SE541723C2 - Body panel and vehicle comprising such body panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Herein a support arrangement (1) is disclosed configured to support a body panel (3) of a vehicle (5). The body panel (3) is configured to be mounted to the vehicle (5) such that the body panel (3) extends along a first direction (d1) and along a second direction (d2). The support arrangement (1) comprises a first chassis member (11) and a first panel member (13). The first chassis member (11) is configured to support the first panel member (13) in directions (d3, d4) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (d1, d2), along a first relative distance interval (di1), in the second direction (d2), between the first panel member (13) and the first chassis member (11).

Description

Body Panel and vehicle comprising such body panel TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a body panel for a vehicle, and a vehicle comprising a body panel.

BACKGROUND Fuel economy is a major consideration for vehicles, especially heavy duty vehicles that travel long distances. Therefore, most of these heavy-duty vehicles comprise various exterior features, such as body panels that smooth the surface of the vehicle. Different assemblies on the vehicle, such as fuel tanks, create air turbulence and thereby reduce fuel efficiency. Body panels, such as side skirts, are aimed at reducing the air turbulence caused by these components. While these body panels are effective in increasing fuel efficiency, they obstruct access to vehicle components. Removal of the body panels can be cumbersome and often requires two people and special tools, making maintenance costlier.

Further, body panels for heavy-duty vehicles usually is quite long. A long body panel can be wobbly and may start to vibrate during driving. A body panel is usually mounted onto a chassis of a vehicle using mounting arrangements. A long body panel may require the use of several mounting arrangements positioned along the extension of the body panel. When mounting such a body panel, it may be difficult to align portions of all mounting arrangements. Therefore, mounting and removal of a body panel usually require two people and special tools, making maintenance costlier. Further, when a body panel is mounted onto a chassis of a vehicle using several mounting arrangements, load and strain on the body panel and the mounting arrangements may arise which may cause damages to these components.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a body panel for a vehicle wherein the body panel is configured to be mounted onto a chassis of the vehicle in a first mounting arrangement and in a second mounting arrangement arranged at a distance from each other along a first direction, such that the body panel extends along the first direction and along a second direction, wherein the first direction is an essentially horizontal direction and the second direction is an essentially vertical direction, wherein the body panel comprises a support arrangement configured to support the body panel, wherein the support arrangement comprises a first chassis member and a first panel member. The first chassis member is configured to be arranged to the chassis at a position between the first and second mounting arrangements, and the first panel member is configured to be arranged to the body panel, wherein the first chassis member is configured to support the first panel member in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, along a first relative distance interval in the second direction, between the first panel member and the first chassis member.

Since the first chassis member is configured to support the first panel member in the first relative distance interval, a support arrangement is provided that provides conditions for a facilitated mounting of the body panel onto the vehicle in a rigid manner. This because the first panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member in the second direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Further, a support arrangement is provided in which the body panel will be supported in at least three portions along the extension of the body panel in the first direction. As a result, a more rigid body panel can be provided which reduces the risk of a vibrating body panel during driving of the vehicle, while the body panel is simple to mount to the vehicle. As a further effect thereof, the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel can be improved.

Thus, a body panel is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the first chassis member and the first panel member are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member within the first relative distance interval. Thereby, a body panel is provided capable of supporting the body panel in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, while allowing movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member within the first relative distance interval. Thus, a body panel is provided which will allow movement of the body panel within the first relative distance interval. As a result, load and strain on the body panel, the first and second mounting arrangement and the first chassis member can be reduced while the body panel is supported in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Optionally, one member of the first chassis member and the first panel member comprises an elongated body, and the other member of the first chassis member and the first panel member comprises a bracket configured to receive the elongated body. Thereby, a simple and secure body panel is provided capable of supporting the first panel member in the first relative distance interval. Further, movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member, within the first relative distance interval, can be allowed in a simple and efficient manner. Still further, a body panel is provided that provides conditions for a further facilitated mounting of the body panel onto the vehicle.

