Reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a reversible sheet metal component (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the sheet metal component (1) is arranged at least partially between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment of the motor vehicle in an operating position. The sheet metal component (1) has at least one first opening (2), wherein the first opening (2) is the only opening in the sheet metal component (1), which is provided so that, in the operating position, a first part of a foot pedal assembly (4) of the motor vehicle, which is arranged at least partially in the engine compartment, can be mechanically connected to a second part of the foot pedal assembly (4), which is arranged within the passenger compartment.

Description

The invention relates to a reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle.For right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, there are different front wall plates and front wall insulation parts in the prior art. The vehicle body apertures for example for fresh air intake, steering and pedals are correspondingly arranged in mirror image form in the case of left-hand control arms and right-hand control arms. In the case of the left-hand control arm, the steering system and the foot lever mechanism are located as viewed from the driver's seat and are arranged to the left with respect to the passenger compartment and the fresh air intake is, for example, centrally. In right hand drive vehicles, the steering and foot lever mechanism are arranged substantially on the right, so that a driver on the right side of the passenger compartment can likewise operate and steer the motor vehicle.The associated front wall panel is controlled accordingly for left-hand control arms and right-hand control arms, which means that the front wall panel to be used in each case has to be provided depending on the motor vehicle to be fitted (left-hand control arm or right-hand control arm).Depending on whether a left-hand or right-hand motor vehicle is to be produced, the end wall plate requires the respectively necessary apertures for, for example, the foot lever mechanism, which is arranged on the mirror side in the case of left-hand control arms and right-hand control arms.It is also possible to avoid the control of the metal sheets by combining both requirements of the left-hand link and the right-hand link in one component on the vehicle body side. In this case, a combination is realized in a corresponding manner in that the sheet metal component has at least one aperture for the foot lever mechanism in each of a left-hand link and a right-hand link for the mounting. Furthermore, it may be necessary for further apertures to be required, for example for fresh air intake or also steering, which apertures in turn must be present on both sides.Accordingly, in order to enable a certain heat seal or sound seal, for example, the opening that is not required is preferably closed again. However, this not only increases the additional processing effort, but also the material costs and possibly the total weight of the vehicle for closing the apertures that are not required. In this case, it may even be necessary to close the apertures which are not required with increased material outlay, in order, for example, to reduce distortions etc., which may arise on account of the aperture and make the sheet metal component at least partially unstable. In the first place, acoustic tightness is supposed to prevail.DE 30 01 274 C2 discloses a pedal arrangement for a vehicle having a mounting plate provided for installation in an opening of a splashboard delimiting the driver's compartment, on which mounting plate at least one pedal is pivotably mounted and a brake cylinder is fastened.DE 103 44 704 A1 discloses an installation module for a passage in an end wall of a passenger compartment. The installation module can optionally be inserted in a passage on the left or right of the end wall center.It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a sheet metal component, in particular an end wall sheet, of a motor vehicle.The object is achieved by a reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle.A first aspect relates to a reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle, which can preferably be used equally for left-hand and right-hand motor vehicles. In this case, the sheet metal component is arranged in an operating position at least partially between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the sheet metal component has at least one first aperture, wherein the first aperture is the only aperture of the sheet metal component which is provided for the purpose that, in the operating position, a first part of a foot lever mechanism of the motor vehicle, which is arranged at least partially in the engine compartment, can be mechanically connected to a second part of the foot lever mechanism, which is arranged within the passenger compartment. The sheet metal component can be used for left-hand and right-hand motor vehicles.In this case, the situation must be noted that the sheet metal component itself can be used equally without adaptations for a left-hand-steered and a right-hand-steered motor vehicle. For this purpose, it is only necessary in the production or production of the motor vehicle to adapt the orientation of the sheet metal component to the motor vehicle accordingly, i.e. to move the sheet metal component to the desired position by a rotation or rotation. Thus, for example, the control of the component during the manufacturing operation of a motor vehicle can be significantly simplified, since only one component is required in