Screwless gearbox flange connection for connecting a gearbox shaft to a driveshaft and a motor vehicle equipped with it

Abstract

The invention relates to a screwless transmission flange connection (1) for connecting a transmission shaft (2) to a driveshaft (3) in a drive train (7) of a motor vehicle (6), comprising a transmission flange (4) and a joint flange (5). A backlash-free and low-wear configuration is achieved by the transmission flange (4) having at least three axially projecting first projections (12), between each of which a first gap (13) is formed, and by the joint flange (5) having at least three axially projecting second projections (15), between each of which a second gap (16) is formed. The second projections (15) engage axially in the first gaps (13), and the first projections (12) engage axially in the second gaps (16). The first and second projections (12, 15) are bounded in the circumferential direction (U) by first and second flanks (19, 21) which have a small ramp angle (20, 22) relative to the axial direction.Furthermore, the projections (12, 15), the gaps (13, 16) and the ramp angles (20, 22) are coordinated so that each of the first flanks (19) abuts one of the second flanks (21) in the circumferential direction (U).

Description

The present invention relates to a screwless transmission flange connection for connecting a transmission shaft to a propeller shaft in a drive train of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.Motor vehicles have a drive train which transmits a drive power from a drive unit to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. The powertrain may include a transmission having a transmission shaft at the transmission output. The drive train may further include a propeller shaft coupled to the transmission shaft by a transmission flange connection for torque transmission. Within the drive train, the greatest torques occur on the transmission shaft, which must be transmitted reliably to the articulated shaft and thus to the remaining drive train with the aid of the transmission flange connection.A generic screwless transmission flange connection for connecting a transmission shaft to a propeller shaft in a drive train of a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2016 008 002 A1 and comprises a transmission flange formed on the transmission shaft, a propeller flange formed on the propeller shaft, which is coupled to the transmission flange for torque transmission, and a rotational axis about which the transmission flange connection rotates during a driving operation of the motor vehicle. The transmission flange has at least three axially protruding first projections on an axial first end side facing the joint flange, which projections are uniformly distributed in a circumferential direction circumferentially around the axis of rotation, wherein a first gap is formed in each case in the circumferential direction between two adjacent first projections. The joint flange has, on an axial second end face facing the transmission flange, at least three axially protruding second projections which are formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first gaps, such that the second projections engage axially in the first gaps, wherein in the circumferential direction between each two adjacent second projections a respective second gap is formed which are formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first projections, such that the first projections engage axially in the second gaps. The first end side has on the edge side a first ring contour encircling in the circumferential direction, from which the first projections protrude axially and on which the first gaps are formed, while the second end side has on the edge side a second ring contour encircling in the circumferential direction, from which the second projections protrude axially and on which the second gaps are formed. The first projections are bounded in the circumferential direction by first flanks which have a first ramp angle of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axial direction. The second projections are bounded in the circumferential direction by second flanks which have a second ramp angle of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axial direction. The first and second protrusions, the first and second gaps, and the first and second ramp angles are matched to one another such that each of the first flanks abuts one of the second flanks in the circumferential direction.A similar screwless flange connection is known from DE 10 2017 105 558 A1. Further flange connections with axial tooth arrangements on the end face are known from DE 603 04 706 T2, from U.S. Pat. No. 2,710,763 and from U.S. Pat. No. 2,913,261.CH 343 720 A discloses a screwed flange connection for connecting two shafts, wherein the two shafts each have a flange which is equipped on axially mutually facing end faces in each case with mutually complementary end toothings which engage axially in a positive-locking manner for transmitting torque. In addition, the two flanges are screwed together by means of a plurality of screw connections in order to bias the flanges axially towards one another and to secure them axially to one another. However, it has been found that seating processes can occur during the operation of such flange connections, which can lead to loosening of the visual connections. Loosened screw connections can lead to play in the circumferential direction and to increased wear. In extreme cases, the screw connections can also be partially and even completely loosened.A screwless transmission flange connection of the generic type is known, for example, from DE 196 45 880 A1 and comprises a transmission flange formed on the transmission shaft and a joint flange formed on the joint shaft, which is coupled to the transmission flange for the transmission of torque. The transmission flange connection has an axis of rotation about which the transmission flange connection rotates during a driving operation of the motor vehicle. For the torque-transmitting coupling, in the known transmission flange connection an axial spline is formed, wherein an axial inner