Arrangement of individual functional elements of a washing water container on a fastening section of a structural component

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of a separate functional element (16) of a washing water container (38) on a fixing section (34) of a structural component (14) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the fixing section (34) is at least partially made of plastic and wherein an opening (52) in the fixing section (34) is designed in such a way that an introduction section (54) of the functional element (16) can be brought into a final assembly position by introduction and displacement and / or twisting in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening (52), wherein the functional element (16) is fixed in a form-fitting manner relative to the structural component (14) in the final assembly position, as viewed in the depth direction of the opening (52). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (10) having such an arrangement, a filling nozzle (40) for a washing water container (38), a motor vehicle lock bracket (18) having a fixing section (34) and a method for mounting the functional element (16) on the fixing section (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of individual functional elements of a washing water container on a fixing section of a structural component and in particular to an arrangement of a filling connection of a washing water container on a fixing section of a motor vehicle lock bracket. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such an arrangement, a filling connection for a washing water container, and a motor vehicle lock bracket with a fixing section. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a functional element of a washing water container on a fixing section of a structural component, in particular a filling connection of a washing water container on a motor vehicle lock bracket. Background Art

[0002] The arrangement of individual functional elements of the wash water container on the fastening section of a structural component is known. Such an arrangement requires complex assembly. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing for use: an arrangement of functional elements of a washing water container on a fastening section of a structural component, a motor vehicle with such an arrangement, a filling nozzle for a washing water container, a motor vehicle lock bracket, and a method for assembly, which each allow simple assembly.

[0004] The solution to this problem is achieved according to the invention with the features described below.

[0005] The invention relates to the arrangement of a separate functional element of a washing water container at a corresponding fixing section of a structural component of a motor vehicle. The separate functional element is in particular a filling nozzle for the washing water container. The functional element preferably has a reinforcement section which abuts against the fixing section. The functional element is in particular made of plastic, preferably polypropylene (PP).

[0006] The structural component is arranged in particular in the front part of the motor vehicle and extends over a large part of the width of the front part. Preferably, the structural component extends over at least 900 mm in the vehicle transverse direction (y direction) and particularly preferably forms a connection between two longitudinal beams. The structural component is responsible for improving the rigidity in the front part of the vehicle. The structural component extends over at least 150 mm and a maximum of 400 mm in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x direction). Preferably, the structural component is a lock bracket for a motor vehicle. In particular, the lock bracket serves, in addition to the arrangement of the functional elements, for arranging a hood closing system and / or a front panel.

[0007] The fastening section is arranged on the structural component outside such an area which is subject to requirements in terms of pedestrian protection. In particular, the fastening section is arranged on the side of the structural component facing away from the front side of the motor vehicle as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (x direction) and, in the case of an arrangement in the front part of the vehicle, is arranged at least 150 mm behind the rear edge of the bumper cross member as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (x direction). As viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle (y direction), the fastening section is arranged outside the structural component in the middle and is arranged so as to be easily accessible. The fastening section is arranged above the bumper cross member at a height of 200 mm to 350 mm, in particular as viewed in the vehicle height direction (z direction). The width of the fastening section is in particular between 5 mm and 40 mm and preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0008] The fixing section is at least partially made of plastic. In particular, the fixing section is made of plastic only or alternatively of a mixed structure, such as glass fiber reinforced plastic. PP-GF30 is suitable here, for example. A structural component with such a fixing section formed at least partially of plastic has particular advantages in terms of weight. Plastic has a proportionally low weight and a structural component with such a fixing section is therefore particularly suitable for use in a vehicle with an electric drive. Advantageously, the entire structural component is at least partially made of plastic and is accordingly particularly light. Glass fiber reinforced or metal inserts can be used for additional stability of the structural component. Such a structural component can also be manufactured cost-effectively by injection molding.

[0009] In the fixing section, the opening is designed such that the introduction section of the functional element can be brought into a final assembly position by introduction and displacement in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening and / or twisting in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening, wherein the functional element is fixed relative to the structural component in a form-fitting manner in the final assembly position as viewed in the depth direction of the opening. The above and / or combination is to be understood as meaning that the introduction is mandatory and then followed by either displacement or twisting or both, wherein the order of displacement and twisting is irrelevant in the latter case and mandatory multiple changes between displacement and twisting are likewise not to be excluded.

