DE202020102977U1 - Outer trim component of a vehicle and a vehicle with such a trim component - Google Patents

Abstract

An exterior trim component (10) of a vehicle (12) comprising
- A base body (14) which forms a first surface (16) and a second surface (18),
- A passage section (24) in which the base body (14) can be penetrated by electromagnetic waves (λ) or sound waves which are emitted by a vehicle sensor (20) and strike the first surface (16), the base body (14 ) has a permeability for electromagnetic waves (λ) in the visible frequency range of a maximum of 80%, characterized in that the outer lining component (10) has a cleaning device (30) for cleaning the second surface (18) in the passage section (24), the passage section is arranged outside the cleaning device.

Description

The present invention relates to an exterior trim component of a vehicle and to a vehicle with such a trim component.

Modern vehicles are equipped with an increasing number of assistance systems that support the driver in increasing safety. A not inconsiderable number of these assistance systems interact with vehicle sensors that monitor the area around the vehicle. These vehicle sensors include wave sources or interact with these, which generate electromagnetic waves or sound waves. The sound waves are particularly ultrasonic waves. Mainly for aesthetic reasons, these wave sources are arranged within the outer paneling components of the vehicle, so that they are not visible from the outside and thus do not negatively affect the appearance of the vehicle in question. As a result, the electromagnetic waves or sound waves have to penetrate the trim components in order to be able to detect objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. The area in which the electromagnetic waves or sound waves penetrate a cladding component is to be referred to below as the passage section. The trim components themselves can dampen the electromagnetic waves or sound waves, thereby reducing the range of the vehicle sensors with which they can monitor the surroundings of the vehicle. In addition, soiling which forms in the passage section on the trim component can lead to impairments in the monitoring of the surroundings of the vehicle.

In the KR 10 2013 0052958 A describes a headlight of a vehicle in which a vehicle sensor is arranged.

At the time of priority of the present application, two trends can be identified which have a decisive influence on the design of vehicles: On the one hand, efforts are being made to electrify the drives of vehicles in the course of reducing CO2 emissions. On the other hand, the above-mentioned assistance systems and in particular their sensors and evaluation software are becoming more and more powerful, so that the vehicles can increasingly be operated autonomously. Due to the increasing electrification of the drives, it is no longer absolutely necessary to provide openings in the outer paneling components through which an internal combustion engine can be supplied with air. However, it is also advisable in electric vehicles to use air, for example, to cool the drive. The number of openings in the outer paneling components can in any case be significantly reduced, whereby a reduction in the aerodynamic resistance can be achieved.

The openings that are present in vehicles with internal combustion engines can be used, for example, in the following way: The wave sources of the vehicle sensors can be arranged in such a way that the electromagnetic waves or sound waves generated by them pass through the openings and are therefore not or only insignificantly attenuated. Alternatively, the wave sources can be attached to grids of the radiator grille, for example, so that they are arranged in or even slightly in front of the openings. However, there are hardly any openings of this type in vehicles with electrified drives.

the WO 2016/091422 A1 describes a camera arrangement of a vehicle which has a cleaning device for cleaning the lens.

In addition to the already mentioned trend of installing an increasing number of assistance systems in modern vehicles, another trend towards the autonomous operation of vehicles can be recognized. For this purpose, the area around the vehicle must be monitored reliably and redundantly, which increases the number of vehicle sensors. The above-described negative effects of the attenuation of the electromagnetic waves or sound waves when they pass through the cladding component and the pollution therefore increase.

Due to these two identifiable trends, reliable monitoring of the area around the vehicle is a challenge.

The object of one embodiment of the present invention is to propose an outer trim component which, with simple means, enables reliable monitoring of the surroundings or a part of the surroundings of the vehicle. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is based on the object of creating a vehicle which can be equipped with an outer paneling component of this type.

