Rigid connecting part for the mechanical coupling of a first component and a second component

Abstract

The invention relates to a rigid connecting part (10) for mechanically coupling a first component and a second component, wherein the connecting part (10) has at least one opening (20) for receiving a bearing, by means of which the mechanical coupling can be effected during operation, wherein the connecting part (10) has a longitudinal center axis (L) on which a center point (M) associated with the opening (20) is arranged, wherein the opening (20) is arranged in at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connecting part (10), wherein the opening (20) is completely delimited in the radial direction by means of an inner boundary surface (30) of the connecting part (10), wherein the connecting part (10) has an outer boundary surface (40) which at least partially surrounds the opening (20), wherein the inner boundary surface (30) and the outer boundary surface (40) are arranged at a distance from one another,so that the connecting part (20) surrounds the opening (20) in sections in a ring-like manner with a ring thickness (60). By varying the ring thickness (60) in an angular range (WB) oriented towards an outer end (E1, E1) of the end region (EB1, EB1) from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), a rigid connecting part for the mechanical coupling of a first and a second component can be provided, which has improved properties while maintaining reliability.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a rigid connecting part for the mechanical coupling of a first component and a second component.

[0002] The aforementioned rigid connecting parts for mechanically coupling a first component and a second component generally serve to transmit pressure or tension in a mechanical chain of effects. The rigid connecting part has at least one opening in which a bearing, in particular a rubber bearing, also referred to as a rubber bushing, can be arranged when the connecting part is used. This opening is therefore also referred to as a bearing eye.

[0003] Typical examples of such rigid connecting parts include handlebars or coupling rods. These serve, for example, to mechanically connect relatively movable first and second components and to transmit any forces acting between the first and second components.

[0004] In this context, it is particularly important that the rigid connecting part is designed in such a way that it exerts the desired effect in a safe manner, i.e. is designed in such a way that it does not develop damage during operation, in particular does not break or develop cracks.

[0005] In particular, such rigid connecting parts can be used in vehicle construction as control arms, especially wishbones, spring links, or as coupling rods. Such rigid connecting parts are used, for example, to guide and steer the wheels of a vehicle or are used for the mechanical coupling of the chassis and an associated stabilizer.

[0006] DE 10 2012 009 458 A1 describes a novel bearing that elastically connects two components, at least one of which is subject to vibrations.

[0007] The innovation lies in the use of special bushings equipped with an elastic material to dampen vibrations while ensuring a stable connection between the components. The plug-in system enables easy assembly and adjustment of the damping properties, which is advantageous in many technical applications. Furthermore, the document discloses that the outer sleeve of the bearing bushes essentially has a cylindrical ring shape, the section of which facing away from the connecting arm is reinforced. A similar disclosure can be found in JP 2021 020 627 A, which focuses on providing a new strength element made of synthetic resin. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a rigid connecting part for the mechanical coupling of a first and a second component, which has improved properties while maintaining reliability.

[0009] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures. In particular, the independent claims of one claim category can also be developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category. Further embodiments and developments emerge from the subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0010] The present invention comprises a rigid connecting part for mechanically coupling a first component and a second component. The connecting part has at least one opening for receiving a bearing, by means of which the mechanical coupling can be effected during operation. The connecting part has a longitudinal central axis, on which a center point associated with the opening is arranged. The opening is arranged in an end region of the connecting part. The opening is completely delimited in the radial direction by an inner boundary surface of the connecting part. Furthermore, the connecting part has an outer boundary surface that surrounds the opening at least in sections, wherein the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface are arranged at a distance from one another, such that the connecting part surrounds the opening in a ring-like manner with a ring thickness in sections.The ring thickness is designed to vary in an angular range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis, ie it is not constant, oriented towards an outer end of the end region.

