Structural unit for a vehicle body, motor vehicle and method for producing a vehicle body

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural unit (3) for a body (2) of a vehicle (1), the structural unit having a carrier structure (4) which is intended for receiving at least one operating element (6) for operating the vehicle (1) and has a tubular structural part (20) with a first end side (21), a second end side (22) and a tubular portion (23), which extends along a central tube axis (24) between the first and second end sides (21, 22). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) and to a method (100).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Structural unit for a body, vehicle and method for producing a body

[0003] The invention relates to a structural unit for a body of a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for producing a body.

[0004] It is well known that cross-member structures for a vehicle cockpit are often subject to high loads. Particularly in vehicles with a higher driver's seat, for example, a driver may hold onto the steering wheel to get into the driver's seat. This creates a torsional moment that is transferred via the cross-member structure to the vehicle frame.

[0005] Since such cross-member structures typically bridge a larger distance along the cockpit, it is also known to use tubular sections that are inexpensive to manufacture and have high torsional rigidity. For example, document EP 1 529 720 B1 discloses connecting several tubular elements together and supporting them at the ends on a body frame. For this purpose, bulkhead plates are used, which, however, have a complex geometry for the connection to the body frame. Furthermore, the connection of the tubular elements increases manufacturing costs.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-effective construction of a structural unit for a vehicle body, which, while simplifying assembly, allows loads from a vehicle control element to be absorbed and reliably transmitted to a vehicle frame.

[0007] 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. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details 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 of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other. 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 with a first end face, a second end face, and a tubular section. The tubular section extends along a, in particular central, tube axis between the first and second end faces. The structural unit further comprises a first fastening unit with a fastening interface for connecting the structural unit to a first frame element of the body with an offset from the tube axis. The structural unit further comprises a first bulkhead element, through which a load of the operating element acting on the structural part can be guided at least partially or completely to the first fastening unit, in particular the fastening interface. The first bulkhead element has a load-bearing region for bearing against the first end face and a support region for supporting the first bulkhead element on the first fastening unit.The first bulkhead element has a flat extension through which the load-bearing area and the support area are formed.

[0008] The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, preferably in the form of an electric vehicle. However, a different type of drive for the vehicle is also conceivable. The body may comprise a preferably load-bearing body frame with the first frame element and preferably a second frame element. The support structure may comprise one or more receiving interfaces for receiving the control element, preferably a plurality of control elements. The control element may be manually operable by an operator, such as the driver of the vehicle, to operate a vehicle function.

[0009] The load of the control element acting on the structural part can be understood as a moment, in particular in the form of a torsional moment, and / or a force. Furthermore, other loads can act on the structural part, which are caused, for example, by other control elements, instruments, interior trim of the vehicle, driving dynamics of the vehicle, and / or the like. By at least partially directing 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.

[0010] The tubular structural part is preferably made of steel and / or aluminum. The structural part can preferably consist of the tubular section with the first and second end faces. 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 that runs in a center of the cross-section of the tubular section. The first and second end faces can form opposite ends of the tubular section. In this case, the end faces can comprise a surface that is oriented perpendicular or at an angle to the tube axis. For example, the tubular section can be trimmed at the end faces. The tubular section can also advantageously be formed by a single tube.Since the tubular section extends between the first and second end faces along the tube axis, the tubular section can have a straight, i.e., in particular, kink-free, course.

[0011] The fastening unit can be designed 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 to improve rigidity. The connection of the structural unit to the first frame element can be understood as a force-conducting connection and / or fastening. The fastening interface can be designed for a positive, force-locking and / or material-locking 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.

[0012] The first bulkhead element can be formed by a component, in particular a planar one, which preferably lies flat against the first end face. The hollow space of the tubular section can be at least partially or completely closed at the first end face by the first bulkhead element. The planar extension, by which the load-bearing area and the support area are formed, can be understood in particular to mean that the load-bearing area and the support area form a flat, 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.

[0013] The offset may make it possible to arrange the structural part in the vehicle at a height that is at least partially independent of the height of the attachment to the first frame element. The first bulkhead element can in particular stiffen the structural unit in order to achieve 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 cost-effective production of the first bulkhead element and high torsional rigidity of the structural unit. The arrangement on the front side can therefore in particular result in advantageous load conduction, in which the cross-section of the first bulkhead element, i.e. in particular an area moment of inertia of the first bulkhead element, can be used for support due to the planar extension.

