Arrangement of an air intake grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Arrangement of an air inlet grille (1) in a body cover (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the body cover (2) has an outer shell (12) with a first outer shell section (3) and a second outer shell section (4), which are arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle such that a receiving opening is formed between the first outer shell section (3) and the second outer shell section (4), in which the air inlet grille (1) is arranged, and wherein the body cover (2) has an inner shell (7) which is at least partially connected to the outer shell (12), characterized in that a first grille holder (5) is provided on an inner side of the first outer shell section (3), which is designed to hold an upper edge section of the air inlet grille (1), and in that a second grille holder (6) is provided on the inner shell (7), which is designed toto hold a lower edge section of the air inlet grille (1).,

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement of an air inlet grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle, wherein the body cover has an outer shell with a first outer shell section and a second outer shell section, which are arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle such that a receiving opening is formed between the first outer shell section and the second outer shell section, in which the air inlet grille is arranged, and wherein the body cover has an inner shell which is at least partially connected to the outer shell.

[0002] It is generally known from the prior art to provide an air intake grille in the body cover of a motor vehicle. Such an air intake grille has a plurality of air intake openings, which can be configured in various ways and, by allowing air to pass through, can assist in cooling the motor vehicle's components, which are covered by the body cover when it is in the closed position.

[0003] With these types of arrangements, there is often the problem that the painted outer shell of the body cover can be scratched and damaged due to carelessness during assembly or disassembly of the air intake grille, which can require extensive rework.

[0004] From CN 102 407 819 A, it is known to attach a radiator grille to a motor vehicle bumper using vertically aligned fasteners. This measure makes it possible to prevent damage to the bumper's paintwork during installation. This assembly concept cannot be transferred to a generic arrangement.

[0005] DE 43 03 370 A1 discloses a device for fastening parts, in particular motor vehicle parts, in assembly openings, wherein the device comprises at least one clip-like fastening element arranged on the rear side of the part to be fastened and has at least one supporting and holding element which engages the edge of the assembly opening.

[0006] DE 100 50 419 A1 describes a hood for a motor vehicle with a separate decorative grille attached to the front edge of the hood. The decorative grille is movably attached to the front edge of the hood by its upper edge around a pivot axis located in the area of ​​this edge and parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. The pivot position of the decorative grille relative to the hood can be adjusted and fixed by means of adjustable elements arranged between the decorative grille and the hood.

[0007] The present invention has for its object to provide an arrangement of an air intake grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above, in which the risk of paint damage during assembly or disassembly of the air intake grille can be effectively reduced.

[0008] The solution to this problem is provided by an arrangement of an air inlet grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. The subclaims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

[0009] An arrangement according to the invention of an air inlet grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle is characterized in that a first grille holder is provided on an inner side of the first outer shell section, which is designed to hold an upper edge section of the air inlet grille, and in that a second grille holder is provided on the inner shell, which is designed to hold a lower edge section of the air inlet grille. The fastening concept according to the invention makes it possible for the air inlet grille to be installed very easily in the receiving opening of the outer shell of the body cover after the outer shell of the body cover has been painted, without the use of special tools and additional fastening means. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the paintwork of the outer shell, in particular due to scratching, can be effectively reduced during installation of the air inlet grille.A further advantage of the inventive solution is that the air intake grille can be easily removed for maintenance without the risk of damaging the paintwork of the outer shell. Furthermore, a visually harmonious appearance can be achieved because the air intake grille is flush with the painted outer shell, and no fastening elements, grille mounts, or the like are visible to an external observer.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that a receiving groove be provided on the inside of the first outer shell section, into which the upper edge section of the air inlet grille is inserted. This ensures that the upper edge section of the air inlet grille is securely held on the inside of the first outer shell section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiving groove can be formed between the first grille holder and an outer, downward-facing end section of the first outer shell section. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible for the receiving groove to be formed integrally with the first grille holder.

[0011] In order to achieve a secure hold of the first grid holder on the inside of the first grid holder, it is proposed in an advantageous embodiment that the first grid holder is glued, riveted or screwed to the inside of the first outer shell section.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible for the first grid holder to be formed integrally with the inside of the first outer shell section. In this context, it is possible, for example, to deliberately provide an area with a greater material thickness at an outer end of the first outer shell section during its manufacture than in the remaining part of the first outer shell section. The receiving groove can be milled into this area with a greater material thickness. By milling the receiving groove, in addition to the receiving groove, the first grid holder, which is formed integrally with the first outer shell section, and the downwardly facing outer end section of the first outer shell section can be obtained in this area.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the second grille mount comprise a plurality of spring sections that are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in which the lower edge section of the air inlet grille is received. The spring sections are designed such that they can exert a mechanical preload on the air inlet grille, so that the air inlet grille can be pressed into the receiving groove on the inside of the first outer shell section. This measure ensures a particularly secure hold of the air inlet grille in the receiving opening without additional fastening means.

