Joint for a vehicle and method for manufacturing such a joint

Abstract

Joint for a vehicle with an outer sleeve (2) and an inner joint part (4), wherein a cylindrical sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4) is mounted within the outer sleeve (2) and is tiltable and rotatable in relation to the outer sleeve (2), and with an elastomer layer (8) arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), wherein a plastic layer (9) is arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), characterized in that the plastic layer (9) is materially bonded to the elastomer layer (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a joint for a vehicle with an outer sleeve and an inner joint part, wherein a cylindrical sleeve section of the inner joint part is mounted within the outer sleeve and such that it can tilt and rotate relative to the outer sleeve, and with an elastomer layer arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part, wherein a plastic layer is arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a joint, wherein the cylindrical sleeve section of the inner joint part is mounted within the outer sleeve and such that it can tilt and rotate relative to the outer sleeve, and the elastomer layer is arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part, wherein the plastic layer is arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part.

[0002] Such a joint or method is known from the generic document DE 100 11 124 A1.

[0003] DE 102 58 986 A1 discloses a joint in which a cylindrical piece is arranged as an inner joint part in a housing. The housing consists of three concentrically nested cylindrical sleeves, with cylindrical cavities between the cylindrical sleeves filled with an elastic material.

[0004] DE 10 2019 203 271 B3 discloses a joint with a joint sleeve, wherein a plastic bearing shell is arranged between the joint sleeve and an inner joint part and an elastomer layer is arranged on an outer side of the joint sleeve.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is to further develop a joint and / or a method of the type mentioned above in such a way that the construction and / or manufacture of such a joint can be implemented more cost-effectively and / or more easily. In particular, an alternative embodiment is to be provided.

[0006] The object underlying the invention is achieved with a joint according to claim 1 and by means of a method according to claim 9. Preferred developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and in the following description.

[0007] A joint for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle chassis, is proposed. The vehicle can be designed as a motor vehicle. Joints can be used in a variety of ways in vehicle construction. In particular, joints in the chassis serve to connect chassis components such as control arm components, wheel carriers, tie rods, or the like to each other or to the vehicle body or an axle carrier attached to it.

[0008] The joint comprises an outer sleeve and an inner joint part. The inner joint part has a cylindrical sleeve section which is mounted within the outer sleeve and such that it can tilt and rotate relative to the outer sleeve. In particular, the inner joint part is designed as a cylindrical piece or as a cylindrical sleeve. Thus, a through-opening can extend through the inner joint part in the longitudinal direction or concentrically to a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical sleeve section. By means of the through-opening, the inner joint part can be connected to a first component or a first chassis component, in particular by means of a suitable fastening means or a screw. The outer sleeve of the joint can be pressed into a joint receptacle of a second component or a second chassis component. The outer sleeve can be slotted, in particular parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.The corresponding slot or gap can be partially or completely closed by pressing it into the joint socket. This allows a preload, particularly a predetermined one, to be introduced into the joint.

[0009] In particular, tilting mobility of the inner joint part is understood to mean a movement of the inner joint part relative to the outer sleeve, during which a change in an angle enclosed between the central longitudinal axis of the inner joint part and a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve occurs. The tilting preferably occurs around a center point of the joint. A tilt angle of the inner joint part is, in particular, an angle enclosed between the central longitudinal axis of the inner joint part and the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. Preferably, in a non-tilted position of the inner joint part, the tilt angle is zero and / or the central longitudinal axis of the inner joint part coincides with the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, a rotational movement of the inner joint part is to be understood as a movement of the inner joint part in which the inner joint part is rotated relative to the outer sleeve about the central longitudinal axis of the inner joint part.

[0011] The joint has an elastomer layer arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. In particular, the elastomer layer is made of a rubber material.

[0012] Furthermore, a plastic layer is arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. The plastic layer can be formed from a single plastic material or a combination of several plastic materials or a fiber-reinforced plastic material. In particular, a thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic material is used as the plastic material for forming the plastic layer.

[0013] The advantage here is that the plastic layer between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part, in combination with the elastomer layer, enables a cost-effective construction. Furthermore, the plastic layer enables improved rotational mobility of the inner joint part relative to the outer sleeve.

[0014] According to the invention, the plastic layer is firmly bonded to the elastomer layer. To improve this bond, an adhesion promoter can be arranged between the plastic layer and the elastomer layer. In particular, the elastomer layer allows the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section or the inner joint part to be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

[0015] According to a further development, the plastic layer is injection-molded between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. This allows for the construction and production of the joint to be realized particularly cost-effectively.

