Bearings and methods for adjusting a chassis characteristic of a motor vehicle, bearing system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

A bearing (2) for adjusting a chassis characteristic of a motor vehicle is proposed. The bearing (2) comprises a bearing body (6) with at least one elastomer package (18) and a control line (16) electrically connected to the bearing body (6). The at least one elastomer package (18) is at least partially made of a dielectric material. The bearing body (6) can be energized via the control line (16) such that an electrical parameter (E) of the dielectric material of the at least one elastomer package (18) can be adjusted to control the chassis characteristic.

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to the field of bearings for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a bearing and a method for adjusting a chassis characteristic of a motor vehicle, a bearing system for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] In automotive chassis, rubber-to-metal mounts are essential for the chassis properties, as they determine the vehicle's elastokinematics. These mounts must absorb the forces and moments that occur during operation. Furthermore, rubber-to-metal mounts are used for acoustic and vibration isolation. The common design is the so-called round or bushing mount, which has a specific spring rate characteristic.

[0003] The elastomer is often made from natural rubber. This material has high electrical resistance and otherwise no electrically active properties. DE 10 2018 209 825 A1 describes a bearing containing dielectric elastomer. These dielectric elastomers can be incorporated into a rubber-to-metal bearing. Under mechanical stress, the dielectric elastomers can induce a measurable electrical value.

[0004] However, such a component is inactive and, in its commercially available form, offers no possibility of influencing a chassis characteristic.

[0005] DE 10 2015 011 709 A1 discloses a bearing comprising bearing elements made of an elastically deformable material. The stiffness of the material can be varied using an actuator with at least one electroactive polymer. However, the design of such a bearing is very complex.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the above-described disadvantages of a bearing for adjusting a chassis characteristic of a motor vehicle. In particular, the object of the present invention is to increase the adaptability of a bearing and the safety of vehicle passage in a motor vehicle.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a bearing having the features of claim 1, by a bearing system having the features of claim 6, by a method having the features of claim 8, and by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the bearing according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the bearing system according to the invention, the method, and / or the motor vehicle, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention with regard to the disclosure.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention can advantageously provide an improved bearing.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a bearing for adjusting a chassis characteristic of a motor vehicle. The bearing comprises a bearing body with at least one elastomer package and a control line electrically connected to the bearing body. The at least one elastomer package is formed at least partially from a dielectric material. The bearing body and in particular the elastomer package can be energized via the control line in such a way that an electrical variable of the dielectric material of the at least one elastomer package can be adjusted to adjust the chassis characteristic.

[0010] In other words, a bearing for a motor vehicle can be provided, via which the properties of the vehicle's chassis can be adjusted or modified. For this purpose, a control line, also referred to as a power line, can be electrically connected to the bearing body and in particular to the at least one elastomer package of the bearing body. The control line can supply current to one or more elastomer package(s).

[0011] The bearing may be a rear axle bearing of a motor vehicle. One of the bearing's properties can be manipulated using electrical voltage. This allows a desired and / or required driving condition to be achieved. The elastomer package may be an elastomer-containing structure that is arranged in the bearing body or at least partially forms the bearing body. The elastomer package preferably has a dielectric layer, i.e., a layer comprising a dielectric material. The control line can be in direct or indirect electrical contact with the dielectric material.

[0012] With regard to the structure of the bearing in question, it can, in particular, be formed only partially from a dielectric material. This promises, in particular, the possibility of largely adaptable properties of the bearing in question. With regard to a bearing formed at least partially from a dielectric material, the dielectric material can be incorporated into the bearing body in layers within the scope of particularly simple production. In this case, the dielectric material can be incorporated into the bearing body, for example, in the form of threads or strips. Within the scope of particularly simple production, it is conceivable that layers of the dielectric materials are produced in the form of large-area strips, for example 0.5 m wide and 250 m long, which can then serve as a source for incorporating smaller quantities into the bearing bodies in question.Alternatively or cumulatively, the dielectric material can also be incorporated into the bearing bodies in the form of chips, rasps, platelets, balls or the like.

[0013] With regard to the material, the bearing body of the bearing according to the invention, in particular the dielectric material, can be formed at least partially from silicone, in particular at least partially from polydimethylsiloxane and / or acrylic and / or polyurethane and / or natural rubber. Furthermore, the dielectric material can also be formed at least partially from fluoropolymers and / or polybutadiene. Furthermore, various dielectric materials or a mixture of various dielectric materials can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0014] In the context of the present disclosure, the bearing may be referred to as a controllable bearing.

