Assembly for a motor vehicle body, modular system, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), having at least two body components (3, 4, 5) which are formed separately from one another, and having at least one attachment structure (8) which is formed by means of wire arc additive manufacturing and via which the first and the second body component (3, 4) are connected to one another.

Description

[0001] 24-1863 DE

[0002] 1

[0003] Assembly for a motor vehicle body, modular system and process

[0004] The invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle body according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly according to claim 9, and to a method for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly according to claim 10.

[0005] DE 102022 107312 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a structural component of a motor vehicle comprising the steps of producing a base body by primary forming and / or forming manufacturing processes and producing at least one additional structure on the surface of the base body by welding on wire material.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an assembly for a motor vehicle body, a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly, and a method for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly, so that different construction variants can be produced with particularly little effort.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by an assembly for a motor vehicle body with the features of claim 1, by a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly with the features of claim 9, and by a method for producing at least two construction variants of an assembly with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle body, in particular for a passenger car. The term "motor vehicle body" refers specifically to the body of a motor vehicle. The body is preferably designed as a self-supporting body. The motor vehicle is, for example, designed as a passenger car. Preferably, the motor vehicle, in particular in 24-1863 DE

[0009] 2

[0010] its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle body, and especially the assembly.

[0011] The assembly comprises at least two separately manufactured body components. Body components are understood to be, in particular, structural components of the motor vehicle body.

[0012] To enable the cost-effective production of different vehicle body variants, the assembly includes at least one attachment structure formed by arc cladding, specifically molded onto the body components. This means that the attachment structure is manufactured or produced by arc cladding. The phrase "the attachment structure is or is formed onto the body components" specifically means that the attachment structure is created or formed on the body components by arc cladding. This means that the attachment structure is produced on or onto the body components by means of arc cladding. The first and second body components are connected to each other, particularly directly, via the attachment structure.This means that a connection, particularly a mechanical one, between the first and second body components is at least partially effected or effected by the mounting structure. In other words, it is intended that the first and second body components are or will be attached to each other via the mounting structure.

[0013] Arc welding, also known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), is an additive manufacturing process. In other words, the WAAM additive manufacturing process is based on arc welding. The term "additive manufacturing process" specifically refers to this type of process. In arc welding, a metallic filler material, such as a wire, is melted by an electric arc and precisely applied, particularly by dripping, to the surface of a workpiece. Thus, in this case, for example, the filler material is applied, particularly by dripping, to the surface of the first body component and to the surface of the second body component.Layer by layer, the desired 24-1863 DE can be achieved in this way.

[0014] 3

[0015] Structures are built up, particularly in the form of the aforementioned attachment structure. The filler material can be liquid or powdered and is deposited, especially layer by layer, onto the workpiece, in this case, the body components. This can be achieved using a consumable wire electrode of a welding machine. With WAAM, metal layers can thus be applied one on top of the other, creating, for example, a desired, especially three-dimensional, target geometry, in this case, the attachment structure. WAAM can be understood as a combination of two production processes: gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and additive manufacturing. GMAW is a welding process for joining metal parts using an electric arc. Additive manufacturing is a technical term for 3D printing.

[0016] The invention is based in particular on the following insights and considerations: Current, known conventional manufacturing concepts offer, for example, low flexibility combined with very high tooling costs, which is why it can be beneficial to develop new concepts. For example, additive manufacturing offers particularly high, and especially maximum, flexibility due to its tool-free manufacturing process. However, the limitations of conventional additive manufacturing processes often lie in cost-effective production due to long setup times and the associated higher costs. In other words, additive manufacturing is conventionally very expensive. Therefore, for the widespread use of additive manufacturing processes, the economic viability of these processes must be improved.

[0017] In contrast, the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided by means of the assembly according to the invention. A fundamental principle of the invention is, in particular, a combination of the body components, for example in the form of conventional extruded profiles or other semi-finished products, and the additive manufacturing process WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing). Due to the particularly high flexibility afforded by additive manufacturing, the mounting structure is especially well suited for designing it according to specific construction variants, which means, for example, that different mounting structures can be used or manufactured for different assembly variants, especially of the vehicle body and / or the vehicle itself.In order to keep manufacturing effort, especially manufacturing costs, as low as possible, the proportion of the attachment structure formed by arc welding in the assembly can be kept as small as possible, thereby the24-1863 DE.