[0016] Preferably, the plastic layer provides a sliding connection for rotating the inner joint part around its central longitudinal axis and relative to the outer sleeve. Thus, the elastomer layer provides the tilting mobility of the joint, while the plastic layer provides the rotational mobility of the joint. Since the plastic layer provides a sliding connection for rotating the inner joint part, significantly larger angles of rotation for a rotational movement of the inner joint part around the central longitudinal axis are possible compared to the elastomer layer.

[0017] According to a further development, the plastic layer is arranged between the elastomer layer and an outer side of the cylinder sleeve section of the inner joint part. Thus, the plastic layer can rest on the elastomer layer on the one hand and on the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section on the other. In particular, the plastic layer is injection-molded between the elastomer layer and the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section. Preferably, the inner joint part is slidably movable relative to the plastic layer and rotatably mounted about the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section. In particular, the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section is concentric with the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section.

[0018] Preferably, a side of the elastomer layer facing away from the plastic layer is bonded to an inner side of the outer sleeve. A bonding agent can be used to improve the bond between the elastomer layer and the inner side of the outer sleeve.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the plastic layer is arranged between an inner side of the outer sleeve and the elastomer layer. Thus, the plastic layer can rest on the one hand on the inner side of the outer sleeve and on the other hand on the elastomer layer. In particular, the plastic layer is injection-molded between the inner side of the outer sleeve and the elastomer layer. Preferably, the inner side of the outer sleeve is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. In particular, the plastic layer is slidably movable relative to the outer sleeve and together with the elastomer layer and the inner joint part, and is rotatably mounted about a central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a composite of the inner joint part, the elastomer layer, and the plastic layer is rotatable about the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section and relative to the outer sleeve.

[0020] In this case, a side of the elastomer layer facing away from the plastic layer can be bonded to the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section of the inner joint part. Here, too, an adhesion promoter can be used between the elastomer layer and the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section to improve the bond.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, a positive connection is formed between the plastic layer and the outer side of the inner joint part, in particular the cylinder sleeve section, or between the plastic layer and the inner side of the outer sleeve. The positive connection blocks axial displacement of the inner joint part relative to the outer sleeve. At the same time, the positive connection allows rotational movement of the inner joint part relative to the outer sleeve. In particular, the positive connection is formed by the interaction of an annular web with an annular groove.

[0022] For example, the plastic layer has an annular web that engages in a correspondingly formed annular groove in the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section or in the inner side of the outer sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic layer can have an annular groove into which a correspondingly formed annular web of the cylinder sleeve section or the outer sleeve engages. Preferably, the annular web and the annular groove are formed concentrically to the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section and / or to the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

[0023] According to the method for manufacturing a joint according to the invention, the cylindrical sleeve portion of the inner joint part is mounted within the outer sleeve and is pivotally and rotatably movable relative to the outer sleeve. The elastomer layer is arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. Furthermore, the plastic layer is arranged or formed between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part.

[0024] According to the invention, the plastic layer is integrally bonded to the elastomer layer, and the plastic layer is injection-molded between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. In particular, the plastic layer creates a sliding connection for rotating the inner joint part around its central longitudinal axis and relative to the outer sleeve.

[0025] Preferably, the elastomer layer is first formed between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. The plastic layer is then formed between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. The plastic layer can be formed between the cylindrical sleeve section and the elastomer layer or between the outer sleeve and the elastomer layer. Thus, when forming or arranging the elastomer layer, a concentric free space initially remains between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part, which is then filled with the plastic material of the plastic layer.

[0026] Alternatively, the plastic layer can first be formed or arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part. This leaves a concentric free space between the plastic layer and the inner joint part or between the plastic layer and the outer sleeve. This free space is then formed or arranged with the elastomer material to form the elastomer layer between the outer sleeve and the inner joint part.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the plastic layer is injection-molded between the elastomer layer and the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section of the inner joint part, whereby the inner joint part is mounted so as to be slidable relative to the plastic layer and rotatable about the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section. In this case, a side of the elastomer layer facing away from the plastic layer is integrally bonded to an inner side of the outer sleeve.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, the plastic layer is injection-molded between the inner side of the outer sleeve and the elastomer layer, whereby the plastic layer is mounted in relation to the outer sleeve and together with the elastomer layer and the inner joint part, so that it can slide and rotate about the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder sleeve section. In this case, a side of the elastomer layer facing away from the plastic layer is integrally bonded to the outer side of the cylinder sleeve section of the inner joint part.

