chassis component

Abstract

chassis component 1.1 with a base extending in a plane of the ground (11) 1.2 with an opening (2) for the insertion of a fastening element 1.3 and two retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) arranged on opposite sides of the opening (2) for holding an eccentric element (5), 1.4 wherein the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are formed in one piece and of uniform material from the base surface (11) of the chassis component 1.5 and the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are displaced from the base surface (11) by mechanical processing, 1.6 wherein the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are displaced from the plane of the base by at most an amount corresponding to the thickness of the base (11), characterized in that 1.7 the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) have at least a first section (8.1) which has a trapezoidal cut contour.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a chassis component with a base extending in a plane and an opening for passing a fastening means, as well as two retaining elements arranged on opposite sides of the opening for holding an eccentric element, wherein the retaining elements are formed integrally and of a single material from the base of the chassis component.

[0002] Chassis components, such as wheel guides, are mounted to support structures on motor vehicles. This requires special mounting assemblies with retaining elements that guide eccentric elements, such as eccentric discs or eccentric bolts, to connect the wheel guides to these chassis components. These mounting assemblies must be designed so that the wheel guides can be aligned within them, ensuring the desired driving characteristics. For example, the toe or camber of a motor vehicle can be adjusted in this way.

[0003] A chassis component with such a mounting arrangement typically has an opening and two retaining elements arranged on opposite sides of the opening for holding and / or guiding an eccentric disc or eccentric screw. Each of the two retaining elements is formed by a stop. Such a disc with an opening for a screw, or such a screw itself, is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the mounting arrangement and relative to the other chassis component, in particular the wheel guide. Furthermore, the eccentric disc or eccentric screw is supported radially perpendicular to the axis of rotation by retaining elements such that the screw connection, and thus also the wheel guide, is displaceable relative to the support element by rotating the eccentric screw or screw.

[0004] For this purpose, an eccentric disc or eccentric screw has a collar which is not concentric to the axis of rotation, but is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0005] Such holding arrangements for holding and / or guiding eccentric discs and / or eccentric screws for chassis components of motor vehicles are generally known in the prior art.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2018 009 917 A1 discloses a retaining arrangement for a wheel link in which a separate integral component is used to support the eccentric screw. This integral component is formed separately from a support element and a chassis component and is held in place by the support element. The connection to the support element is maintained by bores in the support element and two cylindrical features in the integral component. However, the integral components require a separate manufacturing step, and a further step is necessary to attach them to a chassis component.

[0007] EP 3 118 032 B1 also discloses a retaining arrangement for a wheel guide. However, in this case, the retaining elements for supporting the eccentric disc are not arranged in a separate holding device; instead, the retaining elements for guiding the eccentric element are machined into the chassis component. Such a manufacturing process is, however, very complex.

[0008] According to DE 10 2014 116 077 A1, a wheel guidance assembly for a vehicle wheel, i.e., a chassis component, is considered prior art. This assembly has a base extending in a plane and an opening for a fastening element, as well as two retaining elements arranged on opposite sides of the opening for holding an eccentric element. The retaining elements are formed in one piece from the base of the chassis component and are made of a single material, with the base being positioned within the chassis component by mechanical machining.

[0009] A storage arrangement with a comparable design is also shown in DE 10 2016 215 623 A1.

[0010] JP H06-247 336 A and DE 10 2013 005 292 A1 also show retaining elements for eccentric elements that have been displaced from the base surface by mechanical processing.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a chassis component with retaining elements that achieves a longer service life and is nevertheless simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0012] This problem is solved by a holding arrangement with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] A chassis component according to the invention has a base extending in a plane of the base and an opening for passing a fastening means, as well as two retaining elements arranged on opposite sides of the opening for holding an eccentric element, wherein the retaining elements are formed integrally and of uniform material from the base of the chassis component and are displaced from the base by mechanical processing.

[0014] This design makes manufacturing the retaining elements particularly easy, as no separate component is required and the retaining elements are simply formed from the same material as the landing gear component. This is achieved through simple processes such as cutting, punching, bending, or partial shearing. Because they are a single piece and made from a single material, no additional fastening of the retaining elements is necessary. This prevents them from shifting within the finished landing gear component, as would occur with a separate component, thus significantly increasing their service life.

[0015] The retaining elements according to the invention are preferably produced by selectively displacing the material from the base surface of the chassis component. This means that the portion of the base surface that is to be formed into a retaining element is displaced out of the plane of the base surface in order to form a stop for an eccentric element.

[0016] In particular, the retaining elements are produced by displacing the material of the chassis component from the base surface in a wedge shape. This means that the displacement forms a raised area on the side facing the opening and, leading away from the opening, approaches the base surface in a substantially linear fashion.

