Vehicle with spoiler and method for fitting a spoiler on a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle with a spoiler (20) which is fastened to an outer skin component (10) of the vehicle, for which purpose a clamping element (30) is provided on the outer skin component (10), which engages with a corresponding mating clamping element (26) of the spoiler (20). The clamping element (30) has an end stop (36) in the z direction (Z) oriented transversely to the surface of the outer skin component (10) and an intermediate element (28) which is elastically compressed in the z direction is arranged between the spoiler (20) and the outer skin component (10), which presses the spoiler (20) against the end stop (36). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for fitting a spoiler (20) on a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having a spoiler and a method for mounting the spoiler on the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Spoilers are, for example, mounted on the rear edge of a motor vehicle. Spoilers affect the vehicle's aerodynamics, producing output and creating a defined guide edge at the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Such spoilers are typically attached to the tail section using double-sided adhesive tape. Therefore, for example, the adhesive tape is first applied to the spoiler, then the protective layer is peeled off, and the spoiler is then attached to the rear cover using the adhesive tape. This assembly is time-consuming because the positioning and "activation" of the adhesive tape requires time and incurs costs associated with complex, specialized operating components. Furthermore, inaccurate positioning of the spoiler on the rear cover results in high reprocessing costs.

[0004] Furthermore, as known from document DE102015012874A1, the air guide element is fixed to the rear cover plate by a locking mechanism. For this purpose, the vehicle panel has locking elements, and the air guide element is clamped by a corresponding locking element on the air guide element side, thereby fixing the air guide element to the panel with a preload. This fixing is problematic in components with tolerances because, depending on deviations in the component shape, excessive preload can lead to insufficient fixation of the spoiler to the vehicle, similar to how excessive preload can cause the locking elements to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this context, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved feasibility method for securing a spoiler to a vehicle. In particular, it aims to achieve simple assembly and ensure a uniform connection method.

[0006] This task is accomplished by a vehicle according to the invention and a method according to the invention.

[0007] A vehicle with a spoiler is proposed, the spoiler being fixed to an outer skin component of the vehicle. For this purpose, a clamping element is provided on the outer skin component, the clamping element engaging with a corresponding mating clamping element of the spoiler. Specifically, the clamping element and the mating clamping element form a form-locking connection in the z-direction, which is oriented transversely to the surface of the outer skin component and, in one design, may be aligned with the vertical axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the clamping connection also determines the position of the spoiler transversely to the z-direction, i.e., its position in the plane of the outer skin surface.

[0008] The clamping element has an end stop in the z-direction, and an intermediate element that is elastically compressed in the z-direction is arranged between the spoiler and the outer skin member, which presses the spoiler against the end stop.

[0009] In other words, the intermediate element is clamped and tensioned between the spoiler and the outer skin component. The compressive elasticity of the intermediate element creates a counter-pressure that pushes the spoiler away from the outer skin component, thereby pressing it against the end stop of the corresponding clamping element along the z-direction. Any existing tolerances are compensated for by the intermediate element, which can be compressed more or less at times. This limits the force acting on the clamping connection and achieves uniform fixation. Furthermore, the compressed intermediate element decouples the spoiler from the vehicle.

[0010] By incorporating an intermediate element, an artificial gap is created between the spoiler and the outer skin component. Subtle variations in the height of this gap are less perceptible to the human eye compared to the mating edge between the spoiler and the outer skin component. Therefore, the intermediate element provides visual concealment of fluctuations in the component's orientation. Tolerances are less noticeable to the customer, and the visual appearance is improved. Consequently, the requirements for tolerance dimensional chains can be reduced.

[0011] To facilitate assembly, one design may specify that the intermediate element is bonded to the spoiler. The assembly of the spoiler and the intermediate element can be achieved together. If the intermediate element is securely attached to the spoiler, slippage of the intermediate element is prevented during spoiler assembly, and precise positioning of the intermediate element is ensured.

[0012] The intermediate element is made of an elastically compressible material. Preferably, the intermediate element is made of a foam material. For example, foamed plastics, especially foamed synthetic rubbers such as neoprene rubber (chloroprene rubber), can be used. When using an elastic foam material, the intermediate element can be easily compressed, while exhibiting high recovery capability due to elastic deformation. This allows the required assembly force to be kept small and achieves complete gap bridging through the intermediate element. A uniform appearance is achieved because the foam material does not exhibit significant changes in appearance even upon compression.

