Cover element for a frame device and the frame device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover element (1) for a frame device (10) of a vehicle. The cover element (1) is formed in one piece and comprises at least one stiffening element (7) that connects opposing longitudinal sections (3a, 3b) of the cover element (1) to one another.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cover element for a frame device of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a frame device of a vehicle with the cover element.

[0002] In a vehicle, headlights are typically installed in a frame assembly to emit light. Multiple cover plates are used to conceal the mounting elements of the frame assembly around the headlights. These cover plates are purely design elements that are attached to supporting structures of the frame assembly and / or to the headlights. These cover plates are often unstable and tend to deform and / or chafe against the frame assembly and / or the headlights. Furthermore, multiple cover plates make mounting the headlights in the frame assembly more difficult.

[0003] DE 10 2017 202 921 A1 discloses a frame device with a housing that is stabilized by a support section.

[0004] DE 10 2011 055 234 A1 and DE 10 2013 103 793 A1 each disclose a frame device with a housing.

[0005] DE 10 2015 119 445 A1 discloses a frame device with a housing on which several receptacles for design elements are formed.

[0006] DE 10 2019 003 866 A1 discloses a frame device with a housing having a reinforcing wedge.

[0007] CN 218616435 U discloses a frame structure with two beams and two pillars, which is manufactured by injection molding.

[0008] DE 10 2020 208 105 A1 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device comprises several components with a frame and a stiffening element that connects longitudinal sections of the frame. The frame is designed to hold a light body within the lighting device.

[0009] EP 3 508 378 A1 discloses a frame device for a vehicle. The frame device comprises a supporting frame, a light distributor, a light source, and a cover element. The light distributor and the light source are attached to the supporting frame and covered from the outside by the cover element.

[0010] WO 2017 / 103370 A1 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device comprises a support frame and two headlights. The headlights are arranged and secured within the support frame. A separating element for separating the headlights from one another is also arranged within the support frame.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a cover element of the generic type, in which the described disadvantages are overcome. The object of the invention is also to provide a frame device with the cover element.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​providing a maximally integrated cover element with support struts for a frame device that support the cover element in the Z-direction of the vehicle.

[0014] The cover element according to the invention is provided or designed for a frame device of a vehicle. The frame device can comprise a support frame, at least one mounting element, and at least one headlight attached to the support frame by means of the mounting element. The cover element can be provided or applied, in particular, to cover all mounting elements within the support frame on one side.

[0015] The cover element has a frame, wherein the frame has two longitudinal sections lying opposite one another at a distance from one another and two side sections lying opposite one another at a distance from one another. The longitudinal sections and the side sections are arranged parallel to an axis of the frame and surrounding the axis and delimit an inner region of the frame transversely to the axis of the frame. The frame of the cover element can have a complex shape. For this reason, the terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” in the context of the present invention should be understood as “approximately or substantially parallel” and “approximately or substantially perpendicular”. The term “approximately” or “substantially” includes in particular a deviation from the parallel and / or perpendicular direction of up to 30°. According to the invention, the frame is formed in one piece.In the context of the present invention, the term "one-piece" means that the frame is formed as a coherent component or as a component made up of individual parts that are inseparably or permanently connected to one another. In particular, a "one-piece" component can be formed in one piece or from a single piece of material. Furthermore, the cover element comprises at least one stiffening element arranged in the interior of the frame. The stiffening element connects the longitudinal sections of the frame to one another, thereby stiffening the frame.

[0016] The stiffening element allows the frame of the cover element to be stiffened to the maximum, thereby increasing its robustness against mechanical stress. In particular, the frame of the cover element can be stiffened transversely to the longitudinal sections. When the frame or cover element is in use, this prevents deformation of the cover element and reduces abrasion of the cover element caused by friction with other elements and / or assemblies. Furthermore, the cover element is formed in one piece and can cover all assembly elements of the frame device. This means that no additional cover elements or cover plates are required in the frame device, significantly simplifying assembly of the frame device.

