Body component for a motor vehicle body and method for immersion bath treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a body component (4) for a motor vehicle body (1), with at least one cavity (8) which is bounded downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction (11) by at least one base surface (9), in the vehicle's transverse direction (12) and / or in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (13) by at least one wall (10), and which is at least partially open upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction (11), wherein the body component (4) is designed as a cast component (14), wherein the body component (4) has at least one drain opening (15) through which a fluid (2) can flow, and the base surface (9) is inclined relative to a horizontal plane (16) spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction (13) and the vehicle's transverse direction (12), whereby fluid (2) collected in the cavity (8) during an immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body (1) can be directed via the base surface (9) to the drain opening (15).to drain the fluid (2) from the cavity (8) via the drain opening (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a body component for a motor vehicle body according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body having at least one such body component.

[0002] DE 10 2016 001 182 B4 discloses a sealing arrangement of a sealing element on a cast component of a vehicle, in which the cast component has at least one cast dome with at least one through-opening which is sealed by means of the sealing element, wherein the through-opening has a first cross-section and at least one second cross-section which adjoins the first cross-section and is smaller than the first cross-section and to which the sealing element adjoins.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a body component for a motor vehicle body and a method for immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body having at least one such body component, so that the immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body can be carried out with particularly little effort.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a body component for a motor vehicle body having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method for immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body having at least one such body component having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a body component for a motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle body can be understood as a body, in particular a self-supporting body, for a motor vehicle or of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a passenger car, commercial vehicle, or truck.

[0006] The term "body component" can be understood as a single component of the body or as an assembly of several components of the body, particularly those formed separately from one another. In other words, the body component can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces.

[0007] Preferably, the motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, comprises the motor vehicle body, and in particular the body component. Preferably, the motor vehicle body, particularly in its fully manufactured state, comprises the body component.

[0008] For example, the body component, particularly in its installed position in the motor vehicle body or in the motor vehicle, is arranged or can be arranged in a rear region of the motor vehicle body, particularly of the motor vehicle. The rear region can be understood in particular as a rear region of the motor vehicle body or of the motor vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body or of the motor vehicle, whereby the rear region can also be referred to as the rear section.

[0009] The body component is designed, for example, as a frame, in particular as a rear frame and / or as a supporting frame. The supporting frame is designed, for example, as a supporting frame for at least one power electronics unit, for example, an electrical energy storage device, in particular a high-voltage storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the body component is designed, for example, as a longitudinal member or a cross member. Alternatively, the body component is designed, for example, as a spring strut support.

[0010] The term "longitudinal member" can be understood in particular as a longitudinal structure. The term "cross member" can be understood in particular as a transverse structure. A main direction of extent of the longitudinal member preferably runs, in particular when the body component is installed in the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle, at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle. A main direction of extent of the cross member preferably runs, in particular when the body component is installed in the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle, at least substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle. For example, the body component is formed from at least one metal, in particular from aluminum.

[0011] The body component has at least one hollow space, which can be referred to in particular as a cavity or an intermediate space. The hollow space is preferably free of material, particularly in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle body.

[0012] The cavity is delimited downwards, particularly in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or in the motor vehicle, by at least one base surface, in particular directly, in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the cavity is formed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the base surface. This means that the base surface surrounds the cavity at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, at least in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The base surface can be understood, in particular, as a bottom surface of the body component.

[0013] The cavity is, particularly in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle, at least partially, particularly predominantly or completely, delimited in the vehicle's vertical direction and / or longitudinal direction by at least one wall, particularly directly. In other words, the cavity is formed at least partially, particularly completely, by the wall in the vehicle's transverse direction and / or longitudinal direction. This means that the wall surrounds the cavity at least partially, particularly predominantly or completely, in the vehicle's transverse direction and / or longitudinal direction.

[0014] The cavity is designed to be at least partially open upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, particularly when the body component is installed in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle. This means that the cavity is open upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, i.e., it is not closed, in particular completely closed. In other words, the cavity has at least one opening at an upper end of the cavity relative to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which opening is preferably at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, for example in the radial direction, delimited by the wall, in particular directly.

