DEVICE FOR PROVIDING AN IDENTIFICATION IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

In a device (10) for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle (60), comprising an identifier area (20) designed such that the identifier can be applied or is applied to the identifier area (20) with a laser, it is provided, for the purpose of facilitating the application of the identifier in the motor vehicle and reducing the installation space requirement, that the device (10) comprises a plastic part (30), wherein the identifier area (20) is formed by the plastic part (30), and at least one positioning element (40) is arranged on the plastic part (30), which can be brought into engagement with a complementary element (50) on a vehicle part (70) of the motor vehicle (60) for positioning the plastic part (30).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Background of the invention

[0002] Legal regulations may require that an identifier such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) be affixed to the vehicle and be readable from the outside through the windshield. Typically, the VIN is visible through a window printed in black at the edge of the windshield.

[0003] Currently, an adhesive plastic film with a printed vehicle identification number is manually applied to a plastic carrier or directly to the sheet metal body. The plastic film includes an identification area designed so that the identification number can be applied or engraved using a laser.

[0004] However, manually applying the plastic film requires a marking for positioning and sufficient space all around on the substrate or sheet metal body. This space is needed as a tolerance range, especially for manual application. This leads to increased installation space requirements and can result in incorrect positioning and damage to the VIN plastic film. Furthermore, a larger tolerance range is needed with regard to paint runs and / or edges: the adhesive plastic film cannot be reliably applied to paint runs. At edges, the brittle adhesive plastic film can easily break during application. In all cases, this results in increased quality assurance efforts and rework. In particular, the projection of driver information onto the black print of the windshield limits the available installation space for the VIN.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved device for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle, which facilitates the application of the identifier in the motor vehicle and reduces the installation space required. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a device for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle, comprising an identifier area which is designed such that the identifier can be applied or is applied to the identifier area with a laser, characterized in that the device comprises a plastic part, wherein the identifier area is formed by the plastic part, and at least one positioning element is arranged on the plastic part which can be brought into engagement with a complementary element on a vehicle part of the motor vehicle for positioning the plastic part.

[0008] Because the identification area is formed by the plastic part itself, and the identifier can therefore be laser-applied to it, an adhesive plastic film bearing the identifier is unnecessary. Furthermore, unlike a plastic film, the plastic part with the identifier allows for the integration of a positioning element and the associated engagement with the complementary element of the vehicle component. This facilitates precise positioning of the plastic part with the identifier on the vehicle component for fastening, preferably by bonding. This eliminates the tolerance range required, for example, for manual application. This simplifies the application of the identifier. Overall, incorrect installation is avoided and the required installation space is minimized.

[0009] In vehicle construction, "plastic part" is understood to mean a dimensionally stable component. In other words, the plastic part in all embodiments is designed as a dimensionally stable plastic part. In contrast, an (adhesive) plastic film is not dimensionally stable, as its thickness is significantly less than that of the plastic part. (Adhesive) plastic films are typically so flexible and thin that they can be bent, folded, or wound without retaining their original shape. In all embodiments, the plastic part is therefore designed as, or should be understood as, a rigid plastic part. Consequently, in all embodiments, the plastic part in the present case is not designed as a plastic film or an adhesive plastic film. An (adhesive) plastic film is not considered dimensionally stable or rigid in vehicle construction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning element is designed to engage with a mesh opening. This allows the positioning element to engage with the complementary element particularly quickly and reliably. Preferably, the positioning element is cylindrical. Furthermore, preferably, a base surface of the cylindrical positioning element is arranged on the plastic part. A lateral surface of the cylindrical positioning element is particularly well-suited for engaging with a circular mesh opening.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the plastic part has two positioning elements, each with a different diameter. This facilitates the positioning of the plastic part with correct orientation on the vehicle part.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the plastic part has a back side facing the vehicle part and a front side opposite it containing the identification area, wherein the plastic part has a material thickness of at least 0.5 mm between both sides, at least in certain sections. This makes the plastic part particularly dimensionally stable and especially suitable for arranging positioning elements for engagement with the vehicle part. However, the material thickness of at least 0.5 mm can be reduced to create a predetermined breaking point. This predetermined breaking point is described below. Material thicknesses of 0.5 mm and above can no longer be considered plastic films in this application, but are understood as plastic parts.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the plastic part has a predetermined breaking point designed so that the plastic part breaks at this point when the plastic part attached to the vehicle part is detached. This prevents the plastic part, along with the identification marking, from being improperly removed from the vehicle part. Preferably, the material thickness at the predetermined breaking point is less than the material thickness outside the predetermined breaking point. Accordingly, the material thickness of at least 0.5 mm of the plastic part at the predetermined breaking point can be less than 0.5 mm.