This object is achieved with the features specified in claims 1 and 11. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

• - einen Grundkörper, der eine erste Oberfläche und eine zweite Oberfläche bildet,
• - einen Durchtrittsabschnitt, in welchem der Grundkörper von elektromagnetischen Wellen oder Schallwellen, die von einem Fahrzeugsensor ausgesendet werden und auf die erste Oberfläche auftreffen, durchdringbar ist, wobei der Grundkörper eine Durchlässigkeit für elektromagnetische Wellen im sichtbaren Frequenzbereich von maximal 80% aufweist, wobei
• - das Außenverkleidungsbauteil eine Reinigungseinrichtung zum Reinigen der zweiten Oberfläche im Durchtrittsabschnitt aufweist.

One embodiment of the invention relates to an exterior trim component of a vehicle, comprising

• - a base body that forms a first surface and a second surface,
• - A passage section in which the base body can be penetrated by electromagnetic waves or sound waves that are emitted by a vehicle sensor and strike the first surface, the base body having a permeability for electromagnetic waves in the visible frequency range of a maximum of 80%, with
• - The outer cladding component has a cleaning device for cleaning the second surface in the passage section.

In the context of the present application, the base body of the outer cladding component has a permeability of a maximum of 80%, preferably 50% and in particular 20%, based on the wavelength range of human vision (approx. 400 to 750 nm). The permeability can also be referred to as the degree of transmission. With such permeability, so-called “black panel effects” can be achieved. This is to be understood as an area of a vehicle part which appears homogeneous in a first state and is illuminated in a second state and can display information.

According to the proposal, the cleaning device is arranged outside the passage section. The cleaning device does not surround the passage section, but is arranged at a distance from it.

The first surface is the inner surface of the outer trim component facing the vehicle interior, while the second surface represents the outer surface of the outer trim component.

With the proposed outer cladding component, it is possible to clean the second surface in the passage section. As mentioned, the electromagnetic waves or sound waves generated by the wave source must pass through the outer paneling component in the passage section in order to be able to monitor the surroundings of the vehicle. The cleaning device of the outer lining component is designed such that it can clean the second surface in the passage section. As a result, the second surface in the passage section can be cleaned at regular intervals, so that the contamination can be kept so low that it has no or almost no negative influence on the range of the relevant vehicle sensor for monitoring the surroundings of the vehicle and the quality of the monitoring. The cleaning device can be designed in such a way that its cleaning effect is limited to the passage section. The passage section has an approximately circular or rectangular cross-sectional area, the diameter of which usually does not exceed 20 cm. The cleaning device can be designed to be correspondingly compact, so that it can be provided with simple and inexpensive means.

The vehicle sensor can be attached to a support structure of the vehicle or to the outer paneling component. The main body of the outer cladding component is usually made of a thermoplastic material. In the event that the vehicle sensor is arranged directly on the outer cladding component, it can be preassembled on the outer cladding component, whereby the assembly is simplified compared to an attachment to the support structure of the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning device is by means of a drive device between a first position, in which it is located in front of the second surface or is flush with the second surface, as seen from the vehicle sensor, and a second position in which it protrudes beyond the second surface, moveable. As mentioned, the vehicle sensor is arranged in such a way that the electromagnetic waves or sound waves generated by the vehicle sensor or by the wave source impinge on the first surface of the outer trim component. In the first position, the cleaning device does not protrude beyond the second surface and therefore does not adversely affect the aerodynamics and design of the vehicle. The cleaning device is only brought into the second position when the second surface is to be cleaned. In the second position, the cleaning device protrudes beyond the second surface, as a result of which the accessibility of the surface (by the cleaning device) is improved. When the cleaning device is in the second position, it is clearly visible from the outside and influences the aerodynamics of the vehicle, but the time in which the cleaning device is in the second position can be kept short so that these effects are in Keep boundaries.

