Exterior trim part for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle exterior trim part assembly and motor vehicle with the exterior trim part and method for manufacturing the exterior trim part

Abstract

An exterior trim panel for a motor vehicle comprises a first and a second insert element (1A, 1B) spaced apart from each other by a gap (S), wherein the two insert elements (1A, 1B) are connected by an overlapping layer (2) and the gap (S) is spanned by a reinforcing element (3). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle exterior trim panel assembly and a motor vehicle with the exterior trim panel, and a method for manufacturing the exterior trim panel.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an exterior trim part for a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle exterior trim part arrangement and a motor vehicle with the exterior trim part and a method for manufacturing the exterior trim part.

[0002] DE 10 2015 012 339 B3 discloses a motor vehicle component with at least one membrane comprising or consisting of an elastically deformable material.

[0003] DE 10 2014 211 292 A1 relates to an outer skin arrangement for a vehicle, with a flexible outer skin spanning an adjustable substructure that forms a support base for the flexible outer skin.

[0004] From DE 10 2019 103 286 B4, an outer cladding part is known with a dimensionally stable substructure area and a flexible cover area, through which at least partially a surface of the outer cladding part is formed which has a shape-changing surface area, wherein the outer cladding part is designed as an integral component with the substructure area and the cover area and the substructure area is formed by a structural or fiber part as a pre-fixed semi-finished product which is at least partially infiltrated with a plastic material forming the cover area.

[0005] With such exterior cladding components, cracking can occur in the deformable surface area, especially at low temperatures and / or high load cycles.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve a motor vehicle exterior trim part and / or its manufacture, preferably to reduce the above-mentioned problem, preferably to avoid it.

[0007] This problem is solved by an exterior trim part with the features of claim 1. Claims 7-9 protect a motor vehicle exterior trim part arrangement or motor vehicle with at least one exterior trim part described herein and a method for manufacturing an exterior trim part described herein. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an outer panel for a motor vehicle ("motor vehicle outer panel") comprises a first and a second insert element, which are spaced apart from each other by a gap. In a further embodiment, the two insert elements are dimensionally stable or do not deform macroscopically in the area of ​​the gap during a hinge-like reversible deformation of the outer panel.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, these two insert elements are or are connected to each other by a single- or multi-layered layer that overlaps at least the gap and / or at least a part of the first insert element and / or at least a part of the second insert element ("overlapping layer"), or is connected to each other by this overlapping layer. In one embodiment, the layer is arranged on or towards an outer surface of the outer cladding part and can, in particular, form an outer surface of the outer cladding part that may be further processed and / or treated and / or coated, especially painted.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gap is spanned by a reinforcing element. In a further embodiment, the reinforcing element projects beyond or overlaps the gap-side edges or edge regions of the first and / or second insert element.

[0011] This reinforcing element advantageously enables a more reliable, durable, and / or stable hinge function; in particular, it advantageously reduces the probability of breakage in the hinge or gap area.

[0012] In one version, the layer - in the area of ​​the column and / or - in the area of ​​the reinforcing element spanning the gap, a lower, in particular minimum and / or maximum and / or average, wall thickness than in adjacent areas, in one version: - at one or more points above the gap, a lesser wall thickness than at one or more points in areas adjacent to this gap above the first and / or second insert element; and / or - at one or more points above the reinforcement element, the wall thickness is less than at one or more points in areas adjacent to this reinforcement element above the first and / or second insert element; in a further education course: - a smaller wall thickness across the entire gap, in particular a lower minimum and / or maximum and / or average thickness, than in an area adjacent to this gap above the first insert element and / or an area adjacent to this gap above the second insert element; and / or - a lower wall thickness, in particular a minimum and / or maximum and / or averaged thickness, over the entire reinforcement element than in an area adjacent to this reinforcement element above the first insert element and / or an area adjacent to this reinforcement element above the second insert element.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the layer thickness at one or more locations, and in a further development at least in the area of ​​the gap and / or in the area of ​​the reinforcing element spanning this gap, in particular at least at one or more locations above the gap and / or above the reinforcing element, and in one embodiment at least over the entire gap and / or over the entire reinforcing element, is at most 0.3 mm, and in a further development at most 0.2 mm. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the layer thickness in an area adjacent to the gap and / or the reinforcing element above the first insert element and / or above the second insert element may be more than 0.2 mm, and in a further development more than 0.3 mm. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the minimum layer thickness is at least 0.01 mm, and in a further development at least 0.05 mm.