[0011] The connecting part is rigid, i.e., it has the properties of a rigid body and is designed to be suitable for its intended use in terms of strength and stability. The rigid design ensures a direct mechanical coupling, in particular the effective transmission of tension and compression between a first component and a second component, by means of which the rigid connecting part interacts during operation via at least one bearing, rubber bearing, rubber bushing, ball-socket joint, or uniball joint arranged in the opening.

[0012] The first component and, additionally or alternatively, the second component can each be configured as a rigid connecting part. In particular, the first component and the second component can be components of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile.

[0013] The opening is arranged in at least one end region of the connecting part, and the center of the opening is located on a longitudinal center axis of the connecting part. The opening is typically symmetrical but can have any shape. However, this should advantageously be adapted to the bearing to be used. The opening can preferably be circular.

[0014] The connecting part has a longitudinal extension direction. A longitudinal axis of the connecting part runs along this direction. The longitudinal center axis is a longitudinal axis that also runs through a center point of the opening of the connecting part in its longitudinal extension direction.

[0015] The end region refers to a region that encompasses one end of the connecting part along the longitudinal center axis. Typically, there are several, in particular two, end regions, since the connecting part is limited in its physical extent. An end region typically encompasses one end of the connecting part.

[0016] The connecting part can be designed in any desired shape. It comprises at least one end region with an opening. However, at least one further end region with a further opening can also be provided, i.e., at least a second end region with a second opening, optionally also a third end region with a third opening or more, for example, in the case of a star-shaped design of the connecting part.

[0017] If multiple end regions are present, the openings associated with the end regions can be designed differently. In particular, these openings can have different sizes with the same or different cross-sections, and their inner and, additionally or alternatively, outer boundary surfaces can have different configurations.

[0018] An intermediate region of the connecting part arranged between at least two end regions can, for example, be rod-shaped, curved or irregularly shaped.

[0019] The openings can also be arranged laterally offset, for example point-symmetrically to a center point of the connecting part, so that laterally offset openings with a ring structure to the longitudinal center axis are realized in two end regions. In particular, a first bearing eye (first opening) can be arranged above the longitudinal center axis, and a second bearing eye (second opening) can be arranged below the longitudinal center axis. The complete radial limitation of the opening by the inner boundary surface of the connecting part ensures precise positioning of a bearing to be inserted into the opening, via which the mechanical coupling to the first component and, additionally or alternatively, the second component is established. The bearing to be inserted into the opening can be a rubber bearing, a rubber bushing, a ball-and-socket joint, or a hydraulic bearing.

[0020] The outer boundary surface serves to delimit the rigid connecting part from the environment. The outer boundary surface surrounds the opening, at least in sections. Since the outer boundary surface is spaced further radially from the center of the opening than the inner boundary surface, a ring-like structure, formed by the connecting part, is formed around the opening, at least in sections. This ring-like structure is also referred to as a ring structure in the context of this application. This ring structure can completely enclose the opening, wherein the connecting structure can be integrally connected to the ring structure.

[0021] This ring-like structure, which at least partially surrounds the opening, has a ring thickness. According to the invention, the ring thickness is configured to vary, i.e., not constant, at least in an angular range oriented toward an outer end of the end region from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis. The 90° can be oriented both to the right and to the left, or in other words, to both sides of the longitudinal center axis, in other words, clockwise and counterclockwise. The angle specifications are therefore to be understood as a value relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0022] On the one hand, this allows for sufficient ring thickness in sections of the end area subject to high mechanical stress. At the same time, it allows for a reduction in ring thickness in sections of the ring structure subject to less mechanical stress.

[0023] The provision of such a connecting part can be achieved without additional manufacturing costs. Depending on the component size and the maximum mechanical stress, several grams can be saved per component, which allows for savings of several tons of material over an annual volume. This provides advantages both financially and in terms of CO 2 -Burden.

[0024] This makes it possible to provide lighter connecting parts compared to the state of the art, which nevertheless have the desired functionality, in particular performance and reliability.

