Chassis steering device for arrangement in a wheel housing of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Chassis steering device (2) for arrangement in a wheel housing (4) of a motor vehicle (80), comprising: - at least one suspension control arm (10) for wheel guidance, - at least one cover device (8) arranged on the suspension linkage (10) for covering the wheel arch (4), - at least one fastening element (12) permanently connected to the suspension control arm (10) for fastening the cover device (8), - wherein the cover device (8) is positively connected to the fastening element (12) - wherein the fastening element (12) has at least one fastening means (14) for positive locking of the cover device (8), wherein the at least one fastening means (14) is designed in two parts, wherein the fastening means (14) has a first part (16a) provided with a recess (18) for insertion into the corresponding recess (20) of the cover device (8) and a second pin-shaped part (16b) for insertion into the recess (18) of the fastening means (14) after insertion into the corresponding recess (20) of the cover device (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a chassis steering device for arrangement in a wheel housing of a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle comprising such a chassis steering device.

[0002] To execute steering maneuvers and absorb forces between the wheels and the vehicle body, motor vehicles are equipped with steering systems. These steering systems are located within the wheel well of each wheel. Particularly at higher speeds, turbulence occurs in the wheel well area, negatively impacting the aerodynamics of the vehicle. This results in increased fuel and energy consumption, which is detrimental not only from a cost perspective but also from an environmental one. Therefore, it is known to equip the wheel wells of a motor vehicle with appropriate covers. However, the covers known from the prior art for covering the wheel wells of motor vehicles sometimes have a negative impact on steering behavior or only marginally improve the aerodynamic properties when the wheels are turned.Furthermore, the familiar covers for the wheel arches are a hindrance when carrying out repair and maintenance work on the chassis steering devices, as they have to be removed in a time-consuming process before the work can be carried out.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2011 056 161 A1 discloses an air guide device on the front or rear axle of a motor vehicle for supplying air to a brake disc of a vehicle brake. German patent application DE 10 2014 003 305 A1 discloses a cover for a suspension control arm, and German patent application DE 10 2013 006 253 A1 describes a suspension control arm with an air guide device.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a chassis steering device for arrangement in a wheel housing of a motor vehicle that improves the aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle and at the same time allows for simple and quick repair and maintenance of the chassis steering devices of the motor vehicle.

[0005] The foregoing problem is solved by a chassis steering device with the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle with the features of claim 9. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the chassis steering device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always refers, or can refer, to each other.

[0006] According to the invention, a chassis steering device is provided for arrangement in a wheel housing of a motor vehicle. The chassis steering device according to the invention comprises at least one suspension link for wheel guidance, at least one cover device arranged on the suspension link for covering the wheel housing, and at least one fastening element fixedly connected to the suspension link for fastening the cover device. The chassis steering device according to the invention is further characterized in that the cover device is positively connected to the fastening element.

[0007] According to the invention, the cover device is connected to a suspension link via the fastening element. In contrast to known suspension steering devices, this type of connection simultaneously ensures reliable attachment of the cover device to a suspension link and allows for easy and quick removal of the cover device during repair and maintenance work on the suspension steering devices of a motor vehicle. The functionality of the suspension steering device according to the invention, in particular the interaction of the individual components, is explained in more detail below.

[0008] The positive-locking connection between the fastening element and the cover device, as designed according to the invention, allows the cover device to be removed quickly and easily during repair and maintenance work, even without tools, thus ensuring access to the wheel wells of a motor vehicle. The positive-locking connection also allows for easy release by touch, without direct visual inspection of the cover device, making it possible to remove the cover device even without raising the vehicle on a lift. Furthermore, the connection of the fastening element to the suspension linkage creates a stable, secure, and reliable connection, enabling the cover device to be attached to the suspension linkage in such a way that it follows every movement of the suspension linkage.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, a chassis steering device can preferably be understood to comprise various components that contribute to enabling a steering process in a motor vehicle. The chassis link according to the invention can, for example, be designed in the form of a two-point, three-point, or four-point link. Furthermore, the chassis link can be designed in the form of a transverse link, longitudinal link, or compound link. The fastening element according to the invention can preferably be designed in the form of a flat part and have a plurality of recesses for the insertion of fastening elements, such as screws or rivets, or the like. The cover device can also be designed as a flat part, in particular a plate-shaped flat part, and is preferably arranged perpendicular to the chassis link.

