Chassis control arm having a slotted bearing sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to a chassis control arm (1), preferably a single-shell spring control arm, for a vehicle, having at least one bearing retainer (1a) which has at least two spaced-apart webs (2) each comprising a bearing eye (3), the bearing eyes (3) being designed as openings in the webs (2) arranged coaxially with respect to one another, and having a bearing sleeve (5) which is inserted into the bearing eyes (3) and has a slot (6) which is continuous in the axial direction. In order to achieve a long service life of a bearing (8) to be pressed into the inserted bearing sleeve, in particular a rubber-metal bearing, and for an improved connection of such a bearing, the invention provides that the slotted bearing sleeve (5) has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1), wherein the projection (7. 1) effects a positive connection between the bearing sleeve (5) inserted into the bearing eyes (3) and the webs (2), and wherein the slotted bearing sleeve (5) is designed to be resilient, so that the diameter of the bearing sleeve can be reduced by radial compression of the slotted bearing sleeve (5) to such an extent that the bearing sleeve (5) can be removed from the bearing eyes (3) without plastic deformation and, conversely, can be inserted into the bearing eyes (3).

Description

[0001] Chassis control arm having a slotted bearing sleeve

[0002] The invention relates to a chassis control arm, in particular in the form of a spring control arm, for a vehicle, having at least one bearing retainer which has at least two spaced-apart webs each with a bearing eye, the bearing eyes being designed as coaxially arranged openings in the webs, and having a bearing sleeve which is inserted into the bearing eyes and has a slot which is continuous in the axial direction, wherein the slotted bearing sleeve has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection, and wherein the projection effects a positive connection between the bearing sleeve inserted into the bearing eyes and the webs.

[0003] The prior art includes single-shell chassis control arms made of sheet steel, which have spaced-apart webs on which at least one bearing retainer is formed, into which a rubber-metal bearing is pressed (see, for example, DE 10 2011 052 398 Al). The rubber-to-metal bearing is usually composed of an inner metal sleeve, a bushingshaped rubber body that firmly encases the metal sleeve and an outer metal sleeve that firmly encases the rubber body. The bearing retainer of the chassis control arm, which is made of sheet steel, has two axially spaced bearing eyes that define bearing seats for the rubber-metal bearing. In order to increase the contact surface for the pressed-in rubber-to-metal bearing, the bearing seats are designed as eyelets (rim holes). Such eyelets are also known as collars.

[0004] When designing such a bearing retainer, it is sometimes a key requirement to ensure that the eyelets are as long as possible in order to maximise the contact surface of the pressed-in rubber-to-metal bearing. However, due to the material properties, in particular the recommended smallest bending radii of the steel sheets used to manufacture the single-shell chassis control arms, the maximum length of the loadbearing part of the bearing seats is limited. In practice, for example, the maximum length of the load-bearing part of the eyelets is limited to approx. 7 mm each or to a total of approx. 14 mm.

[0005] The force flow is transferred to the contact areas of the contact surface of the rubbermetal bearing via the load-bearing surface areas of the bearing seats (eyelets). Due to the supporting forces acting on the narrow flanks of the bearing eyes and thus on a relatively small area, high pressures are generated on the non-stiffened rubber-metal bearing. Compared to a corresponding rubber-to-metal bearing that is supported over its entire length, this sub-optimal press fit leads to significantly higher wear and a shorter service life of the rubber-to-metal bearing.

[0006] If the high pressures lead to an unacceptable failure of the bearing due to the suboptimal press fit of the rubber-metal bearing, it is possible to avoid such a bearing failure by inserting a metal sleeve into the bearing eyes of the single-shell chassis control arm and welding the metal sleeve to the chassis control arm. However, the disadvantages of this solution are, on the one hand, the higher production costs due to the additional welding process and, on the other hand, the significantly higher quality assurance costs for checking the welded connection, which leads to higher production costs.