[0017] When the cover element is properly mounted in the vehicle, the frame of the cover element can be aligned such that the longitudinal sections are parallel to the XY plane of the vehicle and the side sections are parallel to the XZ plane of the vehicle. The axis of the frame can then be aligned parallel to the X-direction of the vehicle. The stiffening element can then stiffen the frame or the cover element, particularly in the Z-direction of the vehicle, and thereby prevent, in particular, deformation of the frame or the cover element due to the force of gravity acting counter to the Z-direction of the vehicle.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the stiffening elements can be integrally formed on the frame or formed from a common piece of material with the frame. In particular, this can simplify the manufacture of the frame of the cover element and increase the stability of the cover element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the stiffening elements can be formed by at least one element that is separate or distinct from the frame. The separate element can then be integrally connected to the frame, at least in sections.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the stiffening elements can be aligned parallel to at least one of the side sections of the frame. This allows the two longitudinal sections to be supported against each other by the stiffening element in addition to the side sections, thereby stiffening the frame. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the stiffening elements can be arranged at a distance from the side sections of the frame. This allows the frame of the cover element to be stiffened, particularly in the central region of the longitudinal sections.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the stiffening elements can be arranged between the side sections of the frame, thereby forming an intermediate region between the stiffening element and the side sections of the frame, for example, for arranging the headlights of the frame device. In particular, at least one of the stiffening elements can divide the interior of the frame into two separate or distinct sub-regions, for example, for arranging the headlights of the frame device. This allows, on the one hand, the headlights of the frame device to protrude outward through the cover element, and, on the other hand, mounting elements of the frame device to be covered by the cover element.

[0021] Each stiffening element can be shaped differently. If the cover element has multiple stiffening elements, the individual stiffening elements can be shaped differently or identically to one another.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the stiffening elements can be formed by a support strut. The support strut can then be arranged in the interior of the frame and firmly connected to the frame. The support strut can be integrally formed on the frame or formed as a separate or distinct element from the frame and subsequently integrally connected to the frame.

[0023] Additionally, the cover element can have at least one reflective light element, and the reflective light element can be attached to the support strut. The support strut can then have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the reflective light element or matches the shape of the reflective light element. For example, the reflective light element and the support strut can be shaped like a three-armed star. One arm of the three-armed support strut can then be connected to one longitudinal section, and at least one other arm of the three-armed support strut can then be connected to the other longitudinal section.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the cover element can have at least one air duct for defrosting or dehumidifying the frame device. The respective air duct can be integrally formed on the frame and fluidly connects a first or front side of the frame to a second or rear side of the frame axially opposite the first side. Moisture can escape to the outside via the air duct, which forms a window or an outlet, and the frame device or the headlight of the frame device can thereby be defrosted or dehumidified. Advantageously, the air duct has a cross-section that is independent of the position of the cover element in the frame device. Conventionally, the defrosting or dehumidification of the frame device or the headlight is achieved through a gap between one of the cover plates and the supporting frame orThe air duct is formed on the frame of the headlight, whereby the cross-section of the gap can fluctuate depending on the assembly tolerance. In comparison, the air duct can be formed on the frame of the cover element regardless of tolerance and position and can have a defined, unchangeable cross-section.

[0025] According to the invention, the cover element has at least one receptacle for receiving a functional element. The functional element can fulfill a function and, for example, protect the headlight of the frame device and / or support another element and / or serve to improve the optical design of the cover element. The receptacle is integrally formed on the frame of the cover element. It is understood that multiple receptacles can be provided for receiving different or identical functional elements. The receptacle can also further increase the rigidity of the frame.

[0026] The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of a logo plate, and the logo plate can be attached to one of the receptacles. The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of at least one cable for the frame device, and the cable can be attached to one of the receptacles. The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of a cover plate, and the cover plate can be attached to one of the receptacles. The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of a fan, and the fan can be attached to one of the receptacles. The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of an LED lighting device, and the LED lighting device can be attached to one of the receptacles.The cover element can, for example, have a functional element in the form of a light guide or a reflector, and the light guide or reflector can be attached to one of the receptacles. The light guide can, for example, be connected to the LED lighting device in a light-conducting manner.

