Body component for a front-end structure of a motor vehicle, front-end structure and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a body component (11) for a front-end structure (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a first structural part (15) which is to be arranged in the area of ​​a wheel arch, and a second structural part (17) which is connected to the first structural part (15) via at least one connection point (18), and which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction (5) of the vehicle behind the connection point (18) and in the transverse direction (4) of the vehicle on the inside and spaced apart from the first structural part (15), wherein the body component (11) has at least one fastening area (21, 22, 23) via which at least one thermal management component (24) of the motor vehicle, extending at least partially in the transverse direction (4) of the vehicle between the structural parts (15, 17), is to be held on the body component (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a body component for a front-end structure of a motor vehicle according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a front-end structure for a motor vehicle according to claim 3 and a method for manufacturing an assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 7.

[0002] Front-end structures for motor vehicles are already well-known from the general state of the art. Such a front-end structure is, for example, a component of the vehicle's body. During assembly, for instance, a front-end module of the vehicle, also referred to as a front end, including components such as the radiator, is bolted to the front-end structure from the front or side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thus connecting it to the body. Subsequently, components such as the headlights and bumper cover are mounted. However, such an assembly process can be particularly complex, as space constraints may prevent the front end from being bolted to the front-end structure if a thermal management component is already installed. This is especially true if the front end is bolted to the front-end structure from the rear, relative to the vehicle's longitudinal direction.Furthermore, installing the thermal management component can be particularly complex because, for example, conventional designs may include undercuts to the surrounding area. These undercuts can interfere with installation from above when inserting the component from the vehicle's vertical direction. This can lead to collisions between the thermal management component and the front-end structure, potentially damaging the component.

[0003] DE 10 2018 101 775 A1 discloses a fender arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a fender sheet and a bracket configured to couple the fender sheet to a frame of the vehicle, wherein the bracket is configured to initiate the buckling of a section of the fender sheet in front of the bracket during a collision of the motor vehicle due to the stiffness of the connection between the fender sheet and the frame.

[0004] Furthermore, a vehicle body front section is known from DE 10 2018 123 588 A1, which has an upper front edge component that extends in an upper front edge section of a vehicle body along a vehicle width direction and forms part of the vehicle body, and a bumper reinforcement that is arranged below and in front of the upper front edge component.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2021 207 438 A1 discloses a front structure of a vehicle body, comprising a subframe attached to a front longitudinal member via a mounting plate, a lower crumple box connected to each front part of the subframe along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and a lower radiator support part connected to the lower crumple box along a vehicle width direction.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2024 / 0025228A1 discloses a mounting structure for a thermal management module for a vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, a frontend body for the construction of a frontend of a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2012 222 561 A1.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a body component for a front-end structure of a motor vehicle, a front-end structure for a motor vehicle, and a method for manufacturing an assembly for a motor vehicle, so that the manufacturing effort, in particular the assembly effort, of the motor vehicle can be kept particularly low.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figure(s).

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a body component for the front structure of a motor vehicle, in particular for the body of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the front structure, especially in its fully manufactured state, comprises the body component. Preferably, the motor vehicle, especially in its fully manufactured state, comprises the front structure. The front structure is understood to be, in particular, a front region of the motor vehicle, especially the body, with respect to a longitudinal direction. The front structure can also be referred to as the front section or front end. For example, an interior of the motor vehicle adjoins the front structure to the rear in the longitudinal direction. For example, the front structure and the interior are separated from each other by a bulkhead.The interior, which can be referred to as the vehicle interior, is understood to mean in particular a passenger compartment or passenger cell. The body is preferably designed as a self-supporting body; the motor vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

[0011] In order to minimize the manufacturing costs of the motor vehicle, and in particular the assembly costs, the body component comprises at least one first structural part which, especially when the body component is installed in the motor vehicle, particularly in the front-end structure, is to be arranged at least in the area of ​​a wheel arch of the motor vehicle. In other words, the first structural part is arranged at least in the vicinity, and in particular in the immediate vicinity, of the wheel arch.The phrase "the first structural component is located in the wheel arch area" means, in particular, that the first structural component at least partially forms a fender of the motor vehicle and / or that the first structural component has at least one mounting area for the cladding to which at least one wheel arch cladding component, which can be referred to as a fender cladding component, can be attached, for example, directly. This means, for example, that the first structural component at least partially forms the wheel arch. In other words, the wheel arch is at least partially bounded by the first structural component. For example, the first structural component is designed as a fender liner and / or as a fender strut. For example, the fender at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, bounds a receiving space in which at least one wheel of the motor vehicle is arranged or received.The term "accommodation space" refers in particular to the aforementioned wheel housing. The term "vehicle wheel" refers in particular to a ground contact element. Preferably, the motor vehicle can be supported or is supported on a surface, such as a roadway, via the vehicle wheel.

