Torsion-beam axle

Abstract

The invention relates to a torsion-beam axle for a motor vehicle comprising: at least two longitudinal members (4, 6), at least one cross member (8) connecting the at least two longitudinal members (4, 6), at least two wheel carriers (18, 20) for connecting the torsion-beam axle (2) to vehicle wheels, at least one reinforcement element (22) for supporting the torsion-beam axle (2), in particular the at least one cross member (8) of the torsion-beam axle (2), wherein the respective wheel carrier (18, 20) is connected to its associated longitudinal member (4, 6), wherein the at least one cross member (8) comprises an open cross-sectional profile.

Description

[0001]

[0002] April 1, 2026

[0003] Torsion-beam axle

[0004] The invention relates to a torsion-beam axle for a motor vehicle comprising: at least two longitudinal members, at least one cross member connecting the at least two longitudinal members, at least two wheel carriers for connecting the torsion-beam axle to vehicle wheels, at least one reinforcement element for supporting the torsionbeam axle, wherein the respective wheel carrier is connected to its associated longitudinal member, and wherein the at least one cross member comprises an open cross-sectional profile.

[0005] In the field of chassis technology, a wide variety of axles and wheel suspensions are known. Originally, axles provided a rigid connection between wheels that were mounted so that they could rotate (‘rigid axle’). Later, the rigid connection between the two wheels was abandoned. Instead, the wheel was mounted on a wheel carrier that is flexibly connected to the vehicle body by several control arms (‘independent suspension’).

[0006] The so-called semi-rigid axle represents a compromise between a rigid axle and an independent suspension, the best-known variant of which is the torsion-beam axle or twist-beam axle. Like rigid axles, semi-rigid axles form a mechanical coupling between the two wheels. However, unlike rigid axles, semi-rigid axles allow a relative movement between the two wheels. This is usually achieved by a targeted elastic torsional deformation of the semi-rigid axle cross member. The cross member may for example be a hollow profile. The torsional stiffness of the cross member usually varies along its length: at both ends of the cross member, a high torsional stiffness is desired to allow reliable connection of the longitudinal members, and in the center of the cross member, a rather low torsional stiffness is desired to allow relative movement between the wheels.In view of this, the geometry of the cross member often must be quite complex to meet the desired requirements. In addition, a torsion-beam axle is desired that can be manufactured in a cost-effective process while still offering a high level of reliability.

[0007] On this basis, the present invention is based on the task of providing a torsion-beam axle, which offers a beneficial performance and a high level of reliability while still being manufacturable in a cost-efficient manner.

[0008] According to the invention, the aforementioned task is solved with an above-mentioned torsion-beam axle in that the reinforcement element extends along the length of the at least one cross member, and / or the reinforcement element comprises a varying, preferably open, cross-sectional profile.

[0009] Hereby, a targeted reinforcement of the torsion-beam axle can be provided in a costefficient way. In areas which need additional mechanical support, the reinforcement element can comprise a higher mechanical stiffness. This in particular maybe the case in end regions of the cross member which typically require a higher torsional stiffness for ensuring a reliable connection of the cross member to the longitudinal member. Additionally, in areas which do not need as much additional mechanical support, the cross member may also comprise a lower mechanical stiffness, such as the center area of the cross member, since a lower torsional stiffness is desired in the center of the cross member to allow for relative movement between the wheels.

[0010] The length of the reinforcement element preferably extends in the direction of the width of the vehicle in a mounted state of the torsion-beam axle.

[0011] The cross-sectional profile of the reinforcement element preferably is open in a downward direction in the mounted state of the reinforcement element and / or the torsion-beam axle.

