Exterior wall with a self-resetting cover structure for concealing a vehicle's wheel suspension

Abstract

Outer wall (5) for a vehicle, comprising: a wall section (200); and a cover structure (100) for covering a wheel suspension (300) of the vehicle (1000), comprising: a first wall panel (10); and an elastically deformable restoring element (30); wherein the first wall panel (10) is rotatably connected to the wall section (200) along a first axis of rotation (13); wherein the return element (30) is connected to the first wall panel (10) on a first side and rests against the wall section (200) on a second side opposite the first side; wherein the first wall panel (10) is designed to pivot from an initial position via the first axis of rotation (13) into a pivoted position when an external force acts on the first wall panel (10), thereby introducing a stress into the elastically deformable restoring element (30); wherein the return element (30) is designed to push the first wall panel (10) back from the pivoted position to its initial position via the applied tension when the external force no longer acts on the first wall panel (10); characterized by the fact that: the cover structure (100) further comprises a planar telescopic element (20); the first wall panel (10) is articulated along a second axis of rotation (14) with the telescopic element (20); a length of the telescopic element (20) is variable along a longitudinal direction (21); and the telescopic element (20) can be rotatably mounted on an outer edge (25) facing away from the first wall panel (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to covering and protective devices for vehicles, in particular for rail vehicles such as trams. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, and rail vehicles in particular, can have a wheel suspension that can rotate beyond the outer contour of the vehicle when cornering because the wheel suspension rotates in relation to the car when cornering. This can expose moving drive components of the vehicle, which in the case of trams, for example, can lead to an increased risk of injury for pedestrians who come close to the vehicle. Furthermore, without appropriate protective devices, the drive components are exposed to the weather conditions and are not protected from moisture or dirt, for example. Previous prior art solutions use protective devices that are attached directly to the vehicle's wheel suspension and are moved by the movement of the wheel suspension itself in order to constantly conceal the wheel suspension.Such protective devices must be removed for maintenance work, for example, to access the wheel suspension. Easy access to the wheel suspension components, for example for the aforementioned maintenance purposes, is therefore not possible.

[0003] DE 10 2013 225 944 A1 describes a rail vehicle (1) comprising at least one apron flap, which is movably attached to a car body or an undercarriage of the rail vehicle via at least one adjusting device. The at least one adjusting device is designed such that, upon pressure being applied to the inside of the apron flap, the apron flap can move outward from an initial position into an extended position. In the extended position, a first, downwardly extending side edge of the apron flap and / or a second, downwardly extending side edge of the apron flap are extended and are parallel or substantially parallel to the side wall of the car body.The adjustment device has a spring element which is designed such that it is tensioned when the apron flap is moved into the extended position and returns the apron flap to its original position when the pressure on the inside of the apron flap is removed, as well as a chassis which can rotate about a vertical axis, wherein during rotation about the vertical axis the chassis can touch the apron flap, exert pressure on the inside of the apron flap and can thereby move the apron flap from the original position into the extended position. During rotation, the chassis touches the apron flap in a front area of ​​the apron flap or in a rear area of ​​the apron flap, and in the extended position of the apron flap the second side edge is not extended or is less extended than the first side edge, so that the apron flap is at an angle to the side wall.

[0004] JP S61-36064 A describes a wheel cover for a vehicle to improve durability by supporting the cover body of said cover so that it rotates outward around the front and rear edge portions that are locked to the steering in the full wheel cover installed on a chassis and covering the outside of a steering wheel. When a steering wheel is turned to the right, a steering linkage shifts to the left, and a tubular member is rotated clockwise around a vertical shaft through a ball joint, a bracket, a pull rod, and a pull wire. Then, a roller installed on the front edge of the tubular member pushes the front of the cover body of a full wheel cover to the right side and rotates the body to the position shown by the two-point chain line around the rear edge side.Furthermore, the movement of the tubular element is transmitted to a tubular element on the left side via a pull wire, and similarly, the cover body on the left side is also rotated in the same direction.

[0005] DE 723 125 A describes a wheel cover for steering wheels, particularly those of streamlined motor vehicles, with a resiliently held outer wheel cover plate that can be pushed out through the steering wheel while maintaining a tight seal against the wheel cover. The wheel cover plate tapers upwards in a pointed arch and is connected to and supported by the outer wall of the wheel cover by two crescent-shaped strips of elastic material that decrease in width towards the top.

[0006] DE 60 2004 004 474 T2 describes a fender for a wheel of a vehicle, comprising two or more radially superimposed parts that are movable relative to one another in the axial direction of the wheel and can be locked in different relative axial positions to create a fender with an adjustable width. The fender is formed from two parts, one of which is designed for direct attachment to the vehicle body, and the second of which is designed for attachment to the vehicle body by means of posts of variable length attached to the second part to enable adjustment of the distance of the second section from the vehicle body. DESCRIPTION

[0007] It can therefore be considered an object of the invention to provide a protective structure for a wheel suspension of a vehicle which offers reliable protection of the wheel suspension against unwanted access from the outside and at the same time allows easy access to the wheel suspension for maintenance purposes.