In a further developed embodiment, the outer cladding component can have an opening through which the cleaning device can be passed when moving between the first position and the second position, the opening being closable by means of a closure. The closure can be designed in such a way that it closes the opening barely visible from the outside, so that the cleaning device is almost invisible when it is in the first position. In addition, the cleaning facility protected from external influences. In addition, the closure can be designed in such a way that it closes the opening almost completely and without offset, so that the aerodynamics of the vehicle are hardly affected.

In a further developed embodiment, the closure can be attached to the cleaning device or can be moved together with the cleaning device by means of the drive device, wherein the first position can be selected such that the closure closes the opening when the cleaning device is in the first position.

In this embodiment, no additional drive device has to be provided for the closure. Rather, the cleaning device and the closure can be moved simultaneously or also separately between the first position and the second position, in each case using the drive device. The design effort can be kept low as a result.

In a further embodiment, the outer cladding component can have a number of supply channels with which at least one cleaning fluid can be applied to the second surface. In order to clean the second surface in the passage section, it is not absolutely necessary to use a cleaning fluid. It is conceivable to use a wiper or the like that can clean the second surface without the use of a cleaning fluid. However, it is advisable to use a cleaning fluid, since this can significantly increase the cleaning effect. Several cleaning fluids can also be used. For example, it is possible first of all to use a water-based cleaning fluid in order to then apply, for example, compressed air as a further cleaning fluid to the second surface wetted with the water-based cleaning fluid in order to dry it. This achieves a particularly high cleaning effect. A combination of the use of a wiper and a cleaning fluid is also conceivable. The feed channels can be rigid or formed by a flexible hose.

A further developed embodiment is characterized in that the supply channels form outlet openings via which the cleaning fluid exits from the supply channels, the outlet openings being arranged on the cleaning device and / or on the closure. In this embodiment, the cleaning device can be designed to be particularly compact, in particular because the fluid channels can be integrated into the cleaning device, for example in the form of a spray stick, or the closure. External feed channels, for example in the form of hoses, are not necessary, at least in the area of the passage section. In particular when the outlet openings are integrated into the closure, the cleaning device can be produced with particularly few components.

According to a further embodiment, the outer cladding component comprises a camera which can be moved with the drive device between the first position and the second position, the camera protruding over the second surface in the second position. However, it can also be advisable to place the camera in one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. The first position can be the closed position, while the second position can be the cleaning position. The camera can be activated in the intermediate position. Further positions with correspondingly assigned functions can be provided.

Such cameras are used to provide the driver with image information about the surroundings of the vehicle captured by the camera. Such cameras are designed as reversing cameras, for example, or can be integrated into a camera system that creates a 360 ° all-round view together with other cameras. The more cameras the camera system has, the more precisely the 360 ° all-round view can be generated. In the event that the vehicle in question has a sufficient number of corresponding outer cladding components, the arrangement of cameras on the outer cladding component makes it possible in a simple manner to provide a large number of cameras in the vehicle without additional openings and the like for the cameras having to be provided on the outer cladding component . Usually four to six cameras are required to generate a 360 ° all-round view.

A frequently occurring problem with such cameras is that they get dirty relatively quickly, so that the images you provide are sometimes very blurred, so that the driver can only partially identify obstacles that are in the area around the vehicle monitored by the camera . This increases the risk of unintentional collisions. In the event that the cameras are integrated in a camera system that creates a 360 ° all-round view, soiling also has a negative effect.

As mentioned, the camera with the drive device can be moved between the first position and the second position. The camera can be moved simultaneously with the cleaning device or at different times. In the first position the camera is protected from external influences and in particular protected from contamination, so that the above-described disadvantage associated with contamination can at least be limited.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the camera has an objective and drip edges to guide the cleaning fluid away from the objective. Due to the fact that, depending on the configuration of the cleaning device, the camera is protected from external influences in the first position, it does not have to be cleaned. In this respect, the cleaning fluid primarily serves to clean the second surface and not to clean the lens of the camera. However, it must be prevented that the cleaning fluid contaminates the lens of the camera or forms streaks on the lens. The drip edges ensure that the cleaning fluids are quickly removed from the lens, so that the formation of dirt or streaks can be reduced to an acceptable level.

