Abstract:
A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, in particular for an automobile, is provided. The wheel suspension includes a wheel carrier and at least one damper element, which has a first element that can be fastened on the wheel carrier and a second element fastened to a suspension strut dome. The suspension strut dome together with the damper element forms a pre-assembled structural unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2011 118 324.1, filed Nov. 11, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, in particular for an automobile, comprising a wheel carrier and at least one spring and damper element, which has a first end which can be fastened to the wheel carrier and a second end provided with a support bearing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Known from the German Unexamined Patent Application 10 2008 010 542 is a vehicle wheel suspension in the form of a suspension strut, with which the bodywork of a motor vehicle is supported on a wheel guiding member. The suspension strut comprises a bearing spring and a damper with a piston rod connected parallel to this, the upper end whereof is fixed with a central nut on a support bearing, the upper section whereof guided out through an opening of a suspension strut dome is ultimately supported on sealing shoulders of the inner side of the suspension strut dome. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve the wheel suspension known from the prior art. In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to various exemplary embodiments, provided is a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, in one example, for an automobile, with a wheel carrier and with at least one spring and at least one damper element, which has a first element that can be fastened on the wheel carrier and a second element fastened to a suspension strut dome, where the suspension strut dome together with the damper element forms a pre-assembled structural unit. 
         [0006]    The idea of joining together the suspension strut dome with the wheel suspension to form an assembly enables simplified mounting since the assembly is joined together in advance from the wheel suspension and the suspension strut dome and the assembly thus obtained is inserted as a unit into the bodywork of a motor vehicle. By means of a corresponding adaptation of the suspension strut dome with simultaneous adaptation of the damper and spring properties, the assembly can be applied and coordinated in a simple manner to different types of vehicles, in one example, different types of automobiles. In addition, making the support section a component of the wheel suspension assembly opens up the possibility of giving the suspension strut dome different geometrical characteristics and of making it from more diverse materials. 
         [0007]    The suspension strut dome is, in one exemplary embodiment, configured as an intrinsically rigid shaped part. Such a suspension strut dome can be inserted in a generally simple manner in a milled-out mounting space of a motor vehicle bodywork, in one example, an automobile bodywork, since no subsequent reinforcing measures are required on the suspension strut dome when installed. In addition, the configuration of the suspension strut dome as a shaped part offers the possibility that this can be inserted at least largely adapted to the contours into the receiving space provided inside the bodywork. 
         [0008]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the suspension strut dome is formed as a deep-drawn part made of metal material or as a deep-drawn part comprising a plurality of layers of organic sheet forming a layer structure, whose fiber orientations are adapted to the respective loading profile of the suspension strut dome. 
         [0009]    A suspension strut dome configured as a deep-drawn part is generally simple and inexpensive to fabricate. In the event that the deep-drawn part is formed from a plurality of layers of organic sheet joined together to form a layer structure, a noticeable saving in weight can also be achieved. 
         [0010]    A suspension strut dome can be manufactured generally simply and in a precisely fitting manner if, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the suspension strut dome is configured as a die-cast component, in one example, as an aluminum die-cast component or as a magnesium die-cast component. 
         [0011]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the suspension strut dome carries the support bearing at its upper end and at its lower end is fitted with a spring seat generally formed of one material for supporting a support spring, in one example, configured as a helical spring. 
         [0012]    In a suspension strut dome having a molded-on spring seat, not only is the number of components to be joined together to form the assembly reduced but at the same time, the tolerance position between the suspension strut dome and the spring seat is also improved. In addition, as a result of the reduction in the components, a simpler component logistics and therefore simplified supply of components to the preassembly workplace is achieved. 
         [0013]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the suspension strut dome has two fastening planes arranged at a distance above one another. 
         [0014]    In another exemplary embodiment, the lower-lying fastening plane can carry the spring seat to support the support spring. 
         [0015]    As a result of the selected type of fastening, the separate structural unit can be integrated by means of the suspension strut dome in a generally positionally stable and stress-optimized manner in the bodywork of a motor vehicle, in one example, an automobile. 