[0029] In particular, the joint produced according to the method according to the invention is a previously described joint according to the invention. The method is preferably further developed according to the embodiments explained in connection with the joint according to the invention described here. Furthermore, the joint described here can be further developed according to the embodiments explained in connection with the method.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like, similar, or functionally identical components or elements. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective, partially sectioned side view of a first joint according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a perspective, partially sectioned side view of a second joint according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective, partially sectioned side view of a first joint 1 according to the invention. The joint 1 is designed for a vehicle, namely for a chassis of a motor vehicle (not shown in detail here). The joint has an outer sleeve 2. The outer sleeve 2 is designed as a hollow cylinder. Furthermore, the outer sleeve 2 in this embodiment is made of metal. The outer sleeve 2 has a longitudinal axis 3. Furthermore, the joint 1 has an inner joint part 4. The inner joint part 4 has a cylindrical sleeve section 5. The cylindrical sleeve section 5 of the inner joint part 4 is mounted within the outer sleeve 2 and so as to be tiltably and rotatably movable relative to the outer sleeve 2. In this embodiment, the inner joint part 4 is designed as a cylindrical piece or as a hollow cylinder. The cylindrical sleeve section 5 or the inner joint part 4 has a central longitudinal axis 6.In the position of the inner joint part 4 shown here in relation to the outer sleeve 2, the longitudinal axis 3 of the outer sleeve 2 and the central longitudinal axis 6 of the cylinder sleeve section 5 coincide.

[0032] The inner joint part 4 has a central through-opening 7 extending in the longitudinal direction of the central longitudinal axis 6. By means of a fastening means (not shown in detail here) which extends through the through-opening 7, the inner joint part 4 can be fastened to a first component (not shown in detail here) or to a first chassis component. The outer sleeve 2 can be pressed into a joint receptacle (not shown in detail here) of a second component or a second chassis component.

[0033] Furthermore, the joint 1 has an elastomer layer 8. Furthermore, the joint 1 has a plastic layer 9. Both the elastomer layer 8 and the plastic layer 9 are arranged between the outer sleeve 2 and the inner joint part 4 or the cylinder sleeve section 5.

[0034] Here, the plastic layer 9 is firmly bonded to the elastomer layer 8. Due to the elastomer layer 8, the central longitudinal axis 6 of the cylinder sleeve section 5 can be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis 3 of the outer sleeve 2.

[0035] By means of the plastic layer 9, a sliding connection 10 is formed for rotating the inner joint part 4 about its central longitudinal axis 6 and relative to the outer sleeve 2. In this embodiment, the sliding connection 10 is formed between the plastic layer 9 and an outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5.

[0036] Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the plastic layer 9 is arranged between the elastomer layer 8 and the outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5 of the inner joint part 4. The plastic layer 9 rests on the one hand against the elastomer layer 8 and on the other hand against the outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5. The material for forming the plastic layer 9 is injection-molded in a concentric free space between the elastomer layer 8 and the outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5. The inner joint part 4 is slidably movable relative to the plastic layer 9 and rotatably mounted about the central longitudinal axis 6 of the cylinder sleeve section 5. A side of the elastomer layer 8 facing away from the plastic layer 9 is integrally connected to an inner side 12 of the outer sleeve 2.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, a positive connection 13 is formed between the plastic layer 9 and the outer side 11 of the inner joint part 4 or the cylinder sleeve section 5. By means of the positive connection 13, an axial displacement of the inner joint part 4 relative to the outer sleeve 2 and in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 6 or the longitudinal axis 3 is blocked. At the same time, the positive connection 13 allows a rotational movement of the inner joint part 4 relative to the outer sleeve 2 and about the central longitudinal axis 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the positive connection 13 is formed due to the interaction of an annular web 14 with an annular groove 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the groove 15 is formed in the outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the web 14 is formed as a component of the plastic layer 9.The ring-like web 14 and the annular groove 15 are formed concentrically to the central longitudinal axis 6 of the inner joint part 4.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective, partially sectioned side view of a second joint 16 according to the invention. Identical features bear the same reference numerals as before. To avoid repetition, reference is also made to the preceding description.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, the plastic layer 9 is arranged between the inner side 12 of the outer sleeve 2 and the elastomer layer 8. Here, the plastic layer 9 is injection-molded in a concentric free space around the central longitudinal axis 6 between the inner side 12 of the outer sleeve 2 and the elastomer layer 8. In this exemplary embodiment, a side of the elastomer layer 8 facing away from the plastic layer 9 is integrally connected to the outer side 11 of the cylinder sleeve section 5 of the inner joint part 4. Thus, the plastic layer 9 is slidably movable relative to the outer sleeve 2 and together with the elastomer layer 8 and the inner joint part 4, and is rotatably mounted about the central longitudinal axis 6 of the cylinder sleeve section 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the joint 16 can also have a form-locking connection 13 in the sense of the joint 1 according to Fig.1. However, a corresponding positive connection 13 would be formed in the joint 16 between the plastic layer 9 and the inner side 12 of the outer sleeve 2. Reference symbol 1 joint 2 outer sleeve 3 Longitudinal axis 4 inner joint part 5 Cylinder sleeve section 6 Central longitudinal axis 7 Passage opening 8 Elastomer layer 9 plastic layer 10 Sliding connection 11 Outside 12 Inside 13 Form-fitting connection 14 jetty 15 grooves 16 joint