Optionally, however, it can be provided that the lens is cleaned with the cleaning device using the cleaning fluid.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the outer cladding component has an opening in the passage section which is closed by an insert part. As mentioned, the electromagnetic waves or sound waves generated by the vehicle sensor or the wave sources arranged on the vehicle sensor or interacting therewith are attenuated when they pass through the outer paneling component. The damping is dependent on the wall thickness of the outer cladding component in the passage section. In most cases, for example with lidar, the attenuation increases with increasing wall thickness. In the case of radar waves, however, the attenuation does not increase more linearly with increasing wall thickness, but rather follows a sine curve with alternating attenuation minima and maxima. If the wall thickness of the outer cladding component causes excessive damping in the passage section, an opening can be provided at least in the area of the passage section which is closed by an insert part. The wall thickness of the insert part can be selected so that the damping is reduced compared to the surrounding area of the outer cladding component. Depending on the electromagnetic wavelength used, it may be advisable for the insert part to be made of a thermoplastic material. In addition to the wall thickness, the damping also depends on the material of the base body. In particular when the base body is made of metal, the damping can be particularly high. The use of an insert made of plastic reduces the damping without the entire outer cladding component having to be made from a different material.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the outer trim component is used as a bumper, a side sill, a radiator grille, a radiator cover, a front flap, a tailgate, a design and / or service panel, a spoiler or the cladding of the A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar is formed. In principle, every outer paneling component that is acted upon by electromagnetic waves or sound waves that are used by a vehicle sensor to monitor the surroundings of the vehicle can be equipped with the proposed cleaning device. The cladding components listed above are those that are particularly suitable for this. However, the list is not exhaustive.

• - Bewegen des Verschlusses von der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung mittels der Antriebseinrichtung, wobei die Öffnung geöffnet wird,
• - Bewegen der Reinigungseinrichtung von der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung mittels der Antriebseinrichtung, und
• - Reinigen der zweiten Oberfläche im Durchtrittsabschnitt mittels der Reinigungseinrichtung.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for cleaning the second surface in the passage section of an exterior cladding component according to one of the configurations described above, comprising the following steps:

• - Moving the closure from the first position to the second position by means of the drive device, the opening being opened,
• Moving the cleaning device from the first position to the second position by means of the drive device, and
• Cleaning of the second surface in the passage section by means of the cleaning device.

One implementation of the invention relates to a vehicle, comprising an outer lining component according to one of the previous embodiments.

The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed method and with the present vehicle correspond to those that have been discussed for the present exterior trim component. In summary, it should be pointed out that the accumulation of dirt on the second surface of the outer lining component can be kept low. The negative influence of soiling on the quality and the range with which the vehicle sensors can monitor the area around the vehicle is kept to a minimum. As a result, the quality of the monitoring of the environment is increased.

• 1 eine prinzipielle Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines vorschlagsgemäßen Außenverkleidungsbauteils,
• 2A eine prinzipielle perspektivische Teildarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des vorschlagsgemäßen Außenverkleidungsbauteils, in einer ersten Stellung,
• 2B das in 2A dargestellte Außenverkleidungsbauteil in einer zweiten Stellung im Reinigungsbetrieb,
• 2C das in 2A dargestellte Außenverkleidungsbauteil in einer zweiten Stellung im Kamerabetrieb,
• 2D eine isolierte Seitenansicht einer Reinigungseinrichtung, welche im in 2A dargestellten Außenverkleidungsbauteil eingesetzt werden kann,
• 2E eine perspektivische Darstellung der in 2D dargestellten Reinigungseinrichtung, allerdings ohne die Kamera,
• 3A eine prinzipielle perspektivische Darstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des vorschlagsgemäßen Außenverkleidungsbauteils, wobei der Grundkörper aus Darstellungsgründen weggelassen worden ist,
• 3B das in 3A dargestellte dritte Ausführungsbeispiel anhand einer weiteren perspektivischen Darstellung, bei welcher der Grundkörper ebenfalls weggelassen worden ist,
• 4 eine Vorderansicht auf ein Fahrzeug, welches mit einem Außenverkleidungsbauteil nach einem der zuvor der in den 1 bis 3B dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen ausgestattet ist, und
• 5 eine prinzipielle Draufsicht auf ein Fahrzeug, welches mit einer Anzahl von Außenverkleidungsbauteilen nach einem der in den 1 bis 3B dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen ausgestattet ist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it

