초록 ▼

A connector piece useful for joining two beam members preferably includes a generally triangular arrangement of load bearing members. The connector piece is especially useful in joining beam members of a vehicle space frame. The connector piece includes a set of tab members extending generally away

A connector piece useful for joining two beam members preferably includes a generally triangular arrangement of load bearing members. The connector piece is especially useful in joining beam members of a vehicle space frame. The connector piece includes a set of tab members extending generally away from the load bearing members. The tab members are inserted into channels formed on the beam members. The beam members are then joined to the connector piece, preferably, by spot welding through each sidewall of the channels and the tabs, respectively. A longitudinal component of a load incident on one of the beam members is transferred along at least one of the load bearing members to assist in avoiding deformation of the beam.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A connector, comprising:a first connecting interface adapted to be connected to and across a cross-section of a first beam;a second connecting interface adapted to be connected to and across a across-section of a second beam;a first load bearing member having two ends and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A connector, comprising:a first connecting interface adapted to be connected to and across a cross-section of a first beam;a second connecting interface adapted to be connected to and across a across-section of a second beam;a first load bearing member having two ends and a length extending generally across said first connecting interface;a second load bearing member having two ends and a length extending generally across said second connecting interface, one of said second load bearing member ends being adjacent one of said load bearing member ends;a third load bearing member having two ends and extending generally between the other said end of said first load bearing member and the other said end of said second load bearing member; andwherein said first, second and third load bearing members are arranged in a generally triangular arrangement such that a load along one of the beams is transferred along at least one of said load bearing members and wherein said connector is formed as a single-piece from a casted piece of metal.