MOTOR VEHICLE COMPONENT WITH TRIM

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present development relates to a decorative element for fastening to a motor vehicle component to be arranged on the exterior of a motor vehicle body. In a further aspect, the development relates to such a motor vehicle component, a motor vehicle body, a motor vehicle, and a method for mounting a motor vehicle component on the exterior of a motor vehicle body. background

[0002] Maintaining specified gap dimensions is of particular importance in body construction, especially on the exterior of the vehicle body. The most precise arrangement of adjacent vehicle components on the exterior of the vehicle body contributes to a visual enhancement of the vehicle. Furthermore, the importance of decorative elements, such as trim strips or chrome strips on the exterior of the vehicle, is increasing. The attachment and mutual arrangement of such decorative elements, as well as other vehicle components, presents particular challenges in body construction.

[0003] If, for example, a specified gap is to be achieved between two adjacent body or vehicle components, it is common practice to align the relevant vehicle components with respect to specified reference points on the vehicle body using an assembly jig, which serves as an assembly template, and to fasten them to the body in a correspondingly aligned position.

[0004] However, if, for example, automotive components with particularly sensitive surfaces, such as headlights, are to be precisely positioned relative to specified reference points on the vehicle body, standard assembly or installation jigs can only be used to a limited extent, as the stop or reference surfaces provided by an assembly jig can potentially lead to damage or scratches on an externally visible surface of the relevant automotive component. The assembly of automotive components with, for example, reflective or polished surfaces is therefore only partially suitable for a conventional installation and adjustment process using an assembly jig.

[0005] It is also disadvantageous or rather difficult to provide shiny or chrome-plated components with a reference point, in particular if such a reference point or a system reference could be visible from the outside in the final assembly configuration of the motor vehicle and could therefore disturb the external appearance.

[0006] DE 10 2016 116 204 A1, for example, discloses a guide element for a motor vehicle body and a method for adjusting a movement gap between a frame of the motor vehicle body and a cover closing the frame.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 23 30 202 A1, DE 10 2019 216483 A1, EP 3 173 291 A1 and FR 2 998 857 A1 are known from the prior art.

[0008] The generic DE2330202A1 discloses a decorative element for fastening to a motor vehicle component to be arranged on the outer side of a motor vehicle body, wherein the decorative element has an elongated strip section with a longitudinal end and with an outer side, wherein the outer side is visible from the outside in the mounted position on the motor vehicle body and wherein the longitudinal end has an end face with a projection extending in the longitudinal direction, which is set back relative to the outer side.

[0009] Furthermore, a flat decorative element is known from EP 3 100 915 B1.

[0010] In this respect, the present further development is based on the task of providing a decorative element for a motor vehicle component and a motor vehicle component that enable the most precise alignment and adjustment possible on the motor vehicle body and that are therefore suitable for an assembly and fastening process using an assembly jig, without any risk of damage to visible surfaces or visible areas of the motor vehicle component or the decorative element. In particular, the solution should be as easy as possible to integrate into existing assembly processes and should also be compatible with an existing assembly process. Advantageous designs

[0011] This object is achieved with a decorative element for fastening to a motor vehicle component to be arranged on the exterior of a motor vehicle body, with such a motor vehicle component, with a motor vehicle body, further with such a motor vehicle, and with a method for mounting a motor vehicle component on the exterior of a motor vehicle body according to the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent patent claims.

[0012] The decorative element provided in this respect is designed for attachment to a motor vehicle component to be arranged or attached to the exterior of a motor vehicle body. Preferably, the decorative element is permanently attachable to the motor vehicle component or is permanently attached to the motor vehicle component. The decorative element has an elongated strip section with a longitudinal end. The decorative element, and thus its strip section, further has an outer side that is visible from the outside when mounted on the motor vehicle body.

[0013] The outer side typically represents a visible surface, which may be particularly susceptible to scratching. The longitudinal end of the strip section also has a front side. The front side has an extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the strip section, which is set back from the outer side of the strip section.