Optionally, at least one of the elongated body and the bracket comprises an elastic material. Thereby, the support of the first panel member is improved and the risk of a vibrating body panel is reduced, as well as the risk of noise from the arrangement. Further, the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel can be further improved.

Optionally, the elongated body is provided with a surface configured to abut against the bracket, and wherein the surface comprises an extension in the second direction corresponding to, or being greater than, the first relative distance interval. Thereby, support of the first panel member, in the first relative distance interval, is achieved in a simple and effective manner. Further, movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member can be allowed, within the first relative distance interval, in a simple and effective manner.

Optionally, the member comprising the bracket further comprises a latch mechanism connected to the bracket. Thereby, the first panel member can be secured to the first chassis member in a simple and effective manner which further facilitates mounting and removal of the body panel and further ensures the support of the first panel member.

Optionally, one member of the first chassis member and the first panel member comprises a dampener arranged to face the other member of the first chassis member and the first panel member. Thereby, the support of the first panel member is further improved and the risk of a vibrating body panel is thus further reduced, as well as the risk of noise from the arrangement. Further, the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel can be further improved.

Optionally, the first chassis member is configured to support the first panel member in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, in a second relative distance interval, in the first direction, between the first panel member and the first chassis member. Since the first chassis member is configured to support the first panel member in the second relative distance interval, a support arrangement is provided that provides conditions for a further facilitated mounting of the body panel onto the vehicle. This because the first panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member in the first direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the bracket comprises a surface configured to abut against the elongated body, and wherein the surface comprises an extension in the first direction corresponding to, or being greater than, the second relative distance interval. Thereby, support of the first panel member, in the second relative distance interval, is achieved in a simple and effective manner. Further, movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member can be allowed, within the second relative distance interval, in a simple and effective manner.

Optionally, the first chassis member and the first panel member are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member within the second relative distance interval. Thereby, a support arrangement is provided capable of supporting the body panel in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, while allowing movement of the first panel member relative the first chassis member within the second relative distance interval. Thus, a support arrangement is provided which will allow movement of the body panel within the second relative distance interval. As a result, load and strain on the body panel, the first and second mounting arrangement and the first chassis member can be further reduced while the body panel is supported in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Optionally, the support arrangement comprises a second chassis member and a second panel member, wherein the second chassis member is configured to be arranged to the chassis at a distance from the first chassis member, wherein the second panel member is configured to be arranged to the body panel, wherein the second chassis member is configured to support the second panel member in directions, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, along the first relative distance interval, in the second direction, between the second panel member and the second chassis member.

Since the second chassis member is configured to support the second panel member and is configured to be arranged to the chassis at a distance from the first chassis member, the body panel will be supported also at a distance from the first chassis member, when the body panel is mounted onto the vehicle. As a result, an even more rigid body panel can be provided with a reduced risk for a vibrating body panel during driving of the vehicle and thus potentially a further improved durability and quality feel of the body panel.

Since the second chassis member is configured to support the second panel member in the first relative distance interval, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner, since the second panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the second chassis member in the second direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, a support arrangement is provided which facilitates a rigid mounting of a body panel onto a vehicle.

Optionally, the second chassis member and the second panel member are arranged to allow movement of second panel member relative the second chassis member within the first relative distance interval. Thereby, a support arrangement is provided capable of supporting the body panel in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, while allowing movement of the second panel member relative the second chassis member within the first relative distance interval. Thus, a support arrangement is provided which will allow movement of the body panel within the first relative distance interval. As a result, load and strain on the body panel, the first and second mounting arrangement and the first and second chassis member can be reduced while the body panel is supported in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Optionally, one member of the second chassis member and the second panel member comprises an elongated body, and the other member of the second chassis member and the second panel member comprises a hook configured to receive the elongated body. Thereby, an assembler of the body panel may hold and guide the body panel such that the elongated body is received in the hook and then tilt the body panel to a position where the first panel member adjoins the first chassis member. Further, the second chassis member may support the second panel member in a manner circumventing the need for using tools. Accordingly, a support arrangement is provided which further facilitates a rigid mounting of a body panel onto a vehicle.

