Connecting means, vehicle steering, method for producing a connecting means and use of a connecting means

Abstract

A connecting means (10), the connecting means (10) having a threaded portion (20) and a ball head (40), and the connecting means (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein a radial direction (R) extends perpendicularly away from the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a circumferential direction (U) extends around the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a tapering portion (60) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (L) between the threaded portion (20) and the ball head (40), the tapering portion (60) being bounded in the longitudinal direction (L) in each case by flanks (62), and the tapering portion (60) having ridges (64), the ridges (64) extending from the one flank (62) to the other flank (62).

Description

[0001] Connecting means, vehicle steering, method for producing a connecting means and use of a connecting means

[0002] The invention relates to a connecting means, a vehicle steering system, a method for producing a connecting means, and the use of a connecting means. Furthermore, the invention can also relate to a track guidance unit, in particular a steering system, which can be part of a vehicle, in particular a car.

[0003] Fasteners, especially in vehicle steering systems, are widely known in the art. These fasteners are designed to transmit forces from one component to another. However, the problem is that these fasteners are often so rigid that they transmit excessive loads to the components, thus causing them to become overloaded.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to prevent overloading of components.

[0005] This object is achieved by a connecting means according to claim 1, with a use of a connecting means according to claim 17, with a vehicle steering system according to claim 18, and with a method for producing a connecting means according to claim 19. Further advantages, features, and embodiments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures. According to one aspect of the present invention, a connecting means is provided.Preferably, the connecting means has a threaded portion and a ball head, wherein the connecting means extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein a radial direction extends perpendicularly away from the longitudinal direction, wherein a circumferential direction extends around the longitudinal direction, wherein a tapered portion is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the threaded portion and the ball head, wherein the tapered portion is delimited in the longitudinal direction by flanks, wherein the tapered portion has webs, wherein the webs extend from one flank to the other flank.

[0006] The invention is characterized by the fact that the connecting element, particularly in the tapered section, can deform under a defined buckling load in such a way that overloading of the connected components is prevented, especially during the transmission of a compressive load. This defined prevention is achieved by the absence of torsional stress due to the ball head in conjunction with the tapered section as a buckling option. The invention therefore makes it possible to protect the components to be connected while still preventing complete decoupling of the components, e.g., due to breakage of the connecting element.

[0007] According to the invention, a connecting means is designed to transmit forces, in particular compressive forces, between at least two components connected by the connecting means. The connecting means can be arranged, for example, between a steering gear and a wheel carrier of a vehicle, so that steering commands can be transmitted via the connecting means as a force acting on the wheel carrier. Likewise, forces originating from the wheel carrier can also be transmitted to the steering gear via the connecting means.

