Stabilizer bar clamp for securing a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a stabilizer bar clamp for securing a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle. The stabilizer bar clamp has a lateral ribbed structure and a receptacle for a stabilizer bearing, and the stabilizer bar clamp consists predominantly of plastics or fiber-reinforced plastics. The lateral ribbed structure and the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing are removed from the mold entirely laterally, the lateral removal being axial in relation to the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing.

Description

[0001] Stabilizer clamp for attaching a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a laterally demolded plastic stabilizer clamp, the associated tool, and a corresponding manufacturing method. The stabilizer clamp consists predominantly of plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic and can, for example, have metal inserts or, to form the fiber-reinforced plastic, fibers, thus resulting in a plastic clamp made of a plastic fiber composite material. Whenever reference is made below only to a "stabilizer clamp," this always refers to the plastic clamp, whereby "plastic clamp" also includes fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0004] Typically, a plastic stabilizer clamp is demolded at least partially from the top and bottom. This facilitates, for example, the shaping of the mount for the stabilizer bearing and the shaping of the openings for the subsequent attachment of the stabilizer clamp. The direction in which the stabilizer clamp is demolded corresponds to the direction in which the mold shells are pulled apart to release the stabilizer clamp from the mold.

[0005] For example, EP 2 445 737 B1 discloses a stabilizer clamp with ribs that are at least partially demolded laterally. However, the lateral openings for the subsequent attachment of the stabilizer clamp as well as the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing, described here as an elastic material, are necessarily demolded from above or below. The receptacle for the stabilizer bearing must be demolded downwards, since the figure shows an edge on the side that cannot be obtained with lateral demolding. Therefore, a tool is required that always comprises more than two parts. However, the more parts a tool comprises, the more expensive the production of the stabilizer clamp. The object of the present invention is therefore to create an improved concept for stabilizer clamps that are predominantly made of plastic.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments show a stabilizer clamp that is predominantly made of plastic, i.e. a polymer, or fiber-reinforced plastic. It is possible for the fiber content to be approximately 50%, as is the case with PA66 GF50 (polyamide 66 with 50% glass fiber content), or more than 50%. The stabilizer clamp is used to attach a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle. A plastic clamp is usually made of fiber-reinforced plastic and generally has a metal insert to absorb the forces of a fastening element for attaching the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle. The stabilizer clamp has a lateral rib structure and a receptacle for a stabilizer bearing (in particular a rubber bearing). The lateral rib structure and the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing are completely demolded from the side. This means that the rib structure and the receptacle can be manufactured using the same tool.This means that fewer parts are required for the tool, which reduces its complexity and makes the stabilizer clamp cheaper to manufacture.

[0008] The corresponding tool can be a two-part tool for producing a stabilizer clamp for a vehicle using the plastic injection molding process. This means that the stabilizer clamp can be completely injection-molded using a tool consisting of two parts. The tool has a negative mold of a rib structure in both tool halves as well as a core that prevents the plastic from penetrating a holder for a stabilizer bearing when the tool halves are brought together. Once the tool halves are brought together, the tool is closed and ready to be filled with the plastic. Furthermore, the two-part tool demolds the stabilizer clamp laterally. Laterally means in the axial direction relative to the inserted stabilizer or the holder for the stabilizer bearing. This means that the tool is opened in the axial direction, relative to the axis of the inserted stabilizer and thus the holder for the stabilizer bearing.The axis of the stabilizer to be inserted is considered the reference axis. The term "axial" refers to this axis of the stabilizer to be inserted.

[0009] The idea is therefore to demold a stabilizer clamp, particularly a one-piece one, exclusively or at least predominantly from the side using a corresponding injection molding tool. In particular, the demolding of the rib structure and the demolding of the mount for the stabilizer bearing can be performed in a single step using a single (two-part) tool, achieving significant cost savings. Preferably, at least the demolding of the plastic, i.e., also the installation space for the fastening element, is performed from the side using the same tool.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the holder for the stabilizer bearing has a lateral undercut. For example, the axial opening for inserting the stabilizer bearing into the holder is narrower than a maximum width of the holder. This means that the inserted stabilizer bearing experiences resistance from the undercut, so that it is more difficult for the stabilizer bearing to slip out of the holder laterally. This is advantageous for the assembly and transport securing of the stabilizer clamp on the vehicle. If the clamp is screwed on from below, i.e. if the stabilizer clamp has a thread to accommodate a screw, the risk of the stabilizer clamp being pressed off the bearing by the initial force of the screw on the stabilizer clamp before screwing is reduced. The assembly process is therefore more robust and less prone to errors.

