Sandwich plate element connection system and method for connecting sandwich plate elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) comprising two sandwich plate elements (100) and a connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) connecting said two sandwich plate elements (100) by means of an adhesive bond (250) to define two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640). The connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises a first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) and a second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2) that are coupled to each other by a snap-fit ​​coupling (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) to form at least one of said two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640). The adhesive bond (250) comprises an adhesive (260). A chassis (10) for a vehicle is provided that includes a sandwich plate element connecting system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and a method (20) for connecting two sandwich plate elements (100).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a sandwich plate element connection system, a chassis for a vehicle including the sandwich plate element connection system, and a method of connecting two sandwich plate elements with a connecting element. [Background technology]

[0002] Boards are used across a multitude of construction applications serving many different purposes. Boards or panel elements can be used, for example, to create large smooth surfaces for walls and facades. In such cases, the boards are typically attached directly to some form of load-bearing framing. The framing therefore typically supports the immediate structure and the boards only contribute to a limited extent to the strength of the structure. In this situation, the boards are typically connected by fastening them directly to the framing using screws, nails or the like.

[0003] As another example, boards or panel elements can be used in numerous applications where the boards contribute significantly or entirely to the strength of the immediate structure. For example, trailer cabinets, trailers, containers, or the like can be made from the boards. Structures so formed therefore typically do not include load-bearing framing, which means that any loads or forces are distributed within the board itself.

[0004] When building a load-bearing structure, or any structure of material in the form of boards or panels, it is necessary to join different boards of board material together to create the structure. To create a strong and sturdy structure, the joints that join each board together necessarily need to be strong and sturdy at the same time. Furthermore, the boards themselves need to be strong and sturdy to withstand the forces that they may be subjected to during the life of the structure.

[0005] When making structures in which the board itself is the main load-bearing element, several different types of boards of different strengths may be used. For example, steel plates, wood fiber boards, and glass fiber boards can be advantageously used. Furthermore, sandwich boards, for example boards made from multiple layers and typically multiple materials, can provide very strong boards with very favorable strength-weight properties. The very favorable strength-weight properties of sandwich boards make them attractive in structures that are subject to high loads and / or high dynamic loads. For example, it has been proposed to use sandwich boards in vehicle construction to achieve a strong and lightweight chassis.

[0006] For obvious reasons, the need for strong bonds is even more pronounced when sandwich boards are used to build structures, otherwise the overall superior strength of the sandwich board cannot be fully utilized, in other words the bonds must be capable of handling loads that typically correspond to those that the sandwich board can handle.

[0007] There are several techniques for providing a bond between sandwich boards. According to some techniques, the boards are directly connected to each other, for example by bolts, rivets, glue or the like. Another way to provide a generally stronger bond is to use some form of intermediate connection detail to which the sandwich boards to be connected are fastened, thus providing a bond. When using an intermediate connection detail, a stronger bond with improved integrity can typically be achieved. In this case, the sandwich boards can be fastened to the intermediate connection detail using several techniques, for example bolting, riveting, gluing.

[0008] To strengthen the bond provided by the intermediate connection details, it has been proposed to insert the sandwich boards to be joined into dedicated sockets and to fasten the sandwich boards to these sockets. However, this approach has proven to be somewhat difficult. Mechanical fastening of the sandwich boards to the sockets requires the sandwich board to be manipulated and typically penetrated by mechanical fasteners, which necessarily weakens the strength of the sandwich board and introduces undesirable uncertainties.

[0009] On the other hand, if glue is used to fasten the sandwich board to the socket, the sandwich board may remain unaffected, but in this case it has proven difficult to achieve a strong bond, since the glue is not easy to distribute in a controlled manner at the joint between the socket and the sandwich board. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich plate element connecting system and an improved method of connecting two sandwich plate elements with a connecting element.

[0011] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connecting system which provides a strong and reliable adhesive bond between the sandwich plate elements.

[0012] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connecting system which provides a reproducible adhesive bond between the sandwich plate elements.

[0013] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element joining system which allows for controlled adhesive application.

[0014] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connecting system which allows the use of additional types of adhesives.

[0015] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connection system which is less prone to error when making connections.

[0016] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connection system which requires fewer tools to make.

[0017] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connection system which allows for shorter assembly times.

[0018] Another object is to provide such a sandwich plate element connection system that facilitates automated mechanical assembly.

[0019] Another object is to provide an improved chassis including an improved sandwich plate element connection system.

[0020] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective sandwich plate element connection system, chassis and method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] In order to achieve at least one of the above objects, as well as other objects that will become apparent from the following description, a sandwich plate element connecting system is provided according to the inventive concept having the features as defined in claim 1. A chassis for a vehicle is provided comprising the sandwich plate element connecting system as defined in claim 12. A method for connecting two sandwich plate elements by means of a connecting element is provided as defined in claim 14. Preferred variants of the inventive concept will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0022] More particularly, according to a first aspect there is provided a sandwich plate element connection system comprising two sandwich plate elements each comprising a plate core, a first skin and a second skin, the first skin being arranged to at least partially cover a first major surface of the plate core to form a first outer major surface of the sandwich plate element and the second skin being arranged to at least partially cover a second major surface of the plate core to form a second outer major surface of the sandwich plate element, and a connecting element connecting the two sandwich plate elements using an adhesive bond to define two recesses, the recesses comprising a first inner surface, a second inner surface and the recesses being arranged to at least partially cover a first outer major surface of the sandwich plate element, the first outer skin being arranged to at least partially cover a second major surface of the plate core to form a second outer major surface of the sandwich plate element, and and a connecting element for connecting the first and second parts to be joined to each other by a snap-fit ​​connection to form at least one of said two recesses, the connecting element comprising a first part and a second part, the first inner surface being arranged on the first part and the second inner surface being arranged on the second part, and the adhesive bond comprising an adhesive arranged for each of the sandwich plate elements between the first inner surface of the associated recess and the first outer major surface of the associated sandwich plate element and / or between the second inner surface of the associated recess and the second outer major surface of the associated sandwich plate element.

[0023] This provides an improved sandwich plate element connection system.

[0024] The sandwich plate element connection system comprises two sandwich plate elements and a connecting element that connects the two sandwich plate elements using an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond comprises an adhesive.

[0025] Each sandwich plate element typically comprises a plate core sandwiched between skin plates. The skin plates are typically made of a material exhibiting high material strength. Thus, the skin plates typically contribute significantly to the overall strength of the sandwich plate element. The plate core is typically made of a material exhibiting low material strength compared to the skin plates. The plate core is typically made of a material exhibiting low density compared to the skin plates. In this plate configuration, the plate core ensures that the skin plates are kept at a desired distance from each other, i.e. the plate thickness, regardless of whether the sandwich plate is subjected to forces such as bending forces. Sandwich plate elements of the above kind are typically high-strength, lightweight plate elements that can be advantageously used in chassis for vehicles. However, the different properties of the skin plates and the core can be advantageously used to tailor the sandwich plate element to suit, for example, specific requirements.

