Motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle component (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier device (30) and a cover device (20), wherein the carrier device (30) is connected to the cover device (20) by means of at least one cohesive connection (11, 12), wherein the carrier device (30) is connected to the cover device (20) by means of at least one form-fit connection.

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle, comprising a support structure and a cover structure, wherein the support structure is connected to the cover structure by means of at least one material-bonded connection, and wherein the support structure is connected to the cover structure by means of at least one additional positive-locking connection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle.

[0003] Automotive components, such as body panels, typically have two essential components: an outer skin that serves a design function and a functional support structure. A primary function of the support structure is to increase the overall stiffness of the body panel and to facilitate force transmission and assembly to the vehicle's body shell. The outer skin is typically bonded to the support structure using a suitable welding and / or adhesive bonding process.

[0004] In addition to a main weld, a second safety weld can be provided, which is created in a further process step that is independent of the main weld. This safety weld is intended to absorb the total loads acting on the body component during ferry operation in the event of a failure of the main weld. Such a total load during ferry operation can, for example, result from a tensile force due to local negative pressure on the airflow-enclosed body, which is dependent on the design and / or body shape. If, for example, the welds are defective in terms of quality due to the manufacturing process, the tensile forces acting on the outer skin cannot be transferred into the vehicle's body shell. This can lead to a safety-critical risk of the outer skin detaching during ferry operation.Against this background, an object of the invention is to improve a motor vehicle component, in particular a body attachment, for a motor vehicle. In particular, a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle component, in particular a body attachment, for a motor vehicle is to be improved in such a way as to enable a fail-safe design of the motor vehicle component.

[0005] This problem is solved by a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 8. The dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle is specified, comprising a support device and a cover device, wherein the support device is connected to the cover device by means of at least one material-bonded connection, and wherein the support device is connected to the cover device by means of at least one form-fit connection.

[0007] The positive-locking connection provides an additional mechanical connection between the support structure and the deck structure; furthermore, the positive-locking connection can be resistant to dynamic loads and / or robust against continuous loads.

[0008] In this context, a motor vehicle component is, in particular, a body attachment, especially an aerodynamic attachment such as a rear spoiler, a diffuser, or a splitter. In some embodiments, the motor vehicle component may be a protective attachment, such as a bumper, a side skirt, or a wheel arch extension, or a functional attachment, such as a roof rack, an exterior mirror, an antenna, or a running board. The support structure, in particular, forms a structural basis for the motor vehicle component or its mechanical properties in order to increase the stiffness of the entire motor vehicle component and / or to minimize deformation under load.For this purpose, the support structure can be made of steel or a lightweight material, such as aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastic, to achieve an optimal weight-to-strength ratio. Furthermore, the support structure can be designed to serve as a connecting element to the vehicle body or the vehicle's body-in-white, enabling stable force transmission into the vehicle body or body-in-white. Depending on the load requirements, the support structure can be connected to the vehicle's body-in-white by means of at least one bolted connection, at least one welded connection, and / or at least one structural adhesive bonded connection.

[0009] The cover of the body attachment primarily serves an aesthetic function and is designed to influence the vehicle's external appearance. In addition, the cover may be designed to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic properties, for example, by directing airflow and / or minimizing drag. The cover may be made of a lightweight and / or durable material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, to reduce weight and / or provide an attractive surface finish.

[0010] The support structure and the cover structure are connected by at least one metallurgical bond. Such a metallurgical bond is, in particular, a welded joint. To increase safety, at least two independently produced welded joints are provided for connecting the support structure and the cover structure. In addition to a primary weld, a secondary weld may be provided, which is realized, in particular, in a separate, process-independent manufacturing step. This additional safety weld serves as redundancy to improve the structural integrity of the automotive component. Thus, in the event of a failure of the primary weld, which may be caused, for example, by varying process parameters and / or quality deviations in manufacturing, the safety weld can assume the entire load-bearing capacity.

[0011] The invention is based, among other things, on the idea of ​​providing an additional connection between the support structure and the deck structure, and of designing this additional connection as a positive-locking connection. In particular, the positive-locking connection is arranged at a distance from the at least one material-locking connection. This allows the deck structure to be held against the support element in the event of failure of the material-locking connection(s), especially without completely detaching from it. By integrating such a three-stage fail-safe design using an additional mechanical connection between the deck structure and the support structure, the mechanical positive lock can enable force transmission into the vehicle and, moreover, prevent the potential detachment of the deck structure from the support structure in the event of failure of the material-locking connection(s) to the vehicle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the decking device has at least one connecting element configured to extend through at least one connecting opening of the support device to form a positive-locking connection. The connecting element is, in particular, a mechanical element configured to fasten the support device and decking device to each other by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. Such a connecting element is, for example, designed as a bolt or pin that can be guided through a connecting opening of the support device, for example, in the form of a bore or recess, which is particularly precisely fitting. The connecting element can be provided with a locking element to prevent the connection from loosening. This allows for a positive-locking connection with high mechanical strength.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one connecting bracket is arranged between the at least one connecting element and the at least one connecting opening. The connecting bracket can be designed to extend over a number of connecting elements arranged along an axis on the deck assembly and mechanically secure them to the support structure. Using one connecting bracket for multiple connecting elements allows for more efficient assembly and / or increases the mechanical strength of the connection due to the resulting uniform load distribution. The connecting bracket can be attached to the support structure by means of a screw connection to ensure secure fixation. The connecting bracket can be made, for example, of metal or reinforced plastic.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting element has an L-shape to provide a positive-locking connection between the at least one connecting element, the at least one connecting opening, and the at least one connecting bracket. The L-shaped connecting element is particularly designed in the form of a right angle, with the legs of the L-shaped connecting element being of different lengths. A first, shorter leg can form a base of the connecting element, at the end of which the decking device is arranged, while a second, longer leg or hook section forms the actual L-shape. The longer leg or hook section can be fully inserted through the connecting opening and thus be located on the side opposite the decking device, so that the connecting bracket between the longer leg or hook section...can be arranged between the hook section and the support element to prevent the connecting element from passing through the connection opening.

