CONNECTION OF AN AXLE SUBFRAME TO A LONGITUDINAL PROFILE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement of an axle subframe with a longitudinal profile according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Subframes are used to connect an axle to the body of a motor vehicle. In particular, steerable front axles of motor vehicles typically have a subframe to which wheel-guiding control arms are attached on both sides. Known subframes are designed as multi-part sheet metal constructions and, for example, have two longitudinal members connected by cross members and mounting or attachment points for add-on components. An axle subframe can also have two compound subframe parts, also referred to as the upper and lower subframe parts, where the compound subframe parts form longitudinal profiles or sections and transverse profiles or sections of the axle subframe.

[0003] Several longitudinal profiles of an axle subframe can be connected to each other to form a longitudinal profile assembly or arrangement. In this context, it is known that a longitudinal profile section of a first longitudinal profile is inserted into a longitudinal profile section of a second longitudinal profile of the axle subframe until it abuts a stop. The stop acts as a slip barrier. This is often achieved by a bulkhead plate, which is integrated into the second longitudinal profile, usually welded in place. However, the welds represent potential weak points. From a cost, weight, and manufacturing perspective, additional bulkhead plates or separate stop components integrated with a longitudinal profile do not offer the best advantages.

[0004] US patent 2023 / 347981 A1 discloses a structural component node, a crash box connector, and a crash extender connector, each having an upper plate extending in a substantially horizontal plane, allowing the crash extender and crash box to be directly connected to each other.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of demonstrating a connection arrangement of an axle subframe with a longitudinal profile that is advantageous in terms of manufacturing and component technology and improved for operational use, especially in the event of a crash impact in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0006] According to the invention, the solution to this problem consists of a connection arrangement according to claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the axle subframe according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] An axle subframe serves to connect an axle to the body of a motor vehicle. The axle subframe has a longitudinal profile section. A longitudinal profile is inserted into this longitudinal profile section of the axle subframe until the longitudinal profile section of the longitudinal profile reaches a stop.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one stop in a wall of the longitudinal profile section of the axle subframe is formed by an inwardly shaped embossing.

[0010] The longitudinal profile section of the axle subframe, which accommodates the longitudinal profile section of the longitudinal profile, is at least an indirect component of a longitudinal profile of the motor vehicle subframe.

[0011] The longitudinal profile inserted into the longitudinal section of the vehicle subframe is hereinafter referred to as the first longitudinal profile. The longitudinal profile of the vehicle subframe is hereinafter referred to as the second longitudinal profile. The connection between the vehicle subframe and the longitudinal profile forms a connecting assembly.

[0012] The stop acts as a travel limiter for the first longitudinal profile within the longitudinal profile section of the axle subframe. This is advantageous even during assembly. The first longitudinal profile can be inserted into the longitudinal profile section of the axle subframe until it reaches the stop. The two longitudinal profile sections are then positioned relative to each other, brought into the specified or correct assembly position, and joined together in this position. This is achieved primarily using bolted fasteners. Even in the event of a frontal crash or a load on the connection assembly along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (x-axis), the stop prevents the first longitudinal profile from slipping along the vehicle's longitudinal axis or counteracts slippage, ensuring or contributing to the controlled folding of the first longitudinal profile.The first longitudinal profile is designed and intended to deform in an energy-absorbing manner when subjected to an axial load along the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The stop and the fastening of the first longitudinal profile within the second longitudinal profile counteract any displacement of the first longitudinal profile into the second longitudinal profile.

[0013] Preferably, the inwardly shaped embossing has a cutting edge which forms part of the stop. The cutting edge runs along the side of the embossing facing the first longitudinal profile.

[0014] In particular, at least one stop in a wall of the second longitudinal profile is formed by a cutting edge on the inwardly shaped embossing.

[0015] The at least one stop provided according to the invention is slotted on one side and embossed inwards, towards the interior of the second longitudinal profile. This ensures a smooth and precise stop surface at the cutting edge. The stop at the cutting edge provides a precise travel limit for an inserted or plugged-in first longitudinal profile. The two longitudinal profiles are additionally joined, in particular by screwing them together.

[0016] To create the stop, a slot is made in one wall of the second longitudinal profile. A section of the wall adjacent to the slot or cut is formed inwards into the longitudinal profile, creating an indentation. This indentation forms a step with a defined shape pressed into the wall of the second longitudinal profile. The cutting edge of this inwardly pressed step or indentation forms the stop. The indentation, with the stop formed by the cutting edge, projects inwards into the cavity of the second longitudinal profile, opposite the inner surface of the longitudinal profile.

