Axle connection

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an axle connection, particularly for a utility vehicle.

[0002] The axle connection describes the nodal point between the rocker arm, in particular of a utility vehicle, and the axle tube. Of course, usually two axle connections are provided, since the axle tube is generally guided through two wishbones. At the respective ends of the axle tube, as a rule, axle end journals or, alternatively, suitable add-ons are provided in order to be able to fasten the brake units and the wheels. In principle, components or devices are also provided in the area of ​​the axle connection in order to be able to accommodate elastic / damping elements, for example elements of air dampers. The structural element on which the air spring element is arranged is generally referred to in the prior art as the "rear end". Due to the various functionalities that are integrated into the axis connection, these nodal points are often structurally very overlapping and consequently not suitably shaped. Thus, for example, different wishbones have to be stored by the manufacturer when the air damper elements are to be built-up with different mounting heights. This variety of varieties is always associated with unfavorable costs.

[0003] DE 10 2011 086 480 A1 relates to a steering element, a first axle element and a second axle element, which are attached to the steering element in such a way that a receiving section for mounting an elastic element is cut from one axle.

[0004] GB 2 396 140 A, WO 02/20288 A1 and WO 2008/017351 A1 both relate to axle assemblies for vehicles, consisting of an axle and a rocker arm which is attached to the axle, the rocker arm having a region for housing an air damper and an opposite region for pivotable mounting on a part of the vehicle frame.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an axle combination, especially for a commercial vehicle, which is cost-effective and at the same time provides maximum flexibility.

[0006] This object is achieved by an axle combination according to claim 1. Further advantages and features of the invention are achieved from the dependent claims and the description and attached figures.

According to the invention, an axle connection, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprises an axle tube seat, which has a longitudinal axis which is oriented parallel to the axle tube inserted therein, at least one connection area, in particular for connection to the rocker arm, and a support section, in particular for positioning a rear end, the axle joint having an axis of rotation which intersects the longitudinal axis and the joint region being arranged or positioned relatively symmetrically to the plane of rotation, which is defined by an axis of rotation and a longitudinal axis, the support portion being displaced at least partially transversely to the plane of rotation. Preferably, the longitudinal axis corresponds to a center line or cylinder axis of the axle tube, which is generally circular, in particular circular, like a circle. It is assumed that the axle tube can also have a polygonal or square cross-section at least partially. Regardless of the shape of the axle tube, the axle tube seat is adapted with its inner surface to be received, at least partially, positively on or within the axle tube. Advantageously, the seat of the axle tube, i.e. the axle tube, is at least partially surrounded, so that it is possible to receive it with positive and / or non-positive locking, or

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[0008] It is possible to arrange the axle tube in or on the seat of the axle tube. However, also alternatively, the axle tube seat does not completely surround the axle tube, but is butt-welded, which, for example, is welded. Preferably, the axle connection comprises at least one connection area, in particular for connection to the rocker arm and the support section, in particular for the arrangement of the rear end. With regard to the longitudinal axis, the connection region and the support section are arranged substantially opposite or extend substantially far apart. Advantageously, the connection region is formed for a positive and / or non-positive engagement with the rocker. For example, the joint area is designed in such a way that fast and uncomplicated welding with the rocker is possible. Advantageously, the connecting area already has corresponding chamfers on its edges for this, in order to possibly facilitate a fillet weld. According to the invention, the joining region is oriented symmetrically to the plane of the axis, the plane of rotation being formed by the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis. In this case, the axis of rotation means that the axis connections are transferable about the axis of rotation by approximately 180 [deg.] From the first mounting state to the second mounting state. Since the support section is at least partially transverse to the plane of rotation, different positions for the support section can be realized when the axle connection is rotated from the first mounting state to the second mounting state. This is advantageously achieved in that the support section, as already mentioned, is offset transversely to the plane of rotation. It is assumed that the support section can also at least partially lie on the axis of rotation or in the plane of rotation, when the support section is formed at least partially asymmetrically when viewed in the direction of the plane of rotation. Alternatively, the support section, also viewed in the direction of the plane of rotation, may be symmetrical when it is displaced in its position relative to the plane of rotation. More preferably, the support section, when viewed in the direction of the plane of rotation, is both asymmetrically shaped and also arranged offset to it. This type of axle joint is not known in the art, so the various advantages and features that axle joints have are ascribed to most of the other components or components. This leads, for example, to various variations on the wishbones which can be made smaller by making the axle connection (s). The number of variations for the axle connections can advantageously be kept extremely low, since they are transferred from the first to the second assembly state, from which various possibilities for arranging the rear end are achieved by means of one and the same axle connection.