[0015] In one embodiment, a hook section of the L-shaped connecting element is arranged opposite a load direction. A load direction is, in particular, the direction in which a tensile force acts, which can arise due to local negative pressure on the vehicle during travel. This aerodynamic tensile force is proportional to the square of the vehicle speed, and the resulting forces can be absorbed via the welded connection(s) between the deck assembly and the support structure and subsequently transferred to the vehicle structure via the attachment of the support structure to the vehicle. A robust mechanical connection can be created by such a positive-locking connection, in which the connecting bracket is engaged under the connecting elements of the deck assembly, which are designed as catch hooks.

[0016] According to a further aspect, a carrier device for a motor vehicle component is proposed, comprising at least one connecting opening designed to receive at least one connecting element of a deck fitting in order to form a positive-locking connection. Providing such a carrier device allows for easy insertion of the connecting element, while securing it can be ensured by additionally attaching the connecting bracket.

[0017] According to a further aspect, a decking device for a motor vehicle component is proposed, comprising at least one connecting element designed to penetrate a connecting opening of a support structure for a rear component and to at least partially accommodate a connecting bracket in order to form a positive-locking connection. The connecting element is specifically designed as an L-shaped hook that can be guided through a precisely adapted connecting opening. By adapting the connecting element to the connecting opening, play and / or relative movement can be minimized to improve load-bearing capacity.

[0018] According to a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle component is proposed, comprising steps of providing a cover device for the motor vehicle component, arranging a support device on the cover device such that at least one connecting element of the cover device extends through at least one connecting opening of the support device, and arranging a connecting bracket between the at least one connecting opening of the support device and the at least one connecting element of the cover device to provide a positive-locking connection. The arrangement of the support device on the cover device can be effected by a linear insertion or insertion movement along an axis of the connecting element, in particular the shorter leg.

[0019] By positioning the connecting bracket between the connecting element, particularly the longer leg, and the support element, a mechanical locking mechanism can be created and / or unintentional loosening prevented. This connecting bracket can, for example, be attached to the support structure using an EC screw connection, whereby the support structure can incorporate predetermined fastening elements to enable a stable screw connection without damaging the support structure and / or the decking.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method includes the further step of creating at least one first metallurgical bond between the cover device and the support device. This first metallurgical bond is, in particular, a primary welded joint, which can be provided at several locations or areas of the support device, especially by means of a friction welding process. In another embodiment, the method includes the further step of creating at least one second metallurgical bond between the cover device and the support device. This second metallurgical bond is, in particular, a welded joint, which can be provided at several locations or areas of the support device by means of a friction welding process, and which is produced independently of the first metallurgical bond in order to increase the safety of the motor vehicle component.

[0021] Further advantages and application possibilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the figures.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cover device for a motor vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a carrier device for a motor vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a connecting bracket for use in a motor vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows a further schematic representation of the motor vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle component for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cover device 20 for a motor vehicle component according to the invention, in this case a body attachment in the form of a tailgate spoiler for a motor vehicle.

[0028] The decking device 20 has a number of connecting elements 21, which are arranged in an axis A on the decking device 20. The connecting elements 21 are configured to extend through a connecting opening of a support device for the body attachment and to at least partially receive a connecting bracket in order to form a positive-locking connection.

[0029] For this purpose, the connecting elements 21 have an L-shape, wherein a shorter leg 22 connects a longer leg 23 or a hook section 23 with a surface of the decking device 20 in order to accommodate the connecting bracket between the longer leg 23 and the support device and thus form a secure positive-locking connection.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a carrier device 30 for a motor vehicle component according to the invention, in this case a body attachment in the form of a tailgate spoiler for a motor vehicle.

[0031] The support structure 30 has a number of connecting openings 31, which correspond to the number of connecting elements 21 and are each designed to receive a connecting element 21 of the cover structure 20 in order to form a positive-locking connection. In addition, the support structure 30 has two fastening elements 32, which are designed to allow the connecting bracket to be screwed to the support structure 30 without causing damage. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting bracket 40 for use in a motor vehicle component according to the invention, in this case a body attachment in the form of a tailgate spoiler for a motor vehicle.