[0010] Within the scope of the present invention, it can advantageously be provided that the suspension link is designed in the form of a transverse arm. Such a design of a suspension link enables, in particular, effective force transmission between the wheel and the vehicle body for the effective absorption of horizontal forces, especially during steering, braking, or acceleration maneuvers.

[0011] Advantageously, the cover device can be connected to the suspension linkage in such a way that it moves fully in sync with the linkage. This design guarantees, in particular, a reliable improvement in the aerodynamics of a vehicle, even during steering maneuvers.

[0012] With regard to a structurally simple, detachable and reliable connection between the fastening element and the suspension link, it can also offer advantages if the fastening element is positively connected to the suspension link, wherein the fastening element is preferably positively connected to the suspension link via two separate fastening points, in particular by being screwed to the suspension link.

[0013] Furthermore, it offers advantages if the fastening element and / or the cover device is at least partially made of a plastic material, the plastic material preferably being made of one of the following plastics: - Polypropylene, - Polyurethane, - Polyethylene, - Polyamide, - Polyvinyl chloride, - Polycarbonate, - Polyethylene terephthalate, - Polybutylene terephthalate.

[0014] At least partial construction of the fastening element and / or the cover device from a plastic material promises in particular a lightweight and cost-effective design of the chassis steering device according to the invention.

[0015] Within the framework of a structurally simple, detachable and reliable connection between the fastening element and the chassis control arm, it is provided that the fastening element has at least one fastening means for the positive locking attachment of the cover device, preferably two separately arranged fastening means for the positive locking attachment of the cover device.

[0016] Furthermore, it can offer additional advantages if at least one fastening element has a locking element for insertion into a corresponding recess in the cover device, preferably a locking pin or a fork rail. This allows for particularly easy removal of the cover device, and in particular, the cover device can be removed without direct line of sight.

[0017] In order to ensure not only easy removal of the cover device but also reliable attachment of the cover device to the fastening element or the suspension linkage, the invention provides that the at least one fastening means is designed in two parts, wherein the fastening means has a first part provided with a recess for insertion into a corresponding recess of the cover device and a second pin-shaped part for insertion into the recess of the fastening means after the first part has been inserted into the corresponding recess of the cover device.

[0018] Within the framework of a particularly flexible and variably adaptable cover device, which at the same time ensures a particularly effective absorption of horizontal forces, it is also conceivable that two suspension links are provided, wherein preferably a separate cover device is arranged on each of the two suspension links, wherein the cover devices are arranged in particular parallel to the underbody of the motor vehicle.

[0019] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a chassis steering device as described above. The motor vehicle according to the invention thus has the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the chassis steering device according to the invention. Preferably, at least two chassis steering devices according to the invention are provided within a motor vehicle, which can then be identical in design and, for example, both be arranged on the rear axle of the motor vehicle.

[0020] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The details mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0021] They show schematically: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a chassis steering device according to the invention for arrangement in a wheel housing of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2a a top view of a part of the underbody of a motor vehicle with a covering device according to the invention, Fig. 2b a top view of a part of the underbody of a motor vehicle without a covering device according to the invention, Fig. 3a an embodiment of a fastening element according to the invention according to a front view (top) and a rear view (bottom), Fig. 3b an embodiment of a fastening element according to the invention attached to a suspension control arm, Fig. 4a first step of the process of attaching the cover device according to the invention to a chassis control arm, Fig. 4b second step of the process of attaching the cover device according to the invention to a suspension linkage, Fig. 4c third step of the process of attaching the cover device according to the invention to a chassis link.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a chassis steering device 2 according to the invention for arrangement in a wheel housing 4 of the wheel 4 of a motor vehicle 80.

[0023] As per Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the chassis steering device 2 shown here comprises two chassis control arms 10 designed in the form of transverse control arms for wheel guidance, a cover device 8 arranged on each chassis control arm 10 for covering a wheel housing 4 (not shown here), and a fastening element 12 fixedly connected to each chassis control arm 10 for fastening the cover device 8, wherein the cover devices 8 are each positively connected to the respective fastening element 12.

[0024] The cover devices 8 can, for example, be connected to the suspension control arms 10 in such a way that the cover devices 8 can move completely in conjunction with the suspension control arms 10 in their movements.

[0025] As can be seen here, the fastening elements 12 are positively connected to the suspension control arms 10 via two separate fastening points 14' using screws 24.