Claims

[1] Joint for a vehicle with an outer sleeve (2) and an inner joint part (4), wherein a cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4) is mounted within the outer sleeve (2) and in relation to the outer sleeve (2) so as to be tiltable and rotatable, and with an elastomer layer (8) which is arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), wherein a plastic layer (9) is arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), characterized by that the plastic layer (9) is integrally bonded to the elastomer layer (8). [2] Joint according to claim 1, characterized by that a central longitudinal axis (6) of the cylinder sleeve section (5) can be tilted relative to a longitudinal axis (3) of the outer sleeve (2) by means of the elastomer layer (8). [3] Joint according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat by means of the plastic layer (9) a sliding connection (10) for rotating the inner joint part (4) about its central longitudinal axis (6) and in relation to the outer sleeve (2) is realized, in particular the plastic layer (9) is injection-molded between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4). [4] Joint according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plastic layer (9) is arranged, in particular injection-molded, between the elastomer layer (8) and an outer side (11) of the cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4), preferably the inner joint part (4) is slidably movable in relation to the plastic layer (9) and is mounted so as to be rotatable about a central longitudinal axis (6) of the cylinder sleeve section (5). [5] Joint according to claim 4, characterized by that a side of the elastomer layer (8) facing away from the plastic layer (9) is materially connected to an inner side (12) of the outer sleeve (2). [6] Joint according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the plastic layer (9) is arranged, in particular injection-molded, between an inner side (12) of the outer sleeve (2) and the elastomer layer (8), preferably the plastic layer (9) is slidably movable in relation to the outer sleeve (2) and together with the elastomer layer (8) and the inner joint part (4) and is mounted so as to be rotatable about a central longitudinal axis (6) of the cylinder sleeve section (5). [7] Joint according to claim 6, characterized by that a side of the elastomer layer (8) facing away from the plastic layer (9) is materially connected to an outer side (11) of the cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4). [8] Joint according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that a positive connection (13) is formed between the plastic layer (9) and an outer side (11) of the inner joint part (4) or between the plastic layer (9) and an inner side (12) of the outer sleeve (2), wherein the positive connection (13) blocks an axial displacement of the inner joint part (4) in relation to the outer sleeve (2) and permits a rotational movement of the inner joint part (4) in relation to the outer sleeve (2), in particular the positive connection (13) is formed due to an interaction of an annular web (14) with an annular groove (15). [9] Method for producing a joint (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4) is mounted within the outer sleeve (2) and in relation to the outer sleeve (2) so as to be tiltable and rotatable, and the elastomer layer (8) is arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), wherein the plastic layer (9) is arranged between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4), characterized by that the plastic layer (9) is materially bonded to the elastomer layer (8) and the plastic layer (9) is injection-molded between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner joint part (4). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , - that the plastic layer (9) is injection-molded between the elastomer layer (8) and an outer side (11) of the cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4), wherein the inner joint part (4) is mounted so as to be slidable relative to the plastic layer (9) and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis (6) of the cylinder sleeve section (5), and a side of the elastomer layer (8) facing away from the plastic layer (9) is integrally connected to an inner side (12) of the outer sleeve (2), or - that the plastic layer (9) is injection-molded between an inner side (12) of the outer sleeve (2) and the elastomer layer (8), wherein the plastic layer (9) is mounted in relation to the outer sleeve (2) and together with the elastomer layer (8) and the inner joint part (4) so ​​as to be slidable and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis (6) of the cylinder sleeve section (5), and a side of the elastomer layer (8) facing away from the plastic layer (9) is materially connected to an outer side (11) of the cylinder sleeve section (5) of the inner joint part (4).

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