[0011] For example, the undercut can also form a connecting element that is designed to receive a locking bracket. The connecting element can be designed as a locking lug. Together with the locking bracket, a corresponding system that is closed radially to the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing is disclosed. The locking bracket can have a connection partner that corresponds to the connecting element, e.g. a corresponding locking lug. This means that the stabilizer clamp is closed at the bottom by the locking bracket. Such a system can be used if the axis of the stabilizer is to be positioned at a certain height and this height cannot be filled with the rubber bearing alone. It can also be advantageous if the stabilizer bearing does not protrude at the bottom.

[0012] The locking bracket is mounted from below into the stabilizer clamp, in the same direction as the stabilizer bearing. This technical solution for attaching the lower clamp is only possible through the stern of the ship to the upper clamp.

[0013] The core of the tool can, correspondingly, taper laterally to the demoulding direction on a bottom side of the tool in order to enable the formation of the lateral undercut on the bottom side of the stabilizer clamp.

[0014] In further embodiments, the mount has a smaller cross-section axially in the center of the stabilizer clamp than on the outside. Thus, the inserted stabilizer bearing experiences axial resistance, which makes it difficult for the stabilizer bearing to slide out of the mount.

[0015] The core of the tool can, correspondingly, taper towards the center of the tool in the demolding direction.

[0016] Embodiments further show that the stabilizer clamp has a recess for receiving a fastening element for attaching the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle, wherein the recess is demolded laterally. The recess can also be referred to as a hollow space or cavity, whereby cavity has a different meaning in injection molding, namely as the space filled with the injection molding material. In this respect, the term cavity is no longer used. Due to the lateral demolding, the same tool can be used as for demolding the mount and the rib structure, thus further reducing manufacturing costs. The stabilizer clamp preferably has the recess on both sides of the mount.Correspondingly, one of the tool halves can have an additional core in the edge area, which protrudes into the other tool half, allowing the formation of a recess for receiving a fastening element for attaching the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle. Typically, the tool has the core on both sides, forming two recesses. Additional recesses are also possible.

[0017] In further embodiments, the recess has an opening opposite a support surface for resting on the vehicle for inserting the fastening element or a tool for fastening the fastening element. This means that the recess is accessible from above. This allows, for example, the stabilizer clamp to be attached to the vehicle from above. A tool, e.g., a screwdriver, can be inserted through the opening into the recess to fasten the fastening element to the vehicle.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the recess is closed off from the support surface. This increases the stability of the stabilizer clamp.

[0019] Embodiments further show that the stabilizer clamp has a central wall that separates the rib structure on both sides of the stabilizer clamp, wherein the central wall has a bulge in the region of the recess for the fastening element to form the receptacle for the fastening element. The central wall increases the stability of the stabilizer clamp. To form the recess, however, the central wall must be displaced locally in the region of the recess, creating the bulge in the central wall. The central wall preferably runs laterally to the axis of the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing.

[0020] In further embodiments, a fitting element is arranged in the recess. The fitting element is designed to fit precisely on the fastening element so that the fastening element absorbs forces that act radially to the receptacle and radially to the fastening element. Protruding parts of the fastening element, for example the tip (of a screw or similar), are thus integrated into the mechanical structure of the clamp. The screw can be, for example, a seeker head screw, i.e. a screw with a conical tip. With the help of the fitting element, a connection is created between the plastic clamp and the fastening element. If the stabilizer clamp is screwed on from below, the fitting element can accommodate the tip of the fastening element. The fitting element can, for example, be designed to fit precisely on the cone.Such a shim can achieve greater stability in the main load direction, perpendicular to the fastening element and perpendicular to the inserted stabilizer. The shim is preferably made of injected plastic. In principle, it is also possible to use a metal shim.

