DE102024107434A1 - Axle arrangement of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an axle arrangement (1) of a vehicle (100), comprising a wheel carrier (2) having a wheel axle (20), a plurality of control arms (3) connected to the wheel carrier (2), a spring and/or damper element (4), and a stabilizer (6), wherein the wheel carrier (2) can be connected, in particular exclusively, via the control arms (3) and the spring and/or damper element (4), to a body (50) and/or to an axle carrier of the vehicle (100), wherein the spring and/or damper element (4) is connected at a first connection point (11) directly to the wheel carrier (2) and/or to one of the control arms (3), wherein the first connection point (11) is arranged behind the wheel axle (20) with respect to a direction of travel (101) of the vehicle (100) and below the wheel axle (20) in the vertical direction (102), wherein the stabilizer (6) is arranged behind the wheel axle (20) with respect to the direction of travel (101), wherein the plurality of links (3) comprises an upper link (33) which is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at an upper connection point (14), wherein the upper connection point (14) is arranged above the wheel axle (20), and wherein the upper link (33) extends obliquely rearward from the wheel carrier (2) with respect to the direction of travel (101).

Description

The invention relates to an axle arrangement of a vehicle and a vehicle.

State-of-the-art vehicle axle arrangements are known which comprise a multitude of interconnected components. For example, multi-link rear axles are known with various connection points on a wheel carrier for the spring, dampers, and various control arms, such as wishbones and trailing arms. Starting from the wheel carrier, the spring and dampers typically extend vertically upwards. As a result, these components often conflict with the geometry of the vehicle structure, such as the body. They can also extend far into the vehicle interior, often restricting space, particularly in the rear row of seats. This problem is exacerbated by the typically large dimensions of the air suspension elements, particularly in modern vehicles, which frequently feature air suspension.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an axle arrangement of a vehicle which enables an optimized use of installation space in the axle area and in particular more installation space above the axle area.

This object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. The subclaims contain preferred developments of the invention.

The object is thus achieved by an axle arrangement of a vehicle, comprising a wheel carrier, a plurality of control arms, a spring and/or damper element, and a stabilizer. The wheel carrier has a wheel axle, in particular about which a wheel attachable to the wheel carrier can rotate. The plurality of control arms are connected to the wheel carrier. The wheel carrier can be connected, preferably exclusively, via the control arms and the spring and/or damper element to a body of the vehicle and/or to an axle carrier of the vehicle, for example an elastically mounted one. The spring and/or damper element is connected directly to the wheel carrier and/or to one of the plurality of control arms at a first connection point. The first connection point is arranged behind the wheel axle with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle and vertically below the wheel axle. The stabilizer is also arranged behind the wheel axle with respect to the direction of travel. The plurality of control arms comprises an upper control arm, which is directly connected to the wheel carrier at an upper connection point. The upper connection point is located above the wheel axle. Furthermore, the upper link extends diagonally backward from the wheel carrier relative to the direction of travel.

In other words, an axle arrangement is provided which is particularly designed as a multi-link axle, wherein the wheel carrier can be connected, preferably exclusively, to the body and/or to the axle carrier of the vehicle via the links and the spring and/or damper element. The first connection point, which in particular forms a mechanical connection between the spring and/or damper element on the wheel carrier and/or on one of the links, is arranged behind the wheel axle and vertically below the wheel axle. In addition, the stabilizer is arranged behind the wheel axle. In particular, the stabilizer can be arranged completely behind the wheel axle. Alternatively, at least one stabilizer back, which, for example, forms a transverse connection between the two vehicle sides on one axle of the vehicle, is preferably arranged behind the wheel axle. In addition, the upper connection point of the upper link is arranged above the wheel axle, with the upper link extending diagonally rearward in the vehicle.

The axle arrangement offers the advantage of particularly efficient use of space with regard to the body and interior of the vehicle on which the axle arrangement can be installed. Because the first connection point of the spring and/or damper element on the wheel carrier is relocated far down and to the rear, a corresponding connection point, for example on the body side, can also be moved rearward and downward at the other end of the spring and/or damper element. This allows for a larger passenger compartment, particularly towards the rear and bottom, in the vehicle on which the axle arrangement can be installed. In particular, more space can be provided in the area above and in front of the wheel carrier. The upper control arm extending diagonally rearward and the stabilizer bar arranged behind the wheel axle make it possible to reliably provide more space in the area above and in front of the wheel carrier towards the passenger compartment. In addition, the special arrangement of the components of the axle arrangement allows for improved space for the arrangement of additional control arms in the area of the wheel carrier.

Preferably, the axle arrangement further comprises an upper wishbone which is arranged vertically above the wheel axle. In particular, the upper wishbone is substantially arranged parallel to the wheel axle. Preferably, the upper connection point is directly connected to the wheel carrier at an upper connection point, wherein the upper connection point is preferably located substantially at the level of the wheel axle with respect to the direction of travel.