[0015] The wall preferably protrudes from the base surface. In particular, the wall is at least indirectly, for example directly, connected to the base surface. The wall can in particular be referred to as a side wall and / or a front wall. The base surface is, for example, part of a base body of the body component, wherein the wall preferably protrudes from the base body and is in particular connected to the base body. The base surface is designed, for example, as an upwardly facing upper side of the body component, in particular of the base body, in particular when the body component is installed in the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle.

[0016] The body component is designed as a cast component. This means that the body component is designed as a cast component. In other words, the body component can be manufactured or is manufactured by casting.

[0017] The vertical direction of the vehicle can be understood, in particular, as the vertical direction of the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle. The transverse direction of the vehicle can be understood, in particular, as the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be understood, in particular, as the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle.

[0018] In order to be able to carry out an immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body with particularly little effort, it is provided according to the invention that the body component has at least one drain opening through which a fluid can flow, which can in particular be referred to as an outflow opening. The base surface is inclined relative to a, in particular imaginary, horizontal plane spanning the vehicle's longitudinal and transverse directions, in particular when the body component is in the installed position in the motor vehicle body or motor vehicle. This means that the base surface is oblique or inclined with respect to a direction of gravity, i.e. runs obliquely or inclined. In other words, the base surface has at least one gradient with respect to the horizontal plane, which can in particular be referred to as an incline.The base surface is thus inclined relative to the horizontal plane, in particular in the direction of the drain opening. In other words, the base surface extends obliquely to the horizontal plane. As a result, fluid collected in the cavity during an immersion bath treatment, in particular as a result of the immersion bath treatment, of the motor vehicle body can be guided via the base surface, in particular directly, to the drain opening, in particular in a targeted manner, in order to discharge the fluid via the drain opening, in particular directly, from the cavity, in particular from the body component, and in particular to supply it to an area surrounding the body component, preferably the motor vehicle body.In other words, the base surface, in particular at least in a horizontal position of the body component or the motor vehicle body, is designed to guide the fluid collected in the cavity to the drain opening, whereby the fluid can be or is drained from the cavity, in particular from the body component, via the drain opening. In other words, the base surface is designed with an integrated gradient toward the drain opening, which can in particular be referred to as a drain hole.

[0019] Directing the fluid to the drain opening can be understood, in particular, as a preferably targeted guidance of the fluid to the drain opening by means of the base surface. This means that the fluid collected in the cavity can flow along the base surface to reach the drain opening, in particular by gravity.

[0020] It is preferably provided that the fluid collected in the cavity during the immersion bath treatment or as a result of the immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body can be guided, in particular in a targeted manner, via the base surface to the drain opening in the horizontal position of the body component or the motor vehicle body in order to discharge the fluid from the cavity or from the body component via the drain opening.

[0021] The horizontal position can be understood, in particular, as a normal position or a normal orientation of the body component and / or the motor vehicle body. The body component or the motor vehicle body preferably assumes a horizontal position when installed in the motor vehicle.