[0027] Different functional elements can be fully integrated into the cover element with the best possible component design. This allows the number of components and / or cover plates and / or connections and / or tools and / or assembly steps to be reduced. At the same time, the weight and cost of the cover element can be reduced.

[0028] The invention also relates to a frame device of a vehicle. The frame device comprises a supporting frame, at least one headlight, at least one mounting element, and precisely one cover element as described above. The respective headlight is fastened to the supporting frame by means of the respective mounting element. The cover element is arranged within the supporting frame of the frame device and covers all mounting elements of the frame device within the supporting frame on one side. The cover element expediently covers all mounting elements towards the outside, or towards the side of the frame device visible from the outside. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations at this point.

[0029] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0031] Showing schematically: Fig. 1 a front view of a cover element according to the invention for a frame device of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a view of the cover element according to the invention for a frame device of the vehicle from the rear; Fig. 3 a front view of the frame device of the vehicle with the cover element according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a cover element 1 according to the invention for a frame device 10 of a vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the cover element 1 according to the invention. The XYZ coordinate system shown here corresponds to an XYZ coordinate system of the vehicle when the cover element 1 is operatively mounted in the frame device 10 and the frame device 10 is operatively mounted in the vehicle.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the cover element 1 has a frame 2. The frame 2 is formed by two longitudinal sections 3a, 3b and two side sections 4a, 4b. The longitudinal sections 3a, 3b and the side sections 4a, 4b are each arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another. The longitudinal sections 3a, 3b extend approximately parallel to the XY plane, and the side sections 4a, 4b extend approximately parallel to the XZ plane. As a result, the longitudinal sections 3a, 3b and the side sections 4a, 4b revolve around an axis LMA of the frame 2 that is aligned approximately parallel to the X direction and are aligned essentially parallel to this axis. The longitudinal sections 3a, 3b and the side sections 4a, 4b delimit an inner region 5 of the frame 2 to the outside.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the frame 2 further comprises two stiffening elements 7, which are formed here as support struts 6a, 6b. A reflecting light element 12a and 12b is attached to each of the support struts 6a, 6b - see also Fig. 3 - attached. The support strut 6a forms part of the side section 4a of the frame 2, and the support strut 6b is arranged at a distance from the side sections 4a, 4b and connects the two longitudinal sections 3a, 3b to one another. The stiffening elements 7 or the support struts 6a and 6b support the two longitudinal sections 3a and 3b of the frame 2 in the Z direction or transversely to the axis LMA of the frame 2, thereby stiffening the frame 2. The support strut 6b is arranged at a distance from the side sections 4a and 4b and thus divides the inner region 5 of the frame 2 into two sub-regions 5a and 5b.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 1, the cover element 1 has a plurality of air ducts 8 that are integrally formed on the frame 2. The air ducts 8 fluidically or air-conductingly connect a first or front side 2a of the frame 2 with a second or rear side 2b of the frame 2 and are provided for defrosting or dehumidifying the frame device 10. The cover element 1 also has a plurality of receptacles 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, each for receiving a functional element 13. The receptacles 9a to 9e are integrally formed on the frame 2 of the cover element 1 and additionally stiffen the frame 2.

[0036] Fig.Figure 3 shows a front view of the frame device 10 of a vehicle with headlights 11a and 11b and with the cover element 1 according to the invention. As can be seen here, the cover element 1 alone covers all mounting elements of the frame device 10. The headlights 11a and 11b are arranged in the interior region 5 of the frame 2 and in the frame 2, respectively. The headlights 11a and 11b are arranged in the partial regions 5a and 5b and are each laterally attached to the support strut 6b. The reflective light elements 12a and 12b of the cover element 1 are also attached to the support struts 6a and 6b.