[0008] This object is achieved by an exterior wall according to independent claim 1 and by a vehicle according to claim 9. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and from the following description.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, an exterior wall for a vehicle comprises a wall section and a covering structure for concealing a wheel suspension of the vehicle. The covering structure has a first wall panel and an elastically deformable return element. The first wall panel is rotatably connected to the wall section along a first axis of rotation, which runs, for example, on a first side of the covering structure. The return element is connected to the first wall panel on a first side and bears against the wall section on a second side, which is opposite the first side. The first wall panel is also designed to pivot from an initial position about the first axis of rotation into a pivoted-out position when an external force acts on the first wall panel, thereby introducing tension into the return element.In addition, the return element is designed to push the first wall panel back to its initial position via the applied tension when the external force no longer acts on the first wall panel.

[0010] The outer wall as a whole includes the wall section, and the wall section, together with the cover structure, forms part of the outer wall. The outer wall is intended to be installed as part of the body of a vehicle, so that the wall section with the cover structure can be positioned to the side of the wheel suspension in the direction of travel.

[0011] A vehicle's wheel suspension is a device that connects the vehicle's wheels to the vehicle and is generally capable of laterally rotating relative to a main structure of the vehicle along a central axis to enable the vehicle, such as a rail vehicle, to negotiate curves. Laterally rotating refers to the ability to rotate about the vehicle's vertical axis. In rail vehicles, the entire wheel suspension rotates about a vertical axis. This allows the rail vehicle to negotiate a curve without any of the rail vehicle's carriages having to adjust to the curve.

[0012] Especially in trams, the lateral distance between the wheel suspension and the outer edge of the vehicle is relatively small due to its design, so as not to take up too much space on the road. To ensure adequate pedestrian protection, it is therefore advisable to conceal the wheel suspension from the outside. For this purpose, the outer wall features a cover structure that can be moved laterally relative to the wall section via the first pivot axis. The cover structure thus protects the wheel suspension against environmental influences such as moisture and dirt, as well as protecting pedestrians from moving parts of the wheel suspension.

[0013] The first axis of rotation, along which the first wall panel of the cover structure is integrated into the wall section or connected to the wall section, can be located both in front of and behind the wheel suspension in the direction of travel and generally runs vertically along the wall section, i.e. along the vertical axis of the vehicle. In other words, the first axis of rotation is an axis that is arranged parallel to the central axis of the wheel suspension in the side wall of the vehicle. The first axis of rotation enables the wall panel to rotate or pivot on one side relative to the wall section of the vehicle and thereby enables the wall panel to pivot laterally out of the body if the rotational position of the wheel suspension requires it.

[0014] A wheel suspension can generally rotate relative to the vehicle in such a way that a central section of the wheel suspension in the direction of travel is always located within the vehicle body, and the wheel suspension protrudes from the body either in front of the central section or behind the central section on each side of the vehicle, depending on the direction of cornering. When turning right, for example, the front section on the right-hand side of the vehicle can swing out, whereas when turning left, the rear section on the right-hand side of the vehicle can swing out. On the left-hand side of the vehicle, the situation can be exactly the other way around. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the first axis of rotation is located laterally next to the central section of the wheel suspension when the wall section is installed. The axis of rotation can then simultaneously be the axis of symmetry on which the cover device orThe first wall panel is mirrored. This means that two cover devices can be used, one facing forward and one facing rearward, to cover the respective pivoting front and rear sections of the wheel suspension.

[0015] The elastically deformable return element is an element that can absorb tension energy through elastic deformation caused by an external force and that relaxes back to a resting state when the force is removed. The return element can be any suitable elastic element, such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, a rubber band, or any other suitable element. The return element is preferably a leaf spring.

[0016] The return element is firmly connected to the wall panel on one side. In other words, one side of the return element is moved along with the wall panel when it swings out of the wall section via the first axis of rotation. The other side of the return element is connected to the wall section itself or rests against it. In other words, the other side of the return element is not moved along with the wall panel when it swings out of the wall section, but is fixed to the wall section itself, which is statically connected to the outer wall. Therefore, when the wall panel swings out of the outer wall, tension is introduced into the return element, which causes the return element to ensure that the wall panel returns to its original position before it swung out when the external force is removed (when the wheel suspension is back inside the body).In a neutral position, when the cover structure is not swung out, only slight tension is applied to the return element, so that even during cornering, the return effect of the return element is sufficient to hold the cover structure in its position despite the centrifugal force that occurs, without the cover structure swinging outwards. If the wheel suspension pushes the cover structure outwards, the return element is further tensioned. Conversely, if the wheel suspension is swung in the other direction behind the cover structure, i.e. inwards, the wall panel can remain in its original position. It is not necessary for the wheel suspension to move the wall panel inwards (relative to the outer wall of the vehicle).

