A rigid connector for mechanically connecting a first component to a second component

Abstract

The invention relates to a rigid connection (10) for mechanically connecting at least one first component and one second component, the connection comprising at least one opening (20) for receiving a bearing, the bearing being capable of providing a mechanical connection during operation, the connection comprising a longitudinal center axis (L), a center point (M) to which the opening belongs being arranged on the longitudinal center axis, the opening being arranged in at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connection, the opening being completely delimited in radial direction by an inner boundary surface (30) of the connection, the connection comprising an outer boundary surface (40) at least partially surrounding the opening, the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface being arranged spaced apart from each other such that the connection partially surrounds the opening in an annular manner with a ring thickness (60), the ring thickness being configured to vary within an angular range (WB) from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis towards the outer ends (E1, E2) of the end regions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rigid connector for mechanically connecting a first component to a second component. Background Art

[0002] Rigid connectors, used to mechanically connect a first component to a second component, are typically used to transmit compressive or tensile forces within a mechanical action chain. Rigid connectors have at least one opening into which a bearing, particularly a rubber bearing (also known as a rubber bushing), can be positioned when the connector is in use. Therefore, this opening is also referred to as a bearing hole.

[0003] Typical examples of such rigid connectors are guide rods or connecting rods, which are used, for example, to mechanically connect a first component and a second component that are movable relative to each other and to transmit any forces acting between the first and second components.

[0004] In this context, it is particularly important that the rigid connection should be constructed in such a way that it can function as intended in a safe manner, ie the rigid connection should be constructed in such a way that it cannot be damaged during operation, in particular cannot break or crack.

[0005] In particular, such rigid connections can be used in vehicle construction as guide arms, in particular transverse guide arms, spring guide arms, or as connecting rods. Such rigid connections serve, for example, to guide and control the wheels of a vehicle or, for example, to mechanically connect a chassis to an associated stabilizer.

[0006] DE 10 2012 009 458 A1 describes a novel bearing that elastically connects two components, at least one of which is subject to vibration. The innovation lies in the use of a special bushing made of elastic material to damp vibrations while simultaneously ensuring a stable connection between the components. The plug-in system allows for simple installation and adaptation of the damping properties, which is advantageous in many technical applications. Furthermore, this document discloses that the outer sleeve of the bearing bushing essentially has the shape of a cylindrical ring, with the portion facing away from the connecting arm being reinforced. Similar disclosures can be found in JP 2021 020 627A, which focuses on providing a novel strength element made of synthetic resin. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a rigid connector for mechanically connecting a first component and a second component, wherein the rigid connector has improved performance while maintaining reliability.

[0008] The present invention comprises a rigid connector for mechanically connecting a first component to a second component. The connector has at least one opening for receiving a bearing, which can function as a mechanical connection during operation. The connector has a longitudinal center axis, and the center point of the opening is arranged on the longitudinal center axis. The opening is arranged in an end region of the connector. The opening is completely delimited in the radial direction by an inner boundary surface of the connector. In addition, the connector has an outer boundary surface that at least partially surrounds the opening, wherein the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface are arranged at a distance from each other so that the connector partially surrounds the opening with a ring thickness. The ring thickness is designed to vary within an angular range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end of the end region, i.e., the ring thickness is not constant.

[0009] The connection is designed to be rigid, i.e., to have the properties of a rigid body, and is constructed to be suitable for the intended purpose in terms of its strength and stability. The rigid design ensures a direct mechanical connection, in particular an effective transmission of tensile and compressive forces between the first and second components, by means of which the rigid connection interacts during operation via at least one bearing, rubber bearing, rubber bushing, ball-and-socket joint, or single-ball joint, arranged in the opening.

[0010] The first component and, additionally or alternatively, the second component can each be configured as a rigid connection. In particular, the first component and the second component can be components of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile.

[0011] The opening is arranged in at least one end region of the connecting element, with its center point being located on the longitudinal center axis of the connecting element. The opening is typically symmetrical, but can have any shape. However, the shape should advantageously be adapted to the bearing being used. Preferably, the opening is circular.

[0012] The connecting piece has a longitudinal extension direction. The longitudinal axis of the connecting piece runs along the longitudinal extension direction. The longitudinal center axis is the longitudinal axis that also runs through the center point of the opening of the connecting piece along the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting piece.