[0025] The mechanical stress on such a connecting component was simulated using finite element (FEM) simulations. It was shown that, for example, at tensile forces of 40 kN, a variation in the ring thickness in the end area is possible while maintaining reliability, thus achieving the corresponding advantages described above.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ring thickness in an angular range oriented towards the outer end of the end region starting from the longitudinal center axis, ie in a first angular range relative to the longitudinal center axis from 0° to at least 5°, in particular from 0° to at least 10°, in particular from 0° to at least 15°, is greater than the ring thickness in a second angular range in the angular range oriented towards the outer end in a range around 45° (i.e. angle bisector), in particular in a range at least 5° on either side of 45°, in particular in a range at least 10° on either side of 45°, in particular in a range at least 15° on either side of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis.Thus, the second angular range can be oriented, starting from the longitudinal center axis, around an angle bisector of the angular range oriented toward the outer end of the end region, in particular in a region at least 5° on either side of the angle bisector, in particular in a region at least 10° on either side of the angle bisector, in particular in a region at least 15° on either side of the angle bisector relative to the longitudinal center axis. It has been shown that, with regard to mechanical stress, it is advantageous to provide such an increase in the ring thickness at the end of the connecting part in the region of the longitudinal center axis or, in other words, to provide a tapering of the ring thickness of the connecting part in a region of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ring thickness in a first angular range oriented toward the outer end of the end region, from 0° to at least 10° relative to the longitudinal center axis, is greater than the ring thickness in a second angular range of the angular range oriented toward the outer end, from at least 40° to 50°, in particular from at least 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis. It has been shown that, with regard to mechanical stress, it is advantageous to provide such an increase in the ring thickness at the end of the connecting part in the region of the longitudinal center axis.

[0028] The ring thickness is greater in a third angular range oriented towards the outer end, in a third angular range of at least 80° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis, than the ring thickness in the second angular range of at least 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis. Starting from a straight line transverse to the longitudinal center axis (90°) in the direction of the associated end region, the third angular range can extend at least 5°, in particular at least 10°, in particular at least 15°, into the angular range oriented towards the outer end. It has been shown that, with regard to mechanical loading, it is advantageous to provide such a ring thickness distribution transverse to the longitudinal center axis at the level of the center of the opening.

[0029] The sum of the first angular range, the second angular range, and the third angular range is less than or equal to 90°. The first angular range, the second angular range, and the third angular range can be arranged non-overlapping in the angular range oriented toward the outer end. A transition region can be formed between each of the angular ranges.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the inner boundary surface is circular in a longitudinal plane formed by the longitudinal center axis and the radial direction of the opening, according to a first circle with a first radius, wherein the outer boundary surface in the longitudinal plane is partially circular in the longitudinal plane according to a second circle with a second radius, wherein the first and the second circle are arranged concentrically to one another around the center of the opening and the second radius is greater than the first radius, wherein the outer boundary surface follows the course of the second circle in the first angular range and in the third angular range and the outer boundary surface deviates from the course of the second circle in the second angular range, in particular the ring thickness is reduced in the second angular range.

[0031] This allows for a particularly symmetrical design of the ring structure, which realizes the advantages of the invention while still providing a high degree of reliability for the connecting part. In particular, this approach allows for a smaller ring thickness in the sections subject to lower loads.

[0032] The inner boundary surface bounding the opening can have a circular cross-section in the longitudinal plane. A first circle with a first radius is thus assigned to the bounding inner boundary surface. The center of the first circle corresponds to the center of the opening.

[0033] While the cross-section of the inner boundary surface in the longitudinal plane follows the circumference of the first circle as a whole, this is not true for the outer boundary surface. This only partially follows the circumference of a second circle arranged concentrically to the first circle of the inner boundary surface, namely in the first and third angular ranges specified above.

