Stabilizer link

Abstract

Stabilizing link for the chassis of a motor vehicle, comprising: a connecting element (3) made from a round steel material, namely a steel tube or a steel rod, which has a strut section (8) with an outer diameter (D8) and a longitudinal axis (A8) and at least one end a formed section (9, 9') which is at least partially flattened compared to the strut section (8), a joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') with a bearing part (13, 13', 13'') and a connecting part (14, 14', 14'') that defines a joint axis (A4, A5), wherein a reinforcing section (11, 11') connected to the forming section (9, 9') is provided with an opening (10, 10') in which the bearing part (13, 13') of the joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') is received, wherein the reinforcing section (11, 11') surrounds the bearing part (13, 13', 13'') at least over 120° about the joint axis (A4, A5), wherein a largest opening extent (D11, D11') of the reinforcement section (11, 11') is larger than the outer diameter (D8) of the strut section (8), and a support element (6, 7) which is made by overmolding from plastic, so that the forming section (9, 9'), the reinforcement section (11, 11') and the bearing part (13, 13', 13'') are connected to each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting rod for the chassis of a motor vehicle and to a method for manufacturing such a connecting rod.

[0002] A stabilizer link connects the stabilizer bar to the vehicle's suspension. The up-and-down movements of a wheel during driving are transmitted to the stabilizer bar via the stabilizer link. When the forces between the wheels on an axle differ, the stabilizer bar is subjected to stress. This reduces body roll when cornering and increases driving stability.

[0003] Stabilizer links can have ball joints at their ends, through which they are connected to the suspension or stabilizer bar. Stabilizer links are also known as pendulum links, stabilizer links, torsion bar links, or axle links.

[0004] From DE 10 2017 207 164 A1, corresponding to WO 2018 / 197 136 A1, an axle strut for a vehicle is known, comprising a support profile and two load introduction elements. The support profile is made of fiber-reinforced plastic composite material and has two end-face connection areas, each of which is bonded to a load introduction element. The support profile is continuously fiber-reinforced from fiber-reinforced plastic. The support profile is manufactured continuously by means of a pultrusion process or a pulwinding process.

[0005] From EP 3 213 944 A1, a linkage element for connecting a suspension and a stabilizer for a vehicle suspension is known. The linkage element comprises a support rod which is sealed at both ends by plastically deforming a hollow metal tube, and at each end a housing part made of resin and injection-molded onto the support rod. The housing part has a receptacle for the ball part of a ball stud to which the suspension or the stabilizer is attached.

[0006] From DE 100 63 928 B4, a connecting piece for articulatedly connecting a pendulum support in the chassis of a motor vehicle is known. The connecting piece comprises an elongated metal body with two end sections, each connected to the plastic housing of a joint, and a central section located between them. The end sections are flattened relative to the central section and have a through-opening in which the bearing receptacle of a ball stud is seated. The end sections of the metal body and the end bearing receptacles are positively connected to each other by overmolding with a plastic.

[0007] From EP 2 502 764 B1, a stabilizer element for a vehicle suspension is known. The stabilizer element comprises a longitudinal body formed from two identical components, each end section having an opening in which a hinge element is arranged. The two components are held together by means of at least one plastically deformed retaining element.

[0008] From DE 10 2017 208 096 A1, a connecting element is known which is manufactured from two half-shell-shaped profile sections. The two profile sections are arranged as mirror images of each other and together form the profile element, in the joint section of which a joint component is inserted. The profile element is then overmolded with a plastic coating. A core can be inserted between the two profile sections so that, after overmolding, the connecting section can be used for connecting and adjusting the length of a tie rod to be attached.

[0009] The present invention aims to propose a connecting rod for the chassis of a motor vehicle that is easy to manufacture and provides a secure connection in the joint areas. A further objective is to propose a suitable method for manufacturing such a connecting rod simply and efficiently.