Optionally, the hook comprises an open portion provided with a depth in the second direction corresponding to, or being greater than, the first relative distance interval. Thereby, support of the second panel member, in the first relative distance interval, is achieved in a simple and effective manner. Further, movement of the second panel member relative the second chassis member can be allowed, within the first relative distance interval, in a simple and effective manner.

Optionally, the second chassis member is configured to support the second panel member in directions, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, in a second relative distance interval, in the first direction, between the second panel member and the second chassis member. Since the second chassis member is configured to support the second panel member in the second relative distance interval, a support arrangement is provided that provides conditions for a further facilitated mounting of the body panel onto the vehicle in a rigid manner. This because the second panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the second chassis member in the first direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the elongated body comprises a surface arranged to abut against a surface of the open portion of the hook, wherein the surface of the elongated body comprises an extension in the first direction corresponding to, or being greater than, the second relative distance interval. Thereby, support of the second panel member, in the second relative distance interval, is achieved in a simple and effective manner. Further, movement of the second panel member relative the second chassis member can be allowed, within the second relative distance interval, in a simple and effective manner.

Optionally, the second chassis member and the second panel member are arranged to allow movement of the second panel member relative the second chassis member within the second relative distance interval. Thereby, a support arrangement is provided capable of supporting the body panel in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, while allowing movement of the second panel member relative the second chassis member within the second relative distance interval. Thus, a support arrangement is provided which will allow movement of the body panel within the second relative distance interval. As a result, load and strain on the body panel, the first and second mounting arrangement and the first and second chassis member can be further reduced while the body panel is supported in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Optionally, at least one of the elongated body and the hook comprises an elastic material. Thereby, the support of the second panel member is improved and the risk of a vibrating body panel is reduced, as well as the risk of noise from the arrangement, which may further improve the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel.

As mentioned above, since the body panel comprises a support arrangement comprising a first chassis member configured to support the first panel member in the first relative distance interval, a body panel is provided being simple to mount onto a vehicle in a rigid manner. This because the first panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member in the second direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, a body panel is provided that can be manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Further, a body panel is provided that will be supported in at least three portions along the extension of the body panel in the first direction. As a result, a more rigid body panel can be provided which reduces the risk of a vibrating body panel during driving of the vehicle, while the body panel is simple to mount on the vehicle. As a further effect thereof, the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel can be improved.

Thus, a body panel is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a body panel mounted onto a chassis of the vehicle in a first mounting arrangement and in a second mounting arrangement arranged at a distance from each other along a first direction, such that the body panel extends along the first direction and along a second direction, and wherein the body panel comprises a support arrangement according to some embodiments.

Since the body panel of the vehicle comprises a support arrangement comprising a first chassis member configured to support the first panel member in the first relative distance interval, a vehicle is provided comprising a body panel being simple to mount onto the vehicle in a rigid manner. This because the first panel member does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member in the second direction when mounting the body panel onto the vehicle. As a further result thereof, a vehicle is provided comprising a body panel that can be manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Further, a vehicle is provided comprising a body panel that will be supported in at least three portions along the extension of the body panel in the first direction. As a result, a more rigid body panel can be provided which reduces the risk of a vibrating body panel during driving of the vehicle, while the body panel is simple to mount onto the vehicle. As a further effect thereof, the durability and the quality feeling of the body panel of the vehicle can be improved.