[0009] Preferably, the axle tube seat is formed as an at least partial, preferably fully closed cylinder which extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. As already noted, the cylinder may take various shapes in cross section. However, the circular, especially circular, cylinder cross-sectional shape is particularly preferred. However, there are also, for example, square-shaped axle tubes, so that for these applications the axle tube seat can also be square or polygonal. "At least partially" is to a large extent interpreted so that one or more openings may advantageously be provided on the circumference of the cylinder, which may advantageously be used to weld the axle joint, in particular the axle tube seat, to the axle tube. Generally, a hole welding is formed advantageously between the axle tube and the axle tube seat, whereby the heat input to the axle tube can be reduced during welding, since it does not need to be welded circumferentially to the axle tube seat. In this case, the cylinder does not need to be exactly cylindrical along the longitudinal axis. Instead, the cylinder may advantageously also have recesses, protrusions or the like along the longitudinal axis, in order to possibly further improve the force input into the axle tube. Thus, the projections may be shaped as transitions, in the form of a polygon

ΕΡ 2 994 325 Β1 or in the form of a hyperbola, which enables the forces related to the load from the axle tube to be channeled to the seat of the axle tube and vice versa.

[0010] It is also advantageous to form the seat of the axle tube in the form of a substantially cylindrical shell which extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the axle tube seat comprises the axle tube not completely in the circumferential direction. Various wrap angles are possible depending on the requirements. A wrap angle of <180 [deg.] Offers the advantage that the axle tube is easily inserted into the seat of the axle tube or in the (cylindrical) shell.

In principle, the axle joint can be designed as a hollow body at least in the region of the axle tube seat. The axis connection can include, in other words, a cylinder or even a substantially cylindrical shell. Alternatively, the axle tube seat may more preferably also be formed by respective openings in the hollow body, the holes surrounding the axle tube wholly or only partially. The holes with the corresponding inner surfaces then represent the seat of the axle tube. In this variant, although only a linear contact is provided between the axle tube and the axle tube seat, no further means are provided for attachment between the axle tube and the axle tube seat.

[0012] As already mentioned, the axle tube seat preferably has at least one inner surface and / or at least one lateral profile for receiving the axle tube and / or the axle journal. Advantageously, the axle connection may have on one or both side contours, for example, a flange or the like which is adapted to be placed in and / or on the axle tube or on and / or on the axle journal. Advantageously, the individual components can be aligned with each other by means of a flange. The correct determination of the components then preferably takes place by extensive welding. It is understood that also vice versa the axle tube and / or the axle shaft may have a flange or the like. In principle, different combinations are possible. Thus, the axle tube may also be positioned on the inner surface of the axle tube seat at the axle joint, while the axle journal is provided on the side contour, and so on.

[0013] Conveniently, the connection area is at least the seat area of ​​the axle tube. Thus, for example, preferably the rocker arm is disposed, in particular welded in this area, then suitably reinforced directly on the seat of the axle tube or also formed by the edges of the seat of the axle tube, for example when it is formed as a cylindrical shell, the edges of the seat of the axle tube preferably lie therein. the way that they are symmetrical to the plane of rotation.

[0014] Conveniently, the connection area is formed as an extension that extends along the axis of rotation from the seat of the axle tube. Advantageously, the extension can be a substantially closed, hollow body. Advantageously, the extension or the hollow body allows a kind of transition into the geometry or the cross section of the mounted rocker. Preferably, the rocker and the extension are connected by a positive fit and / or by force, for example by welding. The extension itself can be formed in one piece with the seat of the axle tube. Thus, the seat of the axle tube together with the extension can, for example, be produced by high-pressure forming. Alternatively, preferably, the extension is also positively and / or non-positively connected to the axle tube seat, e.g. welded.

[0015] Preferably, the extension has a connecting plane which is substantially transverse, in particular perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In other words, the connecting plane or the point of intersection represents the rocker assembly. In order to be able to ensure an "identical" intersection in both assembly states, the connecting plane is preferably shaped symmetrically or perpendicularly with respect to the plane of rotation. Preferably, the joining region substantially defines the joining plane. So, for example, two 3

The edges of the axle tube seat, which are shaped as a cylindrical shell, can form a connecting plane on which the rocker can then advantageously be provided.