[0012] Furthermore, the body component has at least one second structural part connected to the first structural part via at least one connection point, in particular at least indirectly or directly. In other words, the structural parts are attached to one another, in particular at least indirectly, in particular directly, via the connection point. The second structural part extends at least partially, in particular when the body component is installed in the vehicle or the front-end structure, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the connection point and on the inside of the vehicle in the transverse direction, and is spaced apart from the first structural part.This means that the second structural component is spaced from the first structural component, at least in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, behind the connection point, and at least in some areas in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second structural component is located, at least in some areas in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, behind the connection point, and is positioned on the inside of the first structural component with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle. In other words, the second structural component has at least one section located behind the connection point in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and this section is spaced from the first structural component in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is positioned further inward in the transverse direction than the first structural component. Each structural component can be referred to as a structural element.

[0013] Furthermore, the body component, in particular the first structural part and / or the second structural part, has at least one fastening area over which at least one thermal management component of the motor vehicle, extending at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the structural parts, is to be held or is to be held on the body component, in particular at least indirectly or directly.In other words, the thermal management component can be attached to or is attached to the body panel, at least indirectly or directly, via the mounting area, and when the thermal management component is in its intended installation position on the body panel—that is, when the thermal management component is attached to the body panel via the mounting area—the thermal management component is located, at least partially, with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle, between the structural parts. This means that the thermal management component has at least a partial area that extends between the structural parts in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Thus, for example, an installation space provided for the thermal management component is defined, at least partially, by the body panel, in particular by the structural parts.

[0014] The thermal management component, which can also be referred to as a thermal management module, is designed, for example, as a container in which preferably at least one liquid is received or contained. In other words, the thermal management component is designed, for example, to store the liquid. For instance, the container is designed as a coolant expansion tank. In particular, the liquid is a coolant, such as water, which can be referred to as cooling water.

[0015] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In a conventional motor vehicle, for example, a forward-extending fender bank is provided with a connection to a front-end module. An upper chord is attached to the front-end module, for example. However, such a concept can be particularly complex with regard to assembly, since, for example, the installation of the thermal management component and / or the installation of the front-end module can be particularly complex, as explained above.

[0016] The body component according to the invention avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. Because the body component has a mounting area, the thermal management component can be pre-assembled and attached to it. This allows, for example, the body component, along with the thermal management component, to be positioned and secured within the front-end structure during installation. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the vehicle, particularly the front-end structure and / or the thermal management component, as it eliminates the need for a separate assembly step to mount the thermal management component within the front-end structure.Furthermore, by attaching the thermal management component to the body panel, and particularly through the resulting installation position of the thermal management module, it is possible, for example, to prevent the thermal management component from covering a mounting point intended for connecting the front-end module to the front-end structure, which is designed, for example, as a screw point. This allows the front-end module to be mounted to the front-end structure with minimal effort, i.e., connected to the front-end structure. Moreover, the fact that the body panel incorporates the structural components significantly increases the rigidity of the front-end structure.Furthermore, a front storage element can be supported, particularly at least indirectly or directly, on the body component, for example, on the second structural part, thereby significantly increasing the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the front storage element. The front storage element, for example, at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, defines a front storage compartment. The front storage compartment is intended, for example, for storing at least one object, such as luggage. In particular, the front storage compartment is located in a front compartment of the vehicle. This front compartment is, for example, an engine compartment. The front compartment can also be referred to as a "frunk."

[0017] Overall, it is evident that the body component according to the invention, designed, for example, as an assembly part, can overcome disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the body component can have a stiffening effect on the body structure and, for example, serve as a support for various components, such as the thermal management component and / or the front storage compartment element. Furthermore, the body component can enable a defined and advantageous assembly sequence. This means that a defined assembly concept with a sensible installation sequence can be made possible.This can, for example, make it possible to attach the front-end module, especially if designed as a large module, including a cooling package and / or pre-installed headlights in end position and / or bumper cover, to the front-end structure, whereby the front-end module can be screwed to the front-end structure from behind, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0018] To further increase the rigidity of the front-end structure, the second structural component is provided with at least one connection area through which the body component can be connected, in particular at least indirectly or directly, to a strut tower of the front-end structure. In other words, the body component, or the second structural component, can be attached to the strut tower via the connection area, in particular at least indirectly or directly, thereby supporting the body component, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the rear, in particular at least indirectly or directly, against the strut tower. At least one spring and / or damper assembly can be attached to the strut tower, in particular directly. The spring and / or damper assembly is, for example, designed as a strut.

[0019] To further increase the rigidity of the front-end structure, the connection area is designed to have at least two connection points spaced apart in the vehicle's vertical direction. In other words, the connection points, particularly when the body component is installed in the vehicle, are arranged at different heights or positions in the vehicle's vertical direction. The body component can be connected to the strut tower at these connection points, either directly or indirectly. This means that the aforementioned connection of the body component to the strut tower via the connection area is achieved through the connection points, which, for example, rest downwards on the strut tower in the vehicle's vertical direction.This allows for a multi-section, especially double-section, connection of the body component, particularly the second structural part, to the strut tower, thereby enabling the body component to be attached to the strut tower in a particularly secure manner.

