Automotive component with mount

Abstract

Motor vehicle component, in particular cross member (1) in a motor vehicle, which is preferably designed as a structural component of a motor vehicle body, which is coupled to a receptacle (2), wherein the receptacle (2) is manufactured as an extruded light metal component and has at least one groove (3) in cross-section, wherein the groove (3) is formed in an outer shell surface (21) and a wall section of the motor vehicle component is formed into the groove (3) and is fixed by clinching, wherein the groove (3) increases its cross-section from a groove opening (14) to a groove base (13) and an undercut is formed by clinching.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle component according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are manufactured using so-called unibody construction. The individual components, such as the drivetrain and axles, are then installed within this structure. Inside the vehicle, seats, an instrument panel, and other components are fitted.

[0003] Self-supporting vehicle bodies are generally manufactured from metallic components. Sheet metal forming components are primarily used for this purpose. These offer relatively high design freedom while maintaining low weight. Hot-formed and press-hardened steel components are common. However, sheet metal forming components can also be made from light metals, especially aluminum. The sheet metal forming components are then joined together. Spot welding is a common method for connecting the individual components.

[0004] The sheet metal components themselves are relatively thin-walled, typically between 1 mm and 3 mm. Further coupling with other components, especially bolting, can therefore be problematic. For example, weld-in nuts are known from the prior art. These are nuts with internal threads that are welded to the sheet metal component. For example, in the interior, a seat rail or another component to be coupled can thus be bolted to the respective sheet metal component or the vehicle body.

[0005] However, especially in high-volume production, individually installing weld nuts can be costly for various applications. Furthermore, such a connection using a weld nut is sometimes suboptimal under load. If higher forces are applied, additional reinforcement measures are necessary.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to demonstrate a way of coupling further components in motor vehicle bodies, in particular by screwing them on.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention in a motor vehicle component, in particular in a cross member, with the features in claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous design variants are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The automotive component is, in particular, a cross member, and most preferably a seat support or seat cross member, which is installed in a vehicle body. Such a vehicle component is also referred to as a structural component, which is, in particular, permanently installed in a vehicle body and not merely coupled to it externally. The vehicle component is coupled to at least one receptacle. The receptacle itself is manufactured as an extruded light metal component. The receptacle is particularly preferably manufactured as a receptacle block and, more preferably, has several hollow chambers in its cross-section. In particular, a groove is formed in an outer surface.

[0010] This is the core of the invention. The groove is formed in the outer surface. A wall section of the automotive component is formed into the groove and thereby fixed by clinching. Therefore, the coupling or arrangement of the automotive component with at least one receptacle is also claimed. Preferably, two or more grooves are formed in the receptacle. The grooves can be produced directly during the extrusion process of the light metal component. The clinching, also called clinch joining, can then be performed on one side only. The groove acts as a die. This offers a further advantage. In particular, the cross-section of a groove can be configured as desired, for example, triangular. This provides the advantage according to the invention that an undercut is formed by the clinching process. This further increases the strength of the resulting clinch joint.The groove increases its cross-section, especially from a groove opening towards a groove bottom.

[0011] A further advantage of the invention is that different materials, which would not otherwise be thermally joinable, can be joined together by creating the clinch connection. Thus, for example, a steel material can be coupled with a light metal alloy. However, in accordance with the invention, two components made of a light metal alloy can also be coupled together, namely a mounting bracket and a vehicle component.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the invention, a bore with an internal thread is formed in the receptacle itself. The receptacle can thus serve as a mounting block for another component to be coupled. This additional component can then rest on the receptacle and be positively locked to it by means of a screw bolt. In particular, seat rails for a vehicle seat can thus be fixed to a seat cross member. The receptacle then offers a larger support or contact surface and thus increases the area for force transmission into the respective body component.

