Bearing device for axle, steering and drive and motor vehicle

Abstract

bearing device (10) for bearing an axle (14), in particular a link (100, 102, 103) of a wheel suspension (422) of a motor vehicle and / or for bearing a drive, in particular an electric motor on an axle structure, comprising a. a bearing body (22) for the bearing contact of a bearing component; b. at least one spring element (30), arranged and designed to support the at least one bearing body (22) resiliently and / or movably on the axis (14); wherein the bearing body (22) and the spring element (30) are made of a metal or a metallic material; and characterized in that at least one cavity (23) is formed in at least one of the bearing body (22) or the spring element (30) and wherein the at least one cavity (23) is filled with a sound-absorbing filling material (21), in particular homogeneously, wherein the at least one spring element (30) has at least one main spring structure (64) and wherein the at least one spring element (30) has at least one auxiliary spring structure (44).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing device for supporting an axle, in particular an axle of a control arm of a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, and / or for supporting a drive, in particular an electric motor, on an axle structure or body. The invention relates to a digital twin of a bearing device. The invention relates to a control arm or steering head. The invention relates to a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a drive. The invention relates to a method for designing a bearing device and a method for manufacturing a bearing device.

[0002] DE 10 2017 124 614 A1 describes a bearing device for a control arm of a wheel suspension of a vehicle, comprising a base body with a bearing surface for the bearing contact of a bearing component and a receiving section for receiving the base body on the control arm, wherein the base body has at least one spring element between the bearing surface and the receiving section, which connects the bearing surface to the receiving section in a resilient and relatively movable manner.

[0003] US Patent 6,419,215 B1 describes a bushing with a sleeve. The sleeve element has an inner surface and a cavity. A core is arranged within the cavity. A pair of elastomeric elements are arranged within the cavity. One of the two elastomeric elements lies adjacent to the core. The other of the pair of elastomeric elements rests against the inner surface. One of the two elastomeric elements has a larger modulus than the other of the pair, so that one of the elastomeric elements absorbs low-frequency vibrations and the other of the pair absorbs high-frequency vibrations.

[0004] It is known that vehicle wheel suspensions incorporate mechanical connections between the vehicle body and an associated wheel carrier, commonly referred to as control arms. These serve primarily for mounting, and in particular for damping oscillations and / or vibrations, a drive unit and / or a component on the wheel guidance system and / or body. Frequently, two or more control arms are used, resulting in, for example, three-link, four-link, or five-link systems. All these control arm systems share the requirement that relative movement between the wheel carrier and the connection to the respective control arm must be possible. This applies to both rigid and sprung axles as well as steered and sprung axles.To enable these relative movements, the known control arms are equipped with corresponding separate rubber bearing components to allow relative movements.

[0005] A disadvantage of known solutions is that the separate rubber bearing components are relatively prone to wear. Due to the rubber material, they are subject to aging and temperature-related wear. Rubber is a complex material when it comes to the design of such separate bearing components. It requires high manufacturing tolerances and exhibits secondary spring rates, making it difficult or impossible to predict exact spring and damping behavior when designed as a separate rubber bearing component. This complexity in predictability must be addressed through appropriate design considerations for the entire control arm and / or wheel suspension.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to achieve improved bearing behavior in a cost-effective and simple manner. It is also an object of the invention to improve the driving characteristics of a motor vehicle.

[0007] The foregoing problem is solved by a bearing device with the features of claim 1 and a digital twin with the features of claim 12. The problem is solved by a handlebar or steering head with the features of claim 13. The invention is solved by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 14. The invention is solved by a planning method with the features of claim 15 and by a method with the features of claim 16. 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 bearing device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the digital twin, the handlebar or steering head, the motor vehicle, and the methods according to the invention.This also applies in reverse, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, mutual reference is always made or can be made.

[0008] According to one aspect, the problem is solved by a storage device with the features of claim 1.

[0009] A bearing device is provided for supporting an axle or drive. The axle can, in particular, be the axle of a control arm of a motor vehicle's wheel suspension. The bearing device includes, in particular, a bearing body for the bearing contact of a bearing component. The bearing device has at least one spring element, which is arranged and designed to support the at least one bearing body resiliently and / or with relative movement on the axle. The bearing body and the spring element are made of a metal or metallic material. This allows for improved bearing performance in a cost-effective and simple manner. At least one cavity is formed in either the bearing body or the spring element, and this cavity is filled with a sound-absorbing material. This filling can, in particular, be homogeneous.The at least one spring element has at least one main spring structure, and the at least one spring element has at least one auxiliary spring structure. The filling material can reduce or interrupt sound transmission. This reduces the noise exposure for the driver and can also reduce potentially disturbing noises and / or vibrations, thereby improving driving performance.

[0010] In this case, a bearing device is no longer provided as a separate rubber bearing component for the axle and / or the drive, in particular the axle of a handlebar, but rather is designed together with at least one spring element.

[0011] A bearing body can be provided for the contacting of a bearing component. The bearing body itself can be designed to have a bearing surface oriented, in particular, in a direction from a central point of the bearing body (in the case of point or axial symmetry), which is designed and arranged to interact with a supported component. In some embodiments, a rolling bearing can be provided, in which the bearing surface interacts with rollers or balls that, in turn, can contact a surface of the supported component.

