SE546195C2

SE546195C2 - A device for the mechanical joining of two or more elements

Info

Publication number: SE546195C2
Application number: SE2051057A
Authority: SE
Inventors: David Larsson
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2020-09-09
Filing date: 2020-09-09
Publication date: 2024-06-25
Also published as: SE2051057A1; DE102021116705A1

Abstract

A device (102; 502) for the mechanical joining of two or more elements (202; 602). The device (102; 502) is attachable to one (202; 602) of the elements (202; 602). The device (102; 502) forms a through hole (104; 504) for receiving a mechanical joint member (304). The device (102; 502) is made of a composite material comprising a 3-dimensional woven structure (402). A method for producing a device (102; 502), which is mentioned above, for the mechanical joining of two or more elements (202; 602) mentioned above, wherein the method comprises: producing (702) the device (102; 502) from a material comprising a 3-dimensional woven structure (402). An element (202; 602) comprising one or more such devices (102; 502). A mechanical joint (302) comprising one or more such elements (202; 602). A vehicle (800) comprising one or more of: the device (102; 502), the element (202; 602) and the mechanical joint (302).

Description

Technical field Aspects of the present invention relate to a device for the mechanical joining of two or more elements. Further, aspects of the present invention relate to a method for producing a device configured for the mechanical joining of two or more elements.

Background ln various structures and apparatuses, for example in vehicles, such as motor vehicles, two or more elements may be joined in order to construct or assemble a certain configuration or assembly. The one or more elements to be joined, for example by means of a mechanical joint, may nowadays be made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates, or may be made of any other suitable material. The element made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates may, for example, be referred to as a laminate element, for example hereinbelow. For example, the composite material may comprise a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). Conventionally, the joining of an element made of a composite material, which comprises one or more composite laminates, to a similar element, or a different kind of element, may be performed by many small joints including many small fasteners, such as rivets or screws. Thus, each little joint presents a low clamping force. The concept of many small joints/fasteners forjoining elements of the above-mentioned sorts is, for example, used in the aircraft manufacturing industry. Another conventional concept for joining elements of the above-mentioned sorts is to use metal inserts having a through hole, wherein each element is provided with such a metal insert, i.e. the metal insert is joined or attached to the element. The laminate element or laminate elements having a metal insert can then be joined by a conventionally sized threaded bolt, which engages the through hole of the metal insert of the laminate element, and a conventional nut, wherein the bolt and the nut together with the metal insert, or metal inserts, form a mechanical joint. Conventionally, the use of a metal insert together with a laminate element is attractive to some industries, because the assembly process is similar to the assembly process for more conventional elements made of a metal or a metal alloy. The use of a bolt and a nut together with a metal insert, or metal inserts, when assembling or joining laminate elements may provide a strong mechanical joint and is in general less time consuming compared to the concept of many small joints/fasteners mentioned above.

Summary The inventor of the present invention has found drawbacks in the conventional concepts for joining elements made of a composite material, which comprises one or more composite laminates, or for joining an element made of a composite material, which comprises one or more composite laminates, to an element of any other suitable kind or configuration. For example, the inventor of the present invention has found that a conventional metal insert in combination with the laminate element may not provide a sufficiently strong mechanical joint holding two or more laminate elements together, or one laminate element and an element of any other suitable kind together. For example, the inventor of the present invention has found that weak spots may be created in the interface between the conventional metal insert and the element, for example the laminate element, which may have a negative impact on the strength of the mechanical joint which joins two or more laminate elements, or one laminate element and an element of any other suitable kind.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that an improved interface between the device and the element can be attained. For example, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that an interface between the device and the element with a reduced number of weak spots, which for example may include voids or other defects, is attained. An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that a stronger interface between the device and a laminate element can be attained in relation to conventional mechanical joints including a metal insert and a laminate element, such as an interface that strongly attaches the device to the laminate element. An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the device can be used for high loaded mechanical joints, such as high loaded screw joints, for joining elements, such as one or more laminate elements.

For example, by way of the composite material comprising the 3-dimensional woven structure, the device and said interface can be given various kinds of shapes, also complex, advanced or unique shapes, in an easier and more efficient manner by way of the 3-dimensional (3D) weaving technology, which for example improves the interface between the device and the element, for example the laminate element, in relation to conventional solutions, such as conventional casting of a metal insert. For example, the innovative device can provide an increased contact area between the device and the element, for example the laminate element, compared to conventional solutions. For example, the device and the laminate element may be formed or moulded in the same moulding step or process, which may further improve the interface between the device and the element. Further, by way of the innovative device, failures, for example delamination in the laminate element, which occur between, or in the interface between, the laminate element and a conventional metal insert, are avoided.

