Axially clamped planar serration assembly, and method for joining a constant-velocity joint to a wheel hub having a wheel bearing using a planar serration assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an axially clamped planar serration assembly comprising: a first component (10), in particular a constant-velocity joint, having a first planar serration (11); a second component (20), in particular a wheel hub having a wheel bearing, having a second planar serration (21), the first planar serration (11) and the second planar serration (12) being in meshing engagement with one another; a clamping device (30) by means of which, when in the clamped state, the first planar serration (11) and the second planar serration (21) are axially clamped together; and a ring (40) which surrounds the first planar serration (11) and the second planar serration (21) radially on the outside and seals them. When the clamping device (30) is in the clamped state, the ring (40) acts as an assembly securing means by means of which the first planar serration (11) and the second planar serration (21) are held loosely in engagement with one another in such a way that the axial play (x) is less than the height (h) of the teeth of the first planar serration (11) and the second planar serration (21). The invention also relates to a method for joining a constant-velocity joint to a wheel hub having a wheel bearing using the planar serration assembly.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Axially clamped planar spline arrangement and method for joining a constant velocity joint to a wheel hub with wheel bearing using a planar spline arrangement

[0003] The invention relates to an axially clamped planar spline arrangement, comprising a first component with a first planar spline, a second component with a second planar spline, wherein the first planar spline and the second planar spline are in meshing engagement with one another, a clamping device by which, in the clamped state thereof, the first planar spline and the second planar spline are axially clamped with one another, and a ring which surrounds and seals the first planar spline and the second planar spline radially on the outside.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for joining a constant velocity joint to a wheel hub with wheel bearing using a planar spline arrangement.

[0005] Axially clamped plan spline arrangements, occasionally referred to as Hirth or spur gear arrangements, are used as connections for backlash-free torque transmission in automotive construction, for example, between a drive shaft and a wheel hub. Particularly when transmitting high torques, such as in electric vehicles, the use of axially clamped plan spline arrangements offers advantages over conventional longitudinal spline arrangements, as torque transmission can be well ensured even at high, alternating torques, without relative movement, which can result from the torsional elasticity of longitudinal spline gears, and without disturbing noise (ping noise).

[0006] To ensure the torque transmission function, the planar spline arrangement must be clamped with a high axial force. The two meshing planar splines, which are consequently subjected to high material stresses, must be appropriately protected against corrosion. Furthermore, during assembly, it is important to ensure that the corresponding planar splines mesh correctly to prevent tooth-on-tooth assembly.

[0007] To avoid such tooth-on-tooth assembly, DE 102007 057 047 A1 proposes an axially clamped planar spline arrangement in which an associated clamping device in the form of a connecting screw is supported by a spring element whose possible spring travel between a tooth-on-tooth position and a tooth-in-gap position is not significantly less than the height of the teeth of the planar spline. The spring element can be an elastomer sleeve and / or a helical spring. When assembling a wheel hub component with a universal joint component connected to it via a planar spline arrangement, the connecting screw is first tightened with only a low torque in order to create a tooth-in-gap position in the planar spline arrangement in the case of a tooth-on-tooth position by applying a torque or automatically under the action of the spring element.Only after a temporary interruption is the complete clamping of the aforementioned components carried out by tightening the screw connection with a high torque. However, installing the spring element requires additional assembly effort. Furthermore, the spring element, which is only required for assembly to avoid the tooth-on-tooth position, remains attached to the entire assembly and increases its weight. Furthermore, sufficient space must be created for the spring element. Therefore, the aim in this case is to avoid such a spring element.

[0008] An axially clamped planar spline arrangement of the type mentioned above is known from DE 102005 018 126 A1. In this case, the spring element described above is omitted. However, in this case, preventing a tooth-on-tooth position during clamping is difficult because not only do the two planar splines to be paired have to be aligned with each other. Rather, the clamping device must be fed in and screwed together simultaneously, ensuring correct alignment. In other words, the constant velocity joint of a drive shaft must be held in position relative to a wheel hub at the same time as a connecting screw is being applied. This can be done by assembly personnel or automated. Due to the temporal coupling, however, it is necessary to carry out the positioning of the components to be joined and the screwing together in the same assembly cycle.However, this is technically relatively complex, as three components have to be handled simultaneously, so there is a need for improvement in this regard.