[0013] The end region refers to the region surrounding the end of the connector along the longitudinal center axis. There are usually multiple end regions, especially two end regions, because the extension of the body of the connector is limited. The end region usually includes the end of the connector.

[0014] The connecting element can be configured in any desired shape. The connecting element comprises at least one end region with an opening. However, at least one further end region with a further opening can also be provided, i.e., at least one second end region with a second opening, and optionally a third end region with a third opening, or a plurality of end regions, for example, in the case of a connecting element with a star-shaped configuration.

[0015] If there are multiple end regions, the corresponding openings can be designed differently. In particular, the regions can have openings of different sizes with the same or different cross-sections, and the inner boundary surfaces of the openings and, additionally or alternatively, the outer boundary surfaces of the openings can differ in their course.

[0016] The middle region of the connecting element arranged between the at least two end regions can be shaped, for example, to be rod-shaped, curved or irregularly shaped.

[0017] The openings can also be arranged laterally offset, for example, point-symmetrically with respect to the center point of the connecting element, so that in both end regions, openings with a ring structure are formed that are laterally offset with respect to the longitudinal center axis. In particular, the first bearing hole (first opening) can be arranged above the longitudinal center axis, and the second bearing hole (second opening) can be arranged below the longitudinal center axis.

[0018] The complete radial delimitation of the opening by the inner boundary of the connection element ensures precise positioning of the bearing to be introduced into the opening, by means of which a mechanical connection to the first component and, in addition or as an alternative, a mechanical connection to the second component can be achieved. The bearing to be introduced into the opening can be a rubber bearing or a rubber bushing or a ball-and-socket joint or a fluid-filled bearing.

[0019] The outer boundary surface serves to define the boundary between the rigid connector and the surrounding environment. The outer boundary surface at least partially surrounds the opening. Because the outer boundary surface is radially farther from the center point of the opening than the inner boundary surface, an annular structure is formed by the connector that at least partially surrounds the opening. This annular structure is also referred to as a ring structure in this application. This ring structure can completely surround the opening, and the connecting structure can be materially connected to the ring structure.

[0020] This annular structure, which at least partially surrounds the opening, has a ring thickness. According to the present invention, the ring thickness is configured to vary within an angular range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end of the end region, i.e., the ring thickness is not constant. Here, 90° can be oriented to the right or left of the longitudinal center axis, or in other words, to both sides of the longitudinal center axis, in other words, clockwise and counterclockwise. Therefore, angular values ​​are to be understood as absolute values ​​relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0021] On the one hand, this allows a sufficient ring thickness to be provided in the portion of the end region that is subject to high mechanical stress; but at the same time, it also allows a reduced ring thickness in the portion of the ring structure that is not subject to high mechanical stress.

[0022] This type of connector can be provided without additional manufacturing costs. Depending on the component size and maximum mechanical stress, a few grams can be saved per component, which can result in several tons of material savings per year. This has advantages both in terms of economics and CO2 emissions.

[0023] Compared to the prior art, a lighter connection can be provided which still has the required functionality, in particular performance and reliability.

[0024] The mechanical stresses of such a connection were reproduced by finite element (FEM) simulations. It was shown that, for example, under a tensile stress of 40 kN, the ring thickness in the end region can be varied while maintaining reliability, achieving the corresponding advantages described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ring thickness within an angular range of 0° to at least 5°, particularly 0° to at least 10°, and especially 0° to at least 15°, from the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end of the end region is greater than the ring thickness within a second angular range toward the outer end, approximately 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis (i.e., the angular bisector), particularly within a range of at least 5° on either side of 45°, particularly within a range of at least 10° on either side of 45°, and particularly within a range of at least 15° on either side of 45°. Thus, the second angular range can be oriented from the longitudinal center axis around the angular bisector of the angular range toward the outer end of the end region relative to the longitudinal center axis, particularly within a range of at least 5° on either side of the angular bisector, particularly within a range of at least 10° on either side of the angular bisector, and particularly within a range of at least 15° on either side of the angular bisector. It has been shown that, with respect to mechanical loads, providing such an increase in the ring thickness at the ends of the connector in the region of the longitudinal center axis is advantageous, or in other words, a reduction in the ring thickness of the connector in the region of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis is advantageous.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ring thickness in a first angular range of 0° to at least 10° relative to the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end of the end region is greater than the ring thickness in a second angular range of at least 40° to 50°, in particular at least 30° to 60°, relative to the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end of the end region. Such an increase in the ring thickness at the ends of the connector in the region of the longitudinal center axis has been shown to be advantageous with regard to mechanical loads.