[0016] Preferably, the connection region and the seat of the axle tube are substantially arranged mutually offset along the longitudinal axis. In this connection, it must be taken into account that the axis of rotation represents a so-called symmetry of the joining area. This is because the blend region is symmetrical about the plane of rotation. If the axle tube seat is now positioned along the longitudinal axis with an offset to the joint region, this asymmetric arrangement of different positions along the longitudinal direction of the axle tube seat is achieved in the first and second assembly conditions when viewed in the direction of the joint region. It is thus advantageously possible to adapt to various local conditions. Also advantageously, the support width on the axle tube can be varied, whereby the axle tube can be connected to the rocker at various points, whereby the force exerted on the axle tube can be influenced. Preferably, the support section is substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis with an offset relative to the axis of rotation. As with the example above, different positions can thus be realized for the support section in the first and second mounting position. It is assumed that all possible positions along the longitudinal axis are possible between the support section, the axle tube seat and the connecting area. It is understood that the area connecting the axle tube seat and the support section can also be arranged parallel to the axis of rotation, as if on a line. It is also possible that the area connecting the axle tube seat and the support section may be arranged symmetrically to the axis of rotation. The combinations mentioned are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0017] As already mentioned, the joint of the axles or at least parts can be produced by a high pressure forming method. It goes without saying that the axle connection can also be made cost-effective as a weldment construction. Thus, the axle tube seat itself may consist of several parts which are suitably welded together. The same applies to the support section or connection area configured as an extension.

[0018] As already mentioned, the axle joint according to the invention can be arranged in two mounting states on the axle tube, the first mounting condition being so different from the second mounting condition that the axle joint is rotated 180 ° to the axis of rotation, the joint being of the axis is positioned such that the connection region is aligned in the first and second mounting conditions. Due to the fact that the support section is displaced at least partially transverse to the plane of rotation and additionally is also arranged offset along the longitudinal axis with respect to the axis of rotation, different positions for the support section can advantageously be realized. Advantageously, this allows the rear end to be positioned both along the longitudinal axis as well as in relation to the road surface at different positions. The rear end is preferably arranged in or on the support section, for example by means of a welded joint. The support section can also be shaped such that it forms a plug arrangement for receiving the rear end. The rear end may also be plugged into the support section and secured by suitable fastening means. Basically, the support section may have a fixing hole for receiving a suitable fixing means.

[0019] Preferably, the support section extends along the support axis, the support axis and the axis of rotation preferably forming an angle of approximately 2 - 90 °. Preferably, the support axis and the axis of rotation make an angle of approximately 8-60 °, more preferably approximately 15-45 °. In this case, the angle is calculated, viewed from the support axis in the direction towards the connection region, in the direction towards the axis of rotation.

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[0020] Preferably, the support section extends along the support axis from the seat of the axle tube, the support section having at least one support surface. When viewed transversely to the support axis, the support section has different cross-sectional areas or outer contours. Preferably, a shape, especially quadrangular, is selected. The cross-section can also be round, oval, or especially circular like a circle, depending on the shape and manner of placing the end. At least one support surface is provided to accommodate or support the rear end.

[0021] Advantageously, the two support surfaces extend substantially parallel to the axis of the support, while one support surface extends substantially in a direction transverse to the axis of support. Preferably, a support surface which extends substantially transverse to the axis of support serves to support the rear end in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In contrast, support surfaces that extend substantially parallel to the axis of support are used to support the rear end substantially transverse to the axis of rotation. Basically, the support section is shaped such that the rear end can be arranged with positive locking and / or force locking. Thus, the rear end may, for example, be inserted into the support section, i.e. the rear end has a corresponding recess into which the support section can receive. Also preferably, the rear end can lie on the support section in such a way that it can be welded to the support surface.

[0022] With the advantage of the pivot plane, the upper supporting surface in the first mounting position has the same angle to the pivot axis as with respect to the pivot plane of the lower supporting surface in the second mounting position. Preferably in this connection, the upper and lower supporting surfaces in both assembly states have substantially the same alignment with respect to the longitudinal axis or the axis of rotation, but differ in height, for example with respect to the road plane. The same arrangement of the supporting surfaces enables that also identical rear ends can be used. Thereby, it can be of great advantage to further reduce the variety of components or variations. It goes without saying that the support surface, which is substantially transverse to the support axis as described above, is also arranged in such a way to the longitudinal axis or to the pivot axis that it is at least partially identical in both mounting conditions.

