Front end module and vehicle with front end module

Abstract

Front section module comprising a cargo recess (1) with a receiving space (11) for cargo items, in particular luggage, wherein the cargo recess (1) has an opening, a floor and a wall arranged between the opening and the floor, wherein the cargo recess (1) has a first part (12) arranged on the front side in the direction of travel (X) and a second part (10) separate from the first part (12) and detachably connected or connectable to the first part (12), which together enclose the receiving space (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a front-end module comprising a cargo recess with a receiving space for cargo items, and to a vehicle with such a front-end module.

[0002] Modular construction has become the standard for simplifying the final assembly of complex technical products. Individual modules are pre-assembled, usually by suppliers, so that only a small number of parts need to be joined during final assembly. This is now a common manufacturing process in vehicle production.

[0003] In vehicles with electric drive, the drive motor is generally significantly smaller than a comparable combustion engine, assuming the same power output. In some cases, the motor is positioned near or directly on the drive axle. This creates free space, particularly in the front of the vehicle, which can be used for other purposes.

[0004] US Patent 9,527,450 B1, like US Patent 10,173,739 B2, describes a vehicle end module in which the free space created, particularly by the reduction of the space occupied by the drive system in electric vehicles, is filled with a cargo recess. The cargo recess is designed to be attached to various elements of an end module and contributes to greater stability of the end module. The vehicle end module is mounted as a unit to the vehicle's midsection.

[0005] There are now technical components located beneath the cargo area recess that require maintenance. This necessitates the complete removal of the cargo area recess. This can be very complex if the cargo area recess is, for example, connected to a mounting bracket or forms part of one, such as the lock crossmember, as is known, for instance, from DE 10 2020 128 579 A1. In this case, other components attached to the mounting bracket might also have to be removed.

[0006] The object of the invention is to develop a front-end module that reduces the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] The problem is solved by a front-end module having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle with a front-end module according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are found in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] The front-end module according to the invention has a cargo recess with a receiving area for cargo items, in particular luggage. The cargo recess further comprises an opening, a floor, and a wall arranged between the opening and the floor. According to the present invention, the cargo recess comprises a first part arranged on the front side facing the direction of travel and a second part separate from it, which is detachably connected or can be detachably connected to the first part. Both parts enclose the receiving area. This multi-part design of the cargo recess according to the invention has a number of advantages. Firstly, the handling of the individual parts is simplified, as each part is no longer as large as a complete cargo recess. This facilitates assembly and installation.On the other hand, it is entirely possible to attach further structural components to the first part of the cargo area recess, or to form them as a single unit or integral part. For example, the first part of the cargo area recess can have a lock crossmember or a complete mounting bracket. The first part of the cargo area recess can be designed as a mounting bracket itself, or it can have a mounting bracket that is preferably integrated into the first part.

[0009] Secondly, after the cargo compartment recess according to the invention has been installed in a vehicle, parts, preferably the second part, of the cargo compartment recess can be removed, for example for repair purposes or the like. This simplifies the repair or maintenance of a vehicle equipped with the front-end module according to the invention.

[0010] The front section module preferably has a front reinforcement structure extending transversely to the direction of travel, which is attached to, and preferably integrally formed with, the first part of the cargo area recess. Such a reinforcement structure can, on the one hand, serve to structurally strengthen the cargo area recess; on the other hand, the front reinforcement structure can be designed as a cross member, in particular a lock carrier, of a mounting bracket. In this way, additional components can be saved, and the higher degree of integration of the front section module facilitates assembly.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cargo compartment or at least one of its parts may be made of a plastic material, in particular a plastic filled with glass fibers or continuous glass fibers. Other materials are of course also conceivable; in particular, hybrid construction can be used. For example, the plastic material may also be structurally reinforced with metallic elements, in particular insert plates. Such reinforcement can be implemented in various ways. Preferably, the metallic elements are connected to the plastic material of the cargo compartment by injection molding, in particular by injection molding or overmolding, or subsequently attached to the cargo compartment.

[0012] There are various ways to connect the two parts to form a cargo compartment recess. In particular, different fastening methods, such as plugging, screwing, or combinations thereof, can be used at the connection point to join the two parts, preferably in a way that allows for detachment without damage. Such a connection can be achieved by using a sealing device, preferably one comprising polyurethane foam. This prevents fluids such as liquids from entering other parts of the vehicle and causing damage within the cargo compartment recess.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two parts comprise mutually overlapping sections. In the assembled state—that is, in the joined state of the parts—these sections lie side by side or one above the other and form a gap between them. The gap between these overlapping sections can be utilized. For example, according to another preferred embodiment, the aforementioned sealing device can be arranged between the overlapping sections.

[0014] The front-end module according to the invention, which has been described above, is particularly suitable for installation in a vehicle. According to the invention, such a vehicle comprises a vehicle structure and a front-end module connected to the vehicle structure, as described above.

[0015] It may be provided that, when the cargo compartment tray is installed, the second part can be removed from the front-end module, while the first part remains attached to the vehicle. This can be achieved, for example, by loosening any existing screw or clip connections, or similar fasteners, to disconnect the first part from the second part and from other sections of the vehicle.