[0020] To significantly increase the rigidity of the front-end structure, at least one of the structural components is designed as a strut. In other words, the first structural component and / or the second structural component is designed as a strut; for example, the first structural component is designed as the first strut and the second structural component as the second strut. The strut, or the respective strut, allows loads acting on the body component, such as those resulting from an accident, to be transferred and supported in a particularly weight-efficient manner along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the struts are particularly well-suited for attaching the thermal management component and, for example, for supporting the front storage compartment element.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention relates to a front-end structure for a motor vehicle. In particular, the front-end structure is provided for a body of the motor vehicle. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The front-end structure comprises at least one body component according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] To minimize the manufacturing effort, particularly the assembly effort, of the vehicle, the front-end structure has at least one attachment point, for example, a screw point, through which the front-end module can be attached, or is attached, to the front-end structure, either directly or indirectly. In other words, the front-end module is held, or is held, to the front-end structure via the attachment point. Access to the attachment point, for connecting the front-end module to the front-end structure, is provided, for example, from the rear, relative to the vehicle's longitudinal direction.Thus, for example, the front end module is screwed to the mounting point on the front vehicle structure on a rear side of a component, which has or forms the mounting point, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0023] The front-end module includes, for example, a front bumper, at least one cooling system, and / or at least one headlight. The cooling system can also simply be referred to as a radiator. For example, the front-end module is designed as a large module.

[0024] To minimize manufacturing costs, particularly assembly costs, of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides that the thermal management component, which is attached to the body panel, does not cover at least one mounting point, at least in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, especially from the rear. In other words, the mounting point of the thermal management component does not protrude or overlap in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This means that a straight line, particularly an imaginary line, running through the mounting point and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is spaced away from the thermal management component. This significantly improves accessibility for attaching the front-end module to the front-end structure, thereby greatly simplifying assembly.Furthermore, the thermal management component can be installed in the vehicle before the front-end module.

[0025] To significantly increase the rigidity of the front-end structure, the structure features at least one longitudinal member that is separate from the body panel and extends further down the vehicle's vertical direction than the panel. In other words, the longitudinal member is positioned below the body panel in the vehicle's vertical direction. A primary direction of extension of the longitudinal member preferably runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in particular at least substantially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0026] To significantly improve the rigidity of the front-end structure, the structure features a connecting component, specifically designed separately from the longitudinal member and the body panel, through which the body panel can be connected to the longitudinal member. In other words, the body panel can be supported or is supported by the connecting component on the longitudinal member, for example, at least downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction. Preferably, the connecting component forms at least part of the attachment point. This allows the front-end module to be attached to the connecting component via the attachment point, thereby minimizing manufacturing effort, particularly assembly effort.In particular, the connecting component enables a uniform and rigid structure of the front body structure, to which the front end module can be attached.

[0027] To further increase the rigidity of the front-end structure, an alternative embodiment provides for the body component to have at least one connection point through which it can be connected to a connecting component of the front-end module, for example, at least indirectly or directly. In other words, the front-end module can be attached to the body component via the connecting component and the connection point. This allows the body component to be connected to the longitudinal member via the connecting component of the front-end module, which is attached via the connection point. In other words, the body component is supported or can be supported on the longitudinal member via the front-end module, particularly via its connecting component, for example, downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction.Thus, when the front-end module is in its intended installation position within the vehicle, the rigidity of the front-end structure can be significantly increased, as the front-end module then becomes, for example, part of a component structure that contributes to the rigidity of the front-end structure. Furthermore, assembly can be greatly simplified.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly for a motor vehicle, in particular for manufacturing a front-end structure according to the second aspect of the invention, in which a body component according to the first aspect of the invention is arranged in an installation position provided for the body component in a front-end structure according to the second aspect of the invention and, in particular, is fastened there. In other words, the body component is brought into the installation position, in particular automatically or manually, wherein the body component in the installation position is fastened, i.e., fixed, in this installation position, that is, in particular in the front-end structure. To effect the fastening in the installation position, the body component is, for example, connected to at least one component of the front-end structure that is formed separately from the body component.This component is, for example, a longitudinal beam or a strut tower.

[0029] To enable particularly efficient assembly, especially of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides that the thermal management component is pre-attached to the body panel via the mounting area, particularly directly. In other words, the thermal management component is attached to the body panel via the mounting area, so that when the body panel is positioned in its installation position or within the front-end structure, the thermal management component, attached to the body panel via the mounting area, is positioned together with the body panel in this installation position or within the front-end structure.This means that the thermal management component is attached to the body panel via the mounting area, and then the body panel, including the thermal management component, is positioned and secured in its installation position within the front-end structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting of the thermal management component within the front-end structure, thus significantly reducing assembly effort.

[0030] To enable particularly efficient assembly, especially of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides that, after the body component has been positioned, a front-end module is attached to the front-end structure via at least one mounting point. In other words, the front-end module is attached to the front-end structure, which already includes the body component and, in particular, the thermal management component, via this at least one mounting point. This means that the front-end module is mounted on or in the front-end structure after the body component and, in particular, the thermal management component have been mounted.

[0031] Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0032] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0033] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the body component and / or the front-end structure according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0034] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0035] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a front-end structure according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a bodywork component according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a schematic partial sectional view of a front-end structure according to the invention to illustrate a two-section connection; and Fig. 4 a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention.

