Assembly aid, axis and assembly procedure

Abstract

Assembly aid (2) for an axle (1), in particular an unbraked axle (1), for vehicles, in particular trailers, wherein the axle (1) has an inner axle body (4) and an enclosing outer axle tube (3) as well as at least one rubber-elastic spring element (5) inserted between them, in particular a rubber cord, wherein the assembly aid (2) has a support ring (11) mountable between axle tube (3) and inner axle body (4) for axially spacing (8) the rubber-elastic spring element (5) from a front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3), characterized in that the support ring (11) has a stop element (13) capable of bearing on the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3) and a spacer element (12) projecting axially from it by a distance (8) for the at least one spring element (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly aid according to the preamble of claim 1, an axle according to the preamble of claim 14 and an assembly method according to the preamble of claim 21.

[0002] US Patent 3,601,424 A discloses an assembly aid, an axle, and an assembly method, wherein the axle has an outer axle tube in which an inner solid axle body is inserted at one end and supported at the end of the axle tube by a pivot bearing. The pivot bearing is formed by a radial constriction of the axle body with an inner bearing journal and a two-part bearing sleeve arranged thereon, the bearing sleeve being bonded into the end of the axle tube. Rubber cords are inserted between the axle tube and the axle body, extending axially to the bearing sleeve. This forms a so-called rubber spring axle, in which the spring effect is generated by compression deformation of the rubber cords.

[0003] US Patent 6,447,073 B1 discloses a torsion spring axle with a rectangular axle tube into which a cylindrical axle body is inserted. A spring element in the form of a rubber sleeve with a rectangular outer circumference corresponding to the axle tube is molded onto the axle body and rigidly connected. The rubber sleeve is axially immovable on the axle body and is subjected to torsion and shear stress during compression.

[0004] In the axle of the GB 2 207 975 A, a spring element is also designed as an elastomer tube and bonded to the inner axle body, with a rotary bearing for the inner axle body attached to the end face of the axle tube.

[0005] Another assembly aid and axle, as well as an assembly method, are known from DE 20 2011 103 222 U1. In the previously known rubber spring axle, the inner axle body and the rocker arm are designed as a single-piece sheet metal and bent part. During the manufacture of the axle, the axle bodies with the rubber cords are pressed into the axle tube, the rubber cords extending to the front end of the outer axle tube in the assembled position and, if necessary, also projecting axially outwards beyond the front end.

[0006] GB 2 176 869 A shows a different rubber spring axle in which the rubber cords are recessed and mounted with a greater axial distance to the front end of the outer axle tube. The axle body, which has a prismatic cross-section, is supported by a cup bearing at the front end of the axle tube and also has an axial distance to the rubber cords. The axle body is held axially to the axle tube by a cotter pin.

[0007] In the US 6 588 778 B1, the axle body is mounted on the surrounding axle tube of a rubber spring axle via several elastomeric bearing rings.

[0008] DE 66 03 559 U1 teaches the direct fixing of rubber cords with rivets or nails to the axle tube of a rubber spring axle.

[0009] In the rubber spring axle known from DE 17 82 555 U1, ring-shaped spring elements are mounted on the axle body inside the axle tube and clamped axially between an inner disc and an outer clamping tab, with the clamping tab being screwed to the chassis.

[0010] DE 10 2007 044 973 A1 discloses a crimp-type fixing of the rubber cords of a rubber spring axle at the front end of the axle tube, which is locally deformed for this purpose. The rubber cords protrude partially axially from the axle tube.

[0011] In the case of the rubber spring axle of the FR 2 297 149 A, the rubber cords inserted into the axle tube are held axially by radial stops molded onto the outside of the front end of the axle tube.

[0012] Other rubber spring axles are known from practical experience, in which the inner axle body and the rocker arm are formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. In multi-piece designs, the axle body and the rocker arm are connected by welding or other means, with the rocker arm engaging the axle body at the connection point and forming a radial collar.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to improve the mounting options for an axle.

[0014] The invention solves this problem with the features of the independent claims.