[0008] This allows a driver to receive feedback on the ground conditions or the driving dynamics of the vehicle. The connecting means can in particular be a long-shaft ball stud. The connecting means can preferably transmit normal forces. In other words, the connecting means can be subjected to both compressive and tensile loads and / or a torque. The connecting means can have a substantially elongated extension along the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction forms the direction in which the length of the connecting means is determined. Advantageously, the center of gravity of the connecting means lies in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential direction can define a direction of rotation around the longitudinal direction. The radial direction, on the other hand, points perpendicularly away from the longitudinal direction.Advantageously, the longitudinal direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction form a cylindrical coordinate system, wherein the longitudinal direction can represent the height coordinate, the circumferential direction the angular coordinate, and the radial direction the radial coordinate. The threaded portion can be arranged in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the connecting means. The threaded portion can define a continuous area in which the connecting means is provided with a thread, in particular a metric thread, trapezoidal thread, fine thread, or another type of thread. The threaded portion can have a chamfer. The threaded portion serves, in particular, for the reversible assembly of the connecting means and / or, alternatively, as an adjustment option for a bridging length by the connecting means between the components to be connected.The threaded portion can be designed to connect to a component, in particular to a wheel carrier. A lock nut or other screwable means can be arranged on the threaded portion, with which the engaged component, e.g. the wheel carrier, can be clamped. This allows the relative position between the connecting means and the further component, in particular the steering gear or the wheel carrier, to be further secured. Furthermore, a ball head can be provided on the connecting means, in particular at another distal end of the connecting means in the longitudinal direction, in particular adjacent to a shaft portion. The ball head can be used to achieve a tension-free or torsion-free force transmission between the connecting means and the parts to be connected, e.g. the wheel carrier and / or the steering gear.This can prevent a complex stress state in the connecting element, in particular in order to define the buckling load of the connecting element more precisely. A tapered section is present between the threaded section and the ball head of the connecting element. This can ensure that the tapered section is loaded when force is transmitted between the threaded section and the ball head. The tapered section is delimited in the longitudinal direction by two flanks. In other words, the distal ends of the tapered section are each formed by a flank. The flanks can be designed as a cone around the longitudinal direction. In this context, conical can mean that the flanks can have a closed outer surface. The outer surface can merge into the webs at least in sections. In other words, sides of the webs can be connected to the outer surface.In other words, the conical outer surface can be interrupted exclusively by the webs. This can provide simple production of the screw connection. Furthermore, the cone can run obliquely towards a center of the tapered section. This can provide optimal force flow in and / or into the tapered region. Advantageously, the outer surface of the cone is characterized by a spherical, in particular concave or convex, configuration around the axis of rotation. In other words, the shape forming the outer surface of the cone through its rotation around the longitudinal axis can be spherical, in particular concave or convex. The tapered section can be characterized at least in that its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the threaded section or of the sections of the connecting means, in particular the shaft section, extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the flanks.Advantageously, the tapered section is the section of the fastener with the smallest core diameter and / or outer diameter. The fastener can therefore have a reduced material thickness in the tapered section. Therefore, the tapered section can have a lower rigidity, for example, than the shaft section or the threaded section and / or the tapered section can reduce the buckling load of the fastener. The buckling load of the fastener can therefore be determined by the material thickness or the diameter of the tapered section. The buckling load is the buckling load limit, which can be defined or caused by buckling or a buckling moment. If the fastener is overloaded, deformation, in particular bending or buckling (Euler buckling), can therefore occur first in the tapered section, especially if it is subjected to compressive load.The tapered section can therefore be designed as a kinked groove. Furthermore, webs, in particular a plurality of webs, are provided in the tapered section in order to prevent the connecting means from failing completely, e.g. in the form of breaking, in the event of buckling. It is conceivable that the geometry and number of webs can achieve or prevent a preferred direction for buckling or bending of the tapered section. The webs extend from one flank to the other flank of the tapered section and therefore connect them. In other words, the webs each extend, in particular from one flank to the other flank. The webs are also designed in particular in such a way that they are materially connected to a core of the tapered section.In other words, the tapered section has a core from which, viewed in a sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the webs extend in the radial direction. The webs have in particular two side walls, which can advantageously be flat. This enables simple production. The side walls each delimit the webs, in particular in the circumferential direction. Due to the webs, the tapered section has two diameters, namely a core diameter and an outer diameter. The core diameter is in particular the diameter of the core. In other words, the diameter of the tapered section without the webs. Advantageously, the core is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal direction, in particular circular.The outer diameter, on the other hand, is in particular the smallest possible diameter that a circle can have in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which can just surround the tapered section between the flanks including the webs.

[0009] Preferably, all webs can have the same height in the radial direction. This can result in the fastener being able to be used at different angular positions along a circumferential direction between the two components, whereby the expected bending or flexion direction can remain approximately constant. Consequently, handling during installation of the fastener is simplified, as there is no need to pay attention to a specific angular or rotational orientation of the fastener.

[0010] The height of the lands to the diameter of the threaded section can preferably be in a ratio of 0.02 to 0.2, preferably in a range from 0.05 to 0.12, and particularly preferably in a range from 0.08 to 0.095. The height of the lands can be defined as half the difference between the core diameter and the outer diameter of the tapered section. Alternatively, the height can also be defined as the maximum distance of the lands in the radial direction from the core. The core diameter can correspond to the diameter of the tapered section without lands. The outer diameter can be defined by the smallest possible circle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that precisely encompasses the tapered section including the lands. The decisive diameter of the threaded section is in particular its outer diameter. The lands can be manufactured particularly easily in a range from 0.02 to 0.2.A range of 0.05 to 0.12 allows for particularly cost-effective and tool-friendly web production. A range of 0.08 to 0.095 allows for a particularly uniform buckling or bending effect within the tapered section.

