Abstract: A component arrangement includes a first sheet metal profile part and a second sheet metal profile, each first and second profile parts having respective flanges and being arranged relative to each other so that the respective flanges overlap, wherein the first and second profile parts are connected to each at the respective flanges via a laser welding connection, which extends over a welding seam length, wherein the laser welding connection is formed by at least two welding seams which extend parallel and at a distance to each other.

Abstract: A component arrangement includes a first sheet metal profile part and a second sheet metal profile, each first and second profile parts having respective flanges and being arranged relative to each other so that the respective flanges overlap, wherein the first and second profile parts are connected to each at the respective flanges via a laser welding connection, which extends over a welding seam length, wherein the laser welding connection is formed by at least two welding seams which extend parallel and at a distance to each other.

Abstract: An end part for a vehicle longitudinal beam consisting of a longitudinal bearer member designed as a hollow section longitudinal beam (1) and an end part (3) which is partially inserted within and secured to one end of the hollow section longitudinal beam. The end part is formed as an extruded hollow section which includes a ring-shaped closed outer wall (5) having at least one integrally formed fastening element for fastening other parts thereto. The outer contour or profile (6) of the end part (3) corresponds to the inner contour or profile (2) of the hollow section longitudinal beam (1) in order to provide a tight interlocking fit between the mutually contacting surfaces of the two parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved vehicle bodywork for a passenger car with a bearing structure of light-metal extruded sections connected together by cast light metal joining elements. The joining element is disposed on the A pillar assembly and is fitted between a downward sloping forward roof pillar and a vertically oriented forward door pillar and holds an extruded section front end fender brace which extends outwardly therefrom towards the front end of the vehicle. According to the invention, a portion of the outer profile of fender brace conforms to the cross-sectional shape of a surrounding fender panel connected thereto. In this way, the space beneath the fender panel is used to increase the cross section of the fender brace and hence increase rigidity. In a preferred embodiment, the fender brace is L-shaped in cross section having two approximately rectangular hollow-chambers including an outwardly disposed vertical hollow-chamber area and laterally inwardly extending horizontal hollow-chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the bodywork of a passenger car having an electronics housing formed integral therewith. The bodywork includes an A post, a front suspension strut mount disposed in front of and more towards the longitudinal center of the vehicle than the A post, and a front fender brace. According to the invention, a front suspension strut bearer connects the front suspension strut mount to a middle portion of the A post at about the height of the apron wall. A generally triangular pocket-like space is formed by the curved outward suspension strut bearer, the front fender brace, and the underlying wheel arch. According to the invention, the walls of this pocket-like space form a housing well suitable for use as an electronics housing. The housing walls are firmly secured to the adjacent parts of the bodywork.

Abstract: In a light-metal vehicle body, a girder assembly joins a first longitudinal girder member located in a forecarriage region of the vehicle body to a second, laterally offset, and generally longitudinally oriented side sill member. The girder assembly includes a pair of open shell-shaped, light-metal castings which form a single, hollow section enclosure when brought together along their mutual open face regions. The concave interior surfaces of the shell-shaped casting are provided with a plurality of spaced integrally formed stiffening rib members. The stiffening ribs are oriented transverse to the curving longitudinal center axis of the girder assembly which curves in conformance with the Z-shape configuration. The stiffening ribs of each shell-shaped castings are arranged in coordinate pairs such that they formed a series of substantially continuous webs along an interior cross section of said girder assembly.

Abstract: A longitudinal bearer joint assembly for joining the abutting ends of two axially aligned, extruded light-metal bearer members of a front end longitudinal bearer assembly in a passenger car bodywork. The two bearer members are designed with different cross sectional profiles and wall thickness dimensions to favorably control deformation of the front end longitudinal bearer assembly. The bearer joint assembly includes a pair of half shell portions which surround and conform to the abutting ends of the two axially-aligned bearer members. The half shell portions include vertical contact surfaces which are mutually offset about a neutral axis in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a method for placing a aluminum bearer member on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer member and a second rearward bearer member. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess or socket for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer member which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the socket. A plurality of offset thickened regions with through holes are provided to the periphery of the socket. To replace a damaged front bearer member, the weld is cut and the damaged front bearer is withdrawn from the socket. A repair kit is provided which includes a replacement front bearer member and a platelike insert sized to fit within an end of the replacement bearer member.