[0012] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026Preferably, the cross-sectional profile of the reinforcement element is open over the substantially entire length of the reinforcement element. Preferably, the cross-sectional profile of the cross member is open over the substantially entire length of the cross member.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element extends along the substantially entire length of the at least one cross member. This may enable to maximize the benefits of the reinforcement element over the entire structure of the cross member, providing the desired support at the respective areas of the cross member. Additionally, by extending over the substantially entire length of the cross member, the reinforcement member may be directly connected to the longitudinal members which may allow for beneficial characteristics of the torsion-beam axle.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element comprises connection regions at its respective ends for respectively connecting the reinforcement element to the longitudinal members. By directly connecting the reinforcement element to the longitudinal members, the transfer of mechanical loads, in particular torsional loads, between both components may be improved. Preferably, the reinforcement element is connected adhesively, in particular via an adhesive lap joint, to the longitudinal members.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the connection regions comprise curved contact surfaces in contact with the longitudinal members, preferably adhesively attached to the longitudinal members. Such curved contact surfaces may allow for an increased connection surface which may reduce local stress and thus reduce the risk of localized failures or deformations of the connected components. Further, a large joint area, in particular a large adhesive joint area, may be provided, whereby thinner gauges of the components of the torsion-beam axle, in particular of the longitudinal members, the cross member and / or the reinforcement element may be enabled while still providing sufficient stability and rigidity.

[0016] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026According to another preferred embodiment, the curved contact surfaces respectively enclose a wrap angle of at least 40°, preferably of at least 50°, particularly preferably of at least 60°, with the longitudinal members. The wrap angle preferably is measured as the angle which is formed between the point where one contact surface of the connection region first touches the longitudinal member and where it last touches the longitudinal member, in particular when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member. For further illustration, if the curved contact surface of the reinforcement element starts touching the longitudinal member at point A and stops touching at point B, the wrap angle preferably is regarded as the angle subtended by the arc AB around the circumference of the longitudinal member. Preferably, the midpoint of the arc of the wrap angle is intersecting with the longitudinal central axis of the longitudinal member. The wrap angle therefore may provide a quantitative measure of how much of the longitudinal member's circumference is in contact with or enclosed by the curved surface of the reinforcement element. By providing the aforementioned wrap angle, a large contact surface may be provided, thus reducing stress and allowing for thinner gauges of the respective components of the torsion-beam axle.

[0017] Preferably, the transition of the curved contact surfaces at least partially corresponds to the transition of the connection surfaces of the longitudinal members for providing corresponding contact / connection surfaces for joining the two components.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element comprises transition areas, preferably arranged between connection regions and a center area, wherein the transition areas preferably comprise a substantially hat-shaped cross-sectional profile. Hereby, transition areas maybe provided which enable a beneficial connection between the reinforcement element and the cross member. In particular, a hat-shaped cross-sectional profile may allow for a secure attachment and a beneficial load transfer between the cross member and the reinforcement element. Preferably, the transition areas are arranged between connection regions located at the respective ends of the reinforcement element and a center area. The transitions areas

[0019] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026are preferably differentiable from the connection regions and the center area through the cross-sectional profile changing from one shape or configuration to another, namely to the hat-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the hat-shaped cross-sectional profiles of the transition areas of the reinforcement element respectively comprise at least one center web and two side webs. The center web preferably refers to the central, straight or curved section of the hat-shaped profile. The side webs preferably are the at least partly straight sections extending substantially perpendicular from both ends of the center web. Such a configuration may allow for a beneficial torsion stiffness of the transition areas as well as sufficient connection surfaces between the reinforcement element and the cross member.

[0021] Preferably, the two side webs comprise a curved, in particular an outwardly curved, end section. This is in particular beneficial for enhancing the surface area which is used for connecting, in particular bonding, the cross member to the reinforcement element. Additionally, this may facilitate the assembly of reinforcement element with the torsion-beam axle. The end section in particular is the terminal portion of each side web that deviates from a straight orientation, in particular a perpendicular orientation with respect to the center web, to form an outward curvature. The term outwardly curved preferably indicates that the curve extends away from the center web, forming a convex shape at the end of each side web.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the side webs of the transition areas are connected, in particular adhesively connected, to the cross member. An adhesive connection allows for beneficial mechanical properties of the torsion-beam axle comprising the reinforcement element. The term connected preferably refers to the attachment or joining of the side webs to the surface of the cross member, whereby a secure bond between these components may be provided.