[0007] DE 10 2013 002 626 Al discloses a chassis control arm of the type mentioned at the beginning. The chassis control arm has a terminal bearing section which has two spaced-apart webs, each with a bearing eye, the bearing eyes being coaxial with one another. Furthermore, the chassis control arm is provided with a bearing sleeve that radially surrounds an elastic bearing (rubber-metal bearing) and can be inserted into the bearing eyes together with the elastic bearing. The bearing eyes are bevelled, i.e. they have bearing seats designed as eyelets (collars) in order to increase the contact surface on the bearing sleeve. The bearing sleeve has a continuous slot running through it in the axial direction. In the inserted state of the bearing sleeve, the edges of the slot are less widely spaced from each other than in the non-inserted state, with the slot edges forming a positive fit with each other in the axial direction in the inserted state. For this purpose, one of the slot edges forms a lug, while the other slot edge forms a complementary lug receptacle. The lug receptacle is designed as a negative form of the lug. In the disclosed embodiment of the known chassis control arm, a very small residual gap remains between the slot edges when the slotted bearing sleeve is inserted in order to minimise relative displacement of the slot edges in the axial direction and thus improve the press fit of the bearing sleeve, particularly when the chassis control arm is subjected to torsional loading.

[0008] DE 10 2021 101 515 B3 discloses a control arm arrangement comprising a formed sheet metal element which provides at least one bearing receptacle which accommodates a bushing bearing which has an inner bearing part, an elastomer body arranged radially outside of the inner bearing part and a metal sleeve element surrounding the elastomer body. The bearing receptacle is defined by at least two axially spaced and coaxially aligned sheet metal ring sections to form an axial gap between the sheet metal ring sections and wherein the bushing bearing is supported via an outer surface of the metal sleeve element on the sheet metal ring sections providing the bearing receptacle. The metal sleeve element has at least one projection extending radially outward over at least a circumferential portion of its outer surface, produced by axial compression of the metal sleeve element, in order to provide an axial positive connection between the metal sleeve element and the formed sheet metal element.

[0009] From US 2014 / 0225343 a method for producing a chassis control arm is known, wherein at least one end of a blank is provided with at least two webs which are arranged in spaced-apart relation and define a clearance there between. Each of the webs is formed with a bearing opening, with the bearing opening of one web and the bearing opening of the other web aligned in coaxial relation to provide a bearing zone. A bearing sleeve is placed into the bearing openings, and the bearing sleeve is peripherally expanded at least in one region such as to project radially into the clearance. The at least one peripheral expansion can be formed to directly abut at least one of the webs in an axial direction. DE 10 2005 054 625 discloses a bearing arrangement with a rubber metal bushing for bearing torque-loaded machine parts, in particular an axle control arm of a motor vehicle. The bearing arrangement has a cylindrical inner part made from metal, an inner thick-walled metal tube, and a rubber metal bushing comprising a longitudinal gap opened at the outer circumference. The gap has a step in an outer tube and a rubber layer, such that distance between ends of the outer tube is larger than the opening breadth at the beginning of a longitudinal slit in the rubber layer. The longitudinal gap cooperates with a fitting key that is arranged in a retaining lug, in a torque-proof manner in a pressed condition of the bushing.

[0010] The present invention is based on the object of providing a chassis control arm of the type mentioned at the beginning, preferably a single-shell chassis control arm for a vehicle, which offers an improved connection of a rubber-metal bearing in order to achieve a long service life of the rubber-metal bearing.

[0011] This object is solved by a chassis control arm having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the chassis control arm according to the invention are the subject of the subclaims referring back to claim 1.

[0012] The chassis control arm according to the invention is characterized in that the slotted bearing sleeve is designed to be resilient, so that the diameter of the bearing sleeve can be reduced by radial compression of the slotted bearing sleeve to such an extent that the bearing sleeve can be removed from the bearing eyes without plastic deformation and, conversely, can be inserted into the bearing eyes.