toothing is formed on a radial inner side of the transmission flange, while an axial outer toothing is formed on a radial outer side of the joint flange, which is formed complementary to the inner toothing, such that the outer toothing can be inserted axially into the inner toothing in order to produce the torque-transmitting connection. In the known transmission flange connection, a securing clip is also provided which is of U-shaped cross section and radially outwards engages around both the transmission flange and the joint flange and prestresses them axially relative to one another. The flanges inserted into one another are axially secured to one another by the securing clamp, so that screw connections can be dispensed with.From DE 39 06 139 A1, an arrangement with two components is known, wherein the two components have projections and gaps on the circumference which are associated with one another in the manner of a claw clutch and which engage one another and thus produce a connection which is fixed in the circumferential direction. The two components are equipped radially on the outside with a common circumferentially closed annular groove into which a securing ring is inserted in order to secure the two components axially to one another.DE 10 2016 015 264 A1 discloses a further screwed flange connection in which two shafts each have a flange, wherein the two flanges have mutually matching projections and gaps in the manner of a claw clutch, which engage in one another axially in order to enable torque transmission. A plurality of screw connections axially clamp the two flanges towards one another and thereby secure the flange connection.DE 197 51 855 C1 discloses a flange connection for connecting a drive shaft to a wheel carrier of a wheel suspension, in which the flanges are equipped with mutually complementary spur tooth arrangements. In addition, on the flanges, radially on the outside in the region of the spur tooth arrangements, a closed encircling, common annular groove is provided, into which a securing ring is inserted.The present invention is concerned with the problem of specifying an improved or at least one other embodiment for a screwless transmission flange connection of the type described above, which is distinguished in particular by ease of assembly, high torque transmission and low wear.This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.The invention is based on the general idea of providing the joint flange and the gear flange with projections and gaps which engage axially in one another in the manner of a claw clutch for transmitting torque, flanks which delimit the respective projection in the circumferential direction being inclined with respect to the axis of rotation at a comparatively small ramp angle. In addition, the projections, the gaps and the ramp angles are matched to one another such that all flanks bear directly against another flank in each case, with the result that the transmission flange and the joint flange engage with one another without play in the circumferential direction. The play-free engagement of the two flanges on the one hand realizes a reliable torque transmission with low wear. Secondly, this automatically centers the two flanges and thus the two shafts relative to one another. Due to the respective comparatively small ramp angle, which is a maximum of 15°, for example, the torque transmission takes place with forces which have only a very small axial portion and are accordingly largely formed by a force portion oriented in the circumferential direction. The ramp angle achieves a clearance-free interlocking even if the production of the projections and gaps is subject to tolerances. As a result, the transmission flange connection presented here is tolerant with respect to manufacturing tolerances and settling phenomena.In detail, it is proposed that the gear flange has at least three axially protruding first projections on an axial first end side facing the joint flange, which projections are uniformly distributed in a circumferential direction circumferentially around the axis of rotation, wherein a first gap is formed in each case in the circumferential direction between two adjacent first projections on the first end side. It is also proposed that the joint flange has, on an axial second end side facing the transmission flange, at least three axially protruding second projections which are formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first gaps, such that the second projections engage axially in the first gaps, wherein in the circumferential direction between each two adjacent second projections a respective second gap is formed which is formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first projections, such that the first projections engage axially in the second gaps. Due to the mutually complementary configuration and arrangement of the projections and gaps, the number of first projections, of second projections, of first gaps and of second gaps is in each case the same. In addition, in the transmission flange connection according to the invention, it is provided that the first end side has, on the edge side, a first annular contour which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction and from which the first projections protrude axially and on which the first gaps are formed, wherein the second end side has, on the edge side, a second annular contour which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction and from which the second projections protrude axially and on which the second gaps are formed. Furthermore, the first projections are bounded in the circumferential direction by first flanks which have a first ramp angle of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the second projections are bounded in the circumferential direction by second flanks which have a second ramp angle of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axis of rotation. For a particularly advantageous torque transmission, it can be provided that the first ramp angle is of the same size as the second ramp angle. In addition, the projections, the gaps and the ramp angles are matched to one another such