Body assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Body assembly (5) for a motor vehicle, comprising a skirt (20) and a metallic body part (10) adjacent thereto along a boundary line (50), which together form an outer surface (6) of the motor vehicle, wherein the skirt (20) is attached to a skirt support (30) which is at least indirectly attached to the body part (10), wherein a locally given direction of travel (A) of the boundary line (50) and a spacing direction (B) extending transversely to the direction of travel (A) run parallel to the outer surface (6), characterized in that the skirt support (30) has as spacing elements a plurality of finger elements (32) spaced apart along the boundary line (50), each of which extends between the body part (10) and the skirt (20) in the direction towards the outer surface (6) and is arranged in the spacing direction (B) between the body part (10) and the skirt (20) in such a way thatthat these are thereby kept spaced apart from each other along the boundary line (50) at least at the level of the finger element (32), wherein at least one finger element (32) has a first rib section (33) projecting in the spacing direction (B) in a rib-like form.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a body assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 10 2005 029 847 A1 discloses a bumper mounting structure for attaching a bumper to a fender via a bumper spacer. The bumper mounting structure comprises a base plate mounting hole at one end of a base plate section of the fender, the base plate section forming a dividing line between the fender and the bumper; a side plate mounting hole in a side plate section of the fender, which points towards the side of the bumper that is inward in the transverse direction of the vehicle; an upwardly projecting section that can be rotatably inserted into the base plate mounting hole and is provided at one end of the bumper spacer; and a laterally projecting section on the bumper spacer.

[0003] The invention most closely related to DE 101 14 018 A1 discloses a receiving and connecting device for a front / rear bumper of a motor vehicle, which can be attached to a side part via a strip-like guide rail. The front bumper has an internal support part that has a structure and is provided at its upper edge with an integrated, strip-like retaining profile for the side part and has end-face connection receptacles for a wheel arch liner. Inside the support part are mounting points for a housing of a side indicator, a receptacle for a headlight cleaning system, and screw points for cable harnesses.

[0004] DE 197 36 755 A1 discloses a fastening arrangement for an extended profile section on a support, in particular for a side bumper cover on a support profile attached to a motor vehicle body, with interlocking sections of the profile section and the support. These sections form a longitudinal edge web on the profile section side, pointing towards the support and slidably received by a longitudinal slot on the support side. In addition to the longitudinal slot and web, the sections of the extended profile section and the support further form sliding ramps with identical inclinations that can be slid into one another in a longitudinal direction of the extended profile section and then interlock in the transverse direction, ensuring play in the direction of the width of the longitudinal slot. As they slide into one another, these ramps force an increasing approach of the extended profile section and the support in the transverse direction.

[0005] DE 103 43 381 A1 discloses a detachable connection between two adjacent components, in particular outer skin panels of a motor vehicle body, which are joined along a joint and provided with offset, locally adjacent flanges in the common connection area. The detachable connection is formed by a clamping connection that clamps both flanges against each other and comprises at least one plate-shaped fastening element with a slide-like spring clamp, wherein a head section of the plate-shaped fastening element is supported against one of the two components and the fastening element has at least one retaining section extending through openings in both flanges, which projects beyond both flanges and is provided with detent grooves aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the flanges, into which the spring clamp is inserted from the side in the insertion direction.

[0006] DE 102 42 787 B3 discloses a detachable connection between two adjacent components, in particular outer skin panels of a vehicle body, which are joined along a joint, wherein in the common connection area both components are provided with inwardly directed, oriented flanges. The flanges of both components abut each other in the common connection area.

[0007] DE 10 2006 031 455 A1 discloses a screw fastening for a stationary mounting flange of a plastic body panel forming the outer skin of a motor vehicle to a corresponding flange of an adjacent body part by means of a fastening screw which can be screwed into a receiving part attached to the body part, wherein through openings for guiding the fastening screw are provided on the fastening leg and on the flange and the fastening screw is supported with its head on the fastening leg.