order to equip two different types of motor vehicle, namely a left-hand drive as well as a right-hand drive motor vehicle, with the sheet metal component.Accordingly, the idea is to design the sheet metal part in the end wall region such that it can likewise be installed rotated by 180° about the Z axis and, as a result, satisfies both left-hand link and right-hand link requirements equally.It is advantageous here that doubling of the apertures, i.e. closing of the apertures not required, is dispensed with, and thus deterioration of the acoustics can be avoided. Acoustics in this context mean that, in particular, engine noises or other external noises in the passenger compartment can be suppressed.Furthermore, it is not necessary in the production process to provide control of the body shell sheet for producing the sheet metal component. It does not have to be selected whether an end wall plate has to be provided for a left-hand drive or a right-hand drive motor vehicle. This improves, among other things, the manufacture of a motor vehicle and simplifies it. In addition, the component is consequently made uniform and, as a result, tool savings are also achieved.A second aspect relates to a motor vehicle having a reversible sheet metal component according to the first aspect.An operating position within the meaning of the invention relates to the arrangement of the sheet metal component in the motor vehicle. The operating position of the sheet metal component corresponds to the intended or predetermined position on or in the motor vehicle during normal use of the motor vehicle.An engine compartment in the sense of the invention relates to the enclosed space of a motor vehicle, which is arranged in front of the passenger compartment when viewed from the passenger compartment in the direction of travel. The engine itself, the cooling system, the battery and further components of the motor vehicle are often arranged in the region of the engine compartment. However, there are also motor vehicles in which the engine compartment is designed as a trunk and an engine is correspondingly arranged, for example, in the rear of the motor vehicle. However, the foot lever mechanism is generally arranged at least partially in the engine compartment in order to operate the clutch, the brake and the accelerator pedal from the passenger compartment, for example.A passenger compartment within the meaning of the invention is the enclosed space of a motor vehicle, which is provided for the occupants. It generally comprises the seats, the foot spaces and the inner lining, which offer the passengers protection and comfort. The passenger compartment is designed to provide high safety in the event of an accident by protecting the occupants from external influences. It is an important component of the vehicle structure and plays a decisive role in the overall stability and safety of the vehicle.An aperture in the sense of the invention is an opening of the sheet metal component, so that, for example, objects can pass through from a first side of the sheet metal component to the side of the sheet metal component opposite the first side. Such an object can relate, for example, to a part of a foot lever mechanism such as the pedals.A foot lever mechanism within the meaning of the invention is a mechanical device which is used in various applications in order to trigger or control a specific function by actuating a foot lever. It is used in motor vehicles to actuate brakes, clutches or other mechanical systems, for example. The pedal allows ergonomic operation because the user has his hands free to perform other tasks such as steering the motor vehicle while activating the desired function with his foot.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component is designed as an end wall sheet. In this case, an end wall panel can be understood to mean the component which separates the passenger compartment from the engine compartment. This is generally formed in one piece and only has the required apertures in order to ensure operation of the motor vehicle. These can include, inter alia, the foot lever mechanism, the steering system or even a fresh air supply.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component is installed in the motor vehicle substantially vertically in the operating position, wherein the sheet metal component has a substantially mirror-inverted structure, reflected on a vertical line. By virtue of a substantially mirror-identical construction of the sheet metal component, the component can be produced particularly easily. Furthermore, in this way, the risk can also be reduced, in particular minimized, that during the assembly of the sheet metal component, the sheet metal component is incorrectly not correctly assembled.According to a further preferred embodiment, the first aperture is not arranged centrally horizontally in the operating position in a view of the sheet metal component starting from the passenger compartment towards the engine compartment. In this way, the stability of the sheet metal component can be additionally increased. A non-centered recess is more robust with respect to distortions which act on the sheet metal component, inter alia, in the longitudinal, transverse or diagonal direction.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component has at least one second aperture, by means of which fresh air can be introduced into the passenger compartment in the operating position. In this way, it can be ensured, on the one hand, that fresh air can be introduced into the passenger compartment and at the same time as few apertures as necessary are present on the sheet metal component.