[0010] To solve the problem, a connecting rod for the chassis of a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising: a connecting element made of a round steel material, namely a steel tube or a steel rod, which has a strut section with an outer diameter and a longitudinal axis and at least one end a formed section that is at least partially flattened compared to the strut section; a joint element with a bearing part and a connecting part that defines a joint axis; wherein a reinforcing section connected to the formed section is provided with an opening in which the bearing part of the joint element is received, the reinforcing section encompassing the bearing part at least over 120° about the joint axis; wherein the largest inner opening extent of the reinforcing section is greater than the outer diameter of the strut section;and a support element manufactured by overmolding in plastic, so that the forming section, the reinforcement section and the bearing part are connected to each other.;

[0011] One advantage of the connecting rod is that, with a comparable size of the joint elements, it allows for a reduction in the diameter of the round material used for the connecting section, or conversely, with a comparable diameter of the round material used for the connecting section, an increase in the size of the joint elements. Overall, this reduces the specific weight or increases the power density of the connecting rod.

[0012] The flattened forming section, which deviates from the profile of the round material with a constant cross-section, can be produced by a forming process. This flattened forming section enables a secure connection to the reinforcing section and to the injection-molded support element or the hinge element incorporated therein. Within the scope of this disclosure, the at least partially flattened forming section is intended to include options such that the forming section is completely flattened or only partially flattened, for example, by at least 30% compared to the initial diameter.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the formed section can have a minimum transverse extent in cross-section that is less than 0.5 times, and in particular less than 0.75 times, the minimum diameter of the strut section. The formed section is designed, in particular, to ensure a secure, positive-locking connection against rotation relative to the injection-molded support element.

[0014] In the context of this disclosure, the term "largest inner opening extent" refers to the largest clear internal width between two opposing regions of the reinforcing section. For a C-shaped reinforcing section, this can be the largest opening distance between the two opposing legs, or for an annular reinforcing section, the inner diameter of the reinforcing ring.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the largest inner opening extent of the reinforcing section can be greater than the largest transverse extent of the flattened formed section. This results in a particularly low weight and / or high power density. Depending on the size of the vehicle and thus the connecting rod, the largest transverse extent of the flattened formed section can, for example, be less than 25 mm. The clear inner width of the opening of the reinforcing section can, for example, be greater than 25 mm. In a smaller vehicle, the largest transverse extent of the flattened formed section can, for example, be less than 17 mm, while the clear inner width of the opening of the reinforcing section can, for example, be greater than 17 mm.

[0016] One possibility is to use a hollow starting material, in particular a steel tube. The wall thickness of the steel tube can be, for example, greater than or equal to 1 mm and / or less than or equal to 2 mm. The outer diameter of the steel tube or strut section can be, in particular, less than or equal to 16 mm, for example, between 16 mm and 10 mm. Alternatively, a solid material can also be used as the starting material, in particular a steel rod with a diameter of, for example, 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0017] The connecting rod has, at least at one end, a formed section flattened relative to the strut section, with an integral reinforcing section. This implies the possibility that both ends could be designed in this way. During overmolding with plastic, the joint element and its axis can be positioned as required and thus connected to the rod element. The molded-on support element serves to connect the joint element to the flattened formed section or the strut section and to accommodate the joint element; therefore, the support element can also be referred to as a joint mount. When using two joint elements, these can be positioned at any angle to each other, i.e., between 0° and 180° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod. The support element can, for example, be made of a thermoplastic material.

[0018] The joint element comprises a bearing component integrated into the support element and a connecting component that can be joined to a chassis component. The design of the joint element is arbitrary and can be selected according to requirements. For example, the connecting rod can have at least one joint element made of a metallic material, with a ball section as the bearing component and a pin section as the connecting component. The joint element can be designed with or without a ball socket, or it can be embedded in the plastic joint housing. The reinforcing section is designed to encompass the ball section over an angular range of preferably at least 180°, and in particular at least 270°, around the joint axis. In this design, a sealing bellows can be provided to seal the pin section against the injection-molded support element.The bellows is sealed by a first band on the tenon section and by a second band on the support element.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the connecting rod can have at least one joint element made of an elastic material. The elastic joint element can comprise an elastic bearing and a rigid sleeve connected to it. The elastic bearing can, for example, be made of rubber and be connected to the support element by overmolding or press-fitting. The sleeve is preferably made of metal, for example aluminum or steel, and can be inserted into the bearing. Alternatively, the bearing can be vulcanized to the sleeve. In this embodiment, the connecting section encompasses the elastic bearing over an angular range of preferably at least 180°, and in particular at least 270°, around the joint axis.