[0009] Furthermore, sealing the planar spline arrangement according to DE 102005 018 126 A1 is relatively complex. However, for the reasons already mentioned, such sealing should not be omitted. DE 102005 018 126 A1 proposes a simple plastic sealing ring or, alternatively, sealing paste to prevent moisture and dirt from penetrating the joint between the paired planar splines.

[0010] In this regard, DE 10 2012 207 054 A1 proposes a rubber-to-metal seal that radially surrounds the meshing planar splines. This seal is very complex. The contact surface of a rubber lip of this seal on a journal must be painted. However, this painting process is associated with considerable effort and expense. During assembly, the rubber lip must also be protected from damage. For this reason, the rubber-to-metal seal on the wheel bearing is protected by a transport cover before installation. This also requires simplification and improvement.

[0011] In summary, the object of the invention can be seen in further improving the assembly and sealing of an axially clamped planar spline arrangement.

[0012] This object is achieved by an axially clamped planar spline arrangement having the features of patent claim 1. The axially clamped planar spline arrangement according to the invention comprises a first component with a first planar spline, a second component with a second planar spline, wherein the first planar spline and the second planar spline are in meshing engagement with one another, a clamping device by which, in the clamped state thereof, the first planar spline and the second planar spline are axially clamped with one another, and a ring which surrounds and seals the first planar spline and the second planar spline radially on the outside.In the unclamped state of the clamping device, the ring provides assembly security, by means of which the first face-to-face spline and the second face-to-face spline are held loosely in engagement with one another, such that axial play is less than the height of the teeth of the first face-to-face spline and the second face-to-face spline. In comparison to DE 10 2005 018 126 A1, this easily enables decoupling of the assembly steps—namely, the alignment of the components to be joined, ensuring that tooth-to-tooth assembly is excluded, on the one hand, and the clamping, on the other. This ensures simple handling. However, due to the design of the ring, an additional spring element is no longer required, as is the case with DE 102007 057 047 A1.

[0013] Furthermore, the ring simultaneously provides a sealing function to prevent the ingress of moisture and dirt, eliminating the need for additional measures. In particular, it eliminates the need for a complex rubber-to-metal seal and / or painting of components. The need for transport protection, as described in connection with DE 102012 207 054 A1, can also be eliminated.

[0014] The inventive solution thus overcomes the above-mentioned problems regarding assembly and corrosion in a surprisingly simple manner and simultaneously reduces the number of components and measures required in this regard. This results in significant cost savings with regard to the production of an axially clamped planar spline arrangement.

[0015] Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of further patent claims.

[0016] For example, the ring can be attached to one of the first and second components and coupled to the other of the first and second components via a locking mechanism. This allows the ring to be pre-assembled on one of the components to be joined.

[0017] For example, the ring can be firmly pressed, glued or otherwise attached to one of the two components.

[0018] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the ring forms locking lugs which are distributed around its circumference and which, after overcoming a projection on the other component, engage in one or more recesses on the other component. Upon overcoming the projection, the ring is temporarily elastically expanded somewhat in order to spring back after the projection has been overcome. The number of locking lugs, which are preferably spaced apart from one another, can be selected as required. As a rule, they are preferably selected in the range of 3 to 20. In particular, the ring can have a section forming the locking lugs, wherein this section of the ring forming the locking lugs can be radially elastically compressed and expanded in order to overcome locking resistance easily and reliably.

[0019] The locking action allows for verification of a correct connection during assembly. In particular, it can be seen that there is no undesirable tooth-on-tooth alignment.

[0020] According to another special embodiment of the invention, the locking lugs are accommodated in the corresponding recess(es) with axial play in the unclamped state of the clamping device. From this pre-assembled state, the clamping of the planar spline arrangement can then be performed in a further step. The ring with the locking lugs is preferably designed for pre-assembly in such a way that the dead weight of the components to be joined and the forces when applying the clamping device are held without the pre-assembly state being released again.

[0021] Preferably, the ring can be matched to the paired face-to-face splines such that, when the projection is overcome by the locking lug, the overlap between the teeth of the first face-to-face spline and the second face-to-face spline is 30% to 90% of the tooth height of the latter. This reliably prevents a tooth-on-tooth position after pre-assembly.