[0014] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device as described above and a vehicle part with at least one complementary element, wherein the positioning element and the complementary element are in engagement with each other. The features and effects of the device described above also apply accordingly to the present motor vehicle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the complementary element is designed as an engagement opening. This allows the positioning element to engage with the complementary element particularly quickly and reliably. More preferably, the engagement opening is circular. This makes it particularly well-suited for the engagement of a cylindrical positioning element.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vehicle part is designed as a flange area. This allows the vehicle part to be provided particularly easily and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the even more preferred design as a body-integrated flange area enables secure attachment of the device. "Body-integrated" in this context means that the vehicle part cannot be removed without damaging the vehicle structure, which increases the security of the device's installation.

[0017] Preferably, in all embodiments, the vehicle component, and particularly preferably the flange area, is located inside the vehicle in the area of ​​a windshield. This allows the marking on the plastic part to be easily read from the outside through the windshield.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vehicle component is arranged on an A-pillar of the motor vehicle. It is generally conceivable that the present device, with its reduced installation space requirement, could save 2 to 4 mm in a Y-shaped dimension chain of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the windshield can be used, for example in the area of ​​a cowl, for projecting information.

[0019] Preferably, the A-pillar of the motor vehicle includes a side frame, the side frame forming the flange area. This allows the flange area to be easily and securely attached to the A-pillar.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the side frame comprises layers of material arranged one above the other, wherein an intermediate layer of material arranged between the outermost layers and / or one of the outermost layers forms the flange area such that the flange area projects from the other layers. This allows for a particularly stable A-pillar with a particularly advantageously arranged flange area.

[0021] In another embodiment, the plastic part preferably has a projection beyond the vehicle part. This allows the plastic part to also be used to conceal other vehicle parts, particularly if the device is to be read through a viewing window of a black print on the windshield. At the same time, the projection reduces the amount of material required for the vehicle part, which can lower manufacturing costs.

[0022] In all embodiments, the plastic part is preferably attachable to or secured to the vehicle part, preferably by means of a double-sided adhesive tape. The engagement of the positioning element with the complementary element ensures that the plastic part is precisely positioned and can then be securely attached to the vehicle part. In particular, the plastic part cannot be removed without being destroyed, which increases the security of the identification marking. Particularly preferably, the plastic part can have the predetermined breaking point described above to further enhance the security of the identification marking. Character description

[0023] One embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 described. This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a device for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number in a motor vehicle, and Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device. Detailed description

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a device 10 for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle 60.

[0025] The device 10 has an identification area 20 which is designed such that the identifier can be applied or is attached to the identification area 20 using a laser.

[0026] The device 10 further comprises a plastic part 30, wherein the identification area 20 is formed by the plastic part 30. Preferably, the identification area 20 is designed such that, when the identification area 20 is processed with a laser, the color of the identification area 20 can be changed to form the identifier. It is particularly preferred that at least the identification area 20 has color particles that can be destroyed by processing with the laser. This allows, for example, dark color particles in the plastic part 30 or in the identification area 20 to be destroyed, so that the identifier is displayed as light compared to dark, undamaged color particles. In summary, in all embodiments, the identifier can be applied to or is applied to the identification area 20 of the plastic part 30 using a laser.

[0027] Furthermore, at least one positioning element 40 is arranged on the plastic part 30, which can be brought into engagement with a complementary element 50 on a vehicle part 70 of the motor vehicle 60 for positioning the plastic part 30.

[0028] Thus, an adhesive plastic film with the identifier is no longer required. By intervening in the complementary element 50 of the vehicle part 70, the plastic part 30 or the device 10 with the identifier on the vehicle part 70 is positioned precisely, and the tolerance range required for manually applying an adhesive plastic film is eliminated. Therefore, the device 10 can be positioned more accurately for fastening in the vehicle 60, and the device 10 requires less installation space.

[0029] In all embodiments, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the entire plastic part 30 and / or the at least one positioning element 40 are made of the same material as the identification area 20. This simplifies the manufacture of the device 10.

[0030] In all embodiments, it is conceivable that the plastic part 30 is preferably formed with the identification area 20 and / or the positioning element 40 is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0031] Furthermore, in all embodiments it is conceivable that the plastic part 30 with the identification area 20 and the positioning element 40 are formed in one piece.