[0013] To further increase strength, the vehicle component and the mounting can be additionally bonded, for example, with adhesive. The adhesive can be applied before the components are fitted together. Initial fixation is then achieved through clinching. Once the adhesive has cured, further fixation occurs. Particularly preferred in accordance with this invention is the joining of a seat crossmember as a vehicle component with the mountings according to the invention, which in this context can also be referred to as adapters, mounting blocks, or bearing blocks.

[0014] The mount can also generally be called a mounting block, adapter, or bearing lock.

[0015] However, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to design a corresponding receptacle as a strut mount. This receptacle is then mounted in the area of ​​the front or rear of the vehicle, specifically in the upper region of the wheel arch. A coil spring or an upper strut mount, for example, can then be coupled to this receptacle.

[0016] In accordance with the invention, it is also conceivable that the motor vehicle component is a steering link. Such a steering link is known, for example, as a rod link or transverse control arm and is used on a motor vehicle axle. The respective end regions of such a steering link are then coupled to a receptacle according to the invention. Bearings can then be pressed into the receptacle itself, or threaded bolts can be passed through it, for example, to provide a respective linkage or connection for a motor vehicle steering link of an axle. The steering link is preferably also manufactured as a sheet metal forming component.

[0017] However, a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is such that a respective mounting block or bearing block is arranged on a seat crossmember. This can be configured such that the bearing block is arranged below the seat crossmember with respect to the vehicle's vertical direction and the installation situation. Thus, the bearing block is coupled to the floor of a vehicle body, and the seat crossmember is arranged on the bearing block. Alternatively, the seat crossmember itself can also be arranged on the floor of the vehicle body. The bearing blocks are then arranged on the seat crossmember.

[0018] The mount is partially inserted or attached to the crossbeam and clinched to it.

[0019] In particular, a protruding section of the mounting bracket is suitable as a support block for attaching a seat. Thus, the seat rail or frame can serve as a support for the seat and be bolted to it. A seat, in this context, refers to a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is designed to provide a place for a person to sit.

[0020] Preferably, the threaded element can also be fully inserted into the crossbeam and thus clinched. For this purpose, the receptacle is inserted into the crossbeam. The receptacle is designed as a threaded element and serves to couple another component to be coupled to the crossbeam by screwing it on.

[0021] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the schematic figures. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 a) to Fig. c) a crossbeam according to the invention with a laterally inserted receptacle; Fig. 2 a) and b) a respective front view of a seat crossmember arranged in a motor vehicle body; Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 a side view and a cross-sectional view of a seat crossbeam with bearing block; Fig. 5 a) and b) a cross-sectional view of a design variant of a component clinched in a groove; Fig. 6 a) and b) an alternative design variant to Fig. 6; Fig. 7 a) and b) a further alternative design variant to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a) and b) a further alternative design variant to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a) and b) an alternative design variant of a receptacle, which is manufactured in particular as a solid extruded component and Fig. Figures 10a and b show a front view and a perspective view of a design variant of a recording as an extrusion component.

[0022] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0023] Fig. 1 a) to Fig. c) show the basic idea of ​​the invention. Here is a crossbeam. 1 provided 1 , or into a hollow chamber of the crossbeam 1 is a recording 2 plugged in. The recording 2 itself has a groove 3up. The recording 2 It is manufactured as a single-chamber hollow profile by extrusion. The groove 3 is formed uniformly throughout the material during extrusion. According to Fig. 1 a) is now the recording 2 laterally into the crossbeam 1 plugged in. The recording 2 It itself can, for example, be designed as a threaded insert (not shown further). Through an opening 4 in the crossbeam 1 This is then later coupled with a screw bolt, which is not shown in detail.

[0024] Is the recording now 2 into the crossbeam 1 plugged in, will be according to Fig. 1 b) a clinch connection 6 formed by part of the wall 5 of the crossbeam 1 into the groove 3 is formed into it. According to the invention, this is made possible because of the groove 3 No counter-holder or die is required. The wall5 can be inserted into the groove from one side using a stamp 3 to be molded.