[0008] DE 10 2013 112 846 A1 discloses an arrangement for attaching a first body part to a second body part of a motor vehicle, comprising a retaining strip attached to the first body part, a retaining element attached to the second body part and corresponding with the retaining strip in such a way that the retaining element can be placed on the retaining strip and brought into a defined assembly position, and a number of fastening and / or positioning means designed in such a way that the two body parts can be positioned in the assembly position in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in a transverse direction of the vehicle and in a vertical direction of the vehicle and can be fastened to each other forming a gap.

[0009] Motor vehicles have a bumper at the front and rear, with a bumper crossmember typically connected to the vehicle chassis. In a frontal or rear-end collision, the force is transferred to the chassis via the bumper crossmember, which may be connected to chassis longitudinal members. This connection can be achieved using energy-absorbing elements such as crash boxes. On modern passenger cars, the bumpers are usually visually integrated into the bodywork, with the bumper crossmembers concealed behind a front or rear apron, typically made of plastic. Only the apron is visible from the outside, and its shape, surface texture, and color are usually matched to the adjacent bodywork. This means the apron blends into the overall surface of the body and is indistinguishable from it in color.Sensors or other components may also be located behind the apron.

[0010] In the area where the bumper and the adjacent body panel (usually a fender or side panel) meet, there is no (visible) gap to the outside; that is, these two components fit together seamlessly. This is for visual and aesthetic reasons. In practice, the gap is typically less than 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm, although higher values ​​can occur in some sections. The bumper is typically attached to at least one bumper bracket—also made of plastic—with the connection being made, for example, by snap-fit ​​elements. The bumper bracket, in turn, is connected to the body by, for example, screws or rivets.

[0011] During vehicle operation, unavoidable vibrations within the body and wind resistance cause the bumper to move relative to the adjacent body panel (e.g., the fender or side panel). Due to the minimal gap, the two parts either rub directly against each other or friction occurs via dust and dirt particles that get trapped between them. In either case, this friction can damage and completely wear through the paintwork of the body panel. This, in turn, leads to premature corrosion, which can begin locally and spread throughout the body panel until it becomes visible from the outside. The paint may even peel or flake off. Overall, the lifespan of the body panel is reduced.

[0012] CN 208 134 275 U discloses a bumper bracket for a motor vehicle. This bracket has a through-hole for a screw used to attach it to a vehicle body. On one side facing the body, a predominantly annular projection is formed, which, when mounted, rests against the body. To prevent water from accumulating in the area of ​​the screw, which would lead to corrosion, the projection has a recess through which water from the area around the screw can drain away.

[0013] US Patent 2018 / 0029550A1 discloses a body assembly for a vehicle comprising a body and a frame. The body assembly includes an elongated bumper crossmember and at least one body flange arranged along the bumper crossmember and configured to cover the body. Furthermore, at least one contact structure is arranged on an inner surface of the bumper crossmember, configured to contact a section of the frame.

[0014] From JP 2018 / 090 068 A, a bumper structure for a vehicle is known that is intended to prevent corrosion between different metals. A gap is provided between the license plate and a concave surface on the side of the bumper, allowing water droplets to flow downwards. The water droplets then flow through a rectangular hole in the lower radiator grille and are directed to the rear of it. Since water accumulation is prevented, corrosion of the license plate is avoided.

[0015] KR 2007 0 080 911 A shows a bumper structure with a bumper crossmember that has a transverse groove on its outer surface. A number of crash elements made of aluminum foam engage in this groove in a form-fitting manner. Each crash element, together with the bumper crossmember, is enclosed by a bracket that has a flange for mounting to the vehicle frame. An energy-absorbing structure made of synthetic resin foam is provided on the outer surface, which is in turn covered by a plastic cladding.

[0016] Given the current state of the art, there is still room for improvement in protecting a body part adjacent to an apron from damage and corrosion.

[0017] The invention is based on the objective of improving the protection of a body part adjacent to an apron against damage and corrosion.

[0018] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a body assembly with the features of claim 1.