[0016] The invention is described below with reference to the Fig. Sections 1 to 4 are explained in more detail, in which an embodiment according to the invention is shown. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cargo compartment recess of a front vehicle module according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the Fig. 1 shown cargo space recess. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional drawing along the plane BB. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows a close-up of detail A from Fig. 3.

[0017] The Fig. The cargo space recess 1 shown in Figure 1, which is part of or forms part of a front vehicle module according to the invention, has a cargo space 11 which is accessible through an opening (located at the top in the vertical direction Z in the drawing).

[0018] The floor and opening of the cargo space 11 are enclosed by a surrounding wall. According to the invention, the cargo space recess has (at least) two parts, a first part 12 and a second part 10. The two parts 10, 12, which may be in the form of shells or the like, complement each other so that they fit together in the Fig. The assembled state shown in Figure 1 forms a cargo compartment recess. X denotes the direction of travel, Y the transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of travel X and perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The first part 12 of the cargo compartment recess 1 is therefore preferably arranged at the front of the cargo compartment recess 1 in the direction of travel X, or forms the front of the same. A reinforcing structure 121 can be formed on the first part 12 (the second part can also have a reinforcing structure) and can perform the function of a cross member, for example a lock cross member or a mounting bracket in general.

[0019] In Fig. 2 is the one in Fig. 1. Cargo compartment recess shown in exploded view from a rear perspective.

[0020] The two parts 10, 12 can be attached to each other; a preferred embodiment provides at least that the two parts 10, 12 have overlapping areas, as shown in section A of Fig. Figure 3 is interpreted as a cross-sectional drawing of two joined parts 10 and 12 forming the cargo compartment recess 1. It should be noted here that "joined" does not necessarily mean a fixed, force-fit connection. It is sufficient if the two parts complement each other.

[0021] How to view the detailed drawing of the Fig. 4 can be seen, which is section A from Fig.Figure 3, shown in an enlarged view, illustrates that in this example, area 101 of the second part 10 lies above area 122 of the first part 12. A joint is formed between them, into which, in the example shown, a sealing device 13, for example a foamed light strip, is inserted. This ensures a seal in the transition area between the two parts 10 and 12.

[0022] In principle, the arrangement according to the invention offers significant advantages over known one-piece cargo compartment recesses. The cargo compartment recess 1 can thus remain at least partially attached to the vehicle (not shown) even during maintenance and repair work. This represents a significant saving in assembly time and effort, especially when, for example, the first part 12 is formed from the same material as structural components of the vehicle front end or front-end module and carries other vehicle components that might otherwise have to be disassembled in further work steps. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second part 10, which is attached to the front-end module and / or the vehicle by means of clips, screws, plug connections, or other means, can be removed by loosening these connections without having to detach the first part 12.Conversely, when assembling the front section module in a vehicle, it is a considerable simplification of the assembly process to first connect the first part 12 with other vehicle components and then to fill the remaining hole with the second part 12 of the cargo compartment recess 1 to complete the assembly work. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9 527 450 B1

[0004] US 10 173 739 B2

[0004] DE 10 2020 128 579 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Front-end module, comprising a loading space recess (1) with a receiving space (11) for cargo objects, in particular luggage, wherein the loading space recess (1) has an opening, a floor and a wall arranged between the opening and the floor, wherein the loading space recess (1) has a first part (12) arranged on the front side located in the direction of travel (X) and a second part (10) separate therefrom, which is detachably connected or detachably connectable to the first part (12), which together enclose the receiving space (11). [2] Front end module according to claim 1, further comprising a front reinforcement structure (121) extending in a transverse direction (Y) transverse to the direction of travel (X), which is attached, preferably formed, to the first part (20) of the loading space recess (1). [3] Front end module according to claim 2, characterized by that the front reinforcement structure (121) is designed as a cross member, in particular a lock member, of a mounting member. [4] Front end module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the loading space recess (1) or at least one of the parts (10, 12) is made of a plastic material, in particular of a plastic filled with glass fibers or continuous glass fibers. [5] Front end module according to claim 4, characterized by that the plastic material is structurally reinforced with metallic elements, in particular insert sheets. [6] Front end module according to claim 5, characterized by that the metallic elements are connected to the plastic material of the loading space recess (1) by injection moulding, in particular by injection moulding through or around it, or are subsequently attached to the loading space recess (1). [7] Front end module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first part (12) of the loading space recess (1) is designed as a mounting support or has a mounting support, preferably integrated into the first part. [8] Front end module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two parts (10, 12) are connected to one another using a sealing device (13), preferably a sealing device comprising a PU foam. [9] Front end module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two parts (10, 12) comprise mutually overlapping sections (101, 122). [10] Front end module according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by that the sealing device (13) is arranged between the overlapping sections (101, 122). [11] Vehicle comprising a vehicle structure and a front-end module connected to the vehicle structure according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Vehicle according to claim 11, characterized by that in the assembled state of the loading space recess (1) the second part (10) can be removed from the front-end module, wherein the first part (12) remains on the vehicle in the assembled state.

Images