Structural unit for a car body, vehicle, and methods for manufacturing a car body

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural unit (3) for a vehicle body (2) (1), comprising a support structure (4) for receiving at least one control element (6) for operating the vehicle (1), which has a tubular structural part (20) with a first end face (21), a second end face (22), and a tubular section (23) extending along a central tube axis (24) between the first and second end faces (21, 22). The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) and a method (100).

Description

The invention relates to a structural unit for a body of a vehicle, to a vehicle and to a method for producing a body.It is known that cross member structures for a cockpit of a vehicle can frequently be subjected to high loads. In particular in vehicles with a higher driver's seat, it may occur, for example, that a driver holds on a steering wheel in order to reach the driver's seat. In this case, a torsional moment is generated, which is dissipated via the cross member structure to a vehicle frame.Since, as a rule, a greater distance along the cockpit is bridged by such cross member structures, it is also known to use tubular sections which can be produced cost-effectively and have a high torsional rigidity. For example, it is known from document EP 1 529 720 B1 to connect a plurality of tubular elements to one another and to mount them at the ends on a body frame. For this purpose, baffles are used which, however, have a complex geometry for the connection to the body frame. Furthermore, the connection of the tubular elements increases the manufacturing costs.It is an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the above disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-effective structure of a structural unit for a vehicle body which, with a simplification of the assembly, makes it possible to absorb loads of an operating element of the vehicle and reliably conduct them to a frame of the vehicle.The above object is achieved by a structural unit having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having the features of claim 12 and a method having the features of claim 15. Features and details which are described in connection with the structural unit according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention in a mutually alternating manner.According to a first aspect of the invention, a structural unit for a body of a vehicle is provided. The structural unit has a support structure for receiving at least one operating element for operating the vehicle. The support structure comprises a tubular structural part having a first end side, a second end side and a tubular section. The tubular section extends along a, in particular central, tube axis between the first and second end sides. Furthermore, the structural unit comprises a first fastening unit with a fastening interface for connecting the structural unit to a first frame element of the vehicle body with an offset to the pipe axis. Furthermore, the structural unit comprises a first bulkhead element, by means of which a load of the operating element acting on the structural part can be conducted at least partially or completely to the first fastening unit, in particular the fastening interface. The first bulkhead element has a load-receiving region for bearing against the first end side and a support region for supporting the first bulkhead element on the first fastening unit. The first bulkhead element has a planar extent, by means of which the load-receiving region and the supporting region are formed.The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, preferably in the form of an electric vehicle. However, in particular a different type of drive of the vehicle is also conceivable. The body may comprise a preferably supporting body frame with the first frame element and preferably a second frame element. The carrier structure can comprise one or more receiving interfaces for receiving the operating element, preferably a plurality of operating elements. The operating element can be manually actuatable by an operator, such as the driver of the vehicle, for operating a vehicle function of the vehicle.The load of the operating element acting on the structural part can be understood to mean a moment, in particular in the form of a torsion moment, and / or a force. Furthermore, further loads can act on the structural part, which are caused, for example, by further operating elements, instruments, interior claddings of the vehicle, vehicle dynamic effects and / or the like. By at least partially conducting the load through the first bulkhead element to the first fastening unit, in particular the fastening interface, the structural part and / or the first bulkhead element can be mounted on the fastening unit and thus in particular on the first frame element.The tubular structural part is preferably formed from steel and / or aluminum. The structural part can preferably consist of the tubular section with the first and second end sides. The tubular section can advantageously have a circular or oval cross section and / or be hollow. The tube axis can be understood in particular as a geometric axis which runs in a center of the cross section of the tubular section. The first and second end faces may form opposite ends of the tubular portion. The end faces can comprise a surface which is oriented perpendicularly or at an angle to the tube axis. For example, the tubular section can be cut to size at the end sides. The tubular portion can furthermore advantageously be formed by a single tube. By the tubular section extending between