[0023] Conveniently, the axle joint comprises an axle tube and / or an axle journal and / or a rocker arm and / or a rear end. The axle connection need not be formed as a single component, but may be partially constructed as a weldment structure. It is also possible to at least partially perform it by means of a high pressure forming method or a forging process. In this case, the axle joint is preferably made of steel. Other metal materials, such as for example aluminum, can also be used as an alternative. Also composite materials, especially carbon fiber materials and combinations of the aforementioned materials are advantageously used both for the connection of the axle and its parts as well as for the rear end wishbone and the axle journal.

[0024] Further advantages and features are achieved from the following description of preferred embodiments of an axle connection according to the invention with reference to the attached figures. The individual features of the various embodiments can hereby be combined with one another within the scope of the invention.

[0025] Shown:

1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the axle with a connecting area in the form of an extension;

’

2, a further advantageous embodiment of the axle connection in a side view with the axle tube seat formed as a shell;

3 shows a further embodiment of the axle connection in a side view;

4a shows a preferred embodiment of the axle connection with the shell-shaped axle tube seat connected to the rocker arm in the first mounting position;

4b shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a in a second mounting position;

5a shows a preferred embodiment of the connection of the axle with the seat of the axle tube, formed as a cylinder in the first mounting position;

5b shows the embodiment known from FIG. 5 in a second mounting position;

6 shows a sketched axis connection when viewed from above at the plane of rotation E;

7 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the axle connection in a side view.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the axle connection 20 in a side view. The axle tube seat 40 is shaped as a cylinder 46 on whose inner surface 42 the axle tube 10 is disposed, both the axle tube 10 and the axle tube seat 40 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L which corresponds somewhat to the center line or axis of the cylinder (without reference) of the 10 axis tube. Extending from axle tube seat 40 extends a joining area 60, formed as an extension 62, which is symmetrically disposed with respect to the plane of rotation E. Further, the joining region 60 forms a joining plane 64 that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation E.

[0027] The plane of rotation E is formed by the longitudinal axis L and the axis of rotation D. An angle [alpha] is formed between the axis of rotation D and the axis of support S, which, in particularly preferred embodiments, lies in the range from approximately 30 ° - 60 °. A support section 80 extends along the support axis S, which has a plurality of support surfaces 82 ', 82.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of the connection of the axle 20 to the axle tube seat 40 formed as a shell 48. The axle tube seat 40 forms a wrap angle β which, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, is in the range of approximately 100 °. - 120 °. The axle tube 10 is located on the inner surface 42 of the axle tube seat 40. The small arc of contact β of approximately 100 ° - 120 ° makes it particularly easy to position the axle tube 10 on the axle joint 20. The axle tube seat 40, formed as a shell, forms a connection area 60 which includes a connection plane 64. The connection plane 64 is somewhat formed by the edges of the shell 48. It is crucial that the connection plane 64 and the connection area 60 are substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation. E or the axis of rotation D. A support section 80 with a support surface 82 ', 82 extends from the seat 40 of the axle tube. The support section 80 is located along the support axis S, which forms an angle a with the rotation axis D.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the axle connection 20 in a side view. Here, too, the axle tube seat 40 is formed as a shell 48. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the connection region 60 has a wrap angle β of approximately 180 °, whereby the connection plane 64 intersects the longitudinal axis L of the axle tube seat 40. The axle tube 10 is arranged on the inner surface 42 of the axle tube seat 40, where also here a very simple assembly is made possible by the wrap angle β of approximately 180 °. The connecting plane 64 is approximately perpendicular to the rotation plane E and the rotation axis D, the rotation plane E being formed by the rotation axis D and the longitudinal axis L. Extending from the seat 40 of the axis tube extends a support section 80 which has support surfaces 82 '. 82 ". The support section 80 extends along the support axis S, which forms an angle z with the rotation axis D.

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[0030] Fig. 4a shows a preferred embodiment of the connection of the axle 20 with the seat 40 of the axle tube, formed as a shell 48, on which firstly a rocker 14 is arranged in the connection area 60 and, secondly, on the portion supporting 80 the rear end 12. The rear end 12 is supported on a support section 80 by a support surface 82 which extends along the support axis S and on a support surface 82 "which extends substantially transversely to the support axis S. The axis of support S forms an angle z with the axis of rotation D, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L is the axis of the cylindrical tube of the axis 10. The longitudinal axis L and the axis of rotation D form a plane of rotation E to which the connection plane 64 is perpendicular. the rocker 14 and the axle connections 20 are connected to each other, for example welded together in the area of ​​the connection plane 64 or the connection area 60.