[0017] The wall panel can be constructed as a lightweight sandwich structure to meet lightweight construction requirements. The wall panel can therefore, in particular, have two facing layers and a core layer arranged between the facing layers. The core layer can have a lower mass density, i.e., a lower weight per volume, than the facing layers. However, the wall panel can also be made of other suitable materials, especially non-lightweight materials.

[0018] When using a sandwich construction, the core layer can be a honeycomb core, a foam core, or a core made of other suitable lightweight materials, such as cork. A foam core can be made of, for example, PVC foam (polyvinyl chloride foam), PET foam (polyethylene terephthalate foam), or any other suitable material.

[0019] The cover layers, on the other hand, can be made of materials with higher mass density and higher specific stiffness. Any suitable material, such as wood, plastics, or various laminates, can be used. The cover layers could, for example, be made of glass fibers or carbon fiber impregnated with plastics, particularly phenolic resin or epoxy resin. However, this list is only exemplary, and other materials are also conceivable.

[0020] According to the invention, the covering structure further comprises a flat telescopic element. The first wall panel is hinged to the telescopic element on a second side along a second axis of rotation. The length of the telescopic element is variable along a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the telescopic element can be rotatably mounted on an outer edge facing away from the first wall panel.

[0021] The telescopic element is a flat element that preferably has the same dimensions as the first wall panel in the direction of the first and second rotation axes, so that the wall panel and the telescopic element geometrically form a flat unit in the initial position. In other words, in the neutral position, the telescopic element forms a linear extension of the wall panel.

[0022] The second side, on which the telescopic element is articulated to the first wall panel, corresponds to the side of the first wall panel facing away from the first axis of rotation. When the wall section is installed, the second axis of rotation is therefore further forward in the direction of travel relative to the first axis of rotation if the first axis of rotation is behind the wheel suspension. If the first axis of rotation is in front of the wheel suspension in the direction of travel, the second axis of rotation is further back relative to the first axis of rotation. If the first axis of rotation is located to the side next to the central area of ​​the wheel suspension, the second axis of rotation can be located either in front of or behind the first axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation run parallel to each other.

[0023] The telescopic element can be hinged to the first wall panel in any suitable manner, allowing the plane of the telescopic element to bend relative to the plane of the first wall panel. For example, the telescopic element can be hinged to the first wall panel via a rod hinge.

[0024] The longitudinal direction along which the telescopic element can be adjusted in length is always relative to the telescopic element itself. If the telescopic element bends relative to the first wall panel, the longitudinal direction of the telescopic element no longer corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the first wall panel or the entire cover structure.

[0025] Since the telescopic element can be rotatably mounted on an outer side facing away from the first wall panel, the telescopic element can be articulated both directly to the outer wall and to any other subcomponents of the cover structure that may be present, as described below with reference to another embodiment. If the telescopic element is rotatably mounted on the outer edge, the telescopic element can change its length and bend relative to the first wall panel when the external force is applied to the first wall panel, so that the first wall panel and the telescopic element together completely cover the pivoted-out wheel suspension. When the external force no longer acts on the first wall panel, the return element returns the first wall panel to its original position and with it the telescopic element.In other words, the telescopic element then returns to a level with the first wall panel and reduces its length back to its original length.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the telescopic element further comprises a first sub-element and a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is arranged in the first sub-element such that the second sub-element is displaceable along the longitudinal direction with respect to the first sub-element.

[0027] The first sub-element is, for example, a flat element that is hollow on the inside, and the second sub-element is a flat element that is dimensioned such that it fits inside the first sub-element and is connected to the first sub-element such that it can be moved relative to the first sub-element in the longitudinal direction as described above. The second sub-element can be connected to the first sub-element in any suitable way, such as by rails or guides. The minimum installation space taken up by the telescopic element is determined solely by the extension of the telescopic element in the inserted state, ie when the second element and the first sub-element are pushed into one another.

[0028] One of the sub-elements can then be hinged to the first wall panel, and the other sub-element can be rotatably mounted on the outer edge described above. This allows the telescopic element to change its length.

[0029] The first sub-element and the second sub-element can be made of any suitable material, such as various metals or plastics, or various composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). However, other materials are also possible.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the first sub-element and the second sub-element are pultrusion elements.

[0031] Such pultrusion elements allow for a small wall thickness of the sub-elements and thus a small overall installation space.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the first sub-element and the second sub-element are slidably connected to one another by means of at least one telescopic rail which runs along the longitudinal direction.

[0033] A telescopic rail, for example, is an arrangement made up of two partial rails in which one partial rail is slidably mounted within another partial rail, for example by means of ball bearings, without one partial rail being able to detach completely from the other. However, other sliding mechanisms are also conceivable. One of the two partial rails can then be fastened to an inner side of the first, internally hollow, partial element of the telescopic element. The other of the two partial rails can be fastened to an outer side of the second partial element in a position in which the second partial element is located within the first partial element. This allows the first partial element to slide out of the first partial element and thus extend the overall length of the telescopic element. The telescopic element preferably has two telescopic rails. However, any other number of telescopic rails is also possible.The telescopic element can consist of more than two sub-elements that can be moved relative to one another.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the return element is a leaf spring which rests against the wall section on a first side of the cover structure.