[0018] 4

[0019] Body components, in particular the first and second body components, form, for example, a basic assembly structure to which, particularly locally, the attachment structure, which is especially small or smaller in relation to the first and second body components, is connected or attached. Thus, a hybrid construction is present, consisting of the body components, particularly those manufactured conventionally, and the attachment structure formed by arc cladding welding. A key idea of ​​the invention is, in particular, to use arc cladding welding in existing systems both for the construction of conventional welded structures and for the creation of entire component features, which in turn can vary depending on the specific derivative, i.e., the specific design variant.This allows, for example, the use of particularly cost-effective but inflexible manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, to create complex geometries that would otherwise require die casting. In particular, it enables a combination of welding and 3D printing in a single production facility. Because the first and second body components are connected via the mounting structure, the rigidity of the assembly is significantly increased, ensuring a particularly strong and secure connection between the two components. This, in turn, can significantly improve the vehicle's crash performance and thus enhance its overall safety.Overall, it is evident that a combination of conventional and additive processes is possible, particularly for manufacturing the assembly. A solution to the aforementioned problem, especially regarding the cost intensity of additive manufacturing processes, can thus be found, for example, by combining different manufacturing methods, such as, in this case, a combination of conventional and additive manufacturing processes in the form of arc cladding.

[0020] To enable the production of the various body types and / or assembly in a particularly cost-effective manner, a further embodiment provides that at least one of the body components is designed as an extruded profile, a sheet metal component, or a cast component. This means that at least one of the body components is manufactured or produced by extrusion, sheet metal, or casting. The extruded profile, and in particular the aforementioned hybrid construction, allows for a significant optimization of the assembly's crash behavior, as is known, for example, for crash-relevant factors.24-1863 DE

[0021] 5

[0022] Extruded profiles can be used in areas where they exhibit significantly higher elongation at break than, for example, die-cast components. Furthermore, the strand thickness of extruded profiles can be chosen to be particularly thin, which is only possible with arc cladding (also known as WAAM) processes, for example, by reducing the deposition rate, such as the amount of filler material deposited in kg / hour. Therefore, extruded profiles can be used, for example, in areas with particularly high inherent stiffness, which can then be further reinforced, especially locally, by the attachment structure.

[0023] To enable particularly efficient production of the various construction variants and / or assembly, a further embodiment provides that the assembly at least partially forms a vehicle pillar, in particular an A-pillar, of the vehicle body. This means that the first body component is designed as the first pillar section of the vehicle pillar, in particular the A-pillar, and the second body component is designed as the second pillar section of the vehicle pillar, in particular the A-pillar. In other words, the vehicle pillar is at least partially formed by the body components, whereby the vehicle pillar, for example, incorporates the body components, especially in the assembled form.In particular, the vehicle column can be made especially rigid by means of the body components connected to each other via the mounting structure, thereby increasing the rigidity of the vehicle column in a particularly cost-effective manner, especially as required, i.e., specifically for different vehicle variants. Preferably, the assembly is designed as a column node of the vehicle column or for the vehicle column. The feature "column node" is understood to mean, in particular, that several separately designed components, for example, at least two, preferably at least three, meet and are thereby connected to each other. These components are, in particular, the aforementioned body components. Specifically, the components or body components protrude from each other at the column node.

[0024] To enable particularly cost-effective production of the various configurations, a further design provides that the mounting structure has at least one attachment surface for at least indirectly securing a windshield to the assembly, that is, in particular to at least one of the body components. This means that the windshield can be attached to the assembly, or is attached, at least indirectly via the attachment surface. In other words, the windshield is secured via 24-1863 DE

[0025] 6

[0026] The connection surface formed by the mounting structure can be connected to the assembly, in particular directly. For example, at least one intermediate component is arranged between the windshield and the mounting structure, in particular the connection surface, via which the windshield can be attached to the connection surface, and in particular via the connection surface to the mounting structure. The attachment is effected, for example, by means of at least one adhesive bond. Thus, this intermediate component provides, for example, an adhesive surface for bonding the windshield to the intermediate component, which in turn is held via the connection surface to the mounting structure, and thereby in particular to the assembly. The intermediate component is, for example, designed as a sheet metal part.The intermediate component provides, for example, a particularly clean and especially flat bonding surface for attaching the windshield, thus avoiding the need for complex post-processing of the mounting structure. The term "windshield" specifically refers to a windscreen. Since the mounting structure includes the bonding surface for attaching the windshield, this surface can be designed to be specific to different vehicle variants. This allows for the use of different windshields in different vehicle variants with minimal effort, without requiring modifications to the body components. These variant-specific bonding surfaces also enable different installation angles for the windshields.

