Load transfer component for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for inserting a load transfer component

Abstract

Load transfer component (1) for insertion into a free space (22), in particular a tolerance joint, between load-bearing and / or load-guiding components (15) in a motor vehicle (18), wherein a clamping element (3) which can be fastened in the free space (22) by turning the free space (22) to fill the free space (22) and which has a contact surface (9) extending around an axis of rotation (2), the diameter of which changes continuously at least section by section in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation (2) and remains constant in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load-transfer component for insertion into a free space, in particular a tolerance joint, between load-bearing and / or load-conducting components in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle and a method for inserting a load-transfer component.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles, particularly as part of the body, often feature sophisticated crash structures designed to absorb, guide, and dissipate forces (or loads) in the event of an accident. However, due to tolerances that must be factored in, it can happen that gaps, particularly gaps or tolerance joints, may occur between load-bearing and / or load-carrying components within a vehicle. This creates an interruption in the force (load) path, which is often accepted.

[0003] Such tolerance gaps may be necessary, for example, when a high-voltage battery assembly, e.g., on a support component, is to be mounted in the body, adjacent to a frame component. In this case, a clearance is often provided between the components, as both components are subject to tolerances. This clearance remains even after assembly. In the event of a collision, such a tolerance gap has a detrimental effect, as no force can be transmitted there until the gap closes, and the force can be absorbed in deeper structures.

[0004] DE 10 2020 128 841 A1 relates to an elastic coupling element for a motor vehicle for arrangement between an energy storage housing structure and a passenger compartment floor structure, wherein the coupling element is made of a spring plate. The spring plate is mounted on the passenger compartment floor structure and rests resiliently against the energy storage housing structure. The coupling element can be irreversibly plastically deformable above a predetermined force to enable tolerance compensation.

[0005] DE 10 2017 007 307 A1 discloses a frame device for a motor vehicle, comprising a subframe and a support element. A tolerance compensation element is clamped in the region of a coupling point between a frame element and the support element. The tolerance compensation element can be wedge-shaped in order to adjust the magnitude of the clamping forces depending on the penetration depth of the tolerance compensation element when it is inserted or driven into the gap between the frame element and the support element. This enables the transmission of forces caused by an accident.

[0006] DE 10 2019 210 856 A1 relates to a self-supporting vehicle body with a sill, an underbody pan designed to protect an energy storage device, and a wedge profile that is continuously inserted into a gap between the sill and the underbody pan and continuously seals the underbody pan against the sill. The wedge profile can be designed as a load introduction element for transferring loads from the sill to the underbody pan to absorb transverse loads.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an easily handled, alternatively designed load transmission component for load connection between spaced load-carrying and / or load-bearing components in a motor vehicle.

[0008] To achieve this object, a load transmission component of the type mentioned at the outset comprises, according to the invention, a clamping element which can be fastened in the free space by screwing in so as to fill the free space, said clamping element having a contact surface extending around an axis of rotation, the diameter of which changes continuously at least in sections in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation and remains constant in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation.

[0009] Such a load transmission component, which can also be referred to as a tolerance compensation element, can therefore be easily adapted by turning to different widths of free spaces, in particular tolerance joints or gaps, between load-bearing and / or load-conducting components of a motor vehicle, for example between a carrier component of a high-voltage battery and an adjacent body component, for example a frame component.

[0010] By rotating the clamping element, a specific diameter of the load-transfer component can be selected based on the continuously changing diameter of the clamping element, which corresponds at least to the width of the free space. If the diameter of the load-transfer component exceeds the width of the free space, in particular slightly, a force connection can also be created, for example by clamping the load-transfer component between the components. In other words, the clamping element can be pre-tensioned. It should be noted at this point that the diameter of the clamping element, which can be selected by rotating it, does not necessarily have to correspond to that of the entire load-transfer component, which can also have additional elements, for example for surface adaptation.In exemplary embodiments, the load-transmitting component can be designed eccentrically to provide the different diameters; however, it can also be provided that the contact surface, in particular the clamping element, is designed point-symmetrically with respect to the rotational axis. This can be understood, in particular, as a type of half-sided eccentricity.