[0013] In other words, the slotted, resiliently designed bearing sleeve of the chassis control arm according to the invention has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection which is designed in such a way that, when the bearing sleeve is installed, a positive connection of the resiliently designed bearing sleeve to the webs of the chassis control arm is achieved. The solution according to the invention optimizes the press fit of the bearing, preferably a rubber-metal bearing, inserted into the bearing eyes, in that the bearing sleeve clamped in the bearing eyes of the chassis control arm supports or can support the bearing over the entire axial length of the bearing. In this way, the chassis control arm according to the invention provides an improved connection of the bearing, preferably a rubber-metal bearing, inserted into the bearing eyes, which results in a long or longer service life of the bearing.

[0014] The slotted, resilient bearing sleeve of the chassis control arm according to the invention, the diameter of which can be reduced by radial compression (clamping together) without plastic deformation of the bearing sleeve, can also be described as a sleeve-shaped spring element. For example, the slotted bearing sleeve can be elastically compressed to such an extent that the slot edges of the bearing sleeve touch each other.

[0015] After the slotted bearing sleeve is inserted as a compressed spring element into the spaced bearing eyes, then radially relieved and axially secured between the bearing eyes by positive locking, the bearing (e.g. rubber-metal bearing) is then pressed into the bearing sleeve, preferably over its entire length. This arrangement leads to an optimum press fit of the pressed-in bearing and to a loss protection of the inserted slotted bearing sleeve. The length of the slotted bearing sleeve can, for example, be in the range of 40 to 60 mm, in particular in the range of 45 to 55 mm.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the bearing eyes are formed as collarless openings of the webs. In other words, in this embodiment, the invention dispenses with eyelets at the bearing eyes, which considerably simplifies the manufacture of the chassis control arm and thereby excludes or at least reduces possible quality defects that can occur in connection with eyelets (collars) formed at the bearing eyes. Furthermore, the collarless design of the bearing eyes offers the advantage that the chassis control arm can be manufactured more reliably from high-strength sheet steel, preferably multiphase or complex-phase sheet steel, which requires a relatively large bending radius with regard to the recommended smallest bending radius in order to reliably avoid cracks or other damage to the sheet steel when shaping the sheet steel. The sheet steel used to manufacture the chassis control arm, preferably a single-shell chassis control arm, has a tensile strength Rm in the range from 700 to 1,100 MPa, preferably in the range from 750 to 1,100 MPa, particularly preferably in the range from 780 to 1,100 MPa. The yield strength Rp of the sheet steel used to manufacture the chassis control arm, preferably a single-shell chassis control arm, is, for example, in the range of 500 to 800 MPa, particularly preferably in the range of 600 to 800 MPa. A correspondingly high yield strength or yield point of the sheet steel means that the chassis control arm can be manufactured with a reduced sheet thickness and correspondingly reduced weight.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the chassis control arm according to the invention provides that the webs of the bearing mount are integrally formed body sections of a single-shell sheet metal molded body. The bearing retainer can thus be realized in a production effective manner. Preferably, the chassis control arm according to the invention is essentially designed as a single-shell chassis control arm. The chassis control arm according to the invention thus has a shell-shaped base body made of sheet metal, preferably sheet steel, by forming. The single-shell base body of the chassis control arm according to the invention can have at least two spaced-apart webs, which are integrally connected to one another via a back. Furthermore, the single-shell base body of the chassis control arm according to the invention can have a widened and / or cup-like section for receiving and supporting a coil spring. In this case, the chassis control arm can also be referred to as a spring control arm.

[0018] The at least one radially outwardly projecting projection of the slotted bearing sleeve, which creates a positive connection between the bearing sleeve and the webs of the bearing retainer of the chassis control arm, can be realized in various designs. A reliable positive connection between the slotted bearing sleeve and the webs of the bearing holder can be achieved if the radially outwardly projecting projection is designed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of one or more diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve. For example, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the radially outwardly projecting projection is designed at least twice in the form of axially spaced diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection is designed in the form of two axially spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve, the two diameter extensions being directly axially adjacent on the sides of the webs facing away from each other. This design offers reliable protection against loss of the slotted bearing sleeve inserted into the bearing eyes with low weight of the bearing sleeve and bearing retainer or chassis control arm.