Particularly preferably, the spring and/or damper element extends vertically between the upper trailing arm and the upper wishbone. In other words, the spring and/or damper element is located, particularly with respect to the direction of travel, between the upper trailing arm and the upper wishbone. This allows for an optimal arrangement of the components in the upper area of the axle assembly in a particularly simple manner, thus providing increased installation space toward the vehicle interior.

Preferably, the upper trailing arm and the upper wishbone are jointly formed as a single, in particular one-piece, wishbone. The wishbone can preferably be arranged in the upper region of the axle assembly. In particular, the wishbone is connected to the wheel carrier at the upper connection point above the wheel axle. By combining the upper trailing arm and the upper wishbone together to form the wishbone, a particularly simple, cost-effective, and lightweight construction can be provided, which also requires very little space in the area of the wheel carrier.

Preferably, the axle assembly further comprises a pendulum support, by means of which the stabilizer is connected to the wheel carrier. The stabilizer is thus indirectly connected to the wheel carrier via the pendulum support. Preferably, the pendulum support extends substantially vertically.

Preferably, the pendulum support is directly connected to the wheel carrier at a stabilizer connection point, with the stabilizer connection point being located below the wheel axle. This allows for optimal use of the available installation space and/or creates more space for additional components.

Preferably, the plurality of control arms comprises a camber arm, which is directly connected to the wheel carrier at a second connection point. The second connection point is arranged behind the wheel axle with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle and vertically below the wheel axle. This means that the second connection point for the camber arm, like the first connection point, is located vertically below the wheel axle and behind the wheel axle with respect to the direction of travel. This enables a particularly advantageous arrangement of the control arms of the axle arrangement, wherein a particularly large amount of free space can be provided for the body and/or the passenger compartment in the vertically upper and, with respect to the direction of travel, front area of the axle arrangement.

Preferably, the first connection point is arranged vertically below the second connection point. This allows for a particularly low connection of the spring and/or damper element to the wheel carrier. In addition to a particularly advantageous geometry with regard to increased space in the vertically upper area above the axle assembly, this also allows for optimal kinematics of the vehicle's suspension and damping to ensure a high level of ride comfort for the occupants.

Particularly preferably, the camber arm has a through-opening through which the spring and/or damper element extends.

The camber arm can preferably have two legs, which are in particular formed together as a one-piece component, and between which the through-opening is formed. This enables optimal use of the installation space of the axle arrangement, particularly in the lower region of the wheel carrier. In particular, this makes it possible for the first connection point and the second connection point to be located close to one another, wherein the through-opening, which is preferably dimensioned accordingly, can provide a large range of movement for the spring and/or damper element and the camber arm. By having connection points on the wheel carrier located close to one another, a smaller, space-saving geometry of the wheel carrier can also be enabled, for example.

Further preferably, the plurality of control arms comprises a longitudinal control arm, which is directly connected to the wheel carrier at a third connection point. The third connection point is arranged vertically below the wheel axle. This further advantageously prevents parts of the axle assembly from protruding significantly upward or forward toward the passenger compartment.

Preferably, the third connection point is arranged vertically below the first connection point and the second connection point. In particular, the third connection point can thus form the lowest connection point on the wheel carrier. Alternatively, the third connection point is preferably arranged vertically between the first connection point and the second connection point. Alternatively, the third connection point is preferably arranged vertically above the first connection point and the second connection point. This means that the third connection point can form the uppermost of these three connection points on the wheel carrier.

Particularly preferably, the spring and/or damper element comprises a damper and a spring. Preferably, the damper is directly connected to the wheel carrier at the first connection point. Preferably, the spring is also directly connected to the wheel carrier at the first connection point. In particular, the spring and damper thus form a common spring strut. Alternatively, the spring is preferably indirectly connected to the wheel carrier at a spring connection point. In this case, the spring and damper are arranged independently of one another. Preferably, the spring connection point can be arranged on the camber arm.

Preferably, the plurality of control arms comprises a total of five control arms. In particular, the axle arrangement is thus a five-link axle. In particular, two control arms configured together to form a common wishbone, for example, are also considered two "control arms."

Furthermore, the invention leads to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, particularly preferably a passenger car, comprising the described axle arrangement.

• 1 eine vereinfachte schematische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs mit einer Achsanordnung gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht der Achsanordnung der 1,
• 3 eine weitere Seitenansicht der Achsanordnung der 1,
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Achsanordnung der 1,
• 5 eine perspektivische Detailansicht der Achsanordnung der 1, und
• 6 eine weitere perspektivische Detailansicht der Achsanordnung der 1.

Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. They show:

• 1 a simplified schematic view of a vehicle with an axle arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a side view of the axle arrangement of the 1 ,
• 3 another side view of the axle arrangement of the 1 ,
• 4 a perspective view of the axle arrangement of the 1 ,
• 5 a perspective detailed view of the axle arrangement of the 1 , and
• 6 another perspective detailed view of the axle arrangement of the 1 .

In the following, a preferred embodiment of an axle arrangement 1 of a vehicle 100 is described. 1 to 6 Reference is made to the same or functionally identical components. Identical or functionally identical components are always provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

The vehicle 100 comprises an axle arrangement 1 according to the invention on each side of its rear wheel axle 20 in the direction of travel. The axle arrangements 1 are preferably designed and arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100.

Details of the axle arrangement 1 according to the invention are shown in the 2 to 6 and are described below.

The axle arrangement 1 is a multi-link rear axle, which has a plurality of links 3, namely in detail five links 31, 32, 33, 34, 35.

Part of the axle arrangement 1 is also a wheel carrier 2, which is designed to be connected to a wheel 105 of the vehicle 100.

Furthermore, the axle arrangement 1 comprises a spring and/or damper element 4, which has a damper 41 and a spring 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, damper 41 and spring 42 are integrated into a single component, which can also be referred to, for example, as a spring strut. In an alternative (not shown) embodiment, the spring and/or damper element 4 can also be separated, i.e., damper 41 and spring 42 can be arranged as separate components at different positions.

The wheel carrier 2 of the axle assembly 1 is connected to a body 50 of the vehicle 100 exclusively via the control arms 3 and the spring and/or damper element 4. This means that, in particular, there is no direct mechanically fixed connection between the wheel carrier 2 and the body 50.

The arrangement and construction of the elements of the axle arrangement 1 are specifically designed to create the greatest possible space in the area towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100, that is to say in the direction of travel 101 in front of and in the vertical direction 102 above the axle arrangement 1.

In particular, more installation space can be generated on the body 50 in the area of the rear row of seats of the vehicle 100. This can create more comfort for the occupants of the vehicle 100. In particular, more space can also be provided for flexible seating configurations of the seats of the vehicle 100.

This is achieved by the design of the axle arrangement 1 according to the invention described below.

The plurality of control arms 3 and the spring and/or damper element 4 are each directly connected to the wheel carrier 2 via a separate connection point. Preferably, the connection is articulated, i.e., with a permitted rotation about a respective axis. Preferably, all of these rotation axes are arranged substantially horizontally.

In the axle arrangement 1, the spring and/or damper element 4 is connected to the wheel carrier 2 at a first connection point 11, wherein the first connection point 11 is arranged behind the wheel axle 20 with respect to a direction of travel 101 and below the wheel axle 20 in the vertical direction 102.

This allows the spring and/or damper element 4 to be connected to the wheel carrier 2 as low as possible, whereby its necessary installation space upwards in the direction of the passenger compartment and in particular starting from the wheel axle 20 can be kept particularly small.

Furthermore, the axle arrangement 1 comprises an upper longitudinal arm 33 and an upper transverse arm 34. The upper longitudinal arm 33 and the upper transverse arm 34 are jointly designed as a triangular arm 36.

The wishbone 36 is directly connected to the wheel carrier 2 at an upper connection point 14, wherein the upper connection point 14 is arranged above the wheel axle 20 (cf. 2 to 4 ). In particular, the upper connection point 14 is located essentially at the level of the wheel axle 20 with respect to the direction of travel 101.

The upper wishbone 34 extends essentially parallel to the wheel axis 20.

The upper longitudinal control arm 33 extends from the upper connection point 14, in particular essentially in a horizontal plane, obliquely rearward with respect to the direction of travel 101.

The spring and/or damper element 4 extends substantially vertically upwards and between the upper wishbone 34 and the upper longitudinal arm 33.

Furthermore, the plurality of control arms 3 includes a lower longitudinal control arm 32, which is directly connected to the wheel carrier 2 at a third connection point 13. The third connection point 13 is arranged vertically below the wheel axle 20.

In detail, the third connection point 13 is arranged in the vertical direction 102 below the first connection point 11 (see in particular 2 and 4 to 6 ).

The lower longitudinal control arm 32 extends diagonally forward with respect to the direction of travel 101.

In addition, the axle assembly 1 can comprise a central wishbone 35, which is arranged in the vertical direction 102 essentially at the level of the wheel axle 20 and is directly connected to the wheel carrier 2. The central wishbone 35 can be arranged behind the wheel axle 20 in the direction of travel 101 (see in particular 3 ). In addition, the central wishbone 35 extends essentially transversely to the direction of travel 101.

The axle arrangement 1 further comprises a stabilizer 6. The stabilizer 6 is arranged completely behind the wheel axle 20 with respect to the direction of travel 101.

The stabilizer 6 is connected to the wheel carrier 2 by means of a pendulum support 7.