[0014] Preferably, the spring sections can be designed and shaped such that the air inlet grille can be inserted into the spring sections from the outside through the receiving opening during assembly, and the spring sections can be reversibly deformed by manual force application such that the upper edge section of the air inlet grille can be inserted into the receiving groove on the inside of the first outer shell section. This enables particularly simple, tool-free assembly and disassembly of the air inlet grille. Once the external force is removed, the upper edge section of the air inlet grille is securely held in the receiving groove on the inside of the first outer shell section by the mechanical pretension of the spring sections.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, it is proposed that a mounting opening is formed in the inner shell through which the air inlet grille is passed from the inside, and that the second grille holder is shaped such that it can close the mounting opening. In this embodiment, the air inlet grille is mounted from the inside, not from the outside. The second grille holder is designed such that it can close the mounting opening after the air inlet grille has been mounted, in order to prevent water from entering through the mounting opening. Optionally, additional sealing elements can be provided to further improve the sealing of the mounting opening by means of the second grille holder.

[0016] Preferably, the second grille mount may include a receiving groove into which the lower edge portion of the air inlet grille is inserted. This measure ensures that the air inlet grille is securely held to the second grille mount.

[0017] In order to achieve a type of pre-fixing of the second grille holder during assembly after the air inlet grille has been passed through the assembly opening, it can be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the second grille holder has a retaining groove which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and into which a first edge section of the inner shell adjacent to the assembly opening is inserted.

[0018] In order to ensure that the second grille holder is securely held on the inner shell of the body cover, a particularly advantageous embodiment proposes that the second grille holder be glued, riveted, screwed, or clipped to the inner shell. Gluing, riveting, screwing, or clipping is particularly suitable for embodiments in which the air inlet grille is inserted into the receiving opening from the outside. Riveting, screwing, or clipping is particularly suitable for embodiments in which the air inlet grille is passed from below through the mounting opening of the inner shell and inserted into the receiving opening. Gluing is also possible with these latter embodiments, but is less advantageous because, for example, in the event of customer service, the second grille holder would have to be detached from the inner shell in order to be able to dismantle the air inlet grille.With an adhesive connection, this is only possible with a relatively large amount of effort and, under certain circumstances, not without destroying the second grille holder.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an arrangement of an air inlet grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through an arrangement of an air inlet grille in a body cover of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a Cartesian coordinate system was drawn, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) and a vertical direction (z-direction) extending orthogonally to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The arrowhead of the x-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system symbolizes the forward direction of the vehicle. A transverse direction (y-direction) of the vehicle extends orthogonally to the vehicle longitudinal direction and vertical direction into the plane of the drawing.

[0021] An air intake grille 1, arranged in a body cover 2 of a motor vehicle, has, in a known manner, a plurality of air intake openings (not explicitly visible in the two figures), which can have very different shapes. During assembly, the air intake grille 1 is arranged in the body cover 2 of the motor vehicle in the manner described below and extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The air intake openings of the air intake grille 1 support the cooling of the motor vehicle's components by allowing air to pass through them. These components are covered by the body cover 2 when it is in the closed position.

[0022] In the two exemplary embodiments presented here, the body cover 2 is a rear lid of the motor vehicle. However, the assembly concepts described below are also generally suitable for attaching the air intake grille 1 to a body cover 2 designed as a front lid.