[0026] The connecting element connects or joins the two sandwich plate elements by means of an adhesive bond, the connecting element defining two recesses each having a first inner surface and a second inner surface, each recess holding an edge of one of the two sandwich plate elements such that at least a portion of the first outer major surface of the sandwich plate element contacts the first inner surface of the recess and at least a portion of the second outer major surface of the sandwich plate element contacts the second inner surface of the recess.

[0027] The connecting element includes a first part and a second part that are coupled to one another by a snap-fit ​​connection. The first part and the second part may be made of the same material. The first part and the second part may be made of different materials.

[0028] At least one of the two recesses is formed by connecting a snap-fit ​​connection, the first inner surface of the so-formed recess being located on the first part and the second inner surface being located on the second part of the connecting element.

[0029] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term "snap-fit ​​connection" can be any type of connection that can be formed by pressing two or more components having some interlocking mechanism together into a mechanical engagement that locks the components relative to one another or resists separation.

[0030] The snap-fit ​​connections may be glued. By gluing the snap-fit ​​connections, the snap-fit ​​connections can be further prevented or resisted from separating. The mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​connections, and therefore of the interlocking system, can be strengthened by gluing the snap-fit ​​connections.

[0031] The adhesive bond itself comprises an adhesive disposed for each of the sandwich plate elements between a first inner surface of the associated recess and a first outer major surface of the associated sandwich plate element, and / or between a second inner surface of the associated recess and a second outer major surface of the associated sandwich plate element.

[0032] It is noted that in the context of this application, the term "adhesive" can be any type of material, paste, composition, tape, or the like that can bond to a material, surface, or the like using adhesive forces. The adhesive can be, for example, a glue. The adhesive can be, for example, a single-component glue, a two-component glue, or a multi-component glue. The adhesive can be, for example, a tape. The adhesive can be, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0033] In other words, the adhesive of the adhesive bond may be present in the bond between the sandwich plate element and a first inner surface of the associated recess. The adhesive of the adhesive bond may be present in the bond between the sandwich plate element and a second inner surface of the associated recess. The adhesive of the adhesive bond may be present in the bond between the sandwich plate element and the first inner surface of the associated recess and in the bond between the sandwich plate element and the second inner surface of the associated recess. By providing an adhesive in the bond between the sandwich plate element and the first inner surface of the associated recess and in the bond between the sandwich plate element and the second inner surface of the associated recess, a particularly strong bond can be achieved.

[0034] The same type of adhesive may be provided at the bond between the sandwich plate element and the first inner surface of the associated recess and at the bond between the sandwich plate element and the second inner surface of the associated recess.

[0035] A first type of adhesive may be provided at the bond between the sandwich plate element and a first inner surface of the associated recess, and a second type of adhesive may be provided at the bond between the sandwich plate element and a second inner surface of the associated recess.

[0036] A glue may be provided at the joint between the sandwich plate element and a first inner surface of the associated recess, and a double-sided tape may be provided at the joint between the sandwich plate element and a second inner surface of the associated recess, or vice versa.

[0037] Thus, the sandwich plate element connection system provides for controlled application of an adhesive, such as glue or tape, to each joint of the sandwich plate element connection system, since the adhesive can be applied in a controlled manner in a desired location prior to engaging the snap-fit ​​joints. Additionally, the sandwich plate element connection system provides for the combined use of an adhesive tape and recesses, since the adhesive tape can be applied in a controlled manner in a desired location prior to engaging the snap-fit ​​joints.

[0038] It should be noted that the sandwich plate element connection system may comprise three or more sandwich plate elements and connecting elements that connect said sandwich plate elements using adhesive bonds.

[0039] It should be noted that the sandwich plate element connection system may comprise three or more sandwich plate elements and two or more connection elements connecting said sandwich plate elements using adhesive bonds.

[0040] The connecting element may define three or more recesses.

[0041] The connecting element may include parts other than the first part and the second part.

[0042] The connecting element may include three parts, each recess being formed between adjacent parts as the parts are joined together by respective snap-fit ​​connections.

[0043] The connecting element may include three parts that are joined together by two snap-fit ​​connections to form four recesses.

[0044] A linking element may include four, five, or six parts, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0045] The first and second parts can be configured such that the recess holds an edge of one of the sandwich plate elements by a press fit, which is advantageous in that improved mechanical integrity can be achieved. The press fit itself contributes to holding the edges of the sandwich plate elements in close proximity. If an adhesive is used in combination with the press fit, the thickness and therefore the strength of the adhesive bond can be controlled. The press fit helps to hold the edges of the sandwich plate elements in close proximity while the adhesive is cured. Using an adhesive in combination with the press fit can provide a strong bond.

[0046] A snap-fit ​​connection can be formed using a male member on either the first or second part of the connecting element and a female member on the other of the first and second parts of the connecting element, which is advantageous in that it can easily engage and provide a secure connection.

[0047] The male and female members of the snap-fit ​​connection may be bonded to one another. Bonding the male and female members of the snap-fit ​​connection to one another can further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​connection. The mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​connection, and therefore the interlocking system, can be enhanced by bonding the male and female members of the snap-fit ​​connection to one another.

[0048] The snap-fit ​​connections can be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element or distributed separately along the longitudinal direction of the connecting element, which is advantageous in that the design of the snap-fit ​​connections can be adjusted to achieve the strength requirements and the available space requirements. By providing elongated snap-fit ​​connections in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element, it is possible to achieve a strong snap-fit ​​connection that allows a snug fit over an extended distance. By providing snap-fit ​​connections distributed separately along the longitudinal direction of the connecting element, it is possible to achieve a tailored snap-fit ​​connection with the desired mechanical properties. For example, snap-fit ​​connections can be provided where the force transmission is most needed. For example, snap-fit ​​connections can be provided so that other features of the connecting element or other entities are given a place. By providing snap-fit ​​connections distributed separately, less material is required to form the connecting element. By providing snap-fit ​​connections distributed separately, it is possible to achieve a lighter connecting element.

[0049] The first and / or second part of the connecting element may comprise a stop member configured to limit the movement of the first part of the connecting element relative to the second part of the connecting element in the direction of coupling the snap-fit ​​connection, which is advantageous in that it is possible to prevent the snap-fit ​​connection from being pressed too far in the coupling direction. By limiting the movement of the first part of the connecting element relative to the second part of the connecting element in the direction of coupling the snap-fit ​​connection, undesirable compressive forces on the edges of the sandwich plate element can be countered or eliminated. In other words, by providing a stop member configured to limit the movement of the first part of the connecting element relative to the second part of the connecting element in the direction of coupling the snap-fit ​​connection, a tight compressive connection can be achieved between the first and second parts of the connecting element.