[0014] The decorative element further comprises a multi-component body with a first component and a second component. The decorative element can be designed, in particular, as a multi-component injection-molded component. The first component comprises a first material. The second component comprises a second material that differs from the first material. The first body forms the outer side of the decorative element or comprises the outer side of the decorative element.

[0015] The second component has or forms the process.

[0016] The second body can form an opposite rear side of the decorative element. Alternatively, the second body can also be embedded in the first body and protrude from it only in certain areas, such as at the rear or at one longitudinal end of the decorative element. The first component can be a plastic material. The second component can also be a plastic material.

[0017] The first component, i.e., the first material, can be coated with a metal coating. The second component, or the second material, is, for example, inert to such a metal coating. This means that during a joint coating process, the coating material adheres only to the first body, while, due to the different properties of the first and second bodies, it cannot adhere to the second body, or can only adhere insufficiently for long-term use of the automotive component.

[0018] Here, for example, it is provided that the body of the decorative element is manufactured as a two-component injection-molded component. The first body, which can be coated with a chrome coating, for example, comprises or is made of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. The second body comprises, for example, a polycarbonate. The ABS plastic body can be coated with a metal coating, i.e., a chrome layer, using a galvanic coating process, while in the same coating process, the material in question does not adhere to the second body, or only to a significantly lesser, but not permanently, degree.

[0019] In this way, it can be achieved that only the first body is coated with a metal layer, while the second body is or remains coating-free.

[0020] The extension is preferably uncoated, while the first material or component may be coated with a metal coating.

[0021] This configuration is particularly advantageous in that the uncoated projection serves merely as a reference for the adjustment and assembly of the motor vehicle component, with the projection protruding from the front side preventing damage or scratching to the exterior of the first component of the decorative element. The recessed arrangement of the projection relative to the exterior and the uncoated configuration of the projection are advantageous in the final assembly state of the motor vehicle component in that the projection, which is already hidden or concealed due to its recessed arrangement, is not shiny, and only the exterior of the first component, which functions as the visible surface, is visible from the outside.

[0022] The extension is arranged on the front side and / or is integrally connected to it. The extension can extend away from the front side, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the strip section.

[0023] The extension functions, in particular, as a support point or support surface for mounting the decorative element, and in particular for mounting and aligning a motor vehicle component firmly connected to the decorative element. The extension, which is set back from the outer side and thus from the visible surface, allows for proper alignment of the decorative element and the motor vehicle component connected to it on the motor vehicle body during the assembly process of the motor vehicle component.

[0024] The extension extending from the front side is offset from the outer side of the strip section. It is typically not visible from the outside in the final assembly position of the trim element or the motor vehicle component on the vehicle body. It primarily serves as a reference point for properly positioning and aligning the trim element and, if applicable, the associated motor vehicle component relative to specified reference points on the vehicle body using an assembly jig. The extension can have a completely different surface contour or surface finish than the outer side of the strip section.

[0025] While the exterior side of the decorative element, visible from the outside, is designed as a visible surface, this need not be the case for the extension. The color, texture, and surface finish of the extension can differ from the color, texture, and surface finish of the exterior. In this way, the extension can be concealed in a final assembly position on the vehicle body, for example, due to its color alone, so that it is barely noticeable or visible to the end user from the outside.

[0026] In addition, it can be provided that the extension is concealed by another adjacent motor vehicle component so that it is no longer visible from the outside after two adjacent motor vehicle components have been assembled.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the extension protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the strip section from the end face of the longitudinal end of the strip section. The protruding extension can, in particular, function as a reference point. By protruding from the end face of the strip section, the extension enables, in particular, adjustment of the decorative element and any motor vehicle component firmly connected thereto in the longitudinal direction of the strip section. For example, a free end of the extension, which protrudes from the end face and thus also lies at a distance from the end face, can function as a reference point or as a contact surface and, in this respect, can reach the contact position with a positioning stop of an assembly jig.