[0020] The bearing part of the joint element can have a bearing center, wherein the joint element is received in the reinforcement section in such a way that the bearing center is arranged with axial overlap to the reinforcement section with respect to the joint axis. In this way, forces introduced into the joint element are transmitted particularly well to the reinforcement section and the associated strut section.

[0021] A material-bonded connection is provided between the carrier element and the reinforcement section of the connecting element, which can be created, for example, by means of an adhesion promoter applied to the reinforcement section before overmolding. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcement section can be provided with a surface structure before overmolding that forms a positive-locking connection.

[0022] After initial shaping of the reinforcing or connecting section, it can be integrally connected or formed with the flattened forming section. In particular, the connecting section can be produced by fork-shaped spreading of a flattened end area and forming it into a C-shape.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the connecting section, it can be manufactured separately and then rigidly connected to the flattened formed section, in particular by forming and / or welding.

[0024] In one option, the connecting section can be a formed wire element with an Ω-shaped bearing section and two radially outward-projecting, parallel end sections. These end sections are inserted into one end of the steel tube, which is then flattened or formed to create the flattened section. This firmly connects the wire element to the tube, and optionally, an additional weld can be provided. The wire element can have a wire diameter of 3 to 5 mm.

[0025] According to a second option of the second embodiment, the connecting section can be designed as a ring element welded to one end face of the flattened formed section of the connecting element. The ring element can be manufactured as a closed ring from a tube or by ring forming from a sheet metal strip.

[0026] Preferred embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawing figures. These show: Fig. 1A a connecting rod according to the invention in a first embodiment in side view, partially cut away; Fig. 1B a first end of the connecting rod made of Fig. 1A as a detail in enlarged view, without seal; Fig. 1C the connecting element of the coupling rod made of Fig. 1A in perspective view, partially cut away; Fig. 1D the end of the connecting element Fig. 1C in enlarged view; Fig. 2A a first step towards manufacturing the connecting element from Fig. 1; Fig. 2B a second step to manufacture the connecting element from Fig. 1; Fig. 2C a third step to manufacture the connecting element from Fig. 1; Fig. 2D a fourth step to manufacture the connecting element from Fig. 1; Fig. 3A a connecting rod according to the invention in a further embodiment in side view; Fig. 3B the connecting element of the coupling rod made of Fig. 3A as a detail; Fig. 3C one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 3B in enlarged view; Fig. 3D one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 3B in exploded view; Fig. 3E one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 3B in top view; Fig. 4A a connecting rod according to the invention in a further embodiment in side view, partially cut away; Fig. 4B the connecting element of the coupling rod made of Fig. 4A in as a detail, partially cut; Fig. 4C one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 4B in enlarged view, partially cropped; Fig. 4D one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 4B in exploded view; Fig. 4E one end of the connecting element made of Fig. 4B in top view; Fig. 5 a connecting rod according to the invention in a further embodiment in longitudinal section, partially in exploded view; and Fig. 6 a connecting rod according to the invention in a further embodiment partially cut.

[0027] The Fig. 1A to 1D, which are collectively also referred to as Fig. Figure 1, which are described together below, shows a connecting rod 2 according to the invention in a first embodiment. The connecting rod 2 can be used, for example, for the chassis of a motor vehicle to connect an axle stabilizer to the chassis.

[0028] The connecting rod 2 comprises a connecting element 3 made of a metallic material, at each of whose ends a joint element 4, 5 is attached by means of an injection-molded support element 6, 7.

[0029] The connecting element 3, which is a single time in Fig. The connecting element 3 shown in Figure 1C is made from a metal tubular profile, for example, steel or aluminum, but this is not limited to either. The connecting element 3 comprises a strut section 8 with an outer diameter D3 and a longitudinal axis A3, and flattened and formed sections 9 and 9' at both ends. The wall thickness of the tubular profile can be selected according to the technical requirements and may, for example, be between 1 mm and 2 mm in the strut section.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the formed sections 9, 9' merge seamlessly into an associated reinforcing section 11, 11'. The reinforcing sections 11, 11' are C-shaped such that they encompass the respective joint element 4, 5 over an angular range of at least 90° around the joint axis A4, A5, and in particular at least 120°. This ensures effective reinforcement and good force transmission from the joint element 4, 5 to the connecting element 3. The support element 6, 7 is manufactured, in particular by overmolding, from plastic, so that the formed section 9, 9', the reinforcing section 11, 11', and the bearing part 13, 13' are connected to one another.

