Outer cover for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an outer cladding of a motor vehicle, comprising an outer cladding component (10) which has at least one shape-stable subelement (12, 14, 16) and at least one further subelement (18, 20) which is connected to the shape-stable subelement, wherein the at least one further subelement is capable of being adjusted by changing its cladding surface (26) when the outer cladding component (10) is adjusted from one position (A) to another position (W), wherein the further subelement (18, 20) is made of an elastic material, the cladding surface (26) of the further subelement being capable of being changed reversibly in the case of an applied force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an outer covering (outer skin, outer trim) for a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] On the exterior of motor vehicles, there is an increasing use of external covering components that form part of the vehicle's skin and have variable shapes. For example, for aerodynamic or safety reasons, it is desirable to design corresponding external covering components that can change shape.

[0003] DE 10 2012 018 284 A1 has provided an outer covering for a motor vehicle, wherein the outer covering component, in the form of a side sill covering element, includes a shape-stable sub-element and another sub-element connected to the shape-stable sub-element and formed as a film material wound on a winding shaft. When the outer covering component is adjusted from a first position to another position, the covering surface of the film material unwound from or wound onto the winding shaft can be increased.

[0004] DE 36 13 301 A1 also discloses an outer cladding for a motor vehicle having an outer cladding component in the form of a side sill cladding, wherein multiple shape-stable sub-elements are interconnected within the range of their respective target bending points or thin-film hinges. This allows the outer cladding component to be moved from a position near the sill to a position away from the sill to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the motor vehicle.

[0005] An outer cover for a motor vehicle is also known from DE 10 2009 031 534 A1, having an outer cover component in the form of a sill cover element, wherein at least one shape-stable sub-element is movable outward or inward relative to another rigid sub-element of the outer cover component in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0006] Finally, other textile construction methods for outer coverings are known, in which the corresponding textile material is used as the outer covering component and is tensioned, for example, on a mesh structure. However, such textiles are not dimensionally stable enough, and deform significantly, especially at higher travel speeds. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an outer cover of the above type, wherein the outer cover component is particularly simple in structure and has a high-value appearance when adjusted to its two positions.

[0008] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by an outer coating having the features described below. Advantageous designs with improvements to the invention are also described below.

[0009] The outer covering of a motor vehicle according to the invention includes at least one outer covering component having at least one shape-stable sub-element and at least one additional sub-element connected to the shape-stable sub-element. According to the invention, in order to adjust the outer covering component between one position and another while changing its covering surface, the additional sub-element is made of an elastic material whose covering surface can be reversibly or stretchably (flexibly) changed when force is applied.

[0010] Unlike the prior art cited above, particularly the prior art according to DE 10 2012 018 284 A1 (in which the coating surface of another sub-element is enlarged by unwinding the web from the winding shaft or reduced by winding the web onto the winding shaft), according to the present invention, the enlargement or reduction of the corresponding coating surface of the other sub-element is achieved by forming the other sub-element of the outer coating member with a material having a corresponding elasticity, the other sub-element being reversibly stretchable by applying a corresponding force, i.e., enlarged or reduced in area.

[0011] Therefore, an extremely simple outer coating component can be manufactured, consisting of at least one shape-stable sub-element and at least one elastic sub-element, which are seamlessly connected or fused together, for example, particularly as a whole. Thus, complex designs for the outer coating component are unnecessary, and on the other hand, the two sub-elements, namely the shape-stable sub-element and the elastic sub-element, can be seamlessly or integrally fused together or adjacent to each other. This is not only aesthetically advantageous but also prevents significant dirt accumulation in the outer coating area of ​​motor vehicles.

[0012] As described above, it has proven particularly advantageous if the outer cover component comprises at least one shape-stable sub-element and at least one elastic sub-element, which are integrally and seamlessly connected together. Thus, a particularly simple design of the outer cover component can be achieved, and a particularly advantageous connection or transition can be realized between the shape-stable sub-element and the elastic sub-element.

[0013] In this respect, it has proven further advantageous when the shape-stable sub-elements of the outer coating component and the additional elastic sub-elements are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. This method can be carried out with particular reliability and allows for the simple manufacture of the outer coating component using the appropriate required materials.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, an additional elastic sub-element is connected to each side of a central shape-stabilized sub-element. Therefore, the shape-stabilized sub-element can be moved particularly easily outward or inward in the side sill cladding in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the outer cover has another shape-stable cover element adjustable between at least two positions, by which the outer cover component can be adjusted between one position and another. In this case, the other shape-stable cover element can be, for example, a lateral airflow guide element (airflow element) located in the side sill cover region, which can move from a retracted position (in which it moves the outer cover component to said one position, e.g., the retracted position) to an extended position, such that the outer cover component moves accordingly to said other position where it forms the outer cover of the vehicle, particularly in the area of ​​the side sill cover. Or in other words, the other shape-stable cover element serves as a force-applying element by which the outer cover component is adjusted between its at least two positions.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer cover component forms the outer cover of a motor vehicle at one location and a recess at another location, wherein the other shape-stabilized cover element is accommodated in the recess at the location where the outer cover is formed. Thus, the other shape-stabilized cover element is located at the location where it forms the recess in the outer cover component, wherein, for example, due to the elasticity of at least one elastic sub-element, when the other shape-stabilized cover element moves to the extended position, the outer cover component moves independently or automatically to the other position. Of course, where appropriate, it is conceivable that, with the assistance of an actuator or similar device, the outer cover component can be moved between the two positions.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that an adjustment element is provided on the inner side of the outer coating member away from the outer side, and the shape-stable coating member can be adjusted between at least two positions by means of the adjustment element. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a corresponding force is generated by means of the adjustment element, and the force can be applied to at least one elastic sub-element, causing its coating surface or surface area to change accordingly.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the outer cladding is formed as a longitudinal sill trim of the side sill of a motor vehicle. The aerodynamic adjustment of the outer cladding is particularly useful in this area of ​​the motor vehicle because the airflow moving along the side sill cladding can be correspondingly separated, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

[0019] The advantages described above relating to the outer coating according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Further advantages and details of the invention arise from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the features and combinations of features mentioned in the specification and those mentioned and / or shown individually in the drawings can be used not only in their respective combinations, but also in other combinations or individually.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figure 1a , 1b These are schematic diagrams of an outer covering component, in the form of a side sill cover, that penetrates the motor vehicle along a cutting plane extending laterally or vertically through the vehicle. Figure 1a The diagram illustrates a shape-stabilized sub-element located in the middle of an outer covering component, which is connected to additional shape-stabilized sub-element disposed at the end of the outer covering component via at least two other sub-element formed of an elastic material. Figure 1a The shape-stable sub-elements are positioned at the recessed location of the outer cladding component. Figure 1b The shape-stable sub-elements are positioned at locations that alter the stretching of the cladding surface;

[0023] Figure 2a , 2b These are perspective sectional views of an exterior cladding of a motor vehicle in the form of a side sill cladding, according to another embodiment, wherein, similar to that according to Figure 1a , 1b The outer cover component of the embodiment again has a shape-stable intermediate sub-element located on the integral elastic sub-element, which can be adjusted between the retracted and extended positions of the outer cover component by an adjustment element indicated schematically.

[0024] Figure 3a , 3b These are cross-sectional perspective views of another embodiment of an exterior cladding for a motor vehicle, in the form of a side sill cladding element, which has another shape-stable cladding element that can be drawn from... Figure 3a The folded position shown is moved to Figure 3b The extended position is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 3a and 3b A cross-sectional and perspective view of the outer cladding in the form of a side-threshold cladding, showing the shape-stable cladding elements in their extended positions; and

[0026] Figure 5a , 5b These are respectively cut planes extending along the transverse or vertical direction of the vehicle, penetrating according to... Figures 3a to 4The various perspective cross-sectional views of the outer cover in the form of a side sill cover show that, in one position where its extendable cover element is in its extended position, the outer cover component forms the outer cover of the motor vehicle in this area, and in another position where it forms a recess, in which another shape-stable cover element is accommodated in its folded position, in which it forms the outer cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] exist Figure 1a and 1b In the schematic cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane extending in the vertical (x-direction) and lateral (y-direction) directions of the vehicle, the outer covering of the motor vehicle, in the form of a side sill cladding or sill trim, can be seen. In this example, the outer covering component 10 of the side sill cladding is shown in cross-section, covering the side sill on the outer and bottom sides.

[0028] In this configuration, the outer cladding component 10 comprises three shape-stable sub-elements 12, 14, 16, between which are arranged two additional sub-elements 18, 20 made of a further-described elastic material. Each of these sub-elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 extends in the vehicle longitudinal (x-direction) of the side sill with at least substantially uniform cross-section.

[0029] In this example, the shape-stable sub-elements 12, 14, 16 and the elastic sub-elements 18, 20 are integrally connected together, or in this example, the outer cover component 10 is formed as a single unit. In this example, this is achieved by manufacturing the outer cover component 10 using a so-called two-component injection molding process. Specifically, the outer cover component in this example is manufactured using a multi-material injection molding process, wherein sub-elements 12, 14, 16 are made of shape-stable irreversible elastic plastic, and sub-elements 18, 20 are made of reversible elastic plastic. Therefore, the entire outer cover component 10 is seamlessly manufactured, at least externally, and particularly... Figure 1a The outer side 22, which is part of the outer skin of the motor vehicle, is visible at the initial position. This outer side 22 is formed uninterruptedly and continuously, and therefore is not interrupted by the corresponding seam.

[0030] from Figure 1a The initial position visible in the center, the outer cladding component 10 in the form of a side sill cover, is adjustable to... Figure 1b Another location shown. Specifically, the shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14, connected to the respective outer shape-stabilized sub-elements 12 and 16 via the respective elastic sub-elements 18, 20, can... Figure 1a The initial position A, visible in the image, is adjusted or shifted to... Figure 1bAnother position W is shown in the diagram. This can be achieved, for example, by various actuators, different types of adjustment mechanisms, or by hydraulic or pneumatic means. Thus, the displacement or adjustment of the shape-stabilized sub-element 14—symbolically indicated by arrow 24—is at least substantially horizontal here and in the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle.

[0031] When the shape-stable sub-element 14 is removed from Figure 1a The initial position A shown is adjusted to Figure 1b In the other position W shown, two elastic sub-elements 18 and 20, arranged or connected on the shape-stable sub-element 14 on one hand and on the shape-stable sub-elements 12 and 16 located at the ends on the other hand, are subjected to a corresponding force F. This force F is generated by a corresponding adjustment mechanism (actuator, other adjustment mechanism, pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment device) in a manner that causes the corresponding shape-stable sub-element 14 to shift substantially linearly. As a result, the two elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 are correspondingly elongated, and therefore, their coating surface 26 on the outer side 22 of the outer coating member 10 is correspondingly significantly increased. Therefore, although in Figure 1a In the process, the respective coating surfaces 26 of the elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 are relatively small or narrow, but... Figure 1b In this process, they increase significantly or by a factor of two. Due to the reversible elasticity of the materials of sub-elements 18 and 20, the expansion of sub-elements 18 and 20 is possible. In other words, by stretching the shape-stable sub-elements 14, the two elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 are stretched accordingly. This stretching, deformation, shape change, and adaptation of the elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 is reversible and can be repeated any number of times. Therefore, in this example, seamless deformation and shape changes, such as those of the outer cladding component 10 or the longitudinal beam trim, are permitted. Preferably, the elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 are made of elastic plastic that substantially retains its color or does not change its color due to force F, whether stretched or subjected to force. Black plastic is particularly suitable for this application. Of course, vehicle-colored plastic can also be provided for the sub-elements 18 and 20.

[0032] The outer covering component 10 is removed from Figure 1a The initial position A shown is adjusted to Figure 1b Another location W shown is specifically designed to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the side sill area, allowing airflow generated, for example, behind the front wheels, to be separated from the vehicle's skin in an improved manner. This vehicle skin includes the corresponding outer side 22 of the outer cladding component 10. For example, this alters the vehicle's air resistance, resulting in more fuel-efficient movement. Simultaneously, it allows for improved design of entry into or holding the vehicle when it is stationary.

[0033] In addition, from Figure 1bAs can be seen, the shape stability of sub-element 14 remains unchanged during the shift between the initial position and another position W.

[0034] Figure 2a and 2b Another outer covering is shown. In the schematic front sectional view or perspective view and schematic cross-sectional view, another outer covering in the form of a side sill cladding can be seen, which in particular includes outer covering component 10. In the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle, at the rear or inside of the vehicle, in Figure 2a The sill element 28 on the original frame side can be seen extending approximately horizontally in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) of the vehicle. An energy absorption element 30 is disposed below this sill element 28 on the original frame side, and this energy absorption element 30 is disposed outside the energy storage device in the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle. In this example, at least with… Figure 1a and 1b The implementation method is substantially similar in that the outer cover component 10 is formed. Therefore, in this example, the outer cover component 10 also includes three shape-stable sub-elements 12, 14, 16, with elastic sub-elements 18, 20 disposed between these sub-elements. Similarly, the cross-sections of each of the sub-elements 12 to 20 are consistent along the length of the outer cover component 10, at least over a considerable length, in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction). Furthermore, in this example, the shape-stable sub-elements 12, 14, 16 are formed, for example, of rigid plastics such as PP or PA, and are seamlessly interconnected as a whole during a two-component injection molding process by the elastic sub-elements 18, 20, which can be made, for example, of elastomeric materials or the like.

[0035] A core 34 is disposed between the energy-absorbing element 30 and the shape-stable intermediate sub-element 14 of the outer covering component 10. The core 34 is supported on the energy-absorbing element 30 on one side and on the upper edge of the shape-stable intermediate sub-element 14 on the inner side of the intermediate sub-element 14 on the other. Therefore, for example, the core 34 can extend or expand in the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle via a medium, particularly air, so that the intermediate sub-element 14 can extend in the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle. Figure 2a and 2bThe corresponding initial position A is moved outward to the corresponding other position W. The displacement movement of the shape-stabilized sub-element 14 from the initial position to the other position W is indicated by the corresponding arrow 36. In particular, it can be seen here that the elastic sub-element 12 moves outward in the vehicle lateral direction (y-direction) in its upper region according to the longer arrow 36 than in its lower region. In other words, when the shape-stabilized sub-element 14 moves from the initial position A to the other position W, the upper elastic sub-element 18 is stretched further outward in the vehicle lateral direction (y-direction) than the lower elastic sub-element 20. However, in this example, by means of the shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14 applied by the core 14, both the elastic sub-element 18 and the lower elastic sub-element 20 are stretched by changing or increasing their respective coating surfaces 26. Conversely, when the shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14 returns from the other position W to the initial position A, the elastic sub-element 18, 20 are reduced in terms of their respective coating surfaces 26. Due to the reversible or elastic flexibility of sub-elements 18 and 20, the displacement or alteration of the outer cover component 10 can be repeated arbitrarily many times. Therefore, the shape-stable sub-elements 14, as well as the shapes of sub-elements 12 and 16, remain at least largely unchanged. Furthermore, even during the displacement of the shape-stable intermediate sub-elements 14, sub-elements 12 and shape-stable sub-elements 16 remain in place.

[0036] Obviously, the alternative core 34 can also use different shifting mechanisms to change or adjust the stabilizing sub-element or the outer covering component 10 between its two positions A and W or its shape.

[0037] In this second example, a decorative element 42 in the form of a decorative strip is provided on the outer side 22 of the outer cladding component 10, in the area or height of the adjusting element or core 34. When the core or adjusting element 34 is adjusted, the decorative element 42, together with the upper region 38 of the shape-stable sub-element 14, shifts between an initial position A and another position W. The decorative element 42 at least partially covers the elastic sub-element 18 in the initial position A. Therefore, the decorative element 42 is specifically formed as a chrome-plated or similarly coated decorative strip. The design of the elastic sub-elements 18, 20 can be similar to that in... Figure 1a and 1b Examples are described in the context of the implementation methods.

[0038] exist Figure 3a and 3b The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the vehicle body within the area of ​​the corresponding side sill 44 on the left side of the vehicle, viewed in the forward driving direction. In this case, the side sill 44 is associated with an outer covering in the form of a side sill trim panel, which, similar to the previous embodiment, essentially comprises an outer covering component 10, which will be discussed below. Figures 4 to 5bTo explain in more detail. In addition to the outer covering component 10, the outer covering also includes another shape-stable covering element 46 in the form of wings, slats, etc., which can be... Figure 3a The first position shown is moved to Figure 3b The second position shown is in which, in the first position, another covering element 46 forms part of the outer covering, and in the second position, the outer covering component 10 at least substantially alone forms the outer covering of the side sill 44.

[0039] In relative to Figure 3a and 3b In the enlarged perspective sectional view, Figure 4 Another cladding element 46, similar to a wing, is shown again in its second position, with its upper side 48 protruding generally horizontally, for example, in the lateral direction (y direction) of the vehicle.

[0040] In addition, Figure 3b and 4 In the overview, it is clear that on the lower side of the side sill 44 (which itself belongs to the original frame sidewall of the vehicle body), as already according to Figure 2a and 2b As described in the context of the implementation, an energy absorption element 30 is provided.

[0041] Furthermore, now specifically referring to Figure 5a and 5b This section describes the specific design scheme of the outer coating according to the third embodiment. Figure 5a and 5b The outer cladding is shown in slightly perspective sectional views taken along cutting planes extending in the vertical direction (z-direction) and the lateral direction (y-direction) of the vehicle, respectively. In this case, the outer cladding component 10 is particularly visible, especially in this example—particularly from… Figures 3a to 4 As can be seen, it extends to the outer and lower sides of the side sill 44. In this example, the outer cladding component further includes various shape-stable sub-elements 12, 14, and 16, between which various elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 are disposed. In this case, each sub-elements 12 to 20 extends over a corresponding length range in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) of the vehicle, having at least a substantially uniform cross-section. The aforementioned length range substantially corresponds to the length of another shape-stable cladding element 46.

[0042] In addition, from Figure 5a and 5b As can be seen, the wing-shaped, shape-stable cladding element 46 can rotate or shift around the pivot axis S, i.e., from... Figure 3a The first position near the cladding layer is also shown in the middle. Figure 3b and 4The position shown in the figure is in which the cladding element 46 protrudes outward from the outer cladding member 10 at approximately horizontal relative to the exterior of the vehicle body.

[0043] In the first recessed position, the cladding element 46 is located within a groove-shaped recess 48, which is particularly located in... Figure 4 As is readily apparent, the recess connects the two outer, shape-stable sub-elements 12 and 16 together. The recess 48 is integrally formed with the two sub-elements 12 and 16, and is therefore also made of a shape-stable material, such as PP or PA plastic. However, within the scope of the invention, it must be considered that this groove-shaped recess 48 may be omitted where appropriate. In the example, the recess 48 extends from the lower end of the shape-stable upper sub-element 12 to the upper end of the shape-stable lower sub-element 16.

[0044] The shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14 is connected to the lower end of the shape-stabilized upper sub-element 12 or the upper end of the shape-stabilized lower sub-element 16 via elastic sub-element 18, 20. In this example, as described in the context of the previous two examples, the individual sub-element 12 to 20 and the recess 48 are manufactured by a two-component injection molding process and are formed seamlessly or integrally.

[0045] Now, if the cladding element 46, which unfolds around the pivot axis S, is in its first position, such as Figure 3a As shown, due to the force applied from the coating element 46, according to Figure 5b As indicated by arrow 54, the shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14 moves inward in the vehicle's lateral direction (y-direction) and at least substantially contacts the outer side of the recess 48. If the recess 48 were not present, the shape-stabilized sub-element 14 would be moved into the free gap 56 between the outer covering member 10 and the side sill 44 or energy-absorbing element 30. Thus, by folding the covering element 46 to a first position close to the covering element, the shape-stabilized sub-element 14 moves from its covering position V to a recessed position M, in which the sub-element 14 and its outer side 58 together with the remaining outer side 22 of the outer covering member 10 form an externally visible outer covering, and in the recessed position M, the sub-element 14 is inserted into the recess 48 or forms a recess 60 for the covering element 46 in its first folded position. With this displacement of the shape-stabilized intermediate sub-element 14, the elastic sub-elements 18, 20 are stretched by the displacement of sub-element 14 and the application of the accompanying force, thereby changing or enlarging their respective coating surfaces, so that they, together with sub-element 14, form a groove 60, which accommodates the coating element 46 in its folded position. In this example, the groove 60 formed by sub-element 14 and elastic sub-elements 18, 20 is located outside the recess 48 of the outer coating member 10. However, as mentioned above, the recess 48 may not be present.

[0046] Therefore, it can be seen that when the rear portion 62 of the cladding element 46 is moved to its first retracted position, the shape-stable intermediate sub-element 14 and the elastic sub-element 18, 20 are substantially adapted to the rear portion 62 of the element 46. Figure 5b The corresponding arrow 54 specifically illustrates this point.

[0047] If based on Figure 5a When the cladding element 46 is moved from its first position (in which the cladding element, together with its outer sides 64 and 22, forms the outer skin of the outer cladding) to its unfolded position, which protrudes approximately horizontally relative to the exterior of the vehicle body, the shape-stable sub-element 14, together with the elastic sub-element 18 and 20, will move back to its original position, i.e., the cladding position, according to arrow 66, due to the reversible elasticity of the two sub-elements 18 and 20, where the sub-elements 14, 18, and 20 together form the outer skin of the outer cladding component 10. In this case, the elastic sub-elements 18 and 20 can then be seen to be in a position or shape that is at least maximally unstretched. Due to the reversible elasticity of the sub-elements 18 and 20, the cladding element 46 can be adjusted as many times as desired without causing any adverse defects in the appearance of the outer cladding.

[0048] As described in the context of the other two examples, this has particular aerodynamic advantages when the cladding element 46 is in its generally horizontal position when deployed, because, for example, airflow arriving from the front wheel area along the outer cladding can be intentionally separated, thereby reducing the vehicle's drag. Simultaneously, by adjusting the cladding element 46, the entry and exit of vehicle occupants can be improved, and where appropriate, the vehicle's accident characteristics in a side collision can also be improved.

Claims

1. An outer covering for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer covering component (10), said outer covering component having at least one shape-stable sub-element (12, 14, 16) and at least one additional sub-element (18, 20) connected to said shape-stable sub-element, wherein, When the outer covering component (10) is adjusted from one position (A) to another position (W), the at least one additional sub-element can be adjusted by changing its covering surface (26). Its features are, The additional sub-elements (18, 20) are made of an elastic material, and the coating surface (26) of the additional sub-elements is reversibly changeable under applied force. Each of the two sides of a centrally shaped stable sub-element (14) is connected to another sub-element (18, 20).

2. The outer coating according to claim 1, Its features are, The shape-stable sub-elements (12, 14, 16) of the outer cover component (10) and the other sub-elements (18, 20) are integrally connected together.

3. The outer coating according to claim 2, Its features are, The shape-stabilized sub-elements (12, 14, 16) and the additional sub-elements (18, 20) of the outer cover component (10) are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process.

4. The outer coating according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The outer cover has another shape-stable cover element (46) that can be adjusted between at least two positions, and the outer cover component (10) can be adjusted between one position (V) and another position (M) by means of the other shape-stable cover element (46).

5. The outer coating according to claim 4, Its features are, The outer covering component (10) forms the outer covering of the motor vehicle at one location (V) and forms a recess (60) at another location (M), wherein another shape-stable covering element (46) is accommodated in the recess (60) at one location where it forms the outer covering.

6. The outer coating according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, An adjustment element (34) is provided on the inner side of the outer cover component (10) away from the outer side (22), and the shape-stable sub-element (14) can be adjusted between at least two positions (A, W) by the adjustment element.

7. The outer coating according to claim 6, Its features are, Decorative elements (42) are provided on the outer side (22) of the outer covering component (10) and in the area of ​​the adjustment element (34).

8. The outer coating according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The outer cladding is formed as a longitudinal sill trim panel of the side sills (28, 44) of the motor vehicle.

9. A method for adjusting an outer covering of a motor vehicle, the outer covering comprising an outer covering component (10), the outer covering component having at least one shape-stabilized sub-element (12, 14, 16) and at least one additional sub-element (18, 20) connected to the shape-stabilized sub-element, wherein, The outer coating component (10) is adjusted from one position (A) to another position (W) by changing its coating surface (26). Its features are, When the outer covering component (10) is adjusted from one position (A) to another position (W), the covering surface (26) of the other sub-elements (18, 20) made of elastic material reversibly changes under applied force, and Each of the two sides of a centrally shaped stable sub-element (14) is connected to another sub-element (18, 20).

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