[0034] In the remaining angular range in which the outer boundary surface does not follow the circular shape with the second radius, the ring thickness of the ring structure is reduced. This means that the outer boundary surface does not extend to the second radius in this remaining angular range, for example from 10° to 80° relative to the longitudinal center axis. The ring thickness is therefore smaller in the second angular range than in the aforementioned first angular range and third angular range. If the outer boundary surface follows the circumference of a second circle arranged concentrically to the first circle of the inner boundary surface in the first angular range and additionally or in the third angular range, then the remaining angular range in which the outer boundary surface does not follow the circular shape with the second radius is correspondingly smaller than the range between the first angular range and the third angular range.

[0035] In particular, the outer boundary surface can be continuously curved in the second angular range of, for example, at least 30° to a maximum of 60°, or from at least 10° to a maximum of 80°.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the outer boundary surface in the second angular range is essentially formed as a plane. In section along the longitudinal plane defined above, the boundary surface in the aforementioned angular range is represented by a straight line (chord). Such a configuration represents a particularly simple design for achieving a reduction in the ring thickness in the aforementioned angular range in order to achieve a weight reduction of the connecting part.

[0037] In one embodiment, the plane is arranged tangentially to a third circle concentric with the circle associated with the inner interface and the outer interface, which circle has a third radius that is greater than the first radius and smaller than the second radius. The third concentric circle in the longitudinal plane thus has a radius that lies between the first radius and the second radius. By designing the plane as a tangential plane to this third circle, the ring thickness can be easily dimensioned to achieve material and weight savings while maintaining reliability.

[0038] In a further embodiment, a tangential contact point of the plane is arranged on a straight line extending from the center of the opening at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis, oriented toward the outer end. This results in a symmetrical progression of the ring thickness in the angular range oriented toward the outer end from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis, in particular symmetrical to an angle bisector at 45° relative to the longitudinal center axis.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first end region is formed symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis in the longitudinal plane. This results in a longitudinally symmetrical arrangement of the ring thickness for the angular range oriented toward the end, from -90° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis in the longitudinal plane. According to this embodiment, the advantage of varying ring thickness is utilized for an end region over the widest possible angular range.

[0040] In a further embodiment, a second end region is provided opposite the first end region in the direction of the longitudinal center axis, wherein the second end region is formed symmetrically to the first end region, wherein an associated transverse axis of symmetry is arranged in the longitudinal plane, extending through a center point of the connecting part, perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis. The connecting part thus comprises two end regions, which are configured essentially identically and realize the advantages of the invention.

[0041] This results in a dumbbell-like shape of the connecting part in the longitudinal plane with two bearing eyes designed according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] In particular, the first end region can be connectable to the first component for the purpose of mechanical coupling and the second end region can be connectable to the second component for the purpose of mechanical coupling.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting part is designed as a link, in particular as a two-point link for a vehicle's chassis, also referred to as a rod link, or as a coupling rod for a vehicle. In particular, connecting parts that are subjected exclusively to tensile and, additionally or alternatively, compressive loads during operation are considered as an advantageous embodiment.

[0044] A connecting part with such a design can be manufactured by casting or forging, or it can be stamped (and bent) from sheet metal. For example, it can be forged from an aluminum alloy. However, a corresponding connecting part, or the bearing eye, can also be manufactured using other suitable manufacturing processes.

[0045] In particular, the connecting part can be made of plastic or metal. Using plastic generally allows for further weight reduction. The use of metallic materials generally allows for higher mechanical loads on the component. Character description

[0046] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a first section of a rigid connecting part comprising a first end region, Fig. 2 a sectional view of a first section of a rigid connecting part comprising a second end region, Fig. 3 a sectional view of a longitudinally symmetrical rigid connecting part, Fig. 4 a sectional view of a rigid connecting part that is neither longitudinally nor transversely symmetrical, and Fig. 5 a plan view of a longitudinally and transversely symmetrical rigid connecting part.