[0019] A body assembly for a motor vehicle is shown, comprising a skirt and a metallic body part adjacent to it along a boundary line, which together form an outer surface of the motor vehicle, wherein the skirt is attached to a skirt support that is at least indirectly attached to the body part, wherein a locally given direction of the boundary line and a distance direction perpendicular to the direction of the boundary line run parallel to the outer surface.According to the invention, the skirt support has as spacer elements a plurality of finger elements spaced apart along the boundary line, each of which extends between the body part and the skirt in the direction of the outer surface and is arranged in the spacing direction between the body part and the skirt in such a way that they are thereby kept spaced apart from each other along the boundary line at least at the level of the finger element, wherein at least one finger element has a first rib section projecting in the spacing direction, shaped like a rib.

[0020] The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention. In the following description, the finger element is also referred to as a spacer element.

[0021] It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined in any technically sensible way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0022] The invention provides a body assembly for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be, in particular, a passenger car, but also a truck. The body assembly is associated with a bumper, which can be located at the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0023] The body assembly comprises the bumper and an adjacent metallic body panel along its boundary line, together forming an outer surface of the vehicle. The bumper is generally a trim element, usually made of plastic, that covers the actual bumper. It can also be referred to as a bumper cover. The bumper may also include mounts or frames for headlights, turn signals, or other lights, and possibly a radiator grille. Generally, the bumper can be designed as a front or rear bumper. Typically, the bumper is purely a trim element, but it may optionally have energy-absorbing components on its inner surface. It should be noted that the trim element formed by the bumper also possesses certain, albeit minor, energy-absorbing properties.

[0024] Along the boundary line, a metallic body panel adjoins the bumper. This is usually a front or rear fender or a side panel of the vehicle. The body panel is metallic, meaning it consists primarily of metal, typically sheet steel. The boundary line corresponds to the outwardly visible line between the bumper and the body panel. The geometric shape of the boundary line naturally depends on the vehicle's design and construction and is usually neither straight nor flat. The bumper and the body panel together form an exterior surface of the vehicle, i.e., a surface visible from the outside. This surface is usually painted a uniform color. For this purpose, the metallic body panel has a suitable (multi-layered) coating, which serves not only for aesthetic purposes but also for corrosion protection.The color of the apron can at least be matched to the paintwork of the body part on the outside.

[0025] The bumper is attached to a bumper bracket, which is at least indirectly fastened to the body panel. The bumper bracket is normally connected to the body panel by positive-locking and / or friction-locking fasteners. For example, it can be screwed or riveted to the body panel. Preferably, the bumper bracket is attached directly to the body panel, although attachment via an intermediate element is also conceivable. Unlike the body panel, it is usually not made of metal, but of plastic, e.g., ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate copolymer) or PP-TD (polypropylene with talc). Since it is normally not visible from the outside, its color is irrelevant. The bumper bracket, in turn, serves to fasten the bumper; one could also say that the bumper is held by the at least one bumper bracket and indirectly fastened to the body panel by it.The apron can be attached to the apron bracket by a positive fit and / or a friction fit, for example, by a snap-fit ​​connection. It goes without saying that for an apron that abuts opposite fenders or side panels on both sides of the vehicle, each fender / side panel normally has its own apron bracket.

[0026] At least one spacer element of the apron bracket is positioned between the body panel and the apron in a spacing direction transverse to the direction of the boundary line, such that they are thereby kept at least at the height of the spacer element along the boundary line. This spacer element is part of the apron bracket and is formed integrally with it. It is normally pre-molded together with other parts of the apron bracket during the manufacturing process. It is positioned between the apron and the body panel along a spacing direction that runs transversely or perpendicular to the direction of the boundary line. This direction naturally corresponds to the course of the boundary line along the outer surface.Since the boundary line itself is generally not continuously straight, its direction is typically a locally determined direction that can differ at various points along the boundary. The same applies to the spacing direction, which is perpendicular to the boundary line but, like it, usually parallel to the outer surface. In simpler terms, one could say that the respective spacing element is positioned perpendicular to the boundary line's direction between the apron and the body panel. The spacing element thus acts as a spacer between the body panel on the one hand and the apron on the other.The geometry of the apron, the body panel, and the apron mounting (especially the spacer element) are coordinated such that the apron and the body panel are kept spaced apart from each other, at least in an area at the level of the spacer element along the boundary line. In particular, a minimum gap of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm can be set in an area near the outer surface, which is visible from the outside. As explained further below, contact between the apron and the body panel can optionally occur in areas offset along the boundary line from each spacer element; this contact is generally localized and small. Overall, the body panel and the apron are preferably kept spaced apart from each other along the majority of the boundary line, e.g., along at least 80% of the total length.