that each of the first flanks bears against one of the second flanks in the circumferential direction. This results in a closed contacting of the first projections on the second projections in the circumferential direction and vice versa, so that the two flanges engage with one another without play in the circumferential direction.An embodiment is particularly advantageous for the self-centering effect, in which the first flanks and the second flanks are configured planar and oriented radially. As a result, a straight line lying in the respective flank or a straight line touching the respective flank runs radially and is therefore perpendicular to the axis of rotation.According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the projections, the gaps and the ramp angles are matched to one another such that a first axial gap is formed axially between the first projections and the second ring contour and a second axial gap is formed axially between the second projections and the first ring contour. This coordination ensures that manufacturing tolerances can be compensated for via the ramp angles or via the ramp-shaped flanks in such a way that the first projections can enter the second gaps axially until the first flanks come to rest against the second flanks.According to the invention, it is provided that the transmission flange connection has a securing ring which runs circumferentially in the circumferential direction and axially secures the transmission flange coupled to the joint flange on the joint flange. In addition, it is provided that the first projections project radially beyond the first ring contour and have an axial depression extending in the circumferential direction on a rear side axially facing away from the joint flange. Furthermore, the second projections have an axially projecting collar radially on the outside, which projects axially beyond the depressions of the first projections and has a groove extending in the circumferential direction radially on the inside for receiving the securing ring. In addition, the securing ring is supported axially on the first projections on a base of the respective depression and on the second projections on a groove wall of the respective groove which faces the depressions axially. With the aid of the securing ring, the mutually coupled flanges are axially secured, whereby the play-free engagement of the two flanges is also secured. Since the second projections with the respective collar axially overlap the first projections, the securing ring can be attached to the rear sides of the first projections, whereby the securing ring produces a positive fit which axially secures the joint flange on the gear flange. Such a form-fit functions with particularly high reliability. Since the securing ring is simultaneously axially supported on the first projections and on the second projections, it is arranged axially free of play, which reduces wear.According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective base of the respective depression and the respective groove wall axially facing the depressions define a receiving cross section for receiving the securing ring and are matched to one another in such a way that the receiving cross section narrows radially outwards. Since the securing ring is expediently configured as a clamping ring or a snap ring which, in the assembled state, is prestressed radially outwards, the radially outwards tapering receiving cross section has the effect that the securing ring prestresses the transmission flange axially against the joint flange, which assists the coupling thereof without play.In the present context, a "configuration" is synonymous with a "configuration" and / or "device", such that the phrase "configured such that" is synonymous with the phrase "configured such that" and / or "configured such that".According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bottom of the respective depression axially rises radially outwards in the direction of the respective groove wall axially facing the depressions. This measure makes it possible in particular to realize the radially outwardly tapering receiving cross section. Additionally or alternatively, the respective groove wall of the respective groove axially facing the depressions can rise axially radially outwards in the direction of the depressions. This measure also assists the configuration of the radially outwardly tapering receiving cross section.An embodiment is particularly advantageous in which it is provided that the respective groove has a groove base which delimits the groove radially outwards, wherein the respective base of the respective depression, the respective groove and the securing ring are matched to one another such that a radial gap is formed radially between the securing ring and the respective groove base. This design ensures that seating phenomena which can occur during operation of the transmission flange connection can be compensated. As a result of such seating effects, it is possible in principle for the first projections to be able to enter axially deeper into the second gaps and / or for the second projections to be able to enter axially deeper into the first gaps. This can be compensated, in particular in conjunction with a radially outwardly tapering receiving cross section, in that the securing ring can expand radially further into the groove, as a result of which the radial gap is reduced, but the axial securing by the securing ring can be retained without play.According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first projections each have a flat first end face running perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the second projections can each have a planar second end face running perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the first gaps can each have a flat first surface running perpendicular to the axis of rotation on the first ring contour. Additionally or alternatively, the second gaps can each have a planar second surface running perpendicular to the axis of rotation on the second ring contour. A planar configuration of the end faces and / or of the surfaces enables an axially particularly