Method for assembling a vehicle

Abstract

A method for assembling a vehicle (10) with a structural component (20), with an outer skin panel (30) and with an adjustable, detachable connecting device (50), wherein the connecting device (50) comprises a profile rail (52), a T-nut (60) and a screw (72), wherein the T-nut (60) is arranged in the profile rail (52) and has an internal thread (62) for interaction with the screw (72), wherein the method comprises the following steps: A) the outer skin panel (30) is aligned relative to the structural component (20) in the painted state, and B) the outer skin panel (30) is connected to the structural component (20) in the painted state via the connecting device (50), wherein, to create the connection, the T-nut (60) in the profile rail (52) is acted upon on one side by a screw connection (70) with the screw (72) with a predetermined force (F) against a section of the profile rail (52).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for assembling a vehicle.

[0002] DE 10 2016 209 148 A1 shows an outer skin module of a vehicle door with an outer skin.

[0003] DE 102 20 950 A1 discloses a method for assembling a motor vehicle door, which consists of a door body and an outer skin.

[0004] DE 10 2006 028 591 A1 shows an arrangement of a body part on a support part by means of a screw connection.

[0005] DE 10 2020 120 855 A1 shows the attachment of a spoiler to an outer skin.

[0006] EP 1 129 878 A2 shows an attachment of an outer skin to an inner sheet metal.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new method for assembling a vehicle.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0009] A method for assembling a vehicle with a structural component, with an outer skin panel and with an adjustable, detachable connecting device, wherein the connecting device comprises a profile rail, a T-nut and a screw connection with a screw and an internal threaded part for interaction with the screw, wherein the T-nut is arranged in the profile rail, comprises the following steps: A) The outer skin panel is aligned relative to the structural component in its painted state, and B) The outer skin panel is connected to the structural component in the painted state via the connecting device, wherein, to create the connection, the T-nut in the profile rail is subjected on one side by the screw connection with a predetermined force against a section of the profile rail, wherein - either the profile rail is connected to the outer skin panel side and the screw connection is connected to the structural component side, - or the profile rail is connected to the structural component side and the screw connection is connected to the outer skin panel side.

[0010] The detachable connection allows the outer skin panel to be painted before installation, unlike with a welded connection, for example. Furthermore, the connection device enables alignment of the outer skin panel during installation. If the outer skin panel is damaged, it can be easily replaced. The effort required for rework is significantly reduced.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile rail is attached to the outer skin panel, the structural component has a first screw receptacle, and in step B) the screw extending through the first screw receptacle is screwed into the internally threaded part. In this solution, the screw connection can be made from the structural component. The screw connection can be designed to be invisible from the outside or at least difficult to see.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile rail is attached to the structural component, the outer skin panel has a second screw receptacle, and in step B) the screw extending through the second screw receptacle is screwed into the internally threaded part. This allows for easy access to the screw connection from the outside.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the internal threaded portion is formed by the T-nut, and in step B) the screw is rotated relative to the T-nut to create the screw connection. T-nuts can be screwed in securely.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the screw is fixedly connected to the T-nut, and the internal threaded portion is designed as a nut, the nut being rotated relative to the screw in step B) to create the screw connection. With this solution, the required height on the inside of the structural component is less than when a screw is inserted from the inside. Furthermore, the screw can be easily inserted into the screw receptacle on the structural component.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the first screw receptacle is designed as a through-hole in the structural component. This allows the structural component to form a counter-bearing for the screw.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile rail has a T-shaped groove. Such a groove widens towards the inside, and the T-nut can be supported in it.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, in step A) the outer skin panel is aligned by moving the T-nut within the profile rail. This enables good alignment with the profile rail.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the screw is engaged with the internal threaded portion during the displacement of the T-nut. The displacement of the T-nut can thus be effected via the screw.

[0019] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It shows: Fig. 1 In a schematic representation, a vehicle with a structural component and with an outer skin panel in the unassembled state, Fig. 2 in a schematic representation the vehicle of Fig. 1 in the assembled state, Fig. 3 in an exterior view the outer skin panel of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 in a schematic cross-section a profile, Fig. 5 in a spatial representation a T-nut for the profile of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 in a side view another embodiment of the T-nut of Fig. 5.

[0020] In the following, identical or similarly functioning parts are designated with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds upon itself across figures to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematically indicated vehicle 10.

[0022] The vehicle 10 has a structural component 20 and an outer skin panel 30.

[0023] The outer skin panel 30 is already painted.

[0024] A connecting device 50 is provided for connecting the outer skin panel 30 to the structural component 20. The connecting device 50 enables an adjustable, detachable connection.

[0025] For example, structural component 20 is a component of the body or chassis of vehicle 10.

[0026] A detachable connection is a type of mechanical connection that can be separated without damaging the connected parts. Typical examples include screw connections, plug connections, or clamps. This type of connection makes it easy to assemble, disassemble, or replace components as needed without compromising the integrity of the parts.

[0027] The connecting device 50 has a profile rail 52, a T-nut 60 and a screw connection 70 with a screw 72 and an internal thread part 90 for interaction with the screw 72.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the internal thread part 90 is formed by the T-nut 60, the T-nut 60 therefore has an internal thread section.

[0029] The T-nut 60 is arranged in the profile rail 52.

[0030] The profile rail 52 is attached to the outer skin panel 30, for example by a welded connection, screw connection or rivet connection.