[0026] The fastening elements 12 and / or the cover devices 8 may also be made at least partially of a plastic material.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2a shows a top view of a part of an underbody 22 of a motor vehicle 80 with two cover devices 8 according to the invention for covering a wheel arch 4. As shown in Figure 2a. Fig. As can be seen in 2a, the cover devices 8 are arranged parallel to the subfloor 22.

[0028] Fig. 2b shows a top view of a part of an underbody 22 of a motor vehicle 80 without the cover devices 8 according to the invention for covering a wheel housing 4.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3a shows an embodiment of a fastening element 12 according to the invention in a front view (top) and a rear view (bottom).

[0030] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3a, the fastening element 12 according to the present embodiment has two fastening means 14 for positive locking fastening of the cover device 8, which are arranged separately from each other and have a first part 16a in the form of a locking element or a fork rail for insertion into a corresponding recess 20 of the cover device 8.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3b shows an embodiment of a fastening element 12 according to the invention, attached to a suspension control arm 10 via screws 24. As shown in Figure 3b. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3b, the first part 16a of the fastening means 14 has a recess 18 for inserting a second part 16b of the fastening means 14 which is not shown here.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4a shows a first step of the process of attaching the cover device 8 according to the invention to a chassis control arm 10, in which the cover device 8 is pushed in the direction of R onto the fastening means 14 or onto the first part 16a of the fastening means 14, so that the first part 16a of the fastening means 14 is inserted into the corresponding recess 20 of the cover device 8.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4b shows a second step in the process of attaching the cover device 8 according to the invention to a suspension control arm 10, in which the first part 16a of the fastening means 14 is already completely within the corresponding recess 20 of the cover device 8 and is locked at the outer edge. As shown in Figure 4b, the cover device 8 is attached to a suspension control arm 10. Fig. As can be seen in 4b, in addition to the locking of the first part 16a of the fastening means 14 at the end of the recess 20 of the cover device 8, a second part 16b of the fastening means 14 in the form of a snap rivet or a bolt is moved in the direction of R in order to insert it into the recess 18 of the first part 16a of the fastening means 14.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4c shows a third step of the process of attaching the cover device 8 according to the invention to a chassis control arm 10, in which the second part 16b of the fastening means 14 is completely arranged in the recess 18 of the first part 16a and pushes the first part 16a apart so that the positive locking connection is reliably maintained.

Claims

[1] Chassis steering device (2) for arrangement in a wheel housing (4) of a motor vehicle (80), comprising: - at least one suspension control arm (10) for wheel guidance, - at least one cover device (8) arranged on the suspension linkage (10) for covering the wheel arch (4), - at least one fastening element (12) permanently connected to the suspension control arm (10) for fastening the cover device (8), - wherein the cover device (8) is positively connected to the fastening element (12) - wherein the fastening element (12) has at least one fastening means (14) for positive locking of the cover device (8), wherein the at least one fastening means (14) is designed in two parts, wherein the fastening means (14) has a first part (16a) provided with a recess (18) for insertion into the corresponding recess (20) of the cover device (8) and a second pin-shaped part (16b) for insertion into the recess (18) of the fastening means (14) after insertion into the corresponding recess (20) of the cover device (8). [2] Chassis steering device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the suspension linkage (10) is designed in the form of a transverse arm. [3] Chassis steering device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the cover device (8) is connected to the suspension link (10) in such a way that the cover device (8) is fully movable in its movement together with the suspension link (10). [4] Chassis steering device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening element (12) is positively connected to the suspension link (10), wherein the fastening element (12) is preferably positively connected to the suspension link (10) via two separate fastening points (14'), in particular is screwed to the suspension link (10). [5] Chassis steering device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening element (12) and / or the cover device (8) is at least partially made of a plastic material, wherein the plastic material is preferably made of one of the following plastics: - Polypropylene, - Polyurethane, - Polyethylene, - Polyamide, - Polyvinyl chloride, - Polycarbonate, - Polyethylene terephthalate, - Polybutylene terephthalate. [6] Chassis steering device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening element (12) has two separately arranged fastening means (14) for positive locking fastening of the cover device (8). [7] Chassis steering device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one fastening means (14) has a locking element for insertion into a corresponding recess (20) of the cover device (8), preferably a locking pin or a fork rail. [8] Chassis steering device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat two suspension control arms (10) are provided, wherein preferably a separate cover device (8) is arranged on each of the two suspension control arms (10), wherein the cover devices (8) are arranged in particular parallel to the underbody of the motor vehicle (80). [9] Motor vehicle (80) comprising at least one chassis steering device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images