Manufacturing aids and methods for painting a vehicle body

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a production aid and a method for painting a body, in particular a motor vehicle body, with a frame and a door mounted on the frame.

[0002] Production resources are passive resources that are directly involved in production. Resources are understood to be work equipment used to perform a task within a work system. Production resources can be individual components or assemblies of interacting components. Because they are passive, they cannot operate independently like active resources (machines). Furthermore, they are directly involved in production, not just indirectly like buildings or transport or storage facilities.

[0003] The body is the complete structure of a vehicle mounted on a supporting chassis. The vehicle can be an aircraft, watercraft, or land vehicle.

[0004] When painting vehicle bodies, production aids are used to lock the door mounted on the vehicle frame at a defined distance of usually a few millimeters from the door. This is intended to prevent the formation of a paint line between the door and the vehicle frame. The painting process usually involves numerous steps, which require repeated opening and locking of the door. Therefore, the production aids used must allow not only locking but also subsequent opening of the vehicle door.

[0005] In the automotive industry, vehicles are typically produced in series or large batches, and manufacturing processes such as painting are carried out as automatically as possible. Conventional steel production tools require manual unlocking due to complicated locking mechanisms. This precludes fully automated vehicle painting and thus leads to higher production costs.

[0006] DE 10 2020 105 268.5 discloses a fixing device for fixing an attachment relative to a motor vehicle body, comprising two separately formed fixing elements, wherein a first of the fixing elements has a first connecting element and can be reversibly and detachably fastened to the body independently of the second fixing element, wherein the second fixing element has a second connecting element and can be reversibly and detachably fastened to the attachment independently of the first fixing element, and wherein the fixing elements can be reversibly and detachably connected to one another via the connecting elements. The integrally formed first fixing element has a holding element which can be inserted into a recess in the body and has two walls spaced apart from one another along one direction, which can be inserted into the recess.

[0007] From US 2010 / 0066105 A1 a device for locking an opening element relative to a fixed element of a motor vehicle body is known, which device is intended to be fixed to a wall of the opening element or of the fixed element and comprises at least one stop means intended to cooperate elastically with at least one complementary stop means fixed to the fixed element or to the opening element, respectively, in order to enable the retention of said opening element.

[0008] In addition, production aids for painting car bodies are known. These are mounted on a door and, by actuating a lever mechanism, lock the door to the vehicle frame at a defined distance from the latter. Such production aids are usually made of steel. To unlock the door from the vehicle frame, the lever mechanism must be actuated again. Such actuation of a lever mechanism located within the car body has not yet been possible using production robots. The production aid requires manual locking to the vehicle frame by actuating the lever mechanism. Therefore, the manual unlocking of the production aid requires several employees in production.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional manufacturing aids usually cannot be removed from the body without damaging it and therefore cannot be reused. This hampers sustainable production.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a production aid that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention was to provide a production aid that enables fully automated painting of a car body through simplified locking and subsequent opening of the door.

[0011] The invention solves the underlying problem in a first aspect by a production aid according to claim 1. The invention proposes that the production aid comprise a first production aid part for releasably coupling to the frame and a second production aid part for releasably coupling to the door. The first production aid part and the second production aid part are designed to be releasably engaged with one another by means of a snap connection and, in an assembled state in which the first production aid part is coupled to the frame and the second production aid part is coupled to the door, to lock the door at a distance from the frame. Such a distance is preferably a distance of 6 to 8 mm.

[0012] For the purposes of the invention, snap connections are understood as connections consisting of functional elements for the detachable and non-detachable, simple, form-fitting joining of components. In this case, one functional element deforms elastically and then interlocks, either detachably or permanently, with the second functional element. Thus, a form-fitting connection is present.

[0013] During the painting process, the first auxiliary production part thus remains on the frame and the second auxiliary production part remains on the door. Following the painting process or a first painting cycle, the first auxiliary production part and the second auxiliary production part can be detached again non-destructively through their respective releasable coupling to the frame or the door. The production aid according to the invention can therefore be used multiple times. Furthermore, the first auxiliary production part can be repeatedly engaged with the second auxiliary production part by forming the snap connection. As described above, a section of either the first auxiliary production part or the second auxiliary production part must deform elastically in order to engage the other auxiliary production part in a form-fitting manner. For this elastic deformation, only the application of a force is required.This force can be applied automatically, for example, by a closing movement of the door using a production robot. Similarly, disengaging the first production auxiliary part from the second production auxiliary part only requires the application of an opposing force. Thus, the repeated locking and opening of the door during the painting of a car body can be performed fully automatically by a production robot.

[0014] The force for opening the door is in particular 60 - 100 N, particularly preferably substantially 75 - 85 N.

[0015] Preferably, the snap connection is designed such that a force of 60 - 100 N, preferably 75 - 85 N, acting on the door and directed away from the frame, releases the snap connection. Further preferably, the snap connection is designed such that a force of 60 - 100 N, preferably 75 - 85 N, acting on the door and directed in the direction of the frame, causes the snap connection to undergo elastic deformation to form the snap connection.

[0016] The first auxiliary production part preferably comprises a receptacle that can be brought into positive engagement with the frame and a locking element that can be moved relative to the receptacle. The locking element is preferably designed to engage positively with a corresponding mounting interface of the frame. In particular, the locking element forms a snap connection with the corresponding mounting interface of the frame. The movement of the locking element relative to the receptacle is preferably a pivoting movement. For positive engagement with the frame, the receptacle in particular receives at least a section of the frame. The section of the frame is preferably a piping in a vehicle pillar, in particular the B or C pillar. The vehicle frame is thus easily used to couple the first auxiliary production part by forming a positive connection.The mount provides an additional means of transferring load to the vehicle frame, thus relieving the load on the locking element. The locking element provides additional security against unintentional uncoupling of the first production auxiliary part by positively engaging with an assembly interface of the frame. Thus, the first production auxiliary part is reliably and reversibly mounted to the frame and can be reused multiple times.