[0031] In plan view, the reinforcing sections 11, 11' each form an opening 10, 10' in which the bearing part 13 of the associated joint element 4, 5 is received. The largest inner opening extent D11 of the reinforcing section 11, 11' is larger than the outer diameter D8 of the strut section 8 and can, in particular, also be larger than the largest transverse extent D9 of the flattened forming section 9, 9'. The largest transverse extent D9 of the flattened forming section 9, 9' can, for example, be less than 22 mm. Accordingly, the clear inner width or the opening extent D11, D11' of the opening of the reinforcing section 11, 11' can, for example, be greater than 22 mm.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the joint elements 4, 5 are designed as ball studs, each made of a metallic material, and have a spherical section as a bearing part 13 and a stud section as a connecting part 14. The bearing part 13 has a largest bearing circle, and the joint element 4, 5 is preferably received in the reinforcing section 11, 11' such that the largest bearing circle is arranged with axial overlap with the reinforcing section 11, 11'. In this way, forces introduced into the joint element 4, 5 are transmitted particularly well to the reinforcing section 11, 11' and the associated strut section. In the present embodiment, a spherical shell 21 is inserted into the respective support element 6, 7, in which the spherical section is pivotably mounted. However, an embodiment without a spherical shell is also possible.

[0033] The joint element 4, 5 is attached to the connecting element 3 by overmolding with plastic. In its cured state, the overmolded plastic forms the support element 6, 7, which is positively connected to the connecting element 3 and also provides a receptacle for the corresponding joint element. A thermoplastic material is preferably used for the overmolding. During the overmolding process, the respective joint element 4, 5 is positioned with its joint axis A4, A5 as required and thus connected to the connecting element 3. The two joint elements 4, 5 can be positioned at any angle to each other, whereby the two joint axes A4, A5, viewed axially along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, can form an angle between 0° and 180°.

[0034] The joint space can be sealed using a 15, 15' seal. At the first end in Fig. Figure 1A shows the seal 15 in an exploded view, and the seal 15' is shown mounted at the second end. The seal 15, 15' comprises a sealing bellows 16, 16', which is fitted with a first flange onto an annular groove 17 of the support element 6, 7 and is sealed by means of a retaining ring 18, 18', and engages with a second flange in an annular groove 19 of the joint element 4, 5 and is sealed by means of a retaining ring 20, 20'.

[0035] A method for manufacturing a connecting rod 2 according to the invention may comprise the following steps: A metal tube with an outer diameter of, for example, between 14 mm and 10 mm can be used as the starting material for a connecting element 3, without being limited to this. The metal tube is cut to the desired length and can optionally be surface-treated, for example, with a corrosion protection layer. Starting from the cut tube 303, the end sections 309 are flattened, as shown in Fig. 2A is recognizable, so that two circumferential areas are in contact with each other. In the same or a subsequent step, the flattened ends can optionally be provided with a microstructure 12, 12', for example a knurling or ribbing. The intermediate product 203 produced in this way is in Fig. 2B shown. Subsequently, the flattened end sections are provided with a longitudinal slot by a punching or cutting operation, as shown in Fig. 2C is shown on intermediate product 103. The longitudinal slot can be, for example, between 3 and 5 mm wide. Finally, the slotted end sections are C-shaped or widened, producing the main geometry of the reinforcing sections 11, 11'. Such a prefabricated connecting element 3 is shown in Fig. Shown in 2D, the fork-shaped end sections can also be closed after optional further processing. Furthermore, the reinforcing sections 11, 11' can optionally be calibrated after forming.

[0036] A prefabricated connecting element 3, together with a prefabricated joint element 4, 5, is placed in an injection mold, and the two parts are aligned relative to each other in the desired position. Plastic is injected into the resulting mold cavity, where it then hardens to form the support element 6, 7. In this way, a positive-locking connection is formed between the support element 6, 7 and the reinforcing section 11, 11' and the forming section 9, 9' of the connecting element 3.

[0037] The connecting rod 2 produced according to the invention has the advantage that, with a comparable size of the joint elements 4, 5, it allows a reduction in the outer diameter D8 of the round material for the connecting section 3. This results in an overall low weight of the connecting rod.

