DE102016015326A1 - Method for producing a supporting structure for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a supporting structure (1) for a vehicle (100), wherein the supporting structure (1) has at least one connecting element (3) for connecting a first carrier element (5a) to a second carrier element (5b) Connecting element (3) has at least one projection formed as a plug connection (12), and wherein at least the first carrier element (5a) has a recess (10) into which the plug connection (12) can be inserted. In this case, the method comprises the following steps: providing (S1) the plug connection (12) with a connection layer (20) arranged at least on one side on the plug connection (12), wherein the connection layer (20) has dimensional stability in a temperature range from 10 ° C. to 30 ° ° C and in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 300 ° C expands, inserting (S2) of the connector (12) in the recess (10) and positive fixing of the connector (12) in the recess (10), and feeding ( S3) of heat in the bonding layer (20).

Description

The invention relates to methods for producing a support structure for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a support structure, which is produced by such a method and a vehicle having such a support structure.

The object of the invention is to simplify the production of a support structure for a vehicle.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a supporting structure for a vehicle, wherein the supporting structure has at least one connecting element for connecting a first carrier element to a second carrier element, wherein at least the first carrier element has a plug-shaped projection, and wherein the connecting element is a Has recess in which the connector is inserted. The proposed method has the following steps: Provision of the plug-in connection with a connecting layer arranged at least on one side of the connector, wherein the connecting layer has a dimensional stability in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 30 ° C and in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 300 ° C expands, inserting the connector into the recess and positively fixing the connector in the recess, and supplying heat into the connection layer.

A second aspect of the invention relates to an alternative method for producing a supporting structure for a vehicle, wherein the supporting structure has at least one connecting element for connecting a first carrier element to a second carrier element, wherein the connecting element has at least one protrusion designed as a plug-in connection, wherein at least the first carrier element has a recess into which the connector is inserted.

The alternative method has the following steps: Provision of the plug connection with a connection layer arranged at least on one side of the connector, wherein the connection layer has a dimensional stability in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 30 ° C and in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 300 ° C expands, inserting the connector into the recess and positively fixing the connector in the recess, and supplying heat into the connection layer.

The first aspect of the invention and the second aspect of the invention differ in the arrangement of the connector. While according to the first aspect of the invention, the projection which forms the plug connection is arranged at least on the first carrier element, according to the second aspect of the invention, the plug connection is arranged on the connecting element. In the other part, that is, in the first case on the connecting element and in the second case on the carrier element then the recess is provided into which the plug-in connection is inserted and is fixed in a form-fitting manner. In the remainder of the description, both aspects of the invention will be referred to in general terms, unless otherwise noted.

The vehicle may be a car, truck, bus, rail vehicle, watercraft (eg, ship), underwater vehicle, or an aircraft.

Preferably, the vehicle is a bus and the support structure, the support structure of an outer flap of a bus. The outer flap of the bus is preferably a flap for closing a storage compartment of the bus.

The respective carrier element is preferably a side member which, from a mechanical point of view, represents a moment-receiving bending beam or a truss rod receiving only forces in the longitudinal direction.

The connecting element is used in particular for connecting the longitudinal member preferably with a further longitudinal member or with a supporting structure of the vehicle. If the carrier element falls into the category of a truss rod, which in the ideal case is mounted torque-free, the connecting element forms a node, which preferably supports the longitudinal carrier torque-free. Preferably, in this case, the rotational degree of freedom of the bearing in a joint of the connecting element or in the support member is formed, that is, both in the beam case and in the case of a truss rod as a support member, the connector is preferably rigid and therefore designed to be on moments the carrier element acting to transmit via the connector to the connecting element, set the case, a torque-free joint is not provided between the carrier element and the connecting element.

The positive fixing of the connector in the recess causes the respective carrier element and the connecting element are secured against mutual relative movement. The carrier element and connecting element composed unit is thus transported as a whole. In particular, it is possible to give the fastener fixed to the support member in a curing oven.

The bonding layer has a dimensional stability in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 30 ° C, in particular from 15 ° C to 25 ° C, in particular at a temperature of 20 ° C. This dimensional stability of the bonding layer extends in particular up to a certain transition temperature. In particular, this layer is dimensionally stable in this area during accelerations, such as occur during transport.

The term "dimensionally stable" describes in particular a viscosity of the bonding layer, which is high enough to prevent bleeding of the material of the bonding layer or even a dripping of the material even at the above accelerations. Furthermore, "dimensional stability" means that the original shape of the connecting layer, which is under the influence of gravity and not yet expanded for several weeks to months, remains substantially unchanged. Only with sufficient heat supply, the compound layer expands. In particular, supplying heat to the bonding layer refers to supplying heat to a temperature range of the bonding layer of 50 ° C to 300 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C, 120 ° C to 140 ° C, 140 ° C to 160 ° C ° C, 160 ° C to 180 ° C, 180 ° C to 200 ° C, 200 ° C to 240 ° C and at 180 ° C.