[0017] Preferably, the mount can be engaged with the frame by a linear movement in a longitudinal direction and is configured to absorb forces orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the mount can be easily engaged with the frame and absorbs forces in one spatial direction.

[0018] Further preferably, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the mounting interface of the frame by a movement relative to the receptacle, which has at least one movement component orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, an elastic deformation of the first auxiliary production part leads to the formation of a snap connection between the locking element and the mounting interface of the frame. Because the locking element executes a movement relative to the receptacle, which has at least one movement component orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the locking element can also absorb forces in the longitudinal direction and thus lock the receptacle engaged with the frame. Preferably, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the mounting interface by a combination of a linear movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and a pivoting movement in the direction of the receptacle or opposite to the receptacle.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting interface is designed as a recess and / or an undercut in the frame. Undercuts and recesses are usually already present in the frame and do not need to be specially created. Therefore, no special modification of the frame is required.

[0020] Further preferably, the locking element is pivotable within the recess from a locking position, in which the locking element positively engages the receptacle, into a release position, in which the locking element can be moved out of the receptacle. Similarly, the locking element can be pivoted from a locking position, in which the locking element can be moved relative to the undercut.

[0021] It is preferred that the locking element be configured to absorb forces orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the locking position, such that the receptacle engaging with the frame in the mounted state is locked. This prevents unintentional detachment of the receptacle from the frame, for example, due to a movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the first production aid has a lever mechanism comprising a lever coupled to the locking element. The locking element can preferably be moved from the locking position to a release position by applying a force, in particular a release force, to the lever, wherein the release force has at least one component opposite in the longitudinal direction. Thus, a mechanism for reversibly releasing the locking element and thus the first production aid as a whole is provided.

[0023] The first production aid preferably has a puncture protection device which, when installed, is designed to protrude from the frame towards the door at a safety distance. The puncture protection device preferably has such rigidity and strength that it can secure the door against unintentional closing. This reliably prevents the door from being unintentionally closed and touching the frame. This would cause damage to the frame or door. During the process, the door is opened approximately 6 - 8 mm and is locked in this position by the production aid. If a force is unintentionally applied to the door, this leads to a load on the snap connection between the first production aid and the second production aid.In this case, the first production aid coupled to the frame ensures, through the anti-puncture device, that the door can be closed as far as it will go until it hits the anti-puncture device. This maintains a defined opening dimension regardless of the snap connection and any possible loosening or damage to it.

[0024] The securing distance is preferably in a range of 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm, particularly preferably in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm. This provides a sufficient securing distance to prevent the door from closing accidentally, even taking into account any manufacturing tolerances. At the same time, the anti-piercing device does not protrude too far toward the door, which could cause damage to the vehicle or impair the formation of the snap connection between the first manufacturing aid and the second manufacturing aid.

[0025] Preferably, the first production aid comprises at least one reinforcing rib arranged between the puncture protection device and the receptacle, which is configured to divert the forces introduced into the puncture protection device via the receptacle into the frame when installed. This prevents damage to the production aid, and in particular to the first production aid.

[0026] Further preferably, the first auxiliary production part has, in the region of the receptacle and / or adjacent to the locking element, at least one positioning part which, in the assembled state, protrudes in the direction of the frame and is configured to make point and / or line contact with the frame. Thus, any contact surfaces of the first auxiliary production part in this region are kept at a distance from the frame. By forming line or point contacts in this region, any manufacturing tolerances are taken into account and contact between the first auxiliary production part and the frame is minimized. This prevents damage to the frame, for example due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0027] Further preferably, the first production aid part has at least one limiting element arranged adjacent to the locking element, which is configured to limit the movement of the locking element orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. This prevents damage to the first production aid part and the frame, since the production aid part cannot be moved too far toward the frame or the door, particularly by a movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary production part has a snap-in receptacle, and the second auxiliary production part has a coupling section for forming the snap connection. Further preferably, the snap-in receptacle is configured to reversibly elastically deform to accommodate the coupling section. Thus, the coupling section is provided on the second auxiliary production part and thus on the door, which is moved toward the vehicle frame to form the snap connection. This closing movement causes the coupling section to come into contact with the snap-in receptacle and transmits forces that cause a reversibly elastic deformation of the snap-in receptacle, as a result of which the snap-in receptacle accommodates the coupling section. The snap-in receptacle is preferably open toward the door.

[0029] Preferably, the first auxiliary production part has an insertion section connected to the snap-in receptacle. Further preferably, the coupling section is configured to exert a force on the insertion section in order to reversibly elastically deform the snap-in receptacle. Thus, the introduction of force into the snap-in receptacle is facilitated by the provision of an insertion section and, in particular, takes into account manufacturing tolerances that lead to tolerances regarding the arrangement of the first auxiliary production part relative to the second auxiliary production part.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second production aid comprises a first mounting part which is designed to be brought into positive engagement with the door and / or a second mounting part which is designed to form a snap connection with the door. By forming a positive connection, the second production aid can be securely mounted on the door and subsequently detached again. Furthermore, a second mounting part for forming a snap connection enables rapid coupling of the second production aid to the door. The combination of a first mounting part for forming a positive connection with the door and a second mounting part for forming a snap connection with the door is particularly preferred.