[0021] Furthermore, embodiments show that the stabilizer clamp has a metal insert, in particular a metal sleeve or a screw nut, for fastening to the vehicle. The metal insert is preferably arranged on the underside of the stabilizer clamp, i.e. on the side of the stabilizer clamp that rests on the vehicle. In particular, the metal insert forms part of the support surface of the stabilizer clamp on the vehicle. The recess is arranged above the metal insert, i.e. on the side of the metal insert facing away from the support surface. Furthermore, the recess can be arranged between the metal insert and the fitting element. However, the fitting element can also be arranged at any desired point in the recess if the fastening element can pass through the fitting element.

[0022] If the metal insert is held in position by a tool holder during overmolding, the metal insert is at least partially visible through the rib structure. This allows the stabilizer clamp to be manufactured with a metal insert using a single, two-part tool. This potentially represents the most cost-effective method of production.

[0023] Correspondingly, one of the two tool halves can have a holder for the metal insert, while the other of the two tool halves has a counterholder corresponding to the holder to hold the metal insert in position. This means that the metal insert can be overmolded during injection molding without the need for an additional tool. Advantageously, when the tool halves are brought together, a cover is created above (and optionally below) the holder for the metal insert, which prevents the plastic from running into the metal insert. This means that the metal insert is free of plastic and can be penetrated by the fastening element without resistance. Further advantageously, the cover has an edge in the direction of the holder for the metal insert, wherein the edge is adapted to the metal insert to be received in such a way that the inserted metal insert is firmly enclosed by the edge.The edge prevents the plastic from accidentally entering any gap between the metal insert and the cover. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that manufacturing without an edge is also possible. However, this may result in higher scrap rates or the need for rework on the component, especially if the mount for the metal insert is not a precise fit.

[0024] The edge of the cover also creates an edge on the top and / or bottom of the metal insert of the stabilizer clamp on the plastic. Furthermore, the cover creates a hole directly above the metal insert that axially (fully) penetrates the stabilizer clamp. The edge and / or the hole represent a quality feature of the stabilizer clamp, ensuring that the fastening element, in particular the contact surface on the vehicle and the thread, can be inserted into the metal insert free of plastic residue, with the exception of any thin separating layer that may form.

[0025] In further embodiments, the support surface for resting on the vehicle is formed by two adjacent, opposing ramps. Due to the lateral demolding, the support surface, without countermeasures, is designed to slope slightly in the demolding direction, starting from the contact point of the two mold halves, in order to be able to remove the finished stabilizer clamp from the mold without damage. This creates a support surface with its highest point in the center and thus does not rest tightly against the vehicle. This can be counteracted by deliberately forming ramps across the entire clamp width using corresponding interlocking mold halves.

[0026] Similarly, a method for producing a stabilizer clamp for attaching a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle is disclosed, comprising the following steps: a) providing a two-part plastic injection molding tool; b) injecting the plastic into the closed, two-part plastic injection molding tool; c) opening and removing the molded stabilizer clamp from the two-part plastic injection molding tool after curing. Optionally, the method comprises the following further steps: x) inserting a metal insert into the plastic injection molding tool before step b), which metal insert is overmolded with the plastic in step b). Advantageously, the metal insert is held completely by the two-part injection molding tool during overmold formation. Alternatively, the metal insert is held by an external tool, in particular a mandrel, during overmold formation.

[0027] Furthermore, various systems are disclosed, for example, the stabilizer clamp with the fastening element, the stabilizer clamp with the stabilizer bearing, the stabilizer clamp with the stabilizer bearing and the fastening element, and optionally the aforementioned systems each with the stabilizer and / or the vehicle. Furthermore, a system comprising the two-part tool and a metal insert (or two metal inserts) is disclosed.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 : a schematic perspective view of a stabilizer clamp;

[0030] Fig. 2: a schematic side view of the stabilizer clamp, wherein Fig. 2a shows a rear side and Fig. 2b a front side of the stabilizer clamp;

[0031] Fig. 3: a schematic side view of the front side of the stabilizer clamp, wherein Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b each show exemplary embodiments of the stabilizer clamp from Fig. 2b; Fig. 4: a schematic side view of the front side of the stabilizer clamp, wherein Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b each show further exemplary embodiments of the stabilizer clamp from Fig. 2b;

[0032] Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of a two-part tool for producing the stabilizer clamp, wherein Fig. 5a shows the underside and Fig. 5b the top side of the tool;

