DE102016207765B4 - Supporting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Support structure (100) for a motor vehicle, which in the installed state extends along a driver's side and a passenger's side of the motor vehicle, with a cross member (10), at least two support elements (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) arranged on the cross member (10) for connecting the cross member (10) to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and at least one holding element (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged on the cross member (10) for connecting the cross member (10) to a functional component of the motor vehicle, wherein the cross member (10) has a driver-side section (13) and a passenger-side section (14) connected to the driver-side section (13), wherein the driver-side section (13) is made of a metal material and the passenger-side section (14) is made of a plastic material, and wherein for connecting the driver-side section (13) a connecting element (15) designed as a metal ring is provided with the passenger-side section (14), wherein the connecting element (15) is materially connected to the driver-side section (13) and is positively and materially connected to the passenger-side section (14), wherein the connecting element (15) is welded to the driver-side section (13),characterized in thatthe connecting element (15) is overmolded with the plastic material of the passenger-side section (14),wherein the connecting element (15) has recesses (25),wherein when the passenger-side section (14) is overmolded the plastic material of the passenger-side section (14) can fill the recesses (25).

Description

The invention relates to a support structure for a motor vehicle, which in the installed state extends along a driver's side and a passenger's side of the motor vehicle, with a cross member, at least two support elements arranged on the cross member for connecting the cross member to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and at least one holding element arranged on the cross member for connecting the cross member to a functional component of the motor vehicle, wherein the cross member has a driver-side section and a passenger-side section connected to the driver-side section, wherein the driver-side section is made of a metal material and the passenger-side section is made of a plastic material.

Usually, a support structure with a cross member is arranged in the front area of a motor vehicle, which is arranged as part of the vehicle body between the so-called A-pillars of the motor vehicle below the windshield, running essentially horizontally. The cross member is used to attach and stiffen the instrument panel, which is usually made of plastic, fiber and/or wood components. The cross member is connected to the body structure via support elements, preferably via the A-pillars. Furthermore, one or more holding elements are arranged on the cross member, via which the cross member can be connected to functional components of the motor vehicle, such as an instrument panel, a center console and/or a steering device of the motor vehicle.

From the prior art, it is known, for example, to form the cross member entirely from a metal material. EN 10 2011 052 250 A1 It is known to form the cross member and also the support elements and holding elements arranged on the cross member from a magnesium alloy material. The cross member is formed from at least two telescopically displaceable, tubular profiles which are designed as extruded profiles made of a first magnesium alloy material. The holders for connecting the cross member to the body structure are designed as cast components made of a second magnesium alloy material. Furthermore, the holders for connecting the cross member to a passenger airbag and/or a glove box and/or an instrument panel cover are designed as sheet metal components made of a third magnesium alloy material. DE 197 15 069 A1 and the EN 10 2012 016 268 A1 Crossbeams are known which are made of a metal material.

Because the cross member and the support and holding elements are made of metal, the entire supporting structure is relatively heavy. However, in vehicle construction in particular, there is a requirement to continue to reduce weight. Furthermore, if the cross member is made of metal, it is not possible to form a direct connection to the functional components made of plastic, such as the instrument panel. A connection is only possible here via a screw connection. This reduces the flexibility in connecting the supporting structure within a motor vehicle.

It is also known to form the cross members from a plastic material, as is the case, for example, with EN 10 2012 021 493 A1 , the DE 102 40 395 A1 and the EN 10 2006 044 699 A1 is known. If the cross member is made entirely of a plastic material, the weight of the cross member can be reduced, but the stability of the cross member is also reduced.

From the US 2013 / 0 057 026 A1 It is known to form a cross member from two sections, with a first, driver-side section made of steel and a second, passenger-side section made of plastic. To connect the two sections to each other, both have a flange, with one of the flanges having a groove and one of the flanges having a rib, which interlock when the two sections are fastened. In addition to this fastening, bolts are also inserted into holes formed on the two flanges in order to securely connect the two sections to each other.

The EN 10 2010 014 533 A1 shows a cockpit cross member for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a driver-side sub-carrier and a passenger-side sub-carrier, each of which comprises a metal support element and has at least one connection area for connecting a bodyshell component, a trim part, a functional component of the motor vehicle or the like, wherein the metal support elements of the two sub-carriers are designed in different constructions.