[0027] To enable particularly efficient production of the various construction options and / or assembly, the attachment structure, in a further embodiment, comprises at least one support element with at least one support area. In other words, the attachment structure forms the support element, which includes the support area. A roof frame, specifically at least one frame element of the roof frame, which is designed separately from the body components, can be supported or braced against the assembly via this support area, for example, at least in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, either directly or indirectly. In other words, the support area is designed to engage with the roof frame. The support area is therefore understood to be, in particular, a contact area against which the roof frame rests, or can rest, especially in the event of deformation or displacement of the roof frame due to an accident.The support area can, for example, minimize deformation and / or displacement of the roof frame, particularly in the event of an accident involving the motor vehicle, thereby improving the safety, especially accident safety, of the motor vehicle24-1863 DE.

[0028] 7

[0029] This can be significantly increased, especially in the event of excessive stress on the roof frame during an accident. Particularly when the construction variant requires especially high performance with regard to the accident load on the roof frame, the support element with the support area can be used, specific to the construction variant.

[0030] To ensure particularly secure support of the roof frame to the assembly, a further embodiment provides that the attachment structure has at least one second support element located on a side of the support element facing away from the support area and projecting from the support element, in particular obliquely or vertically, i.e., projecting from the support element in a direction away from the support area. This means that the support area is located on a first side of the support element and the second support element is located on a second side of the support element that differs from the first side, in particular opposite the first side. Specifically, the second support element connects, for example, at least indirectly or directly, to the support element, which can also be referred to as the first support element, in a direction away from the support area.The second support element braces the first support element, specifically its support area, against one of the body components, for example, at least in the longitudinal and / or vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the support element is connected to at least one of the body components, particularly directly, via the second support element. The second support element significantly increases the safety against damage, especially destruction, of the support element when supporting the roof frame, and it also significantly increases the rigidity of the assembly, for example, in a particularly weight-saving manner. To further increase the rigidity of the assembly, particularly in a weight-saving manner, the second support element is, for example, rib-shaped, i.e., specifically designed as a support rib.

[0031] In order to manufacture the motor vehicle with particularly low costs, the mounting structure, in a further embodiment, has at least one mounting area via which a cross member, in particular a windshield cross member, designed separately from the body components, can be attached to the assembly, i.e., in particular via the mounting structure, at least indirectly or directly. In other words, the cross member can be connected to the assembly, i.e., in particular to the body components, via the mounting area, at least indirectly or directly.

[0032] 8

[0033] connected. This fastening area significantly increases the rigidity of the assembly. Furthermore, this crossbeam can be a variant-specific crossbeam, allowing variant-specific crossbeams for different construction variants to be connected via this fastening area in a particularly cost-effective manner. This enables the construction variants to be manufactured with minimal effort.

[0034] To ensure particularly secure attachment of the crossbeam to the mounting structure, the attachment area is further defined by a hollow profile. In other words, the mounting structure incorporates the hollow profile, which forms the attachment area. Therefore, a hollow profile is understood to be, in particular, a hollow profile formed by the mounting structure. The hollow profile can be designed as an open or closed hollow profile. The hollow profile forms a receiving space. In other words, the hollow profile contains the receiving space. Specifically, the receiving space extends within the hollow profile. Within this receiving space, the crossbeam can be received or accommodated for a positive-locking connection with the hollow profile, at least partially, meaning at least a portion of its length.In other words, the crossbeam can be arranged, or is arranged, at least partially in the receiving space, whereby a positive-locking connection of the crossbeam with the hollow profile or the attachment structure can be formed, or is formed.

[0035] A further aspect concerns a method for manufacturing an assembly according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular, in this method, the attachment structure is formed by arc welding, especially on or to the body components. The first and second body parts are joined to each other via the attachment structure. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the further aspect, and vice versa.