[0022] The horizontal plane runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In particular, the horizontal plane runs perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal plane, in particular the vehicle longitudinal center plane, and a vehicle transverse plane, in particular the vehicle transverse center plane. Preferably, the horizontal plane runs at least substantially horizontally in the horizontal position relative to an inertial spatial coordinate system, and thus in particular perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0023] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In immersion bath treatment, surfaces of vehicle bodies can be coated by immersion in various baths, for example by cathodic dip painting (CDP). When the vehicle body is immersed in and out of a respective immersion tank or bath, which can also be referred to in particular as an immersion bath, the body structure can initially draw a certain amount of liquid media from the bath, depending on its geometric design. This medium, also simply referred to as fluid, can therefore collect in the cavity as a result of the immersion bath treatment. The cavity can thus undesirably lead to the fluid being drawn out of the immersion tank.The fluid can flow out of the scooping body over a certain period of time via holes and openings in the body structure, for example depending on the size of the holes and the scooped volume. In a conventional body component or a conventional motor vehicle body, all scooping areas and cavities cannot usually be completely emptied before the body component or the motor vehicle body is immersed in another bath or basin, which can in particular be referred to as the next bath or basin. This can cause media to be carried over from the previous immersion basin to the next immersion basin, in particular referred to as fluid carryover. This can lead to contamination between the baths. This can have negative ecological and economic consequences, as cleaning of the basins may be necessary.Furthermore, industrial production of large series in the automotive industry can require a particularly fast cycle time or particularly fast throughput time per body, which means that the fluid drains from the cavity as quickly as possible in order to transport the vehicle bodies from dip bath to dip bath as quickly as possible. With conventional body components or the conventional vehicle body, this draining process can usually take a particularly long time. In principle, it is conceivable to avoid scooping areas or cavities in the body component. However, this may be counteracted by a trend towards particularly large, integrated cast structural components in vehicle bodies, for example as a result of lightweight construction requirements.Therefore, it is unavoidable, for example, that the vehicle body is lifted out of the immersion tank in such a way that cavities or hollow spaces in the cast structures of the body component are closed downwards in the direction of gravity, allowing the fluid to be collected in the cavity or scooped out of the tank. In principle, it is conceivable to tilt or rotate the vehicle body to allow the fluid to drain from the cavity. However, this can be particularly complex and can have a negative impact on the manufacturing process, particularly on process speed.

[0024] In contrast, the immersion bath treatment can be carried out with particularly little effort using the body component according to the invention. The fluid scooped from the immersion bath and collected in the cavity can flow away as quickly and completely as possible via the drain opening due to the incline or gradient of the base area. The ability of the fluid to drain from the cavity can therefore be particularly well or optimally supported by designing the body component in the form of the inclined base area. In other words, the design of the body component can be used to particularly accelerate the drainage of the fluid from the cavity, particularly referred to as media drainage, in particular to ensure complete drainage. The incline of the base area, which can be referred to in particular as a geometric gradient, can promote complete and particularly rapid drainage of the fluid from the cavity.Additional drain openings may also be provided in addition to the drain opening. To reduce manufacturing costs for the vehicle body and / or to enable particularly simple closure of the drain openings after the fluid has drained away, preferably very few drain openings are provided in the body component. Furthermore, the drain openings in the collecting areas are preferably designed to be particularly small.

[0025] Overall, it is evident that the body component of the motor vehicle body can be designed to allow liquid media to drain away after a dipping process. This allows the manufacturing costs of the motor vehicle body, and in particular the motor vehicle, to be kept particularly low.

[0026] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the drain opening is arranged at a lowest position of the cavity relative to the vehicle vertical direction, in particular in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle. In other words, the drain opening is arranged in a lower or lowest region, in particular the edge, of the cavity relative to the vehicle vertical direction. This means that the fluid collected in the cavity during the immersion bath treatment can be guided via the base area at the lowest point of the cavity to the drain opening in order to discharge the fluid from the cavity via the drain opening. As a result, the fluid can be discharged from the cavity via the drain opening particularly reliably, in particular particularly quickly and / or particularly efficiently.

[0027] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cavity is designed as a rib chamber of a rib structure of the body component. In other words, the body component has a rib structure with a plurality of ribs, by which the cavity is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, delimited or formed. The rib structure can particularly increase the rigidity of the body component while at the same time making the weight of the body component particularly low. Thus, a particularly weight-effective or particularly light motor vehicle body can be treated with particularly little effort by means of the immersion bath treatment. The ribs are preferably formed at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by the wall.