[0036] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently.

[0037] Therefore, the disclosure should also include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0038] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the front structure of a motor vehicle. Thus, the motor vehicle is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a partial view, that is, a schematic and perspective view. The front structure 1, for example, is part of the body of a motor vehicle. The body is preferably designed as a self-supporting body.

[0040] The front-end structure 1 comprises at least one longitudinal member 2. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the front structure 1 has two such longitudinal members 2, namely the longitudinal member 2 and a second longitudinal member 3 formed separately from the longitudinal member 2. The longitudinal member 2 can be referred to as the first longitudinal member 2. The longitudinal members 2, 3 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle. For example, each longitudinal member 2, 3 is designed as the respective engine longitudinal member. For example, each longitudinal member 2, 3 is designed as the respective lower frame member. Preferably, the longitudinal members 2, 3 extend forward in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle from a Fig. 1 front wall not shown. For example, the front structure 1 adjoins the front wall in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle, in particular directly, to the front wall, to which an interior of the motor vehicle adjoins, for example, in the longitudinal direction 5 to the rear, in particular directly. This interior is in particular a passenger compartment.

[0041] Preferably, the front-end structure 1 has at least one strut tower 6. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, two such strut towers 6 are provided, whereby, for example, the front-end structure 1 has the strut tower 6 and a second strut tower 7 formed separately from the strut tower 6. The strut tower 6 can therefore be referred to as the first strut tower 6. The strut towers 6 and 7 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle. Preferably, each strut tower 6 or 7 has a strut connection point 8 at which a spring and / or damper element can be connected, in particular directly, to the respective strut tower 6 or 7. The spring and / or damper element is designed, for example, as a strut damper, i.e., in particular as a strut.Preferably, a chassis, in particular a respective vehicle wheel, preferably sprung and / or damped, can be coupled or connected to the front-end structure 1 via the respective spring and / or damper element, by means of the respective strut mounting point 8. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first strut tower 6 is arranged, in particular directly, above the first longitudinal member 2. For example, the first strut tower 6 is connected, in particular directly, to the first longitudinal member 2. Furthermore, the second strut tower 7 is arranged, in particular directly, in the vehicle's vertical direction 9 above the second longitudinal member 3. For example, the second strut tower 7 is connected, in particular directly, to the second longitudinal member 3.

[0042] For example, the front-end structure 1 has at least one cross member 10, via which the strut towers 6, 7 are connected to each other, in particular directly. Thus, for example, the cross member 10, which extends in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle between the strut towers 6, 7, is attached, for example, directly to the strut towers 6, 7. For example, the cross member 10 rests, in particular directly, on the strut towers 6, 7.

[0043] Furthermore, the front-end structure 1 comprises at least one body component 11. For example, two such body components 11 are provided, whereby the front-end structure 1 comprises, for example, the body component 11 and a second body component 12 formed separately from the body component 11. The body component 11 can be referred to as the first body component 11. The body components 11, 12 are also arranged, for example, on different sides 13, 14 of the front-end structure 1, particularly of the motor vehicle, in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle, and in particular on opposite sides 13, 14. Accordingly, for example, the first body component 11 is arranged on side 13, on which, for example, the first longitudinal member 2 and / or the first strut tower 6 is / are arranged.Furthermore, the second body component 12 is arranged on the second side 14, on which, for example, the second longitudinal member 3 and / or the second strut tower 7 is / are arranged. Thus, the first side 13 is designed, for example, as the right side of the front-end structure 1 or of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second side 14 is designed, for example, as the left side of the front-end structure 1 or of the vehicle. The respective body component 11, 12 is designed separately from the respective longitudinal member 2, 3 and / or separately from the strut tower 6, 7.

[0044] Each body component 11, 12 has a first structural part 15, which is to be arranged or is to be arranged in the area of ​​a respective wheel arch. For example, the respective first structural part 15 forms the respective wheel arch at least partially and / or at least one respective fender trim part can be attached or is attached to the respective first structural part 15, in particular directly. For example, the respective fender distribution part forms the respective wheel arch at least partially. In particular, a respective vehicle wheel can be received or is received in the respective wheel arch. For example, the respective first structural part 15 is designed as a strut 16. For example, the respective first structural part 15 or the respective strut 16 is designed as the respective fender liner.

[0045] Each body component 11, 12 has a second structural part 17, which is formed separately from the respective first structural part 15. The respective second structural part 17 is connected to the respective first structural part 15 via at least one connection point 18, in particular at the connection point 18, for example directly, for example by means of a welded connection. As is particularly well shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the respective second structural part 17 extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle behind the connection point 18 and in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle on the inside and spaced apart from the respective first structural part 17. Accordingly, the respective second structural part 17 has at least a sub-area 19 which is spaced apart in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle from the respective first structural part 15, wherein this sub-area 19 is arranged on the inside of the respective first structural part 15 with respect to the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle and is located further rearward in the longitudinal direction 5 than the connection point 18. Thus, the respective second structural part 17 projects, for example, rearward from the connection point 18 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle.Preferably, the respective first structural part 15 covers the respective second structural part 17 in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle, at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, on the outer side. The respective second structural part 17 is, for example, designed as a strut 20 or respective strut 20. The strut 20 can be referred to as the second strut 20. The strut 16 can be referred to as the first strut 16.