[0038] The Fig. 3A to 3E, collectively also known as Fig. Figure 3 shows a connecting rod 2 according to the invention in a further embodiment. This corresponds largely to the one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1, to whose description reference is made, is described. Identical or corresponding details are marked with the same reference numerals, as in Figure 1. Fig. 1.

[0039] A special feature of the present embodiment is that the reinforcing section 11, 11' is first manufactured as a separate component and then rigidly connected to the flattened formed section 9, 9'. The reinforcing section 11, 11' is designed here as a formed wire element with an Ω-shaped bearing section 22, 22' and two radially outward-projecting, parallel end sections 23. The end sections 23 are inserted into one end of the tube, which is then flattened or formed to create the flattened formed section 9, 9'. A gap is formed between the two parallel end sections 23, into which the tube end is formed. In cross-section, the tube is formed into the shape of an 8, creating two parallel clamping sections 24, 24'.Each of the clamping sections can be provided with indentations 25, 25' for a particularly secure positive connection, which are formed into the respective end section 23. This firmly connects the wire element to the tube, and an additional weld can optionally be provided.

[0040] The Fig. 4A to 4E, collectively also known as Fig. Figure 4 shows a connecting rod 2 according to the invention in a further embodiment. This largely corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. The version shown, to whose description reference is made. Identical or corresponding details are marked with the same reference numerals as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the reinforcing section 11, 11' is first manufactured as a separate component and then rigidly connected to the flattened formed section 9, 9'. The reinforcing section 11, 11' is designed here as a ring element that is welded to an end face 26 of the flattened formed section 9, 9' of the connecting element 3. The ring element can be manufactured as a closed ring from a tube or, as shown here, by ring forming from a sheet metal strip.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the inner extent or opening extent D11 of the reinforcement section 11, 11' is also larger than the outer diameter D8 of the strut section 8 and also larger than the largest transverse extent D9 of the forming section 9, 9'.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a connecting rod 2 according to the invention in a further embodiment. This corresponds largely to the one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1, to whose description reference is made, is described. Identical or corresponding details are marked with the same reference symbols as in the figures above.

[0044] A special feature of the embodiment according to Fig. 5 is that the two joint elements 4, 5' are designed differently. One joint element 4, here on the left side, is designed as a ball joint, similar to the embodiment according to Fig. Figure 1 shows that the support element 6 does not have a spherical shell; instead, the bearing part 13 is pivotably mounted directly in a spherical inner surface of the support element 6. It is understood, however, that a support element with a spherical shell can also be used.

[0045] The other joint element 5', shown here on the right side, is designed in the form of an elastic joint. The elastic joint element 5' comprises an elastic bearing part 13" and a connecting part 14" in the form of a rigid sleeve. The elastic bearing part 13" can, for example, be made of rubber and connected to the support element 7 by overmolding or press-fitting. The elastic bearing part 13" can have a circumferential, in particular concave, recess 27, which is encompassed by the annular section of the support element 7. The connecting element 3 is as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 is designed with two C-shaped reinforcement sections 11, 11'. The reinforcement section associated with the elastic joint 5' is embedded in the support element 7 and largely surrounds the elastic bearing part 13". The sleeve is preferably made of metal, for example aluminum or steel. The sleeve can be inserted into the bearing part 13". Alternatively, the bearing part 13" can be vulcanized to the sleeve.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a connecting rod according to the invention in a further embodiment. This corresponds largely to the one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5, to whose description reference is made, is described. Identical or corresponding details are marked with the same reference symbols as in the figures above.

[0047] The special feature of the embodiment according to Fig. 6 is that the two joint elements 4', 5' are elastic joints as in Fig. 5, right side, are designed. Both joints are designed identically, with the left side shown in section, with the sleeve in exploded view, while the right side is shown in side view.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, a solid material can also be used as the starting material or connecting element 3, in particular a steel rod with a diameter of, for example, 8 mm to 10 mm. This can be used for each of the elements shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 embodiments shown are used. Reference symbol list 2 stabilizer links 3, 103-303 Connecting element, intermediates 4, 4' joint, joint element 5, 5' joint, joint element 6 support element 7 Support element 8 Strut section 9, 9' Forming section 10, 10' opening 11, 11' Reinforcement section 12, 12' Microstructure 13, 13', 13" bearing part 14, 14', 14" connection part 15, 15' seal 16, 16' Bellows 17 Ring groove 18, 18' retaining ring 19 Ring groove 20, 20' retaining ring 21, 21' Spherical bowl 22 Storage section 23 Final section 24 clamping section 25 Exclusion 26 Front 27 Exclusion Axis Diameter