compact design for the transmission flange connection.In another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first projections are dimensioned larger in the circumferential direction than in an axial direction running parallel to the axis of rotation and than in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second projections are dimensioned larger in the circumferential direction than in the axial direction and than in the radial direction. By means of the proposed construction of the first and / or second projections, particularly large torques can be reliably transmitted with an axially compact construction.According to another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first projections and / or the first flanks are dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second projections and / or the second flanks are dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction. As a result of this construction, the transmission flange connection is of compact construction in the axial direction and enables the transmission of large torques.Expediently, the first projections are dimensioned to be approximately the same size in the circumferential direction as the second projections, whereby a uniform torque transmission is realized.The number of first protrusions, second protrusions, first gaps, and second gaps is equal. According to the invention, the number is at least three. In principle, the number can be selected to be arbitrarily large. However, a comparatively small number is preferred. For example, the number can be a maximum of twelve, in particular a maximum of nine and preferably a maximum of six or any desired integer between three and twelve.The securing ring can be configured expediently as a clamping ring or a snap ring. Moreover, the securing ring can preferably be configured as a round wire ring. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the securing ring can be configured as a round wire snap ring.Expediently, the first projections and the first gaps and thus also the second projections and the second gaps are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction. Moreover, it is expediently provided that all first projections are configured identically. Furthermore, all first gaps are expediently also configured identically. Furthermore, all the second projections are expediently configured identically. Furthermore, all the second gaps are expediently also configured identically.A motor vehicle according to the invention, which can be a passenger vehicle in particular, has a drive train which has a articulated shaft and a transmission with a transmission shaft. In addition, the motor vehicle is equipped with a screwless transmission flange connection of the type described above.Further important features and advantages of the invention are evident from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.It is understood that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The above-mentioned components of a superordinate unit, such as a device, a device or an arrangement, which are designated separately, can form separate components or components of this unit or can be integral regions or sections of this unit, even if this is illustrated differently in the drawings.Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally the same components.They show, in each case schematically, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a screwless transmission flange connection, FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail II from FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a gear flange, FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a hinge flange, FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the transmission flange connection in the region of a securing ring, FIG. 6 shows a greatly simplified side view of a motor vehicle.According to FIG. 1, a screwless transmission flange connection 1, which is configured for connecting a transmission shaft 2 to a propeller shaft 3, comprises a transmission flange 4 formed on the transmission shaft 2 and a propeller flange 5 formed on the propeller shaft 3. The screwless transmission flange connection 1 works without screw connections for axially clamping and securing the transmission flange 4 on the joint flange 5.According to FIG. 6, the transmission flange connection 1 is used in a motor vehicle 6, which is shown in simplified form. The motor vehicle 6, which is preferably a passenger car, has a drive train 7 which comprises the articulated shaft 3 and a transmission 8 with the transmission shaft 2. The motor vehicle 6 is now also equipped with the transmission flange connection 1 in order to couple the transmission shaft 2 to the articulated shaft 3. The drive train 7 also comprises a drive unit 9 for generating a drive power which is transmitted from the drive train 7 to driven wheels 10 of the motor vehicle 6.According to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, the transmission flange connection 1 defines an axis of rotation D about which the transmission flange connection 1 rotates during a driving operation of the motor vehicle 6. The axis of rotation D in turn defines an axial direction which runs parallel to the axis of rotation D and a radial direction which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. The axis of rotation D also defines a circumferential direction U that revolves around the axis of rotation D.According to FIG. 3, the transmission flange 4 has at least three axially protruding first projections 12 on an axial first end face 11 axially facing the joint flange 5, which projections are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction U. At least three first gaps 13 are also arranged on the first end face 11, which are each formed in the circumferential direction U between two adjacent first projections 12. Thus, there are as many first gaps 13 as first protrusions 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3, exactly six first projections 12 and accordingly exactly six first gaps 13 are provided.According to FIG. 4, the joint flange 5 has at least three axially protruding second projections 15 on an