The expansion of the connecting layer has the effect that a particularly provided clearance, that is to say a cavity, between the recess and the plug connection is closed by the expanding connecting layer. For a corresponding air outlet by displacement through the expanding compound layer is to ensure. The bonding layer thus advantageously has a tolerance-compensating effect to a high degree. Due to the expansion of the connecting layer, this presses against the recess and the connector alike. This generates at least one frictional connection between the recess and the plug connection, since the resulting normal force on the recess and plug connection generates a frictional force in the tangential direction to the normal force. This also follows in particular a further positive connection between the connector and the recess.

It is an advantageous effect of the invention that the production of a support structure for a vehicle is simplified, in particular by the fact that the positive fixing of the connector in the recess, the respective connection layer placed so that only a sufficient heat input into the connection layer is necessary, the compound between a support element and a connecting element of the support structure to solidify final.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the plug connection has a recess for receiving the connection layer.

Advantageously, the connection layer can be applied very intuitively to the connector in this embodiment.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the plug connection has two recesses arranged on opposite sides for receiving the respective connecting layer.

Advantageously, several connecting layers are used per connector in this embodiment. This leads to a firmer connection between the connector and the recess. Furthermore, the distribution of forces, in particular between the connector of the recess in the respective connecting layer is cheaper.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the bonding layer hardens when heat is supplied from a curing temperature and connects the support member and the recess cohesively with each other.

In addition to the above-described frictional connection, which results from the expansion of the connecting layer between the recess and the plug connection, the connecting layer additionally generates a cohesive connection during curing, in particular by adhesion of the connecting layer to the recess and to the plug connection and by cohesion. For the temperature ranges when supplying heat into the connecting layer, the statements made above apply.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first carrier element is positively fixed in the recess with a snap closure.

The snap closure is advantageously easy and quick to bring into a locking position for positive fixing of the connector in the recess. If the snap lock engaged, the connector is mounted immovably in the recess.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the bonding layer is an uncured synthetic resin strip.

High molecular weight epoxy resin is preferably used for the bonding layer, which is heated in particular to 180 ° C for expanding and curing for a predetermined period of time.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the plug-in connection has holding elements for fixing the connecting layer.

Advantageously, the connecting layer is fixed on the plug-in connection such that the connecting layer remains on the plug-in connection even when shaking occurs during assembly work.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a support structure made by the method as described above and below.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a support structure as described above and below.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Show it:

1 a method for producing a supporting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention,

2 a method for producing a supporting structure for a vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention,

3 a vehicle with a support structure according to another embodiment of the invention, and

4 a support structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

1 shows a method for producing a support structure 1 for a vehicle 100 , Such a support structure is in 4 shown. The supporting structure 1 has at least one connecting element 3 for connecting a first carrier element 5a with a second carrier element 5b on, wherein the connecting element 3 at least one as a plug connection 12 formed projection, and wherein the first support element 5a a recess 10 has, in which the connector 12 is insertable. In a first step S1 of the method becomes the plug connection 12 with an at least one side of the connector 12 arranged dimensionally stable connection layer 20 provided, wherein the connection layer 20 expanded with heat. In the second step S2, the plug connection 12 into the recess 10 introduced and the first support element 5a in the recess 10 fixed in a form-fitting manner. In the further third step S3, the supply of heat takes place in the connecting layer 20 instead of.

2 shows a method for producing an alternative support structure 1 for a vehicle 100 , The supporting structure 1 has at least one connecting element 3 for connecting a first carrier element 5a with a second carrier element 5b on, wherein at least the first carrier element 5a one as a plug connection 12 having formed projection, and wherein the connecting element 3 a recess 10 has, in which the connector 12 is insertable. In a first step S1 of the method becomes the plug connection 12 with an at least one side of the connector 12 arranged dimensionally stable connection layer 20 provided, wherein the connection layer 20 expanded with heat. In the second step S2, the plug connection 12 into the recess 10 introduced and the first support element 5a in the recess 10 fixed in a form-fitting manner. In the further third step S3, the supply of heat takes place in the connecting layer 20 instead of.

3 shows a bus as a vehicle 100 with a supporting structure 1 as in 4 shown.