Claims

[1] Connecting link for the chassis of a motor vehicle, comprising: a connecting element (3) made from a round steel material, namely a steel tube or a steel rod, which has a strut section (8) with an outer diameter (D8) and a longitudinal axis (A8) and at least one end a formed section (9, 9') which is at least partially flattened compared to the strut section (8), a joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') with a bearing part (13, 13', 13'') and a connecting part (14, 14', 14'') that defines a joint axis (A4, A5), wherein a reinforcing section (11, 11') connected to the forming section (9, 9') is provided with an opening (10, 10') in which the bearing part (13, 13') of the joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') is received, wherein the reinforcing section (11, 11') surrounds the bearing part (13, 13', 13'') at least over 120° about the joint axis (A4, A5), wherein a largest opening extent (D11, D11') of the reinforcement section (11, 11') is larger than the outer diameter (D8) of the strut section (8), and a support element (6, 7) which is made by overmolding from plastic, so that the forming section (9, 9'), the reinforcement section (11, 11') and the bearing part (13, 13', 13'') are connected to each other. [2] Connecting rod according to claim 1, characterized by , that the largest opening extent (D11, D11') of the reinforcement section (11, 11') is larger than a largest transverse extent (D9, D9') of the flattened forming section (9, 9'). [3] Connecting rod according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the largest transverse extent (D9, D9') of the flattened forming section (9, 9') is less than 25 mm, and the largest opening extent (D11, D11') of the reinforcing section (11, 11') is greater than 25 mm. [4] Connecting rod according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the steel tube has a wall thickness of at least 1 mm and at most 2 mm, wherein the outer diameter (D8) of the strut section (8) is less than or equal to 16 mm. [5] Connecting rod according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the steel rod has a diameter of 8 to 12 mm. [6] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the joint element (4, 5) has a spherical section as a bearing part (13, 13') and a pin section as a connecting part (14, 14'), wherein the reinforcing section (11, 11') is designed such that it surrounds the spherical section (13, 13') over an angular range of at least 180° about the joint axis (A4, A5), and / or that the joint element (4', 5') has an elastic bearing part (13'') and a connecting part (14''), wherein the reinforcement section (11, 11') is designed to encompass the elastic bearing part (13'') over an angular range of at least 180° around the joint axis (A4, A5). [7] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the bearing part (13, 13', 13'') of the joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') has a bearing center, wherein the joint element (4, 4', 5, 5') is received in the reinforcement section (11, 11') such that the bearing center is arranged with axial overlap to the reinforcement section (11, 11') with respect to the joint axis (A4, A5). [8] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the support element (6, 7) is made of a thermoplastic material. [9] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that a planar connection is provided between the support element (6, 7) and the forming section (9, 9') of the connecting element (3) by means of form and / or material connection. [10] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the reinforcing section (11, 11') is connected in one piece with the flattened forming section (9, 9'), wherein the connecting section (9, 9') is produced by fork-shaped spreading and forming into a C-shape. [11] Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the reinforcement section (11, 11') is manufactured separately and rigidly connected to the flattened forming section (9, 9'). [12] Connecting rod according to claim 11, characterized by, that the reinforcing section (11, 11') is designed as a formed wire element having an Ω-shaped bearing section (22, 22') and two end sections (23, 23') extending radially outwards and parallel to each other, wherein the end sections (23, 23') are inserted into the connecting element (3) and connected to the flattened formed section (9, 9') of the connecting element (3). [13] Connecting rod according to claim 12, characterized by that the wire element has a transverse extent of between 3 and 5 mm. [14] Connecting rod according to claim 11, characterized by , that the reinforcement section (11, 11') is designed as a ring element which is welded to an end face (26) of the flattened forming section (9, 9') of the connecting element (3). [15] Connecting rod according to claim 14, characterized by that the ring element is manufactured as a closed ring from a tube or by ring-shaped forming from a sheet metal strip.

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