[0012] The at least one spring element is arranged and designed to mount the at least one bearing body resiliently and / or with relative movement on the axle and / or the drive. The resilient and relatively movable connection between the bearing body and the axle and / or the drive, facilitated by the at least one spring element, is understood to be, in particular, a force-transmitting connection. Thus, taking into account the spring force that can be stored in the spring element, a force equilibrium for force transmission can be established between forces absorbed by a bearing component at the bearing surface of the bearing body and the corresponding forces transmitted to the axle and / or the drive, especially to the steering linkage.

[0013] This at least one spring element is preferably metallic or made of a metallic material. Because the spring element, preferably made of a metallic material, connects the bearing body to the axle and / or the drive in a resilient and relatively movable manner, a multitude of disadvantages of known rubber bearing components can be overcome. In particular, this results in a significant reduction in temperature-related wear. Furthermore, a defined orientation of the direction of action of the respective spring element can be achieved. Two or more spring elements can also be provided. Each individual spring element preferably has a single direction of action or a small number of directions of action. Each spring element can thus provide its direction of action as the spring direction for the connection between the bearing body and the axle and / or the drive in a defined manner.

[0014] The precise alignment of the direction of action of each spring element, as explained above, makes it possible to accurately predict the spring functionality and thus also the force balance or relative mobility within the bearing device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bearing body and the at least one spring element can be formed together from a single metal or metallic material. In particular, the bearing body and the at least one spring material can be formed in one piece and / or monolithically. This allows for the most precise possible integration of the final design as early as the planning stage, without having to take different material properties into account.

[0016] In certain embodiments, at least one cavity can be formed in at least one of the bearing body or the spring element. This cavity can be designed and arranged to be filled with a sound-absorbing material, particularly a homogeneous one. The monolithic design of the bearing body and spring element can have a particularly detrimental effect on sound transmission, since no damping material transitions are formed, as is the case, for example, when a rubber bearing is used. The cavities can be filled with a material that, due to its internal friction, has the property of absorbing sound more effectively than, for example, the metallic body formed by the connection between the spring element and the bearing body, especially if it were formed in one piece or monolithically without cavities.The introduction of cavities alone, i.e. without filling, may be provided in embodiments to reduce the overall weight (of the component) of the bearing device.

[0017] A homogeneous filling is understood to mean, in particular, a filling in which a homogeneously formed filling material is used. A homogeneous filling material is, in particular, one that spreads isotropically in all directions within the cavity. A filling material is isotropic if its mechanical properties are the same in all directions. Isotropic filling materials can have homogeneous or non-homogeneous microscopic structures.

[0018] A filling material is sound-absorbing, in particular, if it has a reduced ability to transmit sound compared to the one-piece / monolithic bearing device or the metallic material forming it.

[0019] There are also embodiments that have no cavities and no filling material. These embodiments are simpler to manufacture and can be designed in a particularly resource-efficient manner. These embodiments can be described in particular by further features, properties, and advantages, as listed here and below. For example, a bionically designed, material- and structure-optimized bearing head, as described elsewhere, can suppress or prevent sound and vibration transmission simply through its geometric design, even without cavities or filling material, and lead to resource savings in manufacturing and use in driving situations, such as weight reduction.

[0020] From one perspective, the at least one spring element can be arranged between the bearing body and the axle and / or the drive, particularly in such a way as to connect them directly. This makes it possible to design and install a component that saves material, since no further elements or devices are required, such as a receiving area and / or a base body that can mediate interaction with a receiving area, as described elsewhere. Due to the direct, spring-like, and relatively movable arrangement of the at least one spring element on the axle and / or the drive, it is possible for them to communicate directly with each other and also enable direct reciprocal force transmission. This saves resources during manufacturing, as less material can be used.This also saves weight, which can reduce energy consumption for transportation, especially when operating a motor vehicle.

[0021] There can also be embodiments in which the at least one spring element is arranged between the bearing body and the axle and / or the drive, particularly to connect them directly, without providing cavities for filling with a filling material. These embodiments make it possible to describe the force transmission without having to consider the fillings and / or cavities. This also simplifies the realization of such a component, as the cavities do not need to be introduced during manufacturing. This allows for the use of more resource-efficient methods than, for example, additive manufacturing.

[0022] From one perspective, the bearing device can have a base body. This base body can at least partially surround the bearing body. The base body can be designed to establish the connection with the axle and / or the drive. At least one spring element can be arranged between the bearing body and the base body.

[0023] The base body thus serves in particular as a connecting device to connect the at least one spring element to an axle and / or a drive, especially to an axle of a steering linkage. A base body can be used in this way, in particular, when spring elements are provided that act in different radial directions from an axis of symmetry of a component to be supported, as described elsewhere.

[0024] The base body, in particular the spring element, can have a continuous or essentially continuous cross-section. This allows for extrusion-like manufacturing, e.g., using a compression molding process. This continuous or essentially continuous cross-section refers specifically to an axial extent oriented along the axis of a shaft-like component to be supported.

[0025] In embodiments, the base body can have at least one cavity designed and arranged to receive a filling material. The filling material can be configured as described elsewhere. In particular, the filling material can be homogeneously distributed within the cavity; that is, the cavity can be homogeneously filled. The at least one cavity in the base body can be arranged additionally or alternatively to the at least one cavity in the bearing body and / or the at least one spring element.

[0026] One aspect is that a receiving area can be designed to accommodate the base body. This receiving area can be designed and arranged to connect the base body to the axle and / or the drive. This can stabilize the bearing assembly, particularly in high-stress applications.