[0027] The ring thickness within a third angular range of at least 80° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis, toward the outer end, is greater than the ring thickness within a second angular range of at least 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis. The third angular range can extend from a straight line (90°) transverse to the longitudinal center axis in the angular range toward the outer end by at least 5°, in particular at least 10°, and in particular at least 15°, in the direction of the associated end region. Providing such a ring thickness distribution transverse to the longitudinal center axis at the level of the center point of the opening has been shown to be advantageous with regard to mechanical loads.

[0028] The sum of the first angular range, the second angular range, and the third angular range is less than or equal to 90°. The first angular range, the second angular range, and the third angular range may be arranged so as not to overlap within the angular range oriented from the outer end. Transition regions may be formed between the angular regions.

[0029] In another configuration, the inner boundary surface in the longitudinal plane formed by the longitudinal center axis and the radial direction of the opening is configured as a circle according to a first circle having a first radius, wherein the outer boundary surface in the longitudinal plane is configured as a partial circle according to a second circle having a second radius, wherein the first circle and the second circle are arranged concentrically with each other around the center point of the opening, and the second radius is greater than the first radius, wherein the outer boundary surface follows the course of the second circle in the first angular range and the third angular range, and the outer boundary surface deviates from the course of the second circle in the second angular range, in particular, the ring thickness decreases in the second angular range.

[0030] In this way, a configuration of the ring structure can be provided, in particular a symmetrical configuration, which achieves the advantages of the invention and still provides a high degree of reliability of the connection. In particular, by such an approach, a smaller ring thickness can be selected at portions with lower loads.

[0031] The inner boundary surface defining the opening can have a circular cross section in a longitudinal plane. Therefore, a first circle with a first radius is assigned to the inner boundary surface defining the opening. The center point of the first circle corresponds to the center point of the opening.

[0032] While the cross section of the inner boundary surface in the longitudinal plane generally follows the circumference of the first circle, this does not apply to the outer boundary surface. The outer boundary surface only partially follows the circumference of the second circle arranged concentrically with the first circle of the inner boundary surface, i.e., within the first and third angular ranges given above.

[0033] Within the remaining angular range in which the outer boundary surface does not follow a circle with the second radius, the ring structure's ring thickness decreases. That is, the outer boundary surface does not extend to the second radius within this remaining angular range (e.g., from 10° to 80° relative to the longitudinal center axis). Therefore, the ring thickness within the second angular range is smaller than the ring thickness within the aforementioned first and third angular ranges. If the outer boundary surface follows the circumference of a second circle concentric with the first circle of the inner boundary surface within the first angular range and, additionally, within the third angular range, then the remaining angular range in which the outer boundary surface does not follow a circle with the second radius is correspondingly smaller than the range between the first and third angular ranges.

[0034] In particular, the outer boundary surface can be designed to be continuously curved within a second angular range (for example from at least 30° to a maximum of 60°, or from at least 10° to a maximum of 80°).

[0035] In another embodiment, the outer boundary surface within the second angular range is designed as a substantially flat surface. In a cross-section of the longitudinal plane defined above, the boundary surface extends as a straight line segment (chord) within the aforementioned angular range. This configuration provides a particularly simple embodiment for reducing the ring thickness within the aforementioned angular range to achieve a weight reduction in the connector.

[0036] In one embodiment, the plane is arranged tangentially to a third circle that is concentric with the circles corresponding to the inner and outer boundary surfaces, and has a third radius that is greater than the first radius and smaller than the second radius. Thus, the third concentric circle has a radius in the longitudinal plane that is between the first and second radii. By configuring the plane as a tangent to the third circle, the ring thickness can be easily dimensioned, saving material and weight while maintaining reliability.

[0037] In another embodiment, the tangential contact point of the planes is arranged on a straight line extending from the center point of the opening toward the outer end at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis. This results in a symmetrical profile of the ring thickness in the angular range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis toward the outer end, in particular about the angle bisector of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment, the first end region is designed symmetrically in the longitudinal plane about the longitudinal center axis. This results in a symmetrical arrangement of the ring thickness in the longitudinal plane about the longitudinal axis within an angular range of -90° to 90° toward the outer end. This embodiment allows the advantages of a variable ring thickness to be utilized over the widest possible angular range in the end region.