[0050] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term "direction for connecting a snap-fit ​​connection" can be any direction in which the snap-fit ​​connection can be connected.

[0051] The stop member may be bonded to another part of the connecting element when the snap-fit ​​connection is in an engaged state. For example, if the stop member is provided on the first part, it may be bonded to the second part when the snap-fit ​​connection is in an engaged state, or vice versa. Bonding the stop member to another part of the connecting element may further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​connection. In other words, for example, the first and second parts of the connecting element may further prevent or resist separation. The snap-fit ​​connection, and thus the mechanical integrity of the connecting system, may be strengthened by bonding the stop member to another part of the connecting element.

[0052] The stopper member may be provided with flanges, protrusions, or the like, to increase the surface area of ​​the bond between the stopper member and the part to which it is bonded. In this way, a larger surface area can be obtained over which the glue can be distributed. This in turn can further enhance the mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​bond and thus the connection system. The flanges can be configured to leave a small gap for the glue between themselves and the part to which it is bonded. In this way, the thickness of the glue used can be adjusted so that the strength of the glue can be optimized and the glue type can be used to the limit of its capacity.

[0053] In fact, bonding the stop member to another part of the connecting element when the snap-fit ​​connection is in an engaged state can contribute significantly to the overall strength of the connecting system.

[0054] The first and / or second part of the connecting element can comprise a stop element defining the depth of at least one recess, which is advantageous in that it is possible to realize a control of the insertion depth of the edge of the sandwich plate element. The stop element can be a mechanical stop which limits the insertion depth of the edge of the sandwich plate element into the recess. The stop element can comprise a notch, a protrusion, a pin or the like.

[0055] The adhesive may be a glue and / or an adhesive tape, which has the advantage that the properties of the adhesive bond can be tailored to suit different requirements and / or different materials.

[0056] The first and second parts of the connecting element may define both of said two recesses, which is advantageous in that it provides for a controlled application of adhesive to both recesses. Furthermore, by defining both of said two recesses in the first and second parts of the connecting element, double-sided adhesive tape can be advantageously used in both recesses.

[0057] The first and second skins of the sandwich plate element may be made of a fibre reinforced polymeric material, which is advantageous in that a strong and lightweight sandwich plate element may be realised.

[0058] The first and second skins of the sandwich plate element may be made of metal.

[0059] The first and second skins of the sandwich plate element may be made from a polymeric material.

[0060] The board core of the sandwich plate element can be made of polymer foam, which is advantageous in that it is possible to achieve a strong and lightweight sandwich plate element. Polymer foam can absorb shocks and can be lightweight. The board core can increase the thickness of the sandwich plate element, which can increase the bending stiffness without significantly increasing the weight of the sandwich plate element.

[0061] Additionally, the use of a polymeric foam core can facilitate the creation of sandwich plate elements by forming the polymeric foam into a desired shape and then forming skins on the formed core, i.e., the core can be formed into a desired shape and the skins can be laminated onto the core such that the skins follow the outer contour of the core.

[0062] The board core of the sandwich board element may be made of wood.

[0063] The plate core of the sandwich plate element may be made of a material having a honeycomb structure.

[0064] The connecting elements may be made of metal, which is widely available, strong, and typically allows for easy manufacture of high strength components.

[0065] The connecting element may be made of aluminum.

[0066] The connecting elements may be made of extruded aluminum.

[0067] The connecting elements can be made by an extrusion process, which makes it easier to form strong connecting elements that may have complex cross sections.

[0068] The connecting element may be made of a polymeric material.

[0069] The connecting elements may be made of a fiber-reinforced polymeric material. The reinforcing fibers may include glass fibers, cellulose fibers, polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, textile fibers, and / or metal fibers.

[0070] The connecting elements can be made of polymer-based materials, which can be cheap to manufacture, strong, and easy to shape. Both metal and polymer-based connecting elements can be suitably formed using 3D printing techniques.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a chassis for a vehicle including a sandwich plate element connection system of the kind described above, which has the advantage that it is possible to provide a strong and lightweight chassis.

[0072] The chassis may further include an auxiliary element coupled to the connecting element, such that the auxiliary element, or additional components, can be coupled to the connecting element, thereby allowing additional components or auxiliary elements to be coupled to the chassis without compromising the structural integrity and strength of the sandwich plate element.

[0073] Examples of auxiliary elements may be wheel suspensions, fuel tanks, lights, engine mountings, seats, radiators, roofing, body parts, rearview mirrors, seat belts, battery mountings, crash protection elements, energy absorbing elements, towing hitches, external luggage compartments, accelerator pedal mountings, brake pedal mountings, steering assemblies, steering gear assemblies, coupling elements, and other elements necessary for the functioning of the vehicle.

[0074] Generally, the features of this aspect of the invention provide similar advantages as those described above for the first aspect of the invention, and therefore, in order to avoid undue repetition, said advantages will not be repeated, and therefore, the details and advantages of this aspect of the invention are very similar to those of the first aspect of the invention, and reference is made thereto.

[0075] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for connecting two sandwich plate elements, each comprising a board core, a first skin and a second skin, using a connecting element, the first skin being arranged to at least partially cover a first major surface of the board core to form a first outer major surface of the sandwich plate element, and the second skin being arranged to at least partially cover a second major surface of the board core to form a second outer major surface of the sandwich plate element, the connecting element defining two recesses, each recess having a first inner surface, a second inner surface, and the recesses holding an edge of one of the two sandwich plate elements such that at least a portion of the first outer major surface of the sandwich plate element is in contact with the first inner surface of the recess and at least a portion of the second outer major surface of the sandwich plate element is in contact with the second inner surface of the recess, the connecting element comprising a first part and a second part which are connectable to each other using a snap-fit ​​connection to form at least one of the two recesses. and a second part, with a first inner surface arranged on the first part and a second inner surface arranged on the second part, the method comprising: applying adhesive to the first inner surface of the first part and / or the second inner surface of the second part and / or to a part of the first outer main surface and / or a part of the second outer main surface of the sandwich plate element associated with at least one of said two recesses; subsequent to the application of the adhesive, placing a part of the first outer main surface in contact with the first inner surface arranged on the first part; and bonding the second part to the first part by means of a snap-fit ​​connection to form at least one of said two recesses, with a part of the second outer main surface in contact with the second inner surface arranged on the second part, such that at least one recess holds an edge of the associated sandwich plate element and connects the two sandwich plate elements via a connecting element by means of an adhesive bond.

[0076] With this method, the two sandwich plate elements can be connected by means of a connecting element and an adhesive bond, the adhesive bond being formed by connecting the second part to the first part by means of a snap-fit ​​connection to form at least one of said two recesses.

[0077] Prior to bonding the second part to the first part, the adhesive is placed at the desired locations, i.e. on the first inner surface of the first part and / or the second inner surface of the second part and / or on a part of the first outer main surface and / or a part of the second outer main surface of the sandwich plate element associated with at least one of said two recesses, in other words the adhesive is applied in one, two, three or four locations before bonding the second part to the first part.