The EP 1 655 208 A1 shows a generic support structure, namely an instrument panel support structure of a motor vehicle, containing a first and a second support arm and a one-piece node module connecting the two support arms to a cross member via a first and second connection point. It is provided that the node module contains a third connection point with which the node module is connected to a front-side structure.

The invention is based on the object of providing such a support structure for a motor vehicle, in which the connection of the two parts to each other is facilitated.

The solution of the problem according to the invention is achieved with the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The support structure according to the invention is characterized in that a connecting element designed as a metal ring is provided for connecting the driver-side section to the passenger-side section, wherein the connecting element is materially connected to the driver-side section and materially connected to the passenger-side section.

According to the invention, it is now provided that the cross member of the support structure is divided into two parts, which are each made of different materials. The cross member is divided into a driver-side part and a passenger-side part, with the driver-side part extending along the driver's side and the passenger-side part extending along the passenger's side. Both parts are preferably each designed in the form of a tube or profile tube. The driver-side part, which is exposed to higher loads than the passenger-side part, is also made of a metal material, in particular a steel material. The passenger-side part, which has to absorb lower loads than the driver-side part, is, on the other hand, made of a plastic material, which has a significantly lower weight than a part made of a metal material. Because the cross member is no longer made entirely of metal material, but only partially, and the rest of the cross member is made of a very light and therefore weight-reducing plastic material, the total weight of the cross member and thus of the entire supporting structure can be significantly reduced. Despite the weight reduction, the cross member and thus of the entire supporting structure are very stable, particularly because the driver-side section of the cross member, which is subject to significantly greater loads, is still made of a very stable metal material.

In order to achieve particularly high stability in the passenger-side section, the plastic material of the passenger-side section is preferably a fiber-reinforced plastic. The passenger-side section then has a plastic matrix with fibers distributed throughout it. The plastic matrix is particularly preferably made from a thermoplastic, for example polyamide 6, which is characterized by particularly high strength and toughness, and glass fibers are preferably used as fibers. Such a fiber-reinforced plastic is characterized by cost-effective production and is also recyclable. However, if particularly high strengths are required, it is also possible for the plastic matrix of the fiber-reinforced plastic to be made from a thermosetting plastic, such as polyester resin, vinyl ester resin or epoxy resin, and for the fibers to be carbon fibers or aramid fibers.

The passenger-side section is preferably manufactured using the pultrusion process. The pultrusion process can be used to produce a high-quality profile tube, which can form the passenger-side section, at low cost and due to the high hardening temperature.

A connecting element is provided to connect the driver-side section to the passenger-side section, the connecting element being integrally connected to the driver-side section and integrally connected to the passenger-side section. The connecting element is preferably a separate component to the driver-side and passenger-side sections. The connecting element serves to facilitate and secure the connection between the two sections. The connecting element is preferably arranged on a support element to be connected to the cross member, which is preferably attached essentially centrally along the longitudinal axis of the cross member. This support element is preferably made of a metal material and welded to the connecting element.

In order to form a material-locking connection between the connecting element and the driver-side section, the connecting element is welded to the driver-side section. A welded connection can be used to form a particularly secure and stable connection between the driver-side section of the cross member and the connecting element.

In order to form a secure and stable form-fitting connection between the connecting element and the passenger-side section, the connecting element is overmolded with the plastic material of the passenger-side section. The connecting element can be glued to the passenger-side section, which creates a material-fit connection between the passenger-side part piece and the connecting element.

The connecting element is a metal ring. The metal ring can be made of a steel material, for example, so that it can have a particularly high degree of rigidity and strength. The ring-shaped design of the connecting element means that it is adapted to the contour of the preferably tubular sections. Furthermore, the ring-shaped design of the connecting element means that the two sections can be connected to two separate surfaces of the connecting element, for example by connecting the passenger-side section to an inner peripheral surface of the connecting element and the driver-side section to an outer peripheral surface of the connecting element, or vice versa.

One or more holding elements are arranged on the cross member, which are connected to a functional component, such as a part of the instrument panel, of the motor vehicle. These holding elements are preferably arranged on the passenger-side section of the cross member. One or more of these holding elements are preferably made of a plastic material and connected to the passenger-side section of the cross member via a material-fit connection. The material-fit connection of the holding element made of a plastic material to the passenger-side section of the cross member made of a plastic material can be formed, for example, by an injection-molded connection or by a thermal welded connection.

