Cover device for a motor vehicle, vehicle component of a motor vehicle with such a cover device and method for producing such a cover device

Abstract

The invention relates to a covering device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a shaped body (4) which can be fixed or is fixed to a vehicle component of the motor vehicle, which, in an arrangement fixed to the vehicle component, forms a wall element (6) of the vehicle component forming an outer surface, and which comprises fibre material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibres, as material in its entirety.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a covering device for a motor vehicle, a vehicle component of a motor vehicle with such a covering device and a method for producing such a covering device.

[0002] Covering devices for motor vehicles are known in various designs from the prior art. These usually comprise plastic parts whose surface design can be easily adapted to fit a vehicle component. Such plastic components are petroleum-based and therefore, from a sustainability perspective, are of secondary importance for resource conservation.

[0003] Furthermore, multi-layer covering devices are known in which several layers are attached to one another, with one layer comprising a cellulose material and the other layers comprising a plastic and / or a metal. A disadvantage of such covering devices has been found to be that the layers are often not separable from one another when being fed into a recycling process, or can only be separated using energy-inefficient measures.

[0004] An object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a covering device for a motor vehicle, a vehicle component of a motor vehicle with such a covering device and a method for producing such a covering device, which can be produced in a resource-saving manner and whose recyclability is improved.

[0005] This object is achieved by a covering device for a motor vehicle, comprising a shaped body which can be fixed or is fixed to a vehicle component of the motor vehicle, which, in an arrangement fixed to the vehicle component, forms a wall element of the vehicle component forming an outer surface, and which comprises, as material in its entirety, fibre material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibres.

[0006] Because the covering device is made entirely of a fiber material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibers, the covering device can be made of a sustainable and renewable material. Furthermore, the covering device can be made lightweight while maintaining high mechanical stability.

[0007] The molded body can be formed from different fiber materials, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibers, or comprise a single-type fiber material. In one embodiment of the covering device, the molded body comprises a single-type component.

[0008] Depending on the fiber material used, in particular the cellulose or cellulose fibers used, the molded body comprises, viewed transversely to the outer surface, a thickness and / or a density by which the molded body is essentially rigid and dimensionally stable.

[0009] The molded body can, in principle, have any desired contour and shape. It is advantageous if the molded body comprises at least one substantially planar cover section forming the outer surface of the vehicle component, which has a rectilinear, in particular plate-shaped, L-shaped, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0010] In this case, the molded body can easily form a panel and / or a cover part. If the molded body comprises a rectilinear, in particular plate-shaped, planar cover section, the molded body can form a side wall of a vehicle component entirely or in sections. If the cover section forms a cover section with an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, the molded body is arranged entirely or at least in sections on two or three sides of the vehicle component.

[0011] In the latter case, larger areas of the vehicle component can be covered or concealed by one and the same molded body, whereby the system consisting of the vehicle component and the covering device can be designed with a reduced number of components.

[0012] In order to enable an attractive appearance of the system comprising the vehicle component and the molded body, it proves to be advantageous if the molded body, in the arrangement fixed to the vehicle component, continues at least one adjacent further wall element of the vehicle component flush with the cover section, in particular without a gap and / or step.

[0013] This allows the molded body to be arranged on the vehicle component in a visually appealing manner.

[0014] In principle, it is conceivable for the molded body to be designed as a completely closed surface. The molded body can, for example, be attached to the vehicle component in a force-fitting manner, in particular clamped, form-fitting, or material-fitting manner, in particular adhesively bonded.

[0015] Furthermore, embodiments of the covering device are conceivable in which the shaped body comprises at least one through-opening which is arranged in the covering section and / or in which the shaped body comprises at least one fixing section which comprises at least one through-opening into which a fixing means for fixing the shaped body to the vehicle component can be pushed along a joining direction, wherein the fixing means, in the arrangement of the covering device fixed to the vehicle component, engages behind the shaped body with a head section of the fixing means at the fixing section with respect to the joining direction.

[0016] If the molded body comprises at least one through-opening arranged in the cover section, this opening can serve, for example, as an inspection opening or allow the passage of functional components such as cables, hoses or the like.

[0017] If the molded body comprises at least one fixing section which comprises at least one through opening, the molded body can be fixed to the vehicle component by means of a positive fit.

[0018] If the molded body, via which at least one securing section can be secured to the functional component by means of a positive fit, the molded body can be releasably secured. This allows for easy assembly and removal, for example, for repair or replacement purposes.

[0019] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the shaped body comprises at least one dome-like projection which is arranged on the side of the shaped body facing the vehicle component, in particular on the cover section or on the fixing section, and which projects in the direction of the vehicle component with respect to the cover section.

[0020] If the molded body comprises at least one dome-like projection arranged on the cover section on the side of the molded body facing the vehicle component, the molded body can be supported on the vehicle component. In this case, a free space can be arranged between the vehicle component and the cover section. Functional components of the vehicle component, such as cables, hoses, hinges, or the like, can be arranged in this free space.

[0021] At least one of the at least one dome-like projections can be arranged on the cover section or on the fixing section.