• 1 a basic sectional view of a first embodiment of a proposed outer cladding component,
• 2A a basic perspective partial representation of a second embodiment of the proposed outer cladding component, in a first position,
• 2 B this in 2A Outer cladding component shown in a second position in cleaning mode,
• 2C this in 2A Outer cladding component shown in a second position in camera operation,
• 2D an isolated side view of a cleaning device, which in FIG 2A external cladding component shown can be used,
• 2E a perspective view of the in 2D shown cleaning device, but without the camera,
• 3A a basic perspective view of a third embodiment of the proposed outer cladding component, wherein the base body has been omitted for reasons of illustration,
• 3B this in 3A the third exemplary embodiment shown on the basis of a further perspective illustration in which the base body has also been omitted,
• 4th a front view of a vehicle which is equipped with an outer paneling component according to one of the preceding in FIGS 1 until 3B illustrated embodiments is equipped, and
• 5 a principle plan view of a vehicle, which is equipped with a number of outer paneling components according to one of the in the 1 until 3B illustrated embodiments is equipped.

In 1 is a first embodiment of a proposed outer cladding component 10 ₁ of a vehicle 12th (compare 4th ) shown on the basis of a basic sectional view. The outer cladding component 10 ₁ has a base body 14th on, which usually consists of a thermoplastic material and a first surface 16 and a second surface 18th forms. A vehicle sensor 20th is either on a support structure (not shown) of the vehicle 12th or directly on the outer cladding component 10 ₁ fastened with fastening means not shown in detail. The vehicle sensor 20th includes a wave source 22nd which electromagnetic waves A. or sound waves A. provides. With the electromagnetic waves A. It can be light or radar waves and the sound waves A. be ultrasonic waves, the list is not exhaustive. As mentioned, the main body is 14th usually made of a thermoplastic material, which is selected in the illustrated embodiment so that it is non-transparent. Consequently, electromagnetic waves can A. in the range visible to the human eye (approx. 400 to 750 nm) do not penetrate the base body. However, plastics can be used that are transparent in the infrared range and for lasers.

The vehicle sensor 20th is arranged so that that of the wave source 22nd emitted waves A. on the first surface 16 of the outer cladding component 10 ₁ hit. Then the waves pass through A. the outer cladding component 10 ₁ and step into the area around the vehicle 12th a. There you can click on an object 23 meet from which the waves A. be at least partially reflected. The reflected part of the waves A. is detected by a detector not shown here, whereby the presence of the object 23 around the vehicle 12th can be determined. The one with the vehicle sensor 20th interacting assistance systems (not shown) can based on the detected presence of the object 23 trigger various actions, for example the output of an optical or acoustic warning signal or the initiation of braking or an evasive maneuver.

The waves A. pass through the outer cladding component 10 ₁ within a passage section 24 . Among other things, depending on the wall thickness of the base body 14th of the outer cladding component 10 ₁ in the passage section 24 become the waves A. more or less dampened. Other factors that affect damping include the type and processing of the plastic used, as well as the fillers and pigmentation used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 14th a breakthrough 26th on, which one with an insert 28 is locked. The insert 28 In the illustrated embodiment, it has a smaller wall thickness than the rest of the outer cladding component 10 ₁ . The wall thickness of the insert 28 is chosen so that the attenuation of the waves A. is below a certain limit.