[0027] The receiving area can include a receiving section in which the base body can be positioned. The receiving section can be formed as a curved or at least partially curved surface on the outside of the base body. However, it is also conceivable that the receiving section, as will be explained later with reference to a control arm, is integrally and / or monolithically formed with a base body of the control arm. Particularly with the additive manufacturing methods for axles and / or drive bearings, especially for a control arm, which will be explained later, even complex structures for the bearing assembly and, in particular, for the at least one spring element, can be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0028] Even in embodiments with a receiving area, at least one spring element can be designed and arranged to connect the bearing body to the base body. Two, three, or more spring elements can also be designed, as described elsewhere. Each spring element can, in a defined manner, provide its direction of action as the spring direction for the connection between the bearing body and the receiving area.

[0029] In embodiments in which several spring elements are provided that connect the receiving area and / or the base body to the bearing body, the individual spring elements can be equipped with a radial or substantially radial direction of action, particularly with regard to a wave-like shape of the component to be supported (also to be referred to as the bearing component).

[0030] The precise alignment of the direction of action of each spring element, as explained above, allows for an exact prediction of the spring functionality and thus also of the force balance or relative mobility within the bearing device.

[0031] From one perspective, the at least one spring element can be designed and configured to provide a spring action and / or relative mobility in at least one of the directions selected from radial, axial, or gimbal. Alternatively or additionally, the spring element can be designed and configured to allow torsion, particularly without causing damage. The precise alignment of the direction of action of the at least one spring element, as explained here and elsewhere, allows for an accurate prediction of the spring functionality and thus also of the force equilibrium or relative mobility within the bearing assembly.

[0032] Here and elsewhere, a radial direction of action can be oriented perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of a bearing body and / or a component to be supported. In particular, such an axis of symmetry can coincide with an axis of expansion.

[0033] Here and elsewhere, an axial direction of action can be oriented along, i.e., parallel to, an axis of symmetry of a bearing body and / or a component to be supported. In particular, such an axis of symmetry can coincide with an axis of expansion.

[0034] Here and elsewhere, a gimbal suspension, gimbal bearing or gimbal for short can be described as a suspension of an object on a bearing device using two intersecting pivot points or pivot bearings that are perpendicular to each other.

[0035] Here and elsewhere, torsion can be a twisting of at least one part of the bearing assembly, the bearing body, the at least one spring element, or an axle to which the bearing assembly is connected or connectable. This torsion can be described by a torsional moment. For example, if one attempts to twist the axle, particularly that of the steering linkage, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, perhaps by means of leverage, such a torsional moment acts upon it (in addition to any transverse force).

[0036] Depending on the application, the sound-absorbing filling material can be selected from granules, powder, or foam. This can further improve sound insulation and / or sound decoupling, thereby improving driving performance.

[0037] The filling material can be sound-absorbing and / or isotropic, especially as described elsewhere.

[0038] A granular filler material, also known as granular medium or granules, can consist of many small, solid particles such as grains or spheres. Granular materials like plastic granules, powdered materials like powders, or, in large quantities, loose material can be used, especially if they meet the requirements for sound absorption and / or isotropy. Various granular materials can be mixed. Alternatively or additionally, a granular filler material can exhibit a distribution of sizes and / or shapes.

[0039] A powder can be distinguished from granules, in particular, by its size of 1 mm or less. Above this size, the filler material can be described as granules; below (or equal to) this size, it is described as a powder. In the context of a mass distribution, this refers specifically to a center of gravity and / or to the majority of the particles in the mass distribution.

[0040] In the case of powders and / or granules, the internal friction responsible for sound damping occurs in particular through movements of the particles relative to each other and the resulting friction and / or deformation of these particles.

[0041] In additive manufacturing processes, the powder and / or granules from the process can remain as residue. This eliminates the need for actively transferring the powder and / or granules into a cavity. As a result, material residues from the manufacturing process can be reused, thus saving resources.

[0042] In this context, a foam can be understood specifically as a filling material in which bubbles or small cavity structures of a porous filling material are surrounded by solid walls of the filling material. The internal friction responsible for sound damping occurs primarily through the movement of these walls or through the deformation of these bubbles.

[0043] One aspect is that a rubber element can be arranged on the bearing body for sound damping and / or sound decoupling. This can further improve sound damping and / or sound decoupling, thereby further improving driving performance.

[0044] The rubber element can be designed, in particular, as a ring- or tube-shaped insert, which can be formed within the bearing body in a bearing area. This can further improve sound damping and / or sound decoupling to further improve driving performance.

[0045] Sound attenuation, as understood here and elsewhere, refers to a reduction in sound propagation. This can be achieved through sound absorption and the resulting restriction of sound propagation.

[0046] Sound decoupling, as understood here and elsewhere, means an interruption of sound propagation. This can be achieved, in particular, by preventing sound, especially in a specific frequency range, from crossing a material boundary, such as between metal and a rubber element.

[0047] One aspect of the design is the inclusion of a plain bearing in the bearing device. The bearing body can have a bearing surface designed and arranged for sliding contact with the component being supported. This helps to counteract any conflict between torsional and radial stiffness.

[0048] Contrary to the embodiments in which a rolling bearing is proposed, a sliding bearing can be provided for sliding contact. To ensure sliding contact, the bearing surface of the bearing body can interact with a corresponding mating bearing surface of the component to be supported.

[0049] These surfaces are in particular round or curved surfaces. The bearing surface is in particular a completely closed surface, so that a passage can be created in the bearing body, which is encompassed by the bearing surface, for receiving a component to be supported, such as a shaft to be supported.