[0028] Preferably, the rib chamber is oriented, in particular at least substantially, in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. This means that a vertical extension direction of the rib chamber corresponds, in particular at least substantially, to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, a demolding direction of the rib chamber, provided in particular for producing or during the production of the rib structure, in particular the rib chamber, is oriented in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in particular in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle. This means that the demolding direction runs, for example, at least substantially in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the body component is designed as an aluminum die-cast component. In other words, the body component can be manufactured or is manufactured using aluminum die-casting. This allows the body component to be manufactured with particularly low cost. In particular, the manufacturing cost of the motor vehicle body, preferably of the motor vehicle, can be kept particularly low.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the base surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane or relative to the direction of gravity by an angle of at least 1 degree, in particular at least 2 or at least 3 degrees. This means that the base surface encloses an angle of at least 1 degree, in particular at least 2 or 3 degrees, with the horizontal plane, i.e. extends to form an angle of at least 1 degree, at least 2 or 3 degrees, relative to the horizontal plane. In other words, the base surface, in particular in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle, is inclined relative to a vehicle transverse axis and / or relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis by an angle of at least 1 degree, in particular at least 2 or 3 degrees. This enables the fluid to flow out via the drain opening particularly reliably, in particular particularly efficiently.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that the base surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane or to the direction of gravity by an angle of a maximum of 45 degrees, in particular a maximum of 25 or 15 degrees. In other words, the base surface forms an angle of a maximum of 45 degrees, in particular 25 or 15 degrees, with the horizontal plane, i.e., the base surface extends relative to the horizontal plane, forming an angle of a maximum of 45 degrees, in particular a maximum of 25 or 15 degrees. In other words, the base surface is inclined relative to the vehicle's transverse axis and / or relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis by an angle of a maximum of 45 degrees, in particular 25 or 15 degrees. As a result, an unnecessarily large angle can be avoided while ensuring particularly reliable drainage of the fluid from the cavity, thereby keeping the manufacturing costs of the body component particularly low.

[0032] The term "longitudinal vehicle axis" refers, in particular, to a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle. The term "transverse vehicle axis" refers, in particular, to a transverse axis of the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle.

[0033] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the drain opening is arranged on the base surface and / or on the wall. In other words, the drain opening is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, delimited or formed by the base surface and / or by the wall, in particular directly. The fluid can thus be drained out of the cavity via the drain opening downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction and / or to the side in the vehicle's transverse direction and / or to the front or rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to select the best possible drainage option while taking existing installation space restrictions into account. This makes it possible to keep the manufacturing costs of the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle particularly low.

[0034] In a further embodiment, it is provided that in a pivoting position provided for removing the motor vehicle body from the dip tank, in which the motor vehicle body is pivoted about at least one pivot axis relative to the horizontal position of the motor vehicle body, the fluid collected in the cavity during the dip tank treatment, in particular as a result of the dip tank treatment, can be directed or guided via the base surface to the drain opening, in particular in a targeted manner, in order to drain the fluid out of the cavity, and in particular from the body component, via the drain opening. In other words, the base surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane in such a way that in the pivoting position, referred to in particular as the rotational position, the fluid located in the cavity can be directed via the base surface to the drain opening, whereby the fluid can be drained out of the cavity via the drain opening.Thus, in the pivoted position, and especially in any pivoted state, the fluid can be drained from the cavity through the drain opening. This allows the fluid to be drained from the cavity through the drain opening in addition to a horizontal position, which can also be described as a tilted position. This allows the fluid to be drained particularly reliably.

[0035] The swivel position is, for example, a static state, i.e. a static position in which rotation or swiveling of the motor vehicle body about the swivel axis does not occur, or the swivel position is a, in particular punctual, snapshot of a rotation curve in which the motor vehicle body is lifted out of the immersion tank.

[0036] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the drain opening is arranged in the pivoted position at a position of the cavity that is the lowest in the vertical direction. This means that in the pivoted position the drain opening is arranged at the lowest position of the cavity relative to the direction of gravity. In other words, a position of the drain opening in the cavity, in particular on the wall and / or on the base area, referred to in particular as the hole position, is selected such that in the pivoted position and in particular in every pivoting state, for example during diving processes, the fluid flows out via the drain opening at the lowest point of the cavity. This enables the fluid to be drained from the cavity particularly reliably, in particular particularly efficiently. The vertical direction can be understood in particular as a vertical direction relative to the inertial spatial coordinate system.