the first and second end sides along the tube axis, the tubular section can have a straight, i.e. in particular kink-free, course.The fastening unit can be formed as a separate structural unit, in particular as a separate component, from the structural part. However, it is also conceivable for the fastening unit to be connected to the structural part, in particular in addition to the first bulkhead element. For example, the fastening unit can be pre-assembled on the structural part before the first bulkhead element is mounted for an improvement in the rigidity. The connection of the structural unit to the first frame element can be understood to mean a force-conducting connection and / or fastening. The fastening interface can be configured for a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit connection to the first frame element. For example, the fastening interface can comprise fastening openings for screwing the fastening unit to the first frame element. The offset can comprise a distance, in particular in the horizontal and / or vertical direction.The first bulkhead element can be formed by an, in particular planar, component which preferably bears in a planar manner against the first end side. The cavity of the tubular section can be closed at least partially or completely on the first end side by the first bulkhead element. The planar extension, by which the load-receiving region and the support region are formed, can be understood in particular to mean that the load-receiving region and the support region form a planar, in particular kink-free, plane. For example, the first bulkhead element can be designed as a sheet metal part and / or as a stamped part.Due to the offset, it may be possible to arrange the structural part in the vehicle at a height which is at least partially independent of a height of the fastening to the first frame element. In particular, stiffening of the structural unit can be achieved by the first bulkhead element in order to realize the connection to the first frame element. In particular, it has been recognized within the scope of the invention that the planar extension of the first bulkhead element simultaneously enables a cost-effective production of the first bulkhead element and a high torsional rigidity of the structural unit. As a result of the arrangement on the end side, in particular an advantageous load line can thereby be effected, in which, as a result of the planar extent, the cross section of the first bulkhead element, i.e. in particular a surface moment of inertia of the first bulkhead element, can be used for the support.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the support structure forms a cross member for receiving an instrument panel of the vehicle. The instrument panel may include, for example, a dashboard of the vehicle. In this case, the dashboard can preferably comprise a plurality of operator control elements of the vehicle for operating comfort and / or driving functions. The cross member can thus be in particular a modular cross member which can be modularly equipped with different operating elements and / or for different vehicle models. Furthermore, the operating element can comprise a steering means, such as a steering wheel, of the vehicle, which is embedded in the instrument panel. In this case, the cross member can be designed to support at least partially or completely a torsional moment via the first bulkhead element, which torsional moment results from a weight of the driver when the driver pulls on the steering means into the cockpit of the vehicle and / or is supported on the steering means.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the first fastening unit has a fastening housing with an interior space, wherein the support region is accommodated in the interior space. The housing can form a fastening structure which encloses the interior space at least partially or completely, preferably on three or more sides. The fastening housing can be formed by a shell structure, in particular a box-like shell structure. Furthermore, the fastening housing can be connected, preferably welded, to the structural part. For this purpose, the fastening housing, in particular an edge of the fastening housing, can extend at least partially along the tubular portion. By means of the fastening housing, the connection to the first frame element can take place in particular independently or substantially independently of the course of the structural part. For example, this may make it possible for the structural unit to be fastenable to the first frame element at an angle, e.g. perpendicular, to the tube axis and / or at a different height. By the first bulkhead element being accommodated in the interior space, a stiffening of the first fastening unit can thereby be formed, by means of which the load can advantageously be conducted to the fastening interface.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the support region has a plurality of fastening tabs for receiving in openings of the fastening housing, in particular wherein the support region is connected to the fastening housing on the fastening tabs in a form-fit and / or firmly bonded manner. For the connection of the fastening tabs to the fastening housing, the fastening tabs can be welded to the fastening housing. For this purpose, the first bulkhead element and the fastening housing can preferably be formed in the same material. The fastening lugs are preferably part of the planar extent which forms the load-receiving region and the supporting region. The fastening tabs can be formed by projections which extend from the support section through the openings of the fastening housing. The fastening lugs can provide an advantageous possibility for fastening the first bulkhead element. In particular, the fastening tabs can be inserted through the openings during assembly, in order to be fixed to the fastening housing, for example, before the fastening tabs are welded to the fastening housing.