[0015] The claimed assembly technique, i.e., the assembly aid and the assembly method, has the advantage of ensuring a defined position of the one or more rubber-elastic spring elements within the outer axle tube. The ends of the rubber-elastic spring element(s) are axially spaced inwards from a front end of the axle tube. This has the advantage that, when the axle compresses, the spring element, subjected to compression, remains within the axle tube despite its compression-induced axial extension. Any potential protrusion of the spring element from the front end and any snagging of said end on the edge of the axle tube when the axle is unloaded can be reliably prevented.

[0016] The mounting aid prevents further disadvantages associated with the spring elements or rubber cords migrating out of place. This includes avoiding negative effects on the track and / or camber characteristics, as well as the loss of effective suspension / damping of the axle. Thanks to the mounting aid and the resulting functional assurance of the spring elements, shorter rubber cords can also be used, resulting in lower costs.

[0017] The assembly aid also offers the advantage of simple design and handling. Preferably designed as a loose support ring, the assembly aid can be mounted between the axle tube (3) and the inner axle body (4). It can, for example, be placed onto the inner axle body. This can be done before the inner axle body is installed in the axle tube. Alternatively, the spring element(s) can first be inserted and pre-positioned in the axle tube using the assembly aid, after which the axle body is pressed in and inserted through the support ring. Additional machining or deformation of the axle body or axle tube, and the associated labor and costs, are unnecessary.

[0018] The support ring can be a single piece or multi-piece, in the latter case being composed of several arc segments. The support ring can be designed as a loose component. It can partially extend into the axle tube to create spacing. A shape-matched design of the support ring to the axle body, particularly to its spring mount(s), prevents unwanted twisting.

[0019] The mounting method is optional. The support ring can be inserted into the axle tube before pressing in the inner axle body, or conversely, it can first be placed on the axle body and carried along with it during the pressing process.

[0020] The support ring, on the one hand, uses spacers, in particular support plates, to distance one or more spring elements from the front end of the outer axle tube by the desired amount. On the other hand, its position is secured by one or more stop elements that bear against said tube end and can, conversely, be supported against a rocker arm. The stop element(s) can, in particular, be held in a gap between the rocker arm and said front end.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more spring elements, in particular rubber cords, can be rigidly connected to the support ring, especially to its one or more spacer elements. This offers advantages in terms of manufacturing and assembly. In particular, the optionally guided support ring ensures that all spring elements are in the same axial position. The spring element(s) held on the support ring can be pre-inserted together into the axle tube and pre-positioned axially and circumferentially. They are then subjected to tensile stress by the subsequently inserted axle body and held by the support ring, which in turn is supported by a stop against the axle tube.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0023] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in an exemplary and schematic manner. Specifically, they show Fig. 1: A perspective view of an axis with an assembly aid, Fig. 2: a detailed view of the axis according to section line II-II of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4: a broken perspective view and a longitudinal section through an axis end and an assembly aid according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6: a variant of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 with a different design of an axle body and a rocker arm, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8: Various perspective views of an assembly aid designed as a support ring and Fig. 9 and Fig. 10: a side and front view of the support ring of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0024] The invention relates to an assembly aid (2) and an assembly method for an axle (1), in particular a spring axle of a vehicle. The invention further relates to an axle (1), in particular a spring axle, equipped with an assembly aid (2).

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows such an axis in a perspective view (1). Fig. Figure 2 shows a corresponding sectional view. The axle (1) consists of an outer axle tube (3), which can be attached to a vehicle, in particular to its frame, using fittings. The axle tube (3) can extend across the width of the vehicle, with an inner axle body (4) inserted into each of its two front ends (7). In another variant with half axles, two shorter axle tubes (3) are provided, into each of which an inner axle body (4) is inserted at one end. The inner axle body (4) has a substantially straight, rod-like shape.

[0026] The outer axle tube (3) encloses the inserted inner axle body (4), with at least one rubber-elastic spring element (5) arranged between them. The shape and number of spring elements (5) can vary. In the illustrated embodiment, three strand-like rubber-elastic spring elements (5) are present, which are, for example, designed as rubber cords. The rubber-elastic material can be a natural or synthetic rubber or another compressible material, in particular a plastic.

[0027] The spring elements (5) are preferably positively engaged in one or more spring receptacles (6) on the outside of the inner axle body (4). The axle body has, for example, the following: Fig. The cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 2 is essentially triangular, with the spring receptacles (6) being designed as rounded axial indentations. The axle body (4) can be solid or tubular.