[0023] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026According to another preferred embodiment, a cavity is arranged between a center web of the reinforcement element, in particular between a center web of the transition areas and / or the connection regions, and the cross member. The term cavity preferably refers to an at least partly enclosed space created between a center web of the reinforcement element and the surface of the cross member directed towards the reinforcement element.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the cavity is delimited at its one (longitudinal) end by the reinforcement element, in particular by the center area of the reinforcement element and at its other (longitudinal) end by the longitudinal member.

[0025] Preferably, a ratio of a maximum length to a maximum height of the cavity is between 10:1 and 2:1, preferably between 7:1 and 3:1, particularly preferably between 6:1 and 4:1, in particular about 5:1. Such ratios have proven to be beneficial for the performance of the torsion-beam axle. The aforementioned ratios enable a preferable roll stiffness and durability of the torsion-beam axle. The term maximum length preferably refers to the longest dimension of the cavity measured along its axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the cross member and / or the reinforcement element. The maximum height preferably refers to the largest distance between the center web of the reinforcement element and the surface of the longitudinal member, in particular of the surface of the longitudinal member directed to the reinforcement element.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element comprises a center area with a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the center area preferably is reduced in width with respect to the width of the longitudinal member. A reduction is width with respect to the longitudinal member enables a desired torsional stiffness in a middle / center area of the cross member while enabling a beneficial thickness of the cross member as well as of the reinforcement element with respect to their durability. The term center area preferably refers to the central area of the reinforcement element that spans between the transition areas. The

[0027] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026specification that this center area is preferably reduced in width with respect to the longitudinal member means that the overall dimension across the base or web of the U-shape is narrower than the corresponding dimension of the longitudinal member.

[0028] Preferably, a ratio of the minimal width of the center area of the reinforcement element wi to the width of a middle area of the cross member W2 is between 0.25 and 0.75, preferably between 0.4 and 0.7, particularly preferably between 0.5 and 0.6. Such a ratio may allow for a beneficial balance between stiffness, durability and mass. The term minimal width of the center area preferably refers to the smallest horizontal extension of the central section of the reinforcement element perpendicular to its longitudinal extension. The width of a middle area of the cross member preferably denotes the horizontal dimension of the cross member at the midpoint of the cross member.

[0029] Preferably, the width of the reinforcement element starting from the transition area is gradually reduced along the center area until it reaches the center of the center area. From the center area, the width is in particular gradually increased again until the transition area is reached. The minimal width of the center area preferably is arranged at a center or midpoint of the center area of the reinforcement element.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element comprises a center area with a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile, and / or wherein the center area preferably is arched in the direction of the cross member. This may allow for a smooth shape of the reinforcement element which may reduce stress concentrations. The term arched in the direction of the cross member preferably describes a curvature or bowing of the center area such that it protrudes toward a base of the cross member. Preferably, the distance of the reinforcement element towards the base of the cross member starting from the transition area is gradually reduced along the transition area and / or center area until the reinforcement element is in contact with the base of the cross member. Into the direction of the other transition area, the distance is then preferably gradually increased again.

[0031] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026According to another preferred embodiment, the center area is at least partly connected, preferably adhesively connected, to the at least one cross member. Hereby a beneficial connection of the reinforcement element to the cross member may be enabled. Additionally, a preferred torsional stiffness in the center of the cross member may be provided.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the center area substantially corresponds (at least partly) to the cross-sectional profile of the at least one cross member, in particular to the cross-sectional profile of the part of the at least one cross member which is connected, in particular adhesively connected, to the center area. Hereby, sufficiently large and corresponding surface areas of the reinforcement element and the cross member may be provided. The specification that these profiles substantially correspond means that they share similar shapes and dimensions. Particularly, the cross-sectional profile of the center area is designed to match closely with the profile of the cross member it connects to.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element comprises steel, alloys and / or composite material.

[0034] Steel refers to a widely used metallic material composed primarily of iron with varying amounts of carbon and other alloying elements. Steel is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent toughness, and resistance to deformation under load.