[0031] By forming a snap connection with the door, the second mounting part preferably locks the first mounting part in a position in which the first mounting part is positively engaged with the door. Thus, the substantial force introduction can preferably occur through the positive connection with the first mounting part, and a second mounting part can be provided in addition to this or essentially for locking the first mounting part.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first mounting part can be introduced into an opening of the door and brought into a locking position by rotation about a rotation axis, in which the first mounting part can be brought into positive engagement with the opening.

[0033] It is further preferred that the second auxiliary production part is elastically deformable such that, when the first mounting part is engaged with the opening, the second mounting part can be brought into engagement with the door by forming a snap connection. The snap connection of the second mounting part thus locks the first mounting part in its locking position. Oval holes, for example, can serve as openings, wherein the first mounting part has dimensions which allow it to be inserted into the opening in a release position and prevent it from being moved out of the opening in the locking position. Furthermore, assembly reliability is increased because the snap connection can only be formed when the first mounting part is positively engaged with the door in the locking position.

[0034] Preferably, the second production aid has at least one mounting section and is configured to reversibly elastically deform upon application of a force, in particular a release force, to the mounting section in order to disengage the second mounting part and the door. Such a mounting section is preferably reinforced, for example, by reinforcing ribs in order to prevent damage to the production aid when the force is applied. Particularly preferably, two mounting sections are provided that are spaced apart in the vertical direction in the mounted state, so that, depending on the arrangement of the body relative to an operator, either the first mounting section or the second mounting section can be used, thus enabling ergonomically optimized use of the production aid.

[0035] Preferably, one or the coupling section of the second production aid is arranged at a distance from the first mounting part and / or the second mounting part, such that the coupling section is spaced from the frame and the door in the mounted state. When the body is painted, paint gets onto the production aid. When the snap connection between the first production aid and the second production aid is released, the paint between the two components tears and may break off. This broken paint falls down and, due to the distance between the coupling section and thus the snap connection to the first mounting part and / or the second mounting part, gets onto the interior vehicle floor, on which carpets or other parts of the interior are placed.

[0036] Preferably, the coupling section is arranged at a distance of 50 mm to 80 mm from the first mounting part and / or the second mounting part and / or the door in the assembled state. This provides sufficient clearance to prevent damage to the body, for example, the sill or the piping. At the same time, an economical component is provided because unnecessary material use is avoided.

[0037] Further preferably, the second production aid part has a deflection element arranged below the coupling section in the assembled state, which deflection element is configured to collect paint residues falling from the coupling section and / or the snap-in receptacle and direct them away from the door and / or the frame. This ensures that falling paint residues in the area of ​​the snap connection between the first production aid part and the second production aid part do not strike and damage the vehicle frame, and in particular the sill.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the production aid comprises a thermoplastic polymer, preferably a glass fiber-reinforced polymer, in particular polyamide 6 with a glass fiber content of 20% to 40%, particularly preferably with a glass fiber content of 30%. The production aid is further preferably produced by an injection molding process. The appropriate material composition provides a material that is sufficiently temperature-resistant with regard to the painting process. At the same time, thermoplastic polymers are suitable for injection molding. In the injection molding process, complex components can be manufactured in a single production step. The manufacturing costs for the production aid are thus reduced compared to production aids made of steel. The use of glass fibers also increases the strength and rigidity of the production aid and ensures sufficient temperature resistance.

[0039] Furthermore, the production aid has a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the snap connection between the first production aid part and the second production aid part. The locking mechanism effectively prevents the snap connection from becoming loose and thus the first and second production aid parts from becoming disengaged. The inventors take into account that vibrations and the like can occur during operation, which can cause the snap connection to become loose. The locking mechanism can prevent such a release if necessary. Locking the snap connection in this case means securing it against unintentional release.

[0040] Preferably, the securing mechanism is associated with the first auxiliary production part. Particularly preferably, the securing mechanism is connected to the first auxiliary production part. The first auxiliary production part and thus the securing mechanism are connected to the frame, thus enabling reliable force transmission into the body, effectively preventing unintentional opening or closing of the door.

[0041] Further preferably, the snap connection locked or secured by the securing mechanism is formed by a snap receptacle and a coupling section engageable with the snap receptacle. The snap receptacle is configured to reversibly deform elastically to selectively receive and release the coupling section. Further preferably, the securing mechanism can be brought into a locking position in which it is configured to inhibit and / or block the elastic deformation of the snap receptacle to release the coupling section. By inhibiting or blocking the elastic deformation of the snap receptacle, the snap connection between the first auxiliary production part and the second auxiliary production part cannot be released or can only be released with increased force. This prevents unintentional release of the snap connection during operation and securely locks the door to the frame.

[0042] Further preferably, the first production aid part has an insertion section connected to the snap-in receptacle. The coupling section is preferably configured to exert a deformation force on the insertion section in order to reversibly elastically deform the snap-in receptacle. The securing mechanism is preferably configured to apply a restraining force to the insertion section that counteracts the deformation force. Thus, in order to elastically deform the insertion section and thus release the snap connection, the restraining force must first be overcome. Applying such a restraining force still allows the snap connection to be released and thus the door locked to the vehicle frame to be opened, but ensures that even the slightest vibrations do not cause the door to open during operation.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism comprises a bracket that can be pivoted from a release position into the locking position and a locking element that can be engaged with the bracket in the locking position. The bracket is preferably designed to be positively and / or non-positively connected to the locking element in the locking position. Particularly preferably, the bracket is designed to engage with the locking mechanism in the locking position by forming a snap connection. By forming a positive and / or non-positive connection between the bracket and the locking element, the snap connection is preferably locked, i.e. secured, by a positive connection. Pivoting the bracket to form the engagement with the locking element thus enables easy handling.It should be understood that in the release position of the securing mechanism, the first auxiliary production part can be selectively connected to the second auxiliary production part by forming a snap connection. In the release position of the securing mechanism, this snap connection is simply not additionally secured, so that elastic deformation of the snap-in receptacle can lead to the coupling section being released. The bracket can preferably only be brought into the locked position if the snap-in receptacle is engaged with the coupling section.