An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that a device, in the form of an insert, with improved isotropic material properties, for example close to isotropic material properties, is provided. By using a 3-dimensional (3D) weaving technology to form the device made of the composite material comprising the 3- dimensional woven structure, such improved material properties can be attained. Improved isotropic material properties, for example close to isotropic material properties, are important in order to handle, withstand, or cope with, strong out-of-the- plane forces, i.e. forces substantially perpendicular to a surface, or a surface portion, of the element, for example the laminate element. These strong forces, which are substantially perpendicular to a surface of the element, for example the laminate element, will occur in a mechanical joint which mechanically joins two or more elements, because of occurring strong compression forces. Thus, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the device can withstand strong out-of-the- plane forces and high screw joint clamping forces, for example withstand higher clamping forces than laminate elements alone can withstand.

An advantage ofthe device according to the first aspect is that an improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein, for example, at least one of the elements may be a laminate element. An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the innovative device provides an improved, for example a stronger, a more resistant and/or a more durable, mechanical joint, such as a screw joint, for joining one or more laminate elements compared to conventional joints, which join one or more laminate elements. The innovative device is advantageous when used in vehicles, for example in wheeled vehicles, such as trucks, where one or more laminate elements is/are to be joined, because in vehicles the mechanical joint joining one or more laminate elements may be subjected to strong forces and subjected to strong forces for a long time.

Further, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that, although an improved mechanical joint is attained, the conventional assembly process for assembling elements, for example with bolts and nuts, can essentially continue in the same manner as before, without requiring any alterations of the conventional assembly process.

Further, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that a low-weight mechanical joint for joining one or more elements, for example laminate elements, is provided, which has a lower weight compared to conventional mechanical joints involving metal inserts. This is, inter alia, relevant to wheeled vehicles, since the total weight of the vehicle will be reduced, which in turn will result in a reduced power consumption of the wheeled vehicle, for example a reduced fuel consumption and/or a reduced electric battery power consumption.

The device may form one or more through holes for receiving one or more mechanical joint members. For example, the mechanical joint member may comprise a screw or a threaded bolt. The screw or bolt may be configured to engage a threaded nut in order to form a mechanical joint joining two or more elements, wherein, for example, at least one of the elements may be a laminate element. However, other mechanical joint members are possible. For example, the composite material of an element may comprise, or consist of, one or more carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP). The carbon fibre reinforced polymer may also be referred to as a carbon fibre reinforced plastic. ln general, a composite laminate, or a composite laminate material, comprises a plurality of plies or layers bonded together, for example by a matrix. By way of the plurality of plies, inter alia, an improved strength, stability, and/or sound insulation may be achieved. Other properties may also be improved or provided by way of the plurality of plies.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the device is attachable to one of the elements which is at least partly made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates. At least one of the elements to be mechanically joined may be at least partly made of a composite material, wherein the composite material of the at least one element comprises, or consists of, one or more composite laminates. An advantage of these embodiments is that an improved mechanical joining of a laminate element to another element is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the 3-dimensional woven structure is produced by 3-dimensional weaving. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the 3-dimensional woven structure comprises a plurality of fibres which are 3- dimensional woven. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, each fibre of the plurality of fibres has a longitudinal extension.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres extend in at least three different directions. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres are entangled in at least three different directions. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, at least some of the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres extend in the directions of the coordinate axes of a 3-dimensional coordinate system. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the 3-dimensional woven structure is produced by three or more fibre yarn sets, and wherein each fibre yarn set comprises one or more fibre yarns. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more elements is provided, wherein at least one of the elements may be a laminate element.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the fibres of the plurality of fibres are made of an electrically conducting material. An advantage of this embodiment is that induction heating of the 3- dimensional woven structure and the matrix of the device can be performed, for example in the area of the interface between the device and the element. This induction heating can be performed when moulding both the device and the laminate element. Hereby, the fibre fraction volume, or the fibre volume content, in the device and in the area of the interface between the device and the laminate element can be further increased, which results in a reduced risk of voids and other defects having a negative impact on the strength of the mechanical joint joining one or more laminate elements. An advantage of this embodiment, which allows for induction heating, is that an improved interface between the device and the element can be attained. For example, an advantage of this embodiment is that an interface between the device and the element with a reduced number of weak spots, which for example may include voids or other defects, is attained. Thus, an advantage of this embodiment, which allows for induction heating, is that a stronger interface between the device and the laminate element can be attained in relation to conventional mechanical joints including a metal insert and a laminate element. Further, an advantage of this embodiment, which allows for induction heating, is that a device with improved isotropic material properties is provided. The improved isotropic material properties, for example close to isotropic material properties, provide a stronger device which better can handle and withstand strong out-of-the-plane forces.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the fibres of the plurality of fibres are made of a material comprising carbon. An advantage of this embodiment is that the induction heating of the 3-dimensional woven structure and the matrix is further improved, whereby the fibre fraction volume in the device and in the area of the interface between the device and the element can be further increased. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved interface between the device and the element is attained. An advantage of this embodiment is that a device with further improved isotropic material properties is provided, whereby a stronger device, which better can handle and withstand strong out-of-the-plane forces, is provided. Other materials, in addition to carbon, are possible.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the device is made of a composite material comprising a matrix. The matrix may comprise, or be described as, a polymer structure, for example a glue structure, or an epoxy structure. However, other compositions for the matrix are possible.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the device comprises an interface for the attachment of the device to one of the elements, wherein the interface comprises at least one protrusion for protruding into one or more cavities of one of the elements. An advantage of this embodiment is that a strong bonding and strong interface between the device and the element, for example the laminate element, can be attained, whereby an improved and stronger mechanical joining of elements is provided. For example, this embodiment provides an increased contact area between the device and the element. Further, an advantage of this embodiment is that the at least one protrusion provides an improved, or stronger, interlocking between the device and the element in an axial direction, i.e. the direction of a centerline of the through-hole of the device, whereby the device and the element attached thereto can withstand stronger out-of-the-plane forces.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the at least one protrusion surrounds the through hole. An advantage of this embodiment is that a stronger bonding and stronger interface between the device and the element can be attained, whereby a further improved and stronger mechanical joining of elements is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the device comprises a base, which forms the through hole, and an interface for the attachment of the device to one of the elements, wherein the interface comprises a plurality of protrusions for protruding into one or more cavities of one of the elements, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion is connected to the base and is located between the distal end portion and the base, and wherein the distal end portions of the protrusions are spaced apart from one another. According to some embodiments, the interface comprises one or more protrusions each protruding in radia| directions in relation to a centerline of the through-hole. An advantage of these embodiments is that an improved bonding and interface between the device and the element can be attained, whereby a further improved and stronger mechanical joining of elements is provided. For example, these embodiments provide a further increased contact area between the device and the element.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the plurality of protrusions comprises two adjacent protrusions forming a recess between each other. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved bonding and interface between the device and the element can be attained, whereby a further improved and stronger mechanical joining of elements is provided. For example, this embodiment provides a further increased contact area between the device and the element.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the recess is configured to receive one or more portions of one of the elements. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved bonding and interface between the device and the element can be attained, whereby a further improved and stronger mechanical joining of elements is provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an element comprising one or more devices according to any one of the above- and below-mentioned embodiments, wherein the device is attached to the element.