[0014] 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 can, for example, comprise a dashboard of the vehicle. The dashboard can preferably comprise a plurality of vehicle control elements for operating comfort and / or driving functions. The cross member can thus, in particular, be a modular cross member, which can be equipped in a modular manner with different control elements and / or for different vehicle models. Furthermore, the control 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 at least partially or completely support a torsional moment via the first bulkhead element, which results from a weight of the driver when the driver pulls himself into the cockpit of the vehicle using the steering means and / or supports himself on the steering means.

[0015] 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 that 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 one. Furthermore, the fastening housing can be connected to the structural part, preferably welded. For this purpose, the fastening housing, in particular an edge of the fastening housing, can extend at least partially along the tubular section. The connection to the first frame element can be effected by the fastening housing, in particular independently or substantially independently of the course of the structural part.For example, this may allow the structural unit to be attached to the first frame element at an angle, e.g., perpendicular, to the tube axis and / or at a different height. By accommodating the first bulkhead element in the interior, a stiffening of the first fastening unit can be formed, which advantageously allows the load to be transferred to the fastening interface.

[0016] 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 at the fastening tabs in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. To connect 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 from the same material. The fastening tabs are preferably part of the planar extension that forms the load-bearing region and the support region. The fastening tabs can be formed by projections that extend from the support section through the openings of the fastening housing.The fastening tabs can provide an advantageous fastening option for the first bulkhead element. In particular, the fastening tabs can be inserted through the openings during assembly, for example, to be secured to the mounting housing before the fastening tabs are welded to the mounting housing.

[0017] Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the fastening tabs are distributed asymmetrically 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. Greater rigidity can be achieved through the asymmetric distribution of the fastening tabs. The fastening tabs can be distributed such that a torsional moment on the tubular section is evenly supported by the first bulkhead element via the fastening tab. However, it is also conceivable for the fastening tabs to be distributed symmetrically on the opposite sides, e.g., to simplify manufacture and / or use of the component.

[0018] 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 positive, non-positive and / or material-locking fastening of the electronics unit. The electronics unit can, for example, comprise one or more fuses for vehicle electronics of the vehicle. In particular, the electronics unit can be a fuse box of the vehicle. The receptacle for fastening the electronics unit can thus provide the fastening housing with multiple uses 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 thus 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 contacting 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 from the tube axis, in particular by the offset, or can run through the tube axis. In this case, the fastening plane can preferably extend parallel to a 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 on the operating element side with respect to the structural part.The fastening plane can be arranged on a side of the support section of the first bulkhead element, which, when the operating element is loaded due to a torsional moment on the structural part, experiences a compressive force in the direction of the fastening plane. This can create an advantageous loading situation with high rigidity.

[0019] Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it is conceivable for the load-bearing region to be materially connected to the structural part, in particular by the load-bearing region being welded to the structural part all the way around. The structural part and the first bulkhead element are preferably made of the same material. Furthermore, the load-bearing region can be fastened to the structural part, in particular to the tubular section, by spot welding that is continuous and / or implemented at regular or irregular intervals. For the welding, the load-bearing region can, for example, protrude radially from the tubular section, at least in sections or all the way around. Furthermore, it is conceivable for a collar to be formed on the load-bearing region, by means of which the load-bearing region is connected to the tubular section in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.Thus, the material connection can create an advantageous connection between the load-bearing area and the structural part, which can be carried out in a simple manner, particularly in an automated manner, during assembly.

[0020] Furthermore, in a structural unit according to the invention, it is conceivable that the structural part is designed to absorb a torsional moment generated by a load on the operating element. When installed 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 as a torsional moment with a lever arm. The torsional moment can arise, for example, from a driver supporting themselves on the operating element and / or holding on to it. In particular, if the vehicle is an SUV and the operating element is a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the steering mechanism can be available to the driver to support themselves when getting in and / or pulling themselves onto the driver's seat.