[0047] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals throughout. The respective reference numerals are generally introduced only for the figure in which they are first used and are assumed to be familiar in subsequent figures.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a section of a rigid connecting part 10, in particular a coupling rod 10, for mechanically coupling a first component and a second component of a vehicle, which comprises a first end region EB1. The first component and the second component are not shown in the figures.

[0049] The view according to Fig. 1 comprises a so-called bearing eye in the first end region EB1. For this purpose, the coupling rod 10 has an opening 20 in the end region EB1. This opening 20 is intended to accommodate a bearing during operation, through which the mechanical forces act on the coupling rod 10. The bearing is not shown in the figures. The first end region EB1 further comprises an outer first end E1 of the coupling rod 10.

[0050] The opening 20 has a center point M and further has a circular cross-section in a longitudinal plane LE, which corresponds to the section plane and at the same time to the sheet plane.

[0051] The center point M of the opening 20 is further arranged on a longitudinal center axis L of the coupling rod 10 running in the longitudinal plane LE. The outer first end E1 of the coupling rod 10 is also arranged on the longitudinal center axis L. The first end region EB1 is axially symmetrical in the longitudinal plane LE relative to the longitudinal center axis L.

[0052] The opening 20 for receiving the bearing is delimited in the radial direction by an inner boundary surface 30 of the coupling rod 10. The inner boundary surface 30 completely delimits the opening 20 in the radial direction, ie, extends 360° around the center point M of the opening.

[0053] The inner boundary surface 30 has a circular cross-section in the longitudinal plane LE. In this case, the inner boundary surface 30 spatially forms a cylindrical surface, in particular with a constant diameter. However, the inner boundary surface 30 can also be configured differently, e.g., such that a bearing can be fixed in the opening 20 by the shape of the opening 20 or the shape of the inner boundary surface 30.

[0054] An outer boundary surface 40 surrounds the opening 20 at least in sections. The outer boundary surface 40 and the inner boundary surface 30 simultaneously form the boundary for a ring structure 50 which is enclosed in front of the coupling rod 10 and is in particular of solid design and which runs at least in sections around the opening 20.

[0055] Out of Fig. 1, two exemplary ring thicknesses 60 are marked, which show that the ring thickness 60 is variable along the circumferential direction of the opening 20, ie is not constant.

[0056] By deviating from a constant ring thickness of 60 in the light of the intended load for the coupling rod, the ring structure 50 eliminates the need for material for the bearing eye, and the bearing eye and the coupling rod 10 can be designed to be particularly light and material-saving.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a section of a rigid connecting part 10 in the longitudinal plane LE, in particular a coupling rod 10, for the mechanical coupling of a first component and a second component of a vehicle, which comprises a second end region EB2.

[0058] This second end region EB2 also comprises a bearing eye, i.e., an opening 20 for accommodating a bearing during operation, through which the mechanical forces act on the coupling rod 10. The opening 20 is surrounded, at least in sections, by a ring structure 50 with variable ring thickness.

[0059] The second end region EB2 comprises an outer second end E2 of the coupling rod 10. Based on the Fig. 2, the angle ranges are explained which are of importance according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The explanations are analogous to the representation according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. In particular, the Fig. 1, an angle measurement in the angular range oriented towards the outer end E1.

[0060] Fig. 2 comprises an angular range WB oriented towards the outer second end E2. This angular range oriented towards the outer end is -90° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis L. Similarly, an angular range WB oriented towards the outer first end E1 of the coupling rod 10 according to Fig. 1 oriented angle range available.