[0028] In such a contact position, the outer side of the strip section as well as the front side of the strip section can be located at a distance from the position stop, so that there is no risk of damage due to a mechanical stop on the outer side as well as on the front side of the strip section.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the decorative element, the extension extends at a predetermined distance from the outer side of the strip section. With respect to the subsequent installation position on the vehicle, the extension is set back from the outer side of the strip section. It is thus located slightly inside the outer skin of the vehicle, which may coincide with the outer side of the strip section. This slightly set-back arrangement of the extension allows for a concealed or hidden implementation of the extension, so that it is not or only barely noticeable from the outside.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the extension has, at its end facing away from the end face of the strip section, an end face acting as a reference point. This end face can be flattened or flattened in order to provide the most precise or full-surface contact position possible with a positioning stop of an installation or assembly jig. During the assembly of the motor vehicle component, which is advantageously preconfigured with the decorative element, it can be provided, in particular, that the extension of the decorative element, in particular its end face, is brought into contact position with a positioning stop of an assembly jig in order to define an assembly position with respect to at least one degree of freedom of movement for the decorative element and thus also for the motor vehicle component.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the decorative element is a plastic injection-molded component or comprises such a plastic injection-molded component. The decorative element can be designed as a single-piece or multi-piece, such as a two-component injection-molded component. The design as a plastic injection-molded component enables cost-effective and precise mass production of the decorative element. Furthermore, the plastic design of the decorative element can reduce weight compared to a metal component.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the outer side of the decorative element or the strip section is provided with a coating, at least in sections. This can be a metal coating or a coating with a metallic appearance. For example, the decorative element can be coated with a chrome coating to give the decorative element a shiny metallic appearance.

[0033] According to a further aspect, the present development finally relates to a motor vehicle component for arrangement and fastening on the exterior of a motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle component has at least one previously described decorative element. The motor vehicle component can be aligned, adjusted, and / or positioned with respect to a reference of the motor vehicle body by means of the extension of the decorative element, at least in the longitudinal direction of the strip section of the decorative element. The decorative element is firmly fastened to the motor vehicle component in a defined position. The decorative element can be connected to the motor vehicle component in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. In particular, the decorative element can be permanently and non-detachably bonded to the motor vehicle component.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the motor vehicle component is designed as a vehicle headlight, for example as a front headlight. The decorative element is arranged and / or fixed in a non-detachable manner either on a headlight housing or on a headlight lens. The direct fastening of the decorative element to the headlight lens or to the headlight housing enables particularly low-tolerance adjustment and installation of the vehicle headlight on the motor vehicle body, wherein the vehicle headlight comes into contact with an installation or assembly jig by means of the extension configured on the decorative element in order to define and fix the position of the headlight, at least with respect to the longitudinal direction of the strip section, relative to predetermined reference points on the motor vehicle body.

[0035] According to a further aspect, the present development relates to a motor vehicle body with a first, previously described, motor vehicle component and with a second motor vehicle component. The second motor vehicle component is arranged adjacent to the longitudinal end of the strip section of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component or can be arranged thereon. In the final assembly position on the motor vehicle body, the free end of the extension of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component is concealed from the outside by the second motor vehicle component. The second motor vehicle component can, in particular, at least partially conceal or cover the extension, so that the extension is not or hardly perceptible from the outside.The second motor vehicle component can, for example, be a trim component that borders the headlight housing, offset inward relative to the transverse direction (y) of the motor vehicle. The second motor vehicle component can, in particular, be approximately flush with a headlight lens of a rear or front headlight.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the second motor vehicle component has a decorative element that is arranged in alignment with the longitudinal end of the strip section of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component. The decorative element of the second motor vehicle component can thus function as a visual extension of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component. It can be virtually flush with the longitudinal end of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component in the longitudinal direction, while maintaining a predetermined gap.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the motor vehicle body, the second motor vehicle component or its decorative element has a receptacle for the extension of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component. Here, for example, an end face at the end of the decorative element of the second motor vehicle component facing the first motor vehicle component can have a receptacle in an end wall or end face, which is designed to correspond to or complement the cross-sectional geometry of the extension. During the assembly process and typically after the first motor vehicle component has been fastened, for example, to a support of the motor vehicle body provided for this purpose, the second motor vehicle component can be fastened to the same or to a further support, such that the extension of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component is received in the receptacle of the second motor vehicle component or its decorative element.