[0019] Another advantageous embodiment of the slotted bearing sleeve according to the invention is characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting projection is designed in the form of a substantially central diameter extension of the bearing sleeve. This design also offers reliable protection against loss of the slotted bearing sleeve inserted into the bearing eyes, although the weight of the bearing sleeve in this case is rather higher than in the aforementioned design, in which the bearing sleeve has two axially spaced-apart diameter extensions that are directly axially adjacent to the sides of the webs facing away from each other.

[0020] Another, also advantageous embodiment of the slotted bearing sleeve according to the invention can be realized in that the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection is designed in the form of two axially spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve, the two diameter extensions being directly axially adjacent to the mutually facing sides of the webs of the bearing retainer. The two diameter extensions are formed at an axial distance from the ends (end faces) of the bearing sleeve. The axial distance of the respective diameter extension from the nearest end face of the bearing sleeve is preferably at least as great or greater than the thickness (wall thickness) of the web comprising the relevant bearing eye. The slotted bearing sleeve of the chassis control arm according to the invention can be manufactured in various ways. An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the slotted bearing sleeve to be produced by roll forming a metal sheet strip, in particular a steel sheet strip. This allows the slotted bearing sleeve to be produced in a material-saving manner.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection of the bearing sleeve is produced by machining the bearing sleeve or a preliminary product of the bearing sleeve, e.g. a metal sheet strip. The machining of the bearing sleeve can be carried out, for example, by turning or milling an unmachined sleeve, in particular an unmachined sleeve produced by roll forming and having the said slot.

[0022] With regard to low wear and a long service life of the bearing sleeve according to the invention and a rubber-metal bearing inserted therein, it is advantageous if the bearing sleeve is made of cold-formable steel according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the steel preferably has an upper yield strength ReH of at least 380 MPa, particularly preferably at least 400 MPa and / or preferably a tensile strength Rm in the range from 450 to 670 MPa, particularly preferably in the range from 460 to 640 MPa.

[0023] Since the slotted, resilient bearing sleeve according to the invention has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection which, when the bearing sleeve is installed, creates a positive connection with the webs of the bearing retainer, wherein the bearing sleeve then additionally bears with a press fit against the bearing eyes of the bearing retainer, the slot of the resilient bearing sleeve is dimensioned such that this slot is larger in the non-inserted, untensioned state of the bearing sleeve than in the state in which it is inserted into the bearing retainer, i.e. when the bearing sleeve is clamped in the press fit. Accordingly, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the slot of the bearing sleeve has a width in the range from 6 to 16 mm, preferably in the range from 6 to 12 mm, when the bearing sleeve is inserted into the bearing eyes (bearing retainer).

[0024] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the height or radial extent of the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection of the bearing sleeve is in the range from 0.6 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. This enables simple mounting of the slotted, resilient bearing sleeve in the bearing retainer and a reliable positive connection between the bearing sleeve and the bearing retainer when the bearing sleeve is inserted.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mean wall thickness or mean sheet thickness of the bearing sleeve is in the range from 1 to 4 mm, preferably in the range from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. This design is advantageous with regard to the spring elasticity of the slotted bearing sleeve according to the invention as well as a broad distribution of the compressive forces acting on the bearing sleeve and the bearing used, preferably a rubber-metal bearing.

[0026] A particularly preferred embodiment of the chassis control arm according to the invention is characterized by the fact that a rubber-metal bearing is pressed into the inserted slotted bearing sleeve.

[0027] However, the chassis control arm according to the invention is not only suitable for use with a rubber-metal bearing, but is also particularly advantageous for use with a hard plastic bearing with a plastic casing. This is because such a hard plastic bearing can hardly be used with conventional chassis control arms having eyelets at the bearing eyes, as such a hard plastic bearing quickly fails due to the high pressure occurring at the eyelets. An advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore provides that a hard plastic bearing with a plastic jacket or a hard plastic-metal bearing is pressed into the slotted bearing sleeve, which is inserted into the bearing eyes of the chassis control arm according to the invention.