[0015] Such a bearing can advantageously generate a change in properties through current application. The bearing can, in particular, be modified in its spring rate stiffness.

[0016] Such a bearing, and in particular the adjustability of the vehicle's chassis characteristics by means of the bearing, can improve the vehicle's track stability on one axle. Such a bearing also advantageously allows for the parameterization of driving characteristics depending on the situation and driving requirements by applying current. Furthermore, the bearing according to the invention can increase the driving safety and stability of a motor vehicle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the bearing, the elastomer package is expandable. In particular, a portion of the elastomer package, such as one or more layers of the elastomer package, can be expandable. When energized, the dielectric element and / or the dielectric layer of the elastomer package can expand, which can lead to an increase in stiffness. This allows the chassis properties to be adjusted precisely and on demand in a controlled manner. By providing an expandable elastomer package, the stiffness of the bearing can be adjusted as a chassis property.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the bearing, the elastomer package has a layered structure with at least one electrode. In other words, the elastomer package can be formed from a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer of the elastomer package has or is an electrode. This makes it possible to provide a particularly compact bearing. The layered structure of the elastomer package can, in particular, be symmetrical. This allows the chassis properties to be better adjusted.

[0019] The electrode can preferably be a flexible electrode. The electrode can be formed as a layer of the elastomer package.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the bearing, the elastomer package has a dielectric layer on the dielectric material, wherein the dielectric layer is arranged between two electrodes. One of the two electrodes can be connected to the control line. The dielectric material can be energized via at least one of the two electrodes. This makes it possible to provide a bearing with a simple design and a relatively low overall height.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the bearing, the bearing further comprises an outer sleeve and / or at least one intermediate sleeve. The provision of an outer sleeve and / or an intermediate sleeve contributes to a compact and durable design of the bearing. The outer sleeve and / or the at least one intermediate sleeve can be formed from a metal material, such as aluminum or iron. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide an intermediate sleeve and / or an outer sleeve made of a plastic or a ceramic.

[0022] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bearing system for a motor vehicle, comprising a bearing as described above and below, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive a control signal and, via the control line of the bearing, to adjust the electrical variable of the dielectric material of the at least one elastomer package based on the control signal.

[0023] In other words, a control unit can control the mount in such a way that the suspension characteristics can be adjusted based, for example, on current driving conditions or a user's request. The control unit can, for example, be preprogrammed to set a predefined course of the suspension characteristics during operation of the motor vehicle using the mount. In particular, at the user's request, the driving experience can be enhanced by adjusting the mount characteristics depending on the driving situation (i.e., terrain, road surface, outside temperature, etc.) or as a selectable program.

[0024] All disclosures and advantages described above and below with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure apply equally to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the bearing system, the control unit can be coupled to at least one driver assistance system, in particular to ESP. In other words, a driver assistance system can give instructions or commands to the control unit to control the bearing. The bearing system can therefore be viewed as an extension of an existing driver assistance system. The driver assistance system can preferably be a safety system of the motor vehicle. In certain driving situations, increasing or reducing the stiffness of the bearing can increase the safety of the motor vehicle user. Changing the stiffness of the bearing can serve as a supporting measure for ESP.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for adjusting a chassis property of a motor vehicle by means of a bearing system, as described above and below, comprising the following steps - Receiving a control signal by means of the control unit, - energizing the bearing body, in particular the at least one elastomer package, with a control line, and - Adjusting the electrical variable by energizing the bearing body.

[0027] All disclosures and advantages described above and below with respect to one aspect of the present disclosure apply equally to all other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the method, the electrical quantity is the voltage. The control unit of the bearing system can therefore be configured to change the voltage of the dielectric material and / or a dielectric layer of the elastomer package, for example, to adjust the stiffness of the bearing.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to motor vehicles comprising a bearing as described above and below, or a bearing system as described above and below.

[0030] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows schematically a bearing according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 shows schematically an elastomer package according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 shows schematically a bearing according to an embodiment, and Fig. 4 schematically shows an adjustment of the chassis property according to a method according to the invention.