[0038] According to a further aspect, the present development further relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, having a previously described motor vehicle body and / or having a previously described motor vehicle component and having a previously described decorative element. The motor vehicle component can be configured as a headlight, in particular as a front headlight. However, it can also be configured as a rear light or as any other body component to be provided on the exterior of the motor vehicle body.

[0039] According to a further aspect, the present development finally relates to a method for mounting a motor vehicle component on the exterior of a motor vehicle body. The method is characterized by providing at least one first, previously described, motor vehicle component. In a further step, the motor vehicle component is aligned on the motor vehicle body by means of an assembly jig and using the previously described extension of the decorative element as a reference. The extension of the decorative element thereby comes into contact with a position stop of the assembly jig. Thereafter, in a further step, the motor vehicle component is fastened to the motor vehicle body by means of a fastening element, for example by means of a screw.

[0040] The method characterizes the intended use of the previously described decorative element and the previously described motor vehicle component equipped with the decorative element to form a previously described motor vehicle body. In this respect, all features, properties, and effects previously described with regard to the decorative element and / or the motor vehicle component also apply equally to the method; and vice versa.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that a second motor vehicle component, in particular an outer body component or outer trim component, is arranged adjacent to the motor vehicle component and fastened to the motor vehicle body, wherein at least a partial area of the extension of the decorative element of the first motor vehicle component is concealed or covered by the second motor vehicle component.

[0042] The extension, which serves in particular as a reference for the alignment of the first motor vehicle component, is then concealed and can hardly or no longer be perceived from the outside. Short description of the characters

[0043] Further objectives, features, and advantageous embodiments of the present development are explained in the following description of an exemplary embodiment. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a mounting support for fastening vehicle headlights and a front panel, Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 2 , but with headlights arranged on the carrier and aligned with respect to the assembly template, Fig. 4 the illustration according to Fig. 3, but with fastening elements for fixing the vehicle headlights, Fig. 5 a final assembly configuration after removal of the assembly template and after assembly and / or fixing of a second body component adjacent to the first body component, Fig. 6 an enlarged schematic representation of a partial region of the motor vehicle component provided with a decorative element, Fig. 7 an enlarged representation of the transition region between the first motor vehicle component and the second motor vehicle component arranged adjacent thereto, Fig. 8 perspective representations of the mutually adjacent longitudinal ends of the decorative elements of the first and second motor vehicle components and Fig. 9 a flow diagram of the method for assembling the motor vehicle components. Detailed description

[0044] The Fig. 1The schematically shown motor vehicle 1 has a motor vehicle body 2 with an interior 3 functioning as a passenger cell. The motor vehicle has a vehicle front 4, which is aligned in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1. Several motor vehicle components 5, 25 are arranged at the vehicle front. The motor vehicle component 5, 5' is, for example, front-side vehicle headlights. The motor vehicle component 25 is, for example, a panel that is arranged between the left and right headlights arranged on the outer sides of the motor vehicle body 2, as can be seen, for example, from the schematic representation of the Fig. 5 emerges.

[0045] The first motor vehicle component 5, 5' is designed in particular as a vehicle headlight 6 with a headlight housing 7 and a headlight lens 8. The decorative element 10 can be fixedly arranged on an outer side of the headlight housing 7 and / or on an outer side of the headlight lens 8. For example, the decorative element 10 can be arranged directly on the headlight housing 7 or on the headlight lens 8 in an adhesive and / or non-detachable manner.