[0010] The arrangement according to the invention enables a particularly simple assembly of the functional element on the structural component, since only two movements are necessary (i.e., introduction and displacement and / or introduction and twisting) in order to achieve a positive-fitting fixation on the structural component in the depth direction of the opening of the functional element. Accordingly, additional reinforcement elements and / or support elements, such as screw fasteners or receptacles or adapters arranged on the structural component, can be omitted. The arrangement according to the invention can thus also be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

[0011] In a practical embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the introduction section and the fastening section are designed such that the introduction section is arranged in the final assembly position protruding through the opening so that the introduction section grips the clamping section of the fastening section from behind and, due to the gripping arrangement, a force-fitting fixation between the introduction section and the fastening section is achieved. The gripping arrangement in the final assembly position can be produced particularly easily if the opening is a keyhole-shaped opening and the introduction section is designed in a mushroom-shaped or hook-shaped manner. In particular, by means of the introduction section gripping the clamping section from behind, a clamping fixation of the functional element on the structural component is achieved which is particularly stable with respect to the forces acting in the front part of the motor vehicle during driving.

[0012] If a spring-elastic locking strap is provided at the functional element, the locking strap promotes the form-fitting fixation of the functional element relative to the structural member in the final assembly position so that the return movement and / or return twisting from the final assembly position are locked in a form-fitting manner, then the fixation of the functional element at the structural member is further improved. The such interaction of the locking strap and the structural member reduces the risk that the functional element is undesirably released from the structural member. The spring-elastic locking strap is particularly arranged in the final assembly position so that the locking strap is abutted against the inner side of the opening. In particular, the spring-elastic locking strap is arranged at the introduction section for this, and it extends through the opening. In addition, a manipulation section is preferably provided at the locking strap, by means of which the locking strap can be moved from a fixed position in the final assembly position to a flexed position, wherein then for the release arrangement, the return movement and / or return twisting of the introduction section in the opening can be realized.

[0013] In particular, the functional element has at least one supporting rib extending in the vertical direction. The supporting rib serves to support the weight forces acting on the functional element in the final assembly position. For this purpose, the supporting rib engages in particular in a recess in the fastening section and is fixed in particular in a clamping manner, in that the supporting rib and a transverse rib formed on the functional element bear against opposite surfaces of the wall of the recess. The supporting rib has an engagement section, which in the final assembly position is arranged to engage in a recess in the fastening section of the structural component and provides a torsion lock.

[0014] In another practical embodiment, the functional element has at least one transverse rib, which is arranged in the final assembly position such that the functional element is supported on the structural component by the transverse rib. In particular, the functional element has a plurality of transverse ribs and in particular transverse ribs that protrude relative to other transverse ribs, which are arranged in a recess in the fastening section. The ends of the transverse ribs bear against the wall of the recess and the cooperation of the transverse ribs and the recess provides an additional stop against the twisting of the functional element on the fastening section.

[0015] The at least one transverse rib formed on the functional element particularly advantageously cooperates with at least one longitudinal rib arranged on the structural component in the fastening section. Preferably, a plurality of longitudinal ribs on the fastening section and transverse ribs on the functional element are arranged in such a way that a grid structure is obtained, which can be referred to as a contact surface or a contact grid. Such a contact grid is robust with respect to the acting forces and requires only a small amount of material for its production. In addition, the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs can be easily manufactured using injection molding technology.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an arrangement as described above, wherein the fixing section extends obliquely at an angle relative to the vehicle height direction (z direction) in the installation position and the introduction section is designed so that a movement extending at least partially downward in the vehicle height direction (z direction) is required for the assembly of the functional element. In particular, a reinforcement section corresponding to the fixing section extending obliquely in the vehicle height direction (z direction) is also constructed at the functional component. This oblique construction of the fixing section and, if applicable, the corresponding reinforcement section has a number of advantages: On the one hand, such a fixing section constructed obliquely in the vehicle height direction (z direction) can be demolded with an opening in only one direction without using a slide. Demolding is performed in the vehicle height direction. In addition, the inclined fixing section or reinforcement section enables simple assembly by a movement extending partially downward, and the assembly and retention in the final assembly position are additionally supported by the action of gravity.

