Exterior trim panel for a vehicle

Abstract

Exterior trim panel for a vehicle, comprising: - an outer cladding element (1) with at least one through-opening (2), and - at least one sensor receptacle (3) for receiving a sensor (20), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) is arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening (2) and has a sleeve-shaped body (4) into which the sensor (20) can be received, preferably via an insertion opening (21), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) further comprises a flange (5) projecting laterally outwards from the body (4) for contact with one side (6) of the outer cladding element (1) and the sleeve-shaped body (4) extends distally from the flange (5) through the through-opening (2) to the other side (7) of the outer cladding element (1), wherein the sleeve-shaped body (4) further comprises at least one fixing element (8) which interacts with this other side (7) of the outer cladding element (1) such that the sensor receptacle (3) is fixed in the through-opening (2) by clamping the sensor receptacle (3) to the outer cladding element (1) by means of the flange (5) and by means of the fixing element (8), characterized by the fact that the edge area (9) of the passage opening (2) is set back towards the other side (7), wherein the flange thickness (D) and the depth (T) of the setback (R) are matched so that at least the edge-side visible surface (10) of the flange (5) is flush with an adjacent visible surface (11) of the outer cladding element (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an exterior trim part for a vehicle, comprising an exterior trim element with at least one through-opening, and comprising at least one sensor receptacle for receiving a sensor, wherein the sensor receptacle is arranged in the region of the through-opening and has a sleeve-shaped body in which the sensor can be received, preferably via an insertion opening, wherein the sensor receptacle further has a flange projecting laterally outwards from the body for bearing against one side of the exterior trim element, and the sleeve-shaped body extends distally from the flange through the through-opening to the other side of the exterior trim element, wherein the sleeve-shaped body further comprises at least one fixing element which interacts with this other side of the exterior trim element, such that the sensor receptacle is fixed in the through-opening.by clamping the sensor mount to the outer cladding element by means of the flange and the fixing element.

[0002] An external cladding component of this type is disclosed, for example, in the documents US 2006 / 0021440 A1, US 2006 / 0187756 A1, EP 1 785 316 A1, DE 3812182 A1, EP 1 460 391 A1 or EP 1 792 787 B1.

[0003] A disadvantage of this type of exterior trim panel, however, is that this arrangement of sensor mount and exterior trim element is not necessarily desirable from a design perspective, as the sensor mount flange protrudes from the exterior trim panel and thus detracts from the vehicle's appearance. Furthermore, protruding areas on a vehicle are always potential sources of disruptive wind noise, especially when the protruding flange affects the aerodynamics at high wind speeds.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to create an exterior trim part that looks more visually appealing and does not adversely affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by an exterior cladding part for a vehicle, comprising: - an exterior cladding element with at least one through-opening, and - at least one sensor mount for taking in a sensor, wherein the sensor receptacle is arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening and has a sleeve-shaped body into which the sensor can be received, preferably via an insertion opening, wherein the sensor receptacle further has a flange projecting laterally outwards from the body for contact with one side of the outer cladding element and the sleeve-shaped body extends distally from the flange through the through-opening to the other side of the outer cladding element, wherein the sleeve-shaped body further comprises at least one fixing element which interacts with this other side of the outer cladding element, such that the sensor receptacle is fixed in the through-opening by means of the flange and the fixing element clamping the sensor receptacle to the outer cladding element, wherein the edge area of ​​the through-opening is set back towards the other side, wherein the flange thickness and the depth of the setback are matched so that at least the edge-side visible surface of the flange is flush with an adjacent visible surface of the outer cladding element.

[0006] The inventive design of the outer cladding part allows the flange of the sensor receptacle to be virtually recessed into the surface of the outer cladding element so that the surface or visible area of ​​the flange is flush with the adjacent surface or visible area of ​​the outer cladding element.

[0007] As a fixing element, for example, a spring arm extending longitudinally along the body and elastically flexible in the radial direction can be provided for engagement on the other side of the outer cladding element. Such a spring arm allows the sensor receptacle to be inserted into the through-opening from the front (i.e., from the intended visible side of the outer cladding element) and the at least one spring arm to be deflected so that, after passing through the through-opening, it engages the through-opening on the other side of the outer cladding element. Another possibility would be to design the sensor receptacle in multiple parts and to provide a clamp as a fixing element, as disclosed, for example, in US 2006 / 0187756 A1 or EP 1 785 316 A1. Alternatively, a part of a screw connection could be provided as a fixing element, as is known, for example, from DE 3812182 A1.