[0028] Since the positive connection of the slotted bearing sleeve with the webs having the bearing eyes leads to an axial and radial fastening of the bearing sleeve to the chassis control arm, no welding process is required for the connection of the bearing sleeve with the webs of the chassis control arm having the bearing eyes in the solution according to the invention. Since no welding process is required for this connection according to the invention, the material of the bearing sleeve used can differ from the material of the chassis control arm. For example, the slotted bearing sleeve of the chassis control arm according to the invention can be made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic, while the chassis control arm is preferably formed from high- strength sheet steel.

[0029] The slot of the bearing sleeve according to the invention can be realized in various embodiments with regard to the bearing to be inserted in the bearing sleeve and the connection of the chassis control arm by means of the bearing used. For example, as an alternative to a rectilinear slot running parallel to the central or longitudinal axis of the bearing sleeve, the slotted bearing sleeve can also have a slot shape running at an angle to the central or longitudinal axis of the bearing sleeve or a wavy or free-formed slot shape.

[0030] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the slotted bearing sleeve is provided with a marking, for example a (relatively small) opening or notch. The marking serves as an alignment aid during insertion of the bearing sleeve into the bearing eyes. Preferably, in this embodiment, a marking is also formed on at least one of the webs of the bearing retainer having the bearing eyes, which marking serves as a reference point for the marking formed on the bearing sleeve. This marking formed on at least one of the webs of the bearing retainer can also be in the form of an opening or notch. The respective marking can have small dimensions, for example in the range of one or more tenths of a millimeter, or in particular dimensions of less than 5 mm. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing showing several embodiments. In the drawing

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a section of a chassis control arm according to the invention with a bearing inserted therein;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a larger section of the chassis control arm from Fig. 1 without the bearing, but with the slotted bearing sleeve inserted therein, in a different perspective view;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a section of the chassis control arm from Fig. 1 in a sectional view along the longitudinal center axis of the inserted bearing;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a section of the chassis control arm from Fig. 1 without the bearing and without the slotted bearing sleeve, in a perspective view;

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a slotted bearing sleeve according to the invention in the untensioned state, in a side view;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the bearing sleeve along line VI-VI in Fig. 5;

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a chassis control arm according to the invention with a bearing inserted therein, in a perspective view of a section of the chassis control arm;

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a larger section of the chassis control arm from Fig. 7 without the bearing, but with the slotted bearing sleeve inserted therein, in another perspective view; Fig. 9 shows a section of the chassis control arm from Fig. 7 in a sectional view along the longitudinal center axis of the inserted bearing;

[0039] Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment example of a slotted bearing sleeve according to the invention in the untensioned state, in a side view; and

[0040] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the bearing sleeve along the line XI-XI in Fig. 10.

[0041] Figures 1 to 4 show sections of a chassis control arm 1, for example a so-called spring control arm, whereby a bearing retainer la arranged at one end of the chassis control arm 1 is shown in different views. The chassis control arm 1 is formed from sheet steel, preferably high-strength sheet steel. The bearing mount la is formed on two spaced-apart webs 2 of the single-shell chassis control arm 1, with the webs 2 each having a bearing eye 3. The webs 2 are connected to each other in one piece by a back 4. Along the back 4, the chassis control arm 1 has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile in some areas. The bearing eyes 3 are designed as coaxial openings in the webs 2. A bearing sleeve 5 is inserted into the bearing eyes 3, which has a slot 6 that is continuous in the axial direction.

[0042] The slotted bearing sleeve 5 is resilient, so that by radially compressing the bearing sleeve, the diameter of the bearing sleeve 5 can be reduced to such an extent that it can be inserted into the bearing eyes 3 without plastic deformation and can be brought into a press fit with the webs 2 by radial unloading. The bearing eyes 3 of the chassis control arm 1 are preferably designed as collarless openings of the webs 2. Figures 2 and 4 in particular show that the bearing eyes 3 are designed without collars (eyelets).