[0017] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the retaining elements are produced by step-like displacement of the material of the chassis component from the base surface.

[0018] This design makes it easy to form the retaining elements and to hold and / or guide the eccentric element. Only then can the aforementioned advantages of durability and increased service life be achieved.

[0019] A key aspect of the invention is that the retaining elements are displaced from the plane of the base by a distance equal to the thickness of the base. This creates a stable stop for the eccentric element and prevents a deterioration of the retaining and / or guiding properties of the retaining elements during continuous operation.

[0020] To create the retaining elements without thinning the base material, the retaining elements are designed with a free edge facing the opening. This free edge is formed by a cut in the base of the chassis component, creating a raised stop for the eccentric element. This means that a cut is first made in the chassis component, and then the material of the chassis component is shifted on the side of the cut facing away from the opening. Besides avoiding thinning, this offers another advantage: the cut creates a straight contact edge for the eccentric element, preventing any potential slippage of the element.Such an eccentric element might not rest directly on the base of the chassis component if, for example, the edge is rounded, and therefore might not provide the necessary support when tightening a screw that passes through the eccentric disc.

[0021] Here too, the retaining element is preferably offset from the plane of the base by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the base. This means that the free edge projects beyond the cut edge in the base and, in particular, that there is no gap between the base and the retaining element. Such a design allows the retaining element to still be supported by the base and to withstand greater adjustment forces. Here as well, a one-piece, material-seam design of the retaining elements is advantageous.

[0022] To increase the service life of the retaining elements, in addition to their one-piece construction, the retaining elements are designed in such a way that the force flow originating from the fastener is routed around them. This prevents stress concentrations in the area of ​​the edges and corners of the retaining elements and significantly reduces or even completely eliminates the tendency to crack. This considerably improves the service life of the chassis components.

[0023] It is particularly preferred that the free edge has a length that corresponds at most to the extent of the opening located between the retaining elements in the same direction. This design directs stresses and forces that arise in the installed state away from the retaining elements.

[0024] To adjust a vehicle's toe-in using an eccentric element, for example, the opening should be designed as an elongated slot. This allows for positioning an eccentric screw and a screw connected to an eccentric washer between the retaining elements by turning them. The free edges formed by the cuts run perpendicular to the elongated slot.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining elements have at least a first section that has a trapezoidal cut contour. This means that the cut not only runs perpendicular to the elongated hole, but also has at least two flanks pointing away from the elongated hole.

[0026] Preferably, the flanks of the cut do not run perpendicular to the free edge, but rather form an angle of less than 90° with it, preferably less than 70°. This further reduces the width of the holding element, thereby also reducing the machining effort, and reduces the forces and stresses occurring on the holding elements, thus increasing their durability.

[0027] Furthermore, one embodiment of the invention provides that the trapezoidal cut contour has rounded corners. This means that the corners between the free edge and the two flanks extending from it have a rounded shape. The radius of these corners is chosen to be as large as possible, as this also counteracts cracking and thus further increases the service life of the retaining elements.

[0028] Preferably, the flanks of the first section have a concave shape relative to each other. This means that the relevant corners of the first section are not connected in a straight line, but rather in an arc, with the arc curving outwards. Such a design has proven advantageous because, in addition to directing the force past the retaining elements, it also reduces stress peaks that arise at acute angles. This further improves the service life of the retaining elements.

[0029] Another embodiment provides that the retaining elements have a second section on their side facing away from the opening, which connects to the first section. Preferably, the second section has cut edges parallel to the opening. This design leads to improved manufacturability of the retaining elements, as well as an improved service life.

[0030] Advantageously, the retaining elements are produced simultaneously with the opening. A further improvement over the prior art lies in the fact that the retaining elements are produced in the same process step as the opening. This involves machining steps such as punching, stamping, cutting, forming, or partial shearing. Specifically, this is done in a single tool where the opening is created by a movable punch, and the retaining elements are produced by cutting and / or forming elements integrated into the tool. Because these elements can be manufactured with extremely tight tolerances, the simultaneous production of the opening and retaining elements ensures highly precise positioning relative to each other. Furthermore, since the opening and retaining elements are produced in the same tool, manufacturing costs are reduced, and production is simplified.

[0031] The retaining elements according to the invention can be designed in chassis components such as wheel guides, axle carriers, subframes or similar, especially for motor vehicles.

