Reinforcement of a vehicle structure where a gear box is connected
The present invention relates to a vehicle with a structure, which comprises connection-means and a reinforcement member.
1 . A vehicle with a structure, which comprises:
a connector;
a reinforcement member comprising a carrier and having at least one recess on the carrier which takes the connector up and/or which fits onto the connector; and
a foamable layer comprising a structural foam in contact with the reinforcement member, the foamable layer being located on a first and opposing second surface of the reinforcement member in an alternating sequence;
wherein the reinforcement member is located at or in the structure where a gearbox is fixed to the structure; and
wherein the connector receives a fastener; and
wherein the recess of the carrier can provide a closure on an averted side of the connector to ensure that the cross-section of the connector is unblocked prior to, during, and/or after the expansion of the foamable layer.
2 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member and/or the foamable layer comprises at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess takes up the connector.
3 . The vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein there is a form- and/or force-fit between the connector and the carrier and/or the foamable layer.
4 . The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the connector is a tube, preferably with a flange.
5 . The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the carrier comprises in its recess attachment means, preferably protrusions, which are in contact with an outer circumference of the connector.
6 . The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein a cross-section of the tube is unblocked prior to, during, and/or after expansion of the foamable layer.
7 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member is provided in a cavity.
8 . The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein an inner circumference of the tube is polygonal.
9 . The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein a shape of the inner cross section of the tube corresponds to the outer circumferential shape of a nut, which is utilized to attach a gearbox to the structure.
10 . The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the shape and size of an inner circumference of the recess corresponds to the shape and size of an outer circumference of the tube.
11 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein after the reinforcement member has been attached to a cavity of the vehicle and after the fastener has been inserted into the connector, the foamable layer is expanded under the influence of heat.
12 . The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the fastener is inserted into the tube.
13 . The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein the fastener is a bolt.
14 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , including more than two recesses.
15 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member includes a plurality of longitudinal and/or transverse ribs.