[0033] Fig. 6: a schematic perspective detailed view of a receptacle for a metal insert of the stabilizer clamp in the tool, wherein Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b each show the receptacle from different views;

[0034] Fig. 7: a schematic sectional view of the closed tool with inserted metal insert;

[0035] Fig. 8: in Fig. 8a a schematic perspective view and in Fig. 8b a schematic side view of a screw nut as a metal insert;

[0036] Fig. 9: another embodiment of the stabilizer clamp 20 in a schematic side view from the front (Fig. 9a) and the back (Fig. 9b);

[0037] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, it is pointed out that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to one another.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a stabilizer clamp 20 for attaching a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle. Fig. 1a shows the rear side of the stabilizer clamp, Fig. 1b the front side of the stabilizer clamp. The stabilizer clamp 20 has a lateral rib structure 22 and a receptacle 24 for a stabilizer bearing. The lateral rib structure 22 and the receptacle 24 are completely demolded laterally. Lateral demolding refers to demolding in the x-direction. The x-direction also refers to the axial direction. The z-direction and y-direction are the lateral directions.

[0039] The stabilizer clamp 20 optionally has an undercut 26. This prevents the stabilizer bearing from slipping radially out of the mount 24. The stabilizer clamp 20 also optionally has a radial taper 28. Due to the radial taper 28, the mount 24 has a smaller cross-section axially in the center of the mount 24 than on the outside. In conjunction with a stabilizer bearing that engages the taper accordingly, axial slippage of the stabilizer bearing is made more difficult.

[0040] The stabilizer clamp 20 optionally further features a metal insert 30. This is preferably at least partially visible through the rib structure. If the metal insert 20 is fixed externally during injection molding, i.e., not by the two-part tool, the metal insert can also be completely enclosed by the plastic. Preferably, the plastic has an edge 34, 34' on a top side and / or a bottom side that connects to the metal insert. This is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 7a.

[0041] Optionally, a hole 32 is arranged above the metal insert, axially penetrating the stabilizer clamp. The hole is created by a mold cover that prevents plastic from running into the metal insert during injection molding. Alternatively, it is possible to cover only the inner opening—i.e., the thread in the case of a nut—with the mold to prevent plastic from penetrating the metal insert.

[0042] Fig. 1 b further shows that the stabilizer clamp optionally has a recess 35 for receiving a fastening element for fastening the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle, wherein the recess 35 is demolded laterally. The recess 35 for the fastening element can, as shown, be closed at the top, i.e. opposite a support surface 36 for resting on the vehicle. This enables the attachment, for example by screwing, of the stabilizer clamp 20 from below, i.e. from the direction of the support surface 36. However, the recess 35 can have an opening 38 (see Fig. 3a) at the top, i.e. opposite a support surface 36 for resting on the vehicle. This allows an assembly tool to engage in the recess 35 and / or the insertion of the fastening means, so that the stabilizer clamp can also be installed from the top.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the stabilizer clamp 20 from Fig. 1. Fig. 2a shows the stabilizer clamp in a rear view, Fig. 2b in a front view.

[0044] In addition to the illustration in Fig. 1, Fig. 2a shows that the stabilizer clamp 20 has a central wall 40 that separates the rib structure 22 on both sides of the stabilizer clamp (i.e., front and back). This means that it is generally impossible to see through the cavities between the rib structure 22. Exceptions, such as the opening 32, confirm the rule. The central wall 40 has a bulge 42 in the area of ​​the recess 35 for the fastening element to form the receptacle 35 for the fastening element.

[0045] Further features can be found in the description of Fig. 1. It should also be noted that the stabilizer clamp 20 is shown symmetrically. However, it is also possible to produce asymmetric stabilizer clamps 20.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows the stabilizer clamp 20 as shown in Fig. 2b, but in two additional embodiments. Fig. 3a shows the opening 38 of the recess already described with reference to Fig. 1b.

[0047] Fig. 3b also shows a fitting element 44 in the recess 35. The fitting element 44 can preferably be formed from plastic, i.e., by injection molding. The fastening means can engage the fitting element 44 and thereby improve the stability of the stabilizer clamp, particularly in the y-direction. This means that the fitting element 44 is designed to fit precisely onto the fastening element, so that the fastening element absorbs forces acting radially toward the receptacle and radially toward the fastening element (i.e., in the y-direction).

