Gusset plate for stiffening a moped frame

Abstract

Gusset plate for use on vehicle frames of two-wheeled vehicles, in particular mopeds, characterized in that the gusset plate is provided for arrangement in the corner area between a head tube and a main tube and has at least one first stop surface for contact with the head tube and a second stop surface for contact with the main tube, wherein the stop surface for contact with the head tube has a length between 15 mm and 25 mm, the stop surface for contact with the main tube has a length between 40 mm and 200 mm, the angle between the stop surface for contact with the head tube and the stop surface for contact with the main tube is between 85° and 90° and the gusset plate can be welded to the vehicle frame along these stop surfaces.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a weldable gusset plate for the structural stiffening of a vehicle frame of two-wheelers, in particular of mopeds, preferably of vehicles which, due to their design, allow the attachment of a gusset plate for the attachment of lower frame members, for example the moped known as Simson S51.

[0002] The frames of mopeds typically feature a connection between the head tube and the main tube, which is subjected to high dynamic loads during operation. In particular, braking forces, road vibrations, and engine-induced vibrations lead to alternating stresses at this tube junction. Due to the relatively thin walls of the frame tubes used, this can result in deformation, cracking at the welds, or an overall reduction in frame stiffness.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the objective of structurally stiffening the connection between the steering tube and the main tube of a vehicle frame, thereby increasing the bending and torsional stiffness of the frame. Furthermore, it aims to provide a means of attaching additional struts for further stiffening of the frame.

[0004] This problem is solved by a gusset plate with the features of claim 1.

[0005] The gusset plate according to the invention is designed for placement in the corner area between the head tube and the main tube and has at least two contact surfaces. A first contact surface serves to abut the head tube, while a second contact surface is designed to abut the main tube. The gusset plate can be welded to the vehicle frame along these contact surfaces and, after welding, forms a rigid, load-distributing connection between the two frame tubes.

[0006] Preferably, the contact surface for resting on the head tube has a length between 15 mm and 25 mm. The contact surface for resting on the main tube preferably has a length between 40 mm and 200 mm. The angle between the contact surface for resting on the head tube and the contact surface for resting on the main tube is preferably between 85° and 90°.

[0007] In the area near the contact surface with the head tube, at least one hole pattern is provided for bolting an additional brace. The hole pattern is preferably elongated to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and to allow for different mounting positions. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated hole has dimensions of 8 mm × 8 mm and is suitable for accommodating an M6 screw connection.

[0008] The gusset plate is made of metal, preferably steel, and has a material thickness between 3 mm and 6 mm. The combination of material selection, plate thickness, and geometric design results in a significant increase in the structural stiffness of the vehicle frame.

[0009] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 explains. It shows: Fig. 1 An isometric view of a gusset plate for arrangement in the corner area between the head tube and the main tube of a moped frame.

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