[0037] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the base area has at least a first partial region and at least one second partial region which adjoins the first partial region at least indirectly, in particular directly, in particular in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle, towards the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, the second partial region is arranged further back in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than the first partial region. The second partial region is arranged further down in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the first partial region, in particular in the installed position of the body component in the motor vehicle body or the motor vehicle. This means that the second partial region extends further downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the first partial region.In other words, the base area is designed to be inclined backwards and downwards with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal and vertical directions. This means that the base area, viewed in the vehicle's transverse direction, i.e. when viewed from the side, runs backwards along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and backwards in the vehicle's vertical direction, i.e. diagonally downwards. This allows the fluid collected in the cavity to be guided particularly well to the drain opening when the vehicle body is pivoted about the vehicle's transverse axis. This means that during the usual and particularly inexpensive rotation of the vehicle body when removing it from the immersion tank, the fluid can be drained from the cavity via the drain opening particularly reliably and, in particular, with particularly little effort.

[0038] A further aspect relates to a motor vehicle body having at least one body component according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the further aspect, and vice versa.

[0039] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body having at least one body component according to the first aspect, in particular according to the further aspect. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0040] In the method, at least the body component of the motor vehicle body, in particular the motor vehicle body, is immersed at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, into a dipping tank filled with the fluid.

[0041] During immersion bath treatment, the fluid, for example a paint, in particular in one or more layers, can be applied to the body component, in particular to the motor vehicle body. The paint or coating can in particular be intended to protect the body component or the motor vehicle body against corrosion as part of cathodic dip painting (KTL). The immersion bath treatment can in particular be referred to as an immersion bath or an immersion process. The immersion bath treatment can, for example, involve cathodic dip painting (KTL) and / or degreasing and / or phosphating and / or passivation and / or activation and / or painting and / or various rinsing basins.

[0042] Cathodic dip painting can be referred to as electrophoretic deposition (EPD). In this process, colloidal particles are deposited onto an electrode under the influence of an electric field. In cathodic dip painting, the body component or the vehicle body is at least partially coated with a coating, often referred to as a cathodic dip coating, as a result of immersion in the fluid in the dip tank.

[0043] By immersing the body component, in particular the motor vehicle body, in the fluid, at least some of the fluid can collect in the cavity, in particular while the body component or the motor vehicle body is located within the immersion tank. Preferably, the body component, in particular the motor vehicle body, is removed from the immersion tank after immersion in the immersion tank, i.e., lifted out of the immersion tank. During and / or after lifting, the fluid collected in the cavity can be guided via the base surface to the drain opening in order to discharge the fluid from the cavity, in particular from the body component, via the drain opening. The fluid can therefore be discharged from the cavity via the drain opening.The motor vehicle body is, for example, in a horizontal position or in a pivoted position in which the motor vehicle body is pivoted about at least one pivot axis relative to the horizontal position. It can therefore be provided that the motor vehicle body is pivoted or rotated about the pivot axis into the pivoted position upon removal from the immersion tank and / or after removal from the immersion tank, for example from the horizontal position. In the pivoted position, the fluid collected in the cavity can be guided via the base surface to the drain opening in order to discharge the fluid from the cavity via the drain opening.

[0044] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0045] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a method according to the invention for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body; and Fig. 2 is a schematic and perspective partial view of a motor vehicle body having a body component according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective partial view of a body component according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a body component according to the invention according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic and perspective partial view of a rear area of ​​a motor vehicle body with a body component according to the invention; and Fig. 6 a schematic detailed view of a body component according to the invention according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 7 a schematic partial sectional view of a body component according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a schematic partial sectional view of a body component according to the invention in a horizontal position; and Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a method according to the invention for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 10 is a schematic partial sectional view of a body component according to the invention in a pivoting position; and Fig. 11 a schematic partial sectional view of a body component according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

[0046] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a method for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body 1. In Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of the motor vehicle body 1 and a dip tank 3 filled with a fluid 2.

[0048] In the process, at least one body component 4 of the motor vehicle body 1 is immersed in the immersion tank 3 filled with the fluid 2. The immersion bath treatment is, for example, a cathodic dip painting (CDP), in particular for corrosion protection of the motor vehicle body 1.