The advantages of the element according to the second aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the element according to the second aspect, the element is at least partly made of a composite material, wherein the composite material of the element comprises one or more composite laminates.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a mechanical joint comprising one or more elements according to any one of the above- and below-mentioned embodiments, wherein the mechanical joint comprises one or more mechanical joint members received by the one or more through holes of the one or more devices. For example, the mechanical joint member may comprise a screw or threaded bolt. The screw or bolt may be configured to engage a threaded nut to form the mechanical joint together with the one or more elements and the at least one device. However, other mechanical joint members are also possible.

The advantages of the mechanical joint according to the third aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a method for producing.

The advantages of the method according to the fourth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the method comprises: o producing the 3-dimensiona| woven structure by 3-dimensiona| weaving. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more laminate elements can be provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the method comprises: o producing the device from a material comprising a 3-dimensiona| woven structure which comprises a p|ura|ity of fibres which are 3-dimensiona| woven by 3-dimensiona| weaving.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more laminate elements can be provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the method comprises: o producing the device from a material comprising a 3-dimensiona| woven structure which is produced by three or more fibre yarn sets, wherein each fibre yarn set comprises one or more fibre yarns.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved mechanical joining of two or more laminate elements is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the fibres of the p|ura|ity of fibres are made of an electrically conducting material, wherein the method comprises: o moulding the device from the 3-dimensiona| woven structure and a matrix while induction heating the 3-dimensiona| woven structure and the matrix. lOThe induction heating of the 3-dimensional woven structure and the matrix of the device can advantageously be performed in the area of the interface between the device and the element. An advantage of this embodiment is that the induction heating can be performed when moulding both the device and the laminate element. By said induction heating, the fibre fraction volume in the device and in the area of the interface between the device and the laminate element can be further increased, which results in a reduced risk of voids and other defects having a negative impact on the strength of the mechanical joint joining one or more laminate elements. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved interface between the device and the element can be attained. For example, an advantage of this embodiment is that an interface between the device and the element with a reduced number of weak spots, which for example may include voids or other defects, is attained. Thus, an advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and stronger interface between the device and the laminate element can be attained in relation to conventional mechanical joints including a metal insert and a laminate element. Further, an advantage of this embodiment is that a device with improved isotropic material properties is provided. The improved isotropic material properties, for example close to isotropic material properties, provide a stronger device which better can handle and withstand strong out-of-the-plane forces.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle if The advantages of the vehicle according to the fifth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments. lOThe vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the device, the element, the mechanical joint, the method and the vehicle, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the device, the element, the mechanical joint, the method and the vehicle according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description hereinbelow.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which: Fig.1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a schematic top view of the device of Fig. 1 when the device is attached to a first embodiment of the element according to the second aspect of the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of the device and the element of Fig. 4 along A-A; Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of an embodiment of the mechanical joint according to the third aspect of the invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic top view of the device of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the device of Fig. 7; lOFig. 10 is a schematic cross-section view of the device of Fig. 7 (along B-B) when the device is attached to a second embodiment of the element according to the second aspect of the invention; Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of a portion of a composite material comprising a 3-dimensiona| woven structure; Fig. 12 is a schematic top view of the portion of the composite material comprising a 3-dimensiona| woven structure of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart illustrating aspects of embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention; and Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, a first embodiment of the device 102 for the mechanical joining of two or more elements 202 (see Figs. 4 to 6) according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. ln addition thereto, Figs. 4 to 6 also schematically illustrate a first embodiment of the element 202 according to the second aspect of the invention. Further, Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the mechanical joint 302 according to the third aspect of the invention.