[0044] Further preferably, the insertion section has a first leg and a second leg, which preferably move away from one another in the distal direction, wherein the bracket is assigned to the first leg and the locking element is assigned to the second leg. Preferably, in the locked position, the bracket can be brought into engagement with the locking element to inhibit the elastic deformation of the first leg relative to the second leg. The coupling section can thus be moved along the first and second legs into the snap-in receptacle, wherein a deformation force is applied to the legs of the insertion section, which leads to an elastic deformation of the snap-in receptacle.When the snap-in receptacle and the coupling section engage with each other and form the snap connection, the bracket and the locking element of the securing mechanism cooperate to lock the first leg relative to the second leg. Elastic deformation of the legs relative to each other, and thus deformation of the snap-in receptacle, is thus prevented.

[0045] From the locked position, the bracket can be moved, preferably by pivoting, into the release position, in which the locking element and the bracket are disengaged. In this release position, the elastic deformation of the snap-in receptacle and the movement of the legs relative to each other are no longer inhibited.

[0046] It is preferred that the bracket be configured to support itself in the release position against at least one contact surface of the first auxiliary production part. This prevents overextension of the bracket when pivoting into the release position. This prevents damage to the bracket and thus to the first auxiliary production part, in particular due to breakage or overbending of the bracket.

[0047] Preferably, the locking element is configured to engage in the mounting interface of the frame in the locking position and to release the mounting interface in the release position.

[0048] The lever mechanism preferably has a spring element that cooperates with the locking element and is designed to at least indirectly apply a spring force to the locking element in the direction of the locking position. The spring force thus acts as a restoring force on the locking element, so that it is held in the locking position if the release force does not exceed the spring force. An additional spring element increases the service life of such a manufacturing aid, which is usually made of plastic and is therefore subject to processes such as relaxation. Since the spring force is applied at least indirectly to the locking element, no direct connection between the locking element and the spring element is required; instead, the spring force can act on the locking element via intermediate auxiliary elements.The spring force does not necessarily act spatially in the direction of the locking position, but causes a force to act on the locking element in the direction of the locking position.

[0049] Preferably, the spring element is arranged between the lever and an opposite support surface and is substantially U-shaped. Preferably, the spring element has two leg portions, one of which is in contact with the lever.

[0050] Preferably, the spring element is configured to apply the spring force to the lever in such a way that the lever transmits the spring force to the locking element, and the release force to bring the locking element into the release position must overcome the spring force. Thus, the release force acts directly on the lever on the one hand, and the spring force acting counter to the release force on the other. The force application is thus simplified.

[0051] The first production aid preferably has a reinforcing rib, in particular a second one, which extends from the snap-in receptacle to the locking element and is designed to transmit forces from the snap-in receptacle via the locking element into the frame. The force introduction within the first production aid is thus optimized and damage to the load introduction elements, namely the snap-in receptacle or the locking element, is avoided. More preferably, the reinforcing rib extends from the snap-in receptacle to the locking element and to the receptacle. In this case, the reinforcing rib is designed to transmit forces from the snap-in receptacle via the locking element and the receptacle into the frame. The invention was described above in a first aspect with reference to a production aid.The invention solves the aforementioned problem in a second aspect by a method for releasably locking a door to a frame of a body, in particular a motor vehicle body. The method comprises the steps of: providing a production aid with a first production aid part and a second production aid part, releasably coupling the first production aid part to the frame, releasably coupling the second production aid part to the door, moving the door towards a closed position of the door, wherein the first production aid part and the second production aid part are releasably engaged with one another by means of a snap connection, and locking the door at a distance from the frame by the production aid. The door is preferably locked at a distance of 6 mm to 8 mm.By providing a manufacturing aid with a first and a second manufacturing aid part, which are coupled to the door on the one hand and to the frame on the other hand, forming a snap connection, the method takes advantage of the advantages described with reference to the first aspect of the invention. Preferred embodiments and advantages of the first aspect of the invention are also preferred embodiments and advantages with reference to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0052] The method further includes selectively locking the snap connection of the first production aid part and the second production aid part. This prevents unintentional release of the snap connection during operation due to vibrations and the like, if necessary.

[0053] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: moving the door toward an open position of the door, wherein the first production aid and the second production aid are disengaged, elastically deforming the first production aid by applying a first force, in particular a release force, to decouple the first production aid and the frame, and elastically deforming the second production aid by applying a second force, in particular a release force, and subsequently rotating the second production aid about a rotation axis to decouple the second production aid from the door. Thus, by means of the method according to the invention, the production aid for opening the door can easily ensure the release of the snap connection and, at the same time, ensure non-destructive release of the first production aid and the second production aid.

[0054] The invention is described below by way of examples with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1: a manufacturing aid in the assembled state in a perspective view; Fig. 2A: a first manufacturing aid part for the manufacturing aid according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 2B: the first production auxiliary part according to Fig. 2A in a side view; Fig. 3A: a second production aid part of the production aid according to Fig. 1 in a first perspective view; Fig. 3B: the second production auxiliary part according to Fig. 3A in a second perspective view; Fig. 3C: the second production auxiliary part according to Fig. 3A and 3B in a side view; Fig. 4: a first manufacturing aid for a manufacturing aid according to the invention in a perspective view; and Fig. 5: a method for releasably locking a door to a frame of a body.

[0055] In Fig. 1 A manufacturing aid 1 is shown in a perspective view, by way of example, in the assembled state. The manufacturing aid 1 is mounted on a body 100. The body 100 comprises a frame 120 and a door 140 attached to the frame 120.