[0011] Preferably, the height of the webs relative to the outer diameter of the tapered section can be in a range from 0.01 to 0.15, preferably in a range from 0.02 to 0.1, particularly preferably in a range from 0.04 to 0.08. In the range from 0.05 to 0.15, the simplest possible manufacturing can be achieved. In the range from 0.07 to 0.11, a particularly uniform stress distribution during buckling within the tapered section can be achieved, so that a predefined buckling load can be set as precisely as possible.

[0012] Preferably, the longitudinal spacing of the flanks from one another can be at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and particularly preferably at least 3 cm. With a length of at least 1 cm, a high probability of the fastener buckling in the tapered section can be achieved. With a spacing of at least 2 cm, a particularly balanced ratio of transferable forces to overload protection of the adjacent components can be achieved. With a spacing of at least 3 cm, increased protection of the adjacent components or sections can be achieved.

[0013] Preferably, the ratio of the outer diameter of the tapered section to the distance between the flanks in the longitudinal direction can be in a range from 0.2 to 0.8, preferably from 0.35 to 0.7, and particularly preferably from 0.45 to 0.65. Simple manufacturing can be achieved in a range from 0.2 to 0.8. A particularly defined buckling in the tapered section can be achieved in a range from 0.35 to 0.7. A ratio in the range from 0.45 to 0.65 can provide sufficient resistance to fracture and good buckling properties.

[0014] The webs can preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal direction or have a twisted course in the longitudinal direction and / or in the circumferential direction. Because the webs extend parallel along the longitudinal direction, they can be easily manufactured. A twisted course of the webs can be designed as a helical, in particular spiral, extension along the longitudinal direction. In other words, at least one web extends both along the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction, similar to a thread. Consequently, a preferred bending direction can be prevented. Therefore, the buckling is more direction-independent here than with straight webs.

[0015] The webs can preferably be arranged equidistant from one another in the circumferential direction. This can provide the effect that the tapered section has at least a certain degree of direction independence when buckling. Consequently, the connecting means can be installed in different angular positions without there being a preferred bending direction. This simplifies the installation of the connecting means. Preferably, the webs can have two parallel sides, in particular in the circumferential direction, the distance between which sides to the diameter of the tapered section (60) can in particular have a ratio of 0.05 to 0.6, preferably of 0.05 to 0.3, and particularly preferably of 0.1 to 0.2. In particular, this sets the thickness of the webs in a ratio to the diameter of the tapered section.This ratio is particularly useful because it allows the bending behavior of the screw connection to be adapted to a load case determined by external specifications, particularly dynamic ones. In other words, a small ratio can define a softer and therefore more bendable taper range than a larger ratio. Advantageously, a ratio of 0.05 to 0.6 can achieve a beading effect on adjacent components relative to the screw connection under dynamic loading. A ratio of 0.05 to 0.3 can provide a particularly advantageous, simple manufacturing of the fastener. A ratio of 0.1 to 0.2 can achieve a particularly balanced relationship between force absorption by the screw connection and protection of adjacent components.

[0016] The tapered section can preferably have at least three, preferably at least four, webs. It has been found that three webs result in sufficient strength of the connecting element, allowing particularly advantageous force absorption through buckling in the event of overload. Four webs can achieve particularly good stress distribution in the tapered area, thus ensuring high deformation energy absorption. Advantageously, an odd number of webs is provided to ensure that the buckling load is independent of the installation solution.

[0017] Preferably, a constant outer diameter and / or a constant core diameter can be formed between the flanks of the tapered section. This can provide the advantage of inexpensive and rapid production. In other words, the core of the tapered section can be formed to be constant between the flanks. Preferably, the tapered section can be a section without tool engagement. In other words, the tapered section can be designed in such a way that a tool, for example an open-end wrench, cannot engage the connecting means in a form-fitting manner in this area. In particular, the webs can be shaped in such a way that the tool cannot engage the webs in a form-fitting manner. The purpose of this can be to prevent a user from introducing torque into the connecting means via the tapered area. This could be the case in the event of incorrect or careless use.Thus, the design of the taper area or the webs within the taper area can help to avoid unfortunate errors according to the Poka-Yoke principle.