[0011] In other words, a clamping element of the load transfer component, for example an eccentric one, is installed in the area of ​​the free space between two components of a motor vehicle. This element can be adjusted by turning so that the gap between the two components is closed. As a result, once the contact surface is in direct or indirect contact with the respective components, a direct and immediate transmission of a force, in particular an accident-related force, can take place across a free space, in particular a tolerance-dependent assembly joint. Tolerance compensation can therefore take place between components, in particular those relevant to a crash, which can form part of a crash structure of the motor vehicle.Force can be transmitted immediately and directly to the lower substructures of the crash structure, so that the energy of an accident / crash is not first absorbed by the external system until the deformation is transmitted through the clearance to the next component. This results in improved energy dissipation overall and reduces intrusion. The load-transfer component is easy to handle and can be adjusted to the required gap width by turning it. It is also completely absorbed by the clearance and therefore does not protrude from it, as would be the case with wedges, which contributes to space efficiency and robustness.

[0012] Particularly advantageously, the clamping element can be designed for energy-dissipating, irreversible deformation, in particular for collapsing, upon application of a transmission force that exceeds a predetermined limit. In other words, the clamping element can be irreversibly deformed, in particular, collapsed, above a predetermined force. Thus, the transmitted, forwarded force can be limited, and energy dissipation can be achieved by collapsing the clamping element when a certain force level is exceeded. Overall, the force transmission component, which is mechanically adjustable by rotation to compensate for tolerances and gaps between components, fulfills the following functions: - Transfer of forces (load transfer), - Limiting the transmitted force, and - Energy dissipation.

[0013] The load-transfer component, in particular the clamping element, can be made at least partially of plastic. In particular, plastic castings can be used.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamping element has an inner, in particular outwardly rounded, profile section and an outer, in particular at least partially eccentric, profile section arranged at a distance from the inner profile section, which has the contact surface. The terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the axis of rotation and the axis of rotation as the innermost point. In particular, the clamping element as a whole can be designed as a profile part with a profile that is at least substantially constant along the axis of rotation, at least with respect to the outer profile section.

[0015] The inner profile section can have a central receptacle or through-opening which extends around the axis of rotation and which has a geometry suitable for inserting a turning tool. In this case, the geometry can also be provided by an insert. In particular, if the clamping element is not to be turned directly by hand, but a turning tool is to be used, the latter can be attached to the inner profile section on the axis of rotation. For this purpose, a receptacle or through-opening can be provided, the geometry of which can preferably be adapted to the turning tool. For example, it is conceivable to provide a hexagon opening or receptacle in order to be able to engage the clamping element along the axis of rotation with a conventional hexagon tool.However, it is also possible, as will be discussed in more detail below, that the turning tool simultaneously serves to fasten the clamping element and thus the load transmission component.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that the inner and outer profile sections are connected by means of load-transmitting, in particular radially arranged spokes and / or a load-transmitting material, in particular a foam, is arranged in a hollow space between the inner and outer profile sections. In this way, load transmission is possible regardless of the position about the axis of rotation. For this purpose, for example, spokes can be provided at regular intervals that connect the inner and outer profile sections. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to fill the hollow space with a foam structure. Finally, it is also possible to design the area between the inner profile section and the outer profile section to be solid, thus, for example, using the same plastic as for other parts of the clamping element. Spokes can also be made of this plastic.The load transfer means of the inner structure of the tensioning element can therefore be, in particular, open-pore or closed-pore. They can also be designed to provide the energy-dissipating, irreversible deformation upon application of a transfer force that exceeds a predetermined limit, in particular by means of suitable design and / or simulation tools. In this regard, an open structure, in particular with spokes and / or foam, is preferred.