[0022] Instead of pre-fixing with locking lugs, the ring can be slit at several points around its circumference for this purpose, allowing it to be attached to the other component with sufficient adhesion. The slits are dimensioned to ensure the holding and sealing function explained above with regard to the locking lugs.

[0023] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the ring has a circumferential sealing surface, which, when the clamping device is in the tensioned state, is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface on the other component. In this case, the clamping action of the clamping device can be used to further increase the sealing effect. It is understood that the forces required for this additional sealing effect constitute only a minimal fraction of the total axial force of the clamping of the planar spline arrangement. Furthermore, the circumferential sealing surface on the ring and the corresponding sealing surface on the other component can optionally be conical to further improve the sealing effect.

[0024] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the ring is made entirely of plastic, which makes it particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0025] The axially clamped planar spline arrangement explained above is preferably used to connect a constant velocity joint to a wheel hub with a wheel bearing, although the present invention is not limited to this application. In the former case, the first component is a constant velocity joint, the second component is a wheel hub with a wheel bearing, and the clamping device is a clamping bolt that is guided centrally through the first planar spline and the second planar spline in order to clamp the first component and the second component together. It has been shown that with such a connection, high alternating torques can be transmitted reliably and with compact external dimensions without disturbing noise and any relative movements in the connection.

[0026] In one design variant, the ring can be locked to and sealed against the inner ring of the wheel bearing, which in turn is mounted on the wheel hub. In this case, the inner ring is considered a separate component to be attached to the wheel hub.

[0027] In a further design variant, when the clamping bolt is tightened, the ring can be axially pressed against a sealing ring of a wheel bearing seal, creating a seal. This allows the sealing of the paired planar splines and the wheel bearing to support each other and reduce the number of interfaces with the external environment.

[0028] However, as a variation of this, it is also possible to lock the ring to a section of the wheel hub, regardless of whether a separate inner ring is provided for the wheel bearing or not.

[0029] The axially clamped planar spline arrangement described above enables an advantageous, easy-to-handle assembly process while ensuring correct meshing of the paired planar splines. For this purpose, a method with the features of patent claim 15 is proposed.This provides for joining a constant velocity joint to a wheel hub with wheel bearing using a planar spline arrangement as explained above, wherein in a first step the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub with the wheel bearing are loosely mounted to one another using the ring and the ring ensures that a partial engagement of the first planar spline and the second planar spline is maintained, and in a second step the first planar spline and the second planar spline are clamped against one another using the clamping bolt, wherein the first planar spline and the second planar spline come into contact with one another without play and the ring seals the engagement of the first planar spline with the second planar spline radially outwards.

[0030] In the following, ways of implementing the invention are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0031] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an axially clamped planar spline arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment illustrating a pre-assembly position (left) and a final assembly position (right) of components to be joined together, including an axially clamped planar spline arrangement,

[0033] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an axially clamped planar spline arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Figure 4 is an axial view of a first embodiment of a ring,

[0035] Figure 5 is an axial view of a second embodiment of the ring, and in

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a constant velocity joint and a wheel hub with wheel bearing, which can be connected to each other via an axially clamped planar spline arrangement.

[0037] The first exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1 shows an axially clamped planar spline arrangement in its clamped final assembly position. The axially clamped planar spline arrangement comprises a first component 10 with a first planar spline 11. In this case, planar spline is understood to be a front-face radial toothing structure on a component, which can be coupled to a corresponding front-face radial toothing structure on another component for the purpose of torque transmission. The first component 10 is illustrated in Fig. 6 by way of example as a constant velocity joint 110 of a propeller shaft, without being limited thereto.

[0038] The axially clamped planar spline arrangement further comprises a second component 20 with a second planar spline 21. The second component 20 is shown in Fig. 6 by way of example as a wheel hub 120 with a wheel bearing 150, without being limited thereto.

[0039] The first face spline 11 and the second face spline 21 are in meshing engagement. This meshing engagement is backlash-free in Fig. 1 and suitable for transmitting high torques.

