Side skirt mounting structure and assembly

Abstract

The side skirt mounting structure comprises a side skirt body and at least one split buckle, the split buckle and the side skirt body are connected in a sliding and clamping mode, the split buckle comprises a Y-direction limiting structure used for limiting Y-direction displacement of a side skirt and a Z-direction limiting structure used for limiting Z-direction displacement of the side skirt, and the Y-direction limiting structure is used for limiting Y-direction displacement of the side skirt. The Y-direction limiting structure comprises a wedge-shaped limiting structure and a rib limiting structure, a Y-direction assembly gap part is arranged between the Y-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body, and a Z-direction assembly gap part is arranged between the Z-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body. According to the side skirt mounting structure and the assembly, the side skirt turnup is directly clamped through the split buckles, sink marks on the appearance face of the body after injection molding are reduced, the Y-direction limiting structure, the Z-direction limiting structure, the corresponding Y-direction limiting gap part and the corresponding Z-direction limiting gap part are adopted to be compatible with manufacturing tolerance, and the assembling stability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle component technology, and in particular to a side skirt mounting structure and assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With China's automotive industry now the world's largest in terms of production and sales, consumer demands for automobiles have shifted from simple aesthetic appeal to a deeper focus on overall performance and user experience. Currently, automakers are systematically addressing common aftermarket issues such as assembly noises and protective malfunctions by optimizing the design and manufacturing processes of vehicle components, aiming to improve customer satisfaction and strengthen brand competitiveness.

[0003] In the automotive exterior components sector, side skirts, as a key component connecting chassis protection and aesthetics, have evolved from simply covering up sheet metal to optimizing aerodynamics and improving NVH performance. As the Chinese automotive market enters a phase of intense competition for existing customers, OEMs are exhibiting three major trends in their technical requirements for side skirt components: reducing assembly tolerance sensitivity through innovative snap-fit ​​structures, achieving weight and energy savings through the use of lightweight composite materials, and integrating acoustic packages to reduce road noise transmission. These technological advancements directly contribute to lower after-sales complaint rates and improved user experience.

[0004] Currently, the surface treatment processes for automotive side skirts mainly consist of leather-textured finishes and paint finishes. Side skirts using paint finishes, in pursuit of a higher level of quality, generally employ a double-panel structure design to ensure aesthetic appeal, but this inevitably leads to increased weight and cost. Conversely, side skirts using a single-layer paint finish often suffer from reduced aesthetic quality due to interference between the inner surface mounting structure and the outer surface, resulting in customer dissatisfaction.

[0005] The existing side skirt guard plate inner surface mounting structure mainly adopts an integrated snap-fit ​​structure, which is directly injection molded on the inner surface of the guard plate and then snapped to the body sheet metal, such as using a snap-fit ​​seat and side skirt guard plate integrally molded. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a side skirt mounting structure and assembly that directly engages the side skirt flange with a split snap fastener, reducing shrinkage marks on the body surface after injection molding. It also employs a Y-axis limiting structure and a Z-axis limiting structure, along with corresponding Y-axis limiting gaps and Z-axis limiting gaps, to ensure compatible manufacturing tolerances and improve assembly stability.

[0007] This invention proposes a side skirt mounting structure, including a side skirt body and at least one split buckle. The split buckle is slidably engaged with the side skirt body. The split buckle includes a Y-direction limiting structure for limiting the Y-direction displacement of the side skirt and a Z-direction limiting structure for limiting the Z-direction displacement of the side skirt. The Y-direction limiting structure includes a wedge-shaped limiting structure and a rib limiting structure. A Y-direction assembly gap is provided between the Y-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body, and a Z-direction assembly gap is provided between the Z-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body.

[0008] Preferably, the side skirt body includes a Z-direction flange structure, and the split buckle and the Z-direction flange structure are slidably engaged along the X-direction.

[0009] Preferably, the Z-direction flange structure includes a first limiting hook, and the first limiting hook is provided with a buckle mounting groove.

[0010] Preferably, the Z-direction limiting structure includes a limiting post and a second limiting hook, with a sliding groove between the limiting post and the second limiting hook. The first limiting hook and the second limiting hook are engaged, and the second limiting hook can move within the buckle mounting groove. The first limiting hook is engaged in the sliding groove to achieve Z-direction limiting.

[0011] Preferably, one side of the wedge-shaped limiting structure is a wedge-shaped surface, and the wedge-shaped surface fits against the inner surface of the side skirt body to achieve Y-direction limiting.

[0012] Preferably, the Y-direction limiting structure and the Z-direction limiting structure are integrally formed.

[0013] Preferably, one side of the Y-direction limiting structure is provided with a connecting part that engages with the vehicle body.

[0014] Preferably, the size of the Y-direction assembly gap is 2.5 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the dimension of the Z-axis assembly gap is 0.5 mm.

[0016] The present invention also proposes a side skirt assembly, including the side skirt mounting structure described above.