[0050] From one perspective, a bearing device can be designed in which the bearing body is connected to the at least one spring element via at least one stiffening rib that at least partially encloses the bearing body. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one stiffening rib can extend at least partially along the bearing body. This can improve the stability of a bearing device. Furthermore, it allows for the elimination of a base body, thereby reducing weight. This can also reduce the amount of energy required for operation, particularly when a large number of bearing devices are installed in a motor vehicle. The at least one stiffening rib can lead to a reduction in the stiffness differential between tensile and compressive loads.

[0051] Here and elsewhere, it may be specifically provided that the bearing assembly is designed as a steering head. This allows the corresponding features and advantages to be transferred to a corresponding handlebar. This also allows the corresponding advantages, as explained in detail elsewhere, to be transferred to the handling characteristics, particularly during steering maneuvers.

[0052] A stiffening rib can be designed, in particular, as a thickening of the material. This can at least partially enclose the bearing body. The stiffening rib can run in a ring and / or spiral shape along an outer surface of the bearing body.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening rib can extend at least partially along the bearing body. In particular, the stiffening rib can extend at least partially in one direction along an expansion direction of the bearing body.

[0054] Here and elsewhere, the outer surface can be arranged in such a way that it points away from a component to be stored and a storage area.

[0055] From one perspective, the at least one spring element can have at least one main spring structure that is corrugated, particularly to increase its spring length. This can increase the tensile-compressive stiffness.

[0056] The main spring structure can be designed as a leaf spring structure extending in at least one direction from the direction of expansion of the axis to be contacted and emerging from the bearing body. In embodiments, the direction of expansion can be largely perpendicular to the direction of expansion. In an installation situation in a motor vehicle, this expansion can include components extending upwards and / or downwards. In another installation situation in a motor vehicle, this direction of expansion can also include components extending to the right and / or left. The leaf spring structure can also extend structurally in the exact opposite direction to the first leaf spring structure, particularly symmetrically. In embodiments, both leaf spring structures can be formed. This allows forces coming from different directions to be derived and / or transmitted.In other embodiments, only a leaf spring structure may be provided. This allows for material savings, particularly if an asymmetrical design is sufficient to dissipate and / or transmit calculated forces. The leaf spring structure can transition into a longitudinal bridge structure. The longitudinal bridge structure can be a (relatively) flat structure that represents a structural expansion or widening to compensate for tensile and compressive loads. The planar extent of the longitudinal bridge structure can, in particular, extend largely parallel to the direction of expansion of the axle to be fastened. The longitudinal bridge structure can make (direct) contact with the axle to be fastened. In other embodiments, contact with a base body is also possible.A second longitudinal bridge structure may also be provided, which is arranged symmetrically to the first, relative to a plane extending through the direction of extension of the axis to be fastened. A corrugated design may be provided such that a cross-section through the main spring structure can be described by at least one function from sine and / or cosine functions. The corrugated design, in particular, allows the spring length to be increased. The main spring structure can transition into at least one stiffening rib at at least one contact point with the bearing body, as described elsewhere. This stabilizes the connection.

[0057] According to one aspect, the at least one spring element can have at least one auxiliary spring structure, which is particularly corrugated, especially to provide a resilient bearing in the direction of the gimbal. The auxiliary spring structure is particularly flexible enough for the gimbal, but exhibits a (relatively) high stiffness in the tensile-compressive direction. This allows the various forces acting on the structure to be balanced and cushioned, or it makes it possible to transmit corresponding forces.

[0058] The auxiliary spring structure can, in particular, run largely parallel to a main spring structure. The auxiliary spring structure can extend relative to the main spring structure on at least one side. It can describe at least one arc leading away from and / or towards the main spring structure. This allows the distance between the auxiliary spring structure and the main spring structure to change, at least partially. As a corrugated design, a cross-section through the auxiliary spring structure can be described by at least one function consisting of sine and / or cosine functions. The auxiliary spring structure can extend in one direction away from the direction of expansion of the axis to be contacted and originate from the bearing body, and can transition into at least one transverse bridge structure that connects it to the main spring structure.The cross-bridge structure runs largely perpendicular to a plane through the direction of extension of an axis to be contacted. Here and elsewhere, the direction of extension can be described by an axis of symmetry through the axis to be contacted, in particular a steering linkage.

[0059] According to one aspect, the at least one spring element can have at least a flat structure that is connected to at least one of the main spring structures or at least one auxiliary spring structure in such a way as to be resiliently mounted in the direction of the gimbal. The flat structure has the lowest possible stiffness for the gimbal.

[0060] The flat structure can, in particular, have a surface that extends in a direction that (or whose surface normal) is at an angle to the direction of extension of the axis to be contacted. The flat structure can be wedge-shaped. Two surfaces can be positioned at an angle to each other on opposite sides of the direction of extension of the axis to be contacted. An imaginary extension of the surfaces in a direction towards the axis can intersect in a line that, in turn, intersects the direction of extension, particularly perpendicularly. The flat structure can be designed and arranged to contact, or transition into, the longitudinal bridge and / or the transverse bridge on one side along a direction of extension of the axis to be contacted.In another, particularly opposite, direction, the flat structure opens into an axle receiving area or an axle contact area to receive or transition into the axle to be contacted in order to provide the connection between the bearing body and the axle, in particular the axle of the steering linkage.

[0061] According to one aspect, the at least one spring element can have at least one pivot point for the gimbal. This pivot point can establish a connection between at least two structures selected from the main spring structure, the auxiliary spring structure, and the flat structure. The at least one pivot point can also connect all three structures together. This allows the bearing body, or its stiffening ribs, to be connected to the at least one spring element.