With reference to Fig. 6, the device 102 is configured to mechanicallyjoin two or more elements 202, or configured to attach two or more elements 202. ln the following, reference is made to one element 202 of the two or more elements 202. The two elements 202 may, but not necessarily, comprise the same, or similar, features/design. The element 202 may be at least partly made of a composite material, wherein the composite material of the element 202 comprises, or consists of, one or more composite laminates. However, the element 202 may be of a different design or configuration, and may, for example, be made of a composite material without any composite laminate. The element 202 may also be made of a material different from a composite material, for example a material comprising only one constituent material, such as a plastic or polymer material. Other materials, for example other materials each including only one constituent material, are also possible. ln some embodiments, the element 202 may be completely, or to a large extent, made of a composite material, which comprises, or consists of, one or more composite laminates. ln some embodiments, the element 202 may be partly made of a composite material, which comprises, or consists of, one or more composite laminates.

As mentioned above, the composite material of the element 202 may, for example, comprise, or consist of, one or more carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP). The carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) may also be referred to as a carbon fibre reinforced plastic. However, other composite materials for the element 202 are possible. ln general, a composite laminate, or a composite laminate material, comprises a plurality of plies, or layers, bonded together, for example by a matrix. As mentioned above, by way of the plurality of plies, inter alia, an improved strength and stability may be attained. Other properties may also be improved or provided by way of the plurality of plies.

With reference to Figs. 4 to 6, the device 102 is attachable to one of the elements 202. Advantageously, the device 102 may be attachable to one 202 of the elements 202 which is at least partly made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates. At least one of the elements 202 to be mechanically joined may be at least partly made of a composite material, wherein the composite material of the at least one element 202 comprises, or consists of, one or more composite laminates.

With reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 4 to 6, the device 102 forms, or defines, a through hole 104 for receiving a mechanical joint member 304 (see Fig. 6). With reference to Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the device 102 may comprise an inner wall 106 which defines the through hole 104. ln the shown embodiment, the cross-section of the through hole 104 is circular, or the inner wall 106 of the through hole 104 forms a cylindrical through hole 104. However, other cross-sections of the through hole 104 are possible, for example rectangular. The device 102 may be referred to, or defined, as an insert. ln alternative embodiments, the device may form two or more through holes for receiving two or more mechanical joint members.

When the element 202 is at least partly made of a composite material, for example comprising, or consisting of, one or more composite laminates, the interface, or portion, lOof the element 202, which adjoins, or is configured to adjoin, the device 102, may comprise the composite material, for example comprising, or consisting of, one or more composite laminates.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, the device 102 is made of a composite material, wherein the composite material of the device 102 comprises a 3-dimensional (3D) woven structure 402. With reference to Figs. 11 and 12, an embodiment of the 3-dimensional woven structure 402, or a portion of the embodiment of the 3-dimensional woven structure 402, is schematically illustrated. ln Fig. 11, the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 in shown in the x-direction and y-direction. ln Fig. 12, the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 in shown in the x-direction and z-direction. lt may be defined that the 3- dimensional woven structure 402 is produced by 3-dimensional (3D) weaving. With reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 may comprise a plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 which are 3-dimensional woven, i.e. the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be 3-dimensional woven. Each fibre 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 has a longitudinal extension. The fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be referred to as continuous fibres.

With reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may extend in at least three different directions x, y and z. The longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be entangled in at least three different directions x, y and z. Expressed alternatively, the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be entangled in at least three directions x, yand z. With reference to the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, at least some of the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may extend in the directions x, y, z of the coordinate axes x, y, z of a 3-dimensional (3D) coordinate system. The directions of the coordinate axes may be x, y and z directions. However, in embodiments, the at least three different directions may be different from x, y and z of a 3-dimensional coordinate system.

With reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the fibres 404 may extend in the direction x of the coordinate axis x. The fibres 406 may extend in the direction y of the coordinate axis lOy. The fibres 408 may extend in the direction z of the coordinate axis z. lt may be defined that the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 is produced by three or more fibre yarn sets 410, 412, 414, wherein each fibre yarn set 410, 412, 414 comprises one or more fibre yarns 416, 418, 420. lt is to be understood that many other versions or patterns of the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 are possible, and the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 may, for example, be more elaborate or complex.

With reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be made of an electrically conducting material. For example, the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 may be made of a material comprising or consisting of carbon. However, other materials for the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are possible, and other electrically conducting materials, in addition to carbon, for the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are possible.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, in general, the device 102 may be made of a composite material which comprises a matrix 108. The matrix 108 may be described as a polymer structure, for example a glue structure, or an epoxy structure. However, other compositions for the matrix 108 are possible. The 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 and the matrix 108 may be mixed in one or more moulds. The matrix 108 may be introduced into the mould in liquid form, in manners known to the person skilled in the art. Various ways to produce the device 102 are disclosed in further detail hereinbelow.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, it may be defined that the device 102 has an interface 110 for the attachment of the device 102 to one of the elements 202. Thus, the interface 110 is configured to attach the device 102 to one of the elements 202. Expressed alternatively, the interface 110 of the device 102 is configured for the attachment of the device 102 to one of the elements 202. The interface 110 of the device 102 may comprise at least one protrusion 112, or projection, for protruding into one or more cavities 203, or depressions or recesses, of one of the elements 202, or into a cavity 203 of the element 202. With reference to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the interface 110 of the device 102 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 112 for protruding into one or more cavities 203 of one of the elements 202, for example two lOprotrusions 112 as shown in Figs. 1 to 6. However, in alternative embodiments, the interface 110 may include fewer or more protrusions 112. The protrusion 112, or protrusions 112, may be described as extending, or protruding, in radial directions in relation to a centerline of the through-hole 104. With reference to Fig. 5, the element 202 may comprise, or form, a plurality of cavities 203, for example two cavities 203 as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, in the shown embodiment, the two protrusions 112 may be configured to protrude into two cavities 203 of the element 202. Expressed alternatively, one of the protrusions 112 may be configured to protrude into one of the cavities 203 of the element 202. However, for alternative embodiments, the element 202 may include, or form, fewer or more cavities 203. Advantageously, the shape of the protrusion 112 of the interface 110 matches the shape of the cavity 203. For example, the protrusion 112 may fit, such as snugly fit, into the cavity With reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 4 and, the at least one protrusion 112 of the interface 110 may surround, however not completely encapsulate, the through hole 104 of the device 102. The protrusion 112 may be described as annular. lt may be defined that the protrusion 112 surrounds the inner wall 106 of the through hole With reference to Figs. 3 and 5, the device 102 may comprise a base 114 which forms the through hole 104 of the device 102. lt may be defined that the base 114 surrounds, however not completely encapsulates, the through hole 104. lt may be defined that the base 114 surrounds the inner wall 106 of the through hole 104. The protrusion 112, for example each protrusion 112 of the plurality of protrusions 112, may have a proximal end portion 116 and a distal end portion 118. The proximal end portion 116 is connected, orjoined, to the base 114. The proximal end portion 116 is located between the distal end portion 118 and the base 114. lt may be defined that the distal end portion 118 is connected to the base 114 via the proximal end portion 116. The distal end portions 118 of the plurality of protrusions 112, for example the distal end portions 118 of two protrusions 112 adjacent or next to one another, are spaced apart from one another. Expressed alternatively, there is a distance between the distal end portions 118. A recess 120 may be formed between, or may be defined by, two of the protrusions 112, which are adjacent to one another. Expressed alternatively, the plurality of protrusions 112 may include two adjacent protrusions 112 forming a recess lO120 between each other. With reference to Fig. 5, the recess 120 may be configured to receive one or more portions 204 of one of the elements With reference to Figs. 4 to 6, and as mentioned above, also a first embodiment of the element 202 according to the second aspect is schematically illustrated. Only a portion of the element 202 is illustrated in Fig. 5. Thus, the element 202 may be bigger and may have any kind of shape. As mentioned above, the element 202 may be at least partly made of a composite material comprising, or consisting of, one or more composite laminates. The composite laminate may be made of fibres and a matrix. The element 202 comprises one or more devices 102 according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments. With regard to the first embodiment of the element 202 according to the second aspect, the element 202 is attached to the device 102, and the device 102 is attached to the element 202. ln the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the element 202 has one device 102. However, the element 202 may have more devices 102 than one.