Both the driver-side section and the passenger-side section are preferably connected to one of the A-pillars and thus to the body structure. For this purpose, one of the at least two support elements is also connected to the passenger-side section. It is preferably provided that at least one of the at least two support elements is connected to the passenger-side section via an intermediate element, wherein the intermediate element is preferably positively connected to the support element and to the passenger-side section. The support element, which is arranged on the passenger-side section, is preferably made of a plastic material for this purpose and has one or more insert elements made of a metal material to increase its stability. The intermediate element, which is preferably made of a metal material, can then be positively connected to the passenger-side section by overmolding with the plastic material of the passenger-side section and positively connected to the support element by overmolding with the plastic material of the support element. In addition, the intermediate element made of a metal material can be integrally connected to an insert element made of a metal material in the support element by means of a welded connection in order to achieve a particularly stable connection between the intermediate element and the support element.

The intermediate element is preferably designed as a metal ring. The metal ring can be made of a steel material, for example, so that it can have a particularly high level of rigidity and strength. The ring-shaped design of the intermediate element makes it particularly stable and can also be adapted to the contour of the preferably tubular passenger-side section.

In order to further increase the stability of the passenger-side section, it can be provided that reinforcement struts are formed in an interior of the passenger-side section. The reinforcement struts, which preferably extend over the entire length of the passenger-side section, can be arranged in a cross-shaped or star-shaped manner, for example, when viewed in cross section.

Because it is made from a plastic material, the passenger-side section can have different cross-sectional shapes, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the passenger-side section can be individually adapted to take into account the special requirements of the passenger-side section. For example, the passenger-side section can have a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional area.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using preferred embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 2a eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Anbindung zwischen dem fahrerseitigen Teilstück und dem beifahrerseitigen Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur über ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 2b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch das in 2a gezeigte beifahrerseitige Teilstück und Verbindungselement;
• 3a eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Anbindung von Halteelementen an dem beifahrerseitigen Teilstück des Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 3b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch das in 3a gezeigte beifahrerseitige Teilstück und ein Halteelement;
• 4a eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Anbindung eines Stützelementes an das beifahrerseitige Teilstück des Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 4b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch die in 4a gezeigte Anbindung;
• 4c eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Längsseitenfläche der in 4a gezeigten Anbindung;
• 5a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch ein Verstärkungsstreben aufweisendes beifahrerseitiges Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 5b eine weitere schematische Schnittdarstellung durch ein Verstärkungsstreben aufweisendes beifahrerseitiges Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 6a eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Anbindung zwischen dem fahrerseitigen Teilstück und dem beifahrerseitigen Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur über ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 6b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 6a gezeigten Anbindung;
• 7a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines beifahrerseitigen Teilstücks eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 7b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines beifahrerseitigen Teilstücks eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 7c eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines beifahrerseitigen Teilstücks eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 8a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Anbindung eines Verbindungselements an ein beifahrerseitiges Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 8b eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Längsseitenfläche der in 8a gezeigten Anbindung;
• 9a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Anbindung eines Verbindungselements an ein beifahrerseitiges Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 9b eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Längsseitenfläche der in 9a gezeigten Anbindung;
• 10a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Anbindung eines Verbindungselements an ein beifahrerseitiges Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 10b eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Längsseitenfläche der in 10a gezeigten Anbindung;
• 11a eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Anbindung zwischen dem fahrerseitigen Teilstück und dem beifahrerseitigen Teilstück eines Querträgers der in 1 gezeigten Tragstruktur über ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung; und
• 11b eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 11 a gezeigten Anbindung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic perspective representation of a support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2a a schematic perspective view of a connection between the driver-side section and the passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure via a connecting element according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 B a schematic sectional view through the 2a passenger side section and connecting element shown;
• 3a a schematic perspective view of a connection of retaining elements on the passenger side section of the cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 3b a schematic sectional view through the 3a shown passenger side section and a retaining element;
• 4a a schematic perspective view of a connection of a support element to the passenger-side section of the cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 4b a schematic sectional view through the 4a shown connection;
• 4c a schematic plan view of a longitudinal side surface of the 4a shown connection;
• 5a a schematic sectional view through a passenger-side section of a cross member with reinforcement struts of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 5b a further schematic sectional view through a passenger-side section of a cross member with reinforcement struts of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 6a a schematic perspective view of a connection between the driver-side section and the passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure via a connecting element according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 6b a schematic sectional view of the 6a shown connection;
• 7a a schematic sectional view of a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 7b a schematic sectional view of a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 7c a schematic sectional view of a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 8a a schematic sectional view of a connection of a connecting element to a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 8b a schematic plan view of a longitudinal side surface of the 8a shown connection;
• 9a a schematic sectional view of a connection of a connecting element to a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 9b a schematic plan view of a longitudinal side surface of the 9a shown connection;
• 10a a schematic sectional view of a connection of a connecting element to a passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 10b a schematic plan view of a longitudinal side surface of the 10a shown connection;
• 11a a schematic perspective view of a connection between the driver-side section and the passenger-side section of a cross member of the 1 shown support structure via a connecting element according to a further embodiment of the invention; and
• 11b a schematic sectional view of the 11 a shown connection.