[0078] Generally, the features of this aspect of the invention provide similar advantages as those described above for the first aspect of the invention, and therefore, in order to avoid undue repetition, said advantages will not be repeated, and therefore, the details and advantages of this aspect of the invention are very similar to those of the first aspect of the invention, and reference is made thereto.

[0079] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "an element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." followed by "a / an / the" should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of said element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly specified otherwise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0080] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following non-limiting detailed description of illustrative preferred variations of the inventive concept, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used for similar elements and in which:

[0081] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sandwich plate element connection system in the connected state. [Diagram 2] 2 is an image sequence showing how the sandwich plate element connection system of FIG. 1 is assembled. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sandwich plate element connection system in the connected state. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich plate element connection system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich plate element connection system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich plate element connection system. [Figure 7] 1 conceptually illustrates a chassis for a vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of a sandwich plate element connection system used to connect auxiliary elements in the chassis of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of connecting two sandwich plate elements using a connecting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0082] The inventive concept will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred variations of the inventive concept are shown. However, the inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the variations set forth herein, but rather, these variations are provided for the sake of thoroughness and completeness, to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0083] Firstly, the sandwich plate element connection system 1 is described in the connected state, i.e. when the sandwich plate elements 100 are connected to one another via the connecting elements 200 using adhesive bonds 250. Then, how the sandwich plate element connection system 1 is assembled is described with reference to Figure 2. Then, some variants and details of the sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are described with reference to Figures 3-6 and 8.

[0084] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich plate element connection system 1. The sandwich plate element connection system 1 is depicted in a connected state, where two sandwich plate elements 100 are connected to each other via a connecting element 200 using an adhesive bond 250.

[0085] The sandwich plate element connecting system 1 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises two sandwich plate elements 100 and a connecting element 200 .

[0086] Each sandwich plate element 100 includes a plate core 150, a first skin 110, and a second skin 120. The first skin 110 is arranged to at least partially cover a first major surface of the plate core 150, forming a first outer major surface 115 of the sandwich plate element 100. The second skin 120 is arranged to at least partially cover a second major surface of the plate core 150, forming a second outer major surface 125 of the sandwich plate element. The first outer major surface 115 and the second outer major surface 125 face each other. The first skin 110 and the second skin 120 are attached to the plate core 150 and cover the plate core 150 when viewed along a normal direction of the first skin 110 or the second skin 120. The first skin 110 and the second skin 120 have outer major surfaces 115, 125, respectively. The sandwich plate element 100 includes edges 160 at its edges.

[0087] In the depicted sandwich plate element 100, the board core 150 is made of a polymeric foam in the form of expanded polystyrene. In the depicted sandwich plate element 100, the first skin 110 and the second skin 120 are made of a fiber-reinforced polymeric material in the form of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin. In other words, the depicted first skin 110 and the second skin 120 are made of glass fibers in a cured polyester resin. The first skin 110 and the second skin 120 are bonded to the board core 150 using an adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives are multi-component adhesives such as polyester / polyurethane resin, polyol / polyurethane resin, acrylic / polyurethane resin, etc. Other examples may include epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, MMA, silicone.

[0088] Alternatively, the board core 150 can be polyurethane, polypropylene, PET, or a combination of polyurethane and polystyrene foam. Alternatively, the board core 150 can be made of wood, such as solid wood or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Alternatively, the board core 150 can be made of a honeycomb material structure.

[0089] Additionally, the first skin 110 and the second skin 120 can alternatively be made of metal sheets or polymer-based materials such as acrylic, PET, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, vinyl ester-based materials, lignin, epoxy resins, or combinations thereof. The first skin 110 and the second skin 120 can be reinforced with fibers. Examples of suitable fibers are flax fibers, thermoplastic fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, cotton, hemp fibers, metal fibers, and synthetic resin fibers. The first skin 110 and the second skin 120 can also be made of different materials.

[0090] The sandwich plate element 100 may range in thickness from about 1 cm to about 15 cm, although other thicknesses may be used to advantage and to suit particular needs.

[0091] The connecting element 200 connects the two sandwich plate elements 100 by means of an adhesive bond 250 and defines two recesses 210, 220 made by flanges 211, 212, 221, 222. The recesses 210, 200 each comprise a first inner surface 213, 223 and a second inner surface 214, 224 and hold an edge 160 of one of the two sandwich plate elements 100 as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, at least a part of the first outer main surface 115 of the sandwich plate element 100 contacts the first inner surface 213 of the recess 210 and at least a part of the second outer main surface 125 of the sandwich plate element 100 contacts the second inner surface 214 of the recess 210. Correspondingly, at least a portion of the first outer main surface 115 of the other sandwich plate element 100 contacts the first inner surface 223 of the recess 220 and at least a portion of the second outer main surface 125 of said sandwich plate element 100 contacts the second inner surface 224 of the recess 220.

[0092] The connecting element 200 comprises a first part 200:1 and a second part 200:2 which are joined together by a snap-fit ​​connection 270. Two recesses 210, 220 made of flanges 211, 212, 221, 222 are formed by joining the snap-fit ​​connection 270. As can be seen in Fig. 1, a first inner surface 213, 223 of each of the two recesses 210, 220 is respectively arranged in the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200. As can be seen in Fig. 1, a second inner surface 212, 224 of each of the two recesses 210, 220 is respectively arranged in the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200.

[0093] The first part 200:1 and the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200 may be glued at a snap-fit ​​connection 270. Gluing the snap-fit ​​connection 270 may further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​connection 270. The mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​connection 270, and therefore the connecting system 1, may be strengthened by gluing the snap-fit ​​connection 270.

[0094] The adhesive bond 250 includes an adhesive 260. In the sandwich plate element connection system 1 depicted in Figure 1, the adhesive 260 is provided in the form of a glue, such as an epoxy resin. However, the adhesive 260 may also be a double-sided adhesive tape. Different types of adhesives may be used in different locations of the sandwich plate element connection system 1. A combination of glue and tape may also be used.

[0095] 1, adhesive 260 is disposed for each sandwich plate element 100 between the first inner surface 213, 223 of the associated recess 210, 220 and the first outer major surface 115 of the associated sandwich plate element 100. Also, adhesive 260 is disposed between the second inner surface 214, 224 of the associated recess 210, 220 and the second outer major surface 125 of the associated sandwich plate element. By providing adhesive 260 in four different locations, a strong adhesive bond can be achieved.

[0096] Coupling element 200 is depicted with right angles between flanges 211 and 221 and between flanges 212 and 222. It is not necessary that flanges 211, 212, 221, 222 define right angles, instead the angles can be any desired angle depending on the needs. Coupling element 200 depicted in FIG. 1 is made of extruded aluminum. Alternatively, coupling element 200 may be made of a different metal, such as steel, iron, or a combination thereof.