[0031] The structural component 20 has two screw receptacles 22 through which the screws 72 can be inserted.

[0032] The screw receptacle 22 is designed as a through-hole in the structural component 20.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows vehicle 10 with the outer skin panel 30 mounted.

[0034] The screws 72 are inserted through the screw receptacles 22 and are engaged with the T-nut 60.

[0035] To create the screw connection 70, the respective screw 72 is rotated relative to the T-nut 60.

[0036] As long as the screw 72 is only partially tightened, the T-nut 60 can be moved or shifted within the profile rail 52 to align the outer skin panel 30. This allows for good alignment of the outer skin panel 30 relative to the structural component 20.

[0037] During the displacement of the T-nut 60, the screw 72 is preferably engaged with the internal threaded part 90 or, in the exemplary embodiment, with the T-nut 60. This eliminates the need for an additional tool to displace the T-nut 60.

[0038] Once the alignment has been achieved, the screw 72 extending through the screw receptacle 22 is screwed into the internal thread part 90 or into the T-nut 60, and the outer skin panel 30 is securely attached to the structural component 20.

[0039] The process for manufacturing vehicle 10 can therefore be described as follows: A) the outer skin panel 30 is aligned relative to the structural component 20 in the painted state, and B) the outer skin panel 30 is connected to the structural component 20 in the painted state via the connecting device 50, wherein, to create the connection, the T-nut 60 in the profile rail 52 is subjected on one side by the screw connection 70 with a predetermined force F against a section of the profile rail 52, wherein - either the profile rail 52 is connected to the outer skin panel side and the screw connection 70 is connected to the structural component side, - or the profile rail 52 is connected to the structural component side and the screw connection 70 is connected to the outer skin panel side.

[0040] The profile rail 52 can therefore also be attached to the structural component 20, and the screw connection is then made via the outer skin panel 30, which has a corresponding screw receptacle for this purpose. However, with this variant it is more difficult to make the screw connection 70 invisible, if this is desired.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows the outer skin panel 30 from the outside. The profile rails 52 are arranged on the inside of the outer skin panel 30 and are therefore not visible or only slightly visible from the outside.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows the profile rail 52 in cross-section.

[0043] The profile rail has an open profile. An open profile has a cross-section that is not completely closed, for example, an L, U, or T profile. The screw 72 can extend through the opening of the open profile.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the profile rail 52 defines a T-shaped groove 54, which therefore becomes wider towards the inside.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the T-nut 60.

[0046] T-slot nuts 60 are referred to in English as "sliding nut" or "T-slot nut".

[0047] The T-nut 60 has an internal thread 62 for interaction with the screw 72.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 shows the structural component 20 and the outer skin panel 30 with a further embodiment of the connecting device 50.

[0049] In this connecting device 50, the screw 72 is firmly connected to the T-nut 60.

[0050] The counterpart to a screw is called a nut. The nut is a fastener with an internal thread that serves to hold the screw and, in combination with it, enables a secure, usually detachable, connection.

[0051] The nut is rotated relative to the screw 72 to create the screw connection 70.

[0052] A T-nut is a mechanical connecting element used for fastening and precisely positioning a workpiece.

[0053] Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2016 209 148 A1

[0002] DE 102 20 950 A1

[0003] DE 10 2006 028 591 A1

[0004] DE 10 2020 120 855 A1

[0005] EP 1 129 878 A2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for assembling a vehicle (10) with a structural component (20), with an outer skin panel (30) and with an adjustable, detachable connecting device (50), wherein the connecting device (50) comprises a profile rail (52), a T-nut (60) and a screw connection (70) with a screw (72) and an internal threaded part (90) for interaction with the screw (72), wherein the T-nut (60) is arranged in the profile rail (52), the procedure comprises the following steps: A) the outer skin panel (30) is aligned relative to the structural component (20) in the painted state, and B) the outer skin panel (30) is connected to the structural component (20) in the painted state via the connecting device (50), wherein, to create the connection, the T-nut (60) in the profile rail (52) is subjected on one side by the screw connection (70) with a predetermined force (F) against a section of the profile rail (52), wherein - either the profile rail (52) is connected to the outer skin panel side and the screw connection (70) is connected to the structural component side, - or the profile rail (52) is connected to the structural component side and the screw connection (70) is connected to the outer skin panel side. [2] Method according to claim 1, in which the profile rail (52) is attached to the outer skin panel (30), in which the structural component (20) has a first screw receptacle (22), and in which in step B) the screw (72) extending through the first screw receptacle (22) is screwed to the internal thread part (90). [3] Method according to claim 1, in which the profile rail (52) is attached to the structural component (20), in which the outer skin panel (30) has a second screw receptacle, and in which, in step B), the screw (72) extending through the second screw receptacle is screwed to the internal threaded part (90). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal thread part (90) is formed by the T-nut (60), and wherein in step B) the screw (72) is rotated relative to the T-nut (60) to produce the screw connection (70). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screw (72) is firmly connected to the T-nut (60), and wherein the internal thread part (90) is designed as a nut, wherein in step B) the nut is rotated relative to the screw (72) to create the screw connection (70). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first screw receptacle (22) is designed as a through-hole in the structural component (20). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile rail (52) has a T-shaped groove (54). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer skin panel (30) is aligned in step A) by moving the T-nut (60) within the profile rail (52). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein during the displacement of the T-nut (60) the screw (72) is engaged with the internal thread part (90).

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