[0056] The production aid 1 is designed to lock the door 140 at a defined distance from the frame 120.

[0057] For this purpose, the production aid comprises a first production aid part 2 and a second production aid part 4, which engage with one another in the assembled state by means of a snap connection 6. In the assembled state shown, the first production aid part 2 is coupled to the frame 120 and the second production aid part 4 is coupled to the door 140. The snap connection 6 allows the door 140 to be easily and reversibly coupled to the frame 120, wherein the distance at which the door 140 is locked relative to the frame 120 is predetermined by the production aid 1. The distance is preferably 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0058] The first production aid part 2 comprises a receptacle 8 and a locking element 10. The receptacle 8 can be brought into engagement with a piping 124 of the frame 120 by a linear movement in a longitudinal axial direction. The locking element 10 can also be brought into engagement with a mounting interface 122 of the frame 120 by a movement relative to the receptacle 8, which in this case is a pivoting movement. The mounting interface 122 is in this case a recess in the frame 120. Alternatively, it can also be an undercut of the frame, with which the locking element 10 engages in a form-fitting manner.

[0059] The second production aid part 4 comprises a first mounting part 12 and a second mounting part 14 arranged at a distance from the first mounting part 12. The first mounting part 12 can be engaged with a first, in this case oval, opening 142 of the door 140. Alternatively, the first mounting part 12 could also be engaged with another opening, such as the second oval opening 144 of the door 140.

[0060] The second mounting part 14 can be brought into engagement with a recess 146 of the door 140. The first mounting part 12 can be brought into positive engagement with the first oval opening 142 in order to bring the second production aid part 4 into the assembled state by means of a combined linear movement in the direction of a rotation axis D, with which the first mounting part 12 can be introduced at least partially into the first oval opening 142, and a subsequent rotational movement about the rotation axis D. After the first mounting part 12 has engaged with the first oval opening 142, the second mounting part 14 is arranged adjacent to the recess 146. In this position, the second mounting part 14 can be moved by applying a force F2 (cf. Fig. 3A ) on a section of the second production auxiliary part 4 by means of a snap connection in a form-fitting manner with the recess 146.

[0061] The first production aid part 2 further comprises a lever mechanism 16 which is designed to actuate the locking element 10, in particular by pivoting it relative to the receptacle 8 into engagement with or disengagement from the mounting interface 122.

[0062] The Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show the first production auxiliary part 2 in detail. Reference is made to the above description of the Fig. 1 Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals. The first production aid part 2 has a snap-in receptacle 18, which engages with the second production aid part 4 to form the snap connection 6 (cf. Fig. 1 ) can be brought into engagement.

[0063] The lever mechanism 16 has a lever 20 coupled to the locking element 10. By applying a first force F1, in particular a release force to the lever 20, the locking element 10 can be moved from the coupled state of the first production aid 2 out of the assembly interface 122, i.e. from a locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) and in particular disengageable from the mounting interface 122. The lever mechanism 16 further comprises a reinforcing rib 21 extending along the lever 20. At a proximal end of the lever 20, adjacent to the locking element 10, a spacer 22 is formed, which is designed to prevent excessive opening or pivoting of the locking element 10 by the lever 20. As in particular Fig. 2B shows, the locking element 10 has a projection pointing in the direction of the receptacle 8, which is designed to hold the edge of the mounting interface 122, which is designed as a recess in the locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) and thus engage therewith in a form-fitting manner. The second production aid part 4 further comprises a limiting element 24 arranged adjacent to the locking element 10. The limiting element 24 is designed to prevent the locking element 10 from penetrating too far into the mounting interface 122 formed as a recess.

[0064] Furthermore, the first production aid part 2 has a puncture protection device 26. The puncture protection device 26 is in the assembled state (cf. Fig. 1 ) in the direction of the frame 120 at a safety distance A and can be inserted into a corresponding recess in the frame 120. The puncture protection 26 is positioned relative to the frame 120 in the direction of the door 140 (cf. Fig. 1 ) that the door 140 is prevented from closing completely in the event of an unintentional force being applied to it in the direction of the frame. In this way, damage to the paintwork can be prevented. As in particular Fig. 2B shows, the first production aid part 2 further comprises two positioning elements 30, which are arranged on a contact surface 31. The positioning elements 30 prevent a flat contact of the contact surface 31 with the frame 120 (cf. Fig. 1 ). Thus, despite any tolerances, a reliable arrangement of the first production auxiliary part 2 is ensured and damage to the frame 120, in particular the piping 124, is avoided.

[0065] The snap-in receptacle 18 has an insertion section 32, which has two legs that are inclined relative to each other at an opening angle α. The first production aid part 2, and in particular a coupling section 40 (cf. Fig. 3A , 3B ) of the same initially comes into contact with the insertion section 32. The coupling section 40 is configured to exert a deformation force F3 on the insertion section 32 and to elastically deform the snap-in receptacle 18. Upon further force being applied to the second production auxiliary part 4 in the direction of the snap-in receptacle 18, the insertion section 32 thus widens, so that the coupling section 40 (cf. Fig. 3A , 3B) can be positively engaged with the snap-in receptacle 18. The snap-in receptacle 18 further comprises three support members 34 with which the coupling portion 40 is in contact in the coupled state. In this way, the coupling portion 40 is held within the snap-in receptacle 18 by the support members 34 with minimal contact.

[0066] Furthermore, the first production aid 2 has a number of first testing aids 36, which are designed as protruding pins. A production aid 1 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 1 ) is configured to undergo a plurality of painting processes. For example, if the production resource 1 is configured to undergo a total of four painting cycles, four pins of the first testing aid 36 are provided. After each painting cycle, one of these pins can be broken off, so that the remaining number of pins indicates the remaining permissible painting cycles.