[0097] Other suitable manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, pultrusion, pull winding, etc. can be used as alternatives to extrusion. The connecting element 200 can be made of metal sheets or similar. Furthermore, the connecting element 200 can be made of polymer-based materials such as acrylic, PET, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, vinylester-based materials, lignin, epoxy resins, etc. The polymer-based materials can be advantageously reinforced with fibers such as flax fibers, thermoplastic fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, cotton, hemp fibers, metal fibers, synthetic resin fibers, any other sufficiently strong fibrous material, or combinations thereof.

[0098] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the first part 200:1 and the second part 202:2 of the connecting element 200 are formed in such a way that the recesses 210, 220 formed by connecting the snap-fit ​​connections 270 hold the respective edges 160 of the sandwich plate elements 100 by press-fit. In other words, the flanges 211, 212 exert a compressive force on the sandwich plate elements 100 received in the recesses 210. Correspondingly, the flanges 221, 222 exert a compressive force on the sandwich plate elements 100 received in the recesses 220. This means that the respective compressive force exerted on each of the sandwich plate elements 100 is brought about during connecting the snap-fit ​​connections 270.

[0099] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the snap-fit ​​connection 270 is formed using a female member 272 of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 and a male member 274 of the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200.

[0100] The male member 274 and the female member 272 of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 may be bonded to one another at the joint therebetween. Bonding the male member 274 and the female member 272 of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 to one another may further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270. The mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270, and therefore the connection system 1, may be enhanced by bonding the male member 274 and the female member 272 of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 to one another.

[0101] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 comprises a stop element 230 which defines the depth of each of the recesses 210, 220. The stop element 230 of the depicted connecting element 200 is designed as a protrusion which is integrally formed in the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200. The stop element 230 resists or prevents the sandwich plate element 100 from being pressed too far into each of the recesses 210, 220.

[0102] Referring now also to Figure 2, there is illustrated conceptually how the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 1 is assembled to connect two sandwich plate elements 100. The sequence in which the sandwich plate element connection system 1 is assembled to connect two sandwich plate elements 100 is indicated by arrows in Figure 2.

[0103] 2, the adhesive 260 is first applied to the second inner surfaces 214, 224 of the recesses 210, 220 to be formed. The second inner surfaces 214, 224 are provided on the flanges 212, 222 of the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200, as described above.

[0104] Subsequently, adhesive 260 is applied to the edge 160 of the first outer main surface 115 of the sandwich plate element 100, as can be seen in the right image of Fig. 2. Furthermore, the sandwich plate element 100 is brought into contact with the adhesive 260 applied to the second inner surfaces 214, 224 of the recesses 210, 220 to be formed, as can be seen in the right image of Fig. 2.

[0105] Subsequently, the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 is connected to the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection 270, as can be seen in the bottom left image of Fig. 2. The first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 and the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200 are therefore pressed together such that the male and female parts of the snap-fit ​​connection 270 engage to form the snap-fit ​​connection 270 and at the same time form the two recesses 210, 220. As a result, the sandwich plate elements 100 are connected by the connecting element 200 by means of an adhesive bond 250.

[0106] As mentioned above and shown in Fig. 2, the adhesive 260 is applied in a controlled manner to the aligned and pressed free surfaces, which means that the adhesive 260 can be applied in the amount required for the adhesive bond 250 when required. The free surfaces to which the adhesive 260 is applied are advantageously assembled in a normal direction so that the adhesive 260 is not subjected to lateral forces that could otherwise displace and distribute the applied adhesive 260.

[0107] Furthermore, the fact that the adhesive 260 is applied in a controlled manner to the aligned and pressed free surfaces makes it possible to use an adhesive tape as adhesive 260. An adhesive tape cannot be advantageously used, for example, if the sandwich plate element 100 is to be slid into a recess of fixed width.

[0108] If the snap-fit ​​couplings 270 are adhesively attached, glue is typically applied to the bonding surfaces of the snap-fit ​​couplings 270 prior to engaging the snap-fit ​​couplings 270.

[0109]

[0031] Referring now to Figure 3, there is illustrated conceptually a different variation of the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 1. The sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 3 is in most respects similar to the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 1. To avoid undue repetition, only the differences between the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 3 and the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of Figure 1 will be described.

[0110] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 is provided with a stop member 276. The stop member 270 of the sandwich plate element connecting system 1 depicted in Fig. 3 is a protrusion 276 arranged on the male member 274 of the snap-fit ​​connection 270. The stop member 270 is therefore provided on the second part 202:2 of the connecting element 200 and is configured to strike against a wall of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 when the male and female parts of the snap-fit ​​connection 270 engage to form the snap-fit ​​connection 270 and at the same time form the two recesses 210, 220.

[0111] The stop member 276 is configured to limit movement of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 in a direction to couple the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 relative to the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200. In other words, the stop member 276 resists or prevents the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 from being pressed too far towards the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200 when the male and female portions of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 engage to form the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 and simultaneously form the two recesses 210, 220.

[0112] Furthermore, the stop member 276 counteracts or prevents the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 from being pressed further towards the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200 after the snap-fit ​​connection 270 has been formed. This means that it is possible to counteract or prevent an undesired compression of the sandwich plate element 100, which may otherwise occur if the sandwich plate element connection system 1 is subjected to forces such as bending forces applied to the sandwich plate element 100. In other words, it is possible to achieve a rigid connection by compression between the first part 200:1 and the second part 200:2 of the connecting element 200.

[0113] A stopper member 276 disposed on the male member 274 of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270 may be glued to a wall of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200. Gluing the stopper member 276 to the wall of the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200 may further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270. The mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​coupling 270, and therefore the connecting system 1, may be strengthened by gluing the stopper member 276 to the first part 200:1 of the connecting element 200.

[0114] The stopper member 276 may be provided with flanges, protrusions, or the like to increase the surface area of ​​the bond between the stopper member 276 and the wall of the first part 200:1 to which it is attached. The size and distribution of such protrusions or flanges can be adjusted to adjust the surface area available for bonding. In this way, the surface area over which glue can be distributed can be increased, which in turn can further enhance the mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​connection 270 and thus the connection system 1.

[0115] In fact, bonding the stopper member 276 to the wall of the first part 200:1 can contribute significantly to the overall strength of the connection system 1. Examples of suitable glues for bonding the stopper member 276 to the wall of the first part 200:1 include epoxy or methyl methacrylate type glues. Other suitable types of glues can be used to advantage.