[0061] The angles in the angular range WB oriented towards the outer second end E2 are specified in the frame here relative to the longitudinal center axis L. The angle specification is chosen such that it indicates the smallest angular distance to the longitudinal center axis, ie according to Fig. 2 the angle measurement is made to the “right” on the longitudinal center axis L, while this is Fig. 1 to the "left" onto the longitudinal center axis L. Angles that are measured counterclockwise in the second end region EB2 starting from the longitudinal center axis L are positive angles. Angles that are measured clockwise in the second end region EB2 starting from the longitudinal center axis L are negative angles. The reverse applies to the first end region EB1. In summary, angles measured "downwards" relative to the longitudinal center axis L are negative and angles measured "upwards" relative to the longitudinal center axis L are positive. The angles or angular ranges specified in the claims are to be seen as absolute values, i.e. only in relation to the longitudinal center axis L without a direction positive or negative to this. The material saving can be achieved with one, two, three or four angle bisectors relative to the longitudinal center axis L.

[0062] Out of Fig. 2, it can be seen that a first angular range W1, a second angular range W2, and a third angular range W3 are provided. The first angular range W1 is 0° to 10° relative to the longitudinal center axis L, the second angular range W2 is 30° to 60° relative to the longitudinal center axis L, and the third angular range W3 is 80° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis L. This according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 also equally for the same angle ranges with a negative sign.

[0063] Out of Fig. 2 shows that in the angular range W1 the ring thickness of the ring structure of the bearing eye is greater than in the angular range W2. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows that in the angular range W3, the ring thickness is greater than in the angular range W2. In particular, the ring thickness is the same in the angular ranges W1 and W3, while in the angular range W2, it is smaller than the ring thickness in the angular range W1 and W3.

[0064] These statements apply accordingly to the angular ranges W1, W2, and W3 with a negative sign. In particular, the second end region EB2 is axially symmetrical to the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a coupling rod 10 in the longitudinal plane LE, which has axially symmetrical first end regions EB1 and second end regions EB2, wherein the axial symmetry in the longitudinal plane LE is relative to the longitudinal center axis L. The bearing eye in the second end region EB2 has a smaller diameter than the bearing eye in the first end region EB1. A rod-shaped, in particular rectilinear, intermediate region ZB is arranged between the first end region EB1 and the second end region EB2.

[0066] The second end area EB2 of the Fig. 3 corresponds to the second end region EB2 of the Fig. 2. The first end area EB1 corresponds to the first end area EB1 of the Fig. 1, but contains further explanations of the nature of the ring structure 50.

[0067] In another, in Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the rigid connecting part has axially symmetrical first end regions EB1 and second end regions EB2, wherein the axial symmetry is given in the longitudinal plane LE relative to the longitudinal center axis LE as well as to a transverse center axis Q extending through a center point of the coupling rod and arranged in the longitudinal plane LE. In such an embodiment, the first opening 20 in the first end region EB1 and the second opening in the second end region EB2 are of the same design, ie the first radius R1 of the first opening 20 corresponds to the first radius R1 of the second opening 20. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view in contrast to the other figures, which show a sectional view.

[0068] Out of Fig. 3 shows that the cross-section of the opening 20 in the longitudinal plane LE is circular. This circular shape is associated with a first circle K1 with a first radius R1, the center of which coincides with the center M of the opening 20.

[0069] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 shows a second circle K2 with a radius R2, the center point of which also coincides with the center point M of the opening 20. The course of the circumference of the second circle 2 describes, at least in sections, in particular in the angular range W1 and angular range W3, as well as in their reflection on the longitudinal center axis, the course of the outer boundary surface 40 of the coupling rod 10. The angular ranges W1, W2 and W3 are not shown in the first end region EB1 for reasons of clarity, but are still visible from the second end region EB2 and can be transferred accordingly to the first end region EB1.

[0070] Furthermore, Fig. 3 a third circle K3 with a third radius R3, whose center coincides with the center M of the opening 20. The third radius R3 is larger than the first radius R1. Furthermore, the third radius R3 is smaller than the second radius R2.

[0071] The ring structure 50 is designed such that in the angular range W1 and W3 the second circle, in particular its circumference, describes the course of the outer boundary surface 40, while in the angular range W2 the outer boundary surface 40 is essentially flat.