         [0016]    In one example, the lower-lying fastening plane is formed by a radial flange-like projection which projects radially with respect to the higher-lying fastening plane. 
         [0017]    As a result of this type of fastening, the separate assembly can be connected generally simply and reliably to a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle bodywork, in one example, the automobile bodywork, by means of the suspension strut dome. Due to the lower-lying fastening plane projecting in a flange-like manner, the fastening points on the lower-lying fastening plane are accessible generally easily and therefore in a time-saving manner in series manufacture. 
         [0018]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the two fastening planes are arranged circumferentially on the suspension strut dome. 
         [0019]    By this means different fastening points for the fastening of the suspension strut dome in a bodywork of a motor vehicle, in one example, of an automobile, can be provided in a generally simple manner. 
         [0020]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that a motor vehicle, in one example, an automobile is fitted with a wheel suspension as described above. 
         [0021]    According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the motor vehicle has a rear substructure with lateral longitudinal members, which are fitted with a receptacle in which the suspension strut dome of the wheel suspension can be inserted. 
         [0022]    By providing a receptacle adapted to the support section, in one example, to the suspension strut dome, the support section, which can be configured as a suspension strut dome or as a damper strut dome, can be inserted in a substantially time-saving and positionally accurate manner in the bodywork of a motor vehicle, in one example, an automobile. If the support section configured as a damper strut dome or as a suspension strut dome is inserted into a receptacle of a longitudinal member and fastened there, a generally flexurally rigid and supporting-rigid connection is made between the support section and therefore between the separate assembly and the bodywork of the motor vehicle, in one example, the automobile. 
         [0023]    A generally long-term stable and permanently stressable connection between the structural unit and the bodywork of a motor vehicle, in one example an automobile, is made if according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the lateral longitudinal members have at least one vertical web at the upper and lower end thereof, respectively one horizontal upper and lower carrying flange is provided, on which the fastening planes of the suspension strut dome rest. As a result of the fastening planes of the suspension strut dome resting on the carrying flanges, the suspension strut dome and therefore the pre-assembled assembly is at the same time integrated positively into the motor vehicle bodywork. 
         [0024]    In one example, the higher-lying plane is sealed with respect to the upper carrying flange. 
         [0025]    It is thereby ensured in a simple manner that in one example, the interface between the bodywork on the one hand and the pre-assembled assembly on the other hand leading into the motor vehicle interior or into the interior of an automobile is protected from ingress of spray water. 
         [0026]    The suspension strut dome and therefore the pre-assembled assembly can be inserted in a substantially simple, time-saving, and positionally accurate manner into the receptacle of the longitudinal frame if according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided that the upper carrying flange has at least one guide sleeve on which a guide section of the suspension strut dome mounted in front of the upper fastening plane rests. 
         [0027]    In one example, the longitudinal member is configured as a hollow profile, for example, as a hollow profile fitted with a rectangular cross-section, which is composed of two L-shaped individual profiles. 
         [0028]    A person skilled in the art can gather other characteristics and advantages of the disclosure from the following description of exemplary embodiments that refers to the attached drawings, wherein the described exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  shows in a simplified schematic view a section of a lateral longitudinal member of a rear automobile substructure with a structural unit according to the present disclosure inserted therein, in sectional view from the side. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a rear substructure  10  shown in sectional view, which pertains to an automobile not explained in more detail, which rear substructure has two side longitudinal members  11  of which only one longitudinal member  11  is shown in the present example. The longitudinal members  11  are configured in the present example as hollow profiles having a rectangular cross-section and have two vertical supporting webs  12  running at a distance from one another on both sides of the plane of intersection of the FIGURE, of which one is shown. The two supporting webs  12  are connected at their lower edge by a lower horizontally running carrying flange  13  and at their upper edge by a horizontally arranged upper carrying flange  14 . Of the two carrying flanges  13  and  14 , at least the upper carrying flange  14  is provided with a guide sleeve, which in the present case is bent out from the plane of the horizontal carrying flange  14  and is conically tapered to its free end facing away from the lower carrying flange  13 . 