[0116] Referring now also to FIG. 4, a sandwich plate element connection system variant 2 is conceptually depicted. It is also depicted how the sandwich plate element connection system 2 is assembled to connect two sandwich plate elements 100. The sequence of connecting the two sandwich plate elements 100 by assembling the sandwich plate element connection system 2 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 4. The sandwich plate element connection system 2 depicted in FIG. 4 comprises two sandwich plate elements 100 and a connecting element 400. The sandwich plate elements 100 are of the kind described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. The sandwich plate element connection system 2 has many features in common with the sandwich plate element connection system 1 described above. To avoid undue repetition, only the differences between the sandwich plate element connection system 2 and the sandwich plate element connection system 1 that are relevant for understanding will be described.

[0117] As can be seen from the top left image of Fig. 4, the connecting element 400 comprises a first part 400:1 and a second part 400:2. The first part 400:1 comprises a fixed recess 410. One edge of the sandwich plate element 100 is inserted and held in the fixed recess 410. The fixed recess 410 is made of a flange having a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces of the fixed recess are in contact with the first and second outer main surfaces of said sandwich plate element 100. The sandwich plate element 100 can be held in the fixing groove 410 by any suitable bonding technique, such as by gluing.

[0118] The recess 420 is formed by joining the first part 400:1 and the second part 400:2 of the connecting element 400, as can be seen in the bottom right image of FIG.

[0119] Prior to bonding the first 400:1 and second 400:2 parts of the connecting element 400, adhesive 260 is applied to the inner surface of the recess 420 to be formed and to the edges of the sandwich plate element 100, as can be seen in the top left image of Fig. 4. The first 400:1 and second 400:2 parts of the connecting element 400 are then bonded to one another by a snap-fit ​​connection 470 while simultaneously forming the recess 420, as can be seen in the bottom right image of Fig. 4.

[0120] The snap-fit ​​coupling 470 includes a stop member 476. The stop member 476 is provided on the first part 400:1 and is integrally formed therewith. The stop member 476 is configured to limit movement of the first part 400:1 of the coupling element 400 relative to the second part 400:2 of the coupling element 400 in a direction to couple the snap-fit ​​coupling 470.

[0121] The stop member 476 on the first part 400:1 may be glued to the second part 400:2. Gluing the stop member 476 to the second part 400:2 may further prevent or resist separation of the snap-fit ​​coupling 470.

[0122] As can be seen in figure 4, the snap-fit ​​connection 470 is formed by connecting a hook on a generally elongated structure of the second part 400:2 to a corresponding hook on the first part 400:1, located near the stop member 476. With this design, the snap-fit ​​fixing part 470 can advantageously withstand compression forces as well as tension forces perpendicular to the main faces of the sandwich plate element 100 on the left side of figure 4.

[0123] The snap-fit ​​fastenings 470, i.e. the arrangement of hooks on the structural part of the second part 400:2 and corresponding hooks on the first part 400:1 near the stop elements 476, result in a very favorable distribution of forces in a direction perpendicular to the main face of the sandwich plate element 100 on the left side of FIG. 4, i.e. along the structural part of the second part 400:2. In fact, the compressive forces distributed through the structural part of the second part 400:2 are transmitted to the first part via the stop elements 476. Correspondingly, the tensile forces distributed through the structural part of the second part 400:2 are transmitted via the interconnection of the hooks on the first element 400:1 and the second element 400:2, respectively. In this way, increases and decreases in the height of the recess 420 can be countered or prevented.

[0124] The arrangement of the snap-fit ​​fastenings 476 further increases the strength of the joint between the sandwich plate elements 100, making it more resistant to bending and torsion. In fact, the height of the recess 420 formed by connecting the snap-fit ​​fastenings 470 is not affected when the sandwich plate element 100 is subjected to an external force. In other words, the arrangement of the snap-fit ​​fastenings 470 prevents or counteracts the height of the recess 420 being affected, which would cause compressive or tensile forces on the edge of the sandwich plate element 100 inserted into the recess 420.

[0125] To further increase the strength of the connection system 2 of FIG. 4, the surface area of ​​the bond between the stopper member 476 and the second part 400:2 can be increased so that a larger surface area is available for bonding. In other words, the surface area available for distributing the glue at the bond between the stopper member 476 and the second part 400:2 can be increased. This can be achieved, for example, by providing flanges or protrusions on the stopper member 476 that are configured to contact the second part 400:2 when the snap-fit ​​connection 470 is engaged. The second part 400:2 can be provided, for example, with corresponding flanges or protrusions. The size and distribution of such protrusions or flanges can be adjusted to adjust the surface area available for bonding. Furthermore, such protrusions or flanges can be configured to leave a small gap for the glue between the protrusions or flanges themselves and the part to which they are bonded. In this way, the thickness of the glue used can be adjusted so that the strength of the glue can be optimized and used to the limit of its capacity depending on the type of glue. Such a design results in greater mechanical integrity of the snap-fit ​​coupling 470 and therefore the connection system 2.

[0126] In fact, the bonding of the stopper member 476 to the second part 400:2 may contribute significantly to the overall strength of the connection system 2. In fact, the bonding of the stopper member 476 to the second part 400:2 may constitute a large part of the strength of the bond formed between the sandwich plate elements 100 by the connecting element 400. The strength of the bond formed between the sandwich plate elements 100 by the connecting element 400 can be adjusted by adjusting the bond surface area used to bond the stopper member 476 and the second part 400:2 and by adjusting the type of glue used. Examples of glues suitable for bonding the stopper member 476 to the second part 400:2 include epoxy or methyl methacrylate type glues. Other suitable types of glues may be advantageously used.

[0127] If the connecting element 400 is designed such that more than one recess is formed by coupling the first part 400:1 and the second part 400:2, as in the connecting element 200 of Fig. 3 where two recesses are formed, a snap-fit ​​coupling 470 of the above kind can be advantageously used for each of the formed recesses 420. In other words, the parts 400:1 and 400:2 of the connecting element 400 can be coupled at the same time as forming two or more snap-fit ​​couplings 470. In other words, for example, a hook provided on the generally elongated structure of the second part 400:2 and a corresponding hook provided on the first part 400:1 near the stop member 476 can be advantageously provided for each of the formed recesses 420.

[0128] This design is even more advantageous if more than one recess 420 is formed by connecting the first part 400:1 and the second part 400:2, and the recesses 420 formed are arranged at an angle with respect to each other. In this case, a snap-fit ​​connection 470 of the above kind can be provided for each of the recesses 420, so that the compression and tension forces are transferred in a direction perpendicular to the main faces of any sandwich plate elements 100 connected by the connecting element 400. In other words, each part forming part of the snap-fit ​​connection 470 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the main faces of any sandwich plate elements 100 connected by the connecting element 400. In this way, it is possible to achieve a very favorable distribution of forces, in which the compression and tension forces are transferred in a direction perpendicular to the respective main faces of the sandwich plate elements 100.