[0008] As a variant of the invention, the rear side of the flange opposite the visible surface can have indentations or projections extending from the rear side which, in the correct installation position of the sensor mount, lie on corresponding indentations or within corresponding recesses of the edge region. Such a design serves to prevent incorrect orientation of the sensor relative to the outer cladding element. If, for example, an attempt is made to install the sensor mount rotated out of the correct installation position, the flange will remain above the adjacent visible surface of the outer cladding element (or may not even engage properly), since the required insertion path is too short if the corresponding indentation does not lie within a corresponding recess.

[0009] The edge area can have at least one recess, and the sleeve-shaped body can have at least one outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending rib, which together form an insertion aid for mounting the sensor holder. This insertion aid facilitates the installation of the sensor holder, as the rib guides the sensor holder within the recess. Providing multiple recesses and ribs, distributed asymmetrically to one another, can also prevent incorrect installation, as this ensures that mounting is only possible in a predetermined position.

[0010] The side edge of the flange can form a uniform, circumferential gap with the area of ​​the recess opposite the side edge. For this purpose, centering ribs can additionally be provided at certain points on the edge of the flange, the positions and sizes of which define the gap dimension.

[0011] The sensor to be provided can in particular be an ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement.

[0012] The sensor housing can preferably only be inserted into the through-opening from the outside of the outer cladding element.

[0013] The outer cladding element and the sensor housing can each be manufactured as a single piece. Preferably, the outer cladding element is produced using a plastic injection molding process. The sensor housing is also preferably manufactured as a separate component using a plastic injection molding process.

[0014] The entire visible surface of the flange and the visible surface of the outer cladding element can have at least one colored coating. The coating is preferably applied after the sensor receptacle has been mounted in the outer cladding element. A method for manufacturing an outer cladding element described above could comprise the following steps: - Providing an exterior cladding element, - Providing a sensor recording, - Connecting the sensor mount to the outer cladding element by having the fixing element secure the sensor mount in the through-opening, by clamping the sensor mount to the outer cladding element by means of the flange and the fixing element, - Applying at least one coat of paint to the entire visible surface of the flange and the visible surface of the outer cladding element.

[0015] Alternatives to a painted coating would be to manufacture the outer cladding element and the sensor mount (or at least the flange) from the same colored plastic material (so-called mold-in-coloring). Alternatively, the flange could simply have a textured surface on its visible side, visually matching an adjacent textured surface on the outer cladding element.

[0016] The provision of the outer cladding element and the sensor mount can preferably each be carried out by means of an injection molding process.

[0017] Part of the invention also includes a vehicle with at least one outer paneling part as described above. Examples of implementation

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings, which merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional partial view of an outer cladding part according to the invention; Fig. 2 a rear detail view of the outer cladding part made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section view through the connection area of ​​sensor mount and outer cladding element; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the passage opening in the outer cladding element from the intended viewing side; Fig. 5 a detailed view of the passage opening in the outer cladding element with inserted sensor mount from the intended viewing side; Fig. 6 different views of the sensor image.

[0020] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an exterior trim part for a vehicle, comprising an exterior trim element 1 with at least one through-opening 2, and comprising at least one sensor receptacle 3 for receiving a sensor (not shown in detail here).

[0021] The sensor receptacle 3 is arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening 2 and has a sleeve-shaped body 4 into which the sensor 20 can be received, preferably via an insertion opening 21 (cf. Fig. 2 and the section view in Fig. 3).

[0022] The sensor receptacle 3 further comprises a flange 5 projecting laterally from the body 4 for contact with one side 6 (here a part of the intended visible side, which is then covered by the flange) of the outer cladding element 1. The sleeve-shaped body 4 extends distally from the flange 5 through the through-opening 2 to the other side 7 (here the "inside") of the outer cladding element 1 (see in particular Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0023] The sleeve-shaped body 4 further comprises at least one fixing element 8, which interacts with this other side 7 of the outer cladding element 1, such that the sensor receptacle 3 is fixed in the through-opening 2 by means of the flange 5 and the fixing element 8 clamping the sensor receptacle 3 to the outer cladding element 1. The fixing element 8 is a spring arm 8 extending longitudinally along the body 4 and elastically flexible in the radial direction for engagement with the other side 7 of the outer cladding element 1 (see in particular [reference]). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0024] The edge area 9 of the passage opening 2 is set back towards the other side 7, wherein the flange thickness D and the depth T of the setback R are coordinated such that at least the edge-side visible surface 10 of the flange 5 is flush with an adjacent visible surface 11 of the outer cladding element 1 (see in particular Fig. 3).

