load transfer component

Abstract

Load transmission component with a component body (2) and several force introduction areas (3, 4, 5) provided on this body, at least one of which has a force introduction element (7) made of plastic provided with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess (6), which is enclosed in a circumferential direction (u) by a sheathing (18) formed by a continuous fiber structure (25) embedded in a matrix, the continuous fiber structure (25) having a discontinuity (19) in the circumferential direction (u), characterized in that in the area of ​​the discontinuity (19) of the continuous fiber structure (25) an insert (20) designed as a planar and dimensionally stable body is integrated into the force introduction element (7), wherein the insert (20) covers the discontinuity (19) of the continuous fiber structure (25) in the circumferential direction (u).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load transmission component with a component body and several force introduction areas provided on the body, at least one of which has a force introduction element made of plastic with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess, which is enclosed in a circumferential direction by a sheath formed by an endless fiber structure embedded in a matrix, the endless fiber structure of which has an interruption in the circumferential direction.

[0002] Such a load transmission component is used, for example, as a chassis component in a vehicle's chassis and forms, for instance, a suspension link. Suspension links connect kinematic points in the vehicle's wheel suspension and transmit movements and forces, with a joint function typically integrated into the force application element. This load transmission component is intended, for example, for a passenger car or a commercial vehicle.

[0003] From generic DE 10 2017 210 205 A1, a load transmission component in the form of a two-point linkage is known, wherein two curved end sections of two layers formed from a fiber-reinforced plastic are embedded in a force introduction element. The two layers are separated from each other by a gap, the gap being filled with the material of the force introduction element.

[0004] DE 10 2018 215 172 A1 discloses a ball joint which has a locking element made of a plastic part and a force insert element which is at least partially overmolded with the plastic material of the plastic part to stiffen the locking element.

[0005] DE 10 2016 220 827 A1 describes a load transfer component in the form of a transverse arm, which is formed from two shell components, wherein the two shell components are connected to each other by means of a connecting element made of fiber composite material.

[0006] Mass production of chassis components made from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) is achieved, for example, using resin transfer molding (RTM) or prepreg compression molding (PCM). Besides material costs, the preform process is a challenge in such production chains.

[0007] To reduce component costs and thus pave the way for such components to enter mass production, the preforming process must be automated. For example, a three-point linkage is manufactured using a preforming process that consists of several process steps. In particular, the preforms are divided into several sub-preforms, which are then sequentially stacked on top of each other in a final step to obtain a complete preform, a process also known as preform assembly.

[0008] A problem that arises in the sequential preforming process with sub-preforms is the formation of bonding points or abutment areas where two sub-preforms meet. At these points, the continuous fiber structure is interrupted, and force transmission occurs solely through the resin system. Since the mechanical properties of the resin are significantly lower than those of the laminate, such abutment areas represent weak points in the manufactured component.

[0009] The aforementioned problem can be solved, for example, by overlapping the preforms in the joint area or by adding a preform piece (patch) that overlaps the joint area. However, these solutions increase the complexity of the preform process, as the patch must first be prepared and then securely fixed in place, which requires turning the entire preform.

[0010] Based on this, the invention aims to increase the stability of a load transmission component of the type mentioned above in the area of ​​an interruption of the continuous fiber structure with minimal additional manufacturing and cost effort.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by a load transfer component according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0012] A load transmission component comprising a component body and several force introduction areas provided on it, at least one of which has a force introduction element made of plastic with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess, which is enclosed in a circumferential direction by a sheath formed by a continuous fiber structure embedded in a matrix, the continuous fiber structure of which has an interruption in the circumferential direction, is further developed according to the invention in that an insert designed as a planar and dimensionally stable body is integrated into the force introduction element in the area of ​​the interruption of the continuous fiber structure.

[0013] The insert reinforces the force application element in the area of ​​the interruption. Specifically, the insert is integrated into the force application element during its manufacture, ensuring that the preform process used in the production of the load-transfer component is not affected by the insert. The force application element can be manufactured using an injection molding or stamping process, particularly from thermoset or thermoplastic materials.

[0014] Preferably, the matrix and / or the sheathing is bonded to the force application element, particularly by a material bond. The interruption of the continuous fiber structure in the circumferential direction is preferably a complete interruption of the continuous fiber structure. This means, in particular, that no continuous fibers of the sheathing and / or the continuous fiber structure pass through the interruption in the circumferential direction. At the interruption, the continuous fiber structure has, for example, a gap, particularly in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, the interruption and / or the gap in the continuous fiber structure is bridged and / or filled with matrix material.