[0039] In another embodiment, a second end region is located opposite the first end region in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. The second end region is designed symmetrically to the first end region, with the associated transverse axis of symmetry being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis in the longitudinal plane through the center point of the connecting element. The connecting element thus comprises two end regions that are substantially identical in design and achieve the advantages of the present invention.

[0040] This results in a dumbbell shape of the connecting element in the longitudinal plane with two bearing bores configured according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0041] In particular, the first end region can be connected to the first component to achieve a mechanical connection, and the second end region can be connected to the second component to achieve a mechanical connection.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting element is designed as a link, in particular a two-point link for a vehicle chassis, also referred to as a lever arm, or as a connecting rod for a vehicle. Advantageous embodiments are particularly those connecting elements that are subjected to only tensile loads during operation and, in addition or as an alternative, to compressive loads.

[0043] Connectors with this design can be made by casting or forging, or by stamping (and bending) sheet metal. For example, the connectors can be forged from an aluminum alloy. However, the corresponding connectors or bearing bores can also be made by other suitable manufacturing methods.

[0044] In particular, the connecting element can be made of plastic or metal. Using plastic generally results in further weight savings. Using metal generally allows the component to withstand higher mechanical loads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The following is an explanation of advantageous embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first portion of the rigid connector including a first end region,

[0047] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first portion of the rigid connector including the second end region,

[0048] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a longitudinally symmetrical rigid connector.

[0049] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rigid connector that is neither longitudinally nor transversely symmetrical, and

[0050] Figure 5 It is a top view of a longitudinally and laterally symmetrical rigid connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams and serve only to explain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Identical or functionally identical elements are always given the same reference numerals. Corresponding reference numerals are generally only introduced in the figure in which they are first used and are assumed to be known in subsequent figures.

[0052] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a rigid connection 10, in particular a connecting rod 10, for mechanically connecting a first component and a second component of a vehicle is shown, said portion comprising a first end region EB1. The first component and the second component are not shown in the figure.

[0053] according to Figure 1 The view includes the so-called bearing hole in the first end region EB1. For this purpose, the connecting rod 10 has an opening 20 in the end region EB1. This opening 20 is provided for receiving a bearing during operation, via which mechanical forces act on the coupling rod 10. The bearing is not shown in the figure. The first end region EB1 also includes the outer first end E1 of the connecting rod 10.

[0054] The opening 20 has a center point M and furthermore a circular cross section in a longitudinal plane LE, which corresponds to the sectional plane and at the same time to the paper plane.

[0055] The center point M of the opening 20 is also arranged on the longitudinal center axis L of the connecting rod 10 extending in the longitudinal plane LE. The outer first end E1 of the connecting rod 10 is also arranged on the longitudinal center axis L. The first end region EB1 is designed to be axisymmetric relative to the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0056] The opening 20 for receiving the bearing is delimited in the radial direction by an inner boundary surface 30 of the connecting rod 10. The inner boundary surface 30 completely delimits the opening 20 in the radial direction, ie extends over 360° around the center point M of the opening.

[0057] Inner boundary surface 30 has a circular cross section in longitudinal plane LE. In this case, inner boundary surface 30 spatially forms a cylindrical surface, in particular a cylindrical surface with a constant diameter. However, inner boundary surface 30 can also be embodied in a different manner, for example, so that the bearing can be fixed in opening 20 by the shape of opening 20 or the shape of inner boundary surface 30.

[0058] The outer boundary surface 40 at least partially surrounds the opening 20 . The outer boundary surface 40 and the inner boundary surface 30 simultaneously delimit a ring structure 50 which is closed by the connecting rod 10 , is in particular solid in design, and extends at least partially around the opening 20 .

[0059] Figure 1Two exemplary ring thicknesses 60 are marked in FIG. 1 , which shows that the ring thickness 60 is configured to vary along the circumferential direction of the opening 20 , ie, to be non-constant.

[0060] By deviating from a constant ring thickness 60 for the ring structure 50 depending on the expected loads of the connecting rod, material for the bearing eye can be saved and the bearing eye and thus the connecting rod 10 can be designed to be particularly light and material-efficient.