[0035] Alloys are metallic materials that combine two or more elements to achieve specific properties such as enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, or thermal stability. In the context of a torsion-beam axle, alloys can be tailored to meet particular performance requirements, providing a balance between weight and strength.

[0036] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026Composite materials refer to engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. Commonly used composites in automotive applications include fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). These materials offer high strength-to-weight ratios, beneficial corrosion resistance, and the ability to be molded into complex shapes.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, an adhesive layer is arranged respectively between the reinforcement element and the longitudinal members and / or the cross member, wherein the respective adhesive layer preferably has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. Hereby, a beneficial connection between the reinforcement element and the longitudinal members and / or the cross members may be ensured. Preferably, the respective adhesive layers are arranged between the curved contact surfaces of the connection regions of the reinforcement element and the longitudinal members. Preferably, at least one adhesive layer is arranged between the reinforcement element and the cross member. Preferably, respective adhesive layers are arranged between the side webs of the transition areas and the cross member. Preferably, an adhesive layer is arranged between the center area and the cross member.

[0038] The adhesive layer may comprise an epoxy based, heat curing adhesive, wherein the adhesive preferably is impact modified. Preferably, the adhesive comprises:

[0039] a lap shear strength according to test procedure 1SO4587 between 15 MPa to 40MPa,

[0040] a comparative peel property according to the T-peel test procedure 1SO11339 of 5 N / mm to 20N / mm and / or

[0041] a Young’s modulus according to test procedure ISO 527 between 500 MPa and 1200MPa.

[0042] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026The above-described embodiments and exemplary embodiments of all aspects of the present invention, which are independent with respect to each other and are also to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another.

[0043] Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are indicated by the following detailed description of a number of practical examples of the present invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

[0044] The figures attached to the application, however, are only intended to be used for the purpose of clarification, and not to determine the scope of protection of the invention. The attached figures are intended only as examples reflecting the general concept of the present invention. In particular, features shown in the figures should not in any way be considered an essential component part of the invention.

[0045] Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of the torsion-beam axle in a perspective view;

[0046] Fig. 2 the exemplary embodiment of the torsion-beam axle depicted in Fig. 1 in a bottom view;

[0047] Fig. 3 a detail of connection between reinforcement element and longitudinal member of the exemplary embodiment of the torsion-beam axle depicted in Figs. 1 and 2;

[0048] Fig.4 the exemplary embodiment of the torsion-beam axle depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 in a front view;

[0049] Fig. 5 an exemplary embodiment of a reinforcement element in a side view;

[0050] Fig. 6 the exemplary embodiment of the reinforcement element depicted in Fig. 5 in a bottom view;

[0051] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026Fig 7a the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vil a;

[0052] Fig 7b the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vll b;

[0053] Fig 7c the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vil e;

[0054] Fig 7d the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vll d;

[0055] Fig 7e the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vll e; and

[0056] Fig 7f the reinforcement element of Figs. 5 and 6 cut along the line of section Vll f.

[0057] The torsion-beam axle 2 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 comprises two rigid longitudinal members 4 and 6 which are connected, for example welded, to a cross member 8. The cross member 8 preferably comprises a torsionally soft profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross member 8 comprises a substantially U-shaped cross-section which is opened in a downward direction in the mounted state of the torsion-beam axle 2. The longitudinal members 4 and 6 connected to the cross member 8 comprise a bend and tubular or closed profile. In particular, the longitudinal members 4 and 6 comprise a substantially O-shaped cross-section, wherein the longitudinal members 4 and 6 are bend in a S-shape.

[0058] At the front ends of the side members 4 and 6 bearing bushes or pipe sections 10 and 12 are welded on, which may be connected to a vehicle body. Further, shock absorber

[0059] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026mounting elements 14 and 16 are connected to the longitudinal members 4 and 6 and the cross member 8. The wheels are mounted on wheel carriers 18 and 20 which are connected to the respective ends of the longitudinal members 4 and 6.