[0022] If at least one of the at least one dome-like projection is arranged on the fixing section, it proves to be advantageous if the fixing section comprises the projection and / or if at least one of the at least one through opening of the fixing section is arranged in or on at least one of the at least one dome-like projection.

[0023] If the cover device is secured to the vehicle component by a fixing means, an existing connection point on the vehicle component can be used. The dome-like projection can bridge a gap between the cover section of the molded body and the connection point.

[0024] Furthermore, embodiments of the covering device comprise at least one user-detectable display element which is formed by at least one depression, in particular a material omission, in the covering section of the shaped body or by at least one elevation, in particular a material application, on the covering section of the shaped body.

[0025] A user-detectable display element is a display element that is "readable" by a user. The at least one user-detectable display element can comprise a symbol, a number, or a letter.

[0026] If the display element is formed by at least one recess, in particular a material omission, in the cover section of the molded body, the display element can be easily introduced in the same work step when molding the molded body.

[0027] The same applies if the user-detectable display element comprises at least one elevation, in particular a material application, on the cover section of the molded body.

[0028] The molded body is formed from fibrous material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibers. During the production of the molded body, this material is introduced into a mold and a counter-mold. The mold and counter-mold may thus comprise surface sections that form the recess or elevation on the cover portion of the molded body.

[0029] In principle, it is conceivable for the molded body of the covering device to comprise a color that corresponds to the natural color of the fiber material, in particular the cellulose or the cellulose fibers. To enable improved adaptation of the covering device to the vehicle component, in particular to provide a visually appealing exterior, embodiments of the covering device provide at least one coloring agent comprising a plurality of pigment elements arranged within the molded body or applied as a coating to the molded body, in particular to the outer side facing away from the vehicle component.

[0030] The coloring agent preferably comprises biodegradable pigments, in particular a biodegradable coating.

[0031] If the coloring agent comprises a plurality of pigment elements arranged within the molded body, the pigment elements can be incorporated into the pulp comprising the fiber material during the molded body manufacturing process. This simplifies the coloring and production of the molded body.

[0032] If the coloring agent comprises a coating on the color body, this may comprise a biodegradable coating that is subsequently applied to the molded body.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the coating applied to the molded body comprises a protective coating that protects the molded body against environmental influences, in particular moisture, UV rays and the like.

[0034] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a vehicle component of a motor vehicle, with at least one wall element forming an outer surface, which is formed by a shaped body, a covering device with at least one of the aforementioned features.

[0035] The vehicle component can include any component located in the interior of a motor vehicle. This can include an interior panel, such as a side panel, floor, or ceiling, or an instrument panel, but also functional parts, such as an airbag module or ventilation system, a trunk cover, or a vehicle seat.

[0036] Finally, the object is achieved by a method for producing a covering device with at least one of the aforementioned features, comprising the steps: a. Providing a pulp containing fibrous material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibres; b. if necessary, adding a colouring agent comprising a plurality of pigment elements; c. Suction of the fiber material from the pulp and compaction of the fiber material into a shaped body; d. Transferring the shaped body to a dewatering mold and pressing a counter-mold onto it, in particular wherein the dewatering mold and / or counter-mold form the at least one cover section, the at least one fixing section, the at least one projection, the at least one through-opening and / or the at least one display element; e. drying the molded body; f. If necessary, apply the coloring agent; g. If necessary, insert at least one through opening into the molded body.

[0037] The process steps listed with "if necessary" can be performed if necessary. This means that they are not mandatory. For example, process step "b." can be omitted if a coloring agent is applied in process step "f.". Furthermore, process step "g." can be omitted if the through openings are already provided in the drainage mold or counter mold.

[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended patent claims, from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments of the covering device and the method.

[0039] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A sectional plan view of a first embodiment of the covering device; Fig. 2 A sectional plan view of a second embodiment of the covering device; Fig. 3 A sectional plan view of a third embodiment of the covering device; Fig. 4 A partial front view of a fourth embodiment of the cover device with design variants along a section AA; Fig. 5 A schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0040] The Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show different exemplary embodiments of a cover device for a motor vehicle, designated overall by the reference numeral 2. The cover devices 2 shown each comprise a molded body 4 that is or can be secured to a vehicle component of the motor vehicle (not shown in the figures). In an arrangement secured to the vehicle component, the molded body 4 forms a wall element 6 of the vehicle component that forms an outer surface.

[0041] The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures show embodiments of the shaped body 4, which comprises a substantially planar cover section 8 forming the outer surface of the vehicle component and has a U-shaped cross section.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the covering device 2, in which the shaped body 4 consists exclusively of a planar covering section 8.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the covering device 2, in which the molded body 4 comprises two dome-like projections 10, which are arranged on the side of the molded body 4 facing the vehicle component and project toward the vehicle component with respect to the covering section 8. The dome-like projections 10 can rest against the vehicle component in a supported manner in the arrangement defined on the vehicle component.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the cover device 2, in which through-openings 12 are provided. One of the through-openings 12 is arranged in the cover section 8 of the molded body 4 and can serve, for example, as an inspection opening or as a functional opening through which functional parts of the vehicle component, such as hoses or cables, can be inserted.

