WO2021004954A1

WO2021004954A1 - Vehicle trim part

Info

Publication number: WO2021004954A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/068857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Pohl; Frank Wagner; Stephan Starost; Hugues Cheron; Heiko Borrmann; Aurelien Moresse; Hartmut Fabiunke
Original assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium Se; Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle trim part (10) for an interior or exterior space of a vehicle (100), comprising a support structure (12) covered with an outer skin (12) having an outer contour (22). The outer skin (14) can consist of at least two components (16a, 16b) arranged in an overlapping and/or wrapping manner in at least one interface area (18), and the support structure (12) can have a coefficient of thermal expansion (a) lower than that of at least one of the two components (16a, 16b), at least one of the components (16a, 16b) being mounted on the support structure (12) in at least one portion (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the outer contour (22), and fixedly mounted in at least one spatial direction (X, Y, Z) such that in the event of thermal expansion of at least one of the two components (16a, 16b), a relative movement between the two components (16a, 16b) is possible in the interface area (18). Also proposed are a component for an outer skin (14) of a part (10), as well as a vehicle (100) with at least one part (10) provided with the outer skin (14).

Description

Title of the invention: vehicle wrapping part

The present invention relates to a vehicle trim part for an interior or exterior space of a vehicle, comprising a support structure covered with an exterior skin having an exterior contour. The outer skin has at least two part elements which are arranged overlapping and / or enveloping in an interface area.

Further, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle trim part according to the present invention.

According to the current state of the art, a large number of vehicle trim parts are known which, on the one hand, are made of different materials and, on the other hand, have different assembly structures.

Exterior vehicle trim parts have a generally painted outer skin, which may for example be made of metal. In at least some areas of the vehicles, it is also known to use plastic trim parts in the area of the sills or in other areas threatened by corrosion. The use of plastic trim elements is then particularly advantageous when it is necessary to achieve weight savings. Thus, in the electromobility sector, weight saving is an essential objective due to the heavy weight of electric energy accumulators. In addition, plastic parts can be replaced and repaired easily and economically. Likewise, plastic trim elements for the interior of a vehicle are known which have the same advantages.

In the automotive industry, the dimensions of gaps are subject to high demands. It is thus necessary to keep the dimensions of the interstices of the trim pieces arranged in the interior and exterior spaces as small as possible, in order to obtain an impression of visual quality of the vehicle.

It is known to manufacture only the outer skin of certain vehicle trim parts from plastic and to arrange it on the vehicle next to metal trim elements. The term “outer skin” designates at least one trim element. When juxtaposing different covering elements made of different materials, the problem lies in the fact that these covering elements are respectively subjected to different thermal expansion in the event of heating due to ambient conditions. Different thermal expansion results in a different length variation of the trim elements which are made of different materials.

Plastic generally has a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metal. In a vehicle where all of the outer skin is made of plastic, these large variations in the length of the outer skin due to heat must be taken into account.

First, the parts of the outer plastic skin impose requirements in terms of compliance with the dimensions of the interstices. Therefore, the interstices between the individual parts of the outer skin must be provided with corresponding large dimensions, and a movable mounting of these parts on the support structure must be ensured in order to allow possible variations in length of the individual elements. made of plastic.

On the other hand, the problem arises that when attaching the higher thermal expansion outer skin to an underlying lower thermal expansion support structure, a bulge may form on the outer skin. This is particularly the case with a peripheral fixation, that is to say along the contour of the outer skin because the fixation prevents a variation in length of the outer skin.

Providing small gaps between vehicle trim pieces made of different materials is therefore particularly difficult when the materials of the supporting structure and the outer skin have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a vehicle trim part, or a vehicle provided with a vehicle trim part, which overcomes the drawbacks indicated above.

The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle trim part for an interior or exterior space of a vehicle, comprising a support structure covered with an exterior skin having an exterior contour.

It is proposed that the outer skin consists of at least two part elements arranged in an overlapping or enveloping manner at least in an interface zone, and that the support structure has a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than that of at least one of said two part elements. At least one part element is mounted on the support structure in at least a part of the part of the outer contour fixedly in at least one spatial direction, so that in the event of thermal expansion of at least one of said two elements part, relative movement is possible in the interface area between the two part elements. The vehicle trim part is characterized by the fact that it consists of at least two part elements. This means that inside the vehicle trim part there is an interface area where the two part elements are arranged overlapping and / or enveloping. It is also possible to design the interface area partially enveloping and partially

overlapping. This ensures that the outer skin hides the support structure in each position of the vehicle trim.