[0046] At least one of the body components 11, 12, for example the first body component 11, has at least one mounting area 21, 22, 23 over which at least one thermal management component 24 of the motor vehicle, extending at least partially in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle between the structural parts 15, 17, is to be held, in particular at least indirectly or directly, on at least one of the body components 11, 12, i.e., for example, on the first body component 11. This allows the thermal management component 24 to be pre-assembled on the body component 11, thereby minimizing the assembly effort of the motor vehicle, in particular of the front-end structure 1. Furthermore, the thermal management component 24 can be accommodated in a particularly space-efficient manner in the front-end structure 1 and / or on the body component 11.

[0047] Because the first structural part 15 and the second structural part 17 are spaced apart from each other at least partially in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle, at least one gap extends between the structural parts 15 and 17 in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle, which can be used for arranging and / or fastening the thermal management component 24. Accordingly, the thermal management component 24 is, for example, arranged directly in the gap or, for example, arranged below the gap in the vertical direction 9 of the vehicle, whereby the component is covered by the gap from above, for example, in the vertical direction 9 of the vehicle, via the thermal management component 24.

[0048] The thermal management component 24 is designed to receive, in particular to store or temporarily store, at least one liquid, for example, coolant. The thermal management component 24 is, for example, designed as an expansion tank. For example, at least one pump, in particular designed to pump the liquid, is provided on or in the thermal management component 24. This pump is, for example, flanged, in particular directly, to the expansion tank. The thermal management component 24 can be referred to as the thermal management unit.

[0049] For example, the first and / or the second structural part 15, 17, in particular of the first body component 11, forms at least part of the fastening area 21, 22, 23. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first structural part 15 forms a first of the mounting areas 21. Furthermore, the second structural part 17, for example, forms a second of the mounting areas 22. The first structural part 15, for example, forms a third of the mounting areas 23. In particular, the mounting areas 21, 22, 23 are spaced apart from one another. For example, at least one first mounting part 25 is provided or arranged on the thermal management component 24. The first mounting part 25 is attached, in particular directly, to the first mounting area 21, that is, attached to the first structural part 15 via the first mounting area 21, and / or the first mounting part 25 is attached, in particular directly, to the second mounting area 22, that is, for example, attached to the second structural part 17 via the second mounting area 22.Thus, the thermal management component 24 is attached to the body component 11, in particular to the first structural part 15 and the second structural part 17, for example, by means of the first fastening element 25. For example, the first fastening element 25 is arranged in the aforementioned gap. In particular, the first fastening element 25 penetrates this gap, at least partially. For example, at least one second fastening element 26, formed separately from the first fastening element 25, is provided or arranged on the thermal management component 24. The second fastening element 26 is attached, for example, in particular directly, to the third fastening area 23, that is, for example, via the third fastening area 23, in particular directly, to the first structural part 15, in particular of the first body component 11.This means that the thermal management component 24 is attached, for example, to the body component 11, in particular to the first structural part 15, via the second fastening part 26. For example, the second fastening part 26 is arranged in the aforementioned gap. In particular, the second fastening part 26 penetrates this gap.

[0050] For example, the respective second structural part 17 is designed as a longitudinal beam, for example as the respective upper chord. Accordingly, the second structural part 17 is arranged in the vehicle's vertical direction 9, in particular directly, above or over the respective longitudinal beam 2, 3. For example, the respective structural part 17 covers the respective longitudinal beam 2, 3 from above in the vehicle's vertical direction 9. In particular, the respective structural part 17 is spaced apart from the respective longitudinal beam 2, 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction 9. For example, the respective second structural part 17 is at least substantially straight. Thus, the respective second structural part 17 extends, for example, at least substantially straight in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 5. In particular, the respective second structural part 17 extends at least substantially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction 5.

[0051] For example, the respective first structural part 15, especially when considered as a whole, is arc-shaped. In other words, the respective first structural part 17 is, for example, curved. The arc-shaped or curved form can, for example, be composed of individual longitudinal segments, each of which is straight but protrudes obliquely or perpendicularly from one another.

[0052] As in Fig. As can be seen, for example, the connection point 18 is located at a front end of the respective first structural part 15 and / or the respective second structural part 17 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle.

[0053] Preferably, each second structural part 17 has a connection area 27, via which the respective body component 11, 12 or the respective second structural part 17 is connected, for example directly, to the respective strut tower 6, 7. Thus, the respective body component 11, 12 is preferably supported at least in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle, and in particular directly, against the respective strut tower 6, 7 via the respective second structural part 17. The connection is, for example, a screw connection. For example, the respective connection area 27 is arranged at a respective rear end of the respective second structural part 17 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle. In particular, the respective second structural part 17 projects forward from the respective strut tower 6, 7 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle.

