Front-end module for mounting on the front of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a front-end module (2) for arrangement on the front of a motor vehicle, comprising a mounting carrier (4) for attachment to the front of a body (20) of the motor vehicle, a bumper cover (10) attached to the mounting carrier (4) for covering a bumper, wherein the mounting carrier (4) has a centrally arranged main support (6) and a first and second headlight arm (8a, 8b) arranged laterally from the main support (6) for receiving a first and second headlight (18a, 18b), wherein the first and second headlight arm (8a, 8b) are rotatably mounted to the main support (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a front-end module for arrangement on the front of a motor vehicle, a method for arranging a front-end module on a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle with such a front-end module.

[0002] Front-end modules for mounting on the front of a motor vehicle are known from the prior art. These modules are designed as pre-assembled units consisting of multiple elements. Depending on the level of integration, known front-end modules can include a mounting bracket, impact protection systems, a bumper cover, and headlights. The mounting bracket typically connects the front-end modules to the longitudinal members of the vehicle body.

[0003] Preferably, front-end modules should be arranged at the front of a vehicle in such a way that only a narrow gap of constant diameter remains between the front-end module and the vehicle body.

[0004] However, since the body shell typically has a high tolerance deviation due to its construction, and this tolerance is passed on to the joint-forming components, generating a narrow joint of constant diameter between the front-end module and the vehicle body during the joining of the front-end module is difficult to accomplish.

[0005] Furthermore, access to the body shell, especially to the middle and lower longitudinal beam ends, is limited. Additionally, the current fender design, which features a so-called fender shard protruding into the vehicle, hinders the installation of a headlight from the front, as the front-end module would collide with this shard when retracted.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the aforementioned problems. In particular, it is the object of the invention to provide a front-end module for use in a motor vehicle that can be attached to the front of a vehicle in a structurally simple, quick and reliable manner and guarantees an aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

[0007] The foregoing problem is solved by a device with the features of independent device claim 1, a method with the features of claim 15, and a motor vehicle with the features of claim 16. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Technical features disclosed with respect to the device according to the invention also apply in connection with the method and the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always, or can always be, mutually interdependent. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a front-end module is provided for arrangement on the front of a motor vehicle. The front-end module according to the invention comprises a mounting bracket for attachment to the front of the vehicle body, a bumper cover attached to the mounting bracket for covering a bumper, the mounting bracket having a centrally arranged main support and a first and second headlight arm arranged laterally to the main support for receiving a first and second headlight, the first and second headlight arms being rotatably mounted relative to the main support.

[0009] The front-end module in question is particularly suitable for use in passenger cars. However, it could also be used in trucks, commercial vehicles, or similar vehicles.

[0010] A mounting bracket can be understood to be, in particular, a multi-part component for receiving the main components of a front-end module. A rotatable mounting of the first and second headlight arms relative to the main support can advantageously be understood to mean that the first and second headlight arms are mechanically attached to the main support in such a way that the first and second headlight arms can rotate or turn relative to the position of the main support.

[0011] Compared to known front-end modules, the front-end module according to the invention is distinguished in particular by its design, consisting of a centrally arranged main support and a first and second headlight arm arranged laterally to the main support and rotatably mounted relative to the main support. This design allows for particularly simple and material-saving integration into a motor vehicle. The rotatable mounting of the headlight arms enables the front-end module to comprise a multitude of components and, in its assembled state, to be attached to the body of a motor vehicle without risk of damaging individual components.

[0012] With a view to a structurally simple and reliable rotatable mounting of a first and second headlight arm, it can advantageously be provided that a first hinge and a second hinge are provided, via which the first and second headlight arm are rotatably mounted to the main support.

[0013] In the context of a structurally simple and reliably rotatable mounting for the first and second headlight arms, it is advantageously possible for the first and second hinges to be designed in multiple parts, preferably each having a mounting plate for attachment to the main support and a pin for passing through recesses in the mounting plate. The mounting plate can preferably be connected to the main support by friction or positive locking, e.g., by screws or rivets. The first and second hinges can advantageously be made at least partially of a metal material, preferably steel or aluminum. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the first and second hinges are made at least partially of a plastic.