[0013] Cost-effective manufacturing with high freedom in spoiler appearance can be achieved in a spoiler design that is a shell component having an outer shell forming the visible side of the spoiler and a lower shell facing the vehicle. The outer shell and lower shell are joined together, for example, bonded together to form the spoiler. The outer shell can be implemented, for example, as a fiber-reinforced plastic component and designed according to visual angles, for example, having visible fiber reinforcements made of carbon fiber or dyed glass fiber, while the lower shell can be designed according to purely functional angles. By arranging mating clamping elements on or in the lower shell and securing intermediate elements to the lower shell, the fixing solution on the finished component remains invisible to the customer.

[0014] The intermediate element is preferably formed as a visual curtain between the spoiler and the outer skin component, concealing or filling the gap there, thereby improving the appearance for the customer. For this purpose, in one design, the intermediate element can be constructed at least along the front and rear edges of the spoiler. For example, more than one intermediate element can also be provided; for instance, two strip-shaped intermediate elements can be arranged each along one edge.

[0015] In another design, the central element is constructed as a component that wraps around the edge sides. This element encloses the gap between the spoiler and the outer skin component on all four sides, thereby reducing dirt sensitivity. Furthermore, the edge-wrapping element, as a closed structure, is easier to handle and assemble.

[0016] Here, the expressions “surrounding the edge” and “along the edge” should be understood to mean that the intermediate element can extend not only directly on the edge but also spaced apart from the edge, but substantially parallel to the edge.

[0017] The clamping element and the mating clamping element engage with each other in the assembled state, wherein the undercut ensures that separation in the z-direction is impossible or only possible with the application of large forces or in the event of damage to the component. The clamping element may, for example, be constructed as a pin and have a mushroom-shaped protrusion at its end that engages with the mating clamping element on its back. In the simplest case, the mating clamping element may be formed by a through-hole in the spoiler. Of course, other clamping elements and mating clamping elements can also be used.

[0018] Particularly preferred is that the clamping elements are constructed such that they have a gap in the z-direction when assembled without intermediate elements. In this design, the clamping elements and the mating clamping elements engage with each other and prevent separation in opposite assembly directions; however, the spoiler and the outer skin component can be brought closer together. The gap can be used to achieve the desired expansion of the intermediate elements and to selectively adjust the gap size.

[0019] The clamping element is arranged on and fixed to the outer skin component. Preferably, the clamping element can be glued to the outer skin component.

[0020] In one design, the clamping elements are bonded to the vehicle as individual components; that is, the clamping elements are not connected to each other, but are individually bonded to the outer skin components.

[0021] In an alternative design, the clamping elements are part of a clamping track. This track has a support plate on which multiple clamping elements are arranged. The clamping track can be constructed as a single piece, for example, as an injection-molded part, so that the clamping elements are fixedly positioned on the track. Alternatively, the clamping elements can be mounted on the support plate, for example, clamped into the support plate. This structural configuration allows for better tolerance compensation and avoids excessive geometric specification. To secure the clamping track to the vehicle, the support plate is then connected to, preferably bonded to, the outer skin component. This allows for rapid assembly because all clamping elements can be assembled as a single component. Positioning the clamping elements on the outer skin component is less laborious because these clamping elements are already correctly positioned relative to each other.

[0022] The clamping elements or clamping rails are preferably bonded using liquid adhesives, such as UV-cured adhesives or one- or two-component adhesives. Double-sided adhesive tape can also be considered.

[0023] The intermediate element creates a spatial separation between the outer skin component and the spoiler. Direct contact between the two components (except in the area of ​​the clamping element) is prevented, thereby improving corrosion protection. This is particularly advantageous when the spoiler is a fiber-reinforced plastic component and the outer skin component is a metal component in a design.

[0024] Furthermore, a method for mounting a spoiler onto a vehicle is provided. This method includes the following steps:

[0025] A clamping element is applied to a predetermined position on the outer skin component of the vehicle, wherein the clamping element has an end stop in the z-direction transverse to the surface of the outer skin component.