The pendulum support 7 is directly connected to the wheel carrier 2 at a stabilizer connection point 17 and extends essentially vertically upwards from the stabilizer connection point 17 (cf. 2 to 4 ).

The stabilizer connection point 17 can be arranged in the vertical direction 102 below the wheel axle 20.

In particular, the stabilizer 6 is arranged substantially completely above the wheel axle 20.

Furthermore, the plurality of links 3 comprises a camber link 31, which is directly connected to the wheel carrier 2 at a second connection point 12. The second connection point 12 is arranged behind the wheel axle 20 with respect to the direction of travel 101 and below the wheel axle 20 in the vertical direction 102 (cf. 2 and 5 ).

The camber arm 31 extends essentially parallel to the wheel axis 20 or slightly diagonally to the rear (cf. 2 and 3 ).

The second connection point 12 is arranged vertically above the first connection point 11, that is, between the first connection point 11 and the wheel axle 20.

The camber arm 31 has a through-opening 21 through which the spring and/or damper element 4 extends in the vertical direction (cf. in particular 6 ).

In detail, the camber link 31 has two legs 31a, between which the through-opening 21 is formed and which are jointly formed as a single-piece component. In particular, the through-opening 21 is sufficiently dimensioned to allow the spring and/or damper element 4 and the camber link 31 sufficient freedom of movement under all possible twisting conditions of the axle arrangement 1.

List of reference symbols:

1

Axle arrangement

2

wheel carrier

3

majority of handlebars

4

Spring and/or damper element

6

stabilizer

7

pendulum support

11

first connection point

12

second connection point

13

third connection point

14

upper connection point

17

Stabilizer connection point

20

Axle arrangement

21

passage opening

31

Camber handlebars

31a

leg

32

lower trailing arm

33

upper trailing arm

34

upper wishbone

35

wishbone

36

wishbone

41

mute

42

Feather

50

body

100

vehicle

101

Direction of travel

102

vertical direction

105

wheel

Claims (11)

An axle assembly of a vehicle (100), comprising: - a wheel carrier (2) having a wheel axle (20), - a plurality of control arms (3) connected to the wheel carrier (2), - a spring and/or damper element (4), and - a stabilizer (6), - wherein the wheel carrier (2) can be connected, in particular exclusively, via the control arms (3) and the spring and/or damper element (4), to a body (50) and/or to an axle carrier of the vehicle (100), - wherein the spring and/or damper element (4) is connected directly to the wheel carrier (2) and/or to one of the control arms (3) at a first connection point (11), - wherein the first connection point (11) is arranged behind the wheel axle (20) and, in the vertical direction (102), below the wheel axle (20) with respect to a direction of travel (101) of the vehicle (100). is, - wherein the stabilizer (6) is arranged behind the wheel axle (20) with respect to the direction of travel (101), - wherein the plurality of control arms (3) comprises an upper control arm (33) which is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at an upper connection point (14), - wherein the upper connection point (14) is arranged above the wheel axle (20), and - wherein the upper control arm (33) extends obliquely rearward from the wheel carrier (2) with respect to the direction of travel (101). Axle arrangement according to Claim 1 , further comprising an upper wishbone (34) which is arranged in the vertical direction (102) above the wheel axle (20). Axle arrangement according to Claim 2 , wherein the spring and/or damper element (4) extends in the vertical direction (102) between the upper longitudinal arm (33) and the upper transverse arm (34). Axle arrangement according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , wherein the upper longitudinal control arm (33) and the upper transverse control arm (34) are jointly formed as a triangular control arm (36). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pendulum support (7) by means of which the stabilizer (6) is connected to the wheel carrier (2). Axle arrangement according to Claim 5 , wherein the pendulum support (7) is connected directly to the wheel carrier (2) at a stabilizer connection point (17), and wherein the stabilizer connection point (17) is arranged in the vertical direction (102) below the wheel axle (102), and in particular with respect to the direction of travel (101) behind the wheel axle (20). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the plurality of control arms (3) comprises a camber arm (31) which is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at a second connection point (12), and - wherein the second connection point (12) is arranged behind the wheel axle (20) with respect to the direction of travel (101) of the vehicle (100) and below the wheel axle (20) in the vertical direction (102), in particular wherein the first connection point (11) is arranged vertically below the second connection point (12). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the plurality of control arms (3) comprises a longitudinal control arm (32) which is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at a third connection point (13), and - wherein the third connection point (13) is arranged in the vertical direction (102) below the wheel axle (20). Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the spring and/or damper element (4) comprises a damper (41) and a spring (42), - wherein the damper (41) is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at the first connection point (11), and - wherein the spring (42) is directly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at the first connection point (11) or indirectly connected to the wheel carrier (2) at a spring connection point. Axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of links (3) comprises a total of five links (31, 32, 33, 34, 35). Vehicle comprising an axle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.