[0040] Furthermore, a clamping device 30, preferably in the form of a clamping bolt 130, is provided, by means of which, in the clamped state thereof, the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 21 are axially clamped together.

[0041] The clamping device 30 preferably extends centrally through the two planar splines 11 and 21. In particular, the clamping device 30, or rather the clamping bolt 130, can be supported on the second component 20 and screwed to the first component 10. A reversed installation is also possible.

[0042] The axially clamped plan spline arrangement finally comprises a ring 40 which surrounds and seals the first plan spline 11 and the second plan spline 21 radially on the outside.

[0043] This ring 40 provides an assembly lock in the untensioned state of the clamping device 30, by means of which the first face spline 11 and the second face spline 21 are held loosely in engagement with one another. This loose engagement state is also considered the pre-assembly position in the present case, in which the first component 10 and the second component 20 are already roughly aligned with one another. As indicated on the left in Fig. 2, in the pre-assembly position, an axial play x between the two face spline 11 and 21 is smaller than the height h of the teeth of the first face spline 11 and the second face spline 21. Once the pre-assembly position has been reached, it can therefore be assumed that a tooth-on-tooth position of the teeth of the first face spline 11 and the second face spline 21 is excluded.

[0044] Accordingly, in a second step, after the pre-assembly position has been established, the clamping device 30 can be clamped in order to establish the play-free engagement of the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 21 and accordingly to achieve the final assembly position shown in Fig. 2 on the right and in Fig. 1.

[0045] In the final assembly position, penetration of moisture and dirt from outside into the joint between the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 21 is reliably prevented by the ring 40, whereby the gear engagement is protected against corrosion.

[0046] The arrangement of the ring 40 with respect to the first component 10 and the second component 20, as well as its design, can be carried out in various ways, as explained in more detail below. It should be noted that the arrangement of the ring 40 and any engagement structures with respect to the first component 10 and the second component 20 can, in principle, also be reversed.

[0047] In one embodiment, as shown by way of example in Figs. 1 to 3, the ring 40 can be fixed to one of the first and second components 10, 20, while being coupled to the other of the first and second components 20, 10 via a locking mechanism 41. The locking action reliably indicates that the pre-assembly position has been reached, thus precluding a tooth-on-tooth position.

[0048] The ring 40 can be secured to one of the first and second components 10 and 20, in this case, by way of example, to the first component 10, by pressing, gluing, or in some other way. This is preferably done before the two components 10 and 20 are joined together to reach the pre-assembly position.

[0049] For the locking mechanism 41, locking lugs 41a can be formed on the ring 40, which are arranged distributed around its circumference and which, after overcoming a projection 22 on the other component, in this case by way of example the second component 20, engage in one or more recesses 23 on the other or second component 20.

[0050] An axial view of such a ring 40 is shown in Fig. 4. This ring 40 has three locking lugs 41a on its inner circumferential surface 42. However, the number of locking lugs 41a can also be smaller or larger than shown. Preferably, the number is in a range of approximately 3 to 20.

[0051] Accordingly, the corresponding projection 22 and the corresponding recess 23 are located on an outer circumferential section of the second component 20. The projection 22 and the recess 23 can be formed as continuous, circumferential structures, so that the angular position of the ring 40 in the circumferential direction is irrelevant during assembly. However, it is also possible to provide the projection 22 by several individual projections and / or the recess 23 by several individual recesses.

[0052] In a modification of the illustrated embodiments, the locking lugs 41a can, however, also be arranged on an outer peripheral surface 43 of the ring 40 instead of on the inner peripheral surface 42. Accordingly, the projection 22 and the recess 23 of the second component 20 are then located on an inner peripheral portion thereof.

[0053] As already mentioned, the locking lugs 41a are received with axial play in the corresponding recess(es) 23 in the unclamped state of the clamping device 30. Preferably, when the projection 22 is overcome by the locking lugs 41a, the overlap of the teeth of the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 21 is 30% to 90% of the tooth height of the latter.