[0026] A spoiler is provided, the spoiler including a mating clamping element corresponding to the clamping element.

[0027] The clamping element is locked to the mating clamping element of the spoiler, wherein the intermediate element arranged on the spoiler is elastically compressed in the z direction between the spoiler and the outer skin member and generates a counter pressure, which presses the spoiler against the end stop.

[0028] In a preferred design, when multiple clamping elements are assembled on a common support plate and the support plate is bonded to the outer skin member in order to apply the clamping elements to the outer skin member, better tolerance compensation can be achieved and excessive geometric specification can be avoided.

[0029] The features and details described in connection with the vehicle also apply to the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that the disclosures regarding the various aspects of the invention are always mutually referential or can be mutually referenced.

[0030] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, features mentioned in the claims and description may be individually or in any combination as essential parts of the invention. When the term "may" is used in this application, it refers both to technical feasibility and to actual technical implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The embodiments are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the schematic diagrams:

[0032] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rear cover with a fixed spoiler is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of an exemplary clamping element is shown, and

[0034] Figure 4 The different steps for assembling the spoiler are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an outer skin component 10 of a motor vehicle, in the form of a rear cover. A spoiler 20 (also referred to as a glove flap) is positioned above and attached to the rear cover 10. The spoiler 20 is implemented as a shell-like component and has an outer shell 22 and a lower shell 24. The outer shell forms the visible outer side of the spoiler 20 on the vehicle, and the lower shell is used to secure the spoiler 20 to the vehicle and to stabilize the spoiler. The outer shell 22 and the lower shell 24 are bonded together. Preferably, the outer shell 22 is constructed as a fiber-reinforced plastic component, and in particular, the fiber reinforcement can be incorporated into the visible appearance, for example, with visible carbon fiber or dyed glass fiber. The outer shell 22 can be painted, for example, with colored paint and / or varnish.

[0036] To secure the spoiler, two or more clamping elements 30 are bonded to the outer skin component. Figure 1Only one clamping element 30 is shown. However, two or more clamping elements 30 are used to secure the spoiler 20. The clamping elements 30 can be constructed on a common support plate 32, for example, as an injection-molded part, for which see also [reference needed]. Figure 2 See the top view of the common support plate 32. Alternatively, the clamping element 30 may also be constructed as a plurality of separate individual elements, which are bonded to the outer skin member 10 at intervals from each other, see [reference]. Figure 3 The top view in the image.

[0037] The spoiler has a mating clamping element 26, which corresponds in position and shape to the clamping element 30. In its simplest form, the mating clamping element 26 can be a through hole constructed in the lower housing 24. The clamping element 30 engages with the mating clamping element 26, for which the protrusion 34 of the clamping element 30 engages with the corresponding mating clamping element 26 on its back side in an undercut manner. The shoulder surface of the protrusion here forms an end stop 36 in the z-direction, which prevents the spoiler 20 from being removed from the outer skin member 10 in the z-direction.

[0038] A resiliently compressible intermediate element 28 is provided at least along the front edge 27 and rear edge 29, and if necessary, also around the entire edge of the spoiler 20, and is bonded to the lower shell 24. The intermediate element extends relative to the spoiler 20 in a direction toward the outer skin member 10. The intermediate element 28 is compressed in the z-direction between the outer skin member 10 and the spoiler 20 (more precisely, the lower shell 24). This generates a counterforce G in the z-direction, which presses the spoiler 20 away from the outer skin member 10 and against the end stop 36 of the clamping element 30, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 .

[0039] Figure 4 Different method steps for mounting the spoiler 20 onto a vehicle are shown. First, the clamping element 30 is bonded to the vehicle's outer skin component 10 at a predetermined position using an adhesive layer 40. This can be constructed, for example, by applying a liquid / paste adhesive or by bonding double-sided adhesive tape.