[0067] Furthermore, the first production aid 2 comprises a second inspection aid 38, which is designed as a total of four bores of different diameters. The second inspection aid 38 is designed such that after completing a first painting cycle, the bore with the smallest diameter is completely sealed by the existing paint. After the second painting cycle, the bore with the second-smallest diameter is finally completely sealed by paint. It goes without saying that after completing the fourth painting cycle, the bore with the largest diameter of the second inspection aid 38 is also finally completely sealed.

[0068] The Fig. 3A bis Fig. 3C show the second production auxiliary part 4 in detail. Reference is made to the above description of the Fig. 1 Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals. As can be seen particularly from the perspective view according to Fig. 3B As can be seen, the first mounting part 12 comprises a plate 42 with a circular cross-section and a locking part 43, which is arranged centrally in the plate 42. The plate 42 is designed to be brought into contact with a portion of the door 140. The locking part 43 is designed to be introduced into a first oval opening 142 of the door 140 and to be locked by a rotational movement about the rotation axis D (cf. Fig. 1 ) to be brought into positive engagement with the first oval opening 142.

[0069] The second mounting part 14 also has a plate 44 and a locking part 45. The plate 44 of the second mounting part 14 is hereinafter referred to as the second plate, and the locking part 45 of the second mounting part 14 is hereinafter referred to as the second locking part.

[0070] The second production aid part 4 further comprises a first connecting section 46 adjacent to the first mounting part 12 and a second connecting section 48 between the coupling section 40 and the second mounting part 14. The coupling section 40 connects the first connecting section 46 and the second connecting section 48 extending substantially parallel to the first connecting section 46. The second connecting section 48 simultaneously at least partially forms the mounting section 50. As can be seen in particular from the side view according to Fig. 3C shows, the coupling section 40 has a first distance A1 from the first mounting part 12 and a second distance A2 from the second mounting part 14. According to an example not shown, the first distance A1 can be identical to the second distance A2. The first or second distance A1, A2 is preferably selected such that the second production aid part 4, in the mounted state, is arranged at a distance from the frame and in particular the door sill, so that falling paint from the area of ​​the snap connection 6 (cf. Fig. 1 ) cannot reach visible areas of the bodywork and thus cause damage.

[0071] As in particular the side view according to Fig. 3B shows, the second locking part 45 has a locking lug. This locking lug can be brought into a position in which the second locking part 45 can be inserted into the recess 146 of the door 140 by applying a second force F2 to a first mounting section 50 or a second mounting section 52. The minimum force F2 for releasing and also for engaging the locking lug is identical. The second locking part 45 then moves in the direction of the first mounting part 12, wherein the locking lug of the second locking part 45 engages the recess 146 in a form-fitting manner. The first mounting section 50 has a first mounting rib 51 and the second mounting section 52 has a second mounting rib 53. The mounting ribs 51, 53 are designed to reinforce the first mounting section 50 and the second mounting section 52 and to prevent damage to the second production auxiliary part 4 under repeated force application.

[0072] The second production aid part 4 further comprises a first connecting portion 46 adjacent to the first mounting part 12 and a second connecting portion 48 between the coupling portion 40 and the second mounting part 14. The coupling portion 40 connects the first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 48 extending substantially parallel to the first connecting portion 46. The second connecting portion 48 simultaneously at least partially forms the mounting portion 50.

[0073] As in particular the side view according to Fig. 3C shows, the coupling section 40 has a first distance A1 from the first mounting part 12 and a second distance A2 from the second mounting part 14.

[0074] According to an example not shown, the first distance A1 can be identical to the second distance A2. The first or second distance A1, A2 is preferably selected such that the second production aid part 4, in the assembled state, is arranged at a distance from the frame and in particular the door sill, so that paint falling from the area of ​​the snap connection 6 (see Fig. 16) cannot reach visible areas of the body and thus cause damage.

[0075] To avoid damage, particularly in the area of ​​the sill (not shown), the second production aid part 4 further comprises a deflection element 56. The deflection element 56 is arranged in the area of ​​the coupling section 40 and, in the assembled state, is located below the snap connection 6 (see Fig. 1 ) positioned. Falling paint, which is released from the snap connection 6 (cf. Fig. 1 ), first falls onto the deflector element 56 and is guided by it towards the vehicle interior, away from the frame 120 and the door 140. A carpet is usually subsequently laid in this area so that falling paint residues do not cause any visible damage or soiling to the body.

[0076] Corresponding to the first production aid 2, the second production aid 4 also has a testing aid, namely the third testing aid 54. The third testing aid 54 comprises four pins, which in this case are arranged on the first connecting section 46. The pins are designed such that they can be easily broken off to indicate the number of painting cycles completed.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the first production aid part 2 according to the invention, which together with a second production aid part 4 (cf. Fig. 3a bis 3c ) forms a production resource 1. To avoid repetition, only the differences to the one in the Fig. 2a and 2b The same or similar components have identical reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the first production aid part 2 according to Fig. 2a and 2b reference is made.

[0078] The lever mechanism 16 of the first production aid 2 in this case has a spring element 25, which cooperates with the locking element 10. The spring element 25 is designed to apply a spring force F5 at least indirectly to the locking element 10, such that the spring force F5 exerts a force on the locking element 10 in the direction of the locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) acting force.