[0054] Instead of using locking lugs 41a, pre-fixing in the pre-assembly position can also be achieved using a ring 40 slotted in this partial area, similar to the left in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, another embodiment of the ring 40, which is slotted at several points on the circumference. This facilitates clamping the ring to an outer circumferential section or an inner circumferential section of the second component 20. The slots 45 are positioned such that a sealing effect is ensured by the ring. The number of slots 45 is shown as four in Fig. 5. However, similar to the locking lugs 41a, their number can also be selected to be smaller or larger. Both the locking lugs 41a and the slots 45 are adjusted such that the connection can reliably withstand the dead weight of the components 10 and 20 to be joined, as well as the forces when the clamping device 30 is applied.

[0055] To facilitate assembly, particularly when using a locking mechanism 41 with locking lugs 41a, the ring 40 can have a section 44 on which these locking lugs 41a are formed, which can be elastically compressed and retracted radially in order to more easily overcome a locking resistance formed by the projection 22.

[0056] For this purpose, chamfers formed on the locking lugs 41a and / or the projection 22 can also have a supporting effect.

[0057] Furthermore, the ring 40 can have a circumferential sealing surface 46 which, in the tensioned state of the tensioning device 30, is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface 24 on the other component, in this case, for example, the second component 20.

[0058] The sealing surface 46 on the ring 40 can be formed by an end wall section thereof, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0059] In particular, as shown in the further embodiment according to Fig. 3, the circumferential sealing surface 46 on the ring 40 and the corresponding sealing surface 24 on the other component 20 can be conical.

[0060] Corresponding conical sealing surfaces 46 and 24 can, of course, also be provided in the other exemplary embodiments, as well as in variants not shown. For example, the chamfer of the projection 22 in Figs. 1 and 2 can serve as a contact surface for a corresponding, additionally provided, inclined sealing surface on the ring side.

[0061] Ring 40 can be made entirely of plastic, eliminating the need for sensitive sealing lips.

[0062] The ring 40 described above serves, on the one hand, as an assembly aid for positioning the components 10, 20 to be joined, avoiding a tooth-on-tooth position. Joining to achieve the pre-assembly position can be performed in a first step or work cycle. When the clamping device 30 is subsequently applied and clamped in a second step or work cycle, no additional holding device is required for the second component 20 in the present embodiments. The axial force applied during clamping is in the order of approximately 80 kN and more.

[0063] In one embodiment variant, the holding force of the ring 40 can be designed in such a way that an axial displacement to an end position takes place using the clamping force of the clamping device 30.

[0064] As already mentioned above, the axially clamped planar spline arrangement explained above can be used to connect a constant velocity joint 110 to a wheel hub 120 with wheel bearing 150, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0065] With reference to the exemplary embodiments and variants explained above, the first component 10 is the constant velocity joint 110 and the second component 20 is the wheel hub 120 with the wheel bearing 150, wherein the ring 40 is fixed to the first component 10 and secured to the second component 20 via the locking lugs 41a or in the region of the slots 45. However, it is also possible to install the ring 40 in reverse, i.e., to fix it to the second component 20 or the wheel hub 120 with the wheel bearing 150 and to couple the area with locking lugs 41a or slots 45 to the first component 10 or constant velocity joint 110. Corresponding recesses and projections are then provided analogously on the first component 10 or the constant velocity joint 110.

[0066] Sections of the wheel bearing 150 can be integrated into the wheel hub 120. This applies in particular to an inner ring of the wheel bearing 150. However, it is also possible to provide the inner ring entirely or, as shown here, partially as a separate component 151. In the illustrated embodiments, an outer ring 152 of the wheel bearing 150 is supported on the inside by two rolling element rings 153. A pivot bearing 160 is flanged to the outer ring 152, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0067] The clamping device 30 is formed in Fig. 6 by a clamping bolt 130, which is guided centrally through the first planar spline 11 on the constant velocity joint 110 and the second planar spline 21 on the wheel hub in order to axially clamp the respective components together.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, a head 131 of the clamping bolt 130 rests on the wheel hub, while a threaded portion 132 of the clamping bolt 130 is screwed into a threaded opening 12 on the constant velocity joint 110, preferably a joint bell thereof. The ring 40, provided as an assembly aid and sealing means, is secured to an outer peripheral portion of the constant velocity joint 10. This ring 40, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, is coupled to corresponding counterstructures on the wheel hub 120 and / or the wheel bearing 150, in particular its inner ring 151.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, a variant in which the aforementioned projection 22 and the aforementioned recess 23 are formed on the inner ring 151 of the wheel bearing 50 / 150. In particular, the ring 40 can be locked to the inner ring 151 and seal against it.