[0018] The connecting means can preferably have an actuating section, wherein the actuating section can have a polygon, in particular a hexagon, or the actuating section can be formed by a polygon, in particular a hexagon. The actuating section can be designed to engage positively with a counterstructure of a tool. The actuating section can absorb a moment in the circumferential direction and introduce it into the connecting means. As a result, the connecting means can rotate and be screwed into an adjacent component, in particular into a component of the steering gear or the wheel carrier, by means of the threaded section. The actuating area can further be surrounded by a circle, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the diameter of which circle can be the same size as, or in particular smaller than, the diameter of the shaft section. This can provide the effect of a simplified manufacturing step.

[0019] Preferably, the actuating section can lie in the longitudinal direction between the ball head and the tapered section. This can provide particularly good accessibility to the actuating region, in particular when the connecting means is installed. The actuating region can border on a flank of the tapered section. Additionally or alternatively, the actuating region can border on the ball head. Preferably, the actuating section and the tapered section can be separate sections. In other words, the actuating section and the tapered section can be axially spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction or can border one another. In other words, the tapered section and the actuating section can be formed in different regions of the connecting means. In other words, these sections can be formed without overlapping one another.This can result in the tool, which is provided with a counter-structure, not applying its torque to the fastener in the tapered area. This allows for increased torque absorption in the actuating section, which is thicker than the tapered section.

[0020] Preferably, the threaded portion and / or the ball head can form a distal end in the longitudinal direction of the connecting means. In other words, the connecting means can be limited to a first end by the threaded portion and / or to one end by the ball head. This allows a particularly large distance to be achieved between the force introduction points of the connecting means, so that the distance that can be bridged by the connecting means is optimized compared to the length of the connecting means.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting element is made of one piece. In other words, the connecting element comprises a single material structure across its respective regions and sections. More precisely, the threaded section, the tapered section with flanks, the actuating region, the shaft section, and the ball head are inseparably connected to one another by a material bond, in particular formed from a single original body. This can provide the effect of increased resistance to external forces and a uniform application of force to the entire connecting element. To achieve particularly long lengths, it can be advantageous if the ball head is connected by welding. In other words, the ball head can be joined by a material bond. This allows a long connecting element to be produced cost-effectively.

[0022] Preferably, the threaded section and / or the tapered section can be produced by forming, in particular by cold forming. This allows for particularly cost-effective production. If the tapered section is produced by forming, material and thus costs can be saved due to the hardening during production. Furthermore, this results in a relatively lightweight fastener. The threaded section and / or the tapered section can be formed by rolling or drop forging.

[0023] Preferably, the angle of the flanks with the longitudinal direction can be in a range from 10° to 45°. Using smaller angles, a slower, and in particular smaller, increase in diameter can be achieved than with larger angles. In other words, the difference between the core diameter of the tapered section and the diameter of the actuating section, or threaded section, can be compensated for over a greater distance in the longitudinal direction at smaller angles than at larger angles. At smaller angles, a particularly smooth transition from lines of force into the tapered section can be achieved, while at larger angles the overall rigidity of the connecting element can be increased. Based on this knowledge, a range from 10° to 45° has proven particularly advantageous.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting means can be made of a material with a tensile strength of at least 600 N / mm 2, preferably at least 800 N / mm 2 The tensile strength of at least 600 N / mm 2 ensures a minimum force transmission. At least 800 N / mm 2Even high forces can be transmitted safely, in particular this allows for safe use in vehicles or steering systems. Preferably, one shaft section or several shaft sections, each with a constant diameter, can be present between the actuating section or the tapered section and the ball head. If there are several shaft sections, these can have the same or different diameters. The shaft section or sections can ensure a particularly uniform force introduction into the connecting element. The shaft section can significantly determine the extension of the connecting element along the longitudinal direction, in particular specify the distance between the ball head and the tapered section. The length of the shaft section can be varied depending on the geometric requirements, in particular the kinematics of the vehicle steering system. Different lengths of the shaft section are therefore possible.

[0025] Preferably, the shaft section can have a cylindrical outer surface. It is also conceivable for the shaft section to have a constant diameter along its extension parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the shaft section can be rotationally symmetrical. This can result in the advantage of a particularly simple design and manufacture of the connecting means.