[0028] The surrounding axle tube (3) has a modified cross-section with, for example, six rounded corner sections, between which flat wall sections are arranged. In its relaxed resting position, the rubber cords are gripped, for example, by each rounded corner section of the axle tube (3). When the axle (1) is compressed, the axle body (4) rotates about its longitudinal axis, taking the spring element(s) (5) with it. This causes the spring element(s) to be compressed and deformed elastically between the axle tube (3) and the axle body (4). During rotation, the space between the axle tube (3) and the axle body (4) narrows. During compression, the length of the spring element(s) (5) increases.

[0029] The axle body (4) has a rocker arm (9) projecting transversely or obliquely from its free end, which protrudes from the axle tube (3). The rocker arm has a support pin at its free end for connection to a vehicle wheel, in particular a wheel hub. The rocker arm (9) can be integrally formed with the axle body (4) or attached in a suitable manner. Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, Fig. Figure 6 shows two different versions.

[0030] The axle (1) is designed as a so-called rubber spring axle. It can be an unbraked axle, a so-called trailing axle, or a braked axle. The vehicle (not shown) is preferably a land vehicle, in particular a road vehicle. The axle (1) is particularly suitable for vehicle trailers or for add-on chassis of motor vehicles. The axle (1) can be designed as a trailing arm axle or as a semi-trailing arm axle with a correspondingly shaped straight or curved axle tube (3).

[0031] The axle body (4) is mounted together with the one or more rubber-elastic spring elements (5) in the axle tube (3). To facilitate assembly and to optimize the positioning of the one or more rubber-elastic spring elements (5) during and after assembly, an assembly aid (2) is provided, the arrangement and function of which are described in Fig. 3 to 6 is shown in two variants with different axle bodies (4) and rocker arms (9).

[0032] The assembly aid (2) can be designed in different ways. It has a support ring (11) that can be mounted and loosely inserted between the axle tube (3) and the inner axle body (4). The axle body (4) can be inserted into the support ring (11), or conversely, the support ring (11) can be placed onto the axle body (4). The assembly aid (2) or the support ring (11) serves to axially distance (8) the rubber-elastic spring element(s) (5) from the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3). The front end of the spring element is thus set back into the inner axle tube space by the distance (8) from the front end (7).

[0033] The support ring (11) is in Fig. 7 to 10 are shown in detail and in different views. Fig. Figure 10 shows a front view according to arrow X from Fig. 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the support ring (11) is designed as a one-piece, closed ring. Alternatively, it can be multi-part and, for example, consist of several arc segments that are not connected to each other or are only loosely connected to form a ring shape.

[0034] The support ring (11) is adapted to the contours of the inner axle body (4) and the outer axle tube (3). This may include a certain radial gap. The inner ring contour can be adapted to the outer contour of the axle body (4) and, in particular, to the spring receptacle(s) (6) with a certain degree of positive fit. This form fit prevents the support ring (11) from rotating on the inner axle body (4). Conversely, a form fit, possibly with a slight gap, between the support ring (11) and the inner contour of the outer axle tube (3) allows part of the support ring (11) to engage in the space between the two axle parts (3, 4). This also provides guidance at the rounded corner areas in the circumferential and rotational directions.Furthermore, the shape adaptation results in an excess in the outer contour of the non-immersed support ring areas compared to the inner shape of the axle tube (3), thus enabling a stop function and support of the support ring (11) at the front end (7) or at the end face of the axle tube (3).

[0035] The support ring (11) has one or more stop elements (13) that bear against the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3) and can axially engage it. The stop element(s) (13) have a corresponding shape adapted to the axle tube (3) for this purpose. The support ring (11) also has one or more supporting spacer elements (12) projecting from the stop element(s) (13) by the aforementioned distance (8), each of which axially distances a spring element (5) inwards from the front end (7) in the manner described. The distance (8) is preferably equal to or greater than the axial deformation path of the spring element (5) under the aforementioned crushing load.

[0036] How Fig. As illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the support ring (11) has several stop and spacer elements (13, 12) arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The stop element(s) (13) are designed as an arc-shaped piece, which has a suitable shape and size for the contact and stop function at the front end (7). The spacer element(s) (12) are, for example, designed as a support plate, which, for instance, rests flush against the front end of an associated spring element (5). The support plate can, for example, have an oval outline, the inner contour of which is adapted to a spring receptacle (6), in particular a recess, with at least an approximate positive fit. The support ring (11) can have play with respect to both the outer axle tube and the inner tube. This is advantageous so that the support ring does not come into contact with anything when the spring is compressed.