[0027] Since direct contact between the body panel and the bumper is (at least predominantly) prevented, there can be no friction between these two parts that could damage the body panel's paintwork. While direct contact between the spacer and the body panel does generally occur, this is less of a concern with regard to potential damage to the body panel. This is because significantly less relative movement is possible between the spacer (as part of the bumper bracket attached to the body panel) and the body panel than between the bumper and the body panel. Furthermore, the possibility of damage can be reduced by using a suitable geometry for the spacer, whereas the geometry of the bumper in the area of ​​the boundary line is largely determined by its function as a trim element.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the apron has an outer section extending along the outer surface and a flanged section extending from it, which is arranged adjacent to the body panel and extends along a depth direction transverse to the outer surface. The outer section, which could also be referred to as the main section or base section of the apron, extends along the outer surface and forms part of it. That is, one outer surface of the outer section is normally a color corresponding to the intended vehicle color. On a side facing the body panel, the flanged section adjoins the outer section. The flanged section can normally be described as angled relative to the outer section, i.e., it runs at an angle to the outer section or to the part of the outer section adjacent to it.The flange section need not be straight; it can be curved and / or angled, at least in part. It is also possible for the flange section to have differently shaped subsections along its boundary. In any case, the flange section extends along a depth direction that runs perpendicular to the outer surface (and thus perpendicular to the direction of travel and the spacing direction). One could also say that the flange section extends from the outer surface inwards. The function of the flange section can be, on the one hand, to provide structural stabilization of the skirt, and on the other hand, it can serve as a contact surface for at least one spacer element. Furthermore, various functional elements, which will be explained below, can be formed on the flange section.

[0029] As mentioned above, the apron bracket features a plurality of finger-like elements spaced along its boundary line, each extending between the body panel and the apron towards the outer surface. The finger-like elements are spaced apart along the boundary line, with the distance between two adjacent finger-like elements preferably being greater than the width of a single finger-like element, e.g., two to four times as wide. The term "finger-like elements" in this context is not to be interpreted restrictively, although the shape of each individual finger-like element can usually be described as finger-shaped or finger-like. Each finger-like element can originate from a main section or base section of the apron bracket, which in turn is attached to the body panel. It extends between the body panel and the apron towards the outer surface.The path of each individual finger element is generally not parallel to the depth direction. Furthermore, the individual finger element need not be straight, but can be curved and / or angled in sections. An embodiment with individual, spaced-apart finger elements can offer several advantages over a spacer element running continuously along the boundary line. Firstly, this saves material and thus weight. Secondly, each finger element can be deflected, at least to a limited extent, independently of the other finger elements, which may be advantageous for compensating for manufacturing tolerances. In addition, it is possible to arrange other functional elements, which will be described below, between two finger elements.

[0030] Preferably, at least one spacer element is set back from the outer surface in the depth direction. This can apply to all spacers in particular. That is, the respective spacer element does not extend to the outer surface between the body panel and the bumper, but rather recedes from the outer surface in the depth direction. This, in turn, means that the spacer element is not visible, or barely visible, from the outside. Furthermore, it means that the minimum possible distance between the body panel and the bumper immediately adjacent to the outer surface does not necessarily correspond to the extent of the spacer element. Rather, the bumper and the body panel could have a smaller distance immediately adjacent to the outer surface where the spacer element is not present, while they could have a larger distance where the spacer element is present.The spacer element can therefore be made thicker and more stable, while at the same time a narrow gap, barely perceptible from the outside, can be maintained between the apron and the body part.