[0079] The spring element 25 has a first leg 25.1 and a second leg 25.2 and is essentially U-shaped or V-shaped. The spring element 25 is designed for reversible deformation between a U-shaped configuration, in which the spring element 25 is deformed by the first force F1 applied to the lever 20, and a second V-shaped configuration in which the spring force F5 is greater than the release force F1 acting on the lever 20. In the Fig. 4 In the view shown, the spring force F5 thus exceeds the release force F1. The left leg 25.2 of the spring element 25 in the view shown is in contact with the lever 20 and the right leg 25.1 in the view is in contact with a corresponding support section 39 and preferably engages therewith in such a way that the right leg 25.1 is fixed to the first auxiliary production part 2. Furthermore, the left leg 25.2 is movable relative to the lever 20 and is configured to apply the spring force F5 to the lever 20. By applying the spring force F5 to the lever 20, the locking element 10 is moved into the locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) and thus experiences a movement in the direction of the locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) acting force. The spring force F5 thus acts as a restoring force on the locking element 10, so that if a sufficiently high release force F1 is not applied to the lever 20, the latter automatically returns to the locking position PR (cf. Fig. 1 ) returns.

[0080] Furthermore, the first production aid part 2 according to Fig. 4 a second reinforcing rib 29 provided alternatively or in addition to the first reinforcing rib 28. The second reinforcing rib 29 extends from the snap-in receptacle 18 towards the receptacle 8 on the one hand and preferably on the other hand in the direction of the locking element 10 and the lever mechanism 16. The forces introduced into the first production auxiliary part 2 via the snap-in receptacle 18 are thus transferred into the frame 120 (cf. Fig. 1 ) was initiated.

[0081] The reinforcing rib 29 is preferably formed integrally with the remaining production auxiliary part 2 and is preferably manufactured in an injection molding process.

[0082] Furthermore, the second production aid part 2 comprises a securing mechanism 60, which is designed to secure the snap connection 6 (cf. Fig. 1 ) between the first production aid part 2 and the second production aid part 4 (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3a bis 3c ) to selectively secure or lock.

[0083] In this case, the securing mechanism 60 is assigned to the first production auxiliary part 2 and connected thereto.

[0084] The securing mechanism 60 preferably comprises a bracket 61, which is shown in a release position SF. Furthermore, the securing mechanism 60 has a locking element 63, which is configured to engage with the bracket 61 in a locking position (not shown) such that a restraining force F4 acts on the snap-in receptacle 18 or the insertion section 32. The restraining force F4 thus counteracts the deformation force F3 (cf. Fig. 2b ). The bracket 61 is configured to rest against at least one contact surface 35 of the first production auxiliary part 2 in the release position SF and thus to be supported thereon. Overextension or tearing of the bracket 61 during operation can thus be avoided.

[0085] In this case, the insertion section 32 has a first leg 33.1 and a second leg 33.2, which are arranged at a distance from one another and diverge further from one another in the distal direction. The bracket 61 is assigned to the first leg 33.1, with the bracket 61 being firmly connected to the first leg 33.1 at its distal end. The locking element 63, on the other hand, is assigned to the second leg 33.2 and forms a projection at its distal end.

[0086] The bracket 61 comprises a locking lug 61 and a handle 65 for pivoting the bracket 61 in the direction of the locking element 63. The bracket 61 is pivotally connected to the first leg 33.1 via an elastic region 67. A hinge or elastic reinforcement can preferably also be provided in this region.

[0087] By pivoting the bracket 61 by means of the handle 65 in the direction of the locking element 63, the locking lug 64 engages with the locking element 63, wherein for engagement the bracket 61 is preferably elastically deformed via the handle 65. By means of the bracket 61 and the engagement of the locking lug 64 in the locking element 63, the coupling section 40 of the second production aid part 4 (cf. 3a to 3c) would be locked in the snap-in receptacle 18. Thus, a Fig. 4 upward force is not sufficient to disengage the coupling portion 40 and the snap-in receptacle 18. Rather, the locking lug 64 would first have to be released from the locking element 63 by applying a force to the handle 65.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for releasably locking a door 140 to a frame 120 of a body 100 (cf. Fig. 1 ). The method 1000 comprises, in a first step 1100, the provision of a production aid 1 with a first production aid part 2 and a second production aid part 4, which are preferably designed according to the Fig. 1 bis 4 shown embodiments. In a second step 1200, the method 1000 comprises the releasable coupling of the first production aid part 2 to the frame 120 and, in a third step 1300, the releasable coupling of the second production aid part 4 to the door 140. In a fourth step 1400, the method 1000 comprises moving the door 140 towards a closed position of the door 140, wherein the first production aid part 2 and the second production aid part 4 are releasably engaged with one another by means of a snap connection 6. In a fifth step 1500, the method 1000 comprises locking the door 140 at a distance from the frame 120 by the production aid 1. The method 1000 further comprises a sixth step 1600 for selectively locking the snap connection 6 of the first production aid part 2 and the second production aid part 4, which is achieved by means of the securing mechanism 60 according to Fig. 4 takes place. Bezugszeichenliste

[0089] 1Manufacturing aid 2First manufacturing aid 4Second manufacturing aid 6Snap connection 8Receptacle 10Locking element 12First assembly part 14Second assembly part 16Lever mechanism 18Snap-in receptacle 20Lever 21Reinforcing rib Lever 22Spacer 24Limiting element 25Spring element 25.1, 25.2Leg sections 26Puncture protection 28Reinforcing rib (puncture protection) 29(Second) reinforcing rib 30Positioning element 31Contact surface 32Introduction section 33.1First leg 33.2 Second leg 34 Support parts 35 Contact surface 36 First test aids 38 Second test aids 39 Support section 40 Coupling section 42 First support plate 43 First locking part 44 Second support plate 45 Second locking part 46 Upper connecting section 48 Lower connecting section 50 First mounting section 51 First mounting rib 52 Second mounting section 53 Second mounting rib 54 Third test aids 56 Deflection element 60 Securing mechanism 61 Bracket 63 Locking element 64 Locking lug 65 Handle 67 Elastic area 100 Body 120 Frame 122 Mounting interface, recess, undercut 124 Piping 140 Door 142 First oval opening in the door 144 Second oval opening in the door 146Recess LLongitudinal direction F1first force, release force F2second force, release force F3deformation force F4locking force F5spring force ASecuring distance A1first distance A2second distance Drotation axis αOpening angle.