[0035] A leaf spring is an elastic, essentially elongated and straight element that can be bent to a certain extent in one longitudinal direction and that bends back to its original position due to the tension thus introduced when no external force acts on the leaf spring.

[0036] In one variant, the leaf spring can be at least partially integrated into the first wall panel. Integrating the leaf spring into the first wall panel reduces the thickness of the first wall panel and thus also reduces the thickness of the cover structure. The limited installation space, particularly in rail vehicles such as trams, can thus be advantageously utilized. However, the leaf spring does not have to be integrated into the first wall panel. It is also conceivable for the leaf spring to be simply connected to the first wall panel in some other way without being integrated.

[0037] A leaf spring provides a high torque due to its long lever, but only allows for a limited angle of rotation. Therefore, a leaf spring is preferably used in the first wall panel. However, it can also be used in a second wall panel, if present, as described below.

[0038] The leaf spring can, for example, be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in a stacked construction. However, the leaf spring can also be manufactured in any other suitable manner and from any other suitable material.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the cover structure further comprises a second wall panel. The second wall panel is rotatably mounted on the outer edge of the telescopic element.

[0040] The second wall panel can be constructed similarly to the first wall panel, using a lightweight construction or in any other suitable manner. The fact that the second wall panel is pivotally mounted on the outer edge of the telescopic element means that the telescopic element is arranged between the first wall panel and the second wall panel, and that the telescopic element can rotate or pivot relative to both the first wall panel and the second wall panel. The second wall panel can be pivotally connected to the telescopic element in the same way as the first wall panel is pivotally connected to the telescopic element. However, the second wall panel can also be pivotally connected to the telescopic element in another way.

[0041] The first wall panel and the second wall panel are directly connected to the wall section. The first wall panel can rotate relative to the outer wall along the first rotation axis as described above, and the second wall panel is fixed to the outer wall. However, the second wall panel can also rotate relative to the outer wall. In the initial position of the cover structure, the first wall panel, the telescopic element, and the second wall panel form a plane. When the first wall panel is pivoted out by the wheel suspension, the telescopic element rotates with respect to both the first wall panel and the second wall panel, changing its length so that the first wall panel, the telescopic element, and the second wall panel completely cover the wheel suspension, and the shape of the cover structure adapts to the shape of the pivoted-out wheel suspension.

[0042] This arrangement allows for an alternative or additional return element to be attached to the second wall panel, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, the second wall panel allows for a suspension arrangement to be attached, as described below in relation to another embodiment.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the outer wall further comprises a tension spring. The tension spring is attached to the telescopic element on a first side. On a second side, the tension spring is attached to the second wall panel. A spring axis of the tension spring runs in a plane spaced from the plane of the initial position of the cover structure and is arranged to provide a force flow parallel to the cover structure when it is deflected from its initial position, thereby forcing the cover structure back to its initial position when the external force is no longer acting.

[0044] The fact that the tension spring is arranged in a plane spaced from the plane of the starting position of the cover structure means that the spring acts at a point outside the neutral plane, i.e. outside the pivot point of the telescopic element with the second wall panel, and thus generates a moment that pushes the telescopic element and the second wall panel back to their starting position. The spaced plane can intersect the plane of the starting position or be parallel to it. However, at least one end of the tension spring must be spaced from the plane of the starting position. The tension spring can be any type of elastic element or spring element that generates a force along a spring axis when it is stretched or compressed along this spring axis. For example, the tension spring can be a coil spring.

[0045] One side of the tension spring can be attached to the second wall panel and the other side of the tension spring can be attached to the telescopic element. The tension spring then provides an additional elastic connection between the second wall panel and the telescopic element, wherein the spring axis is arranged parallel to the common plane of the cover structure in the initial position. Such a tension spring provides a low torque due to the short lever, but allows a large angle of rotation. The installation location on the second wall panel is therefore preferred. However, it is also conceivable for one side of the tension spring to be connected to the wall section at the first axis of rotation and the other side of the tension spring to be attached to the first wall panel.Both possibilities lead to a restoring effect on the swung-out cover structure, since the swung-out introduces a tension along the spring axis and the spring retracts back to its rest position when no external force acts, thereby returning the cover element to its initial position, i.e. retracting the first wall panel, the telescopic element and the second wall panel back into a common plane.

[0046] More than one tension spring can be installed. The tension springs can also be used in conjunction with the leaf springs described above.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the cover structure further comprises a suspension arrangement including a first suspension and a second suspension. The first suspension and the second suspension are arranged on a horizontal edge of the cover structure such that the first suspension and the second suspension define a flap opening axis that runs parallel to the horizontal edge. Furthermore, the cover structure is rotatably attached to the wall section via the first suspension and the second suspension such that the cover structure can be folded out of the wall section via the flap opening axis.