axial second end face 14 axially facing the transmission flange 4, which second projections are formed and arranged complementary to the first gaps 13, so that in the assembled state according to FIG. 1 the second projections 15 axially engage in the first gaps 13. In this case, a respective second projection 15 engages axially in a respective first gap 13. Thus, the same number of second projections 15 as the number of first gaps 13 are provided. At least three second gaps 16 are also arranged on the second end face 14, each of which gaps is formed in the circumferential direction U between two adjacent second projections 15. Thus, the same number of second gaps 16 as the number of second projections 15 are provided. The second gaps 16 are formed and arranged complementary to the first projections 12 such that in the assembled state according to FIG. 1 the first projections 12 axially engage in the second gaps 16. Specifically, exactly one first projection 12 engages in exactly one second gap 16 axially. Thus, there are as many second gaps 16 as first protrusions 12. In the example shown, exactly six second projections 15 and exactly six second gaps 16 are thus provided. All first projections 12 are expediently of identical configuration. All first gaps 13 are expediently configured identically. All the second projections 15 are expediently of identical configuration. All second gaps 16 are expediently configured identically.According to FIG. 3, the first end face 11 has on the edge side a first annular contour 17 which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction U and from which the first projections 12 project axially and on which the first gaps 13 are formed. In other words, the first ring contour 17 does not extend over the entire cross section of the first end side 11, but only over an edge-side region. According to FIG. 4, the second end face 14 has on the edge side a second annular contour 18 which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction U and from which the second projections 15 protrude axially and on which the second gaps 16 are formed. The second ring contour 18 thus also extends only on the edge side, that is to say not over the entire cross section of the second end face 14.According to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first projections 12 are each bounded in the circumferential direction U by two first flanks 19 which, with respect to the axial direction, have a first ramp angle 20 which has a value of at least 0.5° and at most 15°. The first ramp angle 20 is in particular a maximum of 10° and preferably a maximum of 5°. According to FIGS. 2 and 4, the second projections 15 are each bounded in the circumferential direction U by two second flanks 21, which according to FIG. 2 have a second ramp angle 22 with respect to the axial direction, which likewise has at least 0.5° and at most 15°. In particular, the second ramp angle 22 is a maximum of 10° and preferably a maximum of 5°. A configuration is preferred in which the first ramp angle 20 is of the same size as the second ramp angle 22, so that in FIG. 2 the two ramp angles 20, 22 coincide. In FIG. 2, for visualization of the ramp angles 20, 22, two auxiliary lines 23, 24 are entered, by way of example, for a first projection 12 on each of the two first flanks 19. The respective first auxiliary line 23 extends parallel to the axis of rotation D and thereby represents the axial direction. The respective second auxiliary line 24 lies in one of the first flanks 19 or in one of the second flanks 21, so that the angle between the two auxiliary lines 23, 24 represents the first ramp angle 20 or the second ramp angle 22.According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first projections 12, the second projections 15, the first gaps 13, the second gaps 16 and the two ramp angles 20, 22 are matched to one another such that each of the first flanks 19 bears against one of the second flanks 21 in the circumferential direction U. With ramp angles 20, 22 of the same size, the respective first flanks 19 bear flat against the respective second flank 21. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment shown here, the projections 12, 15, the gaps 13, 16 and the ramp angles 20, 22 are matched to one another such that a first axial gap 25 is formed axially between the first projections 12 and the second ring contour 18 in the respective second gap 16, which can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5. In the same way, a second axial gap 26 is also formed axially between the second projections 15 and the first ring contour 17 in the respective first gap 13, which gap is not recognizable in the figures and is indicated only in FIG. 2 with a broken reference line.According to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the transmission flange connection 1 also has a securing ring 27 which runs circumferentially in the circumferential direction U and axially secures the transmission flange 4 coupled to the joint flange 5 on the joint flange 5. The securing ring 27 can have an interruption in the circumferential direction U in order to simplify or to make possible the mounting and dismantling of the securing ring 27. The securing ring 27 is expediently configured as a clamping ring or a snap ring. In the example shown, the securing ring 27 is configured as a round wire split ring. An embodiment in which the securing ring 27 is configured as a round wire snap ring is particularly advantageous.The first flanks 19 are preferably configured planar and oriented radially. In FIG. 3, two first straight lines 41 are drawn by way of example, which each lie in one of the first flanks 19. Since in the example shown the number of first projections 12 is straight, the first straight lines 41 lie in each case in two first flanks 19 which are diametrically opposite one another. The second flanks 21 are preferably configured planar and oriented radially. In FIG. 4, two second straight lines 42 are drawn by way of example, which each lie in one of the second flanks 21. Since in the example shown the number of second projections 15 is straight, the second straight lines 42 each lie in two second