[0036] A second aspect of the invention relates to a modular system for producing at least two, in particular different, assembly variants, especially according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably for a motor vehicle, for example for a motor vehicle body or for a motor vehicle chassis. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and of the further aspect are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. 24-1863 DE

[0037] 9

[0038] The modular system comprises at least two separately designed components, particularly those applicable across different model variants, such as body components or chassis components. Furthermore, the modular system comprises at least two different attachment structures, particularly those specific to different model variants, which are formed or have been formed by arc welding. The term "different attachment structures" refers in particular to differences in geometry and / or weight. Geometry refers in particular to shape.

[0039] To enable particularly cost-effective production of the construction variants, a first of the construction variants includes the components, especially those common to all variants (i.e., the first and second components), and a first set of attachment structures, especially those specific to that variant. In other words, the components and the first attachment structure are provided in the first construction variant. This means that the components and the first attachment structure are used in the first construction variant. The first and second components are connected to each other, especially directly, via the first attachment structure in the first construction variant. Furthermore, a second of the construction variants includes the components, especially the first and second components, and a second set of attachment structures, especially those specific to that variant.In other words, the second construction variant includes, or will include, the building components and the second extension structure. This means that the second construction variant uses the building components and the second extension structure. In the second construction variant, the first and second building components are connected to each other, specifically directly, via the second extension structure.

[0040] The fact that the components are used across different construction variants, or in both the first and second construction variants, means that both the first and second construction variants have the same, in particular identical, components.

[0041] The statement that the first extension structure is specific to the construction variant, or that the first extension structure is used in the first construction variant, means that the first extension structure is used exclusively in the first construction variant, but not in the second. This means that the second construction variant is specifically free of the first extension structure. 24-1863 DE

[0042] 10

[0043] The statement that the second extension structure is specific to the construction variant, or that the second extension structure is used in the second construction variant, means that the second extension structure is used exclusively in the second construction variant, but not in the first. This means that the first construction variant is specifically free of the second extension structure.

[0044] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least two structural variants of an assembly, particularly according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably for a motor vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle body or for a motor vehicle chassis. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention, as well as of the further aspect, are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa. In the method, at least two separately designed components, in particular components spanning multiple structural variants, i.e., in particular at least two examples of each of the two components, are provided and, in particular, joined together, for example, by welding. The components are designed, for example, as body components or as chassis components.Thus, for example, the first component is a first body part and the second component is a second body part. Alternatively, for example, the first component is a first chassis component and the second component is a second chassis component.

[0045] Preferably, the respective component is made of metal, that is to say, in particular, it is designed as a metal component.

[0046] In order to manufacture the construction variants with minimal effort, it is provided that, for the production of a first of the construction variants, the components, in particular those that are cross-variant, for example, connected or welded together, i.e., in particular, a first instance of each component or of both components, are provided, and a first, in particular variant-specific, attachment structure is formed by means of arc cladding welding, via which the first and the second component, i.e., in particular the respective instance of the first and the second component, are connected to each other in the first construction variant. Furthermore, it is provided that, for the production of a second of the construction variants, the components, in particular those that are cross-variant, for example, connected or welded together, are provided. 24-1863 DE

[0047] 11

[0048] welded components, that is to say in particular a second copy of each component or of both components, are provided and a second component structure, different from the first component structure and in particular specific to the construction variant, is formed by means of arc welding, via which the first and the second component, that is to say in particular the second copy of the first and the second component, are connected to each other in the second construction variant.

[0049] The method therefore specifically provides that the first and second construction variants are manufactured according to the modular system as described in the second aspect of the invention.

[0050] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0051] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show:

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the invention;

[0053] Fig. 2 shows another schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the invention; and

[0054] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation to illustrate a modular system according to the invention.

[0055] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0056] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view an assembly 1, preferably for a motor vehicle body 2, for example for a 24-1863 DE

[0057] 12

[0058] Passenger car. Thus, Fig. 1 shows, in particular, a section of the car body 2. The assembly 1 refers in particular to a subassembly which, for example, comprises several components that are designed separately from one another.

[0059] The assembly 1 comprises at least two separately formed, and in particular directly connected, components, in this case body parts 3, 4. Accordingly, the assembly 1 comprises, for example, at least two separately formed, and in particular directly connected, body parts 3, 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the assembly 1 comprises three separately formed, and in particular connected, body parts 3, 4, 5. The body part 3 can be designated as the first body part 3. The body part 4 can be designated as the second body part 4. The body part 5 can be designated as the third body part 5.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows assembly 1, particularly from a first perspective.