[0015] The continuous fiber structure embedded in the matrix and / or the sheathing preferably consists of two partial shells, each comprising a portion of the continuous fiber structure, particularly the one embedded in the matrix. Preferably, the partial shells are bonded together, particularly by the matrix. Advantageously, each partial shell has a force-introduction element-side and / or free end, wherein the force-introduction element-side and / or three ends face each other in the area of ​​the break and / or are adjacent to each other and / or have a gap between them. Preferably, each partial shell is formed by a sub-preform during the manufacture of the load-transfer component. The partial shells are particularly half-shells. The aforementioned gap is preferably filled with matrix material.

[0016] According to the invention, the insert covers the interruption in the continuous fiber structure in the circumferential direction. This allows, for example, the stability of the force application element in the area of ​​the overlap to be increased. Preferably, the insert is integrated and / or embedded in the material and / or plastic of the force application element. According to the invention, the insert is a planar component. Advantageously, the insert extends in the circumferential direction.

[0017] According to a further development, the force application element has a wall section, preferably curved on the outside and / or inside, which defines the recess and in which the insert is provided. Preferably, the insert is curved. Preferably, the insert and / or a, in particular, central region of the insert and / or the majority of the insert is curved in accordance with the wall section and / or the curvature of the wall section. Advantageously, the casing is curved in accordance with the wall section and / or the curvature of the wall section, particularly in the area of ​​the wall section.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the insert has or have at least one through-hole or several through-holes. This allows the plastic from which the force-introduction element is made to flow through the at least one through-hole or through the through-holes during its manufacture. This can, for example, improve the adhesion and / or the bond between the insert and the plastic of the force-introduction element. Preferably, the at least one through-hole or through-holes are penetrated by the material and / or the plastic of the force-introduction element. Preferably, the at least one through-hole or through-holes are designed as an elongated hole or elongated holes. This allows, for example, the adhesion and / or bond between the insert and the plastic of the force-introduction element to be improved.Fibers, especially short fibers, pass through the at least one through-hole or through-holes if the force application element is made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the at least one through-hole or through-holes may be, for example, round or circular. Additionally or alternatively, the insert may have, for example, perforations or grooves.

[0019] Preferably, the surface of the insert is cleaned and / or treated before its integration into the force application element, for example, cleaned with acetone, and / or subjected to plasma treatment and / or structured with a laser. This can, for example, improve the adhesion and / or the bond between the insert and the plastic of the force application element.

[0020] According to a further development, the force introduction element consists of fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular short-fiber-reinforced plastic and / or long-fiber-reinforced plastic. For example, the force introduction element is manufactured from bulk molding compound (BMC) or sheet molding compound (SMC), preferably in a press tool. In particular, the insert is placed together with the BMC material or the SMC material into a mold of the press tool, pressed, and cured. The force introduction element preferably forms a dimensionally stable body. The plastic of the force introduction element is in particular a thermosetting plastic and / or a resin or synthetic resin. The fibers of the fiber-reinforced plastic of the force introduction element consist, for example, of glass fibers and / or aramid fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or basalt fibers and / or natural fibers.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the insert is bent at at least one or each of its end regions, preferably outwards or away from the recess, or inwards or towards the recess. This creates an undercut at the at least one end region or at each of the end regions. Advantageously, this allows the insert to be centered in the force application element and / or in the wall section during the manufacture of the force application element. According to a possible alternative, the insert is bent outwards or away from the recess at one of its end regions, and inwards or towards the recess at another. Preferably, the at least one end region or end regions are the end regions of the insert in the circumferential direction.

[0022] In particular, the insert has a wavy contour or a concave-convex shape, at least in its end regions. The wavy contour or concave-convex shape of the insert can also extend over the entire insert. In the case of a concave-convex shape, the insert can have several alternating concave-convex sections. In particular, a wavy or concave-convex shape can prevent displacement of the insert during the manufacturing of the load-bearing component, especially during a pressing phase.

[0023] The insert forms a dimensionally stable body. For example, the insert is made of metal. In particular, the insert is made of aluminum or an iron-based material, such as steel. Alternatively, the insert is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite, preferably a continuous fiber-reinforced plastic composite (FRP), especially prepreg. The metal insert is manufactured, for example, by stamping, waterjet cutting, or laser cutting. The FRP insert is manufactured, for example, by the PCM process, the autoclave process, or the RTM process. Alternatively, the FRP insert is manufactured, for example, from SMC material with continuous fiber reinforcement. The plastic of the FRP insert is, in particular, a thermosetting plastic and / or a resin or synthetic resin. The fibers of the FRP insert consist, for example, of glass fibers and / or aramid fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or basalt fibers and / or natural fibers.

[0024] The matrix consists in particular of a thermosetting plastic and / or a resin or synthetic resin. The fibers of the continuous fiber structure consist, for example, of glass fibers and / or aramid fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or basalt fibers and / or natural fibers.