[0048] Fig. 4 shows the stabilizer clamp 20 as shown in Fig. 2b, but in two additional embodiments. Fig. 4a shows that the undercut 26 is designed as a connecting element to accommodate a locking clip 46. The locking clip 46 can also be referred to as the lower clamp, and the stabilizer clamp as the upper clamp.

[0049] The locking elements on the locking bracket can also be designed to hold the upper and lower clamps together laterally (y-direction, see Fig. 1a). This is achieved by the preload of the stabilizer bearing, which, after assembly, pushes the lower clamp downward and, thanks to the angled connecting element, holds the two parts of the clamp together laterally. Furthermore, no insert is required to form the connecting element.

[0050] Fig. 4b shows that the support surface for resting on the vehicle is optionally formed by two adjacent, opposing ramps 48, 48'. The ramps run axially to the mount for the stabilizer bearing. It is advantageous to not make the support surface 36 of the stabilizer clamp on the vehicle frame completely flat and to provide so-called demolding slopes to facilitate the release of the stabilizer clamp from the two mold halves.

[0051] Normally, the demolding point is located exactly in the center of the stabilizer clamp. For this reason, a gap to the vehicle frame will be visible on the sides of the support surfaces. This may not have any mechanical effects. However, it is possible that the clamp allows an intolerable tilting movement in the direction of the demolding slopes. Advantageously, two or more opposing demolding slopes (ramps) can be designed for this purpose, so that contact is made with the vehicle frame on both sides of the clamp. However, it is also possible to produce the stabilizer clamp without demolding slopes or ramps on the support surface despite lateral demolding. Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a two-part tool with which the described stabilizer clamp can be produced. Fig. 5a shows the first side 50a of the tool and Fig. 5b shows the second side 50b of the tool.The tool has a negative mold 52 of the rib structure in both tool halves 50a, 50b. Furthermore, the two tool halves 50a, 50b, when joined together, form a core 54 that prevents the plastic from penetrating, thus forming the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing. The tool is also shaped so that the stabilizer clamp is demolded laterally.

[0052] The core 54 optionally tapers laterally to the demolding direction on a bottom side of the tool to enable the formation of the lateral undercut on the underside of the stabilizer clamp. The taper 56 is difficult to see in the illustration.

[0053] Furthermore, the tool optionally has, here shown in the second half 50b, a further core 58 in the edge region, which protrudes into the other (here first) tool half 50a. The further core 58 enables the formation of the recess for receiving the fastening element for attaching the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle.

[0054] The metal insert 30 is shown on one side of each tool half, while the receptacle 60 for the metal insert is exposed on the other side. The receptacle 60 is described in detail in Fig. 6 based on the section 62 shown in Fig. 5a.

[0055] In addition, a section plane AA is shown in Fig. 5a, the section of which is shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a schematic detailed view of the receptacle 60 for the metal insert, the cutout 62 shown in Fig. 5a. In Fig. 6a, the perspective is similar to that in Fig. 5a, Fig. 6b shows a rear perspective. When the tool halves 50a, 50b are brought together, a cover 64 is created above the metal insert. Fig. 6 shows part of the cover 64. The other part of the cover is provided by the opposite tool part. The cover 64 prevents the plastic from running into the metal insert. Running in is prevented even more effectively if the cover 64 has an edge 66 in the direction of the receptacle 60 for the metal insert. The edge 66 is adapted to the metal insert to be received in such a way that the inserted metal insert is firmly enclosed by the edge 66. The metal insert can optionally be secured against falling out too easily by means of a press fit 68.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a view of the section plane AA (see Fig. 5a) with the mold 50 closed and the metal insert 30 inserted. The section through the mold 50 is shown hatched. The cavities of the mold 50, i.e., the area into which the plastic is injected, are shown in white. Clearly visible here are the cover 64 of the metal insert and the edge 66. Another edge 66' is formed on the underside of the metal insert.

[0058] Fig. 8a shows a schematic perspective view and Fig. 8b a schematic side view of a flanged screw nut as an example metal insert. The flanged screw nut has an undercut 70, through which the screw nut forms a positive connection with the plastic part of the stabilizer clamp. This creates an improved connection between the plastic part and the flanged screw nut, which prevents the two partners from being separated without damaging each other. Any other metal inserts can be integrated into the plastic part to the same extent.