[0054] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the front-end structure 1 in a schematic partial sectional view, where in Fig. 3 the respective connection area 27 is illustrated. As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 3, the respective connection area 27 has at least two connection points 28, 29 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle's vertical direction 9 and, in particular, in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 5, at which the respective body component 11, 12 or the respective second structural part 17 is connected, in particular directly, to the respective strut tower 6, 7. This can be described as a double-shear connection. For example, at the respective first connection point 28, the respective second structural part 17 is screwed, in particular directly, to the respective strut tower 6, 7. For example, at the respective second connection point 29, the respective second structural part 17 is screwed, in particular directly, to the respective strut tower 6, 7. As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 3, the respective second structural part 17 is supported in the vehicle's vertical direction 9, especially downwards, on the respective strut tower 6, 7. Furthermore, the respective second structural part 17 is supported at the respective second connection point 29 in the vehicle's vertical direction 9, especially downwards, on the respective strut tower 6, 7. Thus, for example, the respective second structural part 17 rests on the respective strut tower 6, 7 at the respective connection point 28, 29, with respect to the vehicle's vertical direction 9. For example, the respective second structural part 17 has a respective first section, which forms the respective first connection point 28, and a respective second section, which forms the respective second connection point 29. The first and the second sections are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle's vertical direction 9, especially in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 5.For example, the respective first and second sections are connected to each other via a respective third section of the respective second structural part, in particular directly. Specifically, the respective third section extends obliquely or perpendicularly to the respective first and second sections.

[0055] For example, each first structural component 15 has a respective attachment point 30 via which it can be connected, in particular directly, to a respective further longitudinal member 31. Alternatively, for example, each first structural component 15 can be connected, in particular directly, to the respective strut tower 6, 7 via the respective attachment point 30. For example, the attachment point 30 is designed as a double-shear attachment point, that is, as a double-shear connection. For example, each further longitudinal member 31 connects the respective body component 11, 12, in particular the respective first structural component 15, at least indirectly, for example directly, to the bulkhead. In particular, each further longitudinal member 31 connects to the respective first structural component 15 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle to the rear, for example directly.For example, the respective fastening point 30 is located at a rear end 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the respective first structural part 15.

[0056] For example, it is provided that, with regard to the first and second body components 11, 12, only the first body component 11 is provided for attaching a thermal management component 24, meaning that, for example, no thermal management component is arranged on the second body component 12. Alternatively, it is possible that at least one further thermal management component, separate from the thermal management component 24, or another component is held on the second body component 12.

[0057] Preferably, the front-end structure 1 has at least one attachment point 32 via which a front-end module of the motor vehicle (not shown in the figures) can be attached, for example directly, to the front-end structure 1, or is attached. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, at least two such mounting points 32 are provided, whereby the front-end structure 1 has, for example, at least one mounting point 32 and at least one second mounting point 33, which is distinct from the first mounting point 32, via which the front-end module can be attached to or is attached to the front-end structure 1. Preferably, the mounting points 32 and 33 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle. Preferably, the front-end module has at least one headlight, in particular at least two headlights, at least one front bumper, and / or front-end trim panels, in particular front-end exterior trim panels, which, for example, form at least part of the front outer skin of the motor vehicle.

[0058] The front-end module is attached to the front-end structure 1 via the respective mounting points 32, 33, for example, by means of at least one screw connection. The formation of each screw connection is carried out, for example, from the rear in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle. This means that at least one screw element, which is to be rotated or is rotated about a respective axis of rotation to form the respective screw connection, is to be arranged, for example, in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle behind a front end of the respective longitudinal member 2, 3, relative to the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle. In particular, this rotation takes place at a position that is located in the longitudinal direction 5 behind the front end of the respective longitudinal member 2, 3.

[0059] Preferably, it is provided that the covering of at least one of the mounting points 32, 33, preferably the covering of mounting point 32, by the thermal management component 24 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle is omitted. As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 1, the thermal management component 24 is positioned further outwards in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle than the mounting point 32 or all mounting points 32, thus preventing the aforementioned covering. This allows the thermal management component 24 to be mounted independently of the front-end module and / or prevents the thermal management component 24, already mounted on the body component 11, from interfering with the attachment of the front-end module to the front-end structure 1.

[0060] As in Fig. 1, which is particularly easy to see, preferably the front-end structure 1 has a connecting component 34, which is formed separately from the first body component 11 and / or separately from the first longitudinal member 2, via which the body component 11 is connected or is connected to the first longitudinal member 2. Preferably, this connecting component 34 forms the first fastening point 32 at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely. In other words, the connecting component 34 preferably has the at least one first fastening point 32. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the front-end structure 1 preferably has at least one second connecting element 35, which is formed separately from the connecting element 34 and, in particular, separately from the second body element 12 and / or separately from the second longitudinal member 3, and via which the second body element 12 is connected or is connected to the second longitudinal member 3. To distinguish it from the second connecting element 35, the connecting element 34 can be referred to as the first connecting element 34. Preferably, the second connecting element 35 forms the at least one second fastening point 33 at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely. In other words, the second connecting element 35 preferably has the at least one second fastening point 33. Thus, in the figure shown in Figure 1, the connecting element 35 is formed separately from the second body element 12 and / or separately from the second longitudinal member 3. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the respective connecting component 34, 35 is designed as a connecting component 34, 35 on the front-end structure side or body side, particularly with regard to the front-end module. Accordingly, the front-end module is attached to the front-end structure 1, in particular directly, via the respective connecting component 34, 35. This means that the respective screw connection for attaching the front-end module to the front-end structure 1 is formed, for example, on, in particular through, the respective connecting component 34, 35. The formation of the respective screw connection preferably takes place on a rearward side of the respective connecting component 34, 35 that points towards the rear in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle.This means that the respective screw element mentioned above is located on its respective back side, particularly during the formation of the screw connection, and especially when the respective screw element is rotated around the respective axis of rotation to form the respective screw connection.