[0062] From an independent perspective, a digital twin can be used to digitally replicate a storage device described elsewhere. This allows the previously described features, properties, and advantages to be digitally replicated or pre-planned, particularly for planning, i.e., designing, and / or optimizing a storage device, as described elsewhere.

[0063] A digital twin is, in particular, machine-readable code and / or an electrical signal designed to be read by a machine in order to determine technical, physical, structural, and / or mechanical properties, especially via a display device such as a screen. The digital twin can be subjected to digital experiments that model and simulate interactions arising from environmental influences or application situations, such as a driving scenario, in order to draw conclusions about the performance and behavior of a real, i.e., physically existing, structure.The use of a digital twin can be resource-efficient, as it eliminates the need to produce numerous physical objects and subject them to real-world experiments, some of which are difficult or even impossible to conduct, in order to arrive at the same or equivalent conclusions. A digital twin can also serve as a template for the realization, i.e., the manufacturing, of a storage device. The machine-readable code contains instructions such that, when read by a machine, such as a computer (e.g., stored on a storage device), and / or by the control unit of a manufacturing machine, the machine can generate control signals to configure or control the manufacturing machine in order to initiate and / or carry out the production of a real storage device based on the information from the digital twin.This allows a digital twin to be described using the same features, properties, and benefits as have already been described and explained for the storage device. For the sake of conciseness and readability, a repetition of all these features, properties, and benefits is omitted here.

[0064] According to an independent aspect, a handlebar and / or a drive bearing may be provided, which includes a bearing device described elsewhere. According to an independent aspect, a steering head may be provided, which includes a bearing device described elsewhere. According to an independent aspect, a drive may be provided, which includes a bearing device described elsewhere.

[0065] A control arm can be designed for a vehicle's wheel suspension to enable movement of the wheel suspension, including steering. Such a control arm and / or such a drive bearing has at least one bearing device according to the invention. A control arm according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to the bearing device.

[0066] A steering linkage and / or a drive bearing can be further developed such that the bearing assembly, in particular the base body, is integrally formed with the steering linkage and / or the drive. In other embodiments, any combination (depending on the requirements of the bearing assembly resulting from the installation situation) of the main spring structure, the auxiliary spring structure, the flat structure, the stiffening ribs, and / or the bearing body can be integrally formed with the steering linkage. This is, in effect, a one-piece or monolithic embodiment. An additive manufacturing process can be used as a manufacturing option here. Laser sintering or similar processes are examples.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally to the embodiment according to the preceding paragraph, it is also possible in a described handlebar for the bearing device with the receiving section to be arranged in and / or on a counter-receiving section of the handlebar in a force-transmitting manner. In particular, the counter-receiving section fully or substantially fully encloses the receiving section. This makes it possible to use and retrofit a bearing device according to the invention even in existing handlebar systems.

[0068] The steering head can serve, in particular, as a component to connect the bearing body to the steering axle. It can also transmit forces between the steering axle and the component it supports. As described in detail elsewhere, the steering head can incorporate a combination of the following elements and devices, depending on the requirements of the installation situation and the intended use, such as a riding situation. Any combination of the axle contact area, the main spring structure, the auxiliary spring structure, the flat structure, the stiffening ribs, and / or the bearing body can be integrally formed with the steering head.

[0069] From an independent perspective, a motor vehicle may have a bearing device. The bearing device is designed and configured as described elsewhere. Alternatively or additionally, the motor vehicle may have a handlebar and / or steering head, as described elsewhere.

[0070] The motor vehicle in question can be a passenger car, a truck, or any other type of vehicle powered by a motor. It can also be specifically noted that it is equipped with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid drive with appropriate bearings.

[0071] Based on an independent aspect, a method for planning a storage device can be provided. The storage device can be a storage device as described elsewhere. The method includes, in particular, a step of providing a digital twin of a storage device. The digital twin can, in particular, digitally model a storage device as described elsewhere. The method can include a step of simulating sound transmission behavior. The method can include a step of adapting at least one cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the method can include a step of adapting at least one filling with the filling material. The step of adapting the filling material can coincide with the step of adapting at least one cavity. The method can include a step of optimizing sound transmission.This can be achieved by iteratively adjusting at least one cavity. Alternatively or additionally, at least one filling can be iteratively adjusted with the filling material.

[0072] In the step of creating a digital twin of a storage device, a digital twin, as described in detail, can be placed in a storage device of a machine in order to supply the instructions and / or features of the storage device as described, contained therein, to the machine, for example for display, but also to enable adaptation of the storage device to an installation situation and / or to a use.

[0073] In the step of simulating sound propagation behavior, information about sound propagation behavior can be investigated based on the information provided from the digital twin. This also allows for the simulation of how sound, for example of a specific spectrum, can propagate through the storage device as represented by the digital twin.

[0074] The process can include a step involving the modification of at least one cavity. In this step, the cavity is altered to subsequently obtain information about the resulting changes in sound transmission behavior. These changes can include positional changes, changes in dimensions, and geometric changes, to name just a few.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure can include a step of adjusting at least one filling with the filler material. In this step, the filling is modified to subsequently obtain information about the change in sound transmission behavior. Modifications can affect the particle size distribution, the mixing ratios when using different filler materials, as well as the choice of material and the porosity, to name just a few.

[0076] The step of adapting at least one filling with the filling material can, in particular, coincide with the step of adapting at least one cavity. This allows the influences of these two parameters to be checked in order to develop the appropriate embodiment for a given installation situation.