[0037] Each spacer element (12) of the support ring (11) is connected to the adjacent stop element (13) by an axial web (14). The web (14) provides the axial spacing (8).

[0038] The support ring (11) can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, it is made of plastic and can be injection-molded. Alternatively, it can be made of metal or other materials, possibly also composite materials, and manufactured in another way.

[0039] How Fig. Figures 3 to 6, showing two variants cut open in the axle tube area, depict the support ring (11) in its assembled position resting against the front end (7) with the stop element(s) (13) and extending into the tube interior with the spacer element(s) (12). The support ring (11) can be abutted against the front end (7) on one side as described above and can be loose or free on the other side. Alternatively, it can be positioned in a gap (15) between the front end (7) and the rocker arm (9) and held on both sides. The thickness of the stop element(s) (13) can be adapted to the gap width for guidance purposes.

[0040] In the embodiment of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The axle body (4) and the rocker arm (9) are formed as a single unit. The transition or bending point is smoothly rounded and may be widened in places. This widening may serve as a rear stop for the support ring (11), allowing the support ring (11) to move slightly backwards in the axial direction on the axle body (4). If this is not desired, a [missing information] may be used. Fig. 3. A ring element projecting axially backwards from the support ring (11) provides support on the curved part or a possible widening of the rocker arm (9).

[0041] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a multi-part variant in which the rocker arm (9) is attached to the end of the axle body (4) and connected to it in a suitable manner, e.g., by welding, pressing in, gluing, or the like. The rocker arm (9) receives the axle body end with its widened upper end and surrounds it, forming a radial collar against which the support ring (11) can abut from the rear. In such an embodiment with a radial collar, the aforementioned gap (15) can be formed.

[0042] The support ring (11) can be designed as a loose part and can also be arranged separately from the spring element(s) (5) and be movable. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a variant in which the support ring (11) is connected to one or more spring elements (5). For example, a fixed connection (16) is formed between a spacer element (12), in particular a flat support plate, and the front face of a spring element (5), in particular a rubber cord. This can be a positive-locking connection by means of a clamp, an adhesive bond, or the like. The support ring (11) and the one or more spring elements (5) are thereby connected to form a single unit that can be inserted into the axle tube (3) and pressed in.

[0043] Preferably, the spring element(s) (5) and the optionally associated support ring (11) are first inserted into the axle tube (3) and pre-positioned. This concerns, on the one hand, the axial position and the distance (8) of the spring element(s) (5) in the axle tube (3) and, on the other hand, any circumferential positioning or rotational position relative to the axle tube (3). Circumferential guidance can be achieved by adapting the shape of the spacer elements (12). Axial guidance and retention at the front end (7) are provided by the curved pieces or stop elements (13). Subsequently, the axle body (4) can be inserted and pressed in. It is inserted through the opening of the support ring (11) and rubs against the spring element(s) (5), which may be deformed by their own weight and are thereby also brought into their intended position between the axle tube (3) and the axle body (4).

[0044] The aforementioned design of the support ring (11) and the associated spring element(s) (5) is also advantageous in cases where the axle body (4) transitions into the rocker arm (9) with an approximately constant outer contour before and in the bending area, with no significant radial step or collar, e.g. according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

[0045] Variations of the illustrated and described embodiments are possible in various ways. The features of the aforementioned embodiments and their variations can be combined in any way. This includes swapping features or even partially omitting features.