[0017] The first longitudinal profile can be a deformation element. As a deformation element, the first longitudinal profile is designed and intended to absorb energy resulting from an impact and convert it into deformation work.

[0018] The second longitudinal profile is at least an indirect component of the axle subframe. Preferably, the second longitudinal profile is an integral part of the axle subframe.

[0019] The two longitudinal profiles are joined together. In particular, the first longitudinal profile and the second longitudinal profile are connected by bolted fasteners. Specifically, these bolted fasteners are bolts that penetrate the walls of the first longitudinal profile and the walls of the second longitudinal profile and are tightened by means of external nuts.

[0020] The end of the first longitudinal profile, which is received in the second longitudinal profile, can be arranged or positioned at an axial distance from the stop and fixed in this mounting position. This is achieved using fasteners, which are in particular screw fasteners. The distance between the end of the first longitudinal profile and the stop is a maximum of 5 mm and preferably at least 1 mm. The distance is therefore dimensioned between 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 1 mm.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment provides that at least one wall of the second longitudinal profile has an inwardly shaped groove. A groove is a channel-shaped depression directed inwards into the interior of the second longitudinal profile. A groove is provided, in particular, in a wall adjacent to the wall containing the stop. A groove can also be provided in the wall opposite the wall containing the stop.

[0022] A groove runs, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second longitudinal profile. A groove has a length that extends, in particular, over more than half the height or width of a wall of the second longitudinal profile.

[0023] The first longitudinal profile and / or the second longitudinal profile can be made of steel. Likewise, the first longitudinal profile and / or the second longitudinal profile can be made of an aluminum alloy. Mixed steel / aluminum solutions are also possible.

[0024] The second longitudinal profile is primarily made of steel. The first longitudinal profile can be a single piece or multiple pieces. In a multi-piece design, the first longitudinal profile is composed of joined steel components, such as shell-shaped elements.

[0025] The first longitudinal profile can be made of a light metal material, in particular of cast aluminum or aluminum sheet shells.

[0026] The first longitudinal profile can be an extruded hollow profile. Preferably, the first longitudinal profile is an extruded, circumferentially closed hollow profile.

[0027] The cutting edge forming the stop may have a recess. This recess is a functional opening. It may serve a centering function or act as a clearance to improve the dip coating process.

[0028] One or more stops may be provided in the second longitudinal profile.

[0029] One embodiment provides for a first stop and a second stop, with the stops being formed in opposing walls of the second longitudinal profile.

[0030] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the cutting edge and a leading longitudinal edge of a bead, relative to the insertion opening of the second longitudinal profile, lie in a vertical central transverse plane of the second longitudinal profile. The first longitudinal profile then comes into contact with the cutting edge or stop, respectively, with the longitudinal profile section inserted into the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile. Additionally, the longitudinal profile abuts the leading edge of a bead. The beads assist in fixing the first longitudinal profile within the second longitudinal profile and have a beneficial effect on the deformation behavior of the first longitudinal profile.

[0031] A practically advantageous design is one in which the longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile fits positively into the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile.

[0032] The longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile is designed and intended to accommodate the longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile. The longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x-axis) of the first longitudinal profile, has a cross-sectional area of ​​the same contour as the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile, but with a smaller cross-sectional area than the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile. The longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile is designed such that it fits snugly into the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile and can be secured there by means of fasteners.

[0033] In particular, both the longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile and the longitudinal profile section of the second longitudinal profile have a rectangular cross-sectional contour.

[0034] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 shows an axle subframe in perspective view and the connection arrangement according to the invention between the axle subframe and a longitudinal profile; Figure 2 shows a section of an axle subframe showing two interconnected longitudinal profiles, also in perspective view; Figure 3 shows the section corresponding to the representation of Figure 2 from another perspective; Figure 4 technically simplified, a section through a first embodiment of an arrangement for connecting two longitudinal profiles of an axle subframe; Figure 5 technically schematic, a section through a second embodiment of an arrangement for connecting two longitudinal profiles of an axle subframe; Figure 6, a perspective view obliquely from below, a second longitudinal profile; Figure 7, the second longitudinal profile according to the representation of Figure 6with a second longitudinal profile introduced into the second longitudinal profile and Figure 8 in perspective representation an axle subframe in the form of a front axle carrier of a motor vehicle.

[0035] In the Figures 1 to 8 The same reference symbols are used for identical or functionally equivalent components or component parts.

[0036] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an axle subframe 1, which is essentially formed from two longitudinal beams 2 arranged parallel to each other in relation to the installation position in a motor vehicle in the longitudinal axis (x-axis) of the vehicle and two crossbeams 3 and has lateral connection nodes or flanges 26 for coupling to or with steering arms of a motor vehicle.

