Covering device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with such a covering device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a covering device for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a covering device.

[0002] Trim devices for motor vehicles are known in various embodiments from the prior art. These can, for example, comprise trim elements, such as a vehicle grille or an inlet for a vehicle component requiring outside air, each of which, with its outer surfaces, forms an exterior surface of the motor vehicle.

[0003] In the known trim devices, air passes through openings in the trim elements and is fed to a vehicle engine or is directed toward the vehicle. At very low ambient temperatures, the supply of very cold ambient air toward the vehicle, especially toward the vehicle engine, can at least impede efficient operation of the vehicle engine if it is delayed or unable to reach its optimal operating temperature.

[0004] To prevent or at least reduce the inflow of cold air at particularly low ambient temperatures, it is common practice to completely or partially cover the cladding elements with a cover element. This has proven disadvantageous in that it is time-consuming and cumbersome to remove it from the cladding element using a tool when the ambient temperatures are sufficiently high.

[0005] EP 3 075 606 A1 relates to an exterior trim device for a motor vehicle, which comprises an air inlet grille with an opening, a housing fixed to the grille for receiving an exterior element and a movable blocking element for blocking the opening.

[0006] An object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a covering device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such a covering device, in which the arrangement and removal of a cover element on a covering element is facilitated.

[0007] This object is achieved by a cladding device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cladding element, such as a vehicle grille, which is fixed to a supporting structure of the motor vehicle and which forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle with its outer surface and which comprises at least one through-opening, at least in some regions, through which air can flow from the outside through the cladding element towards the motor vehicle, and comprising at least one cover unit, which comprises at least one cover element, which has a completely or at least predominantly closed cover surface and which can be placed on the outer surface of the cladding element and which comprises at least one fixing means which can be fixed or is fixed to the cover element,which, in a joined final position, forms a rear grip with respect to a joining direction with at least one contact section of the cladding element adjacent to the at least one through opening of the cladding element, and which comprises at least one actuating section that is accessible from the outside and, by manual actuation of which, the fixing means can be manually moved transversely or obliquely to the joining direction and disengaged from the contact section. The cover unit comprises at least one rib means that is fixed to the cover element and to the fixing means on the side facing the cladding element.

[0008] Because the cover unit comprises a cover element with a predominantly closed cover surface, the at least one opening in the cladding element can be closed by arranging the cover element in the arranged state of the cover unit.

[0009] Because the cover unit comprises a fixing means which, in a joined final position, forms a rear grip with respect to the joining direction with the contact section of the opening, the cover element can be arranged on the cladding element in a simple manner and without tools.

[0010] Because the fixing means comprises an externally accessible actuating section through which the fixing means can be brought out of engagement with the contact section, the cover unit can be easily removed from the cladding element.

[0011] The ribs allow the securing means to absorb increased forces, particularly repeated load changes that occur during operation of the motor vehicle. This can increase the service life of the cover unit. The trim element can be, for example, a vehicle grille of a motor vehicle, which is arranged in the area of ​​a front end of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the trim element can also comprise any air-conducting component of the motor vehicle that forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle, for example, an intake or the like.

[0012] The securing means can, in principle, be connected to or with the cover element in any desired manner. The cladding device can be designed to be compact if the securing means is arranged on the cover element on a side facing the cladding element and if the cover element includes a recess in the area of ​​the securing means, through which the actuating section is accessible from the outside through the cover element.

[0013] If the cover element comprises a recess in the region of the fixing means, the actuating section of the fixing means can be reached even if the fixing means is arranged on the side of the cover element facing the cladding element.

[0014] The fastening element can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner, provided it fulfills the technical function of forming a rear grip with respect to the joining direction with the contact section of the cladding element in the final joined position. The fastening element can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively if the fastening element extends along its longest extent in the joining direction and / or if the fastening element comprises a hook-shaped projection at a free end, which, in the final joined position, rests against the contact section to form the rear grip.

[0015] In order to ensure that when the cover unit is joined, the fixing means forms a rear grip with the contact section of the cladding element, a further development of the cladding device provides that the cover unit comprises at least one clamping element by means of which the fixing means can be clamped into the rear grip position.