[0014] To ensure a structurally simple, quick, and reliable attachment of a front-end module to the front of a motor vehicle, it is advantageous to arrange the first and second hinges at an angle to the main support, preferably at an angle to a longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis of the main support. An angled arrangement can be understood, in particular, to mean that the pin of the first and second hinges is arranged at an angle to the main support, ensuring that the axis of rotation about which the first and second headlight arms rotate is also at an angle to the main support.This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, for the first and second headlight arms to be rotated into a so-called parking position via the pivot axes running along the hinges, and then, after retraction, the headlight arms move outwards towards the fenders into the desired final position. This can be achieved either by a guide mechanism (e.g., on the vehicle body) or manually by an operator.Due to the angled arrangement relative to the main support and the vehicle floor when the front-end module is installed in a motor vehicle, the outermost point of an inserted headlight (or just the headlight arm) can move not only inwards (towards the other headlight or headlight arm) but also downwards (towards the vehicle underbody) when rotating into a parking position. This movement ensures that the front-end module has sufficient clearance to "dive" past the fenders and under the fender flares when attached to a vehicle body.

[0015] With a view to ensuring the safest and non-destructive insertion of a multi-component front-end module into a vehicle body, it can advantageously be provided that the angle in the angular arrangement is > 5°, preferably > 10°, in particular > 15°.

[0016] In this context, it can be advantageously provided that the first and second headlight arms are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation to the main support, with the axis of rotation being arranged between the main support and the first and second headlight arms, in order to ensure that the component-friendly introduction of the multi-component front-end module into a vehicle body and at the same time as compact an arrangement of a front-end module as possible.

[0017] In the context of a simple and stable design of a main support for mounting a first and second headlight arm, it can also be advantageous for the main support to be formed in one piece, preferably as an extruded component. The main support can advantageously be made of a metallic material, preferably steel or aluminum. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the main support is made of a plastic.

[0018] With a view to a structurally simple and quick attachment of a front-end module to a vehicle body, it is advantageous to provide a tolerance compensation plate to compensate for misalignment of the front-end module when mounted at the front of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the tolerance compensation plate is attached to the main support, and in particular, the tolerance compensation plate is designed such that it allows for compensation of misalignment of the front-end module in two mutually perpendicular spatial axes. The front-end module can preferably be positioned at the front of a motor vehicle when the main support abuts an end of longitudinal members of the vehicle body via a stop surface.The tolerance compensation plate can advantageously be initially only hand-tightened to the main beam and then permanently fixed to the main beam after the optimal positioning has been found.

[0019] In accordance with the invention, for a structurally simple and material-saving manufacturing process, it is advantageously further provided that the tolerance compensation plate has a first and second positioning means for positioning the first and second headlight arms when attaching the front-end module to the vehicle body, wherein the positioning means are preferably designed and positioned on the tolerance compensation plate such that the first and second headlight arms are pressed outwards when the front-end module is attached to the vehicle body. "Pressed outwards" here preferably means "pressed in the direction of the vehicle's fenders," between which the front-end module is positioned when attached to the vehicle body.

[0020] With regard to a structurally simple and reliable attachment to the main support and / or the vehicle body, it may also be advantageous if the tolerance compensation plate has a plurality of recesses for the insertion of screws or bolts.

[0021] With regard to the design of a front-end module that is as complete as possible, it can also be advantageous to provide a first and second headlight, preferably the first and second headlight being arranged within the headlight arms.