[0046] For mounting and fastening the motor vehicle components 5, 5', 25, at least one support 56 is arranged on the vehicle front 4. The support 56 is firmly connected to load-bearing structural components of the motor vehicle body 2. The motor vehicle body 2 further comprises a left and a right fender 60, 58, which are Fig. 2 to 5are indicated. Position references 48 are provided on the fenders 58, 60, and therefore also at other defined locations of the vehicle body 2. At these references 48, an assembly jig 40 can be mounted, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 4 shown, in order to enable a defined and referenced arrangement of further motor vehicle components 5, 25 in the area of the vehicle front 4 while maintaining specified gap dimensions.

[0047] The objective is, in particular, to ensure a gap that is visible from the outside in the final assembly configuration between the motor vehicle components 5, 5' and the motor vehicle component 25. In the present exemplary embodiment, both motor vehicle components, namely a first motor vehicle component 5 and a second motor vehicle component 25, are each provided with a decorative element 10, 30. The decorative element 10, 30 is in each case designed as a decorative strip or has a corresponding strip section 11, 31.

[0048] For a positionally accurate and particularly dimensionally accurate arrangement and fastening of the first motor vehicle components 5, 5', the assembly jig 40 has a separate positioning pin 42 for each of the motor vehicle components 5, 5', which protrudes from a cross member 41 of the assembly jig 40. In the present embodiment, the positioning pins 42 have a positioning stop 44 facing the respective motor vehicle component 5, 5'.

[0049] For the dimensionally accurate arrangement and fixing of the motor vehicle components 5, 5' on the motor vehicle front 4, the first motor vehicle components 5, 5' have Fig. 8The decorative element 10 has an extension 16 at its longitudinal end 12, shown in detail. The extension 16 protrudes from an end face 15 of the longitudinal end 12 of the strip section 11 of the decorative element 10 in the longitudinal direction of the decorative element 10. The extension 16 is set back from an outer side of the strip section 11. With respect to the subsequent mounting position on the motor vehicle, the extension 16 is set back from the outer side 14 of the strip section 11, opposite to the direction of travel or along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (x).

[0050] The extension 16 has one or more side cheeks 17 and has an end face 18 at its end facing away from the end face 15 of the strip section 11. This end face 18 acts as a reference and serves for the accurate positioning of the motor vehicle component 5 on the motor vehicle body 2. As shown in the enlarged section according to Fig. 3As shown, the end face 18 of the extension 16 comes into direct contact with the positioning stop 44 of the assembly gauge 40, in particular with the positioning stop 44 of the positioning pin 42. In this way, the position of the motor vehicle component 5, 5' can be precisely adjusted along the vehicle transverse direction (y), thus along the longitudinal direction of the decorative element 10, and thus the motor vehicle component 5 can be positioned and fixed at the front of the vehicle while maintaining the specified gap dimensions.

[0051] A combination of a screw hole and an elongated hole 54 is provided for fixing and fastening the motor vehicle component 5 to the carrier 56. Thus, the carrier 56 has a counter-fastening point for a fastening element 50, which is designed, for example, as a screw. The fastening element 50 passes through the elongated hole 54 of a tab 53 protruding from the motor vehicle component 5. The elongated hole 54 of the mounting tab 53 extends approximately in the longitudinal direction of the strip section 11. It forms a fastening point 52 for the motor vehicle component 5, 5'. The elongated hole 54 thus enables continuous alignment and fastening of the motor vehicle component 5, 5' to the carrier 56.