4 shows a connecting element 3 , a first carrier element 5a and a second carrier element 5b for a supporting structure 1 , which after the procedure from the 1 for a vehicle 100 like out 3 will be produced. The plug connection 12 Here is in each case a projection of the connecting element 3 , In the 4 are each a plug connection 12 at the upper right edge and one at the lower left edge of the connecting element 3 shown. Each of the two connectors 12 also has two recesses 14 for picking up each connection layer 20 on. The plug connection 12 also has retaining elements 21 for fixing the bonding layer 20 on. Thus, each plug connection 12 two on opposite sides, namely on a top and a bottom of the connector 12 arranged recesses 14 for receiving the respective connection layer 20 intended. In each case the first carrier element 5a and the second support member 5b have a recess 10 on, in which the respective plug connection 12 is insertable. The connection layer 20 is up to the heat supply an uncured resin strips of epoxy resin and is designed such that it expands when heat is supplied, in particular at 180 ° C and twenty minutes of heat and cures and the respective support element 5a . 5b and the recess 10 cohesively connects with each other. For provisionally fixing the connecting element 3 on the first carrier element 5a and the second support member 5b is a snap closure 13 intended. The snap lock engages with sufficient insertion length of the connectors 12 in the respective recess 10 of the first carrier element 5a and the second support member 5b one. Thus, the respective on the connecting element 3 arranged connectors 12 positively in the first carrier element 5a and in the second carrier element 5b fixed. Thus, the connecting element 3 and the first carrier element 5a and the second support member 5b ready for a production of a supporting structure 1 according to a method by 1 is described. The respective connector 12 is in the recess 10 of the first carrier element 5a and the second support member 5b insertable and in the respective recess 10 can be fixed in a form-fitting manner. This form-fitting fixed unit of connecting element 3 and the first support member 5a and the second support member 5b is then transferred into a manufacturing step, in which under heat in the respective bonding layer 20 this is expandable and curable.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description enable the skilled artisan to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those of skill in the knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept may make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of particular elements recited in an exemplary embodiment. without departing from the scope defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the specification.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

supporting structure

3

connecting element

5a

first carrier element

5b

second carrier element

10

recess

12

connector

13

snap lock

14

recess

20

link layer

21

retaining element

100

vehicle

S1

Provide

S2

Introduce

S3

Respectively

Claims (10)

Method for producing a supporting structure ( 1 ) for a vehicle ( 100 ), wherein the support structure ( 1 ) at least one connecting element ( 3 ) for connecting a first carrier element ( 5a ) with a second carrier element ( 5b ), wherein at least the first carrier element ( 5a ) as a plug connection ( 12 ) formed projection, and wherein the connecting element ( 3 ) a recess ( 10 ), in which the plug connection ( 12 ), comprising the steps: - providing (S1) the plug connection ( 12 ) with at least one side of the connector ( 12 ) connecting layer ( 20 ), wherein the connection layer ( 20 ) has a dimensional stability in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 30 ° C and in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 300 ° C expands, - inserting (S2) the plug connection ( 12 ) in the recess ( 10 ) and positive fixing of the connector ( 12 ) in the recess ( 10 ), and - supplying (S3) heat into the bonding layer ( 20 ). Method for producing a supporting structure ( 1 ) for a vehicle ( 100 ), wherein the support structure ( 1 ) at least one connecting element ( 3 ) for connecting a first carrier element ( 5a ) with a second carrier element ( 5b ), wherein the connecting element ( 3 ) at least one as a plug connection ( 12 ) formed projection, and wherein at least the first carrier element ( 5a ) a recess ( 10 ), in which the plug connection ( 12 ), comprising the steps: - providing (S1) the plug connection ( 12 ) with at least one side of the connector ( 12 ) connecting layer ( 20 ), wherein the connection layer ( 20 ) has a dimensional stability in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 30 ° C and in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 300 ° C expands, - insertion (S2) of the connector ( 12 ) in the recess ( 10 ) and positive fixing of the connector ( 12 ) in the recess ( 10 ), and - supplying (S3) heat into the bonding layer ( 20 ). Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug connection ( 12 ) a recess ( 14 ) for receiving the connection layer ( 20 ) having. Method according to claim 3, wherein the plug connection ( 12 ) two recesses arranged on opposite sides ( 14 ) for receiving the respective connection layer ( 20 ) having. Method according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 4 or 2 to 4, wherein the connecting layer ( 20 ) hardens when heat is applied from a curing temperature and the respective carrier element ( 5a . 5b ) and the recess ( 10 ) connects materially together. Method according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 5 or 2 to 5, wherein the first carrier element ( 5a ) in the recess ( 10 ) with a snap closure ( 13 ) is fixed positively. Method according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 6 or 2 to 6, wherein the connecting layer ( 20 ) is an uncured resin strip. Method according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 7 or 2 to 7, wherein the connector ( 12 ) a holding element ( 21 ) for fixing the connection layer ( 20 ) having. Support structure ( 1 ) produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8 or 2 to 8. Vehicle ( 100 ) with a supporting structure ( 1 ) according to claim 9.

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