flanks 21 which are diametrically opposite one another.According to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5, the first projections 12 are designed such that they project radially beyond the first ring contour 17. In addition, the first projections 12 have, on a rear side 28 which is axially remote from the joint flange 5 and which can only be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, an axial depression 29 which extends along the respective first projection 12 in the circumferential direction U. According to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the second projections 15 have radially on the outside an axially projecting collar 30 which, in the assembled state of FIGS. 1 and 5, projects axially beyond the depressions 29 of the first projections 12. The respective collar 30 extends in the circumferential direction U along the respective second protrusion 15. In addition, the respective collar 30 has a groove 31 radially on the inside, which groove serves to receive the securing ring 27 and extends in the circumferential direction U along the second protrusion 15 or along the collar 30. For the sake of better illustration, the contour of one of the second projections 15 is drawn in with a broken line in FIG. 5, in order to be able to superimpose the section through one of the first projections 12 with a section through one of the second projections 15 in the sectional view of FIG. 5. In the assembled state, the securing ring 27 is supported axially on the one hand on the first projections 12 in each case on a base 32 of the respective depression 29. In addition, the securing ring 27 is supported axially on the second projections 15 on a groove wall 33 of the respective groove 31, wherein the respective groove wall 33 faces the depressions 29 axially or lies axially opposite them.According to FIG. 5, it can expediently be provided that the respective base 32 of the respective depression 29 and the respective groove wall 33 axially facing the depressions 29 define a receiving cross section 34 which is configured to receive the securing ring 27. Furthermore, the respective base 32 and the opposite groove wall 33 are matched to one another here such that the receiving cross section 34 tapers radially outwards. The tapering of the receiving cross section 34 radially outwards is achieved in the example shown in FIG. 5 in that, on the one hand, the base 32 of the respective depression 29 axially rises radially outwards in the direction of the opposite groove wall 33. In addition, it is provided here that the respective groove wall 33 of the respective groove 31 facing the depressions 29 axially rises radially outwards in the direction of the depressions 29. The base 32 and the opposite groove wall 33 thus approach one another radially outwards, which leads to the desired tapering of the receiving cross section 34 radially outwards. The groove 31 is open radially inward and also has a groove base 35 which delimits the groove 31 radially outward. According to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the respective base 32, the respective groove 31 and the securing ring 27 are matched to one another such that a radial gap 36 is formed radially between the securing ring 27 and the respective groove base 35. In other words, in the assembled state, the securing ring 27 usually does not touch the groove base 36. The securing ring 27 is expediently prestressed radially outwards and is accordingly driven by its prestressing in the direction of the groove base 36. However, the radially outwardly tapering receiving cross section 34 prevents the radial contact between the securing ring 27 and the groove base 36; if an axial setting process occurs during operation of the transmission flange connection 1, the transmission flange 4 and the joint flange 5 can slightly approach one another axially, as a result of which the first axial gap 25 and the second axial gap 26 are reduced correspondingly slightly. As a result, the first projections 12 are necessarily displaced slightly axially with respect to the second projections 15. As a result, the bottom 32 within the receiving cross section 34 is slightly removed from the opposite groove wall 32. Due to its prestress, the securing ring 27 can follow this widening of the receiving cross section 34, expand radially and accordingly penetrate radially deeper into the groove 31 until it again bears both against the base 32 and against the opposite groove wall 33.According to FIG. 3, the first projections 12 can preferably each have a flat first end face 37 running perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. Likewise, the first gaps 13, in each case on the first ring contour 17, can have a planar first surface 38 running perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. According to FIG. 4, the second projections 15 can preferably each have a flat second end face 39 running perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. The second gaps 16 can each have a planar second surface 40 running perpendicular to the axis of rotation D on the second ring contour 18. The planar configuration of the projections 12, 15 and of the gaps 13, 16 enables an axially compact design.It can also be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 that the first projections 12 are dimensioned larger in the circumferential direction U than in the axial direction and than in the radial direction. The second projections 15 are also dimensioned larger in the circumferential direction U than in the axial direction and than in the radial direction. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 that the first projections 12 and also the first flanks 19 are dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction. The second projections 15 and the second flanks 21 are also dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction. While the axially flat design of the projections 12 and 15 supports an axially compact design for the transmission flange connection 1, the contact surfaces formed with the aid of the flanks 19, 21 enable the desired torque transmission between the transmission flange 4 and the joint flange 5.