[0025] According to a further development, a joint or rubber bearing is arranged in the recess. The joint is, for example, a ball joint. The recess is preferably cylindrical. Preferably, the load transmission component is connected to a machine part or vehicle part by means of the joint or rubber bearing, which is, for example, a chassis component, a vehicle frame or body, or a subframe or chassis.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a second force application area has a second force application element provided with a second bearing receptacle in the form of a recess, which is preferably made of plastic. A joint or rubber bearing is preferably arranged in the recess of the second bearing receptacle. The joint is, for example, a ball joint. The recess of the second bearing receptacle is preferably cylindrical.

[0027] Preferably, the second force introduction element is enclosed in a circumferential direction, in particular a second direction, by a second sheath formed by the continuous fiber structure embedded in the matrix, the continuous fiber structure of which has a, preferably second, interruption in the circumferential direction, in particular a second interruption, wherein in the area of ​​this interruption of the continuous fiber structure a, in particular a second, insert is integrated into the second force introduction element.

[0028] According to a further development, a third force application area has a third bearing receptacle in the form of a recess and / or a third force application element provided with a third bearing receptacle in the form of a recess, which is preferably made of plastic. A joint or rubber bearing is preferably arranged in the recess of the third bearing receptacle. The joint is, for example, a ball joint.

[0029] The component body preferably forms a dimensionally stable body. Preferably, the force transmission elements are interconnected through the component body. Advantageously, the component body includes the casing. In particular, the component body includes the partial shells or half-shells.

[0030] The load transfer component is preferably intended for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. Preferably, the load transfer component is a chassis component. In particular, the load transfer component is a suspension link. For example, the load transfer component is a two-point link or a three-point link. In particular, the force transmission element is arranged in a chassis component in which a joint function, in particular a rubber bushing or a ball joint, is arranged. The load transfer component or the chassis component can be designed as a two-point link, a four-point link, or as a transverse leaf spring.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a load transfer component according to one embodiment, Fig. 2. An exploded view of several parts of the load transfer component during its manufacture, Fig. 3 a side view of a force introduction element of the load transfer component, Fig. 4 a side view of a casing of the force introduction element, Fig. 5 a top view of an insert integrated into the force introduction element, Fig. 6 a top view of an insert integrated into the force introduction element according to a first variant, Fig. 7 a top view of an insert integrated into the force introduction element according to a second variant, Fig. 8 a side view of the insert integrated into the force introduction element, Fig. 9 a side view of the insert integrated into the force introduction element according to a first modification, Fig. 10 a side view of the insert integrated into the force introduction element according to a second modification, and Fig. 11 a side view of the insert integrated into the force introduction element according to a further modification.

[0032] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a load transmission component 1 designed as a three-point linkage according to an embodiment, which has a component body 2 and several force application areas 3, 4 and 5 provided on it, wherein the force application area 3 has a force application element 7 made of plastic with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess 6. The force application area 4 also has a force application element 9 made of plastic with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess 8, which corresponds to the force application element 7. In the force application area 5, the component body 2 has a bearing or joint receptacle in the form of a recess 10 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) on, in which a ball joint 11 is arranged. Preferably, the force transmission elements 7 and 9 are made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0033] Out of Fig. Figure 2, which shows an exploded view of several parts of the load transfer component 1 during its manufacture, shows two sub-preforms 12 and 13 made of prepreg and an intermediate element 14 arranged between the sub-preforms 12 and 13. The sub-preforms 12 and 13 preferably form half-shells. The intermediate element 14 is itself a sub-preform and consists, for example, of two layers of prepreg with a metal layer between them. Alternatively, the intermediate element 14 consists, for example, of only metal, only of prepreg, or of two metallic layers with a layer of prepreg between them.

[0034] The sub-preform 12, the intermediate element 14, and the sub-preform 13 are placed one on top of the other in this order, with the previously manufactured force introduction elements 7 and 9 being arranged between the end regions 15 and 16 of the sub-preforms 12 and 13, and the intermediate element 14 with end regions 24 being inserted into recesses 17 provided in the force introduction elements 7 and 9 (see Fig. 3). Subsequently, the sub-preforms 12 and 13, the intermediate element 14, and the force introduction elements 7 and 9 are joined together, particularly using the PCM process (PCM = Prepreg Compression Moulding). The end regions 15 and 16 preferably each form a partial shell or half-shell.

[0035] Furthermore, the ball joint 11, for example in the form of a joint cartridge, is inserted into the recess 10, preferably before the PCM process, but can also be done afterward. Additionally, rubber bearings are inserted into the receptacles 6 and 8, preferably after the PCM process, but can also be done before.

[0036] The sub-preforms 12 and 13 each comprise continuous fibers embedded in a matrix and, particularly according to the PCM process, form a sheathing 18 with their end regions 15 and 16 provided in the area of ​​the force introduction element 7, which encloses the force introduction element 7 in a circumferential direction u, as can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4. Preferably, the sub-preforms 12 and 13, particularly after the PCM process, also form a second sheathing with their end regions 15 and 16 provided in the area of ​​the force introduction element 9, which encloses the force introduction element 9 in a circumferential direction.