[0025] The rear side 12 of the flange 5 opposite the visible surface 10 has projections 13 extending from the rear side 12, which, in the correct installation position of the sensor mount 3, lie on corresponding indentations 14 of the edge area 9 (see figure). Fig. 4 in conjunction with Fig. 6).

[0026] The edge region 9 has at least one recess 15 and the sleeve-shaped body 4 has at least one outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending rib 16, which together form an insertion aid for the assembly of the sensor mount 3 (see Fig. 4 in conjunction with Fig. 6, as well as Fig. 2).

[0027] The side edge of the flange 5 forms a uniformly circumferential gap with the area of ​​the recess R opposite the side edge (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 5) In addition, centering ribs 17 projecting laterally from the edge of the flange 5 are provided at some points, the positions and sizes of which define the gap dimension (see Figure 5). Fig. 6).

[0028] The sensor receptacle 3 can only be inserted into the through-opening 2 from the outside of the outer cladding element 1.

[0029] In the Fig. 3 are indicated by dotted lines that the entire visible surface of the flange 5 and the visible surface 11 of the outer cladding element 1 have at least one color-imparting paint layer L.

[0030] The outer cladding element 1 is formed in one piece, preferably using a plastic injection molding process.

[0031] And the sensor mount 3 is also formed in one piece, preferably using a plastic injection molding process. 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] US 2006 / 0021440 A1

[0002] US 2006 / 0187756 A1 [0002, 0007] EP 1 785 316 A1 [0002, 0007] DE 3812182 A1 [0002, 0007] EP 1 460 391 A1

[0002] EP 1 792 787 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Exterior trim part for a vehicle, comprising: - an outer cladding element (1) with at least one through opening (2), and - at least one sensor receptacle (3) for receiving a sensor (20), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) is arranged in the region of the through-opening (2) and has a sleeve-shaped body (4) in which the sensor (20) can be received, preferably via an insertion opening (21), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) further comprises a flange (5) projecting laterally outward from the body (4) for engagement with one side (6) of the outer cladding element (1), and the sleeve-shaped body (4) extends distally from the flange (5) through the through-opening (2) to the other side (7) of the outer cladding element (1), wherein the sleeve-shaped body (4) further comprises at least one fixing element (8) which interacts with said other side (7) of the outer cladding element (1), so that the sensor receptacle (3) is fixed in the through-opening (2) by the sensor receptacle (3) being clamped to the outer cladding element (1) by means of the flange (5) and by means of the fixing element (8), characterized by , that the edge region (9) of the through-opening (2) sets back in the direction of the other side (7), wherein the flange thickness (D) and the depth (T) of the setback (R) are coordinated with one another such that at least the edge-side visible surface (10) of the flange (5) is arranged flush with an adjacent visible surface (11) of the outer cladding element (1). [2] Exterior cladding part according to claim 1, characterized bythat a spring arm (8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the body (4) and elastically flexible in the radial direction is provided as the fixing element (8) for locking onto the other side (7) of the outer cladding element (1). [3] Exterior cladding part according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the rear side (12) of the flange (5) opposite the visible surface (10) has indentations or projections (13) protruding from the rear side (12) which, in the correct installation position of the sensor holder (3), lie on corresponding projections or in corresponding indentations (14) of the edge region (9). [4] Exterior cladding part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the edge region (9) has at least one recess (15) and the sleeve-shaped body (4) has at least one outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending rib (16), which together form an insertion aid during assembly of the sensor holder (3). [5] Exterior cladding part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the side edge of the flange (5) forms a uniform circumferential gap with the area of ​​the recess (R) opposite the side edge. [6] Exterior cladding part according to claim 5, characterized by that in addition, centering ribs (17) projecting laterally from the edge of the flange (5) are provided at some points, the positions and sizes of which define the gap dimension. [7] Exterior cladding part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor holder (3) can only be inserted into the through opening (2) from the outside of the outer cladding element (1). [8] Exterior cladding part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the entire visible surface of the flange (5) and the visible surface (11) of the outer cladding element (1) have at least one color-imparting lacquer layer (L). [9] Exterior cladding part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer cladding element (1) and the sensor holder (3) are each formed as a single piece. [10] Motor vehicle with at least one outer trim part according to one of the preceding claims.

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