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component can be fastened to a body of the motor vehicle by at least one of the following fastenings: welding, adhesive bonding, screwing. These types of fastening can be designed, as required, to permanently or detachably fasten the sheet metal component to the body of the motor vehicle. Thus, the sheet metal component can be attached to or in the motor vehicle particularly individually to the respective requirements.According to a further preferred embodiment, an insulation is arranged on at least one partial region of the sheet metal component. According to a further preferred embodiment, the insulation is configured to reduce at least one of the following physical parameters within the passenger compartment: sound, heat, vibration, electromagnetics.In a first case, it may be advantageous to at least partially prevent any sound outside the passenger compartment from penetrating into the passenger compartment. This can relate, for example, to engine noises of the motor vehicle itself or also external noises such as horn noises. Furthermore, the insulation can also serve to at least partially prevent noises from the interior of the passenger compartment from getting outward, in particular via the engine compartment.Furthermore, the insulation can also be provided to maintain any heat differences between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment, i.e. to at least partially prevent a heat exchange. For example, considerably higher temperatures can be present in the engine compartment as a result of the engine operation of the motor vehicle in comparison with the environment or else the interior of the passenger compartment. However, this may be undesirable.Furthermore, the insulation can also be provided to at least partially decouple any vibrations from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment. In this case, vibrations may occur, for example, on account of the running engine and on account of the road being traveled on or the like. Since this is frequently perceived as unpleasant for passengers of the motor vehicle, such vibrations can be at least partially damped, i.e. reduced.In addition, the sheet metal component can be designed in such a way that it at least partially inhibits, i.e. shields, electromagneticism. In this context, the motor vehicle could be designed, for example, as an electrically operated motor vehicle in which electrical fields are also generated on account of high electrical currents. Since these harmful effects can have on the human body, it can be provided that the sheet metal component can at least partially contain, in particular shield, this radiation, whether magnetic or electrical.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component has one or more fastening devices which are provided for fastening the sheet metal component to the body of the motor vehicle. In a first exemplary embodiment, this can be effected by means of positive connections. Alternatively or additionally, this can also be effected via force-fit connections.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal component has at least one third aperture, by means of which at least one electrical line can be introduced from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment in the operating position. Motor vehicles frequently have control units which control, for example, the motor or the cooling of the motor. Since these control devices in turn react to possible user inputs of a user which is arranged in the passenger compartment, it can be advantageous to communicate these user inputs via the electrical line.According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one aperture is substantially symmetrical. According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one aperture is formed substantially point-symmetrically. In this case, in particular, the aperture is formed point-symmetrically, starting from its center point. In this way, components such as a fresh air supply for a left-hand link and a right-hand link can be connected to the sheet metal component with a substantially precise fit.According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one aperture is substantially mirror-symmetrical. By means of this configuration, it can be achieved, for example, that components such as, for example, the foot lever mechanism, which has substantially the same arrangement in the case of a left-hand link and a right-hand link, can be passed through the aperture universally.The invention also includes developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the sheet metal component according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also comprises implementations which each have a combination of the features of a plurality of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. The following shows: FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle; and FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the reversible sheet metal component in an operating position in a motor vehicle.The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that also develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.In the figures, identical reference numerals designate functionally identical elements.FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a reversible sheet metal component 1 for a motor vehicle. The sheet metal component 1 shown is designed as an end wall sheet in this example. The sheet metal component 1 has a first aperture 2 which is located at the bottom left. A foot lever mechanism 4 of the motor vehicle can be guided through the first aperture 2 at least partially. In an operating position of the motor vehicle, the