[0061] Figure 2 shows the assembly 1 in a further schematic perspective view, in which, in particular, a second perspective different from the first perspective is shown in Fig. 2.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the assembly 1 forms a vehicle pillar 6, such as an A-pillar 7, at least partially. The assembly 1 is preferably designed as a pillar node of the vehicle pillar 6, that is, in particular the A-pillar 7. Accordingly, the body components 3, 4, in particular 3, 4, 5, protrude from one another, for example, obliquely or perpendicularly.

[0063] In order to enable the assembly 1, and for example different construction variants of the assembly 1 and / or the motor vehicle body 2, to be manufactured with particularly low effort, the assembly 1 has at least one attachment structure 8 formed by arc welding, in particular on the body components 3, 4 or 3, 4, 5, by means of which at least two of the body components 3, 4, i.e., for example, the first and the second body component 3, 4, are connected to each other. In particular, the attachment structure is formed separately from the body components 3, 4, 5. 24-1863 DE

[0064] 13

[0065] For example, the attachment structure 8 has several, that is, for example, at least two or at least three, attachment elements 9, 10, 11, formed in particular by arc welding. For example, the attachment elements 9, 10, 11 are spaced apart from one another and, for example, arranged on different sides of the assembly 1. For example, the first and the second body components 3, 4 are connected to each other via a first of the attachment elements 9, in particular directly. Accordingly, the first attachment element 9 has, for example, at least one first connection area, through which the first attachment element 9 is connected, in particular directly, to the first body component 3, in particular firmly.Furthermore, the first attachment element 9 has, for example, at least one second connection area, which is spaced apart from the first connection area, and the first attachment element 9 is connected, in particular directly, to the second body component 4, in particular firmly. Thus, the first attachment element 9 extends, for example, at least partially between the first and second body components 3, 4.

[0066] For example, the first and third body components 3, 5 are connected to each other via the second attachment element 10, in particular directly. Accordingly, the second attachment element 10 has, for example, at least one first connection area, through which the first attachment element 10 is connected, in particular directly, to the first body component 3, in particular rigidly. For example, the second attachment element 10 has at least one second connection area, in particular spaced apart from the first connection area of ​​the second attachment element 10, through which the second attachment element 10 is connected, in particular directly, to the third body component 5, in particular rigidly. Thus, the second attachment element 10 extends, in particular, at least partially, between the first and the third body components 3, 5.

[0067] For example, the first, second, and third body components 3, 4, 5 are connected to each other via a third of the attachment elements 11, in particular directly. Accordingly, the third attachment element 11 has, for example, at least one first connection area, beyond which the third attachment element 11 is connected, in particular directly, to the first body component 3, in particular firmly. For example, the third attachment element 11 has a second connection area, in particular spaced apart from the first connection area of ​​the third attachment element 11, beyond which the third attachment element 11 is connected, in particular directly, to the second body component 4, in particular firmly. Furthermore, the third attachment element 11 has, for example, 24-1863 DE

[0068] 14

[0069] a third connection area, in particular spaced apart from the first and / or from the second connection area of ​​the third attachment element 11, the third attachment element 11 is connected, in particular directly, to the third body component 5, in particular firmly.

[0070] The assembly 1 is reinforced, in particular stiffened, by the attachment structure 8, that is, in particular by the respective attachment element 9, 10, 11.

[0071] In particular, the respective attachment element 9, 10, 11 can provide mutual support to the respective body components 3, 4, 5 connected to each other via the respective attachment element 9, 10, 11. This allows, for example, targeted and localized reinforcements to be applied to the assembly 1, particularly as required. Because the attachment structure 8 is formed by arc welding, these reinforcements can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner, especially as required and, for example, specific to different construction variants.

[0072] In particular, the respective attachment element 9, 10, 11, for example at an angle or perpendicularly, stands away from the respective body component 3, 4, 5, with which the respective attachment element 9, 10, 11 is connected, in particular directly.

[0073] In particular, the body components 3, 4, 5 are made of metal, such as aluminum. For example, the attachment structure 8 is made of aluminum, in particular an aluminum alloy, such as AIMg4,5Mn.

[0074] Preferably, at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5 is designed as an extruded profile 12. This means that, for example, the first body component 3, the second body component 4, and / or the third body component 5 is designed as, in particular, each of its own, an extruded profile 12. Alternatively, for example, at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5 is designed as a sheet metal component or as a cast component.