[0072] The course of the outer boundary surface 40 of the ring structure 50 in the angular range W2 can be determined in such a way that a straight line G is provided starting from the center point M at a 45° angle, oriented towards the outer first end 1, relative to the longitudinal center axis L, which intersects the second circle K2 at a point B. This point B is the tangential contact point B of the partially flat outer boundary surface 40 with the circle 2. The outer boundary surface 40 thus forms a tangential plane to the circumference of the second circle K2 in the angular range W2.

[0073] By means of such a design of the coupling rod, a large material saving can be achieved for less heavily loaded sections of the ring structure 50 while at the same time ensuring the reliability of the bearing eye or the coupling rod 10, in particular if the end region EB1 is axially symmetrical relative to the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal plane LE and furthermore the second end region EB2 is axially symmetrical relative to the transverse center axis Q in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0074] Bearing eyelets designed in this way are particularly advantageous under tensile loads. The stress peaks occur at 0°, 90°, and -90° from the longitudinal center axis. In between, particularly at 45°, there are areas with comparatively low stress absorption, which is why the ring thickness of the bearing eyelet's ring structure can be reduced in these areas.

[0075] Such a coupling rod 10 according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 can be made of plastic or metal depending on the intended load.

[0076] Since the devices described in detail above are exemplary embodiments, they can be modified widely by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangements and the relative sizes of the individual elements are merely exemplary.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a coupling rod 10 in the longitudinal plane LE, which has a first end region EB1 and a second end region EB2. Fig. 4 includes the reference numerals of the Fig. 3 and adds reference symbols to indicate the differences.

[0078] The bearing eyes arranged in the end areas EB1 and EB2 respectively have, in contrast to Fig. 5 openings 20 with different radii, namely with the radius R1 for the Fig. 4 left-sided oriented bearing eye or with the radius R1' for the Fig. 4 bearing eye oriented to the right. This represents an asymmetric design of the first and second end areas EB1 and EB2.

[0079] According to Fig. 4, the radius R1' is smaller than the radius R1. Since the radii R2 and R3 of the second circle K2 and the third circle K3 for the right-hand bearing eye are of the same dimensions as for the left-hand bearing eye, the ring structure at least partially surrounding the opening for the right-hand bearing eye has a greater overall ring thickness. The outer boundary surface 40 follows the second circle in both end regions EB1 and EB2 in sections within the angular range W1 and W3, while the outer boundary surface in the angular range W2 is designed as a tangential plane to the third circle.

[0080] Furthermore, Fig. 4 has an intermediate region ZB arranged between the first and second end regions EB1 and EB2, which has a curvature, i.e., is not linear. In this case, the longitudinal center axis L follows the center line of the connecting piece or coupling rod 10. In the first and second end regions EB1 and EB2, the longitudinal center axis L runs horizontally in the longitudinal plane LE.

[0081] The curvature of the intermediate region ZB can, for example, be designed axially symmetrically to a Fig. 4, or point-symmetrical to a center point of the coupling rod 10, or symmetrical in some other way. Also, no symmetry at all can be provided for the intermediate region ZB. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Connecting part, rigid 20 Opening 30 Interface, inner 40 Interface, outer 50 ring structure 60 ring thickness L Longitudinal center axis LE longitudinal plane M Center of the opening EB1 end area, first EB2 end area, second E end, outer K1 circle, first K2 circle, second K3 circle, third R1 radius, first R2 radius, second R3 radius, third WB angle range, oriented towards the outer end W1 first angle range, for example 0° to 10° W2 second angle range, for example 30° to 60° W3 third angle range, for example 80° to 90° B Point of contact, tangential TE tangential plane G Straight Q transverse center axis E.g. intermediate area