With reference to Fig. 6, and as mentioned above, also an embodiment of the mechanical joint 302 according to the third aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. The mechanical joint 302, which may be a mechanical screwjoint, includes one or more elements 202, for example two or more elements 202, according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments. Further, the mechanical joint 302 includes one or more mechanical joint members 304 received by the one or more through holes 104 of the one or more devices 102. ln the shown embodiment, the mechanical joint 302 includes one mechanical joint member 304 received by the through holes 104 of the devices 102. ln the shown embodiment, the mechanical joint 302 includes two elements 202 according to any one the above-mentioned embodiments. However, it is to be understood that fewer or more than two elements 202, for example according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, may be joined by the mechanical joint 302. For example, one element 202 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments may be included in the mechanical joint 302 and may be mechanically joined to an element, or section, of any other sort by way of the mechanical joint 302. The mechanical joint member 304 may be a screw or a threaded bolt 306. However, other mechanical joint members are possible. The lO mechanical joint member 304 may have a head 308, which may be big enough not to engage the through hole 104. The mechanical joint member 304 may be configured to engage a complementary mechanical joint element 310, such as a nut 312, which may be threaded, more specifically threaded on its inside, for example. The mechanical joint 302 may include the complementary mechanical joint element 310. lt may be defined that that the mechanical joint 302 is configured to mechanically join the one or more elements 202. lt is to be understood that the mechanical joint may be configured in several other ways in addition to the configuration illustrated in Fig.

With reference to Figs. 7 to 10, a second embodiment of the device 502 according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. Further, Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the element 602 according to the second aspect of the invention. The second embodiments of the device 502 and the element 602 shown in Figs. 7 to 10 correspond in several aspects to the first embodiments of the device 102 and the element 202 shown in Figs. 1 to 6. For example, the material of the device 502 of Figs. 7 to 10 may correspond to the material of the device 102 of Figs. 1 to 6. Therefore, only some of the differences between the second embodiments and the first embodiments will be mentioned hereinafter.

The device 502 of Figs. 7 to 10 has an interface 510 for the attachment of the device 502 to one of the elements 602, wherein the interface 510 includes three protrusions 512 for protruding into one or more cavities 603 of one of the elements 602, or into a cavity 603 of the element 602. However, in alternative embodiments, the interface 510 may include fewer or more protrusions 512. With reference to Fig. 10, the element 602 may comprise, or form, one cavity 603. Thus, in the shown embodiment, the three protrusions 512 may be configured to protrude into one and the same cavity 603 of the element 602. However, for alternative embodiments, the element 602 may include, or form, a plurality of cavities.

Other\Nise, as for the first embodiment of the device 102 according to the first aspect, the second embodiment of the device 502 also includes a corresponding through hole 504 for receiving a mechanical joint member 304, an inner wall 506 of the through hole 504 and a base lOWith reference to Fig. 10, and as mentioned above, also a second embodiment of the element 602 according to the second aspect is schematically illustrated. Only a portion of the element 602 is illustrated in Fig. 10. Thus, the element 602 may be bigger and may essentially have any kind of shape. The element 602 comprises one or more devices 502 according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments. With regard to the second embodiment of the element 602 according to the second aspect, the element 602 is attached to the device 502, and the device 502 is attached to the element 602. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the element 602 has one device 502. Other\Nise, the element 602 of Fig. 10 may correspond to the element 202 of Figs. 4 to 6. Further, one or more elements 602 of the sort shown in Fig. 10 may be joined by a mechanical joint member 304, for example a threaded bolt 306, and a complementary mechanical joint element 310, for example a nut 312, as disclosed above. However, other mechanical joints are possible. Alternatively, one element 602 of the sort shown in Fig. 10 may be mechanically joined to an element, or section, of any other sort. lt is to be understood that in embodiments the interface 110, 510 of the device 102, 502 may have many different configurations or shapes in addition to the interfaces 110, 510 disclosed above and in the figures.