[0075] For example, assembly 1 enables the use of WAAM components in the exterior, i.e., for example, in a wet area, of the motor vehicle comprising the body 2. This is because, for a WAAM process, i.e., for forming the attachment structure 8 by means of arc cladding welding, alloys, in particular aluminum alloys, can be used which are not approved or certified for use in wet areas, as 24-1863 DE

[0076] 15

[0077] For example, the aforementioned AIMg4.5Mn aluminum alloy. By combining already approved body components 3, 4, 5, for example in the form of extruded profiles, with the mounting structure 8 in the wet area, the corresponding requirement regarding the approval of the alloy for the wet area can be avoided, since this can already be solved by the body components 3, 4, 5.

[0078] In order to increase the stiffness of the assembly 1, particularly in a way that is especially weight-efficient, at least one of the attachment elements 9, 10, 11, in this case the first attachment element 9 and / or the second attachment element 10, is designed in a rib-like form, i.e., for example as a stiffening rib.

[0079] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the attachment structure 8, in particular the first attachment element 9, has a support element 13 with a support area 14. In particular, the support element 13 projects, for example, obliquely or vertically, from the first and / or the second body component 3, 4. For example, the support element 13, which can be referred to as the first support element 13, is rib-shaped. For example, a roof frame (not shown in the Fig.) can be supported or supported, in particular directly, on the assembly 1, for example, at least in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle, for example, forwards, and / or in the vertical direction 16 of the vehicle, for example downwards, via the support area 14, so that the roof frame, for example, in the event of deformation and / or displacement of the roof frame due to an accident, in particular directly, rests against the support area 14. The roof frame rests, for example, in particular directly, against the first body component 3.The first body component 3, for example, forms a receiving area 17 in which, for example, the roof frame is at least partially received or arranged. This receiving area 17 is formed, for example, by two wall sections 18, 19 of the first body component 3, which project from each other, for example, obliquely or perpendicularly. For example, in an installation position provided for the roof frame in the vehicle body 2, in which the roof frame is arranged, in particular, in the receiving area 17, a gap is provided between the roof frame and the support area 14. For example, in the event of accident-related displacement and / or deformation of the roof frame, this gap is bridged, whereby the roof frame is attached via the support area 14, mediated by the mounting structure 8, to at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5, in this case, for example, at least to the first and / or the second.24-1863 DE.

[0080] 16

[0081] Body component 3, 4 can be supported. For example, one of the wall areas 18, 19, in this case a second of the wall areas 19, is connected to the second body component 4 via the attachment structure 8, for example via the second attachment element 10, in particular directly.

[0082] As can be seen particularly well in Fig. 1, the mounting structure 8, in this case the first mounting element 9, has at least one second support element 20 projecting, for example, directly, from the support element 13, in particular forward in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle. For example, two such support elements 20 are provided, whereby in particular two second support elements 20 project from the first support element 13, for example, forward in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle.

[0083] For example, the two support elements 20 are spaced apart from each other, particularly in the transverse direction 21 of the vehicle. In this case, the support area 14 is arranged on a first side 22 of the support element 13. The first side 22 is, for example, a side 22 pointing rearward in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle. For example, the second support element 20, or the respective second support element 20, is arranged on a second side 23 of the support element 13 that differs from the first side 22, in particular that faces away from the first side 22, whereby the respective second support element 20 projects from the support element 13, for example, on the second side 23. The second side 23 points forward in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle.The support element 13, and thus in particular the support area 14, i.e., the roof frame supported on the support area 14, is supported on at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5, in this case on the second body component 4, for example at least in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle, in particular forwards, and / or in the vertical direction 16 of the vehicle, in particular downwards, via the second support element 20 or via the respective second support element 20. The second support element 20 or the respective second support element 20 is, for example, rib-shaped. Accordingly, the attachment structure 8, for example the first attachment element 9, has, for example, at least one rib structure, which in particular has at least one rib.