[0031] Similar, similarly acting, identical, or identically functioning elements are provided with similar or identical reference numerals in the figures. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0032] Fig. 1 schematically shows a bearing 2 according to an embodiment. The bearing 2 has a bearing body 6 and a control line 16 electrically connected to the bearing body 6. The bearing 2 of the Fig. 1 comprises an outer sleeve 8 and a bearing core 4 arranged concentrically thereto. The bearing body 6 is arranged radially between the bearing core 4 and the outer sleeve 8. The bearing core 4 is preferably formed from a metal material and can serve to receive a fastening means, such as a screw or the like. For this purpose, the bearing core 4 has a cylindrical recess 3. The outer sleeve 8 encloses the bearing 2 and can be pressed into a corresponding receiving opening, for example, a receiving opening of a chassis control arm. The bearing can be a rubber-metal bearing.

[0033] The bearing body 6 has at least one elastomer package 18. The bearing body 6 can have more elastomer packages 18, such as three elastomer packages 18 (see Fig. 3). The elastomer package 18 is at least partially made of a dielectric material. The elastomer package 18 of the bearing body 6 of the Fig. 1, which in Fig. 2, can have a layered structure. A dielectric layer 10 can be embedded between two electrodes 12, or electrode layers. Two protective layers 14 can be provided around the outside.

[0034] The bearing 2 further comprises a control line 16, which is electrically connected to the bearing body 6, in particular to the bearing body 6. By means of the control line 16, the bearing body 6 and in particular the elastomer package 18 of the bearing body 6 can be energized in such a way that an electrical variable E, such as the electrical voltage, of the dielectric material, or the dielectric layer 10, can be adjusted. With a change in the electrical voltage of the dielectric material, the elastomer package 18 can expand. This leads to an increase in stiffness. To the right of the Fig. 3 shows a bearing 2 which is in step S3 according to the method according to the invention. The bearing 2 of the Fig. 3 has three elastomer packages 18, with 18 rubber layers arranged between each elastomer package.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a bearing 2 according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise described, the bearing 2 of the Fig. 3 the same elements and / or components as bearing 2 of the Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, a bearing 2 is shown on the left, which is in step S2 of a method for adjusting a chassis property of a motor vehicle. The bearing 2 of the Fig. 3 can also be part of a storage system. The storage system has a warehouse 2 and a control unit. The control unit can generally be designed to control the warehouse.

[0036] In a first method step S1, the control unit can receive a control signal. Such a control signal can contain information regarding the electrical quantity E with which the control line 16 is to supply current to the bearing body. Based on the received control signal, in a second method step S2, the bearing body 6 and in particular one of the three elastomer packages 18 can be supplied with current via a control line 16 of the bearing system. It should be noted that although three elastomer packages 18 are provided, the bearing 2 has only one control line 16. It is conceivable that the elastomer packages 18 are electrically connected to one another, so that all elastomer packages 18 and in particular all electrodes 12 of the elastomer packages 18 can be supplied with current in such a way that the electrical quantity E of the dielectric material of all elastomer packages 18 can be adjusted, in particular can be adjusted homogeneously.This means that the electrical voltage of all dielectric layers 10 can be adjusted with a single control line 16. Each elastomer package 18 can therefore expand uniformly, so that the change in stiffness S of the bearing 2 can occur essentially homogeneously within the bearing body 6. The control line can be electrically connected to an electrode or electrode layer of an elastomer package by means of a contact point, such as a solder joint.

[0037] Simultaneously or subsequently to the second method step S2, in a third method step S3, the electrical quantity E, in particular the electrical quantity of the dielectric materials of the bearing body 6, is adjusted by energizing the bearing body 6. The electrical quantity E, such as the voltage, of the dielectric layers of the elastomer packages 18 can be changed. The change in the voltage is based on the control signal. The control signal can indicate whether a reduction in the voltage of the dielectric layers 10 or an increase in the voltage of the dielectric layers 10 is desired. By adjusting the electrical quantity E, the chassis properties of the motor vehicle can also be adjusted. Fig. 3, right side, the bearing body 6 was energized in such a way that the electrical voltage of the dielectric layers 10 of the elastomer packs 18 was increased. This leads to an expansion of the elastomer packs 18, thereby increasing the stiffness S of the bearing 2.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows an adjustment of the chassis properties according to a method according to the invention. In other words, Fig. 4 demonstrates the relationship K between the adjustable electrical quantity E and the stiffness S of the bearing 2. If the electrical voltage of the dielectric material (controlled by the control line) increases, the stiffness S of the bearing 2 increases and vice versa. Fig.The ratio K shown in Figure 4 can, for example, be stored in a storage medium of the bearing system, so that the control signal can only contain information regarding the required stiffness S of the bearing 2. If a defined stiffness S of the bearing 2 is requested or required, the control unit can control the current supply via the control line 16 of the bearing body 6 according to the ratio K.