[0040] In addition, providing targeted Figure 1The spoiler 20 is described. To assemble the spoiler 20, an assembly force F is applied to the spoiler 20, and the spoiler 20 is pressed against the clamping element 30 along the z-direction. The z-direction represents a direction transverse to the surface of the outer skin member 10. The z-direction can (especially in the illustrated example) coincide with the vehicle's vertical axis (Z-axis), in which case the X-axis correspondingly represents the vehicle's longitudinal axis and the Y-axis represents the vehicle's transverse axis. After assembly, the clamping element 30 extends through the mating clamping element 26, or gap, in the lower housing 24 and engages the mating clamping element with its protrusion 34 on the back. The resilient intermediate element 28 arranged on the spoiler 20 is compressed in the z-direction. Preferably, the clamping element 30 and the mating clamping element have a gap in the z-direction, such that the position of the spoiler in the z-direction is not explicitly defined by the clamping element.

[0041] If the assembly force F disappears after the spoiler is assembled, the elastically compressed intermediate element 28 generates a reaction force G, which presses the spoiler 20 away from the outer skin member 10 and presses it against the end stop 36 of the clamping element 30 by the lower shell 24.

[0042] The spoiler 20 occupies a defined position in the z-direction. This compensates for any tolerances that may exist in the z-direction, particularly those that may occur on the rear cover or housing 22.

[0043] List of reference numerals

[0044] 10. Outer skin components

[0045] 20 spoilers

[0046] 22. Outer shell

[0047] 24 Lower shell

[0048] 26. Matching clamping elements

[0049] 27 Leading edge

[0050] 28 Intermediate Components

[0051] 29 Back edge

[0052] 30 Clamping elements

[0053] 32 Bearing plate

[0054] 34. Protrusion

[0055] 36 End stop

[0056] F Assembly force

[0057] G Reaction Force

[0058] X, Y, Z directions

Claims

1. Vehicle with a spoiler (20), which is fastened on an outer skin component (10) of the vehicle, To this end a clamping element (30) is provided on the outer skin component (10), which engages with a corresponding mating clamping element (26) of the spoiler (20), characterized in that The spoiler (20) is a shell component with a shell (22) forming the visible side of the spoiler (20) and a lower shell (24) facing the vehicle, the clamping element (30) has an end stop (36) in a z-direction (Z) oriented transversely to the surface of the outer skin component (10) and an intermediate element (28) is arranged between the spoiler (20) and the outer skin component (10), which is elastically compressed in the z-direction, presses the spoiler (20) against the end stop (36) and is pressed with the lower shell (24) against the end stop (36) of the clamping element (30), wherein the mating clamping element (26) and the clamping element (30) are configured such that in the assembled state, without the intermediate element (28), there is a clearance in the z-direction.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The intermediate element (28) is bonded to the spoiler (20).

3. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The intermediate element (28) consists of a foam material.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mating clamping element (26) is arranged on or in the lower shell (24) and the intermediate element (28) is fastened on the lower shell (24).

5. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The intermediate element (28) is configured at least along the front edge (27) and the rear edge (29) of the spoiler (20).

6. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The intermediate element (28) is configured as an edge-encircling element.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping element (30) is bonded to the outer skin component (10).

8. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping element (30) is arranged on a common carrier plate (32), which is bonded to the outer skin component (10).

9. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spoiler (20) is a fiber-reinforced plastic component and the outer skin component (10) is a metal component.

10. Method for assembling a spoiler (20) on a vehicle, comprising the following steps: Applying a clamping element (30) on a predefined position on an outer skin component of the vehicle, wherein the clamping element (30) has an end stop (36) in a z-direction (Z) oriented transversely to the surface of the outer skin component (10), Providing a spoiler (20) with a mating clamping element (26) corresponding to the clamping element (30), the spoiler (20) being a shell component with a shell (22) forming the visible side of the spoiler (20) and a lower shell (24) facing the vehicle, The clamping element (30) is latched with a mating clamping element (26) of the spoiler (20), wherein an intermediate element (28) arranged on the spoiler (20) is elastically compressed in the z direction between the spoiler (20) and the outer skin component (10) and generates a counter pressure (G) which presses the spoiler (20) against the end stop (36) and with the lower shell (24) against the end stop (36) of the clamping element (30), wherein the mating clamping element (26) and the clamping element (30) are configured such that in the assembled state they have a clearance in the z direction without the intermediate element (28).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, In order to apply the clamping elements (30) on the outer skin component, a plurality of clamping elements (30) are assembled on a common carrier plate (32) and the carrier plate (32) is bonded to the outer skin component.

Images