With reference to Figs. 13, in a schematic flow chart, aspects of embodiments of the method for producing a device 102, 502 configured for the mechanical joining of two or more elements 202, 602 according to the fourth aspect are schematically illustrated, wherein one or more of the two or more elements 202, 602 may, for example, be configured according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above, wherein when the device 102, 502 has been produced the device 102, 502 is attachable to one 202, 602 of the elements 202, 602, and the device 102, 502 forms a through hole 104, 504 for receiving a mechanical joint member 304. Embodiments of the method may comprise the following steps: o Producing 701 a 3-dimensional (3D) woven structure 402 by 3-dimensional weaving. The 3-dimensional woven structure 402 may, for example, be lOconfigured as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 and as disclosed above. However, it is to be understood that other designs, for example more elaborate and complex designs, of the 3-dimensiona| woven structure may be produced or woven; and Producing 702, 702a, 702b the device 102, 502 from a material which comprises the 3-dimensiona| woven structure The step of producing 702, 702a, 702b the device 102, 502 from a material, which comprises a 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402, may include one or more of the following steps: Producing 702a the device 102, 502 from a material, which comprises a 3- dimensional woven structure 402, wherein the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 comprises a plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408, wherein the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are 3-dimensiona| woven by 3- dimensional weaving; and Producing 702b the device from a material, which comprises a 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402, wherein the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 is produced by three or more fibre yarn sets 410, 412, 414, wherein each fibre yarn set 410, 412, 414 comprises one or more fibre yarns 416, 418, The step of producing 702, 702a, 702b the device 102, 502 from a material, which comprises a 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402, may include one or more of the following steps, when the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are made of an electrically conducting material: Mixing 703 the 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 with a matrix 108, for example of the sort disclosed above. When the matrix 108 is mixed with the 3- dimensional woven structure 402, the matrix 108 may be a in liquid form. The 3-dimensiona| woven structure 402 and the matrix 108 may be mixed in a mould; and lOo Moulding 704a the device 102, 502 from the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 and the matrix 108 while induction heating 704b the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 and the matrix As mentioned above, when the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are made of an electrically conducting material, for example carbon, the fibre fraction volume can be further increased in the device 102, 502. However, if the fibres 404, 406, 408 of the plurality of fibres 404, 406, 408 are not made of an electrically conducting material, induction heating may still be used to heat the mould, or tool, forming the device 102, 502, when the mould, or tool, is made from an electrically conducting material. However, the mould, or tool, forming the device 102, 502 may be heated by alternative methods, instead of induction heating, to mould the device 102, ln embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the moulding of the device 102, 502 may involve injection moulding, reaction injection moulding (RIM), infusion moulding, or vacuum infused moulding. ln some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the device 102, 502 and the element 202, 602, to which the device 102, 502 is to be attached, may be moulded at the same time or in the same process, for example in one or more moulds, or in the same mould. For example, the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 of the device 102, 502 may be placed in the mould and the plies of the element 202, 602 may be placed in the mould, and at the same time, or before or after, the matrix of both the device 102, 502 and the element 202, 602 may be added. Thus, the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 of the device 102, 502 and the plies of the element 202, 602 may be mixed with the matrix at the same time or in the same process. Further, the heating step, for example including the heating of the one or more moulds, the material of the device 102, 502 and the material of the element 202, 602, may be performed at the same time, and/or before and/or after, the matrix is mixed with the 3-dimensional woven structure 402 of the device 102, 502 and the plies of the element 202, 602. By moulding the device 102, 502 and the element 202, 602, to which the device 102,is to be attached, at the same time or in the same process, an advantageous and lOefficient interface 110, for example as disclosed above, between the device 102, 502 and the element 202, 602 may be attained. However, in some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the device 102, 502 and the element 202, 602 may be moulded separately, and thereafter attached to one another. lt is to be understood that one or more additional steps may be added to the method. Some of the above-mentioned steps may be repeated or performed at the same time. lt is to be understood that one or more of the above-mentioned steps may be excluded.

With reference to Fig. 14, an embodiment of the vehicle 800 according to the fifth aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. ln Fig. 14, the vehicle 800 is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 800 may, for example, be a bus, a truck, or a car. Other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle 800 may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

With reference to Fig. 14, the vehicle 800 may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle 800 having wheels 850. Only the wheels 850 on the left-hand side of the vehicle 800 are visible in Fig. 14. lt is to be understood that the vehicle 800 may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in Fig. 14. The vehicle 800 may comprise a powertrain 852, for example configured for one ofan EV, HEV and BEV, or configured for a combustion engine 854 only. lt is to be understood that the vehicle 800 may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/or mechanical components, a combustion engine 854 and other devices required for a vehicle 800, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference to Fig. 14, the vehicle 800 comprises one or more of the group of: a device 102, 502 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; an element 202, 602 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; and a mechanical joint 302 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The elements 202, 602 to bejoined may be located in the combustion engine 854 and may, for example, be part of the combustion engine 854, or may be located anywhere else in the vehicle 800, for example in the chassis of the vehicle 800. The element 202,to be mechanically joined, or attached, to another element, or section, may for example comprise a beam, a part of a beam, a frame, a part of a frame, a partition, a part of a partition, a shield, a cover, or the like. ln some embodiments of the vehicle 800, the vehicle 800 may comprise at least two structures, or sections, to be mechanically joined, or attached, to one another. At least one of the structures, for example both structures, may include an element 202, 602 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above. The structures may be mechanically joined, or attached to one another, by way of one or more devices 102, 502 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments and/or by way of one or more mechanical joints 302 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