[0037] The sheathing 18 formed by the matrix material and the continuous fibers of the sub-preforms 12 and 13 has a continuous fiber structure 25 formed by the continuous fibers, which has a circumferential interruption 19 in the region of the facing ends of the end regions 15 and 16. In the region of the interruption 19, an insert 20 is integrated into the force introduction element 7, which consists of Fig. 3 is visible. The insert 20 is shown in individual view in the image. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the insert 20. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 6 in top view a first variant of the insert 20 and Fig. 7 in top view a second variant of the insert, wherein the insert according to Fig. 5 can be replaced by both the first and the second variant. According to the first variant, the insert has several through holes 21 with a round cross-section. According to the second variant, the insert has several through holes 21 in the form of elongated holes. In both the first and second variants, the through holes 1 are penetrated by the plastic material of the force application element 7.

[0038] Insert 20 is shown in single view in the image. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the insert 20. Furthermore, it shows Fig. Figure 9 shows a side view of the insert 20 according to a first modification, in which the insert 20 is bent outwards at its end regions 22. This results in, in particular, an undercut in the plastic material of the force introduction element 7.

[0039] Fig. Figure 10 shows a side view of the insert 20 according to a second modification. Here, too, the insert 20 is bent outwards at its end regions 22. In addition, the insert has several concave or convex sections 26 along its entire length. These sections 26 are shown here as semicircular examples. Thus, the insert 20 has an overall wavy contour or a concave-convex shape.

[0040] Fig. Figure 11 shows a side view of the insert 20 according to a further modification. In its end regions 22, the insert 20 has a wavy contour or a concave-convex shape. In this embodiment, this contour or shape is achieved by means of differently shaped concave or convex sections 26.

[0041] The insert according to Fig. 8 can be achieved by insert 20 according to the modification as follows Fig. 9, Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 will be replaced.

[0042] As from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 8 or Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the insert 20 is curved when integrated into the force introduction element 7. In particular, the force introduction element 7 has a curved wall section 23 that defines the recess 6 and in which the insert 20 is provided (see Figure 9). Fig. 3). Reference sign 1 Load transfer component 2 component bodies 3 Force application area 4 Force application area 5 Force application area 6 Recess / Bearing Receptacle 7 Force introduction element 8 Recess / Bearing Receptacle 9 Force introduction element 10 Exclusion 11 Ball joint 12 Sub-preform 13 Sub-preform 14 Intermediate element 15 End area of ​​the sub-preform 16 End region of the sub-preform 17 recess 18 Sheathing 19 Interruption 20 inserts 21 Through hole 22 End area of ​​the insert 23 Wall section of the force introduction element 24 End area of ​​the intermediate element 25 Continuous fiber structure 26 concave / convex section u circumferential direction

Claims

Load transmission component with a component body (2) and several force introduction areas (3, 4, 5) provided on this body, at least one of which has a force introduction element (7) made of plastic provided with a bearing receptacle in the form of a recess (6), which is enclosed in a circumferential direction (u) by a sheath (18) formed by a continuous fiber structure (25) embedded in a matrix, the continuous fiber structure (25) having a discontinuity (19) in the circumferential direction (u), characterized in that in the area of ​​the discontinuity (19) of the continuous fiber structure (25) an insert (20) designed as a planar and dimensionally stable body is integrated into the force introduction element (7), wherein the insert (20) covers the discontinuity (19) of the continuous fiber structure (25) in the circumferential direction (u). Load transfer component according to claim 1, characterized in that the interruption of the continuous fiber structure (25) in the circumferential direction (u) is a complete interruption of the continuous fiber structure (25). Load transfer component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sheathing (18) consists of two partial shells (15, 16) which each comprise a part of the continuous fiber structure (25) and have a free end, wherein the free ends of the partial shells (15, 16) face each other in the area of ​​the interruption (19). Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (20) is curved and the force introduction element (7) has a curved wall section (23) limiting the recess (6) in which the insert (20) is provided. Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one through hole (21) through which the plastic of the force introduction element (7) is provided in the insert (20). Load transmission component according to claim 5, characterized in that the through hole (21) is designed as an elongated hole and the force introduction element (7) is made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Load transfer component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (20) is bent outwards at its end regions (22) and / or that the insert (20) has a wavy contour or a concave-convex shape at least in its end regions (22). Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a joint or rubber bearing is arranged in the recess (6). Load transmission component according to claim 8, characterized in that a second of the force introduction areas (4) has a second force introduction element (9) provided with a second bearing receptacle in the form of a recess (8) in which a joint or rubber bearing is arranged.

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