[0025] It is also possible as in Fig. 1 c) shown that on both sides of the recording 2 each one groove 3 is formed. The crossbeam 1 A cinch connection can then be made on both sides. 5 train. The clinch connection 5 is only formed in sections 7 and does not extend over the entire length of the groove 3 .

[0026] Fig. Figures 2 a) and b) show another application. Here, it is shown in a suggested vehicle body. 8 a respective seat crossbeam 9 arranged. The seat crossbeam 9 is in the case of Fig. 2 a) on the recordings 2 arranged, which thus serve as a bearing block and the seat crossbeam 9 increase. With the seat crossbar 9A seat rail (not shown in detail) can then be attached.

[0027] According to Fig. 2 b) is the seat crossbeam 9 with the vehicle body 8 coupled. On the seat crossmember 9 The recordings themselves are then located 2 as bearing blocks. The recordings 2 They can then be coupled to seat rails (not shown in detail). In both cases, the mounts are clinched to the seat crossmember.

[0028] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a side view and a section line according to section line AA from Fig. 2 b). The seat crossbeam 9 shows a recording 2 up. The recording 2 protrudes above the seat crossbeam 9 over. In one end area, the seat crossbeam is 9 partially omitted. In the recording 2 Each side of itself has a groove. 3trained. Into the groove 3 This then leads to the formation of the clinch connection. 6 at least in lengthwise sections 7, each a part of the wall 5 of the seat crossmember 9 molded or pressed in.

[0029] The side view according to Fig. 3 shows the groove 3 For better understanding, by cutting it free. The longitudinal wall of the seat crossbeam. 9 is hidden.

[0030] On one top 11 The mount has a threaded hole. 12 designed so that a seat rail (not shown in detail) is attached to the mount 2 can be coupled and screwed to this.

[0031] Fig. 5a shows the groove according to the invention 3 in cross-sectional view. This is essentially triangular in shape, so that from a groove base 13 to a groove opening 14towards which the cross-section decreases or from the groove opening 14 to the groove base 13 It increases in size. The component to be added 15 is shown and lies above the groove 3 . In the component 15 It is optionally a slot itself 16 trained. Is a [something] now being done according to Fig. 5b shown stamp 17 into the groove 3 Once retracted, the component 15 at the slot 16 spread and into the groove 3 deformed. The material or wall thickness is deformed in such a way that an undercut is created on each side of the groove. 18 is trained. Afterwards, the stamp is applied. 17 The clinching process is now complete. This involves the material flowing due to the forming process with the punch. 17 caused.

[0032] Fig. Figures 6 a) and b) show an alternative design variant. Here, the groove 3 a lead 19 arranged. The lead 19 is opposite the base of the groove 13 over and is in the direction of the groove opening 12 oriented towards. Will now be according to Fig. 6b a stamp 17 into the component to be added 15 When pressed in, part of the wall is also pushed back into the groove. 3 molded in and forms a respective undercut 18 out. Because of the lead 19 can the stamp 17 however, not fully into the groove 3 The remaining available space is filled by the flow of the material due to the forming process, so that part of the first component... 15 is transformed into the remaining recording rooms.

[0033] Fig. 7 a) and b) show an alternative design variant. Here, too, the groove 3 a lead 19 present, opposite the groove base 13 survives. The stamp 17 The head itself is essentially curved or rounded. This results in the following: 20 at the point where the stamp was made 17 , into the groove 3 deform into it. However, the material does not essentially flow, so the edges 20 have approximately the same wall thickness W as the component 15 himself.

[0034] Fig. Figures 8 a) and b) show by way of example a further embodiment of the groove according to the invention. 3 . At Fig. 8a the wall is not yet in the groove 3 molded to form a clinch connection 12 . At Fig. 8b is the wall of the component 15 into the groove3 molded. From a groove opening 12 from to a groove 13 The cross-section of the groove increases in this direction. 3 , so that each undercut 18 is formed. Furthermore, it is preferably located in the groove base. 13 a lead 19 present. This is particularly advantageous when shaping the wall, as it allows the material to fit into the groove. 3 Flowing material of the wall to create the undercuts 18 into the widened cross-section of the groove 3 due to the lead 19 is distributed.