[0048] The first suspension and the second suspension are fastening parts for the cover structure, which rotatably connect the cover structure to the wall section and together define the suspension arrangement. The common axis running through the first suspension and the second suspension defines the flap opening axis. In other words, the flap opening axis is defined by the connecting line between the first suspension and the second suspension. In the initial state of the cover structure, this axis runs along the upper horizontal edge of the cover structure. In particular, the flap opening axis runs perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation of the cover structure.

[0049] The first suspension and the second suspension are attached to parts of the cover structure that are static with respect to the surrounding wall section. The suspensions therefore always remain in their respective position with respect to the wall section and do not change their position when the cover structure is pivoted out by the wheel suspension. In particular, the first suspension can be attached to the first side of the cover structure, to the wall section or to a part of the cover structure that is static with respect to the wall section. The second suspension can be attached to the second wall panel, if present. If no second wall panel is present, the second suspension can also be attached to the outer edge of the telescopic element directly to the wall section in such a way that it rotatably connects the telescopic element to the wall section. However, the first suspension and the second suspension can also be attached at other suitable locations.

[0050] This configuration enables the cover structure, in its initial position, to be opened outwards and upwards like a flap via the flap opening axis in order to provide access to the wheel suspension of the vehicle when installed in a vehicle, for example for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a previously described outer wall, a body, and a wheel suspension. The outer wall is part of the body, and the wall section is arranged in the body of the vehicle such that the covering structure is arranged to the side of the wheel suspension in the direction of travel. Deflection of the wheel suspension from a surface of the body applies the external force to the wall panel.

[0052] By arranging the outer wall in the vehicle so that the cover structure is positioned to the side of the wheel suspension, the wheel suspension is enabled to contact the cover structure when the wheel suspension pivots outward from the body. The wheel suspension can then contact the cover structure or the first wall panel and push it outward, thus providing the external force. The cover structure can then adapt to the shape of the pivoted-out part of the wheel suspension as described above, thus completely covering the wheel suspension and providing advantageous pedestrian protection and protection of the wheel suspension from environmental influences.

[0053] In the initial position, the cover structure forms a flat surface with the wall section and the wall section with the rest of the vehicle body.

[0054] In addition, the cover structure can be folded out of the vehicle body in the initial position along the flap opening axis, as described above, in order to provide access to the wheel suspension.

[0055] In summary, the invention provides an outer wall for a vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle, which includes a cover structure that adapts itself to a wheel suspension or another structure pivoting out from the outer circumference of the vehicle. The cover structure uses only passive components to deform itself, when necessary (by rotating or pivoting the individual components of the cover structure), in such a way that the pivoting structure is concealed and thus protected from environmental influences, and unintentional access to the pivoting structure is prevented or made more difficult. This provides advantageous pedestrian protection from the pivoting structure. Furthermore, the cover structure can be easily removed from the wheel suspension to gain access to it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0056] The following describes exemplary embodiments in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations are schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements.

[0057] They show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a rail vehicle with a wall element with a cover structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 A schematic representation of a cover structure in a deflected position viewed from an inside according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 A schematic representation of the cover structure from Fig. 1 in an initial position according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 A schematic representation of a cover structure in an initial position viewed from an outside according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 A schematic representation of a part of a first wall panel of a cover structure with two return elements designed as leaf springs according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 A schematic diagram of a cover structure used as a flap for a wheel suspension of a rail vehicle, in a view from above of the rail vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 A schematic representation of a telescopic element of a cover structure in two perspectives according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1000 with a wheel suspension 300 and a wall section 200, which is part of the outer wall 5 of the vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the outer wall 5 also has two cover structures 100 which are connected to the wall section 200. The two cover structures 100 are attached to the wall section 200 such that one of the two cover structures, viewed from the side of the vehicle 1000, represents the mirror image of the other cover structure 100 on the axis of symmetry 1. The wall section 200 is arranged in the body 4 of the vehicle 1000 or is part of the body 4 such that the cover structures 100 conceal the wheel suspension, i.e. the cover structures are located in front of the wheel suspension 300, but are not firmly connected to it.One of the two cover structures 100 conceals a rear portion of the wheel suspension 300, while the other of the two cover structures 100 conceals a front portion of the wheel suspension 300. Each of the two cover structures 100 comprises a first wall panel 10, a telescopic element 20, and a second wall panel 40.

[0059] In this embodiment, the front of the two cover structures 100 is adapted to also pivot out of the wall plane in response to the front part of the wheel suspension 300 pivoting out of the wall plane of the body 4. In doing so, the wall panel 10 pivots out of the plane, and the telescopic element 20 rotates relative to the wall panel 10 and is extended, i.e., changes in length. The second wall panel 20 remains in the wall plane. This occurs because the front part of the wheel suspension strikes the wall panel 10 during pivoting out, thereby exerting an external force on the wall element 10, which causes the wall panel 10 to pivot out of the plane of the drawing. When the wheel suspension 300 returns behind the wall plane of the body 4, no external force acts on the cover structure 100.Elastically deformable return elements 30 on the inside of the cover structure 100, which previously absorbed tension during pivoting out, now relax again and bring the cover structure 100 back to its starting position.