[0129] This further makes the joints between the sandwich plate elements 100 stronger and more resistant to bending and torsion, regardless of whether the sandwich plate elements are arranged at an angle relative to one another. In fact, the height of the recesses 420 formed by the joining of the first part 400:1 and the second part 400:2 is not affected when the sandwich plate element 100 is subjected to an external force. In other words, the arrangement of each of the snap-fit ​​fastenings 470 prevents or counteracts the effect of the height of each of the recesses 420 on the generation of compressive or tensile forces on the edges of the sandwich plate elements 100 inserted into each of the recesses 420.

[0130] Referring now also to FIG. 5, a sandwich plate element connection system variant 3 is conceptually depicted. It is also depicted how the sandwich plate element connection system 3 is assembled to connect three sandwich plate elements 100. The sequence of connecting the three sandwich plate elements 100 by assembling the sandwich plate element connection system 3 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 5. The sandwich plate element connection system 3 depicted in FIG. 5 comprises three sandwich plate elements 100 and a connecting element 500. The sandwich plate elements 100 are of the kind described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. The sandwich plate element connection system 3 has many features in common with the sandwich plate element connection systems 1 and 2 described above. To avoid undue repetition, only the differences between the sandwich plate element connection system 3 and the sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2 that are relevant for understanding will be described.

[0131] As can be seen from the top left image of Fig. 5, the connecting element 500 comprises a first part 500:1 and a second part 500:2. The first part 500:1 comprises a fixed recess 510. One edge of the sandwich plate element 100 is inserted and held in the fixed recess 510. The fixed recess 510 is made of a flange having a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces of the fixed recess 510 are in contact with the first and second outer main surfaces of said sandwich plate element 100. The sandwich plate element 100 can be held in the fixed recess 510 by any suitable bonding technique, such as by gluing.

[0132] The two recesses 520, 530 are formed by joining a first part 500:1 and a second part 500:2 of the connecting element 500, as can be seen in the bottom right image of FIG.

[0133] Prior to bonding the first part 500:1 and the second part 500:2 of the connecting element 500, adhesive 260 is applied at the relevant desired locations. The first part 500:1 and the second part 500:2 of the connecting element 500 are then bonded together by a snap-fit ​​connection 570 while simultaneously forming recesses 520, 530, as can be seen in the bottom right image of FIG.

[0134] Referring now also to FIG. 6, sandwich plate element connection system variant 4 is conceptually depicted. It is also depicted how sandwich plate element connection system 4 is assembled to connect four sandwich plate elements 100. The sequence of connecting three sandwich plate elements 100 by assembling sandwich plate element connection system 4 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 6. Sandwich plate element connection system 4 depicted in FIG. 6 includes four sandwich plate elements 100 and a connecting element 600. Sandwich plate elements 100 are of the kind described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. Sandwich plate element connection system 4 has many features in common with sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2 and 3 described above. To avoid undue repetition, only the differences between sandwich plate element connection system 4 and sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2 and 3 that are relevant for understanding will be described.

[0135] The four recesses 610, 620, 630, 640 are formed by joining the first part 600:1, the second part 600:2 and the third part 600:3 of the connecting element 600, as can be seen in the bottom right image of FIG.

[0136] Prior to bonding the first 600:1, second 600:2 and third 600:3 parts of the connecting element 600, adhesive 260 is applied at relevant desired locations. The first 600:1, second 600:2 and third 600:3 parts of the connecting element 600 are then bonded together by respective snap-fit ​​connections 670 while simultaneously forming recesses 610, 620, 630, 640, as can be seen in the bottom right image of FIG.

[0137] Referring now to Figure 7, there is conceptually depicted a schematic perspective view of a chassis 10 for a vehicle. The chassis 10 includes sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The sandwich plate element connection systems 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 may be of any kind described above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 6 or of the kind described below with reference to Figure 8. The chassis 10 thus includes a plurality of sandwich plate elements 100 and a plurality of connection elements 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 for connecting said plurality of sandwich plate elements 100.

[0138] The chassis 10 further includes auxiliary elements 300. The auxiliary elements 300 are coupled to the connecting elements 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 of the chassis 10. Schematically depicted auxiliary elements 300, for example in the form of a wheel suspension, wheels, a handle, and a steering array, are shown in Figure 7 to more clearly illustrate the design and function of the chassis 10.

[0139] 8, there is illustrated conceptually how two auxiliary elements 300 are connected to a sandwich plate element connection system 5. The sandwich plate element connection system 5 includes a connection element 700. The connection element 700 includes a first part 700:1 and a second part 700:2 that are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection 770. The sandwich plate element connection system 5 of FIG. 8 is similar in most respects to the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of FIG. 1. To avoid undue repetition, only the differences between the sandwich plate element connection system 5 of FIG. 8 and the sandwich plate element connection system 1 of FIG. 1 will be described.

[0140] The connecting element 700 is provided with a mortise and tenon type of connection 750 on three of its outer surfaces, two of which are on the second part 700:2 and one of which is on the first part 700:1. The connecting structures 750 each include a number of tenon-like projections. A number of mortise-like grooves are formed between the projections.

[0141] The auxiliary element 300 is connected to the connecting element 700 by means of a connection structure 750 provided on said outer surface of the first part 700:1 of the connecting element 700. The auxiliary element 300 is therefore connected to the connecting element 700 by means of a mortise and tenon type connection.

[0142] The coupling element 700 in FIG. 8 is shown on the chassis of FIG. 7, although it is drawn at a different angle in FIG.

[0143] In figure 8 it is shown how the auxiliary element 300 can be connected to the connecting element 700 by means of a connection structure 750 in which a mortise and tenon type connection is formed. However, the auxiliary element 300 can be connected equally well to the above-mentioned connecting elements 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 by means of any suitable technique such as bolting, riveting, welding, gluing or similar. Thus, the auxiliary element 300 can be connected to any of the above-mentioned connecting elements 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 without affecting the integrity of the sandwich plate element 100.

[0144] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart of a method 20 of connecting two sandwich plate components 100 using connecting elements 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 is shown.

[0145] Each of the sandwich plate elements 100 to be connected comprises a board core 150, a first skin 110 and a second skin 120. The first skin 110 is arranged to at least partially cover a first main surface of the board core 150 to form a first outer main surface 115 of the sandwich plate element 100. The second skin 120 is arranged to at least partially cover a second main surface of the board core 150 to form a second outer main surface 125 of the sandwich plate element. The connecting element 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 defines two recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640. The connecting element may define three or more recesses 210,220,410,420,510,520,530,610,620,630,640. The recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640 each include a first and a second inner surface 213, 214, 223, 224 and are configured to hold an edge 160 of one of the two sandwich plate elements 100 such that at least a portion of the first outer main surface 115 of the sandwich plate element 100 is in contact with the first inner surface 213, 214, 223, 224 of the recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640 and at least a portion of the second outer main surface 125 of the sandwich plate element 100 is in contact with the second inner surface 213, 214, 223, 224 of the recesses. The connecting element 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 includes a first part 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1 and a second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2 that can be coupled to each other using a snap-fit ​​coupling 270, 470, 570, 670, 770 to form at least one of the two recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640. The first inner surfaces 213, 214, 223, 224 are disposed on the first part 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1 and the second inner surfaces 213, 214, 223, 224 are disposed on the second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2. The connecting element 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 may include more than two parts.The connecting element 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 may include a third part 600:3.