[0061] Figure 2 A cross-section of a portion of a rigid connection 10 , in particular a connecting rod 10 , for mechanically connecting a first component and a second component of a vehicle is shown in a longitudinal plane LE, said connection 10 comprising a second end region EB2 .

[0062] This second end region EB2 also comprises a bearing eye, ie an opening 20 for receiving a bearing during operation, through which mechanical forces act on the connecting rod 10. The opening 20 is at least partially surrounded by a ring structure 50 with a variable ring thickness.

[0063] The second end region EB2 comprises the outer second end E2 of the connecting rod 10 .

[0064] according to Figure 2 The important angular ranges according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are explained. The explanation can be transferred similarly to the Figure 1 and Figure 3 In particular, for Figure 1 The end region EB1 is shown in the figure, and the angle measurement is also performed in the angle region toward the outer end E1.

[0065] Figure 2 The angle range WB towards the second outer end E2 is included. This angle range relative to the longitudinal center axis L towards the outer end is -90° to 90°. In the same way, there is an angle range towards Figure 1 The angular range of the first outer end E1 of the connecting rod 10 is shown.

[0066] In the present application, the angles are given relative to the longitudinal center axis L within an angular range WB towards the second outer end E2. The angle values ​​are here chosen to represent the minimum angular distance from the longitudinal center axis, i.e. according to Figure 2 The angle measurement is made on the "right" side of the longitudinal center axis L, and Figure 1The middle angle measurement is performed on the "left side" of the longitudinal center axis L. Angles measured counterclockwise from the longitudinal center axis L in the second end region EB2 are positive angles. Angles measured clockwise from the longitudinal center axis L in the second end region EB2 are negative angles. The opposite is true for the first end region EB1. In summary, angles measured "downward" relative to the longitudinal center axis L are negative, while angles measured "upward" relative to the longitudinal center axis L are positive. Here, the angles or angle ranges given in the claims should be regarded as absolute values, i.e. only relative to the longitudinal center axis L without positive or negative directions. Material savings can be achieved at one, two, three or four angle bisectors relative to the longitudinal center axis L.

[0067] from Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, there are a first angle range W1, a second angle range W2 and a third angle range W3. The first angle range W1 is 0° to 10° relative to the longitudinal center axis L, the second angle range W2 is 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis L, and the third angle range W3 is 80° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis L. This also applies to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same angle range with a negative sign.

[0068] from Figure 2 As can be seen from the figure, the ring thickness of the ring structure of the bearing hole in the angle range W1 is greater than the ring thickness in the angle range W2. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the ring thickness in the angular range W3 is greater than the ring thickness in the angular range W2. In particular, the ring thickness is the same in the angular ranges W1 and W3, while the ring thickness in the angular range W2 is less than the ring thickness in the angular ranges W1 and W3.

[0069] These statements apply correspondingly to the negatively signed angular ranges W1 , W2 , W3 .In particular, the second end region EB2 is designed to be axisymmetric with respect to the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0070] Figure 3 The cross section of a connecting rod 10 in a longitudinal plane LE is shown, which has an axisymmetrically designed first end region EB1 and a second end region EB2, wherein the axisymmetry in the longitudinal plane LE is provided about the longitudinal center axis L. The bearing bore in the second end region EB2 has a smaller diameter than the bearing bore in the first end region EB1. A rod-shaped, in particular linear, intermediate region ZB is arranged between the first end region EB1 and the second end region EB2.

[0071] Figure 3 The second end region EB2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 2The first end region EB1 corresponds to the second end region EB2. Figure 1 , but contains further explanation regarding the properties of the ring structure 50 .

[0072] exist Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, the rigid connection has an axisymmetrically designed first end region EB1 and a second end region EB2, wherein the axisymmetry is given in the longitudinal plane LE relative to the longitudinal center axis LE and relative to a transverse axis Q extending through the center point of the connecting rod and arranged in the longitudinal plane LE. In such an embodiment, the first opening 20 in the first end region EB1 and the second opening in the second end region EB2 are identically configured, i.e., the first radius R1 of the first opening 20 corresponds to the first radius R1 of the second opening 20. Unlike the cross-sectional views shown in the other figures, Figure 5 Shown is a top view.

[0073] from Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the opening 20 has a circular cross section in the longitudinal plane LE. This circular cross section corresponds to a first circle K1 having a first radius R1, the center point of which coincides with the center point M of the opening 20.