[0060] The rear of the two cover structures 100 is configured in the same way to react to a pivoting of the rear part of the wheel suspension 300.

[0061] Each of the two cover structures 100 can also be opened along a flap opening axis 53 (by a pivoting movement upwards about the axis 53) when it is in the initial position, ie in the wall plane, in order to provide easy access to the wheel suspension 300, for example for maintenance and repair purposes.

[0062] The exact functioning of the cover structures 100 will be explained below with reference to the Fig. 2 to 7 are described in detail and will be readily apparent.

[0063] Although the wall portion 200 in this embodiment comprises two cover structures 100, in other embodiments the wall portion 200 may also comprise only one cover structure 100 or more than two cover structures 100, depending on the requirements and design of the wheel suspension.

[0064] The cover structures 100 may be configured according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a cover structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment in a swung-out state from an inside, ie, in an installed state, viewed from an inside of the vehicle 1000 Fig. 1. A first wall panel 10 is rotatably connected to a first side 11 of the cover structure 100 via a first rotation axis 13 with a surrounding wall section 200 (see Fig. 1, in Fig. 2 not shown). In this embodiment, two tension springs 32, which are designed as spiral springs, are used as return elements 30. The two tension springs 32 are each attached at one of their ends to a second wall panel 40 and at the other of their ends to a telescopic element 20. The telescopic element 20 has a first partial element 22 and a second partial element 23. The first partial element 22 is a flat and internally hollow element which receives the second partial element 23. The second partial element 23 is displaceable relative to the first partial element 22 along a longitudinal direction 21 of the telescopic element via two telescopic rails 24 which connect the first partial element 22 and the second partial element 23 to one another.The first wall panel 10 is rotatably connected to the telescopic element 20 on a second side 12 along a second rotation axis 14, and the telescopic element 20 is in turn rotatably connected to the second wall panel 40 along an outer edge 25 of the telescopic element 20. A first suspension 51 is fastened to the first rotation axis 13 such that it remains statically in position with the (not shown) wall section 200 when the cover device 100 is deformed, which is also advantageous in comparison with . Fig. 3 becomes clear.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall panel 10 and the second wall panel 40 are manufactured as lightweight sandwich construction elements. However, other manufacturing methods can also be used. The first sub-element 22 and the second sub-element 23 are pultrusion elements. This results in minimal expansion in the thickness direction and can help meet installation space requirements.

[0067] The telescopic element 20 is pivotally connected to the first wall panel 10 and the second wall panel 40, respectively, via a rod hinge. However, it should be understood that other articulated connecting parts are also possible. The first sub-element 22 is connected to the second wall panel 40, and the second sub-element 23 is connected to the first wall panel 10, so that when extended, the telescopic element can increase the distance between the first wall panel 10 and the second wall panel 40 while still covering a gap that forms at this point, thus preventing unintentional access to the wheel suspension through this gap.

[0068] The cover structure is in Fig. 2 in the swung-out position. In this position, an external force acts on the first wall panel 10, e.g. by a wheel suspension 300 (not shown in Fig. 2) and deflects the first wall panel 10 from the plane defined by the flap opening axis 53 and the first rotation axis 13. Since both the first rotation axis 13 and the second wall panel 40 are statically connected to the wall section 200 (not shown), the telescopic element 20 rotates relative to the first wall panel 10 and the second wall panel 40 and is extended. The tension springs 32 are thereby elongated, i.e., tension is introduced into the tension springs 32. When the external force no longer acts on the first wall panel 10, the tension springs relax again and press the cover structure back into the Fig. 3 shown initial situation.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows the cover structure of Fig. 2 in an initial position, i.e. in a non-pivoted state, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this state, no external force acts on the first wall panel 10. As a result, the tension springs 32 can retract into their rest position and in doing so pull the telescopic element 20 into a plane with the second wall panel 40. Since the distance between the first axis of rotation 13 and the second wall panel 40 is also constant, since both the first axis of rotation 13 and the second wall panel 40 are firmly connected to the wall section 200 (not shown), in this state the first wall panel 10 is also retracted into the plane spanned by the flap opening axis 53 and the first axis of rotation 13 and the telescopic element 20 is thereby pushed together.The first wall panel 10, the telescopic element 20, and the second wall panel 40 are located in a common plane defined by the first rotation axis 13 and the flap opening axis 53, which corresponds to the plane of the wall section 200 (not shown). In this state, the cover structure 100 is rotatable like a flap about the flap opening axis 53. Accordingly, the cover structure 100 can be folded outward relative to the wall section 200 (not shown), thus providing access to the wheel suspension behind the cover structure 100.