[0043] In Fig. 2, the bearing sleeve 5 is shown in three different states; on the far right of Fig. 2 in the untensioned state, i.e. in the radially non-compressed state; on the left next in a resiliently tensioned, radially compressed state, whereby the slot edges 6. 1, 6.2 of the slot 6 can touch each other; and on the far left in the state installed in the bearing eyes 3 of the chassis control arm 1, whereby the bearing sleeve 5 as a spring element in the press fit rests on the inner circumference of the bearing eyes 3 and thus on the webs 2. In the installed state of the slotted bearing sleeve 5, its slot edges 6.1 and 6.2 are at a considerable distance from each other, but at the same time also considerably closer to each other than in the untensioned state of the bearing sleeve 5 (see Fig. 2). For example, the axial slot 6 of the bearing sleeve 5 can have a width B in the range from 6 to 16 mm, preferably in the range from 6 to 12 mm, when the bearing sleeve 5 is installed (see Fig. 1).

[0044] According to the invention, the slotted bearing sleeve 5 has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1, which is designed in such a way that, in the installed state of the bearing sleeve 5, a positive connection of the bearing sleeve 5 to the webs 2 of the chassis control arm 1 results.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1 is designed in the form of two axially spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve 5, whereby the two diameter extensions (projections 7.1) are directly axially adjacent to the sides of the webs 2 facing away from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve 5 could also be designed in such a way that they are directly axially adjacent to the sides of the webs 2 facing each other.

[0046] The diameter extensions (projections 7.1) are formed continuously over the entire circumferential length of the slotted bearing sleeve 5 (see Figures 1, 2 and 5). The two diameter extensions (projections 7.1) of the bearing sleeve 5 can also be referred to as flanges or collars.

[0047] The slotted bearing sleeve 5 can be produced, for example, by roll forming a metal sheet strip, in particular a steel sheet strip. The at least one radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1 can be produced, for example, by machining the bearing sleeve 5 and / or the sheet metal strip. Both turning on a lathe and milling can be considered as a machining production process.

[0048] The bearing sleeve 5 of the chassis control arm 1 can, for example, be manufactured from cold-formable steel, with the steel preferably having an upper yield strength ReH of at least 380 MPa, particularly preferably at least 400 MPa and / or preferably a tensile strength Rm in the range from 450 to 670 MPa, particularly preferably in the range from 460 to 640 MPa.

[0049] A relatively small radial extension of the radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1 of the bearing sleeve 5 is sufficient to axially secure the bearing sleeve 5 in the bearing retainer la and to prevent it from unintentionally moving out of the bearing retainer la. For example, the radial extension or height H of the projection of the bearing sleeve is in the range from 0.6 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The average wall thickness or sheet thickness S of the bearing sleeve 5 is, for example, in the range from 1 to 4 mm, preferably in the range from 1.5 to 3.5 mm (see Fig. 6).

[0050] After the slotted bearing sleeve 5 has been inserted as an elastic spring element between the bearing eyes 3 and directly secured radially and axially to the bearing eyes 3 by means of a press fit and form fit, a bushing-shaped bearing 8, for example a rubber-metal bearing 8, is then pressed into the slotted bearing sleeve 5 over its entire length. The axial length of the slotted bearing sleeve 5 can, for example, be in the range of 45 to 55 mm (see in particular Figures 1, 3 and 6).

[0051] The embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7 to 11 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6 in the configuration of the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1 of the slotted bearing sleeve 5'. As shown in particular in Figures 8, 9 and 11, in this embodiment the radially outwardly projecting projection 7.1 is designed in the form of a substantially central diameter extension of the bearing sleeve 5'. The central diameter extension (projection 7.1) of the bearing sleeve 5' defines two arcuate shoulders 7.3, 7.4 facing away from each other, which are directly axially adjacent to the sides of the webs 2 facing each other.