[0031] Figs. 4b and 4a show an embodiment of the axle connection 20 known from Fig. 4a, with Fig. 4b showing a second mounting condition. The axis joint 20, known from FIG. 4a, is arranged rotated by approximately 180 ° with respect to the axis of rotation D. Advantageously, this does not affect the position of the rocker 14 in any way, since the connection region 60 or the plane 64 are symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation. rotation plane E. Only the support section 80, which is positioned offset to the plane of rotation E, during the transition from the first mounting state to the second mounting state is altered in its position such that it achieves different positioning possibilities for the rear end 12.

[0032] Fig. 5a shows another preferred embodiment of the axle connection 20 which is connected via a connection area 60 to the rocker arm 14 and in which a rear end 12 is arranged on the support section 80. The axle tube seat 40 is here formed as a cylinder 46, from which extends towards the rocker 14 an extension 62. The extension 62 and the rocker arm 14 are advantageously welded, for example, in the region of the connection plane 64 or also inserted into each other and then welded together. The joining plane 64 is preferably perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. Correspondingly, the joining region 60 is arranged symmetrically to the plane of rotation E which is formed by the axis of rotation D and the longitudinal axis L. An angle? Is reached between the axis of rotation D and the axis of support S, the support surfaces 82 'of the support section 80 extending substantially parallel to the support axis S, while the support surface 82 extends substantially transversely to the support axis S. 82 ', 82, various possibilities are provided for supporting the rear end 12.

[0033] Fig. 5b shows an embodiment of an axle connection 20 known from Fig. 5a, wherein a second assembly state is shown here, in which the axle connection 20 is arranged about the rotation axis D with a twist of approximately 180 ° to the rocker arm 14. Preferably, this has no effect on the connection to the rocker arm 14 since the connection area 60 is symmetrical with respect to the plane of rotation E. Only the support section 80 is positioned offset from the plane of rotation E and formed asymmetrically.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows in a sketched representation a fourth axle joint 20 looking from above at the plane of rotation E. In each case, the axis of rotation D and the position of the joint region 60, the seat 40 of the axle tube and the support section 80 are shown. In this case, it should be noted that the axis of rotation D represents the kind of axis of symmetry of the connection area 60, while the seat 40 of the axle tube and the support section 80 are with each other, but also with respect to the connection area 60, can be placed at equal positions to the axis of rotation. D. The axle tube seat 40 has a contour 44 on which, for example, an axle end pin 16 or an axle tube 10 are disposed. The embodiment sketched to the right in FIG. 6 shows that the axle tube seat 40 has a lateral profile 44 on which, for example, an axle end pin 16 is provided. The axle end 16 preferably extends along the longitudinal axis L of the axle tube seat 40.

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[0035] Fig. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of the connection of the axle 20 to the axle tube seat 40 formed as a shell 48. The connection region 60 forms a wrap angle β of approximately 180 ° with respect to a positioned axle tube (not shown here) on the inner surface 42 of the seat. 40 axle tubes. The joining plane 64 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. The axis of rotation D, together with the longitudinal axis L, forms the plane of rotation E. In addition, a support section 80 is visible which extends from the axle tube seat 40 in the first and second assembly conditions, shown in broken lines. In this case, the support section 80 or its support surfaces 82 'are designed in such a way that the support surfaces 82', each lying on top, are oriented essentially the same in both mounting conditions, which makes it possible to use the same or similar rear ends. The support section 80 extends, as is already known, along the support axis S, which forms the angle a with the axis of rotation D. It can also be seen in this example that the support section 80 does not have to be positioned completely offset to the axis of rotation D, i.e. for example with its entire outer contour. The support surface 82, not provided with the reference in FIG. 7, can even more concretely be so designed that its alignment in both mounting conditions is kept as accurately as possible, whereby even better placement of identical end pins is possible.

Marker list

[0036] axle tube rear end rocker arm axle connection axle joint axle tube seat inner surface outline cylinder shell connection area extension plane connecting support section

82 ', 82 support surfaces

L longitudinal axis

D axis of rotation

E is the plane of rotation

S axis of support and angle β - angle of contact

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