Thus, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the abovementioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle comprising a body panel mounted onto a chassis of the vehicle, Fig. 2 illustrates the body panel and a portion of the chassis in another view than illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 illustrates the first chassis member, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 4 illustrates the first panel member, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first panel member illustrated in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 illustrates the second chassis member, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and Fig. 7 illustrates the second panel member, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 5 comprising a body panel 3 mounted onto a chassis 4 of the vehicle 5. The body panel 3 is mounted onto the chassis 4 of the vehicle 5 in a first mounting arrangement 7 and in a second mounting arrangement 9. The first mounting arrangement 7 and the second mounting arrangement 9 are arranged at a distance from each other along a first direction d1. The body panel 3 extends along the first direction d1 and along a second direction d2. The second direction d2 is perpendicular to the first direction d1 . When the vehicle 5 is positioned on a flat horizontal surface, the first direction d1 is a horizontal direction and the second direction d2 is a vertical direction. The body panel 3 further comprises a support arrangement 1 configured to support the body panel 3.

Fig. 2 illustrates the body panel 3 and a portion of the chassis 4 in another view than illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the body panel 3 and the portion of the chassis 4 is illustrated as being viewed in a direction opposite to the direction d2 illustrated in Fig. 1 . In Fig. 1 and 2, the body panel 3 is a side skirt panel. However, according to further embodiments, the body panel 3 may be another type of body panel for a vehicle, such as a side underrun protection panel, or the like. The first chassis member 11 is arranged to the chassis 4, and the first panel member 13 is arranged to the body panel 3. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle comprises a fuel tank 12 arranged to the chassis 4 in fuel tank straps 14. In the illustrated embodiments, the first chassis member 11 is arranged to the chassis 4 via one of the fuel tank straps 14.

Fig. 3 illustrates the first chassis member 11, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Below reference is made to Fig. 3, as well as to Fig. 1 and 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, a portion 16 of the first chassis member 11 is configured to be positioned between a surface of the fuel tank 12 and the fuel tank strap 14. Thereby, the first chassis member 11 is securely arranged to the chassis 4, via the fuel tank 12 and the fuel tank strap 14. However, according to further embodiments, the first chassis member 11 may be arranged to the chassis 4 via another arrangement than a fuel tank and a fuel tank strap, such as a console, bar, bracket, or the like. The first chassis member 11 comprises bracket 17.

Fig. 4 illustrates the first panel member 13, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Below reference is made to Fig. 3, as well as to Fig. 1 and 2. The first panel member 13 is configured to be arranged to the body panel 3, for example by using screws or bolts extending through holes 18 in the first panel member 13. As an alternative, or in addition, the first panel member 13 may be glued or welded onto the body panel 3. The first panel member 13 comprises an elongated body 15. According to the illustrated embodiments, the elongated body 15 comprises an elastic material.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first panel member 13 illustrated in Fig. 4. As indicated in Fig. 5, the elongated body 15 is provided with a surface 19 comprising an extension e1. The surface 19 of the elongated body 15 is configured to abut against a surface 25 of the bracket 17, illustrated in Fig. 3. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the first panel member 13 comprises a dampener 21 arranged to face the first chassis member 11. According to the illustrated embodiments, the dampener 21 is configured to abut against a fuel tank strap 14 under which the portion 16 of the first chassis member 11 is arranged. According to further embodiments, the dampener 21 may be configured to abut against a portion of the first chassis member 11.

As indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first chassis member 11 is configured to support the first panel member 13 in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2, along a first relative distance interval di1, in the second direction d2, between the first panel member 13 and the first chassis member 11. This is achieved since the elongated body 15 comprises the extension e1, indicated in Fig. 5, extending in the second direction d2 when the first panel member 13 is mounted onto a body panel 3 and when the body panel 3 is arranged onto the vehicle 5. The extension e1 in the second direction d2 corresponds to, or is greater than, the first relative distance interval di1. Thereby, a support arrangement 1 is provided that provides conditions for a facilitated mounting of the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5 in a ridged manner. This because the first panel member 13 does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member 11 in the second direction d2 when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel 3 that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Still further, when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, the first panel member 13 allows for variations of the position of the first chassis member 11 in the second direction d2. Such variations may for example be caused by tolerances of the first chassis member 11, tolerances of the positioning of the first chassis member 11, the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 12, etc. The first relative distance interval di1 is an interval di1 of the relative distance between the first panel member 13 and the first chassis member 11 in the second direction d2. The length of the first relative distance interval di1 may for example be within the interval of 5 - 60 mm, 10 - 35 mm, 10 - 20 mm, or 5 - 15 mm.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first chassis member 11 and the first panel member 13 are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 within the first relative distance interval di1 . Thereby, load and strain on the body panel 3, the first and second mounting arrangement 7, 9 and the first chassis member 11 can be reduced while the body panel 3 is supported in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2. Movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 may for example be caused by movement of the fuel tank 12, or other components, for example during driving. According to the illustrated embodiments, movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 is allowed since the surface 19 of the elongated body 15, illustrated in Fig. 5, can slide against the surface 25 of the bracket 17, illustrated in Fig. 3.

Further, as indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first chassis member 11 is configured to support the first panel member 13 in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2 in a second relative distance interval di2, in the first direction d1, between the first panel member 13 and the first chassis member 11. The second relative distance interval di2 is an interval di2 of the relative distance between the first panel member 13 and the first chassis member 11 in the first direction d1. The length of the second relative distance interval di2 may for example be within the interval of 5 - 80 mm, 5 - 60 mm, 10 - 35 mm, 10 - 20 mm, or 5 - 15 mm. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the surface 25 of the bracket 17 comprises an extension e2 in the first direction d1. The extension e2 corresponds to, or is greater than, the second relative distance interval di2. Thereby, the first panel member 13 does not need to be perfectly aligned with the first chassis member 11 in the first direction d1 when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, which facilitates the process of mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement 1 provided allows for the use of a body panel 3 that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Still further, when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, the first panel member 13 allows for variations of the position of the first chassis member 11 in the first direction d1. Such variations may for example be caused by tolerances of the first chassis member 11, tolerances of the positioning of the first chassis member 11, tolerances of the body panel, etc.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first chassis member 11 and the first panel member 13 are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 within the second relative distance interval di2. Thereby, load and strain on the body panel 3, the first and second mounting arrangement 7, 9 and the first chassis member 11 can be reduced while the body panel 3 is supported in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2. Movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 may for example be caused by movement of the fuel tank 12, or other components, for example during driving. According to the illustrated embodiments, movement of the first panel member 13 relative the first chassis member 11 within the second relative distance interval di2 is allowed since the surface 19 of the elongated body 15, illustrated in Fig. 5, can slide against the surface 25 of the bracket 17, illustrated in Fig. 3.

According to the illustrated embodiments, and as indicated in Fig. 3, the first chassis member 11 further comprises a latch mechanism 23 connected to the bracket 17. The latch mechanism 23 comprises a handle 24 pivotally arranged between an open position and a closed position. In Fig. 3, the handle 24 is illustrated in the closed position. When the handle 24 is displaced from the open position to the closed position, the bracket 17 is displaced in a third direction d3, illustrated in Fig. 3. When the handle 24 is displaced from the closed position to the open position, the bracket 17 is displaced in a fourth direction d4, illustrated in Fig. 3. The fourth direction d4 is opposite to the third direction d3. Thus, when an assembler is about to mount the body panel 3 onto a vehicle 5, the assembler may ensure that the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 is in the open position and insert the elongated body 15 of the first panel member into the bracket 17 such that the surface 19 of the elongated body 15 abuts against the surface 25 of the bracket 17. The assembler may then displace the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the closed position. As a result thereof, the first panel member 13 will be displaced towards the first chassis member 11. The dampener 21 of the first panel member 13 may be partially compressed upon the displacement of the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the closed position. The handle 24 can be locked in the closed position. If a user wants to remove the body panel 3 from the vehicle, the user may simply displace the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the open position and remove the bracket 17 from the elongated body 15.