[0052] In the installed state of the bearing sleeve 5', the ends (end faces) of the bearing sleeve 5' protrude beyond the outer sides of the webs 2 of the bearing retainer la, which comprise the bearing eyes 3 (see Fig. 9). The opposite end edges 5.1, 5.2 of the bearing sleeve 5, 5' are each chamfered (see Figs. 6 and 11).

[0053] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawing. Rather, numerous variants are possible which also make use of the invention disclosed in the appended claims in a configuration deviating from the examples shown. For example, the slot 6 of the slotted bearing sleeve 5, 5' can be designed not only as a straight slot 6 running parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the bearing sleeve 5, 5', but alternatively also, for example, as a wavy slot or a slot running at an angle to the longitudinal central axis of the bearing sleeve 5, 5'. Furthermore, the chassis control arm 1 according to the invention is not only suitable in combination with a conventional rubber-metal bearing 8 to be pressed into the slotted bearing sleeve 5, 5', but is also well suited for the use of a bearing to be pressed in in the form of a hard plastic bearing with a plastic jacket or a hard plastic-metal bearing.

Claims

C l a i m s1. Chassis control arm (1) for a vehicle, having at least one bearing retainer (la) which has at least two spaced-apart webs (2), each comprising a bearing eye (3), the bearing eyes (3) being designed as openings in the webs (2) which are arranged coaxially with respect to one another, and with a bearing sleeve (5, 5') which is inserted into the bearing eyes (3) and has a slot (6) which is continuous in the axial direction, wherein the slotted bearing sleeve (5, 5') has at least one radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1), and wherein the projection (7.1) effects a positive connection between the bearing sleeve (5, 5') inserted into the bearing eyes (3) and the webs (2), characterized in that the slotted bearing sleeve (5, 5') is designed to be resilient, so that the diameter of the bearing sleeve (5, 5') can be reduced by radial compression of the slotted bearing sleeve (5, 5') to such an extent that the bearing sleeve (5, 5') can be removed from the bearing eyes (3) without plastic deformation and, conversely, can be inserted into the bearing eyes (3).

2. Chassis control arm according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing eyes (3) are designed as collarless openings of the webs (2).

3. Chassis control arm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the webs (2) are integrally formed body sections of a single-shell sheet-metal shaped body.

4. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1) is designed in the form of one or more diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve (5, 5')-5. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1) is designed at least twice in the form of axially spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve (5).

6. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1) is designed in the form of two axially spaced-apart diameter extensions of the bearing sleeve (5), the two diameter extensions being directly axially adjacent on the sides of the webs (2) facing away from each other.

7. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1) is designed in the form of a substantially central diameter extension of the bearing sleeve (5')-8. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the slotted bearing sleeve (5, 5') is produced by roll forming a metal sheet strip.

9. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one radially outwardly projecting projection (7.1) is produced by machining the bearing sleeve (5, 5') or a preliminary product of the bearing sleeve (5, 5')-10. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bearing sleeve (5, 5') is made of cold-formable steel, the steel preferably having an upper yield strength ReH of at least 380 MPa, particularly preferably at least 400 MPa and / or preferably a tensile strength Rm in the range from 450 to 670 MPa, particularly preferably in the range from 460 to 640 MPa.

11. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the slot (6) of the bearing sleeve (5, 5') has a width (B) in the range from 6 to16 mm, preferably in the range from 6 to 12 mm, when the bearing sleeve (5, 5') is inserted into the bearing eyes (3).

12. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the radial extent or height (H) of the radially outwardly projecting projection(7.1) of the bearing sleeve (5, 5') is in the range from 0.6 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range from 0.8 to 1.2 mm.

13. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mean wall thickness or mean sheet thickness (S) of the bearing sleeve (5, 5') is in the range from 1 to 4 mm, preferably in the range from 1.5 to 3.5 mm.

14. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a rubber-metal bearing (8) is pressed into the inserted bearing sleeve (5, 5’).

15. Chassis control arm according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a hard plastic bearing with plastic jacket or a hard plastic-metal bearing is pressed into the inserted bearing sleeve (5, 5')-

Images