[0052] After the assembly of the motor vehicle components 5, 5', as is the case, for example, in Fig. 4As shown, the assembly template 40 can be removed, and the second motor vehicle component 25 can be positioned and locked in the space between the opposing first motor vehicle components 5, 5', for example, on the carrier 56. It is provided that the second motor vehicle component 25 at least partially covers the extension 16, which protrudes or protrudes from the longitudinal end 12 of the decorative element 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] In particular, it is provided that the second motor vehicle component 25 has a recess or receptacle 26 for this purpose, which is designed to be complementary to the geometric configuration of the extension 16. The receptacle 26 can, for example, be formed in the rear side of the decorative element 30. In the final assembly position, which is shown in Fig. 7As shown in an enlarged detail, at least the free end of the extension 16 is completely covered by the decorative element 30 of the second motor vehicle component 25. Because the extension 16 is recessed from the outer side 14 on the decorative element 10, it can hardly be seen from the outside.

[0054] Furthermore, it is intended to design the decorative element 10 as a multi-component plastic injection-molded component. The decorative element 10 thus comprises a multi-component, in particular two-component, body 20 with a first component 21 and a second component 22. The first component 21 is formed from a first plastic material or comprises a first plastic material. The second component 22 is formed from a second plastic material or comprises a second plastic material. The first and second plastic materials are different plastic materials. The first plastic material can be, for example, an ABS plastic material.

[0055] The second plastic material comprises, for example, a polycarbonate. The first component 21 forms, in particular, the later visible surface or outer side 14 of the decorative element 10. This can, for example, be covered or coated with a metal layer by means of a galvanic coating process. In particular, the coating 19 can be a chrome coating. The second plastic material, thus the second component 22, can be essentially inert to such a coating process. The extension 16 can be formed exclusively in the second component 22 and, to that extent, consist of the second plastic material or comprise the second plastic material.

[0056] For the second plastic material, a material is selected that is not coated during the coating process following the injection molding process. The material is selected such that, during the coating process of the two-component body 20, only the surface of the first component 21 is effectively coated. In this way, it is possible, for example, for the second component 22 to receive a dark color, while the first component 21 receives a shiny metallic surface, at least on its outer side 14.This color contrast further contributes to concealing the extension 16, which is already set back from the outer side 14, in the final assembly position on the motor vehicle, so that it is hardly noticeable in addition to its at least partial concealment by the second motor vehicle component 25, but also due to its dark color in the remaining gap between the strip sections 11, 31.

[0057] The further decorative element 30, in particular its strip section 31, can also be provided with a coating which corresponds to the coating 19 of the strip section 11 adjoining it in the longitudinal direction.

[0058] The extension 16 can also be advantageous for the mutual assembly and particularly dimensionally accurate arrangement of the adjacent strip sections 11, 31. For example, the receptacle 26 provided on the rear side of the decorative element 30 can be precisely adapted to the geometry of the cross-section of the extension 16, so that by virtue of the mutual engagement of the extension 16 and the receptacle 26, the decorative element 30 can be particularly dimensionally accurate, particularly with regard to positioning along the vehicle's vertical axis (z) and / or along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (x) relative to the decorative element 10.

[0059] In Fig. 9Finally, a flow chart is shown illustrating an assembly method using the decorative element 10 described here and using the motor vehicle components 5, 25 described here. In a first step 100, the previously described motor vehicle component 5, for example in the form of the headlight 6, is provided. The motor vehicle component 5 is provided with a previously described decorative element 10, which is typically fixedly arranged on the respective motor vehicle component 5. In a subsequent step 102, the motor vehicle component is aligned to the motor vehicle body 2 by means of an assembly jig 40 and using the extension 16 of the decorative element 30 as an installation reference.

[0060] In this process, the extension 16, in particular with its end face 18, is brought into contact with the positioning pin 42 of the assembly jig 40. In this way, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle component 5 can be aligned with respect to the vehicle transverse direction (y). Subsequently, and in step 104, the motor vehicle component 5 is fixed in the aligned position to the motor vehicle body 2 by means of a fastening element 50, typically also with several fastening elements, for example, to a support 56 provided thereon.