[0061] For example, each connecting component 34, 35 has at least one support surface 36, via which the front-end module can be supported or is supported at least in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle to the rear, in particular directly, on the respective connecting component 34, 35, whereby the front-end module can be supported or is supported in the longitudinal direction 5 to the rear on the front-end structure 1. For example, each connecting component 34, 35 is designed as a plate or has at least a plate-shaped section. Thus, for example, each connecting component 34, 35 is designed as an impact plate or has an impact plate. In particular, the aforementioned impact plate forms the aforementioned support surface 36.

[0062] For example, the respective connecting component 34, 35 is welded, in particular directly, to the respective longitudinal member 2, 3. For example, the respective body component 11, 12, in particular the respective first structural part 15 and / or the respective second structural part 17, has at least one respective second connection point 37 via which the connection of the respective body component 11, 12 with the respective connecting component 34, 35 takes place. For example, at this second connection point 37, the respective body component 11, 12 can be supported or is supported in the vehicle's vertical direction 9, in particular downwards, on the respective connecting component 34, 35. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the respective second connection point 37 is located at a forward end of the respective body component 11, 12 in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle. For example, the respective second connection point 37 is located in the area of ​​the respective connection point 18. In particular, the respective second structural part 17 projects rearward in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle from the respective connecting component 34, 35 at the respective second connection point 37. In particular, the respective first structural part 15 projects rearward in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle and outward in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle from the respective connecting component 34, 35 at the respective second connection point 37.

[0063] With respect to the further longitudinal member 31, for example the first structural part 15, which is designed in particular as a fender strut, extends further forward in the longitudinal direction 5 of the vehicle, and further inwards in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle, so that, for example, the respective first structural part 15 bridges the further longitudinal member 31 and the respective connecting component 34, 35.

[0064] As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 1, each connecting component 34, 35 has a connecting section 38 which projects, for example, from the respective support surface 36, that is, in particular from a further section forming the support surface 36, which can be referred to as a fastening section, of the respective connecting component 34, 35. This projection is, in particular, an upward projection in the vehicle's vertical direction 9. The respective connecting section 38 is, for example, tower-shaped, that is, designed as a tower which bridges, for example, a gap extending in the vehicle's vertical direction 9 between the respective body component 11, 12 and the respective further section or the respective longitudinal member 2, 3.This tower can create space, thereby significantly improving accessibility for forming the screw connection, thus enabling the front-end module to be attached to the front-end structure 1 with minimal effort. Furthermore, the tower provides excellent support for the respective body components 11, 12 on the respective longitudinal members 2, 3. Additionally, the tower can create a particularly good reference point for adjusting the hood to achieve an optimal gap between the hood and the front-end module, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent adjustments, which can be particularly time-consuming in conventional processes.

[0065] Alternatively, the respective connecting component 34, 35 is designed to be front module-side, i.e., specifically fixed to the front module. In other words, the front end module has the respective connecting component 34, 35, which is therefore pre-assembled on the front end module. Thus, for example, the respective body component 11, 12 can be connected or joined to the respective connecting component 34, 35 of the front end module via the respective second connection point 37, whereby the respective body component 11, 12 can be connected or joined to the respective longitudinal member 2, 3 via the respective connecting component 34, 35 of the front end module, which is attached to the respective mounting point 32, 33, particularly on the front body structure 1, through the respective second connection point 37.This means that when the front-end module is attached or mounted to the front-end structure 1 via the respective mounting point 32, 33, and, for example, via the respective longitudinal member 2, 3, then the respective body component 11, 12 can be connected to the respective longitudinal member 2, 3 via the respective front-end module-side connecting component 34, 35. Thus, the aforementioned connecting section 38, in particular the aforementioned tower, can be fixed to the front end, the body, or the front-end structure.

[0066] For example, the front-end structure 1 and / or the front-end module has at least one cross member 39, which is designed separately from the cross member 10. The cross member 10 can thus be referred to as the first cross member and the cross member 39 as the second cross member. For example, the second cross member 39 connects the body components 11, 12 and / or the connecting components 34, 35 to each other in the transverse direction 4 of the vehicle. The second cross member 39 can be designed as a cross member 39 on the front-end structure side or as a cross member 39 on the front-end module side. The cross member 39 can particularly improve the torsional stiffness of the front-end structure 1, and especially of the vehicle. In particular, the second cross member 39 can create a so-called torsional ring.