[0022] According to the invention, for the purpose of a structurally simple and reliable positioning of the headlights of a front-end module, it is advantageously further provided that the headlights have positioning ribs for positioning against a stop surface of the bumper cover. The positioning ribs are preferably designed such that they enable the positioning of the headlights at least with respect to a distance in one plane, and in particular with respect to a distance in two planes. For example, an outer end position can be reached when a headlight, during its rotation, abuts a defined stop surface in the bumper cover with its positioning rib. The positioning ribs can preferably establish a defined Z-distance between the two components.After the front-end module is retracted against the vehicle body and the headlight is aligned from its parked position to its final position, both headlight arms can preferably be fixed to the main support. The headlight arms can also be used to attach the headlights to the vehicle body in the area of ​​the fenders. Optional mounting aids can be used for this purpose.

[0023] In accordance with the invention, for a structurally simple and reliable positioning of the headlights of a front-end module, it is advantageously further provided that the bumper cover has stop surfaces for positioning the headlights. The stop surfaces or other positioning means of the bumper cover can also ensure that, when the front-end module is attached to the vehicle body, the bumper is slid past the fenders in such a way that the gap between the bumper and the fenders is as small and consistent as possible.

[0024] To ensure the most reliable possible attachment of the bumper cover within the front-end module, the invention further provides that the bumper cover has attachment points for fastening to the mounting bracket, the attachment points preferably being arranged centrally between the outer surfaces of the bumper cover. The outer surfaces of the bumper cover can be understood here to be, in particular, the areas of the bumper cover that abut the opposing wheel arches.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for arranging a front-end module on a motor vehicle, preferably a front-end module as described above.The method according to the invention comprises the steps of positioning a front-end module in front of the body of the motor vehicle in a parking position in which a first and second headlight arm arranged laterally by a main support are aligned with each other, moving the front-end module towards the body of the motor vehicle, wherein during the movement of the front-end module towards the body of the motor vehicle the first and second headlight arm arranged laterally by the main support move away from each other from the parking position to an end position in which the headlight arms rest against the body of the motor vehicle by means of a rotation of the headlight arms about an axis of rotation, and fixing the first and second headlight arm to the body of the motor vehicle in the end position.The inventive method thus offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the inventive front-end module. The parts of the vehicle body against which the headlight arms rest in their end position can preferably be the vehicle's fenders.

[0026] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a front-end module as described above. The motor vehicle according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the front-end module and the method according to the invention.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of the frontend module according to the invention in a full view (left) and a partial view (right) according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 a further schematic representation of the frontend module according to the invention in a full view (left) and a partial view (right) according to a further embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a part of the front-end module according to the invention in a top view according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of part of the front-end module according to the invention in a front view (left) and in an enlarged view when the front-end module is inserted onto a motor vehicle body in the case of a front-end module according to the invention (bottom right) and in the case of a front-end module not according to the invention (top right), Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for arranging a front-end module on a motor vehicle.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the front end module 2 according to the invention for arrangement on the front of a motor vehicle in a full view (left) and a partial view (right) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the front end module 2 according to the invention comprises a mounting carrier 4 for attachment to the front of a body 20 of the motor vehicle (not shown here) and a bumper cover 10 attached to the mounting carrier 4 for covering a bumper, wherein the mounting carrier 4 has a centrally arranged main support 6 and a first and second headlight arm 8a, 8b arranged laterally from the main support 6 for receiving a first and second headlight 18a, 18b, wherein the first and second headlight arm 8a, 8b are rotatably mounted to the main support 6.

[0031] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bumper cover 10 has a radiator grille. It can also be seen that a first hinge 12a and a second hinge 12b are provided, via which the first and second headlight arms 8a, 8b are rotatably mounted to the main support 6.

[0032] The first and second hinges 12a, 12b are arranged at an angle 12b to the main beam 6, preferably at an angle to a longitudinal axis 6y and at an angle to a transverse axis 6z of the main beam 6.