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the fastening tabs are asymmetrically distributed on at least two opposite sides of the support region. The opposite sides can preferably be formed by an edge region of the support region. The unsymmetrical distribution of the fastening lugs makes it possible to realize a higher rigidity. The fastening lugs can be distributed in such a way that a torsional moment on the tubular section is uniformly supported by the first bulkhead element via the fastening lug. However, it is likewise conceivable for the fastening lugs to be symmetrically distributed on the opposite sides, for example in order to simplify production and / or use of the component.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the fastening housing forms a receptacle for fastening an electronics unit. For example, the receptacle can have one or more receptacle interfaces for the form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting fastening of the electronics unit. The electronics unit can comprise, for example, one or more fuses for vehicle electronics of the vehicle. In particular, the electronic unit can be a fuse box of the vehicle. As a result of the receptacle for fastening the electronics unit, the fastening housing can thus be assigned a multiple benefit in that the electronics unit and the structural part are mounted on the first frame element via the fastening housing. Furthermore, the electronics unit can thereby be arranged in the vehicle in a space-saving manner.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the fastening interface has a fastening plane for bearing against the first frame element, which is parallel to the tube axis. The fastening plane can be formed by a fastening flange, in particular in the form of a screw-on flange, of the fastening unit. For example, the fastening plane can be spaced apart from the tube axis, in particular by the offset, or run through the tube axis. In this case, the fastening plane can preferably extend parallel to a vehicle vertical axis of the vehicle. Furthermore, it can be provided that the fastening plane is arranged between the support section of the first bulkhead element and the tube axis and / or with respect to the structural part on the operating element side. In this case, the fastening plane can be arranged on one side of the support section of the first bulkhead element, which experiences a compressive force in the direction of the fastening plane when the operating element is loaded on account of a torsion moment on the structural part. As a result, an advantageous load situation with a high rigidity can be produced.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it is conceivable for the load-receiving region to be connected to the structural part in a materially integral manner, in particular by the load-receiving region being welded circumferentially to the structural part. Preferably, the structural part and the first bulkhead element are formed in a materially uniform manner. Furthermore, the load-receiving region can be fastened to the structural part, in particular to the tubular section, by means of a continuous punctiform weld realized at regular or irregular intervals. For the welding, the load-receiving region can project radially with respect to the tubular portion, for example, at least in sections or completely circumferentially. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a collar is formed on the load-receiving region, by means of which collar the load-receiving region is connected to the tubular portion in a positive and / or materially integral manner. Thus, the cohesive connection can realize an advantageous connection between the load-receiving region and the structural part, which can be implemented in a simple manner, in particular automatically, during assembly.Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it is conceivable that the structural part is designed to absorb a torsion moment generated by a load on the operating element. In the installed state in the vehicle, the operating element can extend from the structural unit in the direction of the driver, so that a load on the operating element by the driver acts on the structural part with a lever arm as a torsion moment. The torsion moment can arise, for example, in that a driver is supported and / or firmly held on the operating element. In particular, if the vehicle is an SUV and the operating element is a steering means of the vehicle, the steering means can be suitable for the driver to support himself during boarding and / or to pull him onto the driver's seat.It is furthermore conceivable in a structural unit according to the invention that a second fastening unit is provided for connecting the structural unit to a second frame element of the vehicle body, preferably with the offset or a further offset from the pipe axis, wherein the load of the operating element acting on the structural part can be conducted at least partially via a second bulkhead element to the second fastening unit, and thus in particular to the second frame element, wherein the second bulkhead element is arranged on the second end side of the structural part. The second fastening unit can be designed identically to the first fastening unit. The second bulkhead element can comprise