[0077] Iterative adjustment can be understood as a step-by-step process in which one of the two described parameters is repeatedly changed, followed by an inspection of the resulting change in sound transmission behavior. The primary goal is to optimize sound attenuation and / or sound decoupling, i.e., to minimize sound transmission.

[0078] Based on an independent aspect, a method for manufacturing a storage device is provided. The storage device is, in particular, a storage device as already described in detail. The method may include a step of generating at least one digital twin of a storage device, especially as already described. The method may also include a step of generating a storage device, especially as already described. This generating process may be based on the digital twin, especially as described elsewhere. The generating process may be carried out by an additive manufacturing process or by extrusion.

[0079] In the step of creating a digital twin of a storage device, a digital twin, as described in detail above, can be stored in a machine's memory device to supply the machine with the instructions and / or features of the storage device as described within it. This is done, for example, for display purposes, but also to enable the creation of a storage device based on the digital twin. For instance, a machine can be controlled for an additive manufacturing process or extrusion, for example, by following the machine-readable instructions of the digital twin. This allows for the control of machine settings as well as corresponding processes and movements of the machine.

[0080] Further advantages, features, 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 features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 possible installation situations for embodiments of the bearing device; Fig. 2A an embodiment of a storage device; Fig. 2B an embodiment of a storage device; Fig. 2C an embodiment of a storage device; Fig. 3A a comparison of embodiments; Fig. 3B a comparison of installation situations; and Fig. 4 an embodiment of a steering head.

[0081] Fig. Figure 1 shows exemplary installation situations for embodiments of the bearing device 10 in the front area of ​​a motor vehicle 400. An engine assembly 410 is shown, arranged between two shock absorber groups 316. Wheel suspensions 422 are also shown, which are connected to a brake device comprising a brake disc 412 and brake shoes 414. Forces and vibrations, both from the engine assembly 410 and from a driving situation during operation, are transmitted via the wheel suspensions 422 to the chassis and other components, such as the engine assembly 410. For force transmission, it is necessary to mount the various devices and assemblies. Bearing devices 10 are used for this purpose, such as subframe bearings 72, component bearings 74, and / or control arm bearings 76.These storage devices can be designed as in the exemplary embodiments of the . Fig. 2A to 4 are shown and described below.

[0082] Fig. Figure 2A schematically shows how a bearing device 10 can be integrally integrated into a linkage 100 according to the invention. The linkage 100 is partially shown here with its end at which the bearing device 10 is provided. The linkage 100 has an axle 14 which can be connected to the bearing device 10 in order to support a component to be supported (not shown) in a bearing section 200 of a bearing body 22. The bearing device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of spring elements 30. At its inner end, each spring element has a force-transmitting contact section to the bearing body 22 and / or to the bearing surface of the bearing section 200. The bearing surface here is fully equipped with a round, circular cross-section, namely the bearing section 200, through which the component to be supported (not shown) extends in a wave-like manner.

[0083] At the opposite outer end of each spring element 30, there is a force-transmitting connection via the base body 20 to the receiving section 24. This receiving section 24 is designed here in an integral or monolithic construction with the base body 20 of the control arm 100. The receiving section 24 is arranged in a receiving area 16, which can provide a connection between the base body 20 and the axle 14 of the control arm 100.

[0084] As in the Fig. As can also be clearly seen in Figure 2A, a wide variety of spring elements 30 can be provided. The individual spring elements 30 exhibit not only different directions, but also different shapes and geometric extensions. Thus, the directions of action, the functionalities, and the forces acting on the individual spring elements 30 are distinguishable. The manufacture of an embodiment according to the Fig. 2A is provided in particular in an additive manner, so that the complex structures, especially of the spring elements 30, can be achieved in a cost-effective and simple manner.

[0085] In this embodiment, the base body 20, the bearing body 22, and the spring elements 30 can be made of a metal. At least one cavity 23 can be formed in at least one of the bearing body 22, the base body 20, or the spring elements 30. This cavity 23 can be filled with a sound-absorbing material 21, in particular a homogeneous filling material. The shape, number, and position of the cavities 23 with filling material 21 are shown schematically here.

[0086] Fig. 2B shows an alternative embodiment to the possibility according to Fig. 2A. The design of the storage device 10 is essentially identical and corresponds with regard to the individual components to the description for Fig. 2A. However, here the bearing device 10 is designed separately as a distinct component from the handlebar 100. It is clearly visible that the handlebar 100 is designed with a corresponding counter-receiving section 124, which is in planar and force-transmitting contact with the receiving section 24. Thus, the force-transmitting connection can be established, for example, by pressing or shrinking the bearing device 10 between it and the handlebar 100. Retrofitting existing handlebars 100 is also possible.

[0087] Fig. 2C shows an alternative embodiment of a handlebar 102 to the possibility according to. Fig. 2A. In this case, the axle 14 is designed in particular as a tube 52, which may have a fillable cavity 54 that, according to the description of cavity 23, may be filled with a filling material 21. Here and in other cavities 23, 54, the filling material 21 may be in the form of granules, powder, or foam. In alternative embodiments, a travel limiter may be provided that restricts the movement of a piston (not shown) moving within the tube 52 of the axle. Additionally, in embodiments, a rubber element 26, here in the form of a rubber ring, may be provided for sound decoupling and / or sound damping. This rubber element 26, shown here by way of example, conforms to an outer surface of the bearing body 22. Thus, the rubber element 26 is not in direct contact with the component being supported, which can reduce wear.