[0049] In Fig. 1, the vehicle body 1 is removed from the immersion tank 3 and moved upwards in the vertical direction 5 for this purpose. The vehicle body 1 is thus moved upwards in the vertical direction 5 in order to remove the vehicle body 1 from the immersion tank 3 filled with the fluid 2.

[0050] In the Fig. 1, the motor vehicle body 1 is in a horizontal position 6. The motor vehicle body 1 is therefore removed from the immersion tank 3 in the horizontal position 6, for example, in the vertical direction 5 upwards.

[0051] Subsequently, the motor vehicle body 1 is moved away from the immersion tank 3, in particular forwards, and is guided to a further immersion tank different from the immersion tank 3 for immersion into the further immersion tank. This is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated by an arrow 7.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows the motor vehicle body 1 in a schematic and perspective partial view. Fig. 3 shows the body component 4 in a schematic and perspective partial view according to an embodiment in which the body component 4 is designed as a spring support, for example made of aluminum. Fig. 3 shows a detailed view A, which in Fig. 2 is outlined. Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of the body component 4 according to an alternative embodiment, in which the body component 4 is designed as a rear frame or as part of a rear frame. In Fig. 4 shows a detailed view B, which in Fig. 2 is outlined.

[0053] Alternatively, the body component 4 is designed, for example, as a supporting frame, which in Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is illustrated. In Fig. 5 is a schematic and perspective partial view of a rear area, which can be referred to in particular as the rear area, of the motor vehicle body 1 with the body component 4 designed as a supporting frame. Fig. 6 shows the body component 4 designed as a supporting frame in a schematic and perspective partial view. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the body component 4, designed as a supporting frame. The supporting frame is intended, for example, for power electronics, in particular a high-voltage battery.

[0054] The body component 4 has at least one cavity 8, at least one base surface 9, and at least one wall 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the body component 4 has several cavities 8. However, it is also possible for the body component 4 to have only one cavity 8.

[0055] The respective cavity 8 is, in particular with reference to an installation position of the body component 4 in the motor vehicle body 1 or in the motor vehicle, delimited downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11 by the base area 9, in particular directly. The respective cavity 8 is, in particular with reference to the installation position of the body component 4 in the motor vehicle body 1 or the motor vehicle, delimited in particular directly in the vehicle transverse direction 12 and / or in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13 by the wall 10. In other words, the respective cavity 8 is designed to be at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, closed downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11 and in the vehicle transverse direction 12 and / or in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13. The respective cavity 8 is designed to be at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, open upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11.In the exemplary embodiment, the base surface 9, particularly in the installed position of the body component 4 in the motor vehicle body 1 or the motor vehicle, points at least substantially upward in the vertical direction 11 of the vehicle. The body component 4 is a cast component 14, i.e., the body component 4 is designed as a cast component 14.

[0056] In particular, because the cavity 8 is designed to be closed downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11 and open upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11, when the motor vehicle body 1 is immersed in the immersion tank 3 filled with the fluid 2, at least a portion of the fluid 2 can enter the respective cavity 8 as a result of the immersion and collect there. This is in Fig. 1 is illustrated by way of example.

[0057] In order to be able to carry out the immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body 1 with particularly low effort, it is provided that the body component 4 has at least one drain opening 15 through which the fluid 2 can flow, and the base surface 9 of the respective cavity 8 is inclined relative to a horizontal plane 16 spanned, in particular imaginary, by the vehicle longitudinal direction 13 and the vehicle transverse direction 12, in particular at least in the horizontal position 6. In other words, the base surface 9 is inclined relative to the direction of gravity, at least in the horizontal position 6.Due to the inclination of the base surface 9 relative to the horizontal plane 16 or to the direction of gravity, the fluid 2 collected in the respective cavity 8 during the immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body 1 can be guided via the base surface 9 of the respective cavity, in particular by means of gravity, to the drain opening 15 in order to discharge the fluid 2 from the respective cavity 8 via the drain opening 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the respective cavity 8 has a respective drain opening 15, via which the fluid 2 collected in the respective cavity 8 during the immersion bath treatment can be guided via the base surface 9 of the respective cavity 8 to the respective drain opening 15 and can thus be discharged from the respective cavity 8.This allows the fluid 2 to be removed particularly reliably from the respective cavity 8, which, for example, can prevent undesired entry of the fluid 2 into the further immersion tank. Due to the inclination of the respective base surface 9, the fluid 2 located in the cavity 8 can be guided, at least in the horizontal position 6, via the respective base surface 9 to the respective drain opening 15 in order to discharge the fluid 2 from the respective cavity 8 via the respective drain opening 15.