a support section and a load-receiving section which are formed by a planar extension of the second bulkhead element. In particular, the second bulkhead element can be designed identically to the first bulkhead element. However, it is likewise conceivable for the second bulkhead element to be dimensioned for a lower load if the operating element is arranged on the driver side, i.e. in particular closer to the first end side than to the second end side of the structural part. By means of the second bulkhead element and the second fastening unit, the load acting on the structural part can be mounted on both ends of the structural part, such that each mounting point supports only a part of the load.Within the scope of the invention, it is furthermore conceivable for the structural part, in particular the tubular section, to extend along a cockpit width, in particular for connecting the first and second frame elements, over a driver region and a passenger region of the vehicle. The cockpit width can be understood to mean a width of the vehicle interior, in particular between the A pillars of the vehicle. The driver region may include a foot space of the driver, the passenger region may include a foot space of the passenger. In particular, the structural unit can extend over the driver region and over the passenger region. In particular, the structural part can be manufactured as a single pipe section which extends over the cockpit width. By extending the tubular section over the cockpit width, a particularly cost-effective configuration of the structural unit and a reproducible load line can be provided.According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a body with a first frame element and a structural unit according to the invention. The structural unit is connected to the first frame element. Furthermore, the vehicle has an operating element for operating the vehicle. The operating element is fastened to the structural unit.Thus, a vehicle according to the invention provides the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a structural unit according to the invention.It is furthermore conceivable in a vehicle according to the invention that the operating element is a steering means for steering the vehicle. The steering means can preferably be a steering wheel of the vehicle. In this case, a torsion torque can be applied to the structural part by loading the steering means. Due to the tubular property of the structural part and the first and preferably second bulkhead element, the torsion moment can be advantageously supported.Within the scope of the invention, it is furthermore conceivable for the first frame element to be a structural pillar, in particular in the form of an A-pillar of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second frame element can be a structural pillar opposite the first frame element, in particular in the form of an A-pillar of the vehicle. Thus, the structural part can extend in particular between the A-pillars of the vehicle. The A-pillars form in particular a part of the body frame on which the structural unit can be advantageously supported. In particular, by extending along a vehicle vertical axis of the A-pillars, the support structure can be fastened at a height above a driver's foot space and / or passenger's foot space.According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing a body for a vehicle having a carrier structure for receiving at least one operating element for operating the vehicle is provided. For the support structure, a structural unit according to the invention is produced in the method. The method comprises, in particular in the form of method steps:providing a tubular structural part of the structural unit and a first fastening unit, in particular by manufacturing the structural part,arranging a first bulkhead element on a first end side of a tubular section of the structural part, which has a central tube axis,fastening the first bulkhead element to the tubular section of the structural part and to the first fastening unit in order to conduct a load of the operating element acting on the structural part at least partially to the fastening interface, in particular by welding the first bulkhead element to the tubular section of the structural part,fastening the first fastening unit to a first frame element of the vehicle body with an offset to the pipe axis, in particular by a screw connection to a fastening plane of the first fastening unit.Thus, a method according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a structural unit according to the invention and / or a vehicle according to the invention.Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically: FIG. 1 shows a structural unit according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a fastening unit with a first bulkhead element of the structural unit, FIG. 3 shows the first bulkhead element, FIG. 4 shows an offset of a pipe axis of the structural unit and a fastening plane, FIG. 5 shows a vehicle according to the invention with the structural unit, and FIG. 6 shows a sequence of a method according to the invention for producing a body for the vehicle.In the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different exemplary embodiments.FIG. 1 shows a structural unit 3 according to the invention for a body 2 of a vehicle 1 according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 1 is shown with the structural unit 3 in FIG. 5. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 with a first frame element 5 and a second frame element 9. the first and second frame elements 5, 9 are each a structural pillar in the form of an A-pillar of the vehicle 1. the structural unit 3 extends over a cockpit width 7.1 of the body 2. the cockpit width 7.1 extends over a driver region and a passenger region of the vehicle 1, so that a support structure 4 of the structural unit 3 connects the first and second frame elements 5, 9 as a cross member.The support structure 4 is furthermore designed to receive an instrument panel 7 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises an operating element 6 for operating the vehicle 1, which is fastened to the structural unit 3. The control element 6 is preferably a steering means, in particular in the form of a steering wheel, for steering the vehicle 1.As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 4 comprises a tubular structural part 20 having a first end face 21, a second end face 22 and a tubular section 23 which extends along a central tube axis 24 between the first and second end faces 21, 22. The structural part 20 is designed in particular to absorb a torsion moment 6.1 generated by a load on the operating element 6, for example when a driver is supported on the operating element 6. Preferably, the tubular section 23 extends along the entire cockpit width 7.1.For the connection of the structural unit 3 to the first frame element 5 of the vehicle body 2, the structural unit 3, in particular the support structure 4, further comprises a first fastening unit 30 with a fastening interface 31 for the connection to the first frame element 5. In this case, the fastening interface 31 is arranged with an offset 5.1 with respect to the pipe axis 24, as shown in FIG. 4. In particular, the fastening interface 31 has at least one fastening plane 31.1 for bearing against the first frame element 5, which is parallel to the tube axis 24.In order to conduct a load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 at least partially to the fastening interface 31, the structural unit 3 furthermore has a first bulkhead element 10 with a load-receiving region 11 for bearing on the first end side 21 and a support region 12 for supporting the first bulkhead element 10 on the first fastening unit 30. The first bulkhead element 10 is shown separately with the fastening unit 30 in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3. In this case, the load-receiving region 11 and the supporting region 12 of the first bulkhead element 10 are formed by a planar extent 13 in order to enable an advantageous load guidance of the torsion moment 6.1. In this case, the first bulkhead element 10 can be designed as a sheet metal part and / or stamped part, the moment of area inertia of which serves to reinforce the carrier structure 4.The first fastening unit 30 comprises a fastening housing 32 with an interior space 33, in which the support region 12 of the first bulkhead element 10 is accommodated. For this purpose, the support region 12 has a plurality of fastening tabs 14 for receiving in openings 34 of the fastening housing 32. At the fastening lugs 14, the support region 12 is connected to the fastening housing 32 in a form-fitting and / or materially integral manner. Furthermore, the fastening tabs 14 are asymmetrically distributed on at least two opposite sides 12.1 of the support region 12. In addition, the load-receiving region 11 is connected to the structural part 20 in a materially integral manner by the load-receiving region 11 being welded to the structural part 20, preferably in a circumferential manner. Advantageously, the fastening housing 32 can form a receptacle for fastening an electronics unit 8 of the vehicle 1 in order to integrate the latter into the instrument panel 7.As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the structural unit 3 furthermore has a second fastening unit 35 for connecting the structural unit 3 to the second frame element 9 of the vehicle body 2 to the pipe axle 24. The load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 can be conducted at least partially to the second frame element 9 via a second bulkhead element 15. For this purpose, the second bulkhead element 15 is arranged on the second end face 22 of the structural part 20. Preferably, the second bulkhead element 15 is structurally identical or substantially structurally identical to the first bulkhead element 10.FIG. 6 furthermore shows a sequence of a method 100 according to the invention for producing the body 2 for the vehicle 1. the method 100 comprises providing 101 the tubular structural part 20 of the structural unit 3 with a first fastening unit 30, whereupon arranging 102 the first bulkhead element 10 on the first end side 21 of the tubular portion 23 of the structural part 20 takes place. furthermore, fastening 103 of the first bulkhead element 10 is carried out on the tubular portion 23 of the structural part 20 and on the first fastening unit 30 in order to conduct the load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 at least partially to the fastening interface 31. Furthermore, in the method 100, the first fastening unit 30 is fastened 104 to a first frame element 5 and preferably the second fastening unit 35 to the second frame element 9.The foregoing explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another within the scope defined by the patent claims, insofar as technically expedient, without departing from the scope of the present invention.List of reference characters1 Vehicle 2 Body 3 Structural unit 4 Support structure 5 First frame element 5.1 Offset 6 Operating element 6.1 Torsion moment 7 Instrument panel 7.1 Cockpit width 8 Electronics unit 9 Second frame element 10 First bulkhead element 11 Load-receiving region 12 Support region 12.1 Sides 13 Planar extension 14 Fastening lugs 15 Second bulkhead element 20 Structural part 21 First end side 22 Second end side 23 Tubular section 24 Pipe axis 30 First fastening unit 31 Fastening interface 31.1 Fastening plane 32 Fastening housing 33 Interior space 34 Openings 35 Second fastening unit 100 Method 101 Provision of 20 102 Arrangement of 10 103 Fastening of 10 104 Fastening of 30References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 1 529 720 B1