[0016] This ensures that the locking device is automatically moved into the rear grip position.

[0017] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it proves to be advantageous if the fixing means is elastically displaceable at least during joining along the joining direction transversely or obliquely to the joining direction and / or if the fixing means comprises an elastically displaceable material, wherein the clamping means and the fixing means comprise a common component or if the clamping means comprises a component that is separate or separable from the fixing means.

[0018] If the securing means comprises an elastically displaceable material, it can initially be displaced transversely to the joining direction during joining, in order to lock into the contact section of the cladding element in the final joined position. In this case, the cladding device can be designed with a reduced number of components.

[0019] If the clamping device comprises a component that is separate or separable from the fixing device, any material and any mechanism with which the fixing device can be arranged on the cover element can be used.

[0020] For example, the cover element and the securing means can be designed as separate or separable components. In such a case, the securing means can be arranged on the cover element via at least one bearing means. In such a case, it proves advantageous if the clamping means comprises a separable or separate component.

[0021] If the fixing means and the cover element form a common component, it is advantageous if the clamping means is formed by the fixing means.

[0022] In order to facilitate removal of the cover unit from the cladding element, it proves to be advantageous if the cover unit comprises a gripping means which is spaced apart from the fixing means transversely to the joining direction and which is arranged on a side facing away from the cladding element and which can be manually gripped for manual removal of the cover element from the cladding element opposite to the joining direction.

[0023] In this case, when joining and removing the cover element to the cladding element, the cover element can be gripped at at least two points, namely at the gripping means and at the actuating section, which facilitates joining and removing the cover element.

[0024] The gripping means can be designed in any way, as long as it fulfills the function of being manually gripped. In such cases, it is advantageous if the gripping means comprises a raised portion on the cover element and / or a recess, in particular a continuous one, in the cover element.

[0025] If the gripping means comprises a raised portion, this may be shaped like a button, mushroom or eyelet, for example.

[0026] In a further development of the cladding device, it is provided that the actuating section comprises a recess which is set back transversely or obliquely to the joining direction and which extends as far as the cover element and / or that the recess in the cover element and / or the recess comprises a cross section transversely to the joining direction which is at least 1 cm 2< , in particular at least 4 cm 2< , in particular at least 9 cm 2<.

[0027] If the actuating section comprises a recess that is set back transversely or diagonally to the joining direction, the actuating section is easily accessible from the outside using a tool or an operator's finger. If the recess only comprises a cover element and / or the recess transversely to the joining direction has a cross-section of at least 1 cm², at least 4 cm², or at least 9 cm², accessibility for a tool or an operator's finger is enabled and, at the same time, a relatively small opening is provided.

[0028] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it proves to be advantageous if the rib means runs parallel to a tilting axis of the fixing means, about which the fixing means tilts or rotates transversely or obliquely to the joining direction when the fixing means is manually actuated, and / or if the rib means extends in the joining direction in a rib-like manner.

[0029] In such a case, the rib means reinforces the fixing means, but does not hinder the transfer of the fixing means transversely to the joining direction when the cover unit is detached from the cladding element.

[0030] In principle, it is conceivable for the individual components of the cover unit to be formed from separate parts. The cladding device can be designed with fewer components if the cover element, the clamping element, the rib means, and the securing means form a single, integral component, in particular an injection-molded part.

[0031] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the cover unit comprises a material thickening and / or a reinforcing means in the region of the transition from the cover element to the fixing means.

[0032] In particular, if the cover element and the fixing means comprise a common component, the risk of damage to the fixing means during actuation can be reduced by providing a material thickening at the transition from the cover element to the fixing means.

[0033] Furthermore, embodiments of the cladding device are conceivable in which the covering unit covers the outer surface of the cladding element with a single covering element or with at least two covering elements in whole or in sections.

[0034] If the cover unit comprises a single cover element, the cladding device can be designed to be compact and with fewer components. If the cover unit comprises at least two cover elements, the inflow of external air via the cladding element can be more easily adjusted.

[0035] In order to increase the stability of a system of cover units consisting of a plurality of cover elements, a further development of the latter embodiment provides that the cover unit comprises at least one coupling means by which at least two adjacent cover elements of the at least two cover elements can be fixed to one another.