Claims

Screwless transmission flange connection (1) for connecting a transmission shaft (2) to a propeller shaft (3) in a drive train (7) of a motor vehicle (6), - with a transmission flange (4) formed on the transmission shaft (2), - with a propeller flange (5) formed on the propeller shaft (3) and coupled to the transmission flange (4) for transmitting torque, - with an axis of rotation (D) about which the transmission flange connection (1) rotates during a driving operation of the motor vehicle (6), characterized - in that the transmission flange (4) has, on an axial first end face (11) facing the propeller flange (5), at least three axially protruding first projections (12) which are uniformly distributed in a circumferential direction (U) encircling the axis of rotation (D), - a first gap (13) is formed in each case in the circumferential direction (U) between two adjacent first projections (12), - the joint flange (5) has at least three axially protruding second projections (15) on an axial second end face (14) facing the transmission flange (4), said second projections being formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first gaps (13), such that the second projections (15) engage axially in the first gaps (13), - a second gap (16) is formed in each case in the circumferential direction (U) between two adjacent second projections (15), said second gap being formed and arranged in a complementary manner to the first projections (12), such that the first projections (12) engage axially in the second gaps (16), - the first end face (11) has a first annular contour (17) running circumferentially in the circumferential direction (U) on the edge side, from which the first projections (12) protrude axially and on which the first gaps (13) are formed, - the second end face (14) has, on the edge side, a second annular contour (18) which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction (U) and from which the second projections (15) protrude axially and on which the second gaps (16) are formed, - the first projections (12) are delimited in the circumferential direction (U) by first flanks (19) which have a first ramp angle (20) of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axial direction, - the second projections (15) are delimited in the circumferential direction (U) by second flanks (21) which have a second ramp angle (22) of between 0.5° and 15° with respect to the axial direction, - the first and second projections (12, 15), the first and second gaps (13, 16) and the first and second ramp angles (20, 22) are matched to one another in such a way that, each of the first flanks (19) bears in the circumferential direction (U) against one of the second flanks (21), the transmission flange connection (1) has a securing ring (27) which runs circumferentially in the circumferential direction (U) and axially secures the transmission flange (4) coupled to the joint flange (5) on the joint flange (5), the first projections (12) project radially beyond the first ring contour (17) and have an axial depression (29) which extends in the circumferential direction (U) on a rear side (28) which axially remote from the joint flange (5), the second projections (15) have, radially on the outside, an axially projecting collar (30) which projects axially beyond the depressions (29) of the first projections (12) and has, radially on the inside, a groove (31) which extends in the circumferential direction (U) for receiving the securing ring (27), the securing ring (27) is axially supported on the first projections (12) on a base (32) of the respective depression (29) and is axially supported on the second projections (15) on a groove wall (33) of the respective groove (31), which groove wall axially faces the depressions (29).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to Claim 1, characterized - in that the first and second projections (12, 15), the first and second gaps (13, 16) and the ramp angles (20, 22) are matched to one another in such a way that a first axial gap (25) is formed axially between the first projections (12) and the second ring contour (18), and a second axial gap (26) is formed axially between the second projections (15) and the first ring contour (17).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the respective base (32) of the respective depression (29) and the respective groove wall (33) axially facing the depressions (29) define a receiving cross section (34) for receiving the securing ring (27) and are matched to one another in such a way that the receiving cross section (34) tapers radially outwards.Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the base (32) of the respective depression (29) rises axially radially outwards in the direction of the respective groove wall (33) axially facing the depressions (29).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the respective groove wall (33) of the respective groove (31), which groove wall axially faces the depressions (29), axially rises radially outwards in the direction of the depressions (29).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the respective groove (31) has a groove base (35) which delimits the groove (31) radially outwards, - in that the respective base (32) of the respective depression (29), the respective groove (31) and the securing ring (27) are matched to one another in such a way that a radial gap (36) is formed radially between the securing ring (27) and the respective groove base (35).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the first projections (12) each have a planar first end face (37) running perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D), and / or - in that the second projections (15) each have a planar second end face (39) running perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D), and / or - in that the first gaps (13) each have a planar first surface (38) running perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) on the first ring contour (17), and / or - in that the second gaps (16) each have a planar second surface (40) running perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) on the second ring contour (18).Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that the first projections (12) are dimensioned to be larger in the circumferential direction (U) than in the axial direction and than in the radial direction, and / or - in that the second projections (15) are dimensioned to be larger in the circumferential direction (U) than in the axial direction and than in the radial direction.Screwless transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the claims, characterized - in that the first projections (12) and / or the first flanks (19) are dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction, and / or - in that the second projections (15) and / or the second flanks (21) are dimensioned larger in the radial direction than in the axial direction.Motor vehicle (6), in particular passenger motor vehicle, - with a drive train (7) which has a articulated shaft (3) and a transmission (8) with a transmission shaft (2), - with a screw-less transmission flange connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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