[0033] The angle in the angular arrangement can advantageously be > 5°, preferably > 10°, in particular > 15°.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first and second headlight arms 8a, 8b are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation X relative to the main support 6, the axis of rotation X being located between the main support 6 and the first and second headlight arms 8a, 8b. By rotating the first and second headlight arms 8a, 8b about an axis of rotation X, the headlight arms 8a, 8b can be folded or rotated inwards by an angle of rotation α.

[0035] The main support 6 is designed in one piece and can, for example, be in the form of an extruded component.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be seen that a first and second headlight 18a, 18b are provided, which are arranged within the headlight arms 8a, 8b.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further schematic representation of the frontend module 2 according to the invention in a full view (left) and a partial view (right) according to a further embodiment.

[0038] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the headlight arms 8a, 8b can be folded or rotated not only horizontally (in the Y direction) by a rotation angle α inwards by rotating the first and second headlight arms 8a, 8b around the axis of rotation X, but also vertically downwards (in the Z direction) by a rotation angle α.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a part of the front end module 2 according to the invention in a top view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the second hinge 12b (like the first hinge 12a) is designed in multiple parts and comprises a fastening plate 14 for attachment to the main support 6 and a pin 16 for passage through recesses in the fastening plate 14.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of part of the front end module 2 according to the invention in a front view (left) and in an enlarged view when the front end module 2 is inserted onto a body 20 of a motor vehicle in the case of a front end module 2 according to the invention (bottom right) and in the case of a front end module 2 not according to the invention (top right).

[0042] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, an undercut fender shard 22 is arranged on the body 20, which hinders the insertion of the front module 2 from the front onto the body 20, so that no non-destructive arrangement of the non-inventive front end module 2 ( Fig. 4 (top right) is possible when the front module 2 is moved into position against the body 20 from the front.

[0043] With the front-end module 2 according to the invention, in which the headlight arms 8a, 8b are optionally rotated inwards with headlights 18a, 18b in a parking position P, the insertion of the front module 2 into the body 20 from the front is not hindered, so that a non-destructive arrangement of the front-end module 2 according to the invention ( Fig. 4 bottom right) is possible when the front module 2 is moved from the front against the body 20.

[0044] Fig.Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for arranging a front-end module 2 on a motor vehicle.

[0045] The inventive method for arranging a front-end module 2 on a motor vehicle comprises the steps of positioning 100 of a front-end module 2 in front of a body 20 of the motor vehicle in a parking position P, in which a first and second headlight arm 8a, 8b arranged laterally by a main support 6 are aligned with each other; moving 200 of the front-end module 2 towards the body 20 of the motor vehicle, wherein during the movement 200 of the front-end module 2 towards the body 20 of the motor vehicle the first and second headlight arm 8a, 8b arranged laterally by the main support 6 move away from each other from the parking position P to an end position E, in which the headlight arms 8a, 8b are in contact with the body 20 of the motor vehicle, by means of a rotation of the headlight arms 8a, 8b about an axis of rotation X; and fixing 300 of the first and second headlight arm 8a.8b on the body 20 of the motor vehicle in the final position E.,

[0046] By means of the frontend module 2 according to the invention, it is particularly possible to guarantee a reliable attachment of a frontend module 2 to a motor vehicle in a quick and structurally simple manner, while ensuring a design-wise appealing external appearance. Reference symbol list 2 Frontend module 4 mounting brackets 6 main beams 6y Longitudinal axis 6z transverse axis 8a first headlight arm 8b second headlight arm 10 Bumper Cover 10a Radiator grille 12a first hinge 12b second hinge 14 Mounting sheet 16 cones 18a first headlight 18b second headlight 20 Bodywork 22 fender shards X axis of rotation A rotation angle Y spatial axis Z spatial axis P Parking position E End position 100 Positioning a front-end module in front of a motor vehicle body 200 Moving the front-end module towards the body of the vehicle 300 Fixing a first and second headlight arm to the body of the motor vehicle