[0146] The method comprises applying 22 adhesive 160 to the first and / or second inner surfaces 213, 214, 223, 224 arranged on the first part 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1 and the second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2 and / or to a part of the first outer main surface 115 and / or a part of the second outer main surface 125 of the sandwich plate element 100 associated with at least one of said two recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640. Thus, adhesive 160 is applied in one, two, three or four places relative to the recess formed by joining the first and second parts.

[0147] The method 20 proceeds with placing 24 a portion of the first outer major surface 160 in contact with the first inner surfaces 213, 214, 223, 224 of the first component that are disposed at a ratio of 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1.

[0148] The method 20 proceeds with coupling 26 the second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2 to the first part 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1 using a snap-fit ​​coupling 270, 470, 570, 670, 770 to form at least one of the two recesses 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640. When bonding the second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2 to the first part 200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1, a part of the second outer main surface 125 is in contact with the second inner surface 213, 214, 223, 224 arranged on the second part 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2, such that at least one recess 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640 holds the edge 160 of the associated sandwich plate element 100, connecting said two sandwich plate elements 100 via the connecting element 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 by means of an adhesive bond 250.

[0149] It will be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the variations shown, and therefore, several modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. two sandwich plate elements (100), each comprising a board core (150) and first and second skins (110, 120), wherein the first skin (110) is arranged to at least partially cover a first main surface of the board core (150) and forms a first outer main surface (115) of the sandwich plate element (100), and the second skin (120) is arranged to at least partially cover a second main surface of the board core (150) and forms a second outer main surface (125) of the sandwich plate element (100), the first outer main surface (115) and the second outer main surface (125) facing each other; a connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) connecting said two sandwich plate elements (100) by means of an adhesive bond (250) to define two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640), said recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) comprising first and second inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224), respectively, and said recesses being formed on said sandwich plate elements (100) by means of an adhesive bond (250); At least a portion of the first outer main surface (115) of the sandwich plate element (100) is in contact with the first inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224) of the recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) and at least a portion of the second outer main surface (125) of the sandwich plate element (100) is in contact with the second inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224) of the recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640). and the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) holds an edge (160) of one of the two sandwich plate elements (100) in contact with a first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:23, 224) of the first part (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) which are joined together by a snap-fit ​​connection (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) to form at least one of the two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640). the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) including a first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) disposed on the first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) and a second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2), and the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) disposed on the first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) and the second inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) disposed on the second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2), the adhesive bond (250) comprises an adhesive (260) arranged for each of the sandwich plate elements (100) between the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) of the recess (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) associated with the sandwich plate element (100) and the first outer main surface (115) of the sandwich plate element (100) associated with the recess, and / or between the second inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) of the recess (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) associated with the sandwich plate element (100) and the second outer main surface (125) of the sandwich plate element (100) associated with the recess. Sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

2. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) and the second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2) are configured such that the recess (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) holds the edge (160) of one of the sandwich plate elements (100) by a press fit.

3. 2. The sandwich plate element connecting system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of claim 1, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) is formed using a male member (274) on the first or second part of the connecting element and a female member (272) on the other of the first or second part of the connecting element.

4. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the snap-fit ​​connections (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) are elongated in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) or are distributed separately along the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700).

5. 2. The sandwich plate element connecting system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the first part and / or the second part of the connecting element comprises a stop member (276, 476) configured to limit movement of the first part of the connecting element relative to the second part of the connecting element in a direction to couple the snap-fit ​​coupling.

6. 2. The sandwich plate element connecting system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the first part and / or the second part of the connecting element comprises a stop element (230) defining the depth of at least one of the recesses.

7. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (260) is a glue and / or an adhesive tape.

8. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (200:1, 700:1) and the second part (200:2, 700:2) of the connecting element (200, 700) form both of the two recesses (210, 220).

9. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second skins (110, 120) of the sandwich plate element (100) are made of a fiber-reinforced polymer material.

10. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the plate core (150) of the sandwich plate element (100) is made of polymer foam.

11. 2. The sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the connection element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) is made of metal.

12. A chassis (10) for a vehicle comprising a sandwich plate element connection system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as described in claim 1.

13. The chassis (20) of claim 12, further comprising an auxiliary element (300) coupled to the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700).

14. A method (20) for connecting two sandwich plate elements (100) using a connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700), each of the sandwich plate elements (100) comprising a board core (150) and first and second skins (110, 120), the first skin (110) being arranged to at least partially cover a first major surface of the board core (150) and forming a first outer major surface (115) of the sandwich plate element (100), and the second skin (120) being arranged to at least partially cover a second major surface of the board core (150) and forming a first outer major surface (115) of the sandwich plate element (100). forming a second outer major surface (125) of the plate element, said connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) defining two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640), said recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) each comprising a first and second inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224), and said recesses are such that at least a portion of said first outer major surface (115) of said sandwich plate element (100) is in contact with said recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640). and the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) is configured to hold an edge (160) of one of the two sandwich plate elements (100) in contact with the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) of the two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) so that at least a part of the second outer main surface (125) of the sandwich plate element (100) is in contact with the second inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) of the recess, and the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) is configured to hold an edge (160) of one of the two sandwich plate elements (100) in contact with the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) of the two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530). , 610, 620, 630, 640), wherein the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) is disposed on the first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) and the second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2) are connectable to one another using a snap-fit ​​connection (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) to form at least one of the following:224) is disposed on the second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2), and the method comprises: applying (22) an adhesive (160) to the first and / or second inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224) of the sandwich plate element (100) and / or to the portion of the first outer main surface (115) and / or the portion of the second outer main surface (125) associated with at least one of the first and / or second inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224) and / or the two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) arranged on the first and second parts (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1, 200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2); subsequent to application of the adhesive (160), placing (24) the portion of the first outer major surface (160) in contact with the first inner surface (213, 214, 223, 224) disposed on the first component (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1); coupling (26) the second part (200:2, 400:2, 500:2, 600:2, 700:2) to the first part (200:1, 400:1, 500:1, 600:1, 700:1) using the snap-fit ​​coupling (270, 470, 570, 670, 770) to form the at least one of the two recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640), and (26) contacting the second inner surfaces (213, 214, 223, 224) arranged in a ratio of 500:2, 600:2, 700:2, so that at least one of the recesses (210, 220, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630, 640) holds the edge (160) of the sandwich plate element (100) associated therewith and connecting the two sandwich plate elements (100) via the connecting element (200, 400, 500, 600, 700) using the adhesive bond (250). A method (20).

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