[0017] In a practical, specific embodiment, it can be provided that the contact surface has two surface sections, each covering a 180° range around the axis of rotation, wherein for at least one of the surface sections the distance from the axis of rotation increases continuously in the circumferential direction from a first value to a second value. In this case, it is conceivable that the other of the surface sections is round, i.e. with a constant radius of the contact surface. In this way, an eccentric design of the clamping element is achieved. However, it is also possible for the increase in both surface sections to occur in the same direction of rotation, so that a diameter range from twice the first value to twice the second value arises.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous development of the present invention, it can be provided that the load-transfer component further comprises at least one adapter element for adaptation to a, in particular flat, component-side contact surface, wherein each adapter element comprises an inner contact surface on the contact surface side, which is shaped in particular to match the contact surface, and an outer, in particular flat, contact surface. The adapter elements—provided in particular for both components—thus allow the curved contact surface of the clamping element to be adapted to the contact surfaces of the surrounding components. In this way, an improved hold of the load-transfer component is advantageously achieved since the actual contact surfaces are enlarged.Each adapter element has an inner contact surface facing the contact surface and ideally shaped to match it, and an outer contact surface, which can expediently be flat. This is because the component-side contact surface, against which the outer contact surface of the adapter element is intended to rest, is in most cases flat. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is also conceivable to provide a design of the outer contact surface specifically tailored to such component-side contact surfaces in the case of special shapes of component-side contact surfaces.

[0019] The load-transfer component can expediently comprise two adapter elements arranged opposite one another and connected to one another via a connecting structure. In this way, the adapter elements form a coherent, easy-to-handle overall structure, which is ideally designed such that this overall structure, comprising adapter elements and connecting structure, is mounted on the clamping element. Specifically, it can be provided, for example, that the cage-like connecting structure, designed on at least two opposite sides, particularly in the longitudinal direction, holds the adapter elements.

[0020] Since the spacing between the adapter elements can vary with the selected diameter of the clamping element, an advantageous development of the invention further provides that the connecting structure has at least one spring section along the contact surface to compensate for different diameters in the contact area of ​​the adapter elements. Such spring sections can be used to elastically or resiliently adjust the spacing between the opposing adapter elements.

[0021] Specifically, it can be provided, for example, that the connecting structure above and below, with respect to the longitudinal direction, of the clamping element each has a central section, extending in particular in a ring shape around the axis of rotation, to which two, in particular oval, spring sections adjoin radially outwards, which carry the respective adapter element on the side opposite the central section. This also provides a cage structure that prevents the entire structure from becoming detached from the clamping element, so that the load transmission component is compact, easy to handle, and does not require complex individual parts to be attached. The spring sections can preferably be oval, with the central section and the adapter elements then expediently being provided on the sides of the shortest diameter in order to achieve the desired spring effect.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the load transmission component can further comprise a screw which serves to fasten the load transmission component, in particular the clamping element, to a support part between or on the components and which is designed in particular to engage in the inner profile section, preferably a through-opening and / or receptacle there. The screw secures the clamping element in particular against rotation to smaller diameters, and in particular therefore against loosening. Fastening by means of a screw which uses the axis of rotation also provided for the clamping element has the particular advantage that it can also serve as a turning tool. For example, it can be specifically provided that the screw is designed to be thread-forming for simultaneous action as a turning tool for screwing in the clamping element and for insertion along the axis of rotation into the clamping element.In this context, a receptacle and / or through-hole, which is then particularly thinner than the screw diameter, can be used in the inner profile section of the clamping element. The unscrewing of the clamping element can be combined with the screw-in movement by using a thread-forming screw. The torque required to form the thread ensures unscrewing, thus selecting larger diameters, or pre-tensioning of the clamping element. In this way, fastening and tightening take place in a single operation. The thread-forming torque, which is introduced into the clamping element by a thread-forming process, thus ensures the clamping, and in particular also additional clamping, of the clamping element. If adapter elements are used, these are clamped between the clamping element and the component.In principle, it is also conceivable to screw the screw in completely if there is an existing thread or if the thread formation is too easy and then to apply further torque in order to unscrew it and fill the free space.