Claims

[1] Front end module (2) for arrangement on the front of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a mounting bracket (4) for attachment to the front of a body (20) of the motor vehicle, - a bumper cover (10) attached to the mounting bracket (4) for covering a bumper, characterized by , that the mounting carrier (4) has a centrally arranged main support (6) and a first and second headlight arm (8a, 8b) arranged laterally from the main support (6) for receiving a first and second headlight (18a, 18b), wherein the first and second headlight arm (8a, 8b) are rotatably mounted to the main support (6). [2] Frontend module (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a first hinge (12a) and a second hinge (12b) are provided, via which the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) are rotatably mounted to the main support (6). [3] Frontend module (2) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the first hinge (12a) and the second hinge (12b) are formed in multiple parts, wherein preferably the first hinge (12a) and the second hinge (12b) each have a mounting plate (14) for attachment to the main support (6) and a pin (16) for passage through recesses of the mounting plate (14). [4] Frontend module (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the first and second hinge (12a, 12b) are arranged at an angle (12b) to the main beam (6), wherein the first and second hinge (12a, 12b) are preferably arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis (6y) and / or at an angle to a transverse axis (6z) of the main beam (6). [5] Frontend module (2) according to claim 4, characterized by that the angle in the angular arrangement is > 5°, preferably > 10°, in particular > 15°. [6] Frontend module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (X) relative to the main support (6), the axis of rotation (X) being arranged between the main support (6) and the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b). [7] Frontend module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main support (6) is formed in one piece, preferably in the form of an extruded component. [8] Frontend module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a tolerance compensation plate is provided to compensate for a mispositioning of the front end module when arranged on the front of a motor vehicle, wherein preferably the tolerance compensation plate is attached to the main support (6) and wherein in particular the tolerance compensation plate is designed such that it is possible to compensate for a mispositioning of the front end module (2) in two spatial axes (Y, Z) arranged perpendicular to each other by means of the tolerance compensation plate. [9] Frontend module (2) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the tolerance compensation plate has a first and second positioning means for positioning the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) when attaching the front end module (2) to the body (20) of the motor vehicle, wherein preferably the positioning means are designed and positioned on the tolerance compensation plate such that the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) are pressed outwards when attaching the front end module (2) to the body (20) of the motor vehicle. [10] Frontend module (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the tolerance compensation plate has a plurality of recesses for the insertion of screws or bolts. [11] Frontend module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a first and second headlight (18a, 18b) are provided, wherein preferably the first and second headlight (18a, 18b) are arranged within the headlight arms (8a, 8b). [12] Frontend module (2) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the headlights (18a, 18b) have positioning ribs for positioning on a stop surface of the bumper cover (10), wherein the positioning ribs are preferably designed in such a way that by means of these a positioning of the headlights (18a, 18b) can be generated at least with respect to a distance in one plane, in particular with respect to a distance in two planes. [13] Frontend module (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bumper cover (10) has stop surfaces for positioning headlights (18a, 18b). [14] Frontend module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bumper cover (10) has attachment points for attachment to the mounting bracket (4), wherein the attachment points are preferably arranged centrally between the outer sides of the bumper cover (10). [15] Method for arranging a front-end module (2) on a motor vehicle, preferably a front-end module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Positioning (100) a front-end module (2) in front of a body (20) of the motor vehicle, in a parking position (P) in which a first and second headlight arm (8a, 8b) arranged laterally by a main support (6) are aligned with each other, - Moving (200) the front end module (2) towards the body (20) of the motor vehicle, wherein during the movement (200) of the front end module (2) towards the body (20) of the motor vehicle the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) arranged laterally from the main support (6) move away from each other from the park position (P) to an end position (E) in which the headlight arms (8a, 8b) are in contact with the body (20) of the motor vehicle by means of a rotation of the headlight arms (8a, 8b) about an axis of rotation (X), - Fixing (300) the first and second headlight arms (8a, 8b) to the body (20) of the motor vehicle in the end position (E). [16] Motor vehicle comprising a front end module (2) according to any of the preceding claims.

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