         [0033]    Respectively one receptacle  16  is cut free in the two longitudinal members  11 , into which the support section configured in the present example as a suspension strut dome  17  is inserted. 
         [0034]    In the present example, the suspension strut dome  17  is formed as a hollow profile made of die-cast magnesium and has an upper section  18 , which is designed to be conical in the present example, fitting to the guide sleeve  15  which receives said section, an annular fastening flange  19  having a through opening  20  being attached to the tip thereof In the exemplary embodiment shown here the fastening flange  19  is fastened by screws to the suspension strut dome  17 , but a one-piece formation with the suspension strut dome  17  is also possible. 
         [0035]    The upper section  18  is connected in one piece to a fastening section  21  at its end opposite the front side. The fastening section  21  has a first horizontal fastening plane  22 , which is arranged substantially circumferentially on the suspension strut dome  17  similar to an annular flange, and directly adjoins the upper section  18 . At a distance below the first fastening plane  22  and connected to this by means of a tubular wall section  27  is a second fastening plane  23 , which is formed by a radially, circumferentially arranged flange-like projection, which projects radially with respect to the higher-lying first fastening plane  22 , so that a step-like cross-section of the fastening section  21  is obtained between the first fastening plane  22  and the second fastening plane  23 . 
         [0036]    In the opposite direction to the second fastening plane  23  extending radially outwards from the lower end of the wall section  27 , a support flange  24  extends radially into the interior of the suspension strut dome  17 . The support flange  24  has a central through opening  25 . On its underside facing away from the interior of the hollow-profile like suspension strut dome  17 , the support flange  24  is equipped with a spring seat  26 , which is arranged in the edge zone of the through opening  25  and is open toward the bottom. Unlike the diagram in the FIGURE, the spring seat can be formed in one piece with the support flange  24 , in one example, simply as a groove extending on the underside of the support flange  24  around the through opening  25 . A suspension strut projects through the through opening  25 , which in a manner known per se comprises a shock absorber  30  and a support spring  34  extending around the shock absorber  30  in a helical line shape. The shock absorber  30  comprises a damper cylinder  31 , having a bearing eye  32  fixed at its lower end, with which the shock absorber  30  is fastened to a wheel carrier not shown. At a distance above the bearing eye  32 , a spring seat  33  open toward the suspension strut dome  17  is held on the jacket side of the damper cylinder  31 , on which the lower end of the support spring  34  is supported, the upper end thereof being held and supported by the spring seat  26 . 
         [0037]    A bearing flange  36  pertaining to a membrane  35  shaped similarly to a hat and made of an elastic material is provided as an intermediate layer between the upper end of the support spring  34  and the spring seat  26 . A membrane wall  37  is formed in one piece on the bearing flange  36 , the inner edge thereof abutting in a sealing manner against a protective tube  39  which is movable in a telescopic manner over the damper cylinder  31 . The protective tube  39  surrounds a section of a damper piston rod  40  emerging from the damper cylinder  31 , the upper end whereof is held on the fastening flange  19  by means of an elastomer bearing received in the through opening  20 . 
         [0038]    The shock absorber  30  and the suspension strut dome  17  form a pre-assembled assembly, which during assembly of the motor vehicle according to the present disclosure, is inserted from below into the receptacle  16  of the longitudinal member  11  and fixed there. The insertion process is assisted by the guide sleeve  15 , which slides along the upper section  18  of the suspension strut dome  17  during insertion into the receptacle  16  and then guides the suspension strut dome  17 . In the positionally correct end position of the suspension strut dome  17 , its first fastening plane  22  is fastened to the upper carrying flange  14 , e.g. by screws  45 , possibly assisted by adhesive bonding. Likewise, the second lower-lying fastening plane  24  is screwed to the lower carrying flange  13 , where unlike the screws  45 , screws  46  of the lower fastening plane  24  are inserted from below. 
         [0039]    While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.