[0070] In Fig. 1, a corresponding sealing surface 46 of the ring 40 rests against a corresponding wall section of the inner ring 151. In particular, the sealing surface 46 can be pressed against the corresponding wall section of the inner ring 151 during assembly to improve the sealing effect.

[0071] In a modification of this, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2, the ring 40, when the clamping bolt 30 is in the tensioned state, can be axially pressed against a sealing ring 154 of a wheel bearing seal of the wheel bearing 50 / 150 and seal against it. In this case, the sealing ring 154, against which the ring 40 is supported, is fixedly arranged on the inner ring 151 of the wheel bearing 50, and possibly also on the wheel hub 120, in order to prevent relative movement between the sealing ring 154 and the ring 40 during operation.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to form counterstructures for coupling the ring 40 directly to the wheel hub 120, regardless of the presence of an inner ring 151 of the wheel bearing 50 / 150. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, a projection 22, a recess 23, and a sealing surface 24 are formed directly onto the second component 20, which forms the wheel hub 120.

[0073] Finally, a method for joining the constant velocity joint 110 to a wheel hub 120 with a wheel bearing 150 using a planar spline arrangement of the type explained above will be briefly described. It should be noted at this point that this procedure can also be used in other application situations for the planar spline arrangement explained above, in which case the constant velocity joint 110 is to be understood as the first component 10 and, accordingly, the wheel hub 120 as the second component 20 in the above sense. During assembly, the ring 40 can first be attached to the first component 10 or the constant velocity joint 110. The first component 10 or the constant velocity joint 110 is therefore already provided with the ring 40 when it is introduced into the joining process.

[0074] In a first step of the joining process, the constant velocity joint 110 and the wheel hub 120 with the wheel bearing 150 are loosely assembled to one another using the ring 40. The first spline 11 and the second spline 21 are partially engaged, so that their teeth already overlap, but a backlash-free position has not yet been reached. In this pre-assembly position, the wheel hub 120 is fixed relative to the constant velocity joint 110, so that the two components can no longer be easily separated from one another, but at the same time, it is impossible for their spline 11 and 21 to be in tooth-to-tooth alignment. Such a process step is easy to handle.

[0075] In a second step, the first spline 11 and the second spline 21 are clamped against each other using the clamping bolt 130. Since the wheel hub 120 is already pre-fixed relative to the constant velocity joint 110, no additional holding device is required for it when positioning and screwing the clamping bolt 130. By screwing together, the first spline 11 and the second spline 21 come into contact with each other without play. The appropriate clamping is selected depending on the torque to be transmitted. This process step is also easy to handle. When the assembly position is reached, the ring 40 seals the engagement of the first spline 11 with the second spline 21 radially outward, thus being converted from an assembly aid to a sealing device.

[0076] The axially clamped planar spline arrangement is removable, particularly non-destructively. This is advantageous for customer service.

[0077] For this purpose, the locking mechanism 41 can, for example, be designed such that the locking lugs 41a can be released by a high axial force or a bending moment. For this purpose, appropriately adapted contact slopes or chamfers can be provided.

[0078] Likewise, when using slots 45 for clamping, the clamping force can be adjusted so that release is possible by overcoming the clamping force. One method for disassembly, for example during customer service, can be easily carried out as follows. The clamping device 30 or the clamping bolt 130 is first slightly loosened, preferably in such a way that partial engagement of the planar splines 11 and 21 is maintained. A clamping bolt 130 can be loosened for this purpose, for example, by approximately 3 to 9 mm (corresponding to 2 to 6 turns with a thread pitch of 1.5 mm). A soft-face hammer is used to strike the head 31 of the clamping bolt 130 until the ring 40 in the area of ​​the locking mechanism 41 or the slots 45 is released. The constant velocity joint 110 can be prevented from falling by the clamping bolt 130 not yet being completely loosened.After loosening 40 the ring, the clamping device 30 or the clamping bolt 130 can be completely unscrewed.