[0036] Finally, the object is achieved by a motor vehicle having a supporting structure, at least one cladding element secured to the supporting structure, and at least one cladding device having at least one of the aforementioned features. Further features, details, and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended claims, the drawings, and the following description of two preferred embodiments of the cladding device.

[0037] The drawing shows: Figure 1. A plan view of an embodiment of the cladding device; Figure 2. A sectional perspective detailed view of a cover unit arranged on the cladding element in the joined final position; Figure 3. A sectional perspective view of the embodiment according to Figure 2 with indicated manual operation; Figure 4.A front view of a portion of the cover unit; Figure 5.A rear view of the view according to Figure 4 ; Figure 6.A

[0038] Front view of a second embodiment of the cladding device with a cover unit with several cover elements.

[0039] The figures show two exemplary embodiments of a trim device for a motor vehicle 4, designated overall by the reference numeral 2. The trim device comprises a trim element 6, which is secured to a supporting structure 8 of the motor vehicle 4. The trim element 6 forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle 4. The trim element 6 comprises a plurality of through-openings 10, through which air can flow from the outside through the trim element 6 toward the motor vehicle 4.

[0040] The cladding device 2 also comprises a cover unit 12. The cover unit 12 comprises in the Figures 1 to 5 shown embodiment a single cover element 14 and in the case of Figure 6The exemplary embodiment shown comprises a plurality of cover elements 14. The cover element 14 comprises a predominantly closed cover surface and can be placed against the outer surface of the cladding element 6. A fixing means 16 of the cover unit 12 is fixed to the cover element 14, which, in a joined end position, forms a rear grip with respect to a joining direction 18 with a contact section 20 of the cladding element 6 adjacent to the through opening 10 of the cladding element 6. In addition, the fixing means 16 comprises an actuating section 22, which is accessible from the outside and can be moved transversely or obliquely to the joining direction 18 and can be brought out of engagement with the contact section 20 by manually actuating the fixing means 16.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiments of the cladding device 2, the securing means 16 are arranged on the cover element 14 on a side facing the cladding element 6. To make the securing means 16 accessible from the outside, the cover element 14 includes a recess 24 in the area of ​​the securing means 16.

[0042] Looking at the Figures 2 to 5 It can be seen that the fixing means 16 has its longest extension in the joining direction 18 and comprises a hook-like projection 26 at a free end, which in the joined end position forms the rear grip with the contact section 20 of the cladding element 6.

[0043] The actuating portion 22 comprises a recessed recess 28 into which a tool or a finger of an operator can engage.

[0044] From the Figures 4 and 5It can be seen that the cover element 14 and the fixing means 16 form a single, integral component, in particular an injection-molded component. To increase the stability of the cover unit 12, as shown in Figure 5 As can be seen, a rib means 30 is provided which extends parallel to a tilting axis of the fixing means 16, about which the fixing means 16 tilts or rotates transversely or obliquely to the joining direction 18 when the fixing means 16 is manually actuated, and which extends in the joining direction 18 in a rib-like manner.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the cladding device 2, in which the cover unit 12 comprises several cover elements 14. The cover elements 14 are secured to one another by coupling means 32.

[0046] Based on the Figures 2 and 3The operation of the cladding device 2 is described in more detail: When joining the cover unit 12 to the cladding element 6, the cover element 14, with the fixing means 16 fixed to the cover element 14, is pushed along the joining direction 18 through one of the openings 10 of the cladding element 6. The fixing means 16 is displaced transversely to the joining direction 18 and locks into the contact section 20 of the cladding element 6 in the joined final position.

[0047] To detach the cover unit 12 from the cladding element 6, a tool or a finger can be inserted through the recess 24 in the cover element 14 into the actuating section 22 formed as a recessed depression 28. By actuating the tool transversely or obliquely to the joining direction 18, the hook-shaped projection 26 of the securing means 16 can be disengaged from the contact section 20 of the cladding element 6. This allows the cover unit 12 to be easily removed from the cladding element again.