[0060] A reinforcement element 22 is inserted into the open profile of the cross member 8. The reinforcement element 22 comprises a varying and open cross-sectional profile and extends along the substantially entire length of the cross member 8.

[0061] As in particular illustrated in Fig. 3, the reinforcement element 22 comprises connection regions 24 at its ends via which the reinforcement element 22 is connected, in particular glued, to the longitudinal members 4 and 6. The connection regions 24 comprise curved contact surfaces 26 which are adhesively connected to the longitudinal members 4 and 6. The curved contact surfaces 26 enclose a warp angle a of preferably about 60°.

[0062] The reinforcement element 22 further comprises transition areas 28 arranged between the connection regions 24 and a center area 30. Cavities 32 are arranged between center webs 42 and 52 of the reinforcement element 22 and the cross member 8. One end of the cavities 32 is delimited by the reinforcement element 22, in particular by the center area 30 and its other end is delimited by the longitudinal members 4 and 6. The ratio of a maximum length L to a maximum height H of the cavity 32 is about 5:1.

[0063] The center area 30 is reduced in width with respect to the cross member 8. The ratio of the minimal width wi of the center area 30 with respect to the width W2 of the cross member is between 0.5 and 0.6.

[0064] Further, the center area 30 comprises an arch 36 which is directed towards the cross member 8. A part of the center area 30, in particular the arched part, is adhesively connected to the cross member 8. Therefore, the cross-sectional profile 38 of the

[0065] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026center area 30 corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of a middle part of the cross member 8.

[0066] An embodiment of such a reinforcement element 22 is described with more detail in Figs. 5 to 7f.

[0067] As visible in particular in Figs. 7b and 7e, the transition areas 28 comprise a substantially hat shaped cross-sectional profile 40. The hat shaped cross-sectional profile 40 comprises one straight center web 42 which is connected at its respective ends with two side webs 44 and 46. The two side webs 44 and 46 comprise at their respective ends an outwardly curved end section 48 and 50. The side webs 44 and 46 and also the curved end sections 48 and 50 are adhesively connected to the cross member 8.

[0068] Fig. 7c and 7d show cross sections of the center area 30, wherein these cross sections have a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile 38.

[0069] Fig. 7f shows a cross section of the connection region 24 with a substantially straight center web 52 and substantially straight side webs 54 and 56.

[0070] The exemplary embodiments / aspects of the present invention described in this specification are intended to be understood as disclosed both individually and in all combinations with each other. In particular, even the description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment - unless explicitly stated to the contrary - is not intended to be understood herein as implying that the feature is indispensable or essential to the function of the embodiment.

[0071] Terms used in the patent claims such as "comprising", "having", "including", "containing" and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The wording "at least in part" or “substantially” covers both the case "in part" and the case "in full". The phrase "and / or" is intended to be understood to disclose both the alternative and

[0072] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026the combination, thus "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and BJ". A plurality of entities, persons or the like means multiple entities, persons or the like in the context of this specification. The use of the indefinite article does not preclude a plural. A single device may perform the functions of multiple units or devices recited in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the patent claims are not to be regarded as limitations of the means and steps employed.

