement joint (10); wherein the first outer component (4) has a receiving portion (21) for the first inner component (6) extending along the first rotation axis (5) and three raceways (23) extending along the first rotation axis (5) and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction (22); wherein the first inner component (6) has a central body (24) extending along the second rotation axis (7) and three first journals (8) each having one of the first journal axes (9) and arranged distributed in the peripheral direction (22), starting from the central body (24) to at least one of the first inner part (6) and the first journal (8) extends in a radial direction (25), wherein the radial direction (25) extends perpendicularly to the second axis of rotation (7) of the first inner part (6); wherein a rolling body (26) is arranged on each first journal (8), wherein the rolling body contacts the first journal (8) with an inner peripheral surface (27) and contacts the corresponding raceway (23) with an outer peripheral surface (28) extending around a rolling body axis (40); wherein the rolling body axis (40) and the corresponding first journal axis (9) can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees; The invention is characterized in that a first journal axis (9) of the first journal (8) extends obliquely at a first inclination angle (29) relative to the radial direction (25), the value of which is greater than the zero angle.

2. The drive shaft assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first inclination angle (29) extends in a plane including the second rotation axis (7) of the first inner component (6); wherein the value of the first inclination angle (29) is between 2 and 10 degrees.

3. A drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second joint (10) is a tripod joint (10), wherein the second inner component (13) has three second journals (15) with second journal axes (16); wherein the second outer component (11) has a receiving portion (21) for the second inner component (13) extending along the third rotation axis (12) and three raceways (23) extending along the third rotation axis (12) and distributed in a peripheral direction (22); wherein the second inner component (13) has a central body (24) extending along a fourth rotation axis (14) and three second journal axes (15) each having one of the second journal axes (16) and distributed in a peripheral direction (22); 2) distributed second journals (15), which extend from a central body (24) at least in a radial direction (25), wherein the radial direction (25) extends perpendicularly to a fourth axis of rotation (14) of the corresponding inner component (6, 13); wherein a rolling body (26) is arranged on each of the second journals (15), wherein the rolling body contacts the second journal (15) with an inner peripheral surface (27) and contacts the corresponding raceway (23) with an outer peripheral surface (28) extending around a rolling body axis (40); wherein the rolling body axis (40) and the corresponding second journal axis (16) can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees.

4. The drive shaft assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: A second journal axis (16) of the second journal (15) extends obliquely at a second inclination angle (30) relative to the radial direction (25), the value of which is greater than the zero angle.

5. The drive shaft assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The second inclination angle (30) extends in a plane including a fourth rotation axis (14) of the second inner component (13); wherein the value of the second inclination angle (30) is between 2 and 10 degrees.

6. Drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 and 5, wherein: In the case of positive inclination angles (29, 30), the journal axis (9, 16) is inclined from the central body (24) toward the corresponding other tripod joint (3, 10); wherein the first inclination angle (29) has a positive value and the second inclination angle (30) has a negative value, or all inclination angles (29, 30) have positive or negative values.

7. A drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein: The first inclination angle (29) and the second inclination angle (30) are equal in value or have different angle values ​​from each other.

8. A drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, wherein: The first tripod joint (3) has a first phase (31) determined by the first journal axis (9) relative to the peripheral direction (22), and the second tripod joint (10) has a second phase (32) determined by the second journal axis (16); wherein the tripod joints (3, 10) are arranged with phases (31, 32) offset from each other relative to the peripheral direction (22).

9. The drive shaft assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The phase shift (31, 32) is between 150 and 210 degrees.

10. A drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, wherein: The first tripod joint (3) and the second tripod joint (10) can be arranged or arranged in the drive shaft assembly (1) in the same orientation so that the connecting shaft (17) can be connected or connected to one of the outer components (4, 11) at one end (19, 20) and can be connected or connected to one of the inner components (6, 13) at the other end (20, 19).

11. A drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, wherein: The first tripod joint (3) and the second tripod joint (10) can be arranged or arranged in different orientations in the drive shaft assembly (1) so that the connecting shaft (17) can be connected or connected to the outer component (4, 11) at both ends (19, 20) or to the inner component (6, 13) at both ends (19, 20).

12. The drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 11, wherein: The connecting shaft (17) can be connected or is connected to at least one of the tripod joints (3, 10) via at least one element (33) which acts elastically in relation to the axial direction (18).

13. Drive shaft assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drive shaft assembly (1) is a longitudinal shaft assembly or a lateral shaft assembly.

14. A motor vehicle (2) comprising at least one drive unit (34) and a plurality of wheels (35), wherein: At least one wheel (35) is drivable by the drive unit (34); wherein at least one drive shaft assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims is arranged between the drive unit (34) and at least one of the wheels (35).

15. The motor vehicle (2) according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the wheels (35) is drivable by the at least one drive unit (34); wherein each wheel (35) is connected to the at least one drive unit (34) in a torque-transmitting manner via a corresponding one of the drive shaft assemblies (1).

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