[0039] A bearing 2 with increased stiffness S can advantageously prevent the motor vehicle from understeering. If the bearing 2 has increased stiffness S, then a relatively larger radius can be driven. If the bearing 2 has low stiffness S, then a relatively smaller radius can be driven. A bearing 2 with a comparatively low stiffness S can advantageously prevent the motor vehicle from oversteering. The adjustment of the chassis properties can, for example, also depend on the loading condition of the motor vehicle. For a motor vehicle that is lightly loaded or under little stress, a comparatively soft bearing 2 can prove advantageous. For a relatively heavily loaded motor vehicle, a stiff bearing 2 can be advantageous. A comparatively stiffer bearing can reduce the increase in track and camber due to spring deflection.It is therefore conceivable that the control signal depends on the state of charge of the motor vehicle, so that the electrical quantity E can be adjusted as a function of the state of charge by means of the control line 16.

[0040] The electrical variable E can be adjusted or modified alternatively or additionally depending on the terrain. On a narrow and / or winding road, it may prove advantageous to provide a comparatively stiffer bearing 2, whereas on a highway, a comparatively softer bearing 2 may be well suited. With a comparatively stiffer bearing 2, driving resistance can be reduced, which can lead to less tire wear. This, in turn, can reduce fuel consumption, thereby increasing the vehicle's range.

[0041] With a comparatively softer bearing 2, the toe and camber gain can be increased. This allows for higher lateral forces to be transmitted. This enables predictive cornering behavior, in particular.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the stability of the chassis of the motor vehicle can be adjusted directly or indirectly by means of the stiffness S of the bearing 2. Accordingly, the controllable bearing 2 according to the invention can support a safety measure of the motor vehicle.

[0043] In summary and with reference to all embodiments of the bearing 2 according to the invention, the adaptability of the chassis properties can be significantly increased by such a bearing 2, whereby the driving experience, driving safety and possibly the maneuverability of the motor vehicle can be increased.

[0044] A motor vehicle having such a bearing may be considered an improved motor vehicle.

[0045] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features and steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered limitations. List of reference symbols 2 camps 3 recess 4 bearing core 6 bearing bodies 8 Outer sleeve 10 layers 12 Electrode 14 Protective layer 16 Control line 18 Elastomer package E electrical quantity S stiffness K ratio S1 / S2 / S3 process step QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 209 825 A1

[0003] DE 10 2015 011 709 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Bearing (2) for adjusting a chassis property of a motor vehicle, comprising a bearing body (6) with at least one elastomer package (18) and a control line (16) electrically connected to the bearing body (6), wherein the at least one elastomer package (18) is at least partially formed from a dielectric material, and wherein the bearing body (6) can be supplied with current via the control line (16) in such a way that an electrical variable (E) of the dielectric material of the at least one elastomer package (18) can be adjusted to adjust the chassis property. [2] Bearing (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the elastomer package (18) is expandable. [3] Bearing (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the elastomer package (18) has a layer structure with at least one electrode (12). [4] Bearing (2) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the elastomer package (18) has a dielectric layer (10) comprising the dielectric material, wherein the dielectric layer (10) is arranged between two electrodes (12). [5] Bearing (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing (2) further comprises an outer sleeve (8) and / or at least one intermediate sleeve. [6] Bearing system for a motor vehicle, comprising a bearing (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive a control signal and, via the control line (16) of the bearing (2), to adjust the electrical variable (E) of the dielectric material of the at least one elastomer package (18) based on the control signal. [7] Storage system according to claim 6, characterized by that the control unit can be coupled to at least one driver assistance system, in particular ESP. [8] Method for adjusting a chassis property of a motor vehicle by means of a bearing system according to one of claims 6 and 7, comprising the following steps - (S1) receiving a control signal by means of the control unit, - (S2) energizing the bearing body (6), in particular the at least one elastomer package (18), with a control line (16), and - (S3) Adjusting the electrical quantity (E) by energizing the bearing body (6). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the electrical quantity (E) is the voltage. [10] Motor vehicle comprising a bearing (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or a bearing system according to one of claims 6 and 7.

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