In 1 a support structure 100 for a motor vehicle is shown, which can be arranged in the front area of the motor vehicle, between the two A-pillars of the motor vehicle.

The support structure 100 has a cross member 10 which extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the motor vehicle between the A-pillar arranged on the driver's side and the A-pillar arranged on the passenger side of the motor vehicle. Several support elements 11a-11d are arranged on the cross member 10, which can connect the cross member 10 to a body structure, in particular the A-pillars of the body structure, of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, several holding elements 12a-12c are arranged on the cross member 10, via which the cross member 10 can be connected to functional components of the motor vehicle.

The cross member 10 is designed in two parts and has a driver-side, tubular section 13 and a passenger-side, tubular section 14. The driver-side section 13 is firmly or rigidly connected to the passenger-side section 14. The driver-side section 13 extends over the driver's side of the motor vehicle, and the Passenger side section 14 extends over the passenger side of the motor vehicle.

The driver-side portion 13 and the passenger-side portion 14 are made of different materials, with the driver-side portion 13 being made of a metal material and the passenger-side portion 14 being made of a plastic material.

The metal material of the driver-side section 13 is preferably a steel material, but can also be an aluminum material or a material made of a magnesium alloy, for example. The support elements 11a, 11b, 11c arranged on the driver-side section 13 are also made of a metal material and, together with the driver-side section 13 of the cross member 10, form a so-called tripod.

The plastic material of the passenger-side section 14 is preferably a fiber-reinforced plastic with a plastic matrix and fibers arranged therein. The plastic matrix can be, for example, a thermoplastic, in particular polyamide 6, with glass fibers arranged therein. Alternatively, the plastic matrix can also be a duroplastic with aramid fibers or carbon fibers arranged therein. The passenger-side section 14 is preferably manufactured using the pultrusion process, so that the passenger-side section 14 can be a pultrusion profile.

The driver-side section 13 is connected to the passenger-side section 14 via a connecting element 15. The connecting element 15 is preferably a metal ring. The connecting element 15 can be connected to the driver-side section 13 in a material-locking manner via a welded connection. The connecting element 15 can be connected to the passenger-side section 14 in a form-fitting or material-locking manner. A form-fitting connection can be formed via an injection-molded connection or a thermal welded connection between the connecting element 15 and the plastic material of the passenger-side section 14. A material-locking connection can be formed via an adhesive connection between the connecting element 15 and the plastic material of the passenger-side section 14.

The connecting element 15 is preferably connected to the support element 11c arranged approximately centrally along the length of the cross member via a welded connection.

The holding elements 12a, 12b, 12c are preferably made of a plastic material and can be connected to the passenger-side section 14 via a material-locking injection-molded connection or thermal welding connection.

The support element 11 d, which connects the cross member 10 on the passenger side to an A-pillar of the body structure and is arranged at one end of the passenger-side section 14, is made of a plastic material and has one or more insert elements made of a metal material in order to increase the stability of the support element 11d. The support element 11d is connected to the passenger-side section 14 via an intermediate element 16, which is designed as a metal ring. The intermediate element 16 can then be positively connected to the passenger-side section 14 by overmolding with the plastic material of the passenger-side section 14 and can be positively connected to the support element 11d by overmolding with the plastic material of the support element 11d. As an alternative to overmolding, the intermediate element 16 can also be connected to the passenger-side section 14 and/or the support element 11d via a material-to-material adhesive connection. In addition, the intermediate element 16 formed from a metal material can be integrally connected to one of the insert elements formed from a metal material in the support element 11d by a welded connection.