[0031] Preferably, at least one spacer element rests against the body panel on one side and the flange section on the other. Each spacer element forms a positive connection with both the body panel and the flange section in the spacing direction. This prevents the flange section and the body panel from moving towards each other in the spacing direction—or at most, only with deformation of the spacer element. This also prevents the outer surface section adjacent to the flange section from moving towards the body panel, which could reduce or even close the intended gap. Optionally, the spacer element can even be held under preload between the body panel and the flange section. This preload can result, for example, from elastic deformation of the spacer element or the flange section.Apart from the fact that the embodiment shown here significantly improves the assurance of a minimal gap width, it also prevents any possible (albeit slight) relative movement of the spacer element with respect to the body panel. Such relative movement could cause the spacer element to strike or rub against the body panel, which in turn could damage the paintwork.

[0032] To stabilize each individual finger element and ensure a material-saving and therefore lightweight design of the apron bracket, at least one finger element, as described above, has a first rib section projecting in the spacing direction. This first rib section can, for example, project from a base section of the finger element. It is understood that the rib section is rib-like in shape. Since it projects in the spacing direction, it helps to stabilize the finger element against forces or force couples acting in that direction. These would include, for example, forces that would move the apron towards the body panel. Since the primary function of the finger element is to prevent such movement, the first rib section helps to maintain a predetermined minimum distance between the body panel and the apron.

[0033] While the at least one spacer element serves to ensure a minimum distance between the apron and the body panel, it is also advantageous to ensure, through design measures, that the distance does not exceed a predetermined maximum value or is limited upwards. According to a preferred embodiment, the apron bracket has at least one support element that rests against the flange section on a side opposite the body panel, thereby limiting the distance between the body panel and the apron in the spacing direction. The respective support element is normally formed integrally with the apron bracket. It rests against the flange section on a side opposite the body panel along the spacing direction. It can therefore be said that it supports the flange section.This creates a positive fit with the flange section and thus with the entire apron, preventing any movement of the apron away from the body panel. According to one embodiment, the respective support element is offset from each spacer element along the boundary line. In other words, spacers and support elements alternate along the boundary line.

[0034] To ensure the necessary stability of the support element with minimal material consumption and / or weight, it is preferred that at least one support element has a second rib section extending transversely to the direction of travel. The second rib section extends transversely to the boundary line or transversely to the direction of travel of the boundary line, and thus in a plane defined by the spacing direction and the depth direction. The second rib section can stabilize not only the support element itself, but also the skirt support as a whole.

[0035] Preferably, the apron is connected to the apron bracket by a snap-fit ​​connection. In particular, at least one snap-fit ​​element of the apron bracket can engage in a recess in the flange section, thereby creating a positive fit between the apron and the apron bracket in the depth direction. The snap-fit ​​element is normally formed integrally with the apron bracket. It may, for example, have a snap-fit ​​lug. The snap-fit ​​element engages in a recess or cutout formed in the flange section. When the apron bracket and the apron are joined, the snap-fit ​​element and / or the flange section are deflected elastically until the snap-fit ​​element engages in the recess. This creates a positive fit in the depth direction. Normally, the snap-fit ​​element is designed such that it is not possible to pull the apron and apron bracket apart without disengaging the snap-fit ​​element from the recess.This function can be achieved in a known manner by means of a corresponding profile of the locking element, which, for example, is chamfered or ramped on one side and stepped on the other. Preferably, the respective locking element is arranged offset along the boundary line to each spacer element and, if present, to each support element.

[0036] The connection between the body panel and the apron is established at least predominantly by the apron bracket. This connection can be further supplemented at the ends or in at least one end region of the boundary line. According to one possible embodiment, the body panel and the apron have recesses aligned with each other at the ends of the boundary line, through which a connecting element is passed. The apron has a projection facing the body panel, formed at the edge of the recess, which has a rounded profile and rests against the body panel. The connecting element, which can be designed in a pin-like manner and then also be referred to as a connecting pin or the like, is passed through a first recess on the apron side and through a second recess on the body panel side, thus establishing a positive-locking and, if applicable, a friction-locking connection.For example, the fastener can be designed as an expansion rivet. A projection is formed on the side of the bumper, extending to the edge of the (first) recess. In particular, it can predominantly or completely surround the first recess and can be ring-shaped. It can also be referred to as a bead. It has a rounded profile and rests against the body panel. Thus, there is direct contact between the bumper and the body panel. However, this contact is usually small and localized. This alone minimizes the potential effects of the contact, i.e., possible damage to the paintwork and associated corrosion. The rounded profile of the projection further minimizes the likelihood of damage to the body panel.The recesses described here and the connection via the fastener are normally present at both end regions of the boundary line.