However, it is also possible that the base body 14th no breakthrough 26th has, so that this is not even with an insert 28 must be closed.

Furthermore, the outer cladding component comprises 10 ₁ a cleaning device shown in principle 30th , which by means of a Drive device 32 can be moved back and forth between a first position and a second position, it also being possible for intermediate positions to be provided. In 1 is the cleaning facility 30th shown in dashed lines in the first position, while the cleaning device 30th is shown in the second position with solid lines. It can be seen that the cleaning device 30th in the first position from the vehicle sensor 20th seen in front of the second surface 18th of the main body 14th is arranged while in the second position at least partially over the second surface 18th protrudes. The cleaning device is in the second position 30th able to the second surface 18th in the area of the passage section 24 to clean. To this end, the outer cladding component 10 ₂ an opening 34 on which one with a clasp 36 is lockable. On the clasp 36 can be a brand logo 38 for example the manufacturer of the vehicle concerned 12th to be appropriate. Alternatively, the brand logo 38 form the closure.

How out 1 also evident is the passage section 24 at a distance from the cleaning device 30th arranged. Typically, the distance between the cleaning device is 30th and the passage section 24 a maximum of 10 cm and in particular a maximum of 5 cm. Consequently, dirt that settles on the second surface can be 18th in the area of the passage section 24 accumulates, from the cleaning device 30th can be eliminated well and does not have a negative impact on the detection of the area around the vehicle 12th exercise.

In 2A is a second embodiment of the proposed outer cladding component 10 ₂ shown on the basis of a perspective illustration, with the vehicle sensor for reasons of illustration 20th and the object 23 are not shown. Also shows 2A only part of the second surface 18th and the passage portion 24 of the outer cladding component 10 ₂ . The vehicle sensor 20th is behind the passage section 24 and consequently under the cleaning device 30th arranged. But it can also be behind the left half or the right half or above the passage section 24 be arranged.

the 2 B and 2C show the outer cladding component 10 ₂ in different operating states. For the sake of illustration, the passage section is 24 not shown.ie in particular from the 2 B and 2C shows, has the outer cladding component 10 ₂ an opening 34 on which one with a clasp 36 is lockable. On the clasp 36 can be a brand logo 38 for example the manufacturer of the vehicle concerned 12th to be appropriate. The closure 36 has its own storage 40 in the outer cladding component 10 ₂ on, which in the illustrated embodiment is a guide rod 42 having. Alternatively, the closure 36 firmly with the cleaning device 30th be firmly connected. In both cases the clasp will 36 using the drive device 32 moved between the first position and the second position. This movement of the shutter 36 can be done simultaneously with the movement of the cleaning device 30th or at different times. In the latter case, the clasp will be the first 36 and then the cleaning device 30th with the drive device 32 moved from the first position to the second position. As from the 2A shows, the first position is chosen so that the lock 36 on the second surface 18th rests and thus the opening 34 locks. The closure 36 can also be countersunk in a groove (not shown).

In the 2D and 2E is the cleaning facility 30th shown separately. It can be seen that the cleaning device 30th a nozzle rod 44 having a feed channel 46 comprises, through which at least one cleaning fluid to outlet openings 48 can be performed, via which the respective cleaning fluid from the feed channel 46 can emerge. Instead of a feed channel 46 a flexible hose can also be used (not shown).

The cleaning fluid can be, for example, a cleaning fluid which is applied to the second surface 18th is sprayed on as it comes out of the 2 B and 2E emerges. It can also be provided that a further cleaning fluid in the form of compressed air is applied to the second surface 18th is applied to remove the previously applied cleaning liquid and to avoid the formation of streaks or the like.