[0084] As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the mounting structure 8, for example the third mounting element 11, has at least one mounting area 24, over which a cross member, formed separately from the body components 3, 4, 5 and not shown in the Fig., can be attached to the assembly 1, in particular to at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5. This attachment is effected, for example, by means of at least one screw connection and / or by means of at least 24-1863 DE

[0085] 17

[0086] a welded joint. The cross member is designed, for example, as a windshield cross member, in particular as a lower windshield cross member. As can be seen particularly well in Fig. 2, this fastening area 24 is formed in this case by a hollow profile 25. Accordingly, the third attachment element 11 has the hollow profile 25. The hollow profile 25, that is, in particular the third attachment element 11, preferably forms a receiving space 26 in which the cross member can be received or is received for a positive-locking connection with the hollow profile 25, in particular with the third attachment element 11, at least partially. Thus, the cross member can be inserted or is inserted, for example, into the receiving space 26, that is, in particular into the hollow profile 25, whereby a positive lock with the hollow profile 25 can be effected or is effected.For example, the hollow profile 25 limits the receiving space 26 in its circumferential direction, at least predominantly, in particular completely, that is, for example, completely all around.

[0087] As can be seen particularly well in Fig. 1, the mounting structure 8, for example the third mounting element 11, has at least one attachment surface 27 for at least indirectly fastening a windshield to the assembly 1, for example by means of an intermediate plate. The windshield can, for example, be glued, in particular directly, to the intermediate plate, which can be attached to the mounting structure 8, i.e., in this case, for example, to the third mounting element 11, via the application surface, in particular directly. The intermediate plate is fastened to the attachment surface 27, for example, by means of a weld and / or at least one screw connection. For example, it is provided that the hollow profile 25, in particular in addition to the fastening area 24, forms the attachment surface 27. The attachment surface 27 is, for example, arranged on the outside of the hollow profile 25.The fastening area 24 is, for example, located on the inside of the hollow profile 25. Accordingly, the connection surface 27 is located, for example, on a side of the hollow profile 25 facing away from the receiving space 26.

[0088] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the mounting structure 8 has, for example, at least one further mounting element 28, which is spaced apart, in particular, from the mounting elements 9, 10, 11, and by means of which, for example, at least one sheet, in particular a closing plate, can be attached to or is attached to at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5, in this case to the first body component 3. This closing plate can, for example, at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, close an open profile of the body component 3. In particular, the 24-1863 DE

[0089] 18

[0090] A further attachment element 28 is attached, for example directly, to one of the body components 3, 4, 5, in this case to the first body component 3. For example, the further attachment element 28 forms a defined contact surface for the aforementioned sheet metal, in particular the strike plate. Thus, the further attachment element 28 is designed, for example, as a patch, in particular intended for the sheet metal. As shown in Fig. 1, two such attachment elements 28 are provided here, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0091] For example, the body components 3, 4, 5, that is, at least two of the body components 3, 4, 5, are or will be welded together, in particular directly. This welding is understood to be a welding process different from arc cladding welding. Thus, for example, the body components 3, 4, 5 can be welded together, and thereby attached to one another. The respective weld seams 29, which constitute the aforementioned welding of the body components 3, 4, 5, are illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Subsequently, the attachment structure 8 can be formed, which means that the body components 3, 4, 5 can be connected to one another, in particular after welding, that is, for example, additionally, by means of the attachment structure 8 formed by arc cladding welding.

[0092] Furthermore, different aluminum alloys can be printed onto the assembly 1, for example onto at least one of the body components 3, 4, 5, using WAAM and / or DED (directed energy deposition). This enables, for example, an intelligent material hybrid construction, allowing for targeted adjustments to achieve higher elongation at break, higher strength, and / or corrosion resistance in specific areas.

[0093] Preferably, the assembly 1 enables a modular system 30 for producing at least two construction variants of the assembly 1, for example, the vehicle body 2 and / or the vehicle. The modular system 30 is illustrated schematically in Fig. 3.

[0094] The modular system 30 comprises at least two of the separately formed body components 3, 4, 5, for example the first, the second and the third body component 3, 4, 5. The body components 3, 4, 5 are present here 24-1863 DE

[0095] 19

[0096] The modular system 30 is designed to be compatible with all construction variants. Furthermore, it comprises at least two different attachment structures 8a and 8b, which are formed or have been formed by arc welding. These attachment structures 8a and 8b are understood to be, in particular, different variants of attachment structure 8. In this case, the attachment structures 8a and 8b are designed to be specific to each construction variant.