[0037] Each longitudinal member 2 is connected to a front first longitudinal profile 4. Each longitudinal member 2 of the axle subframe 1 has a longitudinal profile 5. The longitudinal profile 5 of a longitudinal member 2 is hereinafter referred to as the second longitudinal profile 5. The first longitudinal profile 4 is inserted into a longitudinal profile section 7 of the second longitudinal profile 5 by a longitudinal profile section 6 until it comes to rest against a stop 8.

[0038] The longitudinal profile sections 6 and 7 are joined together. This is achieved using screw fasteners 9, which connect the first longitudinal profile 4 and the second longitudinal profile 5. For this purpose, bolts 10 are guided through walls 11 of the first longitudinal profile 4 and walls 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5. The bolts 10 pass through the walls 11 and 12 and are secured by means of nuts 13. Through-holes for the bolts 10 in the side walls 11 and 12 of the first longitudinal profile 4 and the second longitudinal profile 5, respectively, are designated by reference numeral 14. The through-holes 14 in the first longitudinal profile 4 and in the second longitudinal profile 5 communicate with each other in the installed position.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first longitudinal profile 4 is a one-piece extruded hollow profile with a rectangular cross-section. The second longitudinal profile 5 is made of multiple parts and has a shell body 15 with a C- or U-shaped cross-section and a closing plate 16 on the underside, which are joined together by a material bond.

[0040] The stop 8 is formed in a wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5 by a cutting edge 17 at an inwardly shaped indentation 18. For this purpose, the wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5 is slotted and, in the rear area adjacent to the slot 19, is shaped inwards, i.e., into the cavity of the second longitudinal profile 5. The slot 19 cuts through the wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5 along its entire thickness and extends transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the second longitudinal profile 5. The indentation 18, with the cutting edge 17 directed towards the opening 20 of the second longitudinal profile 5, forms a stepped stop 8. The first longitudinal profile 4 abuts the stop 8. The stop 8 forms a smooth, precise stop surface for the first longitudinal profile 4 in the second longitudinal profile 5.

[0041] The first longitudinal profile 4 and the second longitudinal profile 5 are screwed together, aligned relative to each other in the assembly position. The stop 8 facilitates the adjustment of the assembly position. The first longitudinal profile 4 can be inserted into the second longitudinal profile 5 until it abuts the stop 8. It is then positioned in the correct assembly position. The stop 8 can have a distance a from the inner, i.e., stop-side, end 27 of the first longitudinal profile 4. The distance a is preferably between a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 3 mm, and at least 1 mm. The distance a is measured from the cutting edge 17 of the embossing 18 or from a front embossing edge of the embossing 18, where the embossing 18 begins and acts as the stop 8.

[0042] The slot 19 for producing the stop 8 is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the second longitudinal profile 5. In particular, the slot 19 runs parallel to the front end edge 21 of a wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5.

[0043] The first longitudinal profile 4 can be a deformation element.

[0044] The second longitudinal profile 5 is at least an indirect component of a longitudinal member 2 of the axle subframe 1. An axle subframe 1 in the form of a front axle carrier 22 is in the Figure 8 depicted. The Figure 8Figure 1 shows the front axle carrier 22, of which the second longitudinal profile 5 with the front longitudinal profile section 7 is a component. The stop 8 is formed in the upper wall 12 of the longitudinal profile section 7. The embossing 18 is segment-shaped. The section 19 runs straight across the longitudinal axis L of the second longitudinal profile 5. The front axle carrier 22 has a second longitudinal profile 5 with a front longitudinal profile section 7 on both the right and left sides in the plane of the image. Each first longitudinal profile 4 is connected to a second longitudinal profile 5 of the front axle carrier 22. For this purpose, a [missing information] is [missing information] in the Figure 8The concealed longitudinal profile section of the first longitudinal profile 4 is inserted into the front longitudinal profile section 7 until it reaches a stop 8. After the first longitudinal profile 4 is positioned relative to the second longitudinal profile 5 and the front longitudinal profile section 7 in the assembly position, the components are joined together. This is done using fasteners, preferably screw fasteners, which penetrate wall sections of the longitudinal profile section 6 and the longitudinal profile section 7.

[0045] In the Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, two stops 8 are provided. One stop 8 is formed in the upper wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5. A second stop 8 is formed in the opposite lower wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5.