[0032] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a non-inventive embodiment of a chassis component Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the invention Fig. 3 a third embodiment of the invention Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the invention Fig. 5 two cross-sectional views of the retaining elements according to the invention

[0033] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a retaining arrangement 1 in a chassis component, which is not shown in detail. This component could be a wheel guide, a wheel carrier, a subframe, or another chassis component. This retaining arrangement consists of two retaining elements 3, each manufactured in one piece from a single base surface of the chassis component and made of the same material. Each retaining element has a free edge 4, which is created by a cut. This cut runs perpendicular to an elongated hole 2 located between the retaining elements. The eccentric element 5 is also shown schematically. The material from the base surface of the chassis component is produced here with a partial elevation from the base surface.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a holding arrangement 1 for a chassis component. It comprises a base extending in a plane and an opening 2 for the passage of a fastening element, as well as two holding elements 6 arranged on opposite sides of the opening for holding an eccentric element 5, such as an eccentric screw or eccentric washer. The holding elements 6 are formed in one piece and of a single material from a base of the chassis component and are displaced from the base by mechanical machining.

[0035] To improve the service life of the retaining elements 6, the forces and stresses that arise in the installed state due to operational loads are diverted around them. The arrows represent the force flow F. This is possible because the retaining elements 6 have a length in the region of the free edge 4.1 that corresponds at most to the extent of the opening 2 in the same direction. In addition to this design, the retaining elements 6 have a trapezoidal cut contour 4.2. For this purpose, the free edge 4.1 is extended at each end with a flank 4.3, 4.4 pointing away from the opening 2. The flanks 4.3, 4.4 form an angle of less than 90°, preferably less than 70°, and preferably greater than 45° with the free edge 4.1. The free edge 4.1 of the retaining elements 6 are displaced from the base surface towards the opening 2 in such a way that they have a raised area, thus forming a stop for the holder and / or guide for the eccentric element 5.The increase in the free edge 4.1 corresponds to the thickness of the base. This results in a wedge-shaped displacement of the retaining elements 6 from the base. Furthermore, the... Fig. It can be seen from Figure 2 that the corners 7 formed by the free edge 4.1 and the flanks 4.3, 4.4 have a rounded shape. This is advantageous because it prevents cracks at the corners caused by forces.

[0036] In another design variant, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a second section 9 is connected to the first section 8.1, which is formed by the trapezoidal shape of section 4.2. In this second section 9, the cut of the flanks runs parallel to each other and parallel to the edges 2.1, 2.2 of the opening 2. This lengthens the cut edge and reduces the slope of the retaining elements 6.1, which are raised towards the stop. This reduces stresses in the area where the surface of the retaining element 6.1 is wedge-shaped and projected from the base of the chassis component by mechanical machining. Thus, a retaining arrangement as shown in Figure 3 exhibits a reduced stress in the area where the surface of the retaining element 6.1 is wedge-shaped and raised from the base of the chassis component. Fig. Figure 3 shows a base surface of a chassis component with an opening 2, which may be shaped as an elongated hole. This opening has a retaining element 6.1 on each side, which is displaced from the base surface by mechanical processing. The retaining element 6.1 is thus formed in one piece and of a single material from the base surface of the chassis component. The retaining elements 6.1 have a first section 8.1 and a second section 9. The first section 8.1 is formed by a trapezoidal cut contour 4.2. Here, the free edge 4.1 faces the opening 2 and has a length that corresponds at most to the extent of the opening 2. The flanks 4.3, 4.4, which extend from the free edge 4.1 away from the opening, each form an angle with it of less than 90°, preferably less than 70°, and preferably greater than 45°. The resulting corner 7 has a rounded shape. This first section 8.A second section 9 follows. In this section, flanks 4.3, 4.4 are continued parallel to each other and parallel to two edges 2.1, 2.2 of the opening 2. As in . Fig. 2. The design of the retaining elements 6.1 directs forces and stresses away from the assembly, thereby improving the service life of the retaining assembly. The retaining element 6.1, formed by the section, is displaced from the base surface of the chassis component in such a way that a raised area is formed at the free edge 4.1, which corresponds at most to the thickness of the base surface of the chassis component, and thus forms a stop for guiding and / or retaining an eccentric element 5.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the retaining arrangement. Here, the retaining element 6.2 is formed, as in the first embodiment, by a trapezoidal cut 4.2. For this purpose, the retaining element 6.2, which is formed in one piece and of a single material from the base of a chassis component, has a free edge 4.1 that faces perpendicularly to an opening, in particular an elongated hole 2. By mechanically displacing the base, the free edge 4.1 forms a raised section and thus serves as a stop for an eccentric element 5. Two flanks 10.1, 10.2 adjoin the free edge 4.1 at each end. These form a corner 7 with the free edge 4.2, which has a rounded shape. From this point, the flanks 10.1, 10.2 do not run linearly to each other, but have a concave cut contour. In addition to the rounded corners 7, a second radius or bulge 10.1, 10.2 is formed.This also reduces the stresses in the rounded corners 7, significantly increasing the service life of the retaining elements 6.2. Furthermore, the length of the free edge is reduced to the extent of the opening 2, ensuring that forces and stresses are directed away from the retaining elements 6.2 when installed.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5a shows a side view of a retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2, which is formed in one piece and of a uniform material from the base surface 11 of a chassis component by mechanical machining. It is clearly visible in the sketch that the elevation of the free end 4.1 corresponds at most to the thickness of the base surface 11. The wedge-shaped displacement 12 of the retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2 is also clearly visible.