[0059] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the stabilizer clamp 20 in a schematic side view from the front (Fig. 9a) and the rear (Fig. 9b). In particular, this embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that it has a modified recess 35 or bulge 42 for receiving the screw for fastening the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle. The bulbous taper of the recess 35 or bulge 42 in the direction of the metal insert 30 reduces the stresses in the stabilizer clamp in this area of ​​the recess 35 or bulge 42. The stresses in this area are further reduced by omitting the opening 32. In particular, omitting the opening 32 increases the stability of the stabilizer clamp.

[0060] Furthermore, Fig. 9 shows that the bulge 42 and an opening in the recess 35 are arranged alternately. This means that sections are formed in which the opening in the recess 35, which is necessary for production by means of lateral demolding, is visible on the front and, in the same section, the corresponding bulge is arranged on the back. In an adjacent section, the bulge 42 is arranged on the front while the corresponding opening in the recess 35 is arranged on the back. This means that in the region of the recess 35 for receiving a fastening means for fastening the stabilizer clamp to the vehicle, the stabilizer clamp is alternately open (i.e. the recess is open to the outside and one can see into the recess 35 through the rib structure 22) or closed (i.e. the bulge 42, which represents a wall of the receptacle, is visible to the outside).This increases the stability of the stabilizer clamp.

[0061] Furthermore, the support surface 36 and an inner wall including the radial taper 28 are inclined. This leads to an inclination of the support surface 36 which runs laterally to the holder 24 for the stabilizer bearing. The inclination of the opposite support surface of the stabilizer clamp runs in the opposite direction. In other words, the two support surfaces are at an angle to one another, i.e. they do not lie in the same plane. Preferably, the outer points of the support surface form the support of the stabilizer clamp on the vehicle before assembly. Likewise, the inner wall on both sides of the holder 24 has an angle difference to the perpendicular to a horizontal plane that is the same in magnitude, but differs in its sign. The support surface and the inner wall advantageously form a right angle to one another.This means that the stabilizer clamp has a preload on both legs directed toward the bearing mount. This allows for the stabilizer clamp to expand during assembly onto the bearing, ensuring that the support surface is flat after assembly, and the inner wall sits vertically on a support in the vehicle. This is only possible through side demolding. Demolding from below would result in an undercut due to the angle of inclination of the inner wall, which cannot be reproduced in the injection molding process.

[0062] It should be noted that in the embodiment of Fig. 9, the opening 32 has been omitted. Likewise, the edge 34 has been omitted for example.

[0063] It should also be noted that the individual different features, in particular the alternating opening of the recess 25, the preload of the two legs in the direction of the bearing receptacle and the bulbous end of the recess 35 can also be combined individually or in any combination with the embodiment of the previous figures.

[0064] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0065] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein. List of Reference Symbols:

[0066] 20 stabilizer clamp

[0067] 22 Rib structure

[0068] 24 Mounting for the stabilizer bearing

[0069] 26 Undercut

[0070] 28 radial taper

[0071] 30 metal insert

[0072] 32 Breakthrough

[0073] 34 edge

[0074] 35 recess

[0075] 36 Support surface for support on the vehicle

[0076] 38 Opening of the recess

[0077] 40 center wall

[0078] 42 bulge

[0079] 44 Fitting element

[0080] 46 locking brackets

[0081] 48 opposing ramps

[0082] 50 tools

[0083] 50a first side of the tool

[0084] 50b second side of the tool

[0085] 52 Negative form of the rib structure

[0086] 54 core

[0087] 56 Rejuvenation

[0088] 58 more cores

[0089] 60 holder for the metal insert

[0090] 62 Excerpt

[0091] 64 Cover

[0092] 66 Edge of the cover

[0093] 68 press fit

[0094] 70 Undercut of the screw nut

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Stabilizer clamp (20) for attaching a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle with the following features: - a lateral rib structure (22); - a holder (24) for a stabilizer bearing; - wherein the stabilizer clamp (20) consists predominantly of plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic; - wherein the lateral rib structure (22) and the receptacle (24) for the stabilizer bearing are completely demoulded laterally, wherein the lateral demoulding is formed in the axial direction relative to the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing.

2. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (24) for the stabilizer bearing has a lateral undercut (26).

3. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 2, wherein the undercut (26) forms a connecting element which is designed to receive a locking bracket (46).

4. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (24) has a smaller cross-section axially in the center of the stabilizer clamp (20) than on the outside.

5. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizer clamp (20) has a recess (35) for receiving (24) a fastening element for fastening the stabilizer clamp (20) to the vehicle, wherein the recess (35) is demolded laterally.

6. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 5, wherein the recess (35) has, opposite a support surface (36) for resting on the vehicle, an opening (38) for inserting the fastening element or a tool for fastening the fastening element.

7. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 5, wherein the recess (35) is closed relative to a support surface (36) for support on the vehicle.

8. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the stabilizer clamp (20) has a central wall (40) which separates the rib structure (22) on both sides of the stabilizer clamp (20) from one another, wherein the central wall (40) has a bulge (42) in the region of the recess (35) for the fastening element to form the receptacle (24) for the fastening element.

9. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a fitting element (44) is arranged in the recess (35), wherein the fitting element (44) is selected to fit precisely on the fastening element, so that the fastening element absorbs forces acting radially to the receptacle (24) and radially to the fastening element.

10. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the receptacle (35) is alternately open laterally outwards.

11. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizer clamp (20) has a metal insert, in particular a metal sleeve or a screw nut, for fastening the stabilizer clamp (20) to the vehicle.

12. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 11, wherein the metal insert (30) is at least partially visible through the rib structure (22).

13. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the plastic has an edge (34) on an upper side and / or a lower side to the metal insert (30).

14. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein an opening (32) is arranged directly above the metal insert (30) and axially penetrates the stabilizer clamp (20).

15. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizer clamp (20) is manufactured by injection molding.

16. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a support surface (36) for resting on the vehicle is formed by two adjacent, opposing ramps (48, 48').

17. Stabilizer clamp (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein both legs of the stabilizer clamp are prestressed in the direction of the receptacle 24 for the stabilizer bearing.

18. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) for producing a stabilizer clamp (20) for a vehicle using a plastic injection molding process, the tool (50, 50a, 50b) having the following features: - a negative mold (52) of a rib structure (22) in both tool halves - a core (54) which, when the tool halves are joined, prevents the plastic from penetrating into the core (54), so that a receptacle (24) for a stabilizer bearing is formed, - wherein the two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) demoulds the stabiliser clamp (20) laterally, wherein the lateral demoulding is formed in the axial direction relative to the receptacle for the stabiliser bearing.

19. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to claim 18, wherein the core (54) tapers laterally to the demolding direction on an underside of the tool to enable the formation of a lateral undercut (26) on the underside of the stabilizer clamp (20).

20. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the core (54) tapers in the demolding direction towards the center of the tool.

21. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein one tool half has a further core (58) in the edge region, which projects into the other tool half, so that the formation of a recess (35) for receiving (24) a fastening element for fastening the stabilizer clamp (20) to the vehicle is possible.

22. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least one of the two tool halves has a receptacle (60) for a metal insert (30).

23. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to claim 22, wherein when the tool halves are brought together, a cover (64) is formed above the receptacle (60) for the metal insert (30), which prevents the plastic from running into the metal insert (30).

24. Two-part tool (50, 50a, 50b) according to claim 23, wherein the cover (64) has an edge (66) in the direction of the receptacle (60) for the metal insert (30), wherein the edge (66) is adapted to the metal insert (30) to be received in such a way that the inserted metal insert (30) is firmly enclosed by the edge (66).

25. A method for producing a stabilizer clamp (20) for fastening a vehicle stabilizer to a vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) providing a two-part plastic injection molding tool; b) injecting the plastic into the closed, two-part plastic injection molding tool; c) laterally opening the two-part plastic injection molding tool and removing the injected stabilizer clamp (20) from the two-part plastic injection molding tool (50) after curing, wherein the lateral opening takes place in the axial direction relative to the receptacle for the stabilizer bearing.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein in a step x) prior to step b) a metal insert (30) is inserted into the plastic injection molding tool (50), which is then overmolded by the plastic in step b).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the metal insert (30) is Overmolding is completely held by the two-part injection molding tool (50).

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the metal insert (30) is held by an external tool, in particular a mandrel, during the overmolding.

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