[0045] In addition, the embodiment of the covering device 2 according to Fig. 3 shows two securing sections 14, each comprising a through-opening 12 through which securing means for securing the molded body 4 to the vehicle component can be inserted along a joining direction 16. The securing sections 14 comprise the dome-like projections 10, wherein a through-opening 12 is arranged in each of the dome-like projections 10.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the cover device 2, which comprises a plurality of user-detectable display elements 18. Along a step line AA, it is shown below that these user-detectable display elements 18 can comprise either a depression 20 or elevations 22 (variant 2). Fig. 4 illustrated user-detectable display elements 18 comprise letters.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention. The method steps shown in solid lines are mandatory, whereas the method steps shown in dashed lines can be performed optionally.

[0048] With reference to the provisions of the Fig. The procedure is explained below in the illustrations shown in 1 to 4: In a first step 100, a pulp with fiber material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibers, is provided. In an optional step 101, a coloring agent comprising a plurality of pigment elements may optionally be added to the pulp. This colors the pulp. In a further step 102, which can take place either immediately after step 100 or after step 101, the fiber material is sucked out of the pulp and the fiber material is compacted into a shaped body 4.

[0049] Subsequently, in a step 103, the molded body 4 is transferred to a dewatering mold, and a counter-mold is pressed onto it. The dewatering mold and / or the counter-mold can form the at least one cover section 8, the at least one securing section 14, the at least one dome-shaped projection 10, the at least one through-opening 12, and / or the at least one display element 18.

[0050] Thereafter, in a step 104, the molded body 4 is dried.

[0051] If necessary, a coloring agent can be applied to the molded body 4 in a subsequent step 105. This can be done, in particular, if step 101 has been omitted. However, it is also conceivable that both steps 101 and 105 are performed.

[0052] In a step 106, which may also be carried out here, the at least one through opening 12 is introduced into the molded body 4.

[0053] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawings can be essential both individually and in any combination in the realization of the invention in its various embodiments within the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols 2 Cover device 4 molded bodies 6 wall element 8 Cover section 10 lead 12 Opening 14 Determination section 16 Joining direction 18 Display element 20 Deepening 22 Survey 100-106 process steps

Claims

[1] Cover device (2) for a motor vehicle, with a shaped body (4) which can be fixed or is fixed to a vehicle component of the motor vehicle, which, in an arrangement fixed to the vehicle component, forms a wall element (6) of the vehicle component forming an outer surface, and which comprises as material entirely fiber material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibers. [2] Cover device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the shaped body (4) comprises at least one substantially planar cover section (8) forming the outer surface of the vehicle component, which has a rectilinear, in particular plate-shaped, an L-shaped or a U-shaped cross-section. [3] Cover device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the shaped body (4) in the arrangement fixed to the vehicle component continues at least one adjacent further wall element (6) of the vehicle component flush with the cover section (8), in particular without a gap and / or step. [4] Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the shaped body (4) comprises at least one through-opening (12) which is arranged in the cover section (8) and / or in that the shaped body (4) comprises at least one fixing section (14) which comprises at least one through-opening (12) into which a fixing means for fixing the shaped body (4) to the vehicle component can be pushed along a joining direction (16), wherein in the arrangement of the cover device (2) fixed to the vehicle component, the fixing means engages behind the shaped body (4) with a head section of the fixing means at the fixing section with respect to the joining direction (16). [5] Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the shaped body (4) comprises at least one dome-like projection (10) which is arranged on the side of the shaped body (4) facing the vehicle component, in particular on the cover section (8) or on the fixing section (14), and which projects in the direction of the vehicle component with respect to the cover section (8). [6] Cover device (2) according to claim 5, characterized by that the fixing section (14) comprises the projection (10) and / or that at least one of the at least one through opening (12) of the fixing section (14) is arranged in or on at least one of the at least one dome-like projection (10). [7] Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one user-detectable display element (18) which is formed by at least one depression (20), in particular a material omission, in the cover section (8) of the shaped body (4) or by at least one elevation (22), in particular a material application, on the cover section (8) of the shaped body (4). [8] Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one coloring agent comprising a plurality of pigment elements arranged within the molded body (4) or arranged as a coating on the molded body (4), in particular on the outer side facing away from the vehicle components. [9] Vehicle component of a motor vehicle with at least one wall element (6) forming an outer surface, which is formed by a shaped body (4) of a covering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Method for producing a covering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps: a. Providing a pulp containing fibrous material, in particular cellulose or cellulose fibres; b. if necessary, adding a colouring agent comprising a plurality of pigment elements; c. Sucking the fiber material from the pulp and compacting the fiber material into a shaped body (4); d. Transferring the shaped body (4) to a dewatering mold and pressing a counter-mold onto it, in particular wherein the dewatering mold and / or counter-mold form the at least one cover section (8), the at least one fixing section (14), the at least one projection (10), the at least one through-opening (12) and / or the at least one display element (18); e. drying the molded body (4); f. If necessary, apply the coloring agent; g. If necessary, introducing at least one through opening (12) into the molded body (4).

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