[0046] In a wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5, an inwardly shaped groove 23 is provided. The groove 23 is a channel-like depression that is pressed or embossed into the wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5. The groove 23 runs transversely to the longitudinal axis L (x-axis) of the second longitudinal profile 5. One or more grooves 23 are particularly evident in the embodiments shown in the illustrations. Figures 2 to 4 as well as 6 and 7.

[0047] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a view of the interior of a second longitudinal profile 5. The stop 8 is formed in the upper wall 12 of the second longitudinal profile 5. In the side walls 12, as well as in the lower wall 12, which forms part of the strike plate 16, grooves 23 are formed. A recess 24 is provided in the cutting edge 17 of the embossing 18.

[0048] The cutting edge 17 and a leading longitudinal edge 25 of a groove 23, relative to the opening 20 of the second longitudinal profile 5, lie in a vertical central transverse plane MQE of the second longitudinal profile 5. In this configuration, the cutting edge 17 and the leading longitudinal edges 24 of the grooves 23 complement each other in the positioning and fixing of the longitudinal profile section 6 of the first longitudinal profile 4 in the longitudinal profile section 7 of the second longitudinal profile 5.

[0049] The longitudinal profile section 6 of the first longitudinal profile 4 fits snugly into the longitudinal profile section 7 of the second longitudinal profile 5. The longitudinal profile section 6 of the first longitudinal profile 4 has a cross-sectional area with the same cross-sectional contour as the longitudinal profile section 7 of the second longitudinal profile 5. The cross-sectional contours are rectangular, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal profile section 6 of the first longitudinal profile 4 being smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal profile section 7 of the second longitudinal profile 5. Reference symbol:

[0050] 1 - Axle subframe 2 - Longitudinal beam 3 - Crossbeam 4 - First longitudinal profile 5 - Second longitudinal profile 6 - Longitudinal profile section of 4 7 - Longitudinal profile section of 5 8 - Stop 9 - Bolt fastener 10 - Bolt 11 - Wall of 4 12 - Wall of 5 13 - Screw nut 14 - Through opening 15 - Shell body 16 - Strike plate 17 - Cutting edge 18 - Embossing 19 - Slot 20 - Opening 21 - End edge 22 - Front axle carrier 23 - Bead 24 - Recess 25 - Front longitudinal edge of 23 26 - Flange 27 - End of 4 L -longitudinal axis MGE -central transverse plane

Claims

1. Connection arrangement of an axle support frame (1) with a first longitudinal profile (4), wherein a longitudinal profile section (6) of the first longitudinal profile (4) is inserted into a longitudinal profile section (7) of the axle support frame (1), wherein an abutment (8) is provided in the longitudinal profile section (7) of the axle support frame (1) and the longitudinal profile section (6) of the first longitudinal profile (4) and the longitudinal profile section (7) of the axle support frame (1) are joined together, wherein the axle support frame (1) has a second longitudinal profile (5) and the longitudinal profile section (7) is at least an indirect component of the second longitudinal profile (5), characterised in that the at least one abutment (8) is formed in a wall (12) of the second longitudinal profile (5) by an inwardly shaped embossment (18).

2. Connection arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the embossment (18) has a cutting edge (17) and the cutting edge (17) is a component of the abutment (8).

3. Connection arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first longitudinal profile (4) is a deformation element.

4. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first longitudinal profile (4) and the second longitudinal profile (5) are connected by bolts (10) which pass through walls (11) of the first longitudinal profile (4) and walls (12) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

5. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that an inwardly shaped bead (23) is provided in at least one wall (12) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

6. Connection arrangement according to claim 5, characterised in that the bead (23) runs transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

7. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first longitudinal profile (4) and / or the second longitudinal profile (5) consist of steel.

8. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first longitudinal profile (4) and / or the second longitudinal profile (5) consist of an aluminium material.

9. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, dependent on claim 2 in this respect, characterised in that a recess (24) is provided in the cutting edge (17).

10. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a first abutment (8) and a second abutment (8) are provided in opposing walls (12) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

11. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 10, dependent on claim 2 in this respect, characterised in that the cutting edge (17) and a longitudinal edge (25) of a bead (23) located at the front in relation to the opening (20) of the second longitudinal profile (5) lie in a vertical central transverse plane (CTP) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

12. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the longitudinal profile section (6) of the first longitudinal profile (4) fits in a form-fitting manner into the longitudinal profile section (7) of the second longitudinal profile (5).

13. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the first longitudinal profile (4) is an extruded, circumferentially closed hollow profile.

14. Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the end (27) of the first longitudinal profile (4) received in the second longitudinal profile (5) is arranged at a distance (a) from the abutment (8), wherein the distance (a) is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 1 mm.