Connecting strut
View Patent ↗A connecting strut for a chassis of a vehicle comprises an elongated carrier which has at least two carrier elements spaced apart from each other. The carrier elements are connected with each other at their ends by means of a respective connecting element. The carrier has a low torsional stiffness and a high bending stiffness with respect to its longitudinal axis.
1. A connecting strut for a chassis of a vehicle comprising an elongated carrier having at least two carrier elements wholly spaced apart from contact with each other which are connected with each other at their ends by a respective connecting element, wherein the carrier has a low torsional stiffness and a high bending stiffness with respect to its longitudinal axis, wherein a cross-section of at least one carrier element has the shape of a rectangle the long sides of which are curved towards the respective other carrier element at least in a region of a neutral axis, wherein the curved carrier element has only a uniform open profile cross-section throughout an entire length thereof extending between the associated ends thereof, wherein the open profile cross-section is directed outwards away from the respective other carrier element and terminates in a pair of outermost edges, and wherein the curved carrier element has in the region of the neutral axis a smaller distance from the other carrier element than from the outermost edges thereof.
2. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein at least one carrier element has a rectangular cross-section having substantially straight long sides.
3. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein at least one carrier element has an open profile cross-section, the open area of the profile cross-section being directed outwards away from the respective other carrier element.
4. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting elements by means of which the carrier elements are connected with each other at respective ends thereof can be twisted relative to each other at an angle of up to 20° in case of an external force application, the carrier being twisted elastically.
5. The connecting strut according to claim 4 , wherein the connecting elements can be twisted relative to each other at an angle of up to 10°.
6. The connecting strut according to claim 4 , wherein the connecting elements can be twisted relative to each other at an angle of up to 5°.
7. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein at least one support element is provided which encloses the carrier elements on a periphery thereof.
8. The connecting strut according to claim 7 , wherein the support element is configured in the form of a ring or in the form of a tube extending along the longitudinal axis of the carrier.
9. The connecting strut according to claim 7 , wherein the support element is fixed in a form-fitting manner with respect to at least one carrier element or is fastened to at least one carrier element.
10. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein at least one connecting element is formed of a bearing.
11. The connecting strut according to claim 10 , wherein the bearing is suitable for supporting a joint, a joint axis extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carrier.
12. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein the carrier elements are welded to a connecting element.
13. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting elements are a part of the vehicle chassis.
14. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting strut is made in one piece.
15. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting strut is a trailing link.
16. The connecting strut according to claim 1 , wherein at least one connecting element is formed of a rubber bearing.
17. A connecting strut for a chassis of a vehicle comprising an elongated carrier having at least two carrier elements spaced apart from each other which are connected with each other at their ends by a respective connecting element, wherein the carrier has a low torsional stiffness and a high bending stiffness with respect to its longitudinal axis, wherein at least one carrier element has a cross-section having the shape of a segment of a circle.
18. The connecting strut according to claim 17 , wherein the carrier elements have no angled area in a cross-section thereof.
19. The connecting strut according to claim 17 , wherein at least one support element is provided which encloses the carrier elements on a periphery thereof.
20. The connecting strut according to claim 17 , wherein at least one connecting element is formed of a bearing.