[0073] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026Reference signs

[0074] 2 torsion-beam axle

[0075] 4, 6 longitudinal member

[0076] 8 cross member

[0077] 10, 12 pipe section

[0078] 14, 16 shock absorber mounting element

[0079] 18, 20 wheel carrier

[0080] 22 reinforcement element

[0081] 24 connection region

[0082] 26 curved contact surface

[0083] 28 transition area

[0084] 30 center area

[0085] 32 cavity

[0086] 36 arch of the center area

[0087] 38 U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the center area

[0088] 40 hat shaped cross-sectional profile

[0089] 42 straight center web

[0090] 44, 46 side web

[0091] 48, 50 outwardly curved end section of the side web

[0092] 52 straight center web

[0093] 54, 56 straight side web

[0094] a wrap angle

[0095] L maximal length of the cavity

[0096] H maximal height of the cavity

[0097] wi minimal width of the center area

[0098] W2 width of the middle area of the cross member

[0099] HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026

Claims

April 1, 2026C l a i m s1. Torsion-beam axle for a motor vehicle comprising:at least two longitudinal members (4, 6),at least one cross member (8) connecting the at least two longitudinal members [4, 6),at least two wheel carriers (18, 20) for connecting the torsion-beam axle (2) to vehicle wheels,at least one reinforcement element (22) for supporting the torsion-beam axle (2), in particular, for supporting the at least one cross member (8) of the torsionbeam axle (2),wherein the respective wheel carrier (18, 20) is connected to its associated longitudinal member (4, 6),wherein the at least one cross member (8) comprises an open cross-sectional profile,characterized in thatthe reinforcement element (22) extends along the length of the at least one cross member (8), andthe reinforcement element (22) comprises a varying, preferably open, cross- sectional profile.

2. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 1,wherein the reinforcement element (22) extends along the substantially entire length of the at least one cross member (8).

3. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the reinforcement element (22) comprises connection regions (24) at its respective ends for respectively connecting the reinforcement element (22) to the longitudinal members (4, 6).

4. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 3,wherein the connection regions (24) comprise curved contact surfaces (26) in contact with the longitudinal members (4, 6), preferably adhesively attached to the longitudinal members (4, 6),wherein preferably the curved contact surfaces (26) respectively enclose a wrap angle (a) of at least 40°, preferably of at least 50°, particularly preferably of at least 60°, with the longitudinal members (4, 6).

5. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 1 to 4,wherein the reinforcement element (22) comprises transition areas (28), preferably arranged between connection regions (24) and a center area (30), wherein the transition areas (28) comprise a substantially hat-shaped cross- sectional profile (40).

6. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 5,wherein the hat-shaped cross-sectional profiles (40) of the transition areas (28) of the reinforcement element (22) respectively comprises at least one center web (42) and two side webs (44, 46),wherein the two side webs (44, 46) comprise a curved, in particular an outwardly curved, end section (48, 50).

7. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 6,wherein the side webs (44, 46) of the transition areas (28) are connected, in particular adhesively connected, to the cross member (8).

8. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 1 to 7,HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026wherein a cavity is arranged between a center web ( 2, 52) of the reinforcement element (22), in particular between a center web (42, 52) of the transition areas (28) and the connection regions (24), and the cross member (8).

9. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 8,wherein the cavity (32) is delimited at its one end by the reinforcement element (22), in particular by the center area (30) of the reinforcement element (22) and at its other end by the longitudinal member (4, 6),wherein a ratio of a maximum length (L) to a maximum height of the cavity (H) is between 10:1 and 2:1, preferably between 7:1 and 3:1, particularly preferably between 6:1 and 4:1, in particular about 5:1.

10. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 1 to 9,wherein the reinforcement element (22) comprises a center area (30) with a preferably substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile (38).

11. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 10,wherein the center area (30) preferably is reduced in width with respect to the cross member (8),wherein a ratio of the minimal width (wi) of the center area (30) of the reinforcement element (22) to the width (W2) of a middle area of the cross member (8) in particular is between 0.25 and 0.75, preferably between 0.4 and 0.7, particularly preferably between 0.5 and 0.6.

12. Torsion-beam axle according to claim 10 or 11,wherein the center area (30) preferably is arched in the direction of the cross member (8).

13. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 10 to 12,wherein the center area (30) is at least partly connected, preferably adhesively, connected to the at least one cross member (8).HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 202614. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 10 to 13,wherein the cross-sectional profile (38) of the center area (30) substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the at least one cross member (8), in particular to the cross-sectional profile of the part of the at least one cross member (8) which is connected, in particular adhesively connected, to the center area.

15. Torsion-beam axle according to one of the claims 1 to 14,- wherein the reinforcement element (22) comprises steel, alloys and / or composite material, and / orwherein an adhesive layer is arranged respectively between the reinforcement element (22) and the longitudinal members (4,6) and / or the cross member (8), wherein the respective adhesive layer preferably has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm.HF / HF 250282WO 01 April 2026

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