From the 2D it can be seen that the outer cladding component 10 ₂ a camera 50 includes. With the camera 50 can be the environment of the vehicle 12th monitored visually. The camera 50 is similar to the clasp 36 with its own guide rod 52 in the outer cladding component 10 ₂ stored (see 2C ) and can be used together with the cleaning device 30th using the drive device 32 moved between the first position and the second position. Alternatively, the camera 50 for example with a carrier part, which with the closure 36 is clipped, be connected (not shown). In this case, too, the movement can take place at the same time as the shutter 36 and the cleaning device 30th or at different times. The camera can be useful 50 left in the first position when the second surface 18th with the cleaning device 30th is cleaned in order to act on the camera 50 with the cleaning fluid to keep it low. It can also prevent the camera 50 Parts of the second surface 18th covers so that these parts can not or only to a limited extent be exposed to the cleaning fluid.

the end 2A it can be seen that the camera is in the first position 50 especially from the closure 36 is largely protected from external influences, so there is a risk of contamination of the camera 50 is significantly reduced. In 2C is the camera 50 in operation, it can be provided that the camera 50 relative to the shutter 36 with the drive device 32 can be moved. For this purpose, a corresponding mechanism for moving the guide rod 52 be provided. The closure 36 can be rotated on the guide rod 42 be attached so that the camera 50 the clasp 36 can move by being with the breech 36 comes into contact and shifts it a bit. This allows the camera 50 spaced even further from the second surface 18th be positioned so that the camera 50 a larger area around the vehicle 12th can monitor. In addition, it can be provided that the guide rod 42 of the shutter 36 and / or the guide rod 52 the camera 50 are rotatable around their own longitudinal axis. However, the camera can also move in other ways 50 and the shutter 36 be realized to the area that the camera 50 can grasp, enlarge.

As in particular from the 2D shows the camera instructs 50 a lens 54 and at least one drip edge 56 on. The drip edge 56 ensures that the cleaning fluid, which, as in 2 B shown on the second surface 18th is sprayed as completely and quickly as possible from the lens 54 is led away. This will prevent the lens 54 is contaminated by the cleaning fluid.

In the 3A and 3B is a third embodiment of the proposed outer cladding component 10 ₃ shown, with only the closure for the sake of clarity 36 is shown on the basis of two perspective representations. As mentioned, the clasp is 36 with the guide rod 42 in the outer cladding component 10 ₃ stored. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer cladding component 10 ₃ but no nozzle rod 44 on. Rather, it is the feed channel already mentioned 46 inside the guide rod 42 arranged while the outlet openings 48 on the to the second surface 18th facing back of the clasp 36 are arranged.

As already explained, on the closure 36 the brand logo 38 of the vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, the closure 36 can be designed in a visually appealing way, for example the closure 36 be provided with a high-quality coating. The brand logo 38 is illuminated in the second embodiment, which is particularly evident from the 3A shows where the brand logo 38 has been provided with hatching to illustrate the lighting option.

4th Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a vehicle 12th , which is an exterior cladding component 10 according to one of the previous embodiments. In this case, the outer cladding component 10 as a front grille 57 designed. It should be in the vehicle shown 12th to be an electric vehicle, so the front grille 57 does not have the lattice structure that is regularly found in conventional vehicles, but a closed second surface 18th forms. The opening 34 of the front grille 57 is from the shutter 36 the cleaning device 30th closed, the closure 36 the shape of the brand logo 38 follows. The vehicle sensor 20th is in this case below the closure 36 arranged. Furthermore, the insert is 28 in the front grille 57 used, the insert part 28 based on the view of the 4th approximately concentric to the vehicle sensor 20th is arranged.