[0017] This invention provides a side skirt mounting structure and assembly. By separating the side skirt body and the separate snap-fit, and by providing Y-axis and Z-axis limiting structures to achieve Y-axis and Z-axis limiting of the side skirt, a sliding connection between the side skirt body and the separate snap-fit ​​is achieved through the sliding of the first limiting hook of the Z-axis flange structure within the sliding groove of the Z-axis limiting structure. Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​connection is achieved through the interlocking of the first and second limiting hooks. This invention, with its Y-axis and Z-axis limiting structures and corresponding Y-axis and Z-axis limiting gaps compatible with manufacturing tolerances, improves assembly stability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the side skirt assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the side skirt assembly of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the side skirt assembly of the present invention.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Side skirt body; 2. Split buckle; 3. Z-direction flange structure; 4. Y-direction limiting structure; 5. Z-direction limiting structure; 6. Y-direction assembly gap; 7. Z-direction assembly gap; 8. Wedge-shaped limiting structure; 9. Rib limiting structure; 10. First limiting hook; 11. Buckle mounting groove; 12. Limiting post; 13. Second limiting hook. Detailed Implementation

[0020] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 An embodiment of the side skirt mounting structure of the present invention is proposed, including a side skirt body 1 and at least one split buckle 2. The split buckles 2 are evenly arranged along the length direction of the side skirt body 1, and the split buckles 2 are formed into a whole by connecting straps to prevent mis-assembly when assembling with the side skirt body 1.

[0022] Furthermore, the split buckle 2 and the side skirt body 1 are slidably engaged. The side skirt body 1 includes a Z-direction flange structure 3. The split buckle 2 and the Z-direction flange structure 3 are slidably engaged along the X-direction. The Z-direction flange structure 3 is a bent structure extending from the edge of the side skirt body 1 along the direction perpendicular to the length of the vehicle body, i.e., the Z-axis, forming a guide groove or engagement track that runs through the length of the side skirt. Its main functions are as follows: 1. Guiding function: It provides a straight sliding path for the split buckle 2 along the X-direction, ensuring that the split buckle 2 and the side skirt body 1 will not be misaligned during assembly; 2. Limiting function: Limiting protrusions / grooves are provided at the end or inside of the flange to limit the sliding range of the split buckle 2 and prevent excessive insertion or disengagement; 3. The flange can increase the rigidity of the edge of the side skirt body and resist deformation caused by vibration during driving.

[0023] Furthermore, in the vehicle coordinate system, the X-axis points from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and the Y-axis points from left to right.

[0024] Furthermore, the split buckle 2 includes a Y-direction limiting structure 4 for limiting the Y-direction displacement of the side skirt and a Z-direction limiting structure 5 for limiting the Z-direction displacement of the side skirt. The Y-direction limiting structure 4 includes a wedge-shaped limiting structure 8 and a rib limiting structure 9. A Y-direction assembly gap 6 is provided between the Y-direction limiting structure 4 and the side skirt body 1, and a Z-direction assembly gap 7 is provided between the Z-direction limiting structure 5 and the side skirt body 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the Z-direction limiting structure 5 is located above the Y-direction limiting mechanism 4, the wedge-shaped limiting structure 8 is located on the side closer to the side skirt body 1, and the rib limiting structure 9 is located on the side closer to the vehicle body.

[0026] Furthermore, the Z-direction flange structure 3 includes a first limiting hook 10, which has a buckle mounting groove 11.

[0027] Furthermore, the Z-direction limiting structure 5 includes a limiting post 12 and a second limiting hook 13. A sliding groove is provided between the limiting post 12 and the second limiting hook 13. The first limiting hook 10 can slide in the sliding groove along the X direction. At the same time, the first limiting hook 10 and the second limiting hook 13 engage to realize the sliding engagement of the split buckle 2 and the side skirt body 1. After the first limiting hook 10 and the second limiting hook 13 interlock, they can be fixed.

[0028] During assembly, align the second limiting hook 13 of the split buckle 2 with the Z-direction flange entry of the side skirt body 1, and gently push the split buckle 2 along the X-direction to allow the second limiting hook 13 to enter the flange track. During sliding, the second limiting hook 13 undergoes elastic deformation and compression until it fully enters the limiting groove on the inner side of the flange, meaning the second limiting hook 13 engages with the buckle mounting groove 11 provided on the first limiting hook 10, achieving a sliding engagement. Advantages of the sliding engagement: 1. No bolts or complex tools are required; buckle assembly can be completed with one hand, significantly improving production line efficiency; 2. Damaged buckles can be slid out directly along the X-direction during maintenance without disassembling the side skirt body, reducing maintenance costs; 3. Eliminates the traditional bolt fixing structure, reducing the amount of metal fasteners used; 4. The sliding engagement structure simplifies mold design, eliminating the need for pre-embedded nuts or complex welding grooves, reducing production costs.

[0029] Furthermore, the second limiting hook 13 can move within the snap-fit ​​mounting groove 11, and the first limiting hook 10 is engaged in the sliding groove. The gap between the first limiting hook 10 and the sliding groove constitutes the Z-direction assembly gap 7 to achieve Z-direction limiting.