In 2a and 2 B shows a design of a connection between the driver-side section 13 and the passenger-side section 14 via a connecting element 15. In this design of the connection, the connecting element 15 is overmolded with the plastic material of the passenger-side section 14 in such a way that the connecting element 15 encloses or encompasses the passenger-side section 14 on its outer circumferential surface 18. The passenger-side section 14 is thus molded onto an inner circumferential surface of the connecting element 15, so that an overmold is formed.

As in 2 B As can be seen, in order to increase the stability and strength of the connection between the connecting element 15 designed as a metal ring and the passenger-side section 14, an additional layer 17 can be formed from a plastic material that acts as an adhesive, whereby the additional layer 17 is thus formed from a different plastic material than the passenger-side section 14. If the additional layer 17 is provided, an additional overmolding of the connecting element 15 with the plastic material of the passenger-side section 14 is not absolutely necessary, but the connection between the connecting element 15 and the passenger-side section 14 can be formed solely by the additional layer 17, so that the passenger-side section 14 with the connecting element 15 is connected via a material-locking connection. The connecting element 15 is connected to the driver-side section 13 via a welded connection.

As in 2a As can also be seen, the driver-side section 13 can be arranged at a height offset from the passenger-side section 14, wherein then preferably a partial overlap is formed between an end or end region of the driver-side section 13 and an end or end region of the passenger-side section 14.

In 3a and 3b a possible design of a connection of the holding elements 12a, 12b, 12c to the passenger-side section 14 is shown. In this design, connection elements 19 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 18 of the passenger-side section 14, onto which the holding elements 12a, 12b, 12c can be placed for fastening to the passenger-side section 14. The connection elements 19 are preferably elongated in the form of struts and are dome-shaped in cross-section in order to be able to form a good connection surface for the holding elements 12a, 12b, 12c. The connection elements 19 can be cast or injection-molded onto the outer peripheral surface 18 of the passenger-side section 14. In particular, if the passenger-side section 14 is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, it is advantageous to provide the connecting elements 19, which are preferably not made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, but of a plastic material which facilitates a material-locking connection between the holding elements 12a, 12b, 12c and the passenger-side section 14.

4a , 4b , 4c show an embodiment of a connection of the support element 11d to the passenger-side section 14 via the intermediate element 16. The intermediate element 16 is here first connected to the support element 11d, in that the intermediate element 16 can be embedded, for example, in the plastic material of the support element 11d. The intermediate element 16 is then connected to the passenger-side section 14 in such a way that the intermediate element 16 encloses or encompasses the outer peripheral surface 18 of the passenger-side section 14. In this embodiment, an intermediate layer 20 made of a plastic material that acts as an adhesive is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate element 16 and the outer peripheral surface 18 of the passenger-side section 14. Alternatively, the passenger-side section 14 can be molded directly onto the intermediate element 16 without providing such an intermediate layer 20.

In 5a and 5b various configurations of the passenger-side section 14 are shown, with reinforcing struts 22 being arranged in the interior 21 of the passenger-side section 14. In the 5a In the embodiment shown, four reinforcing struts 22 are cross-shaped and in the 5b In the embodiment shown, five reinforcing struts 22 are arranged in a star shape. 5a and 5b show a sectional view in the area of the connecting element 15, whereby the reinforcing struts 22 preferably extend over the entire length of the passenger-side section 14. Seen in cross section, the reinforcing struts 22 each extend from a center point M, which lies on the longitudinal axis of the passenger-side section 14, to an inner circumferential surface 23 of the passenger-side section 14, to which the reinforcing struts 22 are connected.

In 6a and 6b another possible connection between the driver-side section 13 and the passenger-side section 14 is shown via the connecting element 15. A part of the connecting element 15 protrudes from the passenger-side section 14 and is connected to the driver-side section 13 via a welded connection.

7a , 7b and 7c show different designs of cross-sectional shapes of the passenger-side section 14.

At the 7a In the embodiment shown, the passenger-side section 14 has an elliptical shape when viewed in cross-section. The elliptical shape can increase the strength of the passenger-side section 14, particularly under deflection loads.