[0037] Furthermore, the cover element 1 comprises a functional element 13 in the form of a light guide 13a, which is fastened in the receptacle 9a of the frame 2. In addition, the cover element 1 has a further functional element 13 in the form of an LED lighting device 13b, which is fastened in the receptacle 9b of the frame 2. The LED lighting device 13b is connected to the light guide 13a in a light-conducting manner, so that light generated by the LED lighting device 13b can propagate in the light guide 13a. Furthermore, the cover element 1 has a functional element 13 in the form of a cable 13c, which is fastened in the receptacle 9c of the frame 2. The cover element 1 further comprises a functional element 13 in the form of a logo plate 13d, which is fastened in the receptacle 9d of the frame 2. Furthermore, the cover element 1 comprises a functional element 13 in the form of a fan 13e, which is fastened in the receptacle 9e of the frame 2 behind the air ducts 8.Furthermore, screw points 14 of the frame 2 can be seen, at which the cover element 1 is screwed to the frame device 10.

[0038] In the frame device 10, the cover element 1 covers the mounting elements of the frame device 10—here, for example, cables—from the front. The cover element 1 alone can cover all mounting elements of the frame device 10 around the headlights 11a and 11b, without the need for additional cover plates and / or other elements.

Claims

[1] Cover element (1) for a frame device (10) of a vehicle, - wherein the cover element (1) has a frame (2), - wherein the frame (2) has two mutually spaced-apart longitudinal sections (3a, 3b) and two mutually spaced-apart side sections (4a, 4b), - wherein the longitudinal sections (3a, 3b) and the side sections (4a, 4b) are arranged parallel to an axis (LMA) of the frame (2) and surrounding the axis (LMA) of the frame (2), so that the longitudinal sections (3a, 3b) and the side sections (4a, 4b) delimit an inner region (5) of the frame (2) transversely to the axis (LMA) of the frame (2) to the outside, - wherein the frame (2) is formed in one piece, characterized by , - that the cover element (1) has at least one stiffening element (7) and the stiffening element (7) is arranged in the inner region (5) of the frame (2), and - that the stiffening element (7) connects the longitudinal sections (3a, 3b) of the frame (2) to one another and thereby stiffens the frame (2), - that the cover element (1) has at least one receptacle (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) for receiving a functional element (13) and the receptacle (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) is integrally formed on the frame (2). [2] Cover element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is integrally formed on the frame (2), and / or - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is formed by at least one element separate from the frame (2) and the separate element is integrally connected to the frame (2) at least in sections. [3] Cover element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is aligned parallel to at least one of the side sections (4a, 4b) of the frame (2), and / or - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is arranged at a distance from the side sections (4a, 4b) of the frame (2). [4] Cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is arranged between the side sections (4a, 4b) of the frame (2) and thereby an intermediate region is formed between the stiffening element (7) and the side sections (4a, 4b) of the frame (2), and / or - that at least one of the stiffening elements (7) divides the inner region (5) of the frame (2) into two separate partial regions (5a, 5b). [5] Cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the stiffening elements (7) is formed by a support strut (6a, 6b). [6] Cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover element (1) has at least one reflective light element (12a, 12b) and the reflective light element (12a, 12b) is fastened to the support strut (6a, 6b). [7] Cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the cover element (1) has at least one air duct (8) for defrosting or dehumidifying the frame device (10), and - that the respective air duct (8) is integrally formed on the frame (2) and fluidically connects a first side (2a) of the frame (2) and a second side (2b) of the frame (2) axially opposite the first side. [8] Cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of a light guide (13a) or a reflector, wherein the light guide (13a) or reflector is fastened to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), and / or - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of an LED lighting device (13b), wherein the LED lighting device (13b) is fastened to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), and / or - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of at least one cable (13c) for the frame device (10), wherein the cable (13c) is fastened to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), and / or - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of a logo plate (13d), wherein the logo plate (13d) is attached to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), and / or - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of a fan (13e), wherein the fan (13e) is fastened to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), and / or - that the cover element (1) has a functional element (13) in the form of a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is fastened to one of the receptacles (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e). [9] Frame device (10) of a vehicle, - wherein the frame device (10) comprises a support frame, at least one headlight (11a, 11b), at least one mounting element and exactly one cover element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the respective headlight (11a, 11b) is attached to the support frame by means of the respective mounting element, and - wherein the cover element (1) is arranged within the support frame and covers all mounting elements within the support frame on one side.

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