[0037] Further advantageous details and effects of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to different embodiments illustrated in the figures. It shows Fig. 1 a perspective partial view of a vehicle body with a body assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 a first perspective view of parts of the body assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a second perspective view of parts of the body assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a first sectional view of the body assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a second sectional view of the body assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a third sectional view of the body assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a third perspective view of parts of the body assembly from Fig. 1; as well as Fig. 8 a sectional view of the body assembly from Fig. 1.

[0038] In the different figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols, which is why they are usually only described once.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rear section of a car body 1. In this simplified view, a trunk lid 2, a rear door 3, and a mounting area 4 for a taillight unit are visible. A rear apron 20 adjoins a side panel 10 at the rear. While the trunk lid 2, the rear door 3, and the side panel 10 are made of painted sheet steel, the rear apron 20 is made of plastic. Its surface finish is adapted to the side panel 10, with which it forms an outer surface 6 of the car body 1. A skirt bracket 30, concealed from the outside by the rear apron 20, is located in Fig. The side panel 10, which is only schematically indicated, is attached to the side panel 10. The rear apron 20, in turn, is attached to the apron bracket 30. The side panel 10, the rear apron 20, and the apron bracket 30 form parts of a body assembly 5. A gap 51 is formed between the side panel 10 and the rear apron 20 along a boundary line 50.

[0040] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figures 3 are perspective views of parts of the body assembly 5, where, for the sake of clarity, Fig. 2 only the side panel 10 and the apron bracket 30 are shown, while in Fig. Figure 3 shows only the skirt bracket 30 and the rear skirt 20. Here and in the following figures, a direction A of the boundary line 50 is shown. In the embodiment shown here, the boundary line 50 is predominantly straight, which is why the direction A is aligned the same at most points along the boundary line 50. A spacing direction B runs transversely to the direction A, but also parallel to the outer surface 6. In addition, a depth direction C runs perpendicular to the outer surface 6. Fig. Figures 4 to 6 are different sectional views, in which the section plane runs perpendicular to the direction of travel A.

[0041] The plastic apron bracket 30 is attached to the side panel 10 by rivets (not shown in the figures) and is therefore stationary relative to it. Besides a main section 31, it has a series of finger elements 32, which serve as spacers positioned in the spacing direction B between the side panel 10 and the rear apron 20. As shown in the sectional view in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, each finger element 32 rests against the side panel 10 on one side and against a flange section 22 of the rear apron 20 on the other. The flange section 22 adjoins an outer section 21, which forms part of the outer surface 6. Each finger element 32 extends between the side panel 10 and the flange section 22 towards the outer surface 6, but not all the way to it; rather, it is concealed within the gap 51. To improve the stability of the finger elements 32 with minimal material usage, each has a first rib section 33 projecting in the distance direction B. The finger elements 32 ensure that the gap 51 cannot close during normal driving of the car, but maintains a width of, for example, at least 0.1 mm or at least 0.3 mm in the distance direction B. As shown in particular in Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 3, the individual finger elements 32 are spaced apart from each other, which ensures, among other things, a certain flexibility of the individual finger elements 32.