[0021] It is further 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 body, preferably with the offset or a further offset to the tube axis, wherein the load of the operating element acting on the structural part can be guided 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 face 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-bearing 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 also conceivable for the second bulkhead element to be dimensioned for a lower load if the control element is located on the driver's side, i.e., closer to the first end face than to the second end face of the structural component. The second bulkhead element and the second fastening unit allow the load acting on the structural component to be supported at both ends of the structural component, so that each bearing point supports only part of the load.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, it is further 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 across a driver area and a passenger area of ​​the vehicle. The cockpit width can be understood as a width of the vehicle interior, in particular between the A-pillars of the vehicle. The driver area can comprise a driver's footwell, and the passenger area can comprise a passenger's footwell. In particular, the structural unit can extend across the driver area and the passenger area. In particular, the structural part can be manufactured as a single tubular section that extends across the cockpit width. By extending the tubular section across the cockpit width, a particularly cost-effective design of the structural unit and a reproducible load distribution can be provided.

[0023] 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 attached to the structural unit. Thus, a vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a structural unit according to the invention.

[0024] It is further conceivable in a vehicle according to the invention for the control element to be a steering mechanism for steering the vehicle. The steering mechanism can preferably be a steering wheel of the vehicle. A torsional moment can be applied to the structural part by applying a load to the steering mechanism. The torsional moment can be advantageously supported by the tubular nature of the structural part and the first and preferably second bulkhead element.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it is further 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. The structural part can therefore extend in particular between the A-pillars of the vehicle. The A-pillars in particular form part of the body frame, on which the structural unit can advantageously be supported. In particular, by extending along a vehicle vertical axis of the A-pillars, the support structure can be attached at a height above a driver and / or passenger footwell.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing a body for a vehicle with a support structure for accommodating at least one control element for operating the vehicle is provided. A structural unit according to the invention is produced for the support structure in the method. The method comprises, in particular in the form of method steps:

[0027] Providing a tubular structural part of the structural unit and a first fastening unit, in particular by manufacturing the structural part,

[0028] - Arranging a first bulkhead element on a first end face of a tubular section of the structural part having a central tubular axis, fastening the first bulkhead element to the tubular section of the structural part and to the first fastening unit in order to at least partially direct a load of the operating element acting on the structural part 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 body with an offset from the tubular axis, in particular by screwing it 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.

[0029] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a structural unit according to the invention,

[0031] Figure 2 shows a fastening unit with a first bulkhead element of the structural unit,

[0032] Figure 3 the first bulkhead element,

[0033] Figure 4 shows an offset of a tube axis of the structural unit and a fastening plane,

[0034] Figure 5 shows a vehicle according to the invention with the structural unit, and

[0035] Figure 6 shows a sequence of a method according to the invention for producing a body for the vehicle.

[0036] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0037] Figure 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 Figure 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 area and a passenger area 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 further designed to accommodate an instrument panel 7 of the vehicle 1.The vehicle 1 comprises an operating element 6 for operating the vehicle 1, which is attached to the structural unit 3. The operating element 6 is preferably a steering means, in particular in the form of a steering wheel, for steering the vehicle 1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the support structure 4 comprises 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 structural part 20 is designed in particular to absorb a torsional moment 6.1 generated by a load on the control element 6, for example, when a driver supports himself on the control element 6. Preferably, the tubular section 23 extends along the entire cockpit width 7.1.

[0039] To connect the structural unit 3 to the first frame element 5 of the 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 connection to the first frame element 5. The fastening interface 31 is arranged with an offset 5.1 to the tube axis 24, as shown in Figure 4. In particular, the fastening interface 31 has at least one fastening plane 31.1 for contact with the first frame element 5, which is parallel to the tube axis 24.

[0040] In order to at least partially direct a load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 to the fastening interface 31, the structural unit 3 further comprises a first bulkhead element 10 with a load-bearing region 11 for bearing against the first end face 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 Figure 2 and in Figure 3. The load-bearing region 11 and the support region 12 of the first bulkhead element 10 are formed by a planar extension 13 in order to enable advantageous load transmission of the torsional moment 6.1. The first bulkhead element 10 can be designed as a sheet metal part and / or a stamped part, the area moment of inertia of which serves to stiffen the support structure 4.