[0032] As in the Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 1, the complementary element 50 is preferably configured as an engagement opening 52. Accordingly, the positioning element 40 is preferably configured to engage in the engagement opening 52. This can also be understood as a pin-and-hole connection.

[0033] Preferably, the positioning element 40 is designed as a cylinder. Accordingly, the engagement opening 52 is preferably circular.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, in all embodiments, the positioning element 40 can be understood as a locking pin, which may have a cylindrical shape or another suitable shape. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the engagement opening 52 is designed to engage in accordance with the shape of the positioning element 40.

[0035] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the plastic part 30 preferably has two positioning elements 40.1 and 40.2. The diameter d1 of the first positioning element 40.1 differs from the diameter d2 of the second positioning element 40.2; for example, d1 can be smaller than d2. A diameter can, for example, be defined by twice the cylinder radius.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the plastic part 30 preferably has a rear side 32 facing the vehicle part 70 and a front side 34 opposite it, with the identification area 20. In other words, the identification area 20 is located on the front side 34. The front side 34 is visible when the device 10 is installed in the motor vehicle 60. The plastic part 30 can have a material thickness D of at least 0.5 mm in at least some sections between the rear side 32 and the front side 34.

[0037] Particularly preferably in all embodiments, the plastic part 30 is designed as a plastic shield 30. The front 34 and the back 32 can preferably be arranged parallel to each other.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen by way of example in Figure 2, the plastic part 30 can have a predetermined breaking point 36, which is designed so that the plastic part 30 breaks at the predetermined breaking point 36 when the plastic part 30, which is attached to the vehicle part 70, is detached. Preferably, the material thickness D' at the predetermined breaking point 36 is less than the material thickness D outside the predetermined breaking point 36. In other words, the material thickness D' of the predetermined breaking point can be less than 0.5 mm.

[0039] For example, in Fig. 2. A first predetermined breaking point 36.1 is identified, which preferably extends in a width direction of the plastic part 30. Alternatively or additionally, a second predetermined breaking point 36.2 preferably extends in a length direction of the plastic part 30. In all embodiments, it is conceivable that the predetermined breaking points 36 can also intersect.

[0040] Again with a view to Fig. 1 The engagement of the positioning element 40 with the complementary element 50 will be described below by way of example: A motor vehicle 60 comprises a device 10 as described above and a vehicle part 70 with a complementary element 50, wherein the positioning element 40 and the complementary element 50 are in engagement with each other.

[0041] Preferably, the vehicle part 70 is designed as a flange area 72. Particularly preferably, the flange area 72 is fixed to the vehicle body. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle part 70 or the flange area 72 is preferably arranged inside 62 of the motor vehicle 60 in the area of ​​a windshield. For simplification, a windshield is assumed to be Fig. 1 Not shown: For example, a boundary structure 80.1 may be provided for the windshield, against which the windshield (not shown) rests. In area 80.2, the windshield may be bonded to the A-pillar 80. For example, area 80.2 may be designed as a support plate for carrying a windshield adhesive.

[0042] Furthermore, in Fig. It can be seen that the vehicle part 70 is preferably arranged on an A-pillar 80 of the motor vehicle 60. Particularly preferably, the A-pillar 80 of the motor vehicle 60 comprises a side frame 82, and the side frame 82 forms the flange area 72. Particularly preferably, the side frame 82 can comprise superimposed layers of material 82.1-82.4. An intermediate layer of material or a reinforcing layer 82.3 arranged between the outermost material layers 82.1 and 82.4 can form the flange area 72 such that the flange area 72 projects out from the other material layers 82.1, 82.2, 82.4. Alternatively or additionally, one of the outermost material layers 82.1 and / or 82.4 can also form the flange area 72 in such a way that the flange area 72 protrudes from the other material layers 82.1, 82.2, 82.3 and / or 82.4 (not shown).Alternatively or additionally, the flange area can also be provided by any material layer in the motor vehicle 60 and / or the A-pillar 80.

[0043] Preferably, the outermost material layer 82.1 is configured as the inner side frame layer 82.1. More preferably, the outermost material layer 82.4 is configured as the outer side frame layer 82.4.

[0044] With regard to the side frame 82, the material layer 82.2 is preferably configured as a reinforcing layer 82.2 or an intermediate material layer 82.2. Likewise, the material layer 82.3 is preferably configured as a reinforcing structure 82.3 or an intermediate material layer 82.3.