According to the illustrated embodiments, and as indicated in Fig. 1, the support arrangement 1 comprises a second chassis member 31 and a second panel member 33. The second chassis member 31 is arranged to the chassis 4 at a distance from the first chassis member 11 in a direction opposite to the second direction d2. The second panel member 33 is arranged to the body panel 3. According to the illustrated embodiments, the second chassis member 31 is a lower chassis member and the first chassis member 11 is an upper chassis member. Likewise, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second panel member 33 is a lower panel member and the first panel member 13 is an upper panel member. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first and second chassis members 11, 31 are arranged to the chassis 4 at a position between the first and second mounting arrangements 7, 9. The distance between the first and second mounting arrangements 7, 9, in the first direction d1, may be within the range of 1 - 3 metres, or 1.5 -2.5 metres. The first and second chassis members 11, 31 may be arranged to the chassis 4 at a distance from the first mounting arrangement 7, in the first direction d1, being within the range of approximately 40% - 60% of the total distance between the first and second mounting arrangements 7, 9 in the first direction d1 . The length of the body panel 3, in the first direction d1, may for example be within the range of 1 - 5 metres, 1.5 - 4 metres, or 2 -3 metres.

The second chassis member 31 is configured to support the second panel member 33 in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2, along the first relative distance interval di1, in the second direction d2, between the second panel member 33 and the second chassis member 31, as will be further explained below. Thus, the first relative distance interval di1 may also encompass an interval di1 of the relative distance between the second panel member 33 and the second chassis member 31 in the second direction d2.

Fig. 6 illustrates the second chassis member 31, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Below reference is made to Fig. 6, as well as to Fig. 1 and 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, a portion 32 of the second chassis member 31 is configured to be positioned between a surface of the fuel tank 12 and the fuel tank strap 14. Thereby, the second chassis member 31 is securely arranged to the chassis 4, via the fuel tank 12 and the fuel tank strap 14. According to further embodiments, the second chassis member 31 may be arranged to the chassis 4 via another arrangement than a fuel tank and a fuel tank strap, such as a console, bar, bracket, or the like. The first chassis member 11 comprises an elongated body 34 which according to the illustrated embodiments comprises an elastic material.

Fig. 7 illustrates the second panel member 33, illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Below reference is made to Fig. 7, as well as to Fig. 1, 2 and 6. The second panel member 33 is configured to be arranged to the body panel 3, for example by using screws or bolts extending through holes 36 in the second panel member 33. As an alternative, or in addition, the second panel member 33 may be glued or welded onto the body panel 3. The second panel member 33 comprises a hook 35 configured to receive the elongated body 34 of the second chassis member 31. The elongated body 34 comprises a surface 39 arranged to abut against a surface 41 of the open portion 37 of the hook 35. The hook 35 comprises an open portion 37 provided with a depth dp in the second direction d2 corresponding to, or being greater than, the first relative distance interval di1. Thereby, a support arrangement 1 is provided that provides conditions for a facilitated mounting of the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5 in a ridged manner. This because the second panel member 33 does not need to be perfectly aligned with the second chassis member 31 in the second direction d2 when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement provided allows for the use of a body panel 3 that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Still further, when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, the second panel member 33 allows for variations of the position of the second chassis member 31 in the second direction d2. Such variations may for example be caused by tolerances of the second chassis member 31, tolerances of the positioning of the second chassis member 31, tolerances of the body panel 3, the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 12, etc.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second chassis member 31 and the second panel member 33 are arranged to allow movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31 within the first relative distance interval di1. Thereby, load and strain on the body panel 3, the first and second mounting arrangement 7, 9 and the second chassis member 31 can be reduced, while the body panel 3 is supported in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2. Movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31 may for example be caused by movement of the fuel tank 12, or other components, for example during driving. According to the illustrated embodiments, movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31 is allowed since the elongated body 34 of the second chassis member 31, illustrated in Fig. 6, can slide against surface 41 of the open portion 37 of the hook 35, illustrated in Fig. 7.