[0035] Fig. 9 a) and b) show an alternative design variant of a recording 2 , which is manufactured in particular as a solid extruded component in cross-section. In the image 2 Each one is a threaded hole 12 with a preferably internal thread. Furthermore, in each outer surface shown here,21 a groove 3 trained. Thus, the admission can 2 to be coupled with a component that is not shown in detail.

[0036] In the case of Fig. 9 a) is a longitudinal axis 22 the threaded hole 12 essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction 23 the groove 3 oriented. In the case of Fig. 9 b) is a longitudinal axis 22 essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction 23 the groove 3 oriented.

[0037] Fig. 10a and Fig. Figure 10b shows a front view and a perspective view of a photograph according to the invention. 2 This component is manufactured as an extruded part. Its cross-section corresponds to the shape of an I-beam. An upper cross web 26 and a lower crossbar 27 are connected by a footbridge 25 connected in the footbridge 28 is a cylindrical recording 24Integrated, in which there is an internal thread for screwing in a towing eye (not shown). This is a threaded hole. 12 trained. The admission 2 It can then be inserted into a crossbeam (not shown in detail) and the respective grooves can be clinched together. Reference symbol list 1 - Crossbeam 2 - Recording 3 - Nut 4 - Opening 5 - Wall 6 - RCA connection 7 - lengthwise section by length 8 - Motor vehicle body 9 - Seat crossbeam 10 - Final section 11 - Top 12 - Threaded hole 13 - Groove base 14 - Groove opening 15 - Component 16 - Slot 17 - Stamp 18 - Undercut 19 - Lead 20 - Edges 21 - Outer shell surface 22 - Longitudinal axis to 12 23 - Longitudinal direction to 3 24 - cylindrical recording 25 - Footbridge

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle component, in particular cross member (1) in a motor vehicle, which is preferably designed as a structural component of a motor vehicle body, which is coupled to a receptacle (2), wherein the receptacle (2) is manufactured as an extruded light metal component and has at least one groove (3) in cross-section, characterized by , that the groove (3) is formed in an outer shell surface (21) and a wall section of the motor vehicle component is formed into the groove (3) and is thus fixed by clinching. [2] Motor vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receptacle (2) is designed as a hollow component with a closed cross-section, in particular a multi-chamber hollow component. [3] Motor vehicle component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the motor vehicle component is designed as a hollow component, in particular a hollow profile. [4] Motor vehicle component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one internal thread is formed in the receptacle (2) such that the motor vehicle component is coupled to another component by screwing a bolt into the internal thread. [5] Motor vehicle component according to one of claims 1 or 4, characterized by , that the motor vehicle component is arranged as a seat cross member (9) in a motor vehicle body (8), wherein preferably two receptacles (2) are inserted into the seat cross member (9). [6] Motor vehicle component according to claim 5, characterized by , that the receptacle (2) is designed as a bearing block, wherein a bearing block is coupled to the seat cross member (9), preferably the seat cross member (9) is arranged on bearing blocks, wherein the bearing blocks are clinched to the seat cross member (9). [7] Motor vehicle component according to claim 6, characterized by , that bearing blocks are arranged on the seat cross member (9), wherein the bearing blocks are clinched to the seat cross member (9). [8] Motor vehicle component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that a bearing block is inserted laterally at least partially into the seat cross member (9) and is clinched to it, wherein the groove (3) is preferably formed in the bearing block. [9] Motor vehicle component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the receptacle (2) is a solid extrusion part which has at least one groove (3) in the outer surface (21) and has an internal thread formed in the extrusion part. [10] Motor vehicle component according to claim 9, characterized by , that a longitudinal direction (23) of the groove (3) is oriented at an angle greater than 45° and less than 135°, in particular transversely, to a longitudinal axis (22) of the internal thread or that a longitudinal direction (23) of the groove (3) is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (22) of the internal thread.

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