Claims

[1] Rigid connecting part (10) for the mechanical coupling of at least a first component and a second component, wherein the connecting part (10) has at least one opening (20) for receiving a bearing, by means of which the mechanical coupling can be effected during operation, wherein the connecting part (10) has a longitudinal central axis (L) on which a center point (M) associated with the opening (20) is arranged, wherein the opening (20) is arranged in at least one end region (EB1, EB2) of the connecting part (10), wherein the opening (20) is completely delimited in the radial direction by means of an inner boundary surface (30) of the connecting part (10), wherein the connecting part (10) has an outer boundary surface (40) which at least partially surrounds the opening (20), wherein the inner boundary surface (30) and the outer boundary surface (40) are arranged at a distance from one another,such that the connecting part (20) surrounds the opening (20) in sections in a ring-like manner with a ring thickness (60), wherein the ring thickness (60) is designed to vary in an angular range (WB) oriented towards an outer end (E1, E2) of the end region (EB1, EB2) from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), wherein the ring thickness (60) in an angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of at least 80° to 90° (W3) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) is greater than the ring thickness (60) in an angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of at least 30° to 60° (W2) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L). [2] Rigid connecting part (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ring thickness (60) in an angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of the end region (EB1, EB2) of at least 0 to 10° (W1) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) is greater than the ring thickness (60) of the angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of at least 30° to 60° (W2) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) and / or wherein the ring thickness (60) in an angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of the end region (EB1, EB2) starting from the longitudinal center axis (L) in a first angular range (W1) of at least 5°, in particular at least 10°, in particular at least 15°, is greater than the ring thickness (60) of the angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) starting from the longitudinal center axis (L) in a second angular range (W2) by an angle bisector of the angular range (WB) oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) of the end region (EB1, EB2), in particular in a range of at least 5° on both sides of the angle bisector, in particular in a range of at least 10° on both sides of the angle bisector, in particular in a range of at least 15° on both sides of the angle bisector relative to the longitudinal center axis. [3] Rigid connecting part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner boundary surface (30) is circular in a longitudinal plane (LE) formed by the longitudinal center axis (L) and the radial direction of the opening (20) according to a first circle (K1) with a first radius (R1), wherein the outer boundary surface (40) in the longitudinal plane (LE) is circular in sections according to a second circle (K2) with a second radius (R2), wherein the first and the second circle (K1, K2) are arranged concentrically to one another, in particular in the longitudinal plane (LE), around the center point (M) of the opening (20), and the second radius (R2) is greater than the first radius (R1),wherein the outer boundary surface (40) follows the circumferential course of the second circle (K2) in the first angular range (W1) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L) and in the third angular range (W3) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), and the outer boundary surface (40) deviates from the course of the second circle (K2) in the second angular range (W2) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L), in particular the ring thickness (60) is reduced. [4] Rigid connecting part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer boundary surface (40) in the second angular range (W2) is formed substantially as a plane (TE). [5] Rigid connecting part (10) according to claim 4, wherein the plane (TE) is arranged tangentially to a third circle (K3) having a third radius (R3) arranged concentrically to the first circle (K1) and second circle (K2), where the third radius (R3) is greater than the first radius (R1) and the third radius (R3) is smaller than the second radius (R2). [6] Rigid connecting part (10) according to claim 5, wherein a tangential contact point (BE) of the plane (TE) to the third circle (K3) is arranged on a straight line (G) which extends from the center point (M) of the opening (20) at an angle of 45° oriented towards the outer end (E1, E2) relative to the longitudinal center axis (L). [7] Rigid connecting part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end region (EB1) is formed symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis (L) in the longitudinal plane (LE) formed by the longitudinal center axis (L) and a radial direction of the opening (20). [8] Rigid connecting part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second end region (EB2) is provided opposite the first end region (EB1) in the direction of the longitudinal center axis (L), wherein the second end region (EB2) is formed symmetrically to the first end region (EB1), wherein an associated transverse axis of symmetry (Q) runs through a center point of the connecting part (10) perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis (L) in the longitudinal plane (LE). [9] Rigid connecting part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting part (10) is designed as a handlebar or coupling rod.

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