Further, as indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the second chassis member 31 is configured to support the second panel member 33 in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2 in a second relative distance interval di2, in the first direction d1, between the second panel member 33 and the second chassis member 31 . Thus, the second relative distance interval di2 may also encompass an interval di2 of the relative distance between the second panel member 33 and the second chassis member 31 in the first direction d1. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the surface 39 of the second chassis member 31 comprises an extension e3 in the first direction d1 . The extension e3 corresponds to, or is greater than, the second relative distance interval di2. Thereby, the second panel member 33 does not need to be perfectly aligned with the second chassis member 31 in the first direction d1 when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, which facilitates the process of mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5. As a further result thereof, the support arrangement 1 provided allows for the use of a body panel 3 that has been manufactured in a cost-efficient manner. Still further, when mounting the body panel 3 onto the vehicle 5, the second panel member 33 allows for variations of the position of the second chassis member 31 in the first direction d1 . Such variations may for example be caused by tolerances of the second chassis member 31, tolerances of the positioning of the second chassis member 31, tolerances of the body panel 3, etc.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second chassis member 31 and the second panel member 33 are arranged to allow movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31 within the second relative distance interval di2.

Thereby, load and strain on the body panel 3, the first and second mounting arrangement 7, 9 and the second chassis member 31 can be reduced while the body panel 3 is supported in directions d3, d4 substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions d1, d2.

Movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31 may for example be caused by movement of the fuel tank 12, or other components, for example during driving. According to the illustrated embodiments, movement of the second panel member 33 relative the second chassis member 31, within the second relative distance interval di2, is allowed since surface 41 of the open portion 37 of the hook 35, illustrated in Fig. 7, can slide against the surface 39 of the elongated body 34 of the second chassis member 31, illustrated in Fig. 6.

Below, reference is made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. When an assembler wants to mount the body panel 3 onto a vehicle 5, the assembler may hold the body panel 3 and guide the body panel 3 such that the open portion 37 of the hook 35 receives the elongated body34 of the second chassis member 31. Then, the assembler may tilt the body panel 3 into a position in which the elongated body 15 of the first panel member 13 faces the bracket 17 of the first chassis member 11. Then, the assembler may displace the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the open position, if the handle 24 is in the closed position. Then, the assembler may displace the bracket 17 of the first chassis member 11 over the elongated body 15 of the first panel member 13 such that the surface 25 of the bracket 17 abuts against the surface 19 of the first panel member 13. Then, the assembler may displace the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the closed position to secure the first panel member 13 to the first chassis member 11. The dampener 21 of the first panel member 13 may be partially compressed upon the displacement of the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 to the closed position. Thereby, the support of the first panel member 13, and thus also the support of the body panel 3, can be further ensured. The depth dp of the open portion 37 of the hook 35 is sufficient enough to ensure that the elongated body 34 of the second chassis member 31 is not displaced out of the open portion 37 of the hook 35, when the surface 25 of the bracket 17 abuts against the surface 19 of the first panel member 13 and the handle 24 of the latch mechanism 23 is in the closed position.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims (20)

1. A body panel (3) for a vehicle (5), wherein the body panel (3) is configured to be mounted onto a chassis (4) of the vehicle (5) in a first mounting arrangement (7) and in a second mounting arrangement (9) arranged at a distance from each other along a first direction (d1), such that the body panel (3) extends along the first direction (d1) and along a second direction (d2), wherein the first direction (d1) is an essentially horizontal direction and the second direction (d2) is an essentially vertical direction, wherein the body panel (3) comprises a support arrangement (1) configured to support the body panel (3), wherein the support arrangement (1) comprises a first chassis member (11) and a first panel member (13), characterized in that the first chassis member (11) is configured to be arranged to the chassis (4) at a position between the first and second mounting arrangements (7, 9), and the first panel member (13) is configured to be arranged to the body panel (3), wherein the first chassis member (11) is configured to support the first panel member (13) in directions (d3, d4) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (d1, d2), along a first relative distance interval (di1) in the second direction (d2), between the first panel member (13) and the first chassis member (11).