[0058] Fig. Figure 8 shows the body component 4 in a schematic partial sectional view, in which the outflow of the fluid 2 from the respective cavity 8 via the drain opening 15 is illustrated. In Fig. 8, the body component 4, and in particular the motor vehicle body 1, is in the horizontal position 6.

[0059] Preferably, the direction of gravity in the horizontal position 6 runs at least substantially parallel to the vehicle vertical direction 11, in particular at least substantially downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the respective cavity 8 is funnel-shaped. In other words, the respective cavity 8 is designed as a funnel in order to drain the fluid 2 located in the cavity 8 out of the cavity 8 via the drain opening 15.

[0061] Preferably, the drain opening 15 is arranged at a lowest position 17 of the respective cavity 8 relative to the vehicle vertical direction 11. In other words, the drain opening 15 is located at the lowest point of the respective cavity 8, which can be referred to in particular as a scooping cavity.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the respective cavity 8 is designed as a rib chamber 18 of a rib structure 19 of the body component 4. The body component 4 thus has, for example, ribbing that is open upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 11 and closed downwards. In particular, the body component 4 has, for example, heavily ribbed structures. The rib structure 19 can be understood, in particular, as a structure that has a plurality of ribs. The ribs run, for example, obliquely or perpendicular to one another. For example, at least two of the ribs intersect. For example, the body component 4 is designed as an aluminum die-cast component 20.

[0063] For example, it is provided that the base surface 9 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane 16 by an angle 21 of at least 1 degree, at least 2 or at least 3 degrees, in particular exactly 1, exactly 2 or exactly 3 degrees. This means that the base surface 9, in particular relative to the horizontal plane 16, has an angular gradient of at least 1 degree, preferably at least 3 degrees.

[0064] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the drain opening 15 is arranged on or in the respective base area 9.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the method for immersion bath treatment according to a further embodiment, in which during or for removing the motor vehicle body 1 from the immersion tank 3, the motor vehicle body 1 is pivoted about a pivot axis from the horizontal position 6 into a pivot position 22. Thus, in Fig. 9 shows the motor vehicle body 1 in the pivoting position 22 intended for removing the motor vehicle body 1 from the immersion tank 3. The motor vehicle body 1 is pivoted about the pivot axis relative to the horizontal position 6. The pivot axis runs, for example, in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The removal is in Fig. 9 is illustrated by an arrow 23.

[0066] Fig. 10 shows the body component 4 in a schematic partial sectional view, wherein the body component 4, and in particular the motor vehicle body 1, is in the pivoted position 22. Preferably, the fluid 2 collected in the respective cavity 8 during the immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body 1 can be guided in the pivoted position 22 via the base area 9 of the respective cavity 8 to the drain opening 15 of the respective cavity 8 in order to drain the fluid 2 from the respective cavity 8 via the drain opening 15 of the respective cavity 8. The flow of the fluid 2 via the drain opening 15 is therefore also possible in the pivoted position 22, which is particularly referred to as the inclined position.For example, the body component 4 or the respective cavity 8 forms a funnel shape relative to a horizontal fluid level or media level defined by gravity, in particular always, that is, in particular in the horizontal position 6 and in the pivot position 22. Preferably, the drain opening 15 of the respective cavity 8 is arranged in the pivot position 22 at the lowest position 17 of the respective cavity 8 in the vertical direction 5.