In the 7b and 7c In the embodiments shown, the passenger-side section 14 is polygonal. In the 7b In the embodiment shown, the passenger-side section 14 has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, which facilitates the positioning of other components adjacent to the driver-side section 14. In the embodiment shown in 7c In the embodiment shown, groove-shaped impressions 24 are formed in the side surfaces of the rectangular or square cross-sectional shape of the passenger-side section 14, which enable greater stability of the passenger-side section 14 under torsional loads.

In 8a and 8b a design is shown in which the connecting element 15, which is designed as a metal ring, has recesses 25 into which the plastic material is injected when the passenger-side part 14 is overmolded or molded onto it. of the passenger-side section 14 can fill the recesses 25. This allows a positive-locking anti-twist device to be formed between the passenger-side section 14 and the connecting element 15, whereby the stability of the connection between the passenger-side section 14 and the connecting element 15 can be further improved.

9a and 9b show a further possibility of connecting the connecting element 15 to the passenger-side section 14, wherein holes 26 are formed in the connecting element 15 and also holes 27 are formed in the passenger-side section 14, wherein rivets 28 are arranged in the holes 26, 27 in order to connect the connecting element 15 to the passenger-side section 14 in a force-fitting manner.

In 10a and 10b an embodiment of a connection between the connecting element 15 and the passenger-side section 14 is shown, in which the connecting element 15 is designed in two parts with a first ring element 29 and a second ring element 30. The first ring element 29 has a larger diameter than the second ring element 30. The first ring element 29 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface 18 of the passenger-side section 14 and the second ring element 30 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface 23 of the passenger-side section 14, so that the passenger-side section 14 is arranged between the two ring elements 29, 30 of the connecting element 15. Several bores 31 are formed in the passenger-side section 14, wherein in the area of the bores 31 the two ring elements 29, 30 are materially connected to one another by a welded connection 32. The welded connection 32 can be in the form of a resistance spot welded connection.

In 11a and 11b Furthermore, a design of the passenger-side section 14 is shown, which is curved. By producing the passenger-side section 14 from a plastic material, different shapes of the passenger-side section 14 can be formed by supplying heat and applying a bending force. The shape of the passenger-side section 14 can thus be individually adapted to the respective requirements.

List of reference symbols

100

Supporting structure

10

Cross member

11a, 11b, 11c, 11d

Support element

12a, 12b, 12c

Holding element

13

Driver side section

14

Passenger side section

15

Connecting element

16

Intermediate element

17

Intermediate layer

18

Outer peripheral surface

19

Connection element

20

Intermediate layer

21

inner space

22

Connecting strut

23

Inner peripheral surface

24

Groove-shaped embossing

25

Recess

26

drilling

27

drilling

28

rivet

29

First ring element

30

Second ring element

31

drilling

32

Welded joint

M

Focus

Claims (6)

Support structure (100) for a motor vehicle, which in the installed state extends along a driver's side and a passenger's side of the motor vehicle, with a cross member (10), at least two support elements (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) arranged on the cross member (10) for connecting the cross member (10) to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and at least one holding element (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged on the cross member (10) for connecting the cross member (10) to a functional component of the motor vehicle, wherein the cross member (10) has a driver-side section (13) and a passenger-side section (14) connected to the driver-side section (13), wherein the driver-side section (13) is made of a metal material and the passenger-side section (14) is made of a plastic material, and wherein for connecting the driver-side section (13) to the passenger-side section Section (14) as A connecting element (15) formed as a metal ring is provided, the connecting element (15) being materially connected to the driver-side section (13) and being positively and materially connected to the passenger-side section (14), the connecting element (15) being welded to the driver-side section (13), characterized in that the connecting element (15) is overmolded with the plastic material of the passenger-side section (14), the connecting element (15) having recesses (25), the plastic material of the passenger-side section (14) being able to fill the recesses (25) when the passenger-side section (14) is overmolded. Supporting structure (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the plastic material is a fiber-reinforced plastic. Supporting structure (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the passenger-side section (14) is manufactured using the pultrusion process. Supporting structure (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least one holding element (12a, 12b, 12c) is made of a plastic material and is connected to the passenger-side section (14) of the cross member (10) via a material-locking connection. Supporting structure (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that at least one of the at least two support elements (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) is connected to the passenger-side section (14) via an intermediate element (16), wherein the intermediate element (16) is positively connected to the support element (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) and to the passenger-side section (14). Supporting structure (100) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the intermediate element (16) is a metal ring.

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