[0061] The illustrated embodiments merely show possible configurations of the development, for which numerous further variants are conceivable within the scope of the development. The exemplary embodiments shown are in no way to be interpreted as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration options of the development. This description merely shows the person skilled in the art one or several possible implementations of an exemplary embodiment. Thus, a wide variety of modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents. List of reference symbols

[0062] 1 Motor vehicle 2 Motor vehicle body 3 Interior 4 Vehicle front 5 Motor vehicle component 6 Vehicle headlight 7 Headlight housing 8 Headlight lens 10 Decorative element 11 Strip section 12 Longitudinal end 14 Outer side 15 Front side 16 Extension 17 Cheek 18 Front face 19 Coating 20 Clip body 21 Component 22 Component 25 Motor vehicle component 26 Mounting element 30 Decorative element 31 Strip section 40 Assembly jig 41 Cross member 42 Positioning pin 44 Positioning stop 48 Reference 50 Fastening element 52 Fastening point 53 Tab 54 Slotted hole 56 Support 58 Fender 60 Fender

Claims

1. A decorative element (10) for fastening to a motor vehicle component (5) to be arranged on the exterior of a motor vehicle body (2), wherein the decorative element (10) has an elongated strip section (11) with a longitudinal end (12) and an outer side (14), wherein the outer side (14) is visible from the outside in the mounted position on the motor vehicle body (2), and wherein the longitudinal end (12) has an end face (15) with a longitudinally extending extension (16) which is set back from the outer side (14), characterized in that the decorative element (10) has a multi-component body (20) with a first component (21) and a second component (22), wherein the first component (21) comprises a first material and the second component (22) comprises a second material which differs from the first material, and wherein the first component (21) forms the outer side (14) of the decorative element (10), or wherein the second component (22) comprises or forms the extension (16).

2. The decorative element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the extension (16) protrudes from the end face (15) in the longitudinal direction of the strip section (11).

3. The decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (16) extends at a predetermined distance from the outer side (14) of the strip section (11).

4. The decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (16) has, at its end facing away from the end face (15) of the strip section (11), an end face (18) acting as a reference point.

5. The decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (10) comprises a plastic injection-molded component or is designed as a plastic injection-molded component.

6. A decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer side (14) of the decorative element (10) or the strip section (11) is provided with a coating (19).

7. A decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (16) is uncoated.

8. A motor vehicle component (5) for arrangement and fastening on the exterior of a motor vehicle body (2), which has at least one decorative element (10) according to one of the preceding claims and which, by means of the extension (16) of the decorative element (10), can be aligned at least in the longitudinal direction of the strip section (11) with respect to a reference (48) of the motor vehicle body (2).

9. A motor vehicle component (5) according to claim 8, which is designed as a vehicle headlight (6), wherein the decorative element (10) is arranged non-detachably on a headlight housing (7) or headlight lens (8).

10. A motor vehicle body (2) comprising a first motor vehicle component (5) according to claim 8 or 9 and a second motor vehicle component (25), wherein the second motor vehicle component (25) is arranged adjacent to the longitudinal end (12) of the strip portion (11) of the decorative element (10) of the first motor vehicle component (5) and, in the final assembly position on the motor vehicle body (2), conceals at least the free end of the extension (16) of the decorative element (10) from the outside.

11. A motor vehicle body (2) according to claim 10, wherein the second motor vehicle component (25) has a decorative element (30) arranged in alignment with the longitudinal end (12) of the strip portion (11) of the decorative element (10) of the first motor vehicle component (5).

12. A motor vehicle body (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second motor vehicle component (25) or its decorative element (30) has a receptacle (26) for the extension (16) of the decorative element (10) of the first motor vehicle component (5).

13. A method for assembling a motor vehicle component (5) on the exterior of a motor vehicle body (2), characterized by the steps: - providing a first motor vehicle component (5) according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, - aligning the motor vehicle component (5) on the motor vehicle body (2) using an assembly jig (40) and using the extension (16) of the decorative element (10) as a reference, and - fastening the motor vehicle component (5) to the motor vehicle body (2) using a fastening element (50).