In general, the support structure is designed as a supporting element. On the other hand, the outer skin constitutes a covering element which must have a visually pleasing surface. These different requirements can generate a different coefficient of thermal expansion between the materials of the support structure and the outer skin. For certain materials, the difference is particularly marked, in particular when the outer skin is at least partially formed of a plastic material. As the support structure is generally designed to be statically stable, this can preferably be made of metal. This structure therefore has a thermal expansion markedly less than that of an outer skin which is, for example, made of plastic. For example steel or aluminum have a coefficient of thermal expansion of 0.012 to 0.024 mm / (m ^* K) while conventional plastics have a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 0.15 to 0.22 mm / (m ^* K).

Therefore, a corresponding large gap should be provided with respect to an adjacent vehicle trim piece, to allow for expansion. This is, however, undesirable from an aesthetic point of view. On the other hand, it is necessary to achieve that an outer contour of the outer skin is at least partly fixedly mounted on the support structure. This is particularly relevant for areas directly adjacent to another piece of vehicle trim. Therefore, a small gap must be obtained at these areas. It is therefore proposed to mount on the support structure at least one of the part elements of the outer skin in at least a part of the part of the outer contour, fixedly in at least one spatial direction. The spatial direction preferably corresponds to the spatial direction in which another directly adjacent piece of vehicle trim is arranged.

The vehicle trim piece may for example be a vehicle door having a vertical piece portion of the outer contour which is, for example, adjacent to an outer skin of a fender panel. If we define, in the direction of travel, the longitudinal axis of a vehicle as being the spatial direction X, the transverse axis as being the spatial direction Y and the vertical axis as being the spatial direction Z, it is then possible to mount this part of part on the structure support, preferably fixed in the spatial direction X. The dimension of the gap on this part of the part can thus be kept at a low value. The same may apply for a part of the part of the outer contour which is arranged on the vehicle door, opposite to the part of the part described above. On those parts of the outer contour where there is no adjacent component or no adjacent vehicle trim part, for example in the negative Y direction, a fixed mounting of the outer skin on the support structure is not possible. not absolutely essential.

Advantageously, a fixed mounting of the outer skin on the support structure is carried out only in the area of the outer contour, in order to prevent stressing or bulging of the outer skin. By outer contour is meant the peripheral zone of the outer skin or of the support structure, for example the edges of a vehicle door. In the case of trim pieces attached to the outer contour, however, there is a risk of bulging which is noticeable by the formation of bumps on the surface of the outer skin. In order to avoid this phenomenon, it is proposed to construct the outer skin in at least two parts. The outer skin consists of at least two part elements which are arranged overlapping and / or enveloping in at least one interface area. In the event of thermal expansion of at least one of the two part elements, relative movement is possible in this area for the length compensation. In the interface zone, the thermally induced mechanical stresses are reduced in a direction orthogonal to the outline of the interface zone. Bulge can thus be avoided even when the expanding part member is mounted to the support structure through its surface, for example fixedly in a spatial direction.

The interface zone therefore makes it possible to compensate for thermal expansion, in particular in trim parts made of plastic. It is thus possible to obtain significantly smaller interstices, even for vehicle trim parts in which the thermal expansion coefficients of the outer skin and of the support structure are different. This applies in particular when the outer skin is at least partially formed of a plastic material and the support structure is made of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, such as a metal, carbon or carbon. mixture of materials. Advantageously, the width of the overlap of the two room elements in the interface zone should be chosen sufficiently large so that an overlap is additionally obtained at certifiable temperature limit values. When said at least two workpiece elements overlap in the interface area, then it is possible to arrange or form the surface of the outer skin of a workpiece element in a manner raised above the surface of the workpiece. other room element. It is possible to continuously reduce the cross section of the part element in the interface area of the overlap, in order to obtain an aesthetically pleasing edge. It is also conceivable that the part element which overlaps the other part element in the interface zone, is only formed in a raised manner around this interface zone, in order to obtain the visual effect of a unstaged surface of the outer skin. The elevation should be designed in such a way that it also allows expansion of the underlying part element in the interface area. This can be achieved by spacing the two room elements below the elevation.