[0067] For example, it is provided that the base area 9 of the respective cavity 8 has at least a first partial region 24 and at least one second partial region 25 which adjoins the first partial region 24 at least indirectly, in particular directly, towards the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13 and is arranged further down in the vehicle vertical direction 11 than the first partial region. In other words, the fluid 2 collected in the respective cavity 8, in particular in the horizontal position 6 and / or in the pivot position 22, can be guided due to the effect of gravity towards the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13 and downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11 to the respective drain opening 15 in order to discharge the fluid 2 from the respective cavity 8 via the respective drain opening 15. For example, the drain opening 15 is arranged as far as possible or particularly far to the rear in the respective cavity 8 in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows the body component 4 in a schematic partial sectional view according to a further embodiment, in which the drain opening 15 is arranged on the wall 10.

[0069] Preferably, the respective drain opening 15 is sealable, for example, using a moldable plastic. Thus, the respective drain opening 15 is sealed, for example, after the immersion bath treatment, in particular using the moldable or molded plastic. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle body 2 Fluid 3 plunge pools 4 Body component 5 vertical direction 6 Horizontal position 7 Arrow 8 Cavity 9 Floor space 10 wall 11 Vehicle vertical direction 12 Vehicle transverse direction 13 Vehicle longitudinal direction 14 Cast component 15 Drain opening 16 Horizontal plane 17 positions 18 rib chamber 19 Rib structure 20 aluminum die-cast component 21 angles 22 Swivel position 23 Arrow 24 first section 25 second section A first detailed view B second detailed view QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2016 001 182 B4

[0002]

Claims

[1] Body component (4) for a motor vehicle body (1), with at least one cavity (8) which is delimited downwards in the vehicle vertical direction (11) by at least one base surface (9), is delimited in the vehicle transverse direction (12) and / or in the vehicle longitudinal direction (13) by at least one wall (10) and is at least partially open upwards in the vehicle vertical direction (11), wherein the body component (4) is designed as a cast component (14), characterized byin that the body component (4) has at least one drain opening (15) through which a fluid (2) can flow, and the base surface (9) is inclined relative to a horizontal plane (16) spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction (13) and the vehicle transverse direction (12), as a result of which fluid (2) collected in the cavity (8) during an immersion bath treatment of the motor vehicle body (1) can be guided via the base surface (9) to the drain opening (15) in order to discharge the fluid (2) from the cavity (8) via the drain opening (15). [2] Body component (4) according to claim 1, characterized by that the drain opening (15) is arranged at a lowest position (17) of the cavity (8) relative to the vehicle vertical direction (11). [3] Body component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cavity (8) is designed as a rib chamber (18) of a rib structure (19) of the body component (4). [4] Body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the body component (4) is designed as an aluminum die-cast component (20). [5] Body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base surface (9) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane (16) by an angle (21) of at least 1 degree. [6] Body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drain opening (15) is arranged on the base surface (9) and / or on the wall (10). [7] Body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that in a pivoting position (22) provided for removing the motor vehicle body (1) from a dip tank (3), in which the motor vehicle body (1) is pivoted about a pivot axis relative to a horizontal position (6) of the motor vehicle body (1), the fluid (2) collected in the cavity (8) during the dip bath treatment of the motor vehicle body (1) can be guided via the base area (9) to the drain opening (15) in order to discharge the fluid (2) from the cavity (8) via the drain opening (15). [8] Body component (4) according to claim 7, characterized by that the drain opening (15) in the pivot position (22) is arranged at a lowest position of the cavity (8) in the vertical direction (5). [9] Body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the base area (9) has at least one first partial area (24) and at least one second partial area (25) which adjoins the first partial area (24) at least indirectly towards the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction (13) and which is arranged further down in the vehicle vertical direction (11) than the first partial area (24). [10] Method for the immersion bath treatment of a motor vehicle body (1) having at least one body component (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least the body component (4) of the motor vehicle body (1) is immersed in an immersion bath (3) filled with the fluid (2).

Images