[0023] Alternatively or in addition to securing the rotational position of the clamping element by means of a screw, fastening can also be achieved by the surface quality of the contact surface of the clamping element. For example, it can be specifically provided that the contact surface for holding the clamping element, in particular against rotation about the axis of rotation, is designed to increase friction, in particular by roughening and / or a surface structure, for example a ribbing or corrugation, and / or locking elements. In this way, the load transmission component is secured, in particular additionally, against unintentional loosening or rotation to smaller diameters. For example, the contact surface can be roughened and / or have ribbing and / or corrugations and / or locking elements.If adapter elements are used, their inner contact surfaces, which are located on the contact surface, can also be designed to increase friction in order to enhance the securing effect.

[0024] In addition to the load-transfer component, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least two load-bearing and / or load-guiding components, in particular structural components, preferably of a crash structure, which are arranged with a clearance, in particular a tolerance joint, relative to one another. The motor vehicle is characterized in that a load-transfer component according to the invention is inserted between the components, connecting them in a load-guiding manner. All statements regarding the load-transfer component according to the invention can be analogously applied to the motor vehicle according to the invention, so that the aforementioned advantages can also be achieved with the latter. In particular, the components can comprise a carrier component for a high-voltage battery of the motor vehicle and / or a body component, in particular a frame component.

[0025] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for inserting a load transmission component according to the invention into a free space between two load-bearing and / or load-guiding components of a motor vehicle, comprising - Insertion of the load transfer component into the free space, - Tighten the clamping element with a turning tool in such a way that it completely fills the free space and, in particular, is held in place with a force fit.

[0026] The statements regarding the load transfer component and the motor vehicle also continue to apply to the procedure.

[0027] The load-transfer component is preferably inserted into the free space with the clamping element initially set to the smallest possible extension, i.e., the smallest selectable diameter. After installation, the clamping element is rotated to fill the free space.

[0028] As already explained, it can be particularly advantageous to use a thread-forming screw as the turning tool, which is screwed into the clamping element along the rotation axis in a thread-forming manner. A torque is required to form the thread, which is introduced into the clamping element and is also used to rotate and preload the clamping element. The screw can be used, for example, to fasten the load-transfer component to a support part that, for example, is located in the free space due to another component or protrudes from a component.

[0029] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a plan view of a load transmission component according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the load transfer component of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a design of the contact surface to prevent unwanted rotation, Fig. 4 a sectional view of a securing device by means of a screw, Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0030] Fig. 1 (view along the rotation axis 2) and Fig. 2 (perspective view) show an embodiment of a load transmission component 1 according to the invention. The load transmission component 1 comprises a clamping element 3 extending around the axis of rotation 2, adapter elements 4 and a connecting structure 5 connecting the adapter elements 4 above and below the clamping element 3.

[0031] The clamping element 3 comprises an inner profile section 6, which has a through-opening 7 along the axis of rotation 2, which can also be designed as a receptacle. The through-opening 7 has a hexagonal geometry, which is suitable both for receiving a general turning tool for turning the clamping element 3, for example a hexagon wrench, in order to rotate the clamping element 3, and also for allowing a thread to be formed by a thread-forming screw. Spaced from the inner profile section 6, an outer profile section 8 is provided, which has a contact surface 9 on its outer side. In the exemplary embodiment, the profile section 8 has two partial sections, each covering 180° around the axis of rotation 2, which each form surface sections of the contact surface 9 on the outside.The radius around the axis of rotation 2, on which the respective surface section lies, increases continuously from a first value to a second value, so that due to the other surface section being designed in the same way, the diameter of the clamping element 3 continuously increases from twice the first value to twice the second value. This means that if the clamping element 3 is arranged between two load-bearing and / or load-carrying components of a motor vehicle that are to be connected in a load-carrying manner, different diameters can be selected depending on the rotational position of the clamping element 3 in order to fill the free space between the components. Starting from the smallest diameter, the clamping element 3 can therefore be turned up to larger diameters by rotating around the axis of rotation 2.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 9 is designed to be point-symmetrical to the rotational axis 2 in the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 2. However, other embodiments are also conceivable, for example, those in which the contact surface 9 extends in one of the two surface sections according to a semicircle with a constant radius, i.e., round. In this case, the clamping element 3 is eccentric overall.