The cleaning area RB the second surface 18th that with the desired thoroughness by means of the cleaning device 30th can be cleaned is limited. The cleaning area ends at a certain distance D. who is in 4th marked with a dashed line. The cleaning area is approximately circular around the cleaning device 30th around, the shape of the cleaning area depending on the shape of the closure 36 , the brand logo 38 as well as the number and arrangement of the outlet openings 48 can deviate more or less from the circular shape. In 4th it is easy to see that the vehicle sensor 20th is arranged within the cleaning area. The arrangement of the vehicle sensor 20th within the cleaning area RB is essentially freely selectable as long as the passage section 24 within the outer cladding component 10 can be arranged. Multiple vehicle sensors can also be used 20th in the cleaning area RB to be ordered.

In 5 Fig. 3 is a plan view of a vehicle 12th shown, which with a total of four outer cladding components 10 is provided according to one of the previous embodiments. There are two outer cladding components 10 as a bumper 58 and two exterior trim components 10 as an exterior cladding 60 the B-pillar. The A-pillar or the C-pillar can also be clad accordingly (not shown). The same applies to a spoiler, also not shown, in particular to a roof spoiler.

List of reference symbols

10

Exterior cladding component

101-103

Exterior cladding component

12th

vehicle

14th

Base body

16

first surface

18th

second surface

20th

Vehicle sensor

22nd

Wave source

23

object

24

Passage section

26th

breakthrough

28

Insert part

30th

Cleaning facility

32

Drive device

34

opening

36

Clasp

38

Brand logo

40

storage

42

Guide rod

44

Nozzle rod

46

Feed channel

48

Outlet opening

50

camera

52

Guide rod

54

lens

56

Drip edge

57

Front grill

58

Bumper

60

Disguise

D.

distance

RB

Cleaning area

A.

waves

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• KR 1020130052958 A [0003]
• WO 2016/091422 A1 [0006]

Claims (12)

Outer lining component (10) of a vehicle (12), comprising - a base body (14) which forms a first surface (16) and a second surface (18), - a passage section (24) in which the base body (14) of electromagnetic Waves (λ) or sound waves that are emitted by a vehicle sensor (20) and strike the first surface (16) can be penetrated, the base body (14) having a permeability for electromagnetic waves (λ) in the visible frequency range of a maximum of 80% characterized in that the outer cladding component (10) has a cleaning device (30) for cleaning the second surface (18) in the passage section (24), the passage section being arranged outside the cleaning device. Outer lining component (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the vehicle sensor (20) is attached to the outer lining component or to a support structure of the vehicle (12). Outer lining component (10) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the cleaning device (30) by means of a drive device (32) between a first position in which it is located in front of the second surface (18) as seen from the vehicle sensor (20) or is flush with the second surface (18), and a second position in which it protrudes from the second surface (18) is movable. Outer lining component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer lining component (10) has an opening (34) through which the cleaning device (30) can be passed when moving between the first position and the second position, the opening ( 34) can be closed by means of a closure (36). Outer lining component (10) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that - the closure (36) is attached to the cleaning device (30) or - can be moved together with the cleaning device (30) by means of the drive device (32) and - the first position is selected such that the closure (36 ) the opening (34) closes when the cleaning device (30) is in the first position. Outer lining component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer lining component (10) has a number of supply channels (46) with which at least one cleaning fluid can be applied to the second surface (18). Outer lining component (10) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the feed channels (46) form outlet openings (34) through which the cleaning fluid exits from the feed channels (46), the outlet openings (34) being arranged on the cleaning device (30) and / or on the closure (36). Outer lining component (10) according to one of the Claims 3 until 7th , characterized in that the outer lining component (10) comprises a camera (50) which can be moved with the drive device (32) between the first position and the second position, the camera (50) in the second position over the second surface ( 18) excels. Outer lining component (10) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the camera (50) has an objective (54) and drip edges (56) to guide the cleaning fluid away from the objective (54). Outer lining component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer lining component (10) has an opening (26) in the passage section (24) which is closed by an insert part (28). Outer trim component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer trim component (10) as a bumper (58), a side sill, a spoiler, a front grill or a cladding (60) of the A-pillar, B-pillar or C. Column is formed. Vehicle (12), comprising an outer lining component (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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