[0014] By using such a (at least) partially thin or thinner layer, the probability of breakage in the hinge or gap area can be (further) advantageously reduced.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reinforcing element and the layer in the area of ​​the gap enable or effect a hinge function between the first and second insert element, or the reinforcing element and the layer in the area of ​​the gap are designed in such a way, preferably flexibly or elastically.

[0016] This allows for the advantageous implementation of a seamless hinge in an outer cladding part in one design.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second insert elements, preferably their upper surfaces facing the layer, are arranged in a common area, preferably a plane, when the layer is undeformed or not elastically deformed by a hinge-like adjustment of the outer cladding part.

[0018] This allows for the advantageous realization of a more homogeneous outer surface of the outer cladding part in one embodiment and / or the improvement of the manufacturing of the outer cladding part, in particular the primary forming process explained below.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer cladding part is a front panel part for a motor vehicle. The present invention is particularly suitable for this application, especially due to its dimensions and requirements or boundary conditions, but is not limited to this.

[0020] In one version, the layer has a closed or seamless surface. This allows for the advantageous implementation of a seamless hinge in an exterior cladding component.

[0021] In one embodiment, the layer comprises polyurethane (PUR), and in a further development, at least 50 wt% PUR. This can, in particular, be a PUR layer. This allows for the advantageous realization of a desired hinge function (elasticity and / or fatigue strength).

[0022] In one version, at least one of the insert elements, and in a further development, both insert elements, are designed in a plate-like form.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the insert elements, or in a further development both insert elements, comprises polycarbonate (PC) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), in a further development at least 50 wt.% PC and / or ABS, and may in particular be made of PC and / or ABS. This allows, in particular, an advantageous stiffness-to-weight ratio and / or crash behavior of the outer cladding part to be achieved.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the two insert elements are made of the same material and / or together, thus being manufactured together from the same material in a further development. This allows the production of the outer cladding part, in particular the primary forming process described below, to be improved, especially simplified and / or accelerated, in one version.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reinforcing element comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or metal. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment, the reinforcing element is pre-formed and / or film-like, i.e., in a further development, as a pre-formed film or, in particular, a pre-formed PVC film or metal film. This allows for the advantageous realization of a desired hinge function (elasticity and / or fatigue strength).

[0026] In one embodiment, the first and / or second insert element (each, preferably together) is or is formed onto the reinforcement element; in a further development, it is pre-formed in such a way that it partially receives the reinforcement element, in one embodiment an angled leg of the reinforcement element, or at least embeds or encloses a part of the reinforcement element or leg.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment the layer is or is formed onto the first and / or second insert element (each, preferably together), in a further development the layer is materially bonded to the first and / or second insert element during or through its primary forming.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, preferably together with this forming of the layer onto the first and / or second insert element, the layer is formed onto the reinforcing element, onto which the first and / or second insert element is preferably already formed, in one embodiment, and in a further development the layer is materially bonded to the reinforcing element during or through its initial forming.

[0029] In a further development, the outer cladding part is manufactured in a multi-component injection molding process, preferably a 2K injection molding process, wherein in one embodiment - first, the reinforcing element is placed in an injection mold or pre-formed in it; - the (inserted or pre-formed) reinforcement element is partially overmolded with the (material of the) first and second insert element, preferably together and / or with a component that pre-forms the first and second insert element; and - then, as a further component, the layer is sprayed or flooded over the two insert elements and the reinforcement element.

[0030] This can improve the manufacturing and / or durability and / or stability of the outer cladding part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an outer panel assembly for a motor vehicle ("motor vehicle outer panel assembly") comprises an outer panel as described herein and an actuator which adjusts the first and second insert elements relative to each other in a hinge-like manner or is configured to do so.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle has an exterior trim part described herein, in a further development an exterior trim part arrangement described herein or an exterior trim part described herein and an actuator.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second insert elements are connected with the overlapping layer (according to a method) to produce an outer cladding part described herein.