[0067] Preferably, the front-end structure 1 and / or the respective body component 11, 12 enable a method for manufacturing the front-end structure 1 and / or for manufacturing an assembly 40. The assembly 40 comprises at least the front-end structure 1, in particular including the body component 11, 12. For example, the assembly 40 comprises the thermal management component 24 and / or the front-end module. The method is described in Fig. 4 illustrated in a schematic flowchart.

[0068] For example, in a first step 41, the thermal management component 24 is pre-assembled, or in particular pre-attached, to the first body component 11 via at least one mounting area 21, 22, 23, and in particular via all mounting areas 21, 22, 23. This means, for example, that the thermal management component 24 is attached to the body component 11 before the body component 11 is moved into its installation position 42 provided in the front-end structure 1. Thus, the thermal management component 24 is pre-attached to the first body component 11, for example, via at least one mounting area 21, 22, 23. Attaching the thermal management component 24 to the body component 11 can, in particular, be understood as inserting the thermal management component 24, which can be referred to as a thermal management module, into or onto the body component 11.For example, one installation sequence provides that the thermal management component 24 is first attached to the body component 11, and subsequently, that is, afterwards, an assembly formed from the thermal management component 24 and in the body component 11 is inserted, in particular together, into the front structure 1 or into a body shell.

[0069] Furthermore, for example in a second step 43 following the first step 41, the body component 11, in particular including the thermal management component 24, is arranged in the installation position 42 provided in the front-end structure 1, and in particular is fastened in this installation position 42. This fastening is carried out in particular by connecting the first body component 11 to the first connecting component 34 via the second connection point 37, by attaching the first structural part 15 to the further longitudinal member 31 via the fastening point 30, and / or by attaching the second structural part 17 to the strut tower 6 via the connection area 27. Furthermore, preferably, in particular in the second step 43, the second body component 12 is arranged in its installation position 44 provided in the front-end structure 1, and in particular is fixed or fastened in this installation position 44.Thus, the respective body component 11, 12 is designed, for example, as a respective assembly part. In the in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1, this assembly part is therefore installed in the front structure 1 or in the body perimeter.

[0070] Preferably, it is provided that after the body component 11 has been arranged in the installation position 42, and in particular after the second body component 12 has been arranged in the installation position 44, the front-end module is attached to the front-end structure 1, for example in a third step 45 following the first and second steps 41, 43, via the at least one fastening point 32, 33, for example to the respective connecting component 34, 35. This fastening of the front-end module takes place in particular after the respective body component 11, 12, in particular in its respective installation position 42, 44, has been fixed or fastened in or to the front-end structure 1.

[0071] Overall, the examples show how a combined retaining element and stiffening element for the assembly 40, which forms in particular the body, the front end and the fender, can be realized as an assembly part.

Claims

[1] Body component (11) for a front-end structure (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a first structural part (15) which is to be arranged in the area of ​​a wheel arch, and a second structural part (17) connected to the first structural part (15) via at least one connection point (18), which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction (5) of the vehicle behind the connection point (18) and in the transverse direction (4) of the vehicle on the inside and spaced apart from the first structural part (15), wherein the body component (11) has at least one fastening area (21, 22, 23) via which at least one thermal management component (24) of the motor vehicle, extending at least partially in the transverse direction (4) of the vehicle between the structural parts (15, 17), is to be held on the body component (11), characterized by, that the second structural part (17) has a connection area (27) via which the body component (11) can be connected to a strut tower (6) of the front body structure (1), wherein the connection area (27) has at least two connection points (28, 29) spaced apart from each other in the vehicle height direction (9), at which the body component (11) can be connected to the strut tower (6). [2] Body component (11) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural parts (14, 15) is designed as a strut (16, 20). [3] Front body structure (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one body component (11) according to one of the preceding claims. [4] Front body structure (1) according to claim 3, wherein the front body structure (1) has at least one attachment point (32) via which a front end module of the motor vehicle can be attached to the front body structure (1). [5] Front body structure (1) according to claim 4, wherein the mounting point (32) is not covered by the thermal management component (24) in the longitudinal direction (5) of the vehicle. [6] Front body structure (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the front body structure (1) has a longitudinal member (2) formed separately from the body component (11) and extending further down in the vehicle vertical direction (9) than the body component (11) and • the front structure (1) has a connecting component (34) via which the body component (11) is connected to the longitudinal member (2), wherein the connecting component (34) preferably forms the attachment point (32), or • the body component (11) has at least one connection point (37) via which the body component (11) can be connected to a connecting component (34) of the front end module, whereby the body component (11) can be connected to the longitudinal member (2) via the connecting component (34) of the front end module attached via the fastening point (32) by means of the connection point (37). [7] Method for manufacturing an assembly (40) for a motor vehicle in which a body component (11) according to one of claims 1 or 2 is arranged and fastened in an installation position (42) provided for the body component (11) in a front-end structure (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein • the thermal management component (24) is pre-assembled and attached to the body component (11) via the mounting area (21, 22, 23) and / or • after the body component (11) has been arranged, a front end module is attached to the front body structure (1) via at least one attachment point (32) of the front body structure (1).

Images