[0039] The retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2 is created in the same process step as the opening 2. This process step includes machining operations such as punching, stamping, cutting, or forming. When punching the opening 2, the cut for creating the retaining element is made with the free edge 4.1 punched and / or cut. During cutting, the retaining elements 6, 6.1, 6.2 are directly mechanically formed and thus displaced wedge-shaped 12 from the base surface 11. This forms the stops for guiding and / or holding eccentric elements such as eccentric discs or eccentric screws in chassis components.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5b shows a side view of a retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2, which is formed in one piece and of a uniform material from the base surface 11 of a chassis component by mechanical machining. It is clearly visible in the sketch that the elevation of the free end 4.1 corresponds at most to the thickness of the base surface 11. However, there is no wedge-shaped displacement 12 here, as in Fig.5a is not shown, but rather a step-like displacement 13 of the retaining element is depicted. The step has two sections; in section 13.1, the necessary elevation is created by a wedge-shaped displacement. This elevation corresponds at most to the thickness of the base layer. Adjoining this section is a displacement 13.2 of the retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2 parallel to the base layer. In contrast to the wedge-shaped displacement alone, this ensures that the free edge 4.1 is perpendicular to the base layer. With the wedge-shaped displacement, an angle α (α) of 90° to 120° can exist between the base layer and the displacement of the retaining element 6, 6.1, 6.2. Reference symbol list 1 Holding arrangement 2nd Breakthrough 2.1 Edge 2.2 Edge 3 retaining element 4 free margin 4.1 free margin 4.2 Flank 4.3 Flank 4.4 Flank 5 eccentric element 6 retaining element 6.1 Holding element 6.2 Holding element 7 corner 8 first section 9 second section 10.1 Flank 10.2 Flank 11 Base area 12 wedge-shaped displacement 13 step-like displacement 13.1 wedge-shaped displacement 13.2 parallel displacement F Force flow α angle

Claims

[1] Chassis component 1.1 with a base extending in a plane of the ground (11) 1.2 with an opening (2) for the insertion of a fastening element 1.3 and two retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) arranged on opposite sides of the opening (2) for holding an eccentric element (5), 1.4 wherein the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are formed in one piece and of uniform material from the base surface (11) of the chassis component 1.5 and the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are displaced from the base surface (11) by mechanical processing, 1.6 wherein the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are displaced from the plane of the base by at most an amount equal to the thickness of the base (11), characterized by , that 1.7 the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) have at least a first section (8.1) which has a trapezoidal cut contour. [2] Chassis component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are produced by partially displacing the material of the chassis component from the base surface (11). [3] Chassis component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are produced by wedge-shaped displacement of the material of the chassis component from the base surface (11). [4] Chassis component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are produced by step-like displacement of the material of the chassis component from the base surface (11). [5] Chassis component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) have a free edge (4, 4.1) facing the opening (2), which is formed by a cut in the base surface (11) of the chassis component and forms a stop for the eccentric element (5) that is raised above the base surface (11). [6] Chassis component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are designed in such a way that a force flow emanating from the fastening means is directed past the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2). [7] Chassis component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the free edge (4, 4.1) has a length which corresponds at most to the extent of the opening (2) in the same direction. [8] Chassis component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the free edge (4, 4.1) runs at least section by section perpendicular to a hole (2) formed as an elongated slot. [9] Chassis component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the free edge (4, 4.1) and flanks (4.2, 4.3, 10.1, 10.2) of the first section (8.1) enclose an angle of less than 90°, preferably less than 70°. [10] Chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the trapezoidal cut contour has rounded corners (7). [11] Chassis component according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the flanks (4.2, 4.3, 10.1, 10.2) of the first section have a concave shape relative to each other. [12] Chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) have on their side facing away from the opening (2) a second section (9) which connects to the first section (8.1). [13] Chassis component according to claim 12, characterized by , that the second section (9) has parallel cutting edges to the breakthrough (2). [14] Chassis component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining elements (3, 6, 6.1, 6.2) are created simultaneously with the breakthrough (2).

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