[0042] As in Fig. 2 as well as in the sectional view of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the skirt bracket 30 further comprises several support elements 34, each of which bears against the flange section 22 on a side opposite the side panel 10 in the direction of distance. The resulting positive fit prevents the rear skirt 20 from moving significantly away from the side panel 10. This limits the width of the gap 51 to a maximum value, which may be, for example, 0.5 mm. To provide sufficient stability to each support element 34 with minimal material usage, it has a second flange section 35 and a third flange section 36, each extending transversely to the direction A.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the connection between the rear apron 20 and the apron bracket 30 is established by a series of snap-fit ​​connections. A snap-fit ​​element 37 formed on the apron bracket 30 engages in a recess 23 formed on the flange section 22. During assembly of the body assembly 5, the flange section 22 is slid over the snap-fit ​​element 37 in the depth direction C. Due to the chamfered shape of the snap-fit ​​element 37, an elastic deflection of the flange section 22 and / or the snap-fit ​​element 37 occurs in the distance direction B until the snap-fit ​​element 37 slides into the recess 23. This creates a positive fit in the depth direction C, which prevents the rear apron 20 from being pulled away from the apron bracket 30.

[0044] As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the finger elements 32, the support elements 34 and the locking elements 37 are each offset from each other along the direction of travel A.

[0045] In addition to the described connection of the rear apron 20 via the apron bracket 30 to the side panel 10, there is another fastening, which is described below with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is described. At each end of the rear apron 20, with respect to the boundary line 50, a connecting section 24 angled from the outer section 21 is formed, which has a first through-opening 25. In the assembled state, which is described in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the first through-opening 25 aligns with a second through-opening 11 on the side panel 10, and an expanding rivet 40 passes through both through-openings 11 and 25, thus positively connecting the rear apron 20 and the side panel 10. An annular projection 26 with a rounded profile is formed around the first through-opening 25. In the assembled state, this projection 26 rests against the surface of the side panel 10. Although there is direct contact between the rear apron 20 and the side panel 10, the rounded profile and the small contact area minimize the risk of damage from friction. Reference symbol list: 1 Bodywork 2 Trunk lid 3 rear door 4 Recording area 5 Body assembly 6 Outdoor area 10 Side panel 11, 25 Passage opening 20 Rear apron 21 Exterior section 22 Flange section 23 Exclusion 24 Connecting section 26 lead 30 apron holders 31 Basic section 32 finger elements 33, 35, 36 rib section 34 Support element 37 Latching element 40 expansion rivets 50 border line 51 column A Direction of travel B Distance direction C Depth direction

Claims

[1] Body assembly (5) for a motor vehicle, comprising a skirt (20) and a metallic body part (10) adjacent to it along a boundary line (50), which together form an outer surface (6) of the motor vehicle, wherein the skirt (20) is attached to a skirt support (30) which is at least indirectly attached to the body part (10), wherein a locally given direction of travel (A) of the boundary line (50) and a distance direction (B) extending transversely to the direction of travel (A) run parallel to the outer surface (6), characterized by, that the skirt support (30) has as spacer elements a plurality of finger elements (32) spaced apart along the boundary line (50), each of which extends between the body part (10) and the skirt (20) in the direction of the outer surface (6) and is arranged in the spacing direction (B) between the body part (10) and the skirt (20) such that they are thereby kept spaced apart from each other along the boundary line (50) at least at the level of the finger element (32), wherein at least one finger element (32) has a first rib section (33) projecting in the spacing direction (B). [2] Body assembly according to claim 1, characterized by, that the apron (20) has an outer section (21) extending along the outer surface (6) and a flange section (22) extending from it, which is located adjacent to the body part (10) and extends along a depth direction (C) running transversely to the outer surface (6). [3] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one finger element (32) is spaced away from the outer surface (6) in the depth direction (C). [4] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one finger element (32) rests on the body part (10) on one side and on the flange section (22) on the other. [5] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the skirt support (30) has at least one support element (34) which rests on the flange section (22) on a side opposite the body part (10), thereby limiting a distance between the body part (10) and the skirt (20) in the distance direction (B). [6] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one support element (34) has a second rib section (35, 36) extending transversely to the direction of travel (A). [7] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one locking element (37) of the skirt support (30) engages in a recess (23) in the flange section (22), thereby creating a positive fit between the skirt (20) and the skirt support (30) in the depth direction (C). [8] Body assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the body part (10) and the apron (20) have recesses (11, 25) aligned with each other at the end of the boundary line (50), through which a connecting means (40) is passed, wherein the apron (20) has a projection (26) formed on the edge of the recess (25) facing the body part (10), which has a rounded profile and rests against the body part (10).

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