[0046] The cross-sectional shapes of the axle body (4) and the axle tube (3) can vary. The same applies to the number and arrangement of the spring elements (5), which may be, for example, strand-like or cord-like. Instead of several individual spring elements (5), a single, appropriately contoured spring element may be present, which may, for example, have a ring or tube shape with thin and thick wall sections. Indentations (6) may be omitted. The axle body (4), particularly in the case of a tube-like spring element (5), may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a square shape. The axle tube shape is adapted accordingly.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker arm (9) is connected to the inner axle body (4) and, when the suspension compresses, rotates the axle body (4) relative to the stationary axle tube (3). The kinematics can also be reversed, with a rocker arm (9) connected to a rotatable outer axle tube (3), which rotates relative to a stationary and rotationally fixed inner axle body (4) on the vehicle. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 axle, spring axle, running axle 2 Assembly aid 3 axle tube 4 axle bodies 5 spring element, rubber cord 6 Spring mount, recess 7 Front end 8 Distance 9 rocker arms 10 axle stubs, wheel pins 11 Support ring 12 Spacer element, support plate 13 Stop element, arc piece 14 Crossing point, footbridge 15 columns 16 connection

Claims

[1] Assembly aid (2) for an axle (1), in particular an unbraked axle (1), for vehicles, in particular trailers, wherein the axle (1) has an inner axle body (4) and an enclosing outer axle tube (3) and at least one rubber-elastic spring element (5), in particular a rubber cord, inserted between them, wherein the assembly aid (2) has a support ring (11) that can be mounted between the axle tube (3) and the inner axle body (4) for axially spacing (8) the rubber-elastic spring element (5) from a front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3), characterized by , that the support ring (11) has a stop element (13) capable of being placed on the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3) and a spacer element (12) projecting axially by a distance (8) from this for the at least one spring element (5). [2] Assembly aid (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the support ring (11) is formed in one piece or in multiple parts. [3] Assembly aid (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the support ring (11) is adapted to the contours of the inner axle body (4) and outer axle tube (3). [4] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the distance (8) is equal to or greater than an axial deformation path of the at least one spring element (5) under crushing load. [5] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support ring (11) has several of the stop and spacer elements (13,12) arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. [6] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop element (13) is designed as a bow piece. [7] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the stop element (13) is adapted in thickness to a gap width between the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3) and a rocker arm (9) arranged at the end of the inner axle body (4). [8] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spacer element (12) is designed as a support plate. [9] Assembly aid (2) according to claim 8, characterized by that the support plate has an oval outline. [10] Assembly aid (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spacer element (12) is connected to the adjacent stop element (13) by axial webs (14). [11] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support ring (11) is designed as a loose part. [12] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support ring (11) is connected to one or more spring element(s) (5). [13] Assembly aid (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by , that the support plate has a fixed connection (16) to the rubber-elastic spring element (5). [14] Axle (1) for vehicles, in particular trailers, wherein the axle (1) comprises an inner axle body (4) and an enclosing outer axle tube (3) and at least one rubber-elastic spring element (5), in particular a rubber cord, inserted between them, characterized by , that the axle (1) has an assembly aid (2) with a support ring (11) that can be mounted between the axle tube (3) and the inner axle body (4), wherein the assembly aid (2) is designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 13. [15] Axis (1) according to claim 14, characterized by , that a rocker arm (9) is arranged at the outer end of the axle body (4). [16] Axis (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by, that the support ring (11) with its one or more stop elements (13) is arranged and held in a gap (15) between the rocker arm (9) and the adjacent front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3). [17] Axis (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by , that the rocker arm (9) is formed or mounted on the axle body (4). [18] Axis (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by , that the inner axle body (4) has at least one preferably recessed axial spring receptacle (6) for a strand-shaped spring element (5), in particular a rubber cord. [19] Axis (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized by , that the inner axle body (4) is tubular in shape. [20] Axis (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized by , that the axle (1) is designed as an unbraked or as a braked axle. [21] Assembly method for an axle (1) for vehicles, in particular trailers, wherein the axle (1) comprises an inner axle body (4) and an enclosing outer axle tube (3) and at least one rubber-elastic spring element (5), in particular a rubber cord, inserted between them, characterized by , that a support ring (11) is mounted on the axle (1) between the axle tube (3) and the inner axle body (4) as an assembly aid (2), which holds the rubber-elastic spring element (5) at an axial distance (8) from a front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3), wherein the support ring (11) has a stop element (13) capable of being placed on the front end (7) of the outer axle tube (3) and a spacer element (12) projecting axially from it by a distance (8) for the at least one spring element (5). [22] Assembly method according to claim 21, characterized by, that the support ring (11) is inserted into the axle tube (3) before the inner axle body (4) is pressed in, or that the support ring (11) is first placed on the axle body (4) and then pressed into the axle tube (3) together with it.

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