sheet metal component 1 is arranged in such a way that it at least partially separates an engine compartment of the motor vehicle from a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the sheet metal component 1 is arranged between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, in particular substantially vertically.The first aperture 2 is provided here to at least partially receive the foot lever mechanism 4 of the motor vehicle in the operating position as the single aperture of the sheet metal component 1. A first part of the foot lever mechanism 4 is arranged in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, whereas a second part of the foot lever mechanism 4, such as the pedals for example for the accelerator pedal or the brake, is arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.The first part and second part of the foot lever mechanism 4 can be connected mechanically, so that a movement made by a user of the motor vehicle at the first part of the foot lever mechanism 4 can be transmitted to the second part of the foot lever mechanism 4. If, for example, the driver actuates the accelerator pedal, the engine is controlled, for example via a cable pull, to adjust the rotational speed as a function of the position of the accelerator pedal.The sheet metal component 1 is provided to be equally usable for left-hand motor vehicles and also for right-hand motor vehicles. Thus, it can be achieved that the sheet metal component 1 can be used for both embodiments of a motor vehicle without having to fabricate and provide an individual sheet metal component 1 for each embodiment. For this purpose, the sheet metal component 1 has a substantially mirror-inverted structure when it is mirrored on a vertical line V.The first aperture 2 provided on or in the sheet metal component 1 is not arranged horizontally centrally in the operating position in a view of the sheet metal component 1 starting from the passenger compartment towards the engine compartment. As shown, the first aperture 2 is disposed below a horizontal line H.Furthermore, the sheet metal component 1 has a second aperture 3 which is provided for the purpose of fresh air being able to be introduced into the passenger compartment. The second opening 3 is often provided in conjunction with an air conditioning system which introduces the fresh air into the passenger compartment in a controlled manner starting from the engine compartment.The sheet metal component 1 can be fastened to a body of the motor vehicle, wherein for this purpose the sheet metal component 1 can be fastened to the body of the motor vehicle by means of welding, adhesive bonding or even screws. In particular embodiments, it can also be provided to combine several of the mentioned possible implementations. In addition, the sheet metal component 1 can also be permanently or releasably fastened to a body of the motor vehicle by means of a positive fit and / or a non-positive fit.In order to reduce physical parameters and their effects during operation of the motor vehicle within the passenger compartment, the sheet metal component 1 can have an insulation 6 in at least one partial region.This can serve, for example, to at least partially reduce sound waves or even heat which is separated from the engine compartment as a result of a running engine. Alternatively or additionally, the insulation 6 can also be provided to at least partially decouple vibrations which occur, for example, during the travel of the motor vehicle due to the running engine, so that a reduced proportion in the passenger compartment is perceptible.In particular, it can be provided for electric vehicles that the sheet metal component 1 has at least partially an electromagnetic shield in order to at least partially reduce electric or magnetic fields, which are generated by an electric motor in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, in the passenger compartment. In addition, the sheet metal component can have one or more fastening devices 7, which are provided for fastening the sheet metal component 1 to the body of the motor vehicle. A fastening device 7 can, for example, represent a click connection, by means of which a releasable connection can be produced. In this way, it can be achieved that the sheet metal component 1 can be replaced particularly easily, since no fastenings have to be damaged.In order to transmit electrical signals between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment, it may be provided that the sheet metal component 1 has a third aperture 5. Through this third aperture 5, for example, an electrical line can be introduced from the passenger compartment into the engine compartment in the operating position, so that, for example, a control command, which a user of the motor vehicle issues in the passenger compartment, can be transmitted to an engine controller of the motor vehicle. As shown in this example, the third aperture 5 is formed in such a way that it is point-symmetrical in a point of symmetry P. In this context, the second aperture 3, mirrored on a line of symmetry S, is embodied in mirror-symmetrical fashion.FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the reversible sheet metal component 1 in an operating position in a motor vehicle. FIG. 2 shows the passenger compartment of a right-hand drive motor vehicle viewed from the inside with a view to the engine compartment, which is not shown, however. The sheet metal component 1 is only partially visible in this view, since, for example, an insulation 6 is arranged. Furthermore, claddings are arranged in front of the sheet metal component 1 in order in particular to attach further components such as a glove