[0041] 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 received. For this purpose, the support region 12 has a plurality of fastening tabs 14 for receiving in openings 34 of the fastening housing 32. The support region 12 is positively and / or materially connected to the fastening housing 32 at the fastening tabs 14. Furthermore, the fastening tabs 14 are distributed asymmetrically on at least two opposite sides 12.1 of the support region 12. Furthermore, the load-bearing region 11 is materially connected to the structural part 20 by welding the load-bearing region 11, preferably circumferentially, to the structural part 20. Advantageously, the fastening housing 32 can form a receptacle for fastening an electronics unit 8 of the vehicle 1 in order to integrate it into the instrument panel 7.

[0042] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 4, the structural unit 3 further comprises a second fastening unit 35 for connecting the structural unit 3 to the second frame element 9 of the body 2 to the tube axis 24. The load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 can be transmitted 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 identical to the first bulkhead element 10.

[0043] Figure 6 further 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. This is followed by arranging 102 the first bulkhead element 10 on the first end face 21 of the tubular section 23 of the structural part 20. Furthermore, the first bulkhead element 10 is fastened 103 to the tubular section 23 of the structural part 20 and to the first fastening unit 30 in order to at least partially direct the load of the operating element 6 acting on the structural part 20 to the fastening interface 31. Furthermore, the method 100 includes fastening 104 the first fastening unit 30 to a first frame element 5 and preferably the second fastening unit 35 to the second frame element 9.

[0044] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, within the scope of protection defined by the patent claims, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Vehicle body

[0046] structural unit

[0047] Support structure first frame element offset

[0048] Torsional moment control element

[0049] Instrument panel cockpit width

[0050] Electronics unit second frame element first bulkhead element load-bearing area support area

[0051] Sides flat extension fastening tabs second bulkhead element

[0052] Structural part first end face second end face tubular section tube axis first fastening unit fastening interface fastening plane fastening housing interior

[0053] Openings second fastening unit Procedure Providing 20 Arranging 10 Fastening 10 Fastening 30

Claims

Patent claims 1. Structural unit (3) for a body (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising a support structure (4) for receiving at least one operating element (6) for operating the vehicle (1), which support structure 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), through which a load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) can be at least partially guided to the first fastening unit (30), wherein the first bulkhead element (10) has a load-bearing region (11) for bearing on the first end face (21) and a support region (12) for supporting the first bulkhead element (10) on the first fastening unit (30), wherein the first bulkhead element (10) has a planar extension (13) by which the load-bearing region (11) and the support region (12) are formed.

2. Structural unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (4) forms a cross member for receiving an instrument panel (7) of the vehicle (1).

3. Structural unit (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fastening unit (30) has a fastening housing (32) with an interior space (33), wherein the support region (12) is accommodated in the interior space (33).

4. Structural unit (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support area (12) has a plurality of fastening tabs (14) for receiving in openings (34) of the fastening housing (32), wherein the support area (12) is the fastening tabs (14) are positively and / or materially connected to the fastening housing (32).

5. Structural unit (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening tabs (14) are distributed asymmetrically on at least two opposite sides (12.1) of the support region (12).

6. Structural unit (3) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fastening housing (32) forms a receptacle for fastening an electronic unit (8).

7. Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening interface (31) has a fastening plane (31.1) for engagement with the first frame element (5), which is parallel to the tube axis (24).

8. Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load-bearing area (11) is integrally connected to the structural part (20) by welding the load-bearing area (11) circumferentially to the structural part (20).

9. Structural unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural part (20) is designed to absorb a torsional moment (6.1) generated by a load on the operating element (6).

10. 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) to the tube axis (24), wherein the load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) can be guided at least partially via a second bulkhead element (15) to the second fastening unit (35), wherein the second bulkhead element (15) is arranged on the second end face (22) of the structural part (20).

11. 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 area and a passenger area of ​​the vehicle (1).

12. Vehicle (1), comprising a body (2) with 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).

13. Vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the operating element (6) is a steering means for steering the vehicle (1).

14. 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).

15. Method (100) for producing a body (2) for a vehicle (1) with 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 face (21) of a tubular section (23) of the structural part (20) which has a central tube axis (24), Fastening (103) the first bulkhead element (10) to the tubular section (23) of the structural part (20) and to the first fastening unit (30) in order to at least partially direct a load of the operating element (6) acting on the structural part (20) 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 tube axis (24).

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