[0023] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the body cover 2 in both exemplary embodiments comprises an outer shell 12 with a first outer shell section 3 and a second outer shell section 4. The first outer shell section 3 has a vertical offset in the vehicle vertical direction (z-direction) of the motor vehicle and a longitudinal offset in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) to the second outer shell section 4, so that a receiving opening (not provided with a reference numeral) for receiving the air inlet grille 1 is formed between the two outer shell sections 3, 4. The air inlet grille 1 can be arranged in this receiving opening slightly inclined to the vehicle vertical direction (z-direction) during assembly. The first outer shell section 3 has at its outer end a downwardly pointing end section 30 which extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1, the first exemplary embodiment of the arrangement will be explained in more detail below. In this illustration, it can be seen that a first, strip-like grille holder 5 is provided on an inner side of the first outer shell section 3 of the outer shell 12 of the body cover 2. This first grille holder 5 can preferably be made of plastic and can be fastened to the inner side of the first outer shell section 3, for example by gluing, riveting, or screwing. The first grille holder 5 is arranged at a distance from the downwardly facing end section 30 of the first outer shell section 3 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, such that a receiving groove 14 is formed between the downwardly facing end section 30 and the first grille holder 5, into which receiving groove an upper edge section of the air inlet grille 1 can be inserted during assembly.Alternatively, the first grid holder 5 can also be formed integrally with the inside of the first outer shell section 3. For example, it is conceivable to deliberately provide an area with a greater material thickness at the outer end of the first outer shell section 3 during its manufacture than in the remaining part of the first outer shell section 3. The receiving groove 14 can be milled into this area with a greater material thickness in the transverse direction of the vehicle. By milling the receiving groove 14, the downward-facing end section 30 and the first grid holder 5, which is formed integrally with the first outer shell section 3, can be obtained in this area.

[0025] In this exemplary embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a second grille holder 6, which is fastened to an inner shell 7 of the body cover 2. The second grille holder 6 can preferably be made of plastic or alternatively of metal. The inner shell 7 is in turn connected at least in sections by adhesive bonding or welding to the outer shell 12, in particular to the first outer shell section 3. In the present case, the second grille holder 6, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is connected by means of a number of clip connecting means 8, of which Fig. 1 only one can be seen, is clipped to the inner shell 7. Alternatively, the second grille holder 6 can also be glued, screwed, or riveted to the inner shell 7. The second grille holder 6 has a plurality of tab-like spring sections 60, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The spring sections 60 are shaped in sections such that a lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1 can be received therein and held therein. Furthermore, the spring sections 60 are designed such that they can exert a mechanical preload on the air inlet grille 1, so that the air inlet grille 1 can be pressed into the receiving groove 14 on the inside of the first outer shell section 3 and held securely therein. The upper edge section and the lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1 are each provided with an edge protection element 9, 10 in this exemplary embodiment.These edge protection elements 9, 10 each extend around the lower and upper edges of the air inlet grille 1 and serve in particular to protect the upper edge section and the lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1 as well as the two painted outer shell sections 3, 4 from damage during assembly and disassembly.

[0026] During assembly, the first grille holder 5 is first fastened to the inside of the first outer shell section 3 in the manner described above. Then, the second grille holder 6 is fastened to the bottom of the inner shell 7. The inner shell 7 is then glued to the outer shell 12 of the body cover 2. In the final step, the air inlet grille 1 is inserted from the outside into the receiving opening formed between the two outer shell sections 3, 4. The lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1 is inserted into the spring sections 60 of the second grille holder 6 and pressed downwards against the spring force of the spring sections 60, so that the upper edge section of the air inlet grille 1 can be inserted into the receiving groove 14 on the inside of the first outer shell section 3.Due to the mechanical pretensioning of the spring sections 60, the air inlet grille 1 is securely held in the receiving groove 14 on the inside of the first outer shell section 3 without additional fastening means and is secured against falling out.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2, the second exemplary embodiment of the arrangement will be explained in more detail below. The arrangement again has a first, strip-like grille holder 5, which is provided on an inner side of the first outer shell section 3 of the outer shell 12 of the body cover 2 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The first grille holder 5, which can preferably be made of plastic, borders the downward-facing end section 30 of the first outer shell section 3. The arrangement further has a receiving groove 14 for receiving an upper edge section of the air inlet grille 1, which, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, is formed integrally with the first grille holder 5. In the present case, the first grille holder 5 is fastened to the inner side of the first outer shell section 3 with the aid of at least one adhesive element 13, which is preferably designed as an adhesive bead.Alternatively, the first grid holder 5 can also be attached to the inside of the first outer shell section 3 in another way. For example, it is possible for the first grid holder 5 to be screwed or riveted to the first outer shell section 3. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the first grid holder 5, with the receiving groove 14 formed therein, is formed integrally with the inside of the first outer shell section 3.