[0079] The invention has been explained in more detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments and further modifications. In particular, individual technical features explained above in the context of further individual features can be implemented independently of these and in combination with further individual features, even if not expressly described, as long as this is technically feasible. The invention is therefore expressly not limited to the described exemplary embodiments and modifications, but encompasses all configurations defined by the patent claims.

[0080] List of reference symbols first component 50 wheel bearing first plan spline 110 constant velocity joint

[0081] Threaded opening 120 Wheel hub second component 130 Clamping bolt second plan spline 131 Head

[0082] Projection 132 threaded section

[0083] Recess 150 wheel bearing

[0084] Sealing surface 151 inner ring as a separate component

[0085] Clamping device 152 outer ring

[0086] Ring 153 rolling element ring

[0087] Locking mechanism 154 Sealing ring of the wheel bearing Locking lug 160 Swivel bearing

[0088] inner peripheral surface

[0089] Outer peripheral surface h Tooth height

[0090] Section x Axial play

[0091] Slot A axis

[0092] Sealing surface

Claims

Patent claims 1. Axially clamped planar spline arrangement, comprising: a first component (10) with a first planar spline (11), a second component (20) with a second planar spline (21), wherein the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) are in meshing engagement with one another, a clamping device (30) by means of which, in the clamped state thereof, the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) are axially clamped with one another, and a ring (40) which radially surrounds and seals the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) on the outside, characterized in that the ring (40) provides an assembly lock in the untensioned state of the clamping device (30), by means of which the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) are held loosely in engagement with one another are such,that an axial clearance (x) is smaller than the height (h) of the teeth of the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21)., 2. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the ring (40) is fixed to one of the first and second components (10, 20) and is coupled to the other of the first and second components (10, 20) via a locking mechanism (41).

3. Axially clamped plan-notch gear arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that the ring (40) forms locking lugs (41a) which are arranged distributed around its circumference and which, after overcoming a projection (22) on the other component, engage in one or more recesses (23) on the other component.

4. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the ring (40) has a section (44) forming the locking lugs and this section (44) of the ring (40) forming the locking lugs can be radially elastically deflected and retracted in order to overcome a locking resistance 5. Axially clamped plan-notch gear arrangement according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the locking lugs (41a) are received in the corresponding recess(es) (23) with axial play in the unclamped state of the clamping device (30).

6. Axially clamped planar spline arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that when the projection (22) is overcome by the locking lug (41a), the overlap of the teeth of the first planar spline (11) and second planar spline (21) is 30% to 90% of the tooth height (h) of the same.

7. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring (40) is slotted at several points on the circumference.

8. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ring has a circumferential sealing surface (46) which, in the clamped state of the clamping device (30), is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface (24) on the other component.

9. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the circumferential sealing surface (46) on the ring (40) and the corresponding sealing surface (24) on the other component are conical.

10. Axially clamped plan-notch gear arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ring (40) consists entirely of plastic.

11. Axially clamped planar spline arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first component (10) is a constant velocity joint (110), the second component (20) is a wheel hub (120) with a wheel bearing (150), and the clamping device (30) is a clamping bolt (130) which is guided centrally through the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) in order to clamp the first component (10) and the second component (20) together.

12. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the ring (40) is locked to and sealed against an inner ring (151) of the wheel bearing (150), which in turn is mounted on the wheel hub (120).

13. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the clamped state of the clamping bolt (30) the ring (40) is axially pressed against a sealing ring (154) of a wheel bearing seal of the wheel bearing (150) and seals.

14. Axially clamped plan spline arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the ring (40) is locked to a portion of the wheel hub (120).

15. A method for joining a constant velocity joint (110) to a wheel hub (120) with a wheel bearing (150) using a planar spline arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, wherein in a first step the constant velocity joint (110) and the wheel hub (120) with the wheel bearing (150) are loosely mounted to one another using the ring (40), and the ring (40) ensures that a partial engagement of the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) is maintained, and in a second step the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) are clamped against one another using the clamping bolt (130), wherein the first planar spline (11) and the second planar spline (21) come into contact with one another without play, and the ring (40) ensures the engagement of the first planar spline (11) seals with the second planar spline (21) radially outwards.

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