[0034] As already described, it is particularly advantageous to partially overmold the reinforcing element with the (material of the) first and / or second insert element(s), thereby forming the two insert elements onto the reinforcing element, and then, as a further component, injecting or flooding the layer material over the two insert elements and the reinforcing element, thereby forming the layer onto the reinforcing element and the two insert elements.

[0035] This allows the outer cladding part to be manufactured more easily, quickly, reliably, and / or with high durability and / or stability.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and advantageous embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments. These are shown, in part schematically: Fig. 1: a step of manufacturing an outer cladding part according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2: another step in the manufacturing process; Fig. 3: another step in the manufacturing process; and Fig. 4: an exterior panel assembly or a motor vehicle with the exterior panel.

[0037] The sequence of characters Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. Figure 3 shows a method for manufacturing an outer cladding part according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 an exterior panel arrangement or a part of a motor vehicle with the exterior panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In a Fig. In step 1, illustrated, a reinforcing element 3 is inserted into an injection mold 4 and then placed in a Fig. 2 illustrated step with material, for example ABS and / or PC, is overmolded so that this material forms a first insert element 1A and a second insert element 1B, which are spaced apart from each other by a gap S spanned by the reinforcing element 3.

[0039] Then, in a Fig. In step 3, as illustrated, PUR is flooded or sprayed as a further component over the first and second insert element 1A, 1B and the reinforcement element 3, so that the two insert elements 1A, 1B are connected to each other with an overlapping layer 2 or through this layer.

[0040] After demolding, the first and second insert elements in one version can be adjusted relative to each other in a hinge-like manner by means of an actuator 5, for example to open a front panel for a sensor 6.

[0041] In the present disclosure, "has an X" does not generally imply an exhaustive list, but is a shorthand for "has at least one X" and also includes "has two or more X" as well as "has Y in addition to X". Although exemplary embodiments were explained in the preceding description, it should be noted that a multitude of variations are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way.Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guide for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without leaving the scope of protection as defined by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1A first insert element 1B second insert element 2nd layer 3 Reinforcing element 4 injection molds 5 Actuator 6 Sensor d 2,S / 3 Wall thickness of the layer in the area of ​​the gap / reinforcement element d 2,1 Wall thickness of the layer in the adjacent area S gap

Claims

[1] Exterior trim part for a motor vehicle, wherein the exterior trim part has a first and a second insert element (1A, 1B) which are spaced apart from each other by a gap (S); wherein the two insert elements (1A, 1B) are connected by an overlapping layer (2); characterized by , that the gap (S) is spanned by a reinforcing element (3). [2] Outer cladding part according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the layer (2) in the area of ​​the gap (S) and / or in the area of ​​the reinforcing element (3) spanning it has a smaller wall thickness (d) 2,S / 3 ) exhibits more than in adjacent areas; and / or - that at least at one point the wall thickness of the layer is at most 0.3 mm. [3] Exterior cladding part according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the reinforcing element (3) and the layer (2) in the area of ​​the gap (S) are designed in such a way as to enable a hinge function between the insert elements (1A, 1B); and / or - that the first and second insert elements (1A, 1B) are arranged in a common area when the layer is undeformed; and / or - that the outer cladding part is a front panel part. [4] Exterior cladding part according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the layer (2) has a closed surface and / or polyurethane; and / or - that at least one of the insert elements (1A, 1B) is plate-like and / or comprises polycarbonate and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; and / or - that the two insert elements (1A, 1B) are made together and / or from the same material; and / or - that the reinforcing element (3) is pre-formed and / or foil-like and / or contains polyvinyl chloride and / or metal. [5] Exterior cladding part according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that at least one of the insert elements (1A, 1B) is integrally formed with the reinforcing element (3); and / or - that the layer (2) is formed on at least one of the insert elements (1A, 1B) and / or the reinforcing element (3). [6] Exterior cladding part according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process. [7] Motor vehicle exterior trim assembly comprising an exterior trim part according to one of the preceding claims and an actuator (5) for hinge-like adjustment of the first and second insert element (1A, 1B) relative to each other. [8] Motor vehicle comprising an outer cladding part according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Method for manufacturing an outer cladding part according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two insert elements (1A, 1B) are connected to the overlapping layer (2).

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