[0003]

Claims

Structural unit (3) for a body (2) of a vehicle (1), having a support structure (4) for receiving at least one operating element (6) for operating the vehicle (1), which has a tubular structural part (20) with a first end face (21), a second end face (22) and a tubular section (23), which extends along a central tube axis (24) between the first and second end faces (21, 22), a first fastening unit (30) with a fastening interface (31) for connecting the structural unit (3) to a first frame element (5) of the body (2) with an offset (5.1) to the tube axis (24), and a first bulkhead element (10), by means of which a load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) can be conducted at least partially to the first fastening unit (30), wherein the first bulkhead element (10) has a load-receiving region (11) for bearing against the first end side (21) and a supporting region (12) for supporting the first bulkhead element (10) on the first fastening unit (30), wherein the first bulkhead element (10) has a planar extent (13), by means of which the load-receiving region (11) and the supporting region (12) are formed.Structural unit (3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the carrier structure (4) forms a cross member for receiving an instrument panel (7) of the vehicle (1).Structural unit (3) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fastening unit (30) has a fastening housing (32) having an interior space (33), wherein the supporting region (12) is accommodated in the interior space (33).Structural unit (3) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the support region (12) has a plurality of fastening lugs (14) for receiving in openings (34) of the fastening housing (32), wherein the support region (12) is connected to the fastening housing (32) in a positively locking and / or materially integral manner on the fastening lugs (14).Structural unit (3) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the fastening lugs (14) are distributed asymmetrically on at least two opposite sides (12.1) of the supporting region (12).Structural unit (3) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fastening housing (32) forms a receptacle for fastening an electronics unit (8).Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening interface (31) has a fastening plane (31.1) for bearing against the first frame element (5) which is parallel to the pipe axis (24).Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load-receiving region (11) is connected to the structural part (20) in a materially integral manner, in that the load-receiving region (11) is welded circumferentially to the structural part (20).Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural part (20) is designed to absorb a torsion moment (6.1) generated by a load on the operating element (6).Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second fastening unit (35) is provided for connecting the structural unit (3) to a second frame element (9) of the body (2) with respect to the pipe axis (24), wherein the load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) can be conducted at least partially to the second fastening unit (35) via a second bulkhead element (15), wherein the second bulkhead element (15) is arranged on the second end side (22) of the structural part (20).Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural part (20) extends along a cockpit width (7.1) for connecting the first and second frame elements (5, 9) over a driver region and a passenger region of the vehicle (1).Vehicle (1) comprising a body (2) having a first frame element (5) and a structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, which is connected to the first frame element (5), and an operating element (6) for operating the vehicle (1), which is fastened to the structural unit (3).Vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the operating element (6) is a steering means for steering the vehicle (1).Vehicle (1) according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first frame element (5) is a structural pillar in the form of an A pillar of the vehicle (1).Method (100) for producing a body (2) for a vehicle (1) having a support structure (4) for receiving at least one operating element (6) for operating the vehicle (1), wherein a structural unit (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 is produced for the support structure (4) and the method (100) comprises: - providing (101) a tubular structural part (20) of the structural unit (3) and a first fastening unit (30), - arranging (102) a first bulkhead element (10) on a first end side (21) of a tubular portion (23) of the structural part (20) which has a central tube axis (24), - fastening (103) the first bulkhead element (10) to the tubular portion (23) of the structural part (20) and to the first fastening unit (30), in order to conduct a load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) at least partially to the fastening interface (31), - fastening (104) the first fastening unit (30) to a first frame element (5) of the body (2) with an offset (5.1) to the pipe axis (24).

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