box or the like.As illustrated, the sheet metal component 1 can also be mirrored on a vertical axis V in this illustration, such that the sheet metal component 1 can be used equally for right-hand and left-hand motor vehicles. Accordingly, the sheet metal component 1 has a mirror-inverted structure, reflected on the vertical line V.In this example, in the case of right-hand drive motor vehicles, in contrast to left-hand drive motor vehicles, the foot lever mechanism together with the pedals is arranged in the right-hand region of the passenger compartment, with the result that the first aperture 2, which is not visible, is arranged in the right-hand region in contrast to the first aperture 2 illustrated in FIG. 1.The second aperture 3 is also arranged in the right-hand region of the passenger compartment. If the second aperture 3 is preferably mirror-symmetrical, it is immaterial in this example whether the sheet metal component 1 is used in a right-hand or left-hand motor vehicle. Any fastenings of the sheet metal component 1 to the motor vehicle are covered in this exemplary embodiment by the insulation 6 or also other claddings.In other words, the sheet metal component 1 is designed in the end wall region such that it can likewise be installed rotated through 180° about the Z axis and, as a result, satisfies both left-hand link and right-hand link requirements in the same way. FIG. 1 schematically shows the front wall plate 1 for a left-hand drive vehicle on which a left-hand drive front wall insulation fits with an exact fit and seals the apertures by forming (foam forming on front wall insulation part for sealing) and overlapping.FIG. 2 shows the same component rotated only by 180° for installation, for example by welding in a right-hand drive vehicle. A specific right-hand control arm end wall insulation can likewise ensure a tightness in the breakthrough regions. The reversible body device for left-hand control arms and right-hand control arms at the same time has several advantages. Increased weight and doubling of the apertures can be avoided. In this way, a deterioration of the acoustics in the passenger compartment can be counteracted. Also, the control of the plate member 1 can be simplified in manufacturing because a unified member is used. Accordingly, the need for tools can be reduced, which in turn can reduce manufacturing costs and manufacturing complexity.Overall, the examples show how a reversible sheet metal component for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle can be provided.

Claims

Reversible sheet metal component (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the sheet metal component (1) is arranged at least partially between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment of the motor vehicle in an operating position, wherein the sheet metal component (1) has at least one first aperture (2), wherein the sheet metal component (1) can be used for left-hand and right-hand motor vehicles, characterized in that the first aperture (2) is the only aperture of the sheet metal component (1), which is provided for the purpose that, in the operating position, a first part of a foot lever mechanism (4) of the motor vehicle, which is arranged at least partially in the engine compartment, can be mechanically connected to a second part of the foot lever mechanism (4) which is arranged within the passenger compartment.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) is designed as an end wall sheet.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) is installed in the motor vehicle substantially vertically in the operating position, wherein the sheet metal component (1) has a substantially mirror-inverted structure, reflected on a vertical line.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first aperture (2) in the operating position is not arranged horizontally centrally in a view of the sheet metal component (1) starting from the passenger compartment towards the engine compartment.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) has at least one second aperture (3), by means of which fresh air can be introduced into the passenger compartment in the operating position.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) can be fastened to a body of the motor vehicle by at least one of the following fastenings: welding, adhesive bonding, screwing.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) has one or more fastening devices (7) which are provided for fastening the sheet metal component (1) to the body of the motor vehicle.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulation (6) is arranged on at least one partial region of the sheet metal component (1).Sheet metal component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the insulation (6) is configured to reduce at least one of the following physical parameters inside the passenger compartment: sound, heat, vibration, electromagneticism.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal component (1) has at least one third aperture (5), by means of which at least one electrical line can be introduced from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment in the operating position.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one aperture (2; 3; 5) is substantially symmetrically formed.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one aperture (2; 3; 5) is formed substantially point-symmetrically.Sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one aperture (2; 3; 5) is substantially mirror-symmetrical.Motor vehicle having at least one sheet metal component (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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