[0074] In addition, Figure 3 , a second circle K2 having a radius R2 is shown, the center point of which likewise coincides with the center point M of the opening 20. The course of the circumference of the second circle 2 at least partially (particularly in the angular ranges W1 and W3, and in its mirror symmetry with respect to the longitudinal center axis) describes the course of the outer boundary surface 40 of the connecting rod 10. For the sake of clarity, the angular ranges W1, W2, and W3 are not shown in the first end region EB1, but are still visible from the second end region EB2 and can be transferred to the first end region EB1 accordingly.

[0075] also, Figure 3 A third circle K3 having a third radius R3 is included, the center point of which coincides with the center point M of the opening 20. The third radius R3 is larger than the first radius R1. In addition, the third radius R3 is smaller than the second radius R2.

[0076] Annular structure 50 is realized such that within angular ranges W1 and W3 the second circle (in particular its circumference) describes the course of outer boundary surface 40 , whereas within angular range W2 inner and outer boundary surface 40 is designed to be substantially flat.

[0077] The course of the outer boundary surface 40 of the ring structure 50 within the angular range W2 can be determined so as to provide a straight line G, which is provided starting from the center point M and extending at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis L toward the outer first end 1, and which intersects the second circle K2 at a point B. This point B is the tangential contact point B of the partially flat outer boundary surface 40 with the circle 2. Therefore, the outer boundary surface 40 forms a tangent plane to the circumference of the second circle K2 within the angular range W2.

[0078] By means of such a construction of the connecting rod, a considerable amount of material can be saved for the parts of the ring structure 50 that are subject to less severe loads, while ensuring the reliability of the bearing hole or the connecting rod 10, in particular if the end region EB1 is constructed to be axisymmetric about the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal plane LE, and further if the second end region EB2 is constructed to be axisymmetric about the transverse center axis Q in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0079] A bearing bore constructed in this manner is particularly advantageous under tensile loads. Stress peaks occur at 0°, 90°, and -90° from the longitudinal center axis. In between, particularly at 45°, there are relatively low stress areas, allowing the ring thickness of the bearing bore's ring structure to be reduced in these areas.

[0080] according to Figures 1 to 3 Such a connecting rod 10 can be made of plastic or metal depending on the expected loads.

[0081] Since the device described in detail above is an example of implementation, it can be widely modified by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangement and size relationship of the various elements are only exemplary.

[0082] Figure 4 A cross-section of a connecting rod 10 is shown in a longitudinal plane LE, said connecting rod 10 having a first end region EB1 and a second end region EB2 . Figure 4 include Figure 3 and additional reference numerals are added to indicate the differences.

[0083] and Figure 5 In contrast, the bearing bores arranged in the end regions EB1 and EB2 each have an opening 20 of different radius, namely Figure 4 The left-oriented bearing bore has a radius R1, or Figure 4 The bearing eye oriented to the right in the middle has a radius R1 ′. This therefore represents an asymmetrical design of the first end region EB1 and the second end region EB2 .

[0084] according to Figure 4, radius R1' is smaller than radius R1. Because the radii R2 and R3 of the second circle K2 and third circle K3 of the right-hand bearing hole are the same as those of the left-hand bearing hole, the ring structure at least partially surrounding the opening of the right-hand bearing hole has a greater overall ring thickness. In both end regions EB1 and EB2, outer boundary surface 40 partially follows the second circle within angular ranges W1 and W3, while in angular range W2, the outer boundary surface is designed as a tangent plane to the third circle.

[0085] also, Figure 4 There is a middle region ZB arranged between the first end region EB1 and the second end region EB2, which has a curvature, i.e., is not designed as a straight line. In this case, the longitudinal center axis L runs along the center line of the connecting element or connecting rod 10. In the first end region EB1 and the second end region EB2, the longitudinal center axis L runs horizontally in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0086] The curvature of the middle zone ZB may be, for example, about Figure 4 The transverse center axis (not shown) is configured axially symmetrically, or point-symmetrically with respect to the center point of the connecting rod 10, or symmetrically in another way. In addition, the middle area ZB may also not be provided with symmetry.