[0026] Preferably, the shaft portion can have a greater extension in the longitudinal direction than the tapered portion and / or the threaded portion. This can result in the buckling or bending region being arranged in a relatively small and thus defined area relative to the overall length of the connecting means, particularly in the tapered portion.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the use of a connecting means in a vehicle and / or as a tie rod is provided. The connecting means can be used, for example, to adjust the toe-in or toe-out, so that a relative distance along a longitudinal direction between two interacting components of a wheel suspension, in particular the wheel suspension of a steerable axle, can be set by the connecting means. By rotating the connecting means designed as a tie rod, the relative distance can be varied by moving, in particular rotating, a threaded portion further in or out of an adjacent component. By using it, the safety of the vehicle and / or the steering rod can therefore be improved due to the buckling option.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle steering system is provided with a connecting means as described above or below. Particularly on steerable axles of the vehicle, the connecting means can be a component of the vehicle steering system. By adjusting the connecting means of the vehicle steering system, the track of a wheel can be individually adjusted on the axle side, and the connecting means can ensure a defined buckling, while still preventing total failure of the steering system.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a connecting means is provided, comprising the following steps: Providing a connecting means blank, in particular by cutting a wire to length. Forming a part of the connecting means blank to create a tapered section, wherein webs and flanks of the tapered section are formed, wherein the flanks each delimit the tapered section in the longitudinal direction and the webs extend from one flank to the other flank; and Forming a part of the connecting means blank to create a threaded section. The connecting means blank comprises a formable structure, in particular a metal structure that is suitable for forming. Forming processes can be carried out both hot and cold, wherein the forming steps of the method are preferably carried out cold.Manufacturing steps can include rolling, extrusion, drop forging, forging, punching, or tensile forming, although the manufacturing steps are not limited to the steps mentioned. Cutting a wire to length can be done by shearing or breaking, whereby a defined and repeatable length can be repeatedly severed from an endless wire. In other words, a section of the same length can always be severed from the endless wire. For example, using at least two semi-finished products, a severed wire section can be formed, in particular cold formed, in such a way that the tapered section, the webs arranged thereon, and the flanks are created from the material structure in a single work step. The threaded section can preferably be produced by a rolling process in order to achieve high mechanical properties and / or to be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0030] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. Individual features of the illustrated embodiments can also be used in other embodiments, unless expressly excluded. Furthermore, configurations and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0032] Fig.1 E in connecting means with longitudinal webs;

[0033] Fig.2: E in connecting means according to Figure 1 ;

[0034] Fig.3: E in connecting means with spirally extending webs according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Fig.4: E in connecting means according to Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a connecting means 10, which is shown in Figure 2 from a different perspective. The connecting means 10, which extends in a longitudinal direction L, has a threaded portion 20 at a first distal end in the longitudinal direction L and a ball head 40 at a second end opposite thereto in the longitudinal direction L. A circumferential direction U is defined perpendicular to the radial direction R, wherein these two directions are in turn perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The threaded portion 20 comprises a thread or is formed by a thread, wherein the portion is delimited by a chamfer which, starting from the thread, is arranged at the first end. A tapered portion 60 is arranged between the threaded portion 20 and the ball head 40, in particular adjacent to the threaded portion 20. It is also conceivable for an intermediate region to exist between the threaded portion 20 and the tapered region 60.As a result, the tapered section 60 can be spaced from the threaded section 20 such that the threaded section 20 can be unaffected by any deformation, in particular buckling or bending, of the tapered section 60. The tapered section 60 is delimited along the longitudinal direction L by two flanks 62. The core diameter of the tapered section 60 is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded region 20. Furthermore, the core diameter of the tapered section 60 is smaller than the diameter of a shaft section 30 distal thereto. The flanks 62 delimit the tapered section 60 from the adjacent regions, in particular the threaded section 20 and the shaft section 30. In other words, the flanks 62 compensate for any cross-sectional jumps shown. A plurality of webs 64 extend along the longitudinal direction L between the two flanks 62 of the tapered section 60.The webs 64 can also be understood as elongated elevations having a height along the radial direction R. In other words, the webs 64 protrude beyond the core of the tapered section 60 in the radial direction R. In Fig. 1, two webs 64 are visible in the tapered region 60. Three, four, or even more than four webs 64 can be arranged on the tapered region 60. The shaft section 30 borders the ball head 40. An actuating region 50 is located between a flank 62 of the tapered region 60 and the shaft section 30. The actuating region 50 can be an engagement structure. This engagement structure is designed as a hexagon. Furthermore, the engagement structure can also be designed as a polygon or other structure in order to be engageable with a tool and a corresponding engagement counterstructure.The actuating region 50 can thus be designed as a force application region in order to rotate the connecting means 10 in a form-fitting manner about the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the actuating section 50 can have a chamfer which faces the tapered section 60, which can simplify assembly. Figure 3 shows a connecting means 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment according to Fig. 2 is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 1, with the webs 64 differing. In Fig. 2, the webs 64 in the tapered section 60 have a spiral, in particular helical, course. In other words, the webs 64 have a twisted course in the direction of the longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction U. However, the webs 64 are also in contact with the two flanks 62 of the tapered section 60. Three webs 64 are visible in Fig. 2.It is conceivable that four or more than four webs are arranged on the connecting means 10 in the present embodiment. Figure 4 shows another perspective of the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0037] List of reference symbols:

[0038] 10 - Connecting devices

[0039] 20 - Threaded section

[0040] 30 - Shaft section

[0041] 40 - Ball head

[0042] 50 - Operating section

[0043] 60 - Tapering section

[0044] 62 - Flank

[0045] 64 - Footbridges

[0046] L - longitudinal direction

[0047] R - radial direction

[0048] U - direction of rotation

Claims

Claims 1. Connecting means (10), wherein the connecting means (10) has a threaded portion (20) and a Ball head (40), wherein the connecting means (10) extends in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein a radial direction (R) extends perpendicularly away from the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a circumferential direction (U) extends around the longitudinal direction (L), wherein in the longitudinal direction (L) between the threaded portion (20) and the ball head (40) a tapered portion (60) is arranged, wherein the tapered portion (60) is delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) in each case by flanks (62), wherein the tapered portion (60) has webs (64), wherein the webs (64) extend from one flank (62) to the other flank (62).

2. Connecting means (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein all webs (64) have the same height in the radial direction (R).

3. Connecting means according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the webs (64) to the outer diameter of the tapered section (62) is in a range of 0.05 to 0.15, preferably in a range of 0.07 to 0.

11.

4. Connecting means according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the flanks (62) in the longitudinal direction is at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and particularly preferably at least 3 cm.

5. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (64) extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), or wherein the webs (64) have a twisted course in the direction of the longitudinal direction (L) and / or in the circumferential direction (U).

6. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (64) are arranged equidistant from one another in the circumferential direction (U).

7. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs, in particular in the circumferential direction, have two parallel sides, the distance between which and the diameter of the tapered section (60) has a ratio of 0.05 to 0.6, preferably 0.05 to 0.3 and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.

2.

8. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a constant outer diameter and / or a constant core diameter is formed between the flanks (62) of the tapered section (60).

9. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapered portion (60) is a tool-engagement-free portion.

10. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (10) has an actuating section (50), wherein the actuating section (50) has a polygon, in particular a hexagon, or is formed by a polygon, in particular a hexagon.

11. Connecting means (10) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating portion (50) lies in the longitudinal direction (L) between the ball head (40) and the tapered portion (60).

12. Connecting means (10) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the actuating portion (50) and the tapered portion (60) are separate portions.

13. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded portion (20) and / or the ball head (40) form a distal end in the longitudinal direction (L) of the connecting means (10).

14. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (10) is in one piece.

15. Connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a shaft section (30) with a constant diameter is present between the actuating section (50) or tapered section (60) and the ball head (40).

16. Connecting means (10) according to claim 15, wherein the shaft portion (30) has a cylindrical outer surface.

17. Use of a connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16 in a vehicle and / or as a tie rod.

18. Steering of a vehicle comprising a connecting means (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16.

19. A method for producing a connecting means (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps: - Providing a connecting means blank, in particular by cutting a wire to length; - forming a part of the connecting means blank to create a tapered section (60), wherein webs (64) and flanks (62) of the tapered section (60) are formed, wherein the flanks (62) delimit the tapered section (60) in the longitudinal direction (L) and the webs (64) extend from one flank (62) to the other flank (62); and - forming a part of the fastener blank to create a threaded section (20).

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