[0028] In this embodiment, a mounting opening 70 is formed in the inner shell 7, which is shaped so that the air inlet grille 1 can be guided through it from below during installation. The mounting direction was Fig.2 symbolized by an arrow. The arrangement further comprises a second grille holder 6, which comprises a receiving groove 62 for receiving a lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1. Furthermore, the second grille holder 6 has a holding groove 61, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and into which a first edge section 71 of the inner shell 7 adjacent to the mounting opening 70 can engage. In the present case, the second grille holder 6 is fastened in the mounting direction by means of a plurality of clip connecting means 8 spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle to a second edge section 72 of the inner shell 7 adjacent to the mounting opening 70. Alternatively, the second grille holder 6 can also be screwed or clipped to the second edge section 72.In addition to accommodating the lower edge section of the air inlet grille 1, the second grille mount 6 also contributes to sealing the mounting opening 70, whereby additional sealing means can optionally be provided to ensure sealing in this area. The air inlet grille 1 can preferably also have the edge protection elements 9, 10 provided in the first exemplary embodiment, but not explicitly shown here.

[0029] In both exemplary embodiments described here, the air intake grille 1 can be installed very easily and without the use of special tools in the receiving opening of the outer shell 12 of the body cover 2 after the outer shell 12 of the body cover 2 has been painted. Both assembly concepts can effectively reduce the risk of damage to the paintwork of the outer shell 12, particularly due to scratching, during assembly.

[0030] Furthermore, the air intake grille 1 can be easily disassembled for maintenance purposes, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the painted outer shell 12. The two arrangements described here also provide a visually harmonious appearance, since the air intake grille 1 is flush with the painted outer shell 12, and no fastening elements, grille brackets 5, 6, or the like are visible to an external observer.

[0031] The first embodiment has the advantage over the second embodiment in that it is not necessary to provide the relatively large mounting opening 70 in the inner shell 7 for the passage of the air inlet grille 1. This mounting opening 70 could, under certain circumstances, structurally weaken the inner shell 7. Furthermore, after the air inlet grille 1 has been installed, this mounting opening 70 must be closed and sealed by means of the second grille holder 6 and, if necessary, using additional sealing measures to prevent water from penetrating through the mounting opening 70 of the inner shell 7.

Claims

[1] Arrangement of an air inlet grille (1) in a body cover (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the body cover (2) has an outer shell (12) with a first outer shell section (3) and a second outer shell section (4), which are arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle in such a way that a receiving opening is formed between the first outer shell section (3) and the second outer shell section (4), in which opening the air inlet grille (1) is arranged, and wherein the body cover (2) has an inner shell (7) which is connected at least in sections to the outer shell (12), characterized bythat a first grille holder (5) is provided on an inner side of the first outer shell section (3), which is designed to hold an upper edge section of the air inlet grille (1), and that a second grille holder (6) is provided on the inner shell (7), which is designed to hold a lower edge section of the air inlet grille (1). [2] Arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that on the inside of the first outer shell section (3) there is provided a receiving groove (14) into which the upper edge section of the air inlet grille (1) is inserted. [3] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the receiving groove (14) is formed between the first grid holder (5) and an outer, downwardly facing end portion (30) of the first outer shell portion (3). [4] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized bythat the receiving groove (14) is formed integrally with the first grid holder (5). [5] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the first grid holder (5) is glued, riveted or screwed to the inside of the first outer shell section (3). [6] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the first grid holder (5) is formed integrally with the inside of the first outer shell section (3). [7] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized byin that the second grille holder (6) has a plurality of spring sections (60) which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in which the lower edge section of the air inlet grille (1) is received, wherein the spring sections (60) are designed such that they can exert a mechanical prestress on the air inlet grille (1) so that the air inlet grille (1) can be pressed into the receiving groove (14) on the inside of the first outer shell section (3). [8] Arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the spring sections (60) are designed and shaped in such a way that the air inlet grille (1) can be inserted into the spring sections (60) from the outside through the receiving opening during assembly and the spring sections (60) can be reversibly deformed by manual application of force in such a way that the upper edge section of the air inlet grille (1) can be inserted into the receiving groove (14) on the inside of the first outer shell section (3). [9] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that a mounting opening (70) is formed in the inner shell (7) through which the air inlet grille (1) is passed, and that the second grille holder (6) is shaped such that it can close the mounting opening (70). [10] Arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the second grille holder (6) comprises a receiving groove (62) into which the lower edge section of the air inlet grille (1) is inserted. [11] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by that the second grid holder (6) has a holding groove (61) which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and into which a first edge section (71) of the inner shell (7) adjacent to the mounting opening (70) is inserted. [12] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the second grille holder (6) is glued, riveted, screwed or clipped to the inner shell (7).

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