[0032] The connecting bracket 40 is designed to be positioned between the connecting elements 21 and the support structure 30 or its connecting openings 31 in order to form a positive-locking connection and to prevent unintentional detachment of the decking 20 from the support structure 30 in the event of a failure of the bonded connection between the decking 20 and the support structure 30. At each of its end regions, the connecting bracket 40 has a fastening device 41 adapted to the fastening elements 32 of the support structure 30 in order to enable a screw connection between the connecting bracket 40 and the support structure 30 and to securely and / or without damage fasten the connecting bracket 40.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle component 10 according to the invention, in this case a body attachment in the form of a tailgate spoiler for a motor vehicle in a first assembly state.

[0034] Here, the support device 30 is arranged on the provided deck device 20 such that the number of connecting elements 21 of the deck device 20 extends through the number of connecting openings 31 of the support device 30. Furthermore, in this assembly state, the deck device 20 and the support device 30 are connected by means of a first material-fit connection 11 formed in several areas and a second material-fit connection 12 also formed in several areas. The connecting bracket 40 is also shown in an unassembled state. Of course, the material-fit connections 11, 12 can be provided after the connecting bracket 40 has been arranged. Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of the automotive component 10 according to the invention from Fig. 3 in a second assembly state.

[0035] Here, the connecting bracket 40 is arranged between the connecting elements 21 and the connecting openings 31 and is fastened in the area of ​​its fastening devices 41 to the fastening elements 32 of the support device 30, in particular by means of an EC screw connection. The hook sections 23 of the connecting elements 21 are arranged opposite a load direction B, so that even in the event of a failure of the bonded connections 11, 12, unintentional detachment of the cover device 20 from the support device 30 can be avoided or even prevented. In some embodiments, a gap can be provided between the hook section 23 and the connecting bracket 40, so that in the event of a failure of the bonded connections 11, 12, a relative movement and thus a noise can be generated to warn the occupants of the vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 100 for manufacturing a motor vehicle component 10 for a motor vehicle, in particular a body attachment in the form of a tailgate spoiler, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In a first step a, a cover device 20 is provided for the motor vehicle component 10, and in a second step b, a support device 30 is arranged on the cover device 20 such that at least one connecting element 21 of the cover device 20 extends through at least one connecting opening 31 of the support device 30. In a further step c, a connecting bracket 40 is arranged between the at least one connecting opening 31 of the support device 30 and the at least one connecting element 21 of the cover device 20 to provide a positive-locking connection between the cover device 20 and the support device 30. In further steps d and e, a first and a second material-locking connection 11, 12 between the cover device 20 and the support device 30 can be produced, in particular by means of a friction welding process. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0038] 10 Motor vehicle component / tailgate spoiler 11 First material-bonded connection

[0039] 12. Second material-bonded connection

[0040] 20 Deck equipment

[0041] 21 Connecting element

[0042] 22 first thigh

[0043] 23 second leg, hook section

[0044] 30 Supporting institution

[0045] 31 Connecting opening

[0046] 40 connecting brackets

[0047] 41 Fastening device

[0048] 100 procedures

[0049] ae steps

[0050] Axis

[0051] B Load direction

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Motor vehicle component (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier device (30) and a cover device (20), wherein the carrier device (30) is connected to the cover device (20) by means of at least one material-bonded connection (11, 12), characterized in that the carrier device (30) is connected to the cover device (20) by means of at least one form-fit connection.

2. Motor vehicle component (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover device (20) has at least one connecting element (21) which is configured to penetrate at least one connecting opening (31) of the support device (30) in order to form the positive locking connection.

3. Motor vehicle component (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one connecting bracket (40) is arranged between the at least one connecting element (21) and the at least one connecting opening (31).

4. Motor vehicle component (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one connecting element (21) has an L-shape to provide a positive locking connection between the at least one connecting element (21), the at least one connecting opening (31) and the at least one connecting bracket (40).

5. Motor vehicle component (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a hook section (23) of the L-shaped connecting element (21) is arranged opposite a load direction (B).

6. Carrier device (30) for a motor vehicle component (10), comprising at least one connecting opening (31) which is designed to receive at least one connecting element (21) of a deck device (20) in order to form a positive locking connection.

7. Cover device (20) for a motor vehicle component (10), comprising at least one connecting element (21) which is configured to penetrate a connecting opening (31) of a support device (30) for the motor vehicle component (10) and to at least partially receive a connecting bracket (40) in order to form a positive locking connection.

8. Method (100) for manufacturing a motor vehicle component (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) Providing a cover device (20) for the motor vehicle component (10), b) Arranging a support device (30) on the cover device (20) such that at least one connecting element (21) of the cover device (20) extends through at least one connecting opening (31) of the support device (30), and c) Arranging a connecting bracket (40) between the at least one connecting opening (31) of the support device (30) and the at least one connecting element (21) of the deck device (20) to provide a positive locking connection.

9. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising the further step: d) Creating at least one first materially bonded connection (11) between the decking device (20) and the support device (30).

10. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising the further step: e) Creating at least one second materially bonded connection (12) between the decking device (20) and the support device (30).

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