Abstract: An improved door pillar assembly for a passenger car coachwork formed as a substantially vertical extruded light metal hollow-section member and having an outer wall to which longitudinally spaced upper and lower hinge lugs are adjustably secured for swivel connection of a vehicle door. The extruded hollow section member includes a pair of inner transverse ridge members which extend along the longitudinal dimension and divide the hollow interior into three transversely spaced cage sections. Each of the outer cage sections further includes a longitudinal channel formed into the inner surface of the common wall to which the hinge lugs are adjustably secured. An upper and lower pair of slots are provided in the outer wall and are aligned with respect to the channels for receiving the mounting hardware (i.e., bolts) for the hinge lugs whereby the hinge lugs can be selectively positioned within the slots prior to tightening to provide a desired height adjustment.

Abstract: A cast light metal joining element and method of assembly with adjoining extruded light metal hollow section bearer member of a space frame type vehicle body. The joining element or casting includes at least two spaced apart, location points disposed along a surface wall thereof. The location points permit the casting to be held in a corresponding fixture at a desired positionally correct spatial orientation to facilitate the fitting and connection of adjoining frame elements with greater ease, accuracy and smaller tolerances. In one embodiment, the location points include integrally formed conical studs and/or conical depressions. In another embodiment, the location points include through-holes, either straight cylindrical or conically tapered. The studs, depressions and/or holes also served a dual function in providing a positive locking connection to add on components which have corresponding matingly engagable connection surfaces.

Abstract: A front end bearing structure for the bodywork of a vehicle of the type including a pair of spaced apart left and right side front longitudinal bearer members, each having an upstanding, substantially perpendicular support member for supporting a suspension strut mount at a location above its respective front longitudinal bearer member. Each suspension strut mount is also supported at a front end portion thereof by an additional slanted supporting bearer member which is extended upwardly and rearwardly from a connection point on each front longitudinal bearer member at a point in front of the location of the juncture of the perpendicular support member and front longitudinal bearer member. In this way, each slanted supporting bearer member forms a closed triangular framework with its respective front longitudinal bearer member and perpendicular support member. The angle subtended by the slanted supporting bearer member and the longitudinal bearer member is preferably about 45.degree..

Abstract: A spring strut mounting assembly for fitting on a vehicle body which includes a spring strut having a bearing block mounted at the top end thereof on which elements of the running gear, such as a damper, a spring and link arms, can also be pre-mounted. Support members for attachment to the vehicle body adjacent the location for the suspension strut mounting assembly are provided and have converging free ends which define three boundary points of a free space region for mounting the upper bearing block of the spring strut. The upper bearing block is joined directly to these support members without the need for the conventional spring strut cup which is normally fixed to the vehicle body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support members are aluminum extrusions and the converging free ends are each cut at an oblique angle to provide suitable large contact surfaces for mounting to the corresponding receiving flanges of the upper bearing block of the suspension strut.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a process for placing an aluminum bearer on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer and a second adjacent bearer. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the recess. To replace a damaged front bearer, a ring cut is made to the outer wall of the aluminum recess at a distance from the forward receiving edge corresponding to the zone of thermal influence of the heat affected zone adjacent the weld. A damaged front bearer is then withdrawn from the recess and replaced by a new front bearer which is also welded to the new forward cut edge of the aluminum recess. In this way the front bearer is replaced without compromising the original strength of the bearer joint.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bearing structure for the bodywork of a passenger car wherein front suspension strut mounts are arranged above front longitudinal bearers running down both sides of the vehicle body and are supported by vertical connecting members thereon. A hollow section bearer, acting as a suspension strut bearer, connects the suspension strut mount to a joining element (node) at the middle region of the forward doorpost. According to the invention, the suspension strut bearer is curved such that it will buckle due to a reduction in the radius of curvature in the event of a head-on collision. The buckling action of the suspension strut bearer reduces the force acting on the doorpost, thereby counteracting any possible stressing of the vehicle door. In a further embodiment of the invention, slots and/or notched grooves are provided in the side walls of hollow section bearer to promote the buckling process.