[0070] Although with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 For reasons of clarity only tension springs 32 have been described, it should be understood that as return elements 30 either only leaf springs 31 (not shown, see Fig. 5), or leaf springs 31 in combination with the tension springs 32 may be used. The operation of the leaf springs 31 is explained below with reference to Fig. 5. It should also be understood that the tension springs can be located on the first wall panel 10 in the same way. Furthermore, the number of leaf springs 31, tension springs 32, or leaf springs 31 and tension springs 32 can differ from the number shown. Only one or more than two leaf springs 31 or tension springs 32 can be used. Tension springs 32 can also be used on both the first wall panel 10 and the second wall panel 40.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cover structure 100 in an initial position viewed from an outside according to an exemplary embodiment, such as the embodiment of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In this figure it can be seen that the cover structure 100, when the outer wall is inserted into a vehicle, such as the vehicle of Fig. 1, is installed, defines a flat surface in the initial position when viewed from an outside. In this position, no external forces act on the cover structure 100. If an external force acts on the cover structure 100 from an inside, for example, if a wheel suspension 300 (not shown) swings out from the side wall, the cover structure deforms into the Fig. 2 shown form.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 shows a portion of a first wall panel 10 viewed from the inside according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, two leaf springs 31 are used as restoring elements 30. The leaf springs 31 are elongated, elastic, substantially straight components that absorb tension by bending and return to their rest position when no more force is acting on them. The two leaf springs are arranged on one side (right side in Fig. 5) is partially integrated into the first wall panel 10. On the other side (left side in Fig. 5) the leaf springs are attached to the first axis of rotation 13 or at least lie between the axis of rotation 13 and the first wall panel 10 on the first axis of rotation 13, which, as already described with reference to Fig. 2, in its position static to the wall section 200 (not shown, see Fig. 1). Thus, if an external force acts on the first wall panel 10 from the inside and thus rotates the first wall panel 10 outward about the first rotation axis 13, the end of the leaf springs 31 connected to the first wall panel 10 is carried along, while the other end of the leaf springs 31 remains static. This introduces tension into the leaf springs 31, via which the leaf springs 31 drive the first wall panel 10 back to its original position when no external force acts on the first wall panel 10.

[0073] To better withstand the high forces and large torsion angles, the leaf springs 31 can also be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in a stacked construction, which reduces edge fiber stress. However, any other common leaf spring 31 can also be used.

[0074] The at least partial integration of the leaf springs 31 into the first wall panel 10 helps to meet tight installation space requirements.

[0075] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a cover structure 100 used as a cover for a wheel suspension 300 of a vehicle 1000, in a top view according to an exemplary embodiment. The rectangle represents the wheel suspension 300 of a vehicle 1000 (see Fig. 1), where a rectangle with solid lines represents the wheel suspension 300 in a non-swiveled position. A rectangle with dashed lines represents the wheel suspension 300 in a swung-out position. Fig. 6 shows four cover structures 100, two on each side of the wheel suspension 300. The four cover structures 100 are identical, whereby the cover structures 100 in the upper part of the Fig. 6 cover structures 100 shown in the lower part of the Fig. 6, but are mirrored about the symmetry axis 1. The position of the cover structures 100 is shown in relation to the pivoted wheel suspension 300. The symmetry axis 1 runs through the central axis of rotation of the wheel suspension 300 and is perpendicular to a normal direction on the side walls of the vehicle 1000 (see Fig. 1).

[0076] In the situation shown, vehicle 1000 is located (see Fig. 1) in a right-hand bend, ie a front part of the wheel suspension 300 in the direction of travel 3 swings to the right out of the outer circumference of the body 4 (see Fig. 1) of the vehicle (upper part of the Fig. 6) and a rear part of the wheel suspension swings out to the left from the outer circumference of the body 4 of the vehicle 1000 (lower part of the Fig. 6).

[0077] The right rear and left front cover structures 100 are thus in the initial position. No external force acts on the cover structures 100. However, the right front and left rear cover structures 100 pivot into the pivoted-out position due to the pivoting of the right front part and the left rear part of the wheel suspension 300, respectively. The pivoting part of the wheel suspension 300 presses against the first wall panels 10, which are thereby deflected outwards. The rotation axes 13 and the second wall panels 40 are each statically connected to the wall section 200 (not shown, see Fig. 1) as already mentioned with reference to Fig. 2, and remain in position. By pivoting out the first wall panels 10, the telescopic elements 20 bend with respect to the first wall panels 10 along the second rotation axes 14 and with respect to the second wall panels 40 along the outer edges 25. In addition, the telescopic elements 20 are extracted. As a result, the cover structures 100 adapt to the respectively pivoting part of the wheel suspension 300. When the wheel suspension 300 pivots back again and is completely retracted within the body 4 ( Fig. 1), the respective cover structures 100 are returned to their initial position by the return elements 30 (not shown) and the telescopic elements contract.