[0017] The invention also relates to a filling connection for a washing water container of a motor vehicle. The filling connection has a base body, wherein a reinforcement section is constructed on the base body, the reinforcement section having an introduction section constructed in a hook shape and a spring-elastic locking strap. In particular, the reinforcement section additionally has a support rib constructed at a distance from the introduction section, which has a coupling section. The combination of the above-mentioned reinforcement means (introduction section, locking strap, support rib), which extends at the height of the reinforcement section, enables a stable connection or fixation of the filling connection at a fixing section provided for this purpose, which is particularly robust with respect to possible vibrations in the motor vehicle. In addition, the reinforcement means can be easily assembled with only a small amount of operation and without additional separate reinforcement elements. The reinforcement means can also be manufactured by means of injection molding. In particular, the filling connection with the base body and the reinforcement section is manufactured in one piece from plastic by injection molding.

[0018] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle lock carrier with a fastening section having an opening for accommodating a functional element of a washing water container, wherein the fastening section is formed at least partially, in particular completely, from plastic or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. In particular, the entire motor vehicle lock carrier is formed from plastic, glass-fiber reinforced plastic or from plastic with metal inserts. For advantages and further features, reference is made to the above description. The fastening section has in particular at least one of the fastening means already described above, such as, for example, an opening, a clamping section, a recess or a notch.

[0019] The invention further relates to a method for mounting a functional element of a washing water container at a fixing section of a structural component of a motor vehicle, wherein the fixing section is at least partially made of plastic and wherein an opening is formed in the fixing section. To produce the final assembly position, the introduction section of the functional element is introduced into the opening and then moved and / or twisted in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening. The functional element is then fixed in the final assembly position relative to the structural component in a form-fitting manner as viewed in the depth direction of the opening. As already described above, the assembly of the functional element at the washing water container can be realized particularly simply and in particular without additional reinforcement elements.

[0020] In order to achieve additional support or locking of the arrangement of the functional element on the fastening section, a spring-elastic locking strap can also be arranged in such a way when producing the final assembly position that it positively counteracts a return movement or return twist of the introduction section from the opening. By means of an actuation section provided on the locking strap, the locking strap can be actuated and in particular flexed in such a way that a release of the arrangement can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other practical implementation forms of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A motor vehicle is shown in side view,

[0023] Figure 2 The arrangement according to the invention in the front part of a motor vehicle is shown in a perspective view obliquely from above in the final assembly position.

[0024] Figure 3 The perspective view from the rear is shown Figure 2 The layout,

[0025] Figure 4 The enlarged view shows the Figure 3 The area marked with IV,

[0026] Figure 5 Based on Figure 4 The cross-sectional view along line VV shows the Figure 4The layout,

[0027] Figure 6 A first embodiment of a motor vehicle lock bracket according to the invention is shown in a perspective view from the side.

[0028] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the motor vehicle lock bracket according to the invention is shown in a perspective view from the side.

[0029] Figure 8 The filler neck according to the invention is shown in a perspective view from the side.

[0030] Fig. 9 The side view shows the Figure 8 Filling pipe,

[0031] Fig.10 The top view shows the Figure 6 a portion of a motor vehicle lock bracket, and

[0032] Fig.11 The view from below shows the Fig.10 A portion of a motor vehicle lock bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] exist Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 is shown in a side view. The arrangement according to the invention is implemented in the front part 12 of the motor vehicle 10, which Figure 1 Marked with dotted line.

[0034] exist Figure 2 and 3 An embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention with a functional element 16 and a structural component 14 in a vehicle front part 12 is presented in detail, wherein housing elements (bumper package, radiator grille, engine hood, etc.) arranged in front of the structural component 14 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are not presented.

[0035] The structural component 14 is a motor vehicle lock bracket 18 in the exemplary embodiment, which is arranged behind a bumper cross member 20 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (x direction), with a foam element 22, a pedestrian protection cross member 24 arranged below it in the vehicle height direction (z direction), and an air guide element 26. The structural component 14 extends in the vehicle transverse direction (y direction) between two longitudinal beams (not shown). An opening serving as a screw hole 28 is provided in the structural component 14 (see FIG. Figure 7 ), which is used to indirectly or directly reinforce the structural member 14 at the longitudinal beam. One or more additional unidentifiable screw holes are located at Figure 6 In the recess 78 identified in FIG. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the structural component 14 is used in the present case, among other things, to reinforce the two locking struts 30 .