Claims

1. Production resource (1) for painting a vehicle body (100), in particular a motor vehicle body (100), having a frame (120) and a door (140) mounted on the frame (120), wherein the production resource (1) comprises: - a first production resource part (2) for releasable coupling to the frame (120); and - a second production resource part (4) for releasable coupling to the door (140), having a first assembly part (12) that is configured to be engaged in an interlocking manner with the door (140) and / or a second assembly part (14) that is configured to form a snap connection (6) with the door (140); wherein the first production resource part (2) and the second production resource part (4) are configured to be releasably engaged with each other by means of a snap-fit connection (6) and, in a mounted state in which the first production resource part (2) is coupled to the frame (120) and the second production resource part (4) is coupled to the door (140), to lock the door (140) at a distance from the frame (120), characterized in that the production resource (1) has a safety mechanism (60), configured to selektively lock the snap connection (6) between the first production resource part (2) and the second production resource part (4).

2. Production resource (1) according to claim 1, wherein between the first production resource part (2) comprises the safety mechanism (60).

3. Production resource (1) according to claim 2, wherein the safety mechanism (60) is associated to the first production resource part (2), in particular coupled with the first production resource part (2).

4. Production resource (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the snap connection (6) is formed by a snap receiver (18) and a coupling section (40) being engageable with the snap receiver (18), wherein the snap receiver (18) is configured to deform reversibly and elastically in order to receive the coupling section (40), and the safety mechanism can be brought into a locking position in which it is configured to inhibit and / or lock the elastic deformation of the snap receiver (18) for releasing the coupling section (40).

5. Production resource (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first production resource part (2) comprises an insertion portion (32) connected to the snap receiver (18), and the coupling portion (40) is configured to exert a force on the insertion portion (32) to reversibly elastically deform the snap receiver (18), and the safety mechanism (60) being configured to apply a restraining force (F4) acting against the deformation force to the insertion portion (32).

6. Production resource (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the safety mechanism (60) has a bracket (61) which can be pivoted from a release position (FS) into the locking position and a locking element (63) which can be brought into engagement with the bracket (61) in the locking position.

7. Production resource (1) according to claim 6, wherein the insertion portion (32) has a first leg (33.1) and a second leg (33.2), wherein the bracket (61) is associated with the first leg (33.1) and the locking element (63) is associated with the second leg (33.2), and the bracket (61) can be brought into engagement with the locking element (63) in the locking position for inhibiting the elastic deformation of the first leg (33.1) relative to the second leg (33.2).

8. Production resource (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the bracket (61) is configured to rest on at least one contact surface (35) of the first production resource part (2) in the release position (FS).

9. Production resource (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first production resource part (2) has a lever mechanism (16) and a latching element (10) cooperating with the lever mechanism (16), wherein the latching element (10) can be brought into engagement with the assembly interface (122) in a latching position by an elastic deformation of the first production resource part (2), in such a way that the latching element (10) can be brought into engagement with the mounting interface (122) of the frame (120) by a movement which has at least one component of movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the receiver (8), which can be brought into a latching position and a release position by elastic deformation of the first production resource part (2) and is set up to engage in a mounting interface (122) of the frame (120) in the latching position and to release the mounting interface (122) in the release position, wherein the lever mechanism (16) comprises a lever (20) coupled to the latching element (10) and is adapted to move the latching element (10) from the latching position to the release position by applying a release force (F1) to the lever (20), and wherein the lever mechanism (16) has a spring element (25) which cooperates with the latching element (10) and is arranged to apply a spring force (F5) acting in the direction of the latching position at least indirectly to the latching element (10).

10. Production resource (1) according to claim 9, wherein the spring element (25) is configured to apply the spring force (F5) to the lever such that the lever (20) transmits the spring force (F5) to the latching element (10), and the release force (F1) must overcome the spring force (F5) to bring the latching element (10) into the release position.

11. Production resource (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the spring element (25) is arranged between the lever (20) and an opposite supporting surface (39) and is substantially U-shaped, with two leg portions (25.1, 25.2), one of which is in contact with the lever (20).

12. Production resource (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first production resource part (2) has a reinforcing rib (29) which extends from the snap receiver (18) to the latching element (10) and is configured to transfer forces from the snap receiver (18) via the latching element (10) into the frame (120).

13. Production resource (1) according to claim 12, wherein the first production resource part (2) has a receiver (8) that can be brought into form-fitting engagement with the frame (120), and the reinforcing rib (29) extends from the snap receiver (18) to the latching element (10) and to the receiver (8), and is configured to transfer forces from the snap receiver (18) via the latching element (10) and the receiver (8) into the frame (120).

14. Method for releasably locking a door (140) to a frame (120) of a car body (100), in particular a motor vehicle body (100), comprising the steps of: - Providing a production resource (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, - releasably coupling the first production resource part (2) to the frame (120), - releasably coupling the second production resource part (4) to the door (140), - moving the door (140) in the direction of a closed position of the door (140), the first production resource part (2) and the second production resource part being releasably engaged with one another by means of a snap connection (6), and - locking the door (140) at a distance from the frame (120) by the production resource (1), - selectively locking the snap connection (6) of the first production resource part (2) and the second production resource part (4).