[0030] Furthermore, one side of the wedge-shaped limiting structure 8 is a wedge-shaped surface, which fits against the inner surface of the side skirt body 1. The gap between the wedge-shaped surface and the inner surface of the side skirt body 1 forms a Y-direction assembly gap 6 to achieve Y-direction limiting.

[0031] Furthermore, the Y-direction limiting structure 4 and the Z-direction limiting structure 5 are integrally formed, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs, improves the assembly stability of the buckle, and allows for individual replacement if the separate buckle 2 is damaged, thus reducing maintenance costs.

[0032] Furthermore, the Y-direction limiting structure 4 has a connecting part on one side that engages with the vehicle body, adapting to different vehicle models and installation points.

[0033] Furthermore, the Y-axis assembly gap 6 has a dimension of 2.5 mm. The Z-axis assembly gap 7 has a dimension of 0.5 mm. The design of the Y-axis or Z-axis assembly gaps can compensate for manufacturing or installation errors and avoid stress concentration.

[0034] The installation process of this invention is as follows: The split buckle 2 is pushed into the sliding groove of the Z-direction flange structure 3 → the wedge-shaped surface automatically conforms to the inner side of the side skirt → the hook locks in place to complete the Z-direction fixation → it is then secured to the vehicle body via the connecting part. During vehicle operation, the Z-direction clearance allows for slight vibration of the side skirt, while the Y-direction wedge-shaped surface prevents lateral dislodgement. Through the balance between mechanical interlocking and clearance fit, the problems of easy loosening and difficulty in adjustment in traditional side skirt installations are solved, making it particularly suitable for electric vehicles with high NVH requirements.

[0035] The side skirt mounting structure provided by this invention separates the traditional buckle seat from the side skirt body. The side skirt body has a Z-shaped flange for installing the split buckle, and there are ribs on both sides to partially restrict the opening. This avoids building the structure on the back of the side skirt body, reducing surface defects on the side skirt body, without sacrificing weight or texture. It also avoids appearance defects such as shrinkage and deformation on the outer surface of the side skirt caused by directly building the internal mounting structure, thus improving the appearance quality.

[0036] This invention ensures connection stability through Y-axis and Z-axis limiting. Ribs are added to the front of the body in the Y-axis direction for limiting, while a wedge-shaped structure at the rear serves both as a limit and allows the snap-fit ​​structure to slide in smoothly. A 2.5mm limiting distance is provided in the Y-axis direction to ensure a certain amount of movement, allowing the snap-fit ​​structure to have some displacement, enabling installation onto the corresponding part even with manufacturing tolerances. A 0.5mm tolerance is provided in the Z-axis direction to ensure smooth installation of the snap-fit ​​structure without jamming, while also allowing the snap-fit ​​to move freely during installation and smoothly insert into the mounting hole. This structure innovates upon the traditional method of placing the snap-fit ​​seat on the body and directly inserting the snap-fit ​​into the seat, avoiding the impact of snap-fit ​​seats or other structures on the side skirt body on the appearance quality of the injection-molded body. It also ensures that the snap-fit ​​can be assembled onto the side skirt body, allowing the side skirt assembly to be installed onto the vehicle body via snap-fit.

[0037] The present invention also proposes an embodiment of a side skirt assembly, including a side skirt mounting structure. The side skirt mounting structure involved in this embodiment is the same as the side skirt mounting structure described in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0038] It should be understood that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A side skirt mounting structure, characterized in that, The device includes a side skirt body and at least one separate snap fastener. The separate snap fastener and the side skirt body are slidably engaged. The separate snap fastener includes a Y-direction limiting structure for limiting the Y-direction displacement of the side skirt and a Z-direction limiting structure for limiting the Z-direction displacement of the side skirt. The Y-direction limiting structure includes a wedge-shaped limiting structure and a rib limiting structure. A Y-direction assembly gap is provided between the Y-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body. A Z-direction assembly gap is provided between the Z-direction limiting structure and the side skirt body.

2. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side skirt body includes a Z-direction flange structure, and the split buckle and the Z-direction flange structure are slidably engaged along the X-direction.

3. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Z-direction flange structure includes a first limiting hook, which has a buckle mounting groove.

4. The side skirt mounting structure according to any one of claims 3, characterized in that, The Z-direction limiting structure includes a limiting post and a second limiting hook. A sliding groove is provided between the limiting post and the second limiting hook. The first limiting hook and the second limiting hook are engaged. The second limiting hook can move within the buckle mounting groove. The first limiting hook is engaged in the sliding groove to achieve Z-direction limiting.

5. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the wedge-shaped limiting structure is a wedge-shaped surface, which fits against the inner surface of the side skirt body to achieve Y-direction limiting.

6. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Y-direction limiting structure and the Z-direction limiting structure are integrally formed.

7. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Y-direction limiting structure has a connecting part on one side that engages with the vehicle body.

8. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the Y-direction assembly gap is 2.5mm.

9. The side skirt mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the Z-axis assembly gap is 0.5 mm.

10. A side skirt assembly, characterized in that, Includes the side skirt mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images