[0036] Structural member 14 Figure 6 and 7 In different implementation forms, they are presented separately. Figure 6 In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the structural component 14 is produced exclusively from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0037] Figure 7 The second embodiment in FIG. 1 is made of plastic and has a metal insert 32. Both embodiments are identical in that they have a fastening section 34 made of plastic with identical fastening means 36 and that correspondingly identical functional elements 16 are provided on both.

[0038] As in Figures 2 to 5 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the fastening section 34 is arranged on the side of the structural component 14 facing away from the front of the vehicle. The fastening section 34 is arranged on the structural component 14 in a well-accessible area in the center of the outside as viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle (y direction), in the present case on the right side of the structural component 14 as viewed in the direction of travel. The width b of the fastening section 34 is 15 mm here.

[0039] In the vehicle front part 12, a washing water container 38 with a filling connection 40 and a hose 42 connecting the filling connection 40 and the washing water container 38 are also arranged. Figures 2 to 5 In the final assembly position shown in FIG. 1 , it is fastened to the fastening section 34 of the structural component 14 and in this respect serves as a functional element 16 .

[0040] exist Figure 8 and 9 4 shows the filler neck 40 in detail. The filler neck 40 comprises a base body 44 which is used to fill in the wash water and which is closed by a cover 46. In the present case, the cover 46 and the base body 44 are clamped to one another. Extending from the base body 44 is a reinforcement section 48 with a plurality of reinforcement means 50, by means of which the filler neck 40 is reinforced on the structural element 14 in the fastening section 34.

[0041] Then, combined Figures 4 to 9 The arrangement of the functional element 16 on the structural component 14 is explained in more detail.

[0042] A keyhole-shaped opening 52 is formed in the fastening section 34 (see Figure 6 and 7 ). Correspondingly, a hook-shaped or also mushroom-shaped insertion section 54 is formed on the reinforcement section 48 of the functional element 16 (see Figure 8 and 9The introduction section 54 is introduced through the opening 52 and then arranged by means of a displacement in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening 52, in this case in the vehicle height direction (z direction) downwards, so that it grips from behind a clamping section 56 constructed on the fixing section 34 (see Figure 5 ). Accordingly, a positive fit fixation of the functional element 16 on the structural component 14 is produced in the depth direction of the opening 52. Furthermore, the clamping is produced by the part of the introduction section 54 that grips the clamping section 56 from behind and the transverse ribs 58 that abut against the clamping section 56 (see Figure 5 ).

[0043] A spring-elastic locking strap 60 is formed on the insertion section 54 and is Figure 4 and 5 54 is arranged against the inner side of the opening 52 in the final assembly position shown in detail in FIG. The locking strap 60 thus prevents the introduction section 54 from being moved back upward in the vehicle height direction (z direction). An actuating section 62 is arranged on the locking strap 60, by means of which the spring-elastic locking strap 60 can be moved out of the opening 52 and thus enable the functional element 16 to be moved back from the fastening section 34 and also removed.

[0044] In order to improve the fixing of the arrangement, the functional element 16 has in the reinforcement section 48 a supporting rib 64 with a joining section 66 which extends in the vehicle height direction (z direction) (see Figure 8 and 9 ). The supporting rib 64 is supported in a recess 68 formed in the fixing section 34. Here too, a clamping fixation can optionally be achieved by the supporting rib 64 and the transverse rib 58, which rest against opposite surfaces of the wall 70 of the recess 68. Furthermore, the engagement section 66 engages in a notch 72 formed in the wall 70 on the fixing section 34 in the final assembly position (see Figure 5 ), thereby achieving guidance (especially during assembly) and rotation protection (especially during use).

[0045] As already mentioned above, the reinforcement section 48 has a plurality of transverse ribs 58, wherein in the present case a transverse rib 74 protrudes relative to the other transverse ribs 58. The transverse rib 74 rests with its ends against the wall of the recess 68 and accordingly also serves as a rotation lock.

[0046] Adjacent to the opening 52, the structural component 14 has longitudinal ribs 76 extending parallel to one another in the fastening section 16, so that Figures 2 to 5 In the final assembly position shown in , a contact grid is obtained which is formed by the longitudinal ribs 76 and the transverse ribs 58 formed on the reinforcement section 48 .

[0047] As in Figure 5 and 7As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the fixing section 34 extends at an angle to the vehicle height direction (z direction) at the structural component 14 . Therefore, the structural component 14 can be demoulded in the vehicle height direction (z direction). Fig.10 and 11 It is shown once from the top and from the bottom. It can be seen that the fastening section 34 with the fastening means 36 and the entire structural component 18 can be demoulded in the direction out of the page (z direction) without a slide.

[0048] The features of the invention disclosed in this description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any combination. The invention may be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the responsible person skilled in the art.

[0049] Reference Symbols List

[0050] 10 Motor Vehicles

[0051] 12 Front of car

[0052] 16 functional elements

[0053] 14 Structural components

[0054] 18Motor vehicle lock bracket

[0055] 20 Bumper beam

[0056] 22 foam pieces

[0057] 24 Pedestrian protection beam

[0058] 26 Air guide element

[0059] 28 screw holes

[0060] 30 lock pillars

[0061] 32 Metal Inserts

[0062] 34 fixed sections

[0063] 36Fixed Devices

[0064] 38 washing water container

[0065] 40 Filling pipe

[0066] 42 Hose

[0067] 44 Matrix

[0068] 46 Covering parts

[0069] 48 Reinforcement Section

[0070] 50Reinforcement Devices

[0071] 52 Opening

[0072] 54Introduction section

[0073] 56 Clamping section

[0074] 58 transverse ribs

[0075] 60 Locking plate

[0076] 62 Operation Section

[0077] 64 support ribs

[0078] 66 Joint section

[0079] 68 recess

[0080] 70 wall

[0081] 72 notches

[0082] 74 Protruding transverse ribs

[0083] 76 longitudinal ribs

[0084] 78 recess.

Claims

1. An arrangement of a separate functional element (16) of a washing water container (38) on a fastening section (34) of a structural component (14) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein: The fixing section (34) is at least partially made of plastic, and the opening (52) in the fixing section (34) is designed in such a way that the introduction section (54) of the functional element (16) can be brought into a final assembly position by introduction and displacement and / or twisting in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening (52), wherein the functional element (16) is fixed relative to the structural component (14) in a form-fitting manner in the final assembly position as viewed in the depth direction of the opening (52), wherein the functional element (16) has a There is at least one supporting rib (64) extending in the height direction with an engagement section (66), which is arranged in the final assembly position to engage in a recess (72) in the fixing section (34) of the structural component (14), wherein the supporting rib (64) engages in a recess (68) in the fixing section (34) and is fixed in a clamping manner in that the supporting rib (64) and a transverse rib formed on the functional element (16) abut against opposite surfaces of a wall (70) of the recess (68).

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The introduction section (54) and the fixing section (34) are designed in such a way that the introduction section (54) is arranged in a final assembly position so as to protrude through the opening (52) that the introduction section (54) engages from behind a clamping section (56) of the fixing section (34) and, due to the arrangement engaging from behind, a force-fitting fixation is achieved between the introduction section (54) and the fixing section (34).

3. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A spring-elastic locking strap (60) is provided on the functional element (16), which in the final assembly position promotes a positive-locking fixation of the functional element (16) relative to the structural component (14) in such a way that a return movement and / or return rotation from the final assembly position is positively locked.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The structural component (14) has at least one longitudinal rib (76) in the fastening section (34).

5. A motor vehicle having an arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fastening section (34) extends obliquely at an angle to the vehicle height direction in the installed position and the introduction section (54) is designed such that a movement extending at least partially downward in the vehicle height direction is required for mounting the functional element (16).

6. A method for mounting a functional element (16) of a washing water container (38) on a corresponding fastening section (34) of a structural component (14) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein: The fixing section (34) is at least partially made of plastic, wherein an opening (52) is formed in the fixing section (34), wherein an introduction section (54) of the functional element (16) is introduced into the opening (52) for arrangement in a final assembly position and subsequently displaced and / or twisted in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening (52), so that the functional element (16) is fixed relative to the structural component (14) in a form-fitting manner in the final assembly position, as viewed in the depth direction of the opening (52), wherein the functional element (16) has at least one supporting rib (64) extending in the height direction with a joining section (66), wherein the joining section (66) engages in a recess (72) in the fixing section (34) of the structural component (14) in the final assembly position, wherein the supporting rib (64) engages in a recess (68) in the fixing section (34) and is fixed in a clamping manner in that the supporting rib (64) and a transverse rib formed on the functional element (16) abut against opposite surfaces of a wall (70) of the recess (68).

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