[0033] The adapter elements 4 serve to adapt the curved contact surface 9 to the typically flat component-side contact surface. Therefore, the adapter elements 4 have an inner contact surface 10 curved inward toward the contact surface 9, corresponding to the contact surface 9, and an outer, flat, contact surface 11.

[0034] The connecting structure 5 has a central section 12, to which the adapter elements 4 are connected via respective spring sections 13, which in this case are oval in shape, with the central section 12 and the adapter elements 4 opposite each other at their short radius. The spring sections 13 make it possible to compensate for changes in diameter depending on the section of the contact surface 9 that bears against the inner contact surface 10. Overall, the entire structure comprising the adapter elements 4 and the connecting structures 5 forms a cage in which the clamping element 3 is accommodated.

[0035] To insert the load-transfer component 1 between two components of a motor vehicle, in particular a crash structure of a motor vehicle, the clamping element 3 is preferably rotated to the smallest possible diameter between the adapter elements 4. If the clamping element 3 is then rotated about the rotation axis 2 using the turning tool, the diameters continuously increase until the free space is filled, whereby the load-transfer component 1 can be clamped between the components (and the clamping element 3 can be clamped between the adapter elements 4, in particular with a force fit).

[0036] The load-transfer component 1 can then transfer forces (loads) from one component to the other, particularly in the event of an accident. To ensure this is possible regardless of the rotational position, the inner profile section 6 and the outer profile section 8 are connected in the radial direction by means of spokes 14, specifically such that two spokes 14 of a pair extending from the opposite sections extend collinearly. Additionally or alternatively, a force-conducting material, for example, a foam, can be arranged in the space between the inner profile section 6 and the outer profile section 8.The corresponding load transfer means, in conjunction with the remaining components of the clamping element 3, are designed such that if a predetermined limit value for the transfer force is exceeded, irreversible deformation, in particular collapse, of the clamping element 3 and thus of the load transfer component 1 occurs. Energy is dissipated in the process. Thus, the load transfer component 1 also acts to limit the transmitted force and dissipate energy.

[0037] In order to ensure the desired rotational position of the clamping element 3, various approaches are conceivable within the scope of the present invention, which can also be used in combination. Fig. 3 shows a first approach in which the contact surface 9 is designed to increase friction, in this case, for example, by providing friction-increasing surface structures such as ribbing. Roughening and the like are also conceivable. Advantageously, a comparable friction-increasing design is also provided for the inner contact surfaces 10 of the adapter elements 4, thus providing a particularly secure support for the rotating state of the clamping element 3. Unintentional relaxation and thus an unintentional reduction in the diameter are avoided.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment in a schematic section through a load transmission component 1 which is already in contact with a component 15 and which is also fastened to a support part 17 of the motor vehicle by means of a screw 16. The screw 16 is designed to be thread-forming and is screwed along the axis of rotation 2 into the through-opening 7, which, however, has no thread and is somewhat narrower than the screw body. This results in a torque being exerted on the clamping element 3 by the screw 16 to form the thread. When the screw 16 is screwed in, this torque immediately turns the clamping element 3 to the desired, maximum possible diameter to fill the free space between the component 15 and another component. At the same time, the fastening with the screw 16 again provides protection against unintentional twisting of the clamping element 3 in the installed state.