[0048] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawings can be essential both individually and in any combination in the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0049] 2Covering device 4Motor vehicle 6Covering element 8Supporting structure 10Opening 12Cover unit 14Cover element 16Fastening means 18Joining direction 20Contact section 22Actuating section 24Recess 26Protrusion 28Depression 30Ribbed means 32Coupling means List of reference symbols

[0050] 2Covering device 4Motor vehicle 6Covering element 8Supporting structure 10Opening 12Cover unit 14Cover element 16Fastening means 18Joining direction 20Contact section 22Actuating section 24Recess 26Protrusion 28Depression 30Ribbed means 32Coupling means

Claims

1. A trim device (2) for a motor vehicle (4), comprising at least one trim element (6), such as a vehicle grille, which is secured to a support structure (8) of the motor vehicle (4), which forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle (4) with its outer surface and which, at least in some regions, comprises at least one through-opening (10) through which air can flow from the outside through the trim element (6) toward the motor vehicle (4), and comprising at least one cover unit (12) comprising at least one cover element (14) having a completely or at least predominantly closed cover surface and which can be applied to the outer surface of the trim element (6), and which comprises at least one fixing means (16) which is or can be fixed to the cover element (14) and which, in a joined end position, has a rear engagement with respect to a joining direction (18) with at least one contact section (20) of the trim element (6) adjacent to the at least one through-opening (10) of the trim element (6). and which comprises at least one actuating section (22) that is accessible from the outside and, by manual actuation of which, the fixing means (16) can be manually moved transversely or obliquely to the joining direction (18) and disengaged from the contact section (20). The cover unit (12) comprises at least one rib means (30) that is fixed to the cover element (14) and to the fixing means (16) on the side facing the cladding element (6).

2. Cladding device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (16) is arranged on the cover element (14) on a side facing the cladding element (6), and that the cover element (14) comprises a recess (24) in the region of the fixing means (16), through which the actuating section (22) is accessible from the outside through the cover element (14).

3. Covering device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing means (16) extends along its longest extent in the joining direction (18) and / or that the securing means (16) comprises a hook-shaped projection (26) at a free end, which, in the joined final position, abuts the contact section (20) to form the rear grip.

4. Covering device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering unit (12) comprises at least one clamping element by which the securing means (16) can be clamped into the rear grip position.

5. The cladding device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing means (16) is elastically displaceable, at least during joining along the joining direction (18), transversely or obliquely to the joining direction (18), and / or that the securing means (16) comprises an elastically displaceable material, wherein the clamping means and the securing means (16) comprise a common component, or the clamping means comprises a component that is separate or separable from the securing means (16).

6. The cladding device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering unit (12) comprises a gripping means spaced apart from the securing means (16) transversely to the joining direction (18), which gripping means is arranged on a side facing away from the cladding element (6) and which can be manually gripped for manually removing the covering element (14) from the cladding element (6) opposite to the joining direction (18).

7. The cladding device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the gripping means comprises a raised portion on the cover element (14) and / or a recess, in particular a continuous recess, in the cover element (14).

8. The cladding device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating portion (22) comprises a recess (28) that is set back transversely or obliquely to the joining direction (16) and extends to the cover element (14), and / or that the recess in the cover element (14) and / or the recess (28) has a cross-section transverse to the joining direction (18) that is at least 1 cm2, in particular at least 4 cm2, in particular at least 9 cm2.

9. The cladding device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rib means (30) runs parallel to a tilting axis of the securing means (16), about which the securing means (16) tilts or rotates transversely or obliquely to the joining direction (18) upon manual actuation of the securing means (16), and / or that the rib means (30) extends in the joining direction (18) in a rib-like manner.

10. The cladding device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (14), the clamping element, the rib means (30), and the securing means (16) form a common, one-piece component, in particular an injection molded part.

11. The cladding device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover unit (12) in the region of the transition from the cover element (14)12. A cladding device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering unit (12) covers the outer surface of the cladding element (6) with a single covering element (14) or with at least two covering elements (14), either entirely or in sections.

13. A cladding device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the covering unit (12) comprises at least one coupling means (32) by which at least two adjacent covering elements (14) of the at least two covering elements (14) can be secured to one another.

14. A motor vehicle (4) with a supporting structure (8), with at least one cladding element (6) secured to the supporting structure (8), and with at least one cladding device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13.