[0088] Fig. Figure 3A shows a comparison of an embodiment of a handlebar 104, which has a rubber bearing insert 11 in the receiving area 16, with a bionically shaped, structure- and material-optimized embodiment of a handlebar 103. The embodiment of a handlebar 104, which has a rubber bearing insert 11 in the receiving area 16, and the bionically shaped, structure- and material-optimized embodiment of a handlebar 103 are shown in an installation situation in Fig. 3B is shown and described in this respect. The handlebar head 60 belonging to the embodiment of the handlebar 103 is shown in Fig. 4 shown isolated from axis 14 and described in detail below.

[0089] The control arm 104 has, in particular in its mounting area 16, a rubber bearing insert 11, which serves to support a component (not shown) in a bearing section 200. The rubber bearing insert 11 can be inserted into a mounting section 24. The rubber bearing insert 11 can also have recesses 25 to prevent material breakage in the event of deformation. The control arm 104 has, in particular, two identical end pieces. However, hybrid forms may exist in all described control arms 100, 102, 103, 104, which may be selected according to a specific installation situation to be adapted to a particular driving situation. The rubber bearing insert 11 can, however, heat up due to use and deformation and may therefore be subject to increased wear.

[0090] The bionically shaped, structure- and material-optimized handlebar 103 can be designed and configured such that a bearing body 22 is formed on a handlebar head 60 to form a bearing section 200 in which a component to be supported (not shown) can be mounted. In particular, two stiffening ribs 62 are formed on the handlebar head 60, which at least partially enclose the bearing body 22. These ribs taper towards their two ends and transition into a spring element 30 at a central region. The spring element 30 can, in particular, comprise a main spring structure 64, an auxiliary spring structure 44, and a flat structure 50. The main spring structure 64 extends, in particular, at least partially parallel to the direction of expansion of the axis 14 to be contacted. The main spring structure 64 originates from the bearing body 22. It forms, in particular, a wave-shaped leaf spring structure.In an installation situation of 300, as is the case, for example, in the . Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the described main spring structure 64 in a motor vehicle 400 can have upward and downward extensions. In this installation situation 300, the main spring structure 64 also extends partially to the right and left. The leaf spring structure is designed to be symmetrical about a central plane of the steering head 60. This allows forces coming from different directions to be derived and / or transmitted. Here, the leaf spring structure transitions into a longitudinal bridge structure 47.

[0091] The longitudinal bridge structure 47 can be a (relatively) flat structure that represents a structural widening or broadening to compensate for tensile-compressive loads. The planar extent of the longitudinal bridge structure 47 can, in particular, extend largely parallel to the direction of expansion of the axis 14 to be fastened. The longitudinal bridge structure 47 allows contact with the axis 14 to be fastened via a flat structure 50 to an axis contact area 57.

[0092] In contrast to the first longitudinal bridge structure, i.e., on the underside in the installation situation, as it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, a second longitudinal bridge structure 47 can be provided, which is arranged symmetrically to the first, relative to a plane extending through the direction of extension of the axis 14 to be fastened (also called the median plane). A corrugated design can be provided such that a cross-section through the main spring structure 64 can be described by at least one function consisting of sine and / or cosine functions. The corrugated design, in particular, allows the spring length to be increased.

[0093] The main spring structure 64 can transition into stiffening ribs 62 at at least one contact point with the bearing body 22, as exemplified here. This stabilizes the connection. These stiffening ribs 62 partially encircle the bearing body 22.

[0094] Furthermore, two auxiliary spring structures 44 are provided here as examples, which in an installation situation as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the auxiliary spring structure 44 runs to the left and right of the main spring structure 64. These run largely parallel to the main spring structure 64, but describe an arc that is particularly wavy in design to provide spring support in the direction of the gimbal. The auxiliary spring structure 44 is designed to be sufficiently flexible for the gimbal, but exhibits a (relatively) high stiffness in the tensile-compressive direction. This allows the various forces acting on the structure to be balanced and absorbed, or it makes it possible to transmit corresponding forces.

[0095] The arc describes a trajectory that leads away from the main spring structure 64 and back to the main spring structure 64. This changes the distance between the auxiliary spring structure 44 and the main spring structure 64, at least section by section, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the propagation direction of the axis 14.

[0096] The wavy design here is specifically intended to ensure that a cross-section through the auxiliary spring structure 44 can be described by at least one function consisting of sine and / or cosine functions.

[0097] The auxiliary spring structure 44 extends in one direction away from an axis of expansion of the axis 14 to be contacted, emerging from the bearing body 22. In particular, it transitions into at least one transverse bridge structure 46, which it can connect to the main spring structure 64.

[0098] The cross-bridge structure 46 extends, in particular, largely perpendicular to a plane through the direction of extension of an axis 14 to be contacted, the plane dividing the bearing device into a left and a right side. This direction of extension can be described by an axis of symmetry through the axis 14 of the linkage 103 to be contacted.

[0099] The spring element 30 further comprises, in particular, a flat structure 50 which is connected to the main spring structure 64 and the auxiliary spring structures 44 in such a way as to be resiliently mounted in the direction of the gimbal. The flat structure 50 has the lowest possible stiffness for the gimbal.