[0045] The rest is as in Fig. 1. A tolerance distance d3 in the range of 1 to 3 mm, particularly preferably 2.2 mm, between the plastic part 30 and the outer side frame layer 82.4 is conceivable. The outer side frame layer 82.4 can have a cutout 82.5, wherein the plastic part 30 has the tolerance distance d3 to the cutout 82.5.

[0046] Furthermore, the plastic part 30 preferably has a projection 38 relative to the vehicle part 70. In other words, when the positioning element 40 engages with the complementary element 50, the projection 38 of the plastic part 30 is free from being covered by the vehicle part 70. The projection 38 can thus be used cost-effectively to cover other vehicle parts or vehicle areas instead of the vehicle part 70.

[0047] In all embodiments, it is generally conceivable that the plastic part 30 can be attached to, or is attached to, the vehicle part 70, preferably by means of a double-sided adhesive tape. For the sake of simplicity, the double-sided adhesive tape is shown in Fig. 1 not shown. Preferably, the double-sided adhesive tape is arranged between the plastic part 30 and the vehicle part 70, particularly preferably between the back side 32 of the plastic part 30 and the vehicle part 70.

[0048] Finally, in all embodiments, it is also conceivable that the positioning element 40 can be brought into engagement with the complementary element 50 via a different type of connection. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a tongue and groove connection, a dovetail guide, and / or a snap connection with one or more flexible hooks or tabs are possible. Reference symbol list 10 Device 20 Identification area 30 plastic parts 32 Back 34 Front 36 Breakaway point 38 Overhang 40 Positioning element 50 Complementary element 52 Access opening 60 motor vehicles 62 Interior 70 vehicle part 72 Flange area 80 A-pillar 80.1 Boundary structure 82 side frames 82.1 inner side frame position 82.2 Reinforcement position 82.3 Reinforcement layer or intermediate material layer 82.4 outer side frame position 82.5 Excerpt D material thickness D' Material thickness at the predetermined breaking point

Claims

[1] Device (10) for providing an identifier, in particular a vehicle identification number, in a motor vehicle (60), comprising an identifier area (20) which is designed such that the identifier can be applied or is attached to the identifier area (20) with a laser, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a plastic part (30), wherein the identification area (20) is formed by the plastic part (30), and at least one positioning element (40) is arranged on the plastic part (30), which can be brought into engagement with a complementary element (50) on a vehicle part (70) of the motor vehicle (60) for positioning the plastic part (30). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the positioning element (40) is designed to engage in an engagement opening (52), and wherein the positioning element (40) is preferably designed as a cylinder. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by , that the plastic part (30) has two positioning elements (40) each with different diameters d1, d2. [4] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plastic part (30) has a rear side (32) facing the vehicle part (70) and a front side (34) opposite it with the identification area (20), wherein the plastic part (30) has a material thickness D of at least 0.5 mm between both sides (32, 34) at least in sections. [5] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the plastic part (30) has a predetermined breaking point (36) which is designed so that the plastic part (30) breaks at the predetermined breaking point (36) when the plastic part (30) attached to the vehicle part (70) is detached, wherein preferably a material thickness D' at the predetermined breaking point (36) is less than the material thickness D outside the predetermined breaking point (36). [6] Motor vehicle (60), comprising a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a vehicle part (70) with at least one complementary element (50), wherein the positioning element (40) and the complementary element (50) are in engagement with each other. [7] Motor vehicle (60) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the complementary element (50) is designed as an engagement opening (52), and wherein the engagement opening (52) is preferably circular. [8] Motor vehicle (60) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized bythat the vehicle part (70) is designed as a flange area (72), wherein preferably the flange area (72) is designed to be fixed to the body, and / or the vehicle part (70) is arranged inside (62) the motor vehicle (60) in the area of ​​a windshield. [9] Motor vehicle (60) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by , that the vehicle part (70) is arranged on an A-pillar (80) of the motor vehicle (60), wherein preferably the A-pillar (80) of the motor vehicle (60) comprises a side frame (82), and the side frame (82) forms the flange area (72). [10] Motor vehicle (60) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the side frame (82) comprises superimposed layers of material (82.1-82.4) and an intermediate layer of material (82.3) arranged between the outermost layers of material (82.1, 82.4) and / or one of the outermost layers of material (82.1, 82.4) forms the flange area (72) such that the flange area (72) protrudes from the other layers of material (82.1, 82.2, 82.4). [11] Motor vehicle (60) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by , that the plastic part (30) has a protrusion (38) relative to the vehicle part (70). [12] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or motor vehicle (60) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized by that the plastic part (30) can be attached to or is attached to the vehicle part (70), preferably by means of a double-sided adhesive tape.

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