Thus, for example, when one element 202, 602 comprises a beam and another element 202, 602 comprises a partition, the beam and partition may be mechanically joined by way of one or more devices 102, 502 according to any one of the above- mentioned embodiments and/or by way of one or more mechanical joints 302 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. Correspondingly, a part of a frame may be joined to another part of a frame, or a part of a beam may be joined to a beam, etc., by way of one or more devices 102, 502 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments and/or by way of one or more mechanical joints 302 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. lt is to be understood that other applications of the embodiments of the device 102, 502, the element 202, 602 and the mechanical joint 302, in addition to an application to a vehicle 800, are possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. lnstead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. An element (202; 602) comprising an insert (102; 502) attached to the element (202; 602), wherein the insert (102; 502) forms a through hole (104; 504) for receiving a mechanical joint member (304), wherein the insert (102; 502) is made of a composite material comprising a 3- dimensional woven structure (402), and wherein the insert (102; 502) comprises an interface (110; 510) for the attachment of the insert (102; 502) to the element (202; 602), characterized in that the interface (110; 510) comprises at least one annular protrusion (112; 512) protruding into one or more cavities (203; 603) of the element (202; 602).

2. An element (202; 602) according to claim 1, wherein the element (202; 602) is at least partly made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates.

3. An element (202; 602) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the 3-dimensional woven structure (402) comprises a plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) which are 3- dimensional woven.

4. An element (202; 602) according to claim 3, wherein each fibre (404, 406, 408) of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) has a longitudinal extension, and wherein the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) extend in at least three different directions (X, y, z).

5. An element (202; 602) according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal extensions of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) are entangled in at least three different directions (X, y, z).

6. An element (202; 602) according to any one of the claims 3 to 5, wherein each fibre (404, 406, 408) of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) has a longitudinal lO extension, and wherein the fibres (404, 406, 408) of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) are made of an electrically conducting material.

7. An element (202; 602) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one protrusion (112; 512) surrounds the through hole (104; 504).

8. An element (202; 602) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the insert (102) comprises a base (114), which forms the through hole (104), and an interface (forthe attachment of the insert (102) to the element (202), wherein the interface comprises a plurality of protrusions (112) for protruding into one or more cavities (203) of the element (202), wherein each protrusion (1 12) of the plurality of protrusions (112) comprises a proximal end portion (116) and a distal end portion (118), wherein the proximal end portion (116) is connected to the base (114) and is located between the distal end portion (118) and the base (114), and wherein the distal end portions (118) of the plurality of protrusions (112) are spaced apart from one another.

9. An element (202; 602) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions (112) comprises two adjacent protrusions (112) forming a recess (120) between each other.

10. An element (202; 602) according to claim 9, wherein the recess (120) receives one or more portions (204) of the element (202).

11._ An element (202; 602) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the element (202; 602) is at least partly made of a composite material comprising one or more composite laminates.

12. A mechanical joint (302) comprising one or more elements (202; 602) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the mechanical joint (302) comprises one or more mechanical joint members (304) received by the one or more through holes (104; 504) of the one or more inserts (102; 502).

13. A method for producing an element (202; 602) comprising an insert (102; 502), wherein the insert (102; 502) is attachable to the element (202; 602), wherein the insert (102; 502) forms a through hole (104; 504) for receiving a mechanical joint member (304), wherein the insert (102; 502) comprises an interface (110; 510) for the attachment of the insert (1 02; 502) to the element (202; 602), and wherein the interface (110; 510) comprises at least one annular protrusion (112; 512), and wherein the method comprises: o producing (702) the insert (102; 502) from a material comprising a 3- dimensional woven structure (402), and o attaching the insert (102; 502) to the element (202; 602) such that the at least one annular protrusion (112; 512) protrudes into one or more cavities (203; 603) of the element (202; 602).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises: o producing (702a) the insert (102; 502) from a material comprising a 3- dimensional woven structure (402) which comprises a plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) which are 3-dimensional woven by 3-dimensional weaving.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises: o producing (702b) the insert (102; 502) from a material comprising a 3- dimensional woven structure (402) which is produced by three or more fibre yarn sets (410, 412, 414), each fibre yarn set (410, 412, 414) comprising one or more fibre yarns (416, 418, 420).

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the fibres (404, 406, 408) of the plurality of fibres (404, 406, 408) are made of an electrically conducting material, and wherein the method comprises: o moulding (704a) the insert (102; 502) from the 3-dimensional woven structure (402) and a matrix (108) while induction heating the 3-dimensional woven structure (402) and the matrix (108).

17. A vehicle (800) comprising at least two structures, wherein at least one of the structures include an element (202, 602) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the structures are mechanically joined, or attached to one another, by way of one or more inserts (102, 502) of the element (202, 602), and/or by way of one or more mechanical joints (302) according to claim 12.