[0039] Fig.Finally, Figure 5 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 18 according to the invention, in whose underbody, below the passenger compartment, a high-voltage battery 19 is accommodated in an underbody pan 20 as a load-carrying and load-bearing support component. Due to tolerances, this underbody pan 20 is spaced from a frame component 21 of the body as a further load-carrying and load-bearing component by a clearance 22, i.e., a tolerance joint or a gap existing due to tolerances. Load-transfer components 1 according to the present invention and as just described are inserted into this clearance 22 in order to achieve load transfer between the underbody pan 20 and the frame component 21. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 128 841 A1

[0004] DE 10 2017 007 307 A1

[0005] DE 10 2019 210 856 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Load transmission component (1) for insertion into a free space (22), in particular a tolerance joint, between load-bearing and / or load-guiding components (15) in a motor vehicle (18), characterized by a clamping element (3) which can be fastened in the free space (22) by screwing in so as to fill the free space (22), having a contact surface (9) extending around an axis of rotation (2), the diameter of which changes continuously at least in sections in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation (2) and remains constant in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation (2). [2] Load transmission component according to claim 1, characterized by that the clamping element (3) is designed for energy-dissipating irreversible deformation, in particular for collapsing, upon the action of a transmission force which exceeds a predetermined limit value and / or the contact surface (9), in particular the clamping element (3), is designed to be point-symmetrical or eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation (2). [3] Load transmission component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the clamping element (3) has an inner, in particular outwardly rounded, profile section (6) and an outer, in particular eccentric, profile section (8) arranged at a distance from the inner profile section (6) and having the contact surface (9). [4] Load transmission component according to claim 3, characterized by that the inner profile section (6) has a central receptacle or through-opening (7) which extends around the axis of rotation (2) and has a geometry suitable for inserting a turning tool. [5] Load transmission component according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat the inner and outer profile sections (6, 8) are connected by means of load-transmitting, in particular radially arranged spokes (14) and / or a load-transmitting material, in particular a foam, is arranged in a cavity between the inner and outer profile sections (6, 8). [6] Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact surface (9) has two surface sections each covering a 180° area around the axis of rotation (2), wherein for at least one of the surface sections the distance from the axis of rotation (2) increases continuously in the circumferential direction from a first value to a second value. [7] Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that it further comprises at least one adapter element (4) for adaptation to a, in particular flat, component-side contact surface, wherein each adapter element (4) has an inner contact surface (10) on the contact surface side, which is shaped in particular to match the contact surface (9), and an outer, in particular flat, contact surface (11). [8] Load transmission component according to claim 7, characterized by that it has two adapter elements (4) arranged opposite one another and connected to one another via a connecting structure (5). [9] Load transmission component according to claim 8, characterized bythat the cage-like connecting structure (5) on at least two opposite sides, in particular in the longitudinal direction, holds the adapter elements (4) and / or the connecting structure (5) has at least one spring section (13) along the contact surface (9) to compensate for different diameters in the contact area of the adapter elements (4). [10] Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it further comprises a screw (16) serving to fasten the load transmission component (1) to a support part (17) between or on the components (15), which screw is designed in particular to engage in the inner profile section (6), preferably a through-opening (7) and / or receptacle there. [11] Load transmission component according to claim 10, characterized bythat the screw (16) is designed to simultaneously act as a turning tool for screwing in the clamping element (3) and to be thread-formed and to be inserted along the axis of rotation (2) into the clamping element (3). [12] Load transmission component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact surface (9) is designed to increase friction, in particular by roughening and / or a surface structure, in particular a corrugation, and / or locking elements. [13] Motor vehicle (18), comprising at least two load-bearing and / or load-guiding components (15), in particular of a crash structure, which are arranged with a free space (22), in particular a tolerance joint, relative to one another, characterized by that a load transmission component (1) according to one of the preceding claims is inserted between the components (15), connecting them in a load-carrying manner. [14] Method for inserting a load transmission component (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 into a free space (22) between two load-bearing and / or load-guiding components (15) of a motor vehicle (18), comprising - Inserting the load transfer component (1) into the free space (22), - Tightening the clamping element (3) with a turning tool in such a way that it completely fills the free space (22) and is held in a force-locking manner. [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized by that a thread-forming screw (16) is used as the turning tool, which is screwed into the clamping element (3) along the axis of rotation (2) in a thread-forming manner.

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