2. The body panel (3) according to claim 1, wherein the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13) are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member (13) relative the first chassis member (11) within the first relative distance interval (di1).

3. The body panel (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one member (13) of the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13) comprises an elongated body (15), and the other member (11) of the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13) comprises a bracket (17) configured to receive the elongated body (15).

4. The body panel (3) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the elongated body (15) and the bracket (17) comprises an elastic material.

5. The body panel (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the elongated body (15) is provided with a surface (19) configured to abut against the bracket (17), and wherein the surface (19) comprises an extension (e1) in the second direction (d2) corresponding to, or being greater than, the first relative distance interval (di1).

6. The body panel (3) according to any one of the claims 3 - 5, wherein the member (11) comprising the bracket (17) further comprises a latch mechanism (23) connected to the bracket (17).

7. The body panel (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one member (13) of the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13) comprises a dampener (21) arranged to face the other member (11) of the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13).

8. The body panel (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first chassis member (11) is configured to support the first panel member (13) in directions (d3, d4) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (d1, d2), in a second relative distance interval (di2), in the first direction (d1), between the first panel member (13) and the first chassis member (11).

9. The body panel (3) according to claim 3 and 8, wherein the bracket (17) comprises a surface (25) configured to abut against the elongated body (15), and wherein the surface (25) comprises an extension (e2) in the first direction (d1) corresponding to, or being greater than, the second relative distance interval (di2).

10. The body panel (3) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first chassis member (11) and the first panel member (13) are arranged to allow movement of the first panel member (13) relative the first chassis member (11) within the second relative distance interval (di2).

11. . The body panel (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support arrangement (1) comprises a second chassis member (31) and a second panel member (33), wherein the second chassis member (31) is configured to be arranged to the chassis (4) at a distance from the first chassis member (11), wherein the second panel member (33) is configured to be arranged to the body panel (3), wherein the second chassis member (31) is configured to support the second panel member (33) in directions (d3, d4) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (d1, d2), along the first relative distance interval (di1), in the second direction (d2), between the second panel member (33) and the second chassis member (31).

12. The body panel (3) according to claim 11, wherein the second chassis member (31) and the second panel member (33) are arranged to allow movement of second panel member (33) relative the second chassis member (31) within the first relative distance interval (di1).

13. The body panel (3) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein one member (31) of the second chassis member (31) and the second panel member (33) comprises an elongated body (34), and the other member (33) of the second chassis member (31) and the second panel member (33) comprises a hook (35) configured to receive the elongated body (34).

14. The body panel (3) according to claim 13, wherein the hook (35) comprises an open portion (37) provided with a depth (dp) in the second direction (d2) corresponding to, or being greater than, the first relative distance interval (di1).

15. The body panel (3) according to any one of the claims 11 - 14, wherein the second chassis member (31) is configured to support the second panel member (33) in directions (d3, d4) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (d1, d2), in a second relative distance interval (di2), in the first direction (d1), between the second panel member (33) and the second chassis member (31).

16. The body panel (3) according to claim 13 and 15, wherein the elongated body (34) comprises a surface (39) arranged to abut against a surface (41) of the open portion (37) of the hook (35), wherein the surface (39) of the elongated body (34) comprises an extension (e3) in the first direction (d1) corresponding to, or being greater than, the second relative distance interval (di2).

17. The body panel (3) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second chassis member (31) and the second panel member (33) are arranged to allow movement of the second panel member (33) relative the second chassis member (31) within the second relative distance interval (di2).

18. The body panel (3) according to any one of the claims 13 - 17, wherein at least one of the elongated body (34) and the hook (35) comprises an elastic material.

19. The body panel (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second direction (d2) is perpendicular to the first direction (d1).

20. A vehicle (5) comprising a body panel (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.