[0078] In addition, each of the cover structures 100 in the initial position can be pivoted independently of one another along the flap opening axis 53 upwards to the side of the vehicle 1000 in order to provide access to the wheel suspension.

[0079] Fig. Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a telescopic element 20 of a cover structure in two perspectives according to an exemplary embodiment. A first sub-element 22 accommodates a second sub-element 23 in an inner cavity. The first sub-element and the second sub-element are connected to one another via telescopic rails 24 such that the second sub-element 23 is movable or displaceable relative to the first sub-element 22 in the longitudinal direction 21. The internal structure of the telescopic element 20 is particularly evident in the side view (right side of the Fig. 7) clearly.

[0080] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" or "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 axis of symmetry 3 Direction of travel 4 Body 5 Exterior wall 10 First wall panel 11 first side of the first wall panel 12 second side of the first wall panel 13 first axis of rotation 14 second axis of rotation 20 flat telescopic element 21 Longitudinal direction of the telescopic element 22 first sub-element of the telescopic element 23 second sub-element of the telescopic element 24 telescopic rail 25 Outer edge of the telescopic element 30 Reset element 31 leaf spring 32 tension spring 40 Second wall panel 50 Suspension arrangement 51 First suspension 52 Second suspension 53 Flap opening axis 60 horizontal edge of the articulated cover structure 100 cover structure 200 wall section 300 wheel suspension 1000 vehicles

Claims

[1] Outer wall (5) for a vehicle, comprising: a wall section (200); and a cover structure (100) for covering a wheel suspension (300) of the vehicle (1000), comprising: a first wall panel (10); and an elastically deformable return element (30); wherein the first wall panel (10) is rotatably connected to the wall section (200) along a first axis of rotation (13); wherein the return element (30) is connected to the first wall panel (10) on a first side and rests against the wall section (200) on a second side opposite the first side; wherein the first wall panel (10) is designed to pivot from an initial position about the first axis of rotation (13) into a pivoted-out position when an external force acts on the first wall panel (10), and thereby to introduce a tension into the elastically deformable return element (30); wherein the return element (30) is designed to force the first wall panel (10) back from the pivoted-out position into its initial position via the introduced tension when the external force no longer acts on the first wall panel (10); characterized by , that: the cover structure (100) further comprises a flat telescopic element (20); the first wall panel (10) is articulated to the telescopic element (20) along a second axis of rotation (14); a length of the telescopic element (20) is variable along a longitudinal direction (21); and the telescopic element (20) can be rotatably mounted on an outer edge (25) facing away from the first wall panel (10). [2] The outer wall (5) according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic element (20) comprises a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23); and wherein the second sub-element (23) is arranged in the first sub-element (22) such that the second sub-element (23) is displaceable along the longitudinal direction (21) with respect to the first sub-element (22). [3] Outer wall (5) according to claim 2, wherein the first partial element (22) and the second partial element (23) are pultrusion elements. [4] External wall (5) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first partial element (22) and the second partial element (23) are slidably connected to one another by means of at least one telescopic rail (24) which runs along the longitudinal direction (21). [5] Outer wall (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return element (30) is a leaf spring (31) which bears against the wall section (200) on a first side (11) of the cover structure (100). [6] Exterior wall (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover structure (100) further comprises a second wall panel (40); wherein the second wall panel (40) is rotatably mounted on the outer edge (25) of the telescopic element (20). [7] Outer wall (5) according to claim 6, further comprising a tension spring (32); wherein the tension spring (32) is attached to the telescopic element (20) on a first side; wherein the tension spring (32) is attached to a second side of the second wall panel (40); and wherein a spring axis of the tension spring (32) extends in a plane spaced from the plane of the initial position of the cover structure (100) and is arranged to provide a force flow parallel to the cover structure (100) when it is deflected from its initial position in order to thereby force the cover structure (100) back into its initial position when the external force no longer acts. [8] An exterior wall (5) according to any preceding claim, wherein the covering structure (100) further comprises a suspension arrangement (50); wherein the suspension arrangement (50) includes: a first suspension (51); and a second suspension (52); wherein the first suspension (51) and the second suspension (52) are arranged on a horizontal edge (60) of the cover structure (100) such that the first suspension (51) and the second suspension (52) define a flap opening axis (53) which runs parallel to the horizontal edge (60); and wherein the cover structure (100) is rotatably attached to the wall section (200) via the first suspension (51) and the second suspension (51) such that the cover structure (100) can be folded out of the wall section (200) via the flap opening axis (53). [9] Vehicle (100) comprising: an outer wall (5) according to one of the preceding claims; a body (4); and a wheel suspension (300); wherein the outer wall (5) is part of the body (4); wherein the wall section (200) is arranged in the body (4) of the vehicle (1000) such that the covering structure (100) is arranged in the body (4) laterally of the wheel suspension (300) in the direction of travel; and wherein a deflection of the wheel suspension (300) from a surface of the body (4) applies the external force to the wall panel (10).

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