[0087] Reference Signs List

[0088] 10 Rigid connectors

[0089] 20 Opening

[0090] 30 inner boundary surface

[0091] 40 outer boundary surface

[0092] 50 ring structure

[0093] 60 Ring thickness

[0094] L longitudinal center axis

[0095] LE longitudinal plane

[0096] M Center point of the opening

[0097] EB1 first terminal region

[0098] EB2 second terminal region

[0099] E Outer end

[0100] K1 First Round

[0101] K2 Second Circle

[0102] K3 Third Circle

[0103] R1 first radius

[0104] R2 Second radius

[0105] R3 third radius

[0106] WB angle range toward the outer end

[0107] W1 first angle range, for example 0° to 10°

[0108] W2 second angle range, for example 30° to 60°

[0109] W3 first angle range, for example 80° to 90°

[0110] B Tangent contact point

[0111] TE cutting plane

[0112] G straight line

[0113] Q Horizontal axis

[0114] ZE Middle Area

Claims

1. A rigid connector (10) for mechanically connecting at least one first component and one second component, wherein: The connecting element (10) has at least one opening (20) for receiving a bearing, through which a mechanical connection can be achieved during operation, wherein the connecting element (10) has a longitudinal center axis (L), a center point (M) to which the opening (20) belongs is arranged on the longitudinal center axis (L), wherein the opening (20) is arranged in at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connecting element (10), wherein the opening (20) is completely delimited in the radial direction by an inner boundary surface (30) of the connecting element (10) The connection element (10) has an outer boundary surface (40) at least partially surrounding the opening (20), wherein the inner boundary surface (30) and the outer boundary surface (40) are arranged at a distance from each other so that the connection element (10) partially surrounds the opening (20) in an annular manner with a ring thickness (60), wherein the ring thickness (60) is configured to vary within an angular range (WB) from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) toward the outer ends (E1, E2) of the end regions (EB1, EB2), The ring thickness (60) in a first angular range (W1) of 0° to 5°, or 0° to 10°, or 0° to 15° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) towards the outer ends (E1, E2) of the end regions (EB1, EB2) is greater than the ring thickness (60) in a second angular range (W2) of 40° to 50°, or 35° to 55°, or 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) towards the outer ends (E1, E2), wherein the ring thickness (60) within a third angular range (W3) of 80° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) toward the outer ends (E1, E2) of the end regions (EB1, EB2) is greater than the ring thickness (60) within an angular range of 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) toward the outer ends (E1, E2).

2. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein: In a longitudinal plane (LE) formed by the longitudinal center axis (L) and the radial direction of the opening (20), the inner boundary surface (30) is configured as a circle according to a first circle (K1) having a first radius (R1), wherein in the longitudinal plane (LE), the outer boundary surface (40) is configured as a part circle according to a second circle (K2) having a second radius (R2), wherein the first circle (K1) and the second circle (K2) are concentric with each other and surround the opening (20) in the longitudinal plane (LE). ), and the second radius (R2) is greater than the first radius (R1), wherein the outer boundary surface (40) follows the circumferential direction of the second circle (K2) within a first angular range (W1) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) and a third angular range (W3) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), and the outer boundary surface (40) deviates from the direction of the second circle (K2) within a second angular range (W2) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), and the ring thickness (60) is reduced.

3. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein: In the second angular range (W2), the outer boundary surface (40) is designed essentially as a plane (TE).

4. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The plane (TE) is arranged to be tangent to a third circle (K3), which is arranged concentrically with the first circle (K1) and the second circle (K2) and has a third radius (R3), wherein the third radius (R3) is greater than the first radius (R1) and the third radius (R3) is smaller than the second radius (R2).

5. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The tangential contact point (BE) of the plane (TE) with the third circle (K3) is arranged on a straight line (G) extending from the center point (M) of the opening (20) toward the outer ends (E1, E2) at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L).

6. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first end region (EB1) of the at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connecting piece (10) is designed to be symmetrical about the longitudinal center axis (L) in a longitudinal plane (LE) formed by the longitudinal center axis (L) and the radial direction of the opening (20).

7. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The first end region (EB1) is opposite to the second end region (EB2) of the at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connecting member (10) in the direction of the longitudinal center axis (L), wherein the second end region (EB2) is designed to be symmetrical with the first end region (EB1), wherein the corresponding transverse symmetry axis (Q) passes through the center point of the connecting member (10) and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis (L) in the longitudinal plane (LE).

8. The rigid connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting element (10) is designed as a guide rod or a connecting rod.

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