[0100] The flat structure 50 can, in particular, have two surfaces which extend, in particular, along a direction that runs at least component-wise in the direction of extension of the axis 14 to be contacted. In other words, the surfaces are at an angle to the plane that divides the bearing device into a left side and a right side. The flat structure 50 is, in particular, wedge-shaped. Two surfaces can be positioned at an angle to each other on opposite sides of the direction of extension of the axis 14 to be contacted. An imaginary extension of the surfaces in a direction towards the axis 14 can intersect in a line that, in turn, intersects the direction of extension, in particular perpendicularly. This line lies, in particular, in the plane that divides the bearing device into a left side and a right side.The flat structure 50 is designed and arranged in such a way as to transition into the longitudinal bridge (also known as longitudinal bridge structure 47) and into the transverse bridge (also known as transverse bridge structure 46) on one side along an extension direction of the axis 14 to be contacted.

[0101] The spring element 30 has at least one pivot point 48 for the gimbal at the point where the described elements merge. In particular, the pivot point 48 establishes a connection between the main spring structure 64, the auxiliary spring structure 44, and the flat structure 50. The at least one pivot point 48 can therefore connect all three structures. This also allows the bearing body 22, or its stiffening ribs 62, to be connected to the at least one spring element 30.

[0102] Fig. Figure 3B shows a corresponding installation situation 300 of a control arm 103, as described in detail here. A component to be supported, in the form of a screw 210, is also shown. For comparison, another control arm 104 is shown, which has a rubber bearing insert 11 that supports a component to be supported, here also a screw 210. Two upper control arms 103 and 104 are shown here as examples, as they are routed in front of and behind a shock absorber 320 with a spring 310. For a detailed description of the individual features, please refer to the explanations regarding... Fig. 3A is referred to here, as well as to Fig. 4.

[0103] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a steering head 60 isolated from an axle 14. The construction of the steering head 60 has already been described in detail elsewhere, and these descriptions apply accordingly here. The steering head 60 can, in particular, serve as a component to connect the bearing body 22 to the axle 14 of the steering arm 103. Thus, the steering head 60 can also transmit the forces between the axle 14 of the steering arm 103 and the component to be supported (not shown). As described in detail elsewhere, the steering head 60 can comprise a combination of one of the following elements and devices, depending on the requirements of the installation situation and the application, such as a driving situation.Any combination of the axle contact area 57, the main spring structure 64, the auxiliary spring structure 44, the flat structure 50, the stiffening ribs 62, and / or the bearing body 22 can be integrally formed with the handlebar 100. It is also shown here that the handlebar head 60 is at least partially formed with a cavity 56 to allow it to be filled with a filling material 21. In some embodiments, the cavity 56 can be closed when a connection is made with an axle 14. However, the cavity 56 can also be limited to smaller areas in embodiments than those shown in [reference missing]. Fig. 4 is shown.

Claims

[1] Bearing device (10) for supporting an axle (14) and / or supporting a drive comprising a bearing body (22) for bearing contact with a bearing component; b. at least one spring element (30) arranged and designed to resiliently and / or relatively movably mount the at least one bearing body (22) on the axle (14); wherein the bearing body (22) and the spring element (30) are formed from a metal or a metallic material; and characterized by in that at least one cavity (23) is formed in at least one of the bearing body (22) or the spring element (30), and wherein the at least one cavity (23) is filled with a sound-damping filling material (21), wherein the at least one spring element (30) has at least one main spring structure (64) and wherein the at least one spring element (30) has at least one auxiliary spring structure (44). [2] Bearing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one spring element (30) is arranged between the bearing body (22) and the axis (14). [3] Bearing device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the bearing device (10) has a base body (20) which at least partially surrounds the bearing body (22), wherein the base body (20) is designed to establish the connection to the axle (14) and wherein the at least one spring element (30) is arranged between the bearing body (22) and the base body (20). [4] Bearing device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that a receiving area (16) is designed to receive the base body (20) in such a way as to connect the base body (20) to the axis (14). [5] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one spring element (30) is designed and configured to form a suspension and / or a relative mobility in at least one of the directions selected from radial, axial or cardanic or to form a torsion. [6] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sound-absorbing filling material (21) is selected from one of a granulate, a powder or a foam. [7] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a rubber element (26) for sound damping and / or sound decoupling is arranged on the bearing body (22). [8] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a plain bearing is provided on the bearing device (10), wherein the bearing body (22) has a bearing surface for the plain bearing contact of the component to be mounted. [9] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing body (22) is connected to the at least one spring element (30) via at least one stiffening rib (62) which at least partially encloses the bearing body (22) or which runs at least partially along the bearing body (22). [10] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the at least one spring element (30) has at least one flat structure (50) which is connected to at least one of the main spring structure (64) or the at least one auxiliary spring structure (44) in such a way as to be resiliently mounted in the direction of the cardan joint. [11] Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the at least one spring element (30) has at least one pivot point (48), wherein the pivot point (48) establishes at least one connection between at least two selected from the main spring structure (64), the auxiliary spring structure (44) and the flat structure (50). [12] Digital twin of a storage device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Handlebar (100, 102, 103, 104) or handlebar head (60) or drive, comprising a bearing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [14] Motor vehicle (400) comprising a bearing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or comprising a handlebar (100, 102, 103, 104) or handlebar head (60) or drive according to claim 13. [15] A method for planning a bearing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: providing a digital twin according to claim 12 of a bearing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11; simulating a sound transmission behavior; adapting at least one cavity (23) and / or at least one filling with a filling material (21); and in particular optimizing the sound transmission by iteratively adapting the at least one cavity (23) and / or the at least one filling with the filling material (21). [16] A method for producing a bearing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one digital twin according to claim 12 of a bearing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; forming a bearing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 based on the digital twin by an additive manufacturing process or by extrusion.

Images