[0097] In order to manufacture the construction variants 31 and 32 with particularly low effort, a first construction variant 31 comprises at least two of the body components 3, 4, 5, for example, the first, second, and third body components 3, 4, 5, and a first of the attachment structures 8a, by means of which, in the first construction variant 31, at least two of the body components 3, 4, 5, for example, the three body components 3, 4, 5, are connected to one another. Furthermore, a second construction variant 32 comprises at least two of the body components 3, 4, 5, for example, all three body components 3, 4, 5, and the second of the attachment structures 8b, by means of which, in the second construction variant 32, at least two of the body components 3, 4, 5, in particular all three body components 3, 4, 5, are connected to one another.

[0098] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the at least two construction variants 31, 32 is disclosed, in which, for example, the assembly 1 in the first construction variant 31 and in the second construction variant 32 is manufactured according to the modular system 30. This means that the modular system 30 is used to manufacture the construction variants 31, 32 according to the modular system 30.

[0099] Overall, the examples show how a hybrid structural component can be realized using welded construction and overlay welding.

[0100] Numerals, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., are intended solely for differentiation and do not, in particular, denote an order. That is to say, the corresponding numerals can be interchanged at will.4-1863 DE

[0101] 20

[0102] Reference symbol list

[0103] Assembly of motor vehicle body first body component second body component third body component vehicle column

[0104] A-pillar

[0105] Cultivation structure

[0106] a first cultivation structure

[0107] b second cultivation structure first cultivation element

[0108] 0 second attachment element 1 third attachment element

[0109] 2 Extruded profile

[0110] 3 first support element

[0111] 4 Support area

[0112] 5 Vehicle longitudinal direction 6 Vehicle vertical direction 7 Recording area

[0113] 8 first wall area 9 second wall area 0 second support element

[0114] 1 Vehicle transverse direction 2 First side

[0115] 3 second page

[0116] 4 Mounting area

[0117] 5 Hollow profile

[0118] 6 Recording room

[0119] 7 Connection area

[0120] 8 additional attachment element 9 weld seam

[0121] 0 modular system

[0122] 1 first construction variant

[0123] 2 second construction variant

Claims

24-1863 DE 21 Patent claims 1. Assembly (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), comprising at least two separately formed body components (3, 4, 5), and comprising at least one attachment structure (8) formed by arc welding, through which the first and the second body component (3, 4) are connected to each other.

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one of the body components (3, 4, 5) is designed as an extruded profile (12), as a sheet metal component or as a cast component.

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the assembly (1) forms at least part of a vehicle column (6), in particular an A-pillar (7), of the motor vehicle body (2), wherein the assembly (1) is preferably designed as a column node of the vehicle column (6).

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the mounting structure (8) has a connection surface (27) for at least indirectly attaching a windscreen to the assembly (1).

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the extension structure (8) has a support element (13) with a support area (14), and a roof frame can be supported or braced against the assembly (1).

6. Assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the attachment structure (8) at least one side (23) of the support element (13) arranged on a side (23) of the support element (13) facing away from the support area (14) and from the 24-1863 DE 22 Support element (13) has a projecting, second support element (20) by means of which the support element (13) is supported on one of the body components (3, 4, 5), wherein the second support element (20) is, for example, rib-shaped.

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the mounting structure (8) has a mounting area (24) via which a cross member designed separately from the body components (3, 4, 5) can be attached to or fastened to the assembly (1).

8. Assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the fastening area (24) is formed by a hollow profile (25) which forms a receiving space (26) in which the cross member can be received or accommodated at least partially for positive locking connection with the hollow profile (25).

9. Modular system (30) for producing at least two construction variants (31, 32) of an assembly (1), with at least two separately formed components, and with at least two different attachment structures (8a, 8b) formed by arc welding, wherein • a first of the construction variants (31, 32) has the components and a first of the attachment structures (8a) by which the first and the second component are connected to each other in the first construction variant (31), and • a second of the construction variants (32) has the components and a second of the attachment structures (8b) by which the first and the second component are connected to each other in the second construction variant (32).

10. Method for producing at least two construction variants (31, 32) of an assembly (1) in which at least two separately designed components are provided, wherein • to produce a first of the construction variants (31) the components are provided and a first attachment structure (8a) is formed by means of arc welding, by means of which the first and the second components are connected to each other, and-1863 DE 23 • to produce a second of the construction variants (32) the components are provided and a second attachment structure (8b) different from the first attachment structure (8a) is formed by means of arc welding, by means of which the first and the second component are connected to each other.

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