It can be envisioned that the part element which forms the overlap surrounds the other part element in a part of the part of the outer contour. In this part of the part, the part element may for example have a U-shape. The other part part may engage inside this U-shaped end part, preferably maintaining a gap. It is thus also possible to obtain a thermal expansion of the two part elements.

A fixed mounting of said at least one part element on at least one part of the part of the outer contour can also be carried out in several spatial directions. Likewise, several part elements of the outer contour can be fixedly mounted on the support structure in at least one spatial direction. It is thus possible to obtain compensation for thermal expansion unidirectionally or in several spatial directions.

The outer skin is preferably made of two piece elements. Three or more room elements can also be considered. It may prove to be advantageous to provide, starting from a first part element with a large surface area, a second part element intended to compensate for any thermal expansion in a first axial direction, as well as a third part element intended to compensate for any thermal expansion in a second axial direction, preferably oriented orthogonally to the first axial direction. Room elements can have different dimensions, different materials, and different geometric designs. Geometric designs can also be adapted to visual requirements whereby markedly different colorways as well as targeted refractions of light can be achieved through targeted shaping. In a preferred embodiment, the interface zone may cut at least a part of a part, preferably two parts of a part, from the outer contour of the vehicle trim part. The interface zone can thus be designed in any shape and extend through the outer skin in any spatial direction. By "through the outer skin" is meant that the interface area may extend within an inner surface of the outer skin. Room elements can also overlap alternately in the interface area. This means that in the interface area, the first room element can be arranged partly above and partly below the second room element. It is thus possible to design part elements of different geometry and size.

In a preferred embodiment, these two part elements can be arranged substantially opposite on the outer skin. There may thus for example be two room elements each having a substantially rectangular shape. In this case, the interface zone is preferably formed in a substantially continuous and / or rectilinear manner and can preferably follow one of the vehicle axes X, Y or Z. Likewise, the part elements can be arranged on two parts. adjacent parts of the outer contour, so that the interface area has a curved or angled shape. In this case, for example, one part element may be formed in a folded, L-shaped or elbow-shaped manner several times, while another part element may have a rectangular, square or complementary ridge shape along the area d. 'interface. The shape of the interface area can also be adapted to design requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the interface zone may extend in a substantially vertical and / or horizontal direction, at least in part through the outer skin. A combination is also possible so that an angled interface area can be created. In addition, it is possible for the interface zone to have a closed shape. Thus, the interface zone can for example have a contour of rectangular, quadratic, circular or elliptical shape. This outline creates two room elements of the outer skin, in which a room element can be designed similar to a master key. The circumference of this master key-like room element may be in the shape of the outer contour of the outer skin, and the interior of the room element may have a cavity. The second part element can be inserted into this cavity, preferably recessed. It is also possible to design a closed outer skin with two room elements. Typically, both part elements are made of the same metal.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one part element can be made of plastic. The two part elements can therefore be made of different materials. A first part element may for example be made of plastic while a second part element is made of metal or aluminum. Likewise, a combination of two different metals, such as aluminum and steel, is possible. It is also conceivable to manufacture the two part elements or all the part elements from different plastics. However, it is preferred to make a part element, in particular the part element in plastic material at least partially, or even entirely, translucent and / or transparent to electromagnetic fields. It is thus possible to provide backlighting of areas transparent to light, for example for visual decoration or for the integration of traffic lights such as turn signals, alarm signals, etc. Electromagnetic sensors or actuators, for example antennas or electromagnetic sensors, can also be arranged behind the room element. It is for example conceivable to form a part element of master key type which entirely surrounds the second part element. In this case, the part element located on the outside is preferably made of a metal, in particular of the same material as the support structure, or of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of the interior room element. The inner part member, which is not in contact with the outer contour of the outer skin, may preferably be made of plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the two part elements may have a different coefficient of thermal expansion. The design of said at least one interface zone makes it possible to compensate for the different thermal expansions for different combinations of materials.

In a preferred embodiment, each workpiece element may, in at least two workpiece portions of the outer contour, be fixedly mounted to the support structure in at least two, preferably three, spatial directions. It is thus possible to obtain compensation for thermal expansion in a

unidirectional or in several spatial directions. The vehicle trim piece may for example be a vehicle door having a vertical piece portion of the outer contour which is, for example, adjacent to an outer skin of a fender panel. An opposing part part can then abut the outer skin of a B-pillar. In these two part parts, the gap to the adjