Mounting system for securing component to body panel of vehicle

Abstract

A mounting system for securing a component to a vehicle body panel is disclosed. A mounting system for mounting a vehicle component to an interior surface of a vehicle body panel is described. An exemplary mounting system may include a locking mount that may be secured to the interior surface of the vehicle body panel by a structural patch. The vehicle component may be an exciter that may be secured to the locking mount to achieve positive contact with respect to the vehicle body panel and achieve desired acoustic requirements of broadcast audio signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automotive vehicles and, more particularly, to mounting systems for mounting components to vehicle body panels. Background Art

[0002] An automotive vehicle body comprises a large number of body panels to which vehicle components are typically mounted. Summary of the invention

[0003] A vehicle assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a mounting system including a locking mount and a structural patch, and a vehicle component mounted to the locking mount.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle assembly, the mounting system is secured to an inner surface of a vehicle body panel.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle body panel is an outer panel of a front fender or a rear quarter panel.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle component is an actuator.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the locking mount includes a base and a collar protruding outwardly from the base.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mating flange configured to engage a cam tab of the collar.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mounting flange, the mounting flange including a lip configured to engage a flexible prong of the ferrule.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the base is embedded within the structural patch.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the structural patch is a mastic patch or an adhesive patch.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, an adhesive is applied to a base of the locking mount.

[0013] A vehicle assembly according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: a vehicle body panel, the vehicle body panel including an outer surface and an inner surface; a mounting system, the mounting system including a locking mount and a structural patch, the structural patch being arranged to secure the locking mount relative to the inner surface; and a vehicle component, the vehicle component being secured to the locking mount of the mounting system.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle assembly, the vehicle body panel is an outer panel of a front fender or a rear quarter panel.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle body component is a vibration exciter.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, a base of the locking mount is captured between the structural patch and the inner surface of the vehicle body panel.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, an adhesive is applied between the base and the inner surface.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, a base of the locking mount is captured between the structural patch and the inner surface of the vehicle body panel.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the locking mount includes a base and a collar protruding outwardly from the base.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mating flange configured to engage a cam tab of the collar.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mounting flange, the mounting flange including a lip configured to engage a flexible prong of the ferrule.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle assemblies, the structural patch is a mastic patch or an adhesive patch.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features) may be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A motor vehicle is shown schematically.

[0026] Figure 2 An exciter which may be mounted to a motor vehicle is schematically shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A first side of a vehicle body panel is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A second side of the vehicle body panel.

[0029] Figure 5 Yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 A partial exploded view of a vehicle assembly of a vehicle body panel.

[0030] Figure 6 It passes through Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of section 6-6.

[0031] Figure 7 Another exemplary vehicle assembly is shown.

[0032] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An exemplary locking mount of a mounting system is shown.

[0033] Fig. 9 An assembly method for assembling a vehicle assembly including a vehicle component, a mounting system, and a vehicle body panel is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure details a mounting system for mounting a vehicle component to an inner surface of a vehicle body panel. An exemplary mounting system may include a locking mount that may be secured to the inner surface of the vehicle body panel via a structural patch. The vehicle component may be an exciter that may be secured to the locking mount to achieve positive contact relative to the vehicle body panel and achieve desired acoustic requirements for broadcasting audio signals. These and other features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

[0035] Figure 1A motor vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as "the vehicle") is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 10 may be a pickup truck, a car, a van, a sport utility vehicle, a hearse, a semi-tractor trailer, or any other type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 may also be a conventional motor vehicle, a traction battery-powered hybrid or electric vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle).

[0036] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically only and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component, assembly or system.

[0037] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12. The vehicle 12 includes a plurality of vehicle body panels. For example, the vehicle body 12 may include a front side panel 14 (e.g., a front fender), a rear side panel 16 (e.g., a rear quarter panel), a hood panel 18, one or more opening and closing member panels 20, and the like.

[0038] The vehicle 10 may be further equipped with an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) 22 for communicating with passengers / users / pedestrians inside and outside the vehicle 10. The AVAS 22 may include one or more exciters 24 (e.g., vibration exciters). The total number of exciters 24 provided on the vehicle 10 is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0039] Each actuator 24 may be configured to broadcast an audio signal to the exterior of the vehicle 10 by vibrating a corresponding portion of the vehicle body panel to which the actuator is mounted. For example, the audio signal may include a word or phrase, a chime or other sound effect, a series of sound effects, or any combination of words and sound effects.

[0040] The driver 24 may include a housing 26 having internal components such as a driver / actuator 28 and a voice coil 30 for generating sound (see Figure 2 ). The driver / actuator 28 may be, for example, a motor assembly. The voice coil 30 may be coupled to one of the vehicle body panels of the vehicle body 12, which allows the vehicle body panel to act as a sound baffle for the speaker for amplifying the sound. The exciter 24 may also include an electrical wiring connection 32 to a power source and a control module 34. The control module 34 may generate an electrical pulse signal that is transmitted to the exciter 24 to cause it to begin vibrating at the frequency of the signal in order to broadcast the audio signal to the surrounding environment. These vibrations may be transmitted through the vehicle body panel to radiate the desired audio signal.

[0041] The exciter 24 must be reliably mounted to the vehicle body 12 in order to function properly. However, there are many competing requirements involved when deciding how and where to mount the exciter 24 relative to the vehicle body 12. These competing requirements may include, but are not limited to, acoustic requirements (e.g., the exciter 24 should be able to efficiently transmit vibrations through the vehicle body panel to which it is mounted), studio requirements (e.g., the exciter 24 should not be visible from the exterior of the vehicle 10), operational requirements (e.g., the mounting strategy should not interfere with the operation of structural portions of the vehicle body panel or nearby components), durability requirements (e.g., the mounting strategy should be robust enough to withstand operation under high repetition and extreme temperature conditions), excitation requirements (e.g., the exciter 24 should not be constrained in a manner that eliminates range of motion), assembly requirements (e.g., the exciter 24 should accommodate tolerance variations and be easily and efficiently positioned and mounted within the vehicle body 12), and / or serviceability requirements (e.g., the exciter 24 should be accessible and removable for servicing). Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a mounting system for reliably mounting an exciter 24 or other type of vehicle component to a vehicle body panel in a manner that addresses the aforementioned requirements.

[0042] Continue to refer Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary vehicle body panel 36 is shown. In one embodiment, the vehicle body panel 36 is an outer panel of a front fender of the vehicle 10. However, the teachings of the present disclosure may be extended to any vehicle body panel of the vehicle body 12.

[0043] The vehicle body panel 36 may include an exterior surface 38 (see Figure 3 , sometimes referred to as Class A surfaces) and interior surfaces 40 (see Figure 4 , sometimes referred to as the B-side of the Class A surface). The actuator 24 may be mounted to the vehicle body panel 36 via a mounting system 42. The vehicle body panel 36, the actuator 24, and the mounting system 42 together establish a vehicle assembly 44 of the vehicle 10.

[0044] In one embodiment, the actuator 24 is mounted directly to the interior surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36 via a mounting system 42. When the vehicle body panel 36 is viewed from the surrounding environment of the exterior surface 38, the actuator 24 and mounting system 42 are not visible.

[0045] Reference now Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the mounting system 42 may include a locking mount 46 and a structural patch 48. The locking mount 46 may be secured relative to the inner surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36 by the structural patch 48.

[0046] In one embodiment, the structural patch 48 is a mastic patch. In another embodiment, the structural patch 48 is a peel and stick adhesive patch. Other types of structural patches may also be used and are therefore contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Once the structural patch 48 is cured / hardened, such as during a baking process during manufacturing and assembly, the structural patch 48 securely secures the locking mount 46 to the vehicle body panel 36.

[0047] In one embodiment, the base 50 of the locking mount 46 is captured between the structural patch 48 and the inner surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36 (see Figure 6 ). In such an embodiment, the base 50 of the locking mount 46 directly contacts the inner surface 40. An adhesive 52 may be applied between the base 50 and the inner surface 40 to enhance attachment and reduce the bearing load required of the structural patch 48. For example, the adhesive 52 may be a double-sided tape or any other suitable type of adhesive.

[0048] In another embodiment, the base 50 of the locking mount 46 is embedded in the structural patch 48 (see Figure 7 In such an embodiment, the base 50 of the locking mount 46 does not directly contact the inner surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36 .

[0049] The locking mount 46 can be configured as a clock lock ring mount including a base 50 and a collar 54 protruding outwardly from the base 50. In the installed position of the locking mount 46, the collar 54 can protrude outwardly in a direction away from the inner surface 40.

[0050] The collar 54 may include a plurality of outwardly extending cam tabs 56 circumferentially spaced about the collar 54. The mounting base 58 of the exciter 24 may include a plurality of mating flanges 60. Each mating flange 60 may engage one of the cam tabs 56 so as to mount the exciter 24 to the locking mount 46 and thereby secure the exciter 24 relative to the vehicle body panel 36. When the exciter 24 is further moved (e.g., rotated) to the appropriate position, the mating flange 60 may further engage the cam tab 56 to provide a secure mounting arrangement. The total number of cam tabs 56 and mating flanges 60 provided may vary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Once connected to the locking mount 46, the exciter 24 achieves positive contact with the vehicle body panel 36 to achieve the desired acoustic requirements. Thus, the exciter 24 is suitably arranged to vibrate the inner surface 40 to promote sound radiation to the external environment.

[0051] The above mounting arrangement is a twist-in-place design. However, other implementations are possible. For example, Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, the locking mount 46 can alternatively provide a snap-in-place design. In this embodiment, the locking mount 46 can include a base 62 that can interface with a structural patch (not shown) and a collar 64 that protrudes outward from the base 62. A recessed portion 66 can be formed in the collar 64. One or more flexible prongs 68 can be disposed within the recessed portion 66.

[0052] The mounting base 70 of the exciter 24 may include a mounting flange 72 having a pair of opposing lips 74. One lip 74 may be inserted into the recessed portion 66 and then the mounting flange 72 may be rotated downwardly so that as the exciter 24 moves further toward the locking mount 46, the other lip 74 is forced to engage the flexible prong 68 to snap-connect the exciter 24 to the locking mount 46. Once connected to the locking mount 46, the exciter 24 achieves positive contact with the vehicle body panel 36 to achieve the desired acoustic requirements. Thus, the exciter 24 is suitably arranged to vibrate the interior surface 40 to promote radiation of sound to the exterior environment.

[0053] In the embodiment discussed above, the mounting system 42 is utilized to mount the actuator 24 to the interior surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36. However, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that the mounting system 42 may be used to securely mount any type of vehicle component to the interior surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36.

[0054] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 8B , Fig. 9 An assembly method 100 is schematically illustrated for assembling a vehicle assembly 44. For example, the assembly method 100 may be used to mount the actuator 24 to the vehicle body panel 36 via the mounting system 42 of the vehicle assembly 44.

[0055] First, at block 102 , the vehicle body panel 36 may be manufactured, such as, for example, in a stamping process. Then, at block 104 , the vehicle body panel 36 may be cleaned.

[0056] Next, at box 106, the mounting system 42 can be secured to the inner surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36. The mounting system 42 can be delivered to the final assembly plant as an assembled component, thereby simplifying the overall vehicle assembly process. Then, as part of the electrodeposition process at box 108, the vehicle body panel 36 can be electrophoretically coated.

[0057] After the e-coating is performed, the vehicle body panel 36 can be placed in an oven and then baked for a predefined amount of time as part of a baking process at box 110. The baking process cures the e-coating and also hardens the structural patch 48 of the mounting system 42, thereby firmly fixing the locking mount 46 relative to the inner surface 40 of the vehicle body panel 36.

[0058] Next, at box 112, the exciter 24 (or some other vehicle component) is secured to the locking mount 46. Thus, positive contact between the exciter 24 and the vehicle body panel 36 is achieved by the mounting system 42 to meet the desired acoustic requirements. At box 114, additional assembly steps associated with the vehicle body panel 36 (e.g., painting, etc.) may be performed to complete the assembly method 100.

[0059] The disclosed mounting system enables a vehicle component to be securely secured to the B-side of a Class A surface of a vehicle body panel. The component can be secured to achieve robust contact with the adjacent panel surface without requiring an additional bracket device that is directly attached to the adjacent panel surface and without requiring a weld nut attachment that is visible through the Class A surface. The proposed mounting system also enables simple and efficient installation on the assembly floor during manufacturing.

[0060] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features from any one of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any one of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0061] It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings.It should be understood that although specific component arrangements are disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0062] The foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle assembly, wherein include: a mounting system, the mounting system comprising a locking mount and a structural patch; as well as A vehicle component is mounted to the locking mount.

2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 wherein the mounting system is secured to an inner surface of a vehicle body panel, and optionally wherein the vehicle body panel is an outer panel of a front fender or a rear quarter panel.

3. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle component is an actuator.

4. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mount comprises a base and a collar protruding outwardly from the base.

5. The vehicle assembly of claim 4, wherein the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mating flange configured to engage a cam tab of the collar, or alternatively, wherein the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mounting flange including a lip of a flexible prong configured to engage the collar.

6. The vehicle assembly of claim 4 wherein the base is embedded within the structural patch.

7. A vehicle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural patch is a mastic patch or an adhesive patch.

8. A vehicle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein include: An adhesive is applied to the base of the locking mount.

9. A vehicle assembly, wherein include: a vehicle body panel, the vehicle body panel comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; a mounting system including a locking mount and a structural patch arranged to secure the locking mount relative to the interior surface; as well as A vehicle component is secured to the locking mount of the mounting system.

10. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the vehicle body panel is an outer panel of a front fender or a rear quarter panel, and further wherein the vehicle component is a vibration exciter.

11. A vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the base of the locking mount is captured between the structural patch and the inner surface of the vehicle body panel, and optionally, the vehicle assembly includes an adhesive applied between the base and the inner surface.

12. The vehicle assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a base of the locking mount is captured between the structural patch and the inner surface of the vehicle body panel.

13. A vehicle assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the locking mount comprises a base and a collar projecting outwardly from the base, and optionally wherein the vehicle component comprises a mounting base having a mating flange configured to engage a cam tab of the collar.

14. The vehicle assembly of claim 13, wherein the vehicle component includes a mounting base having a mounting flange, the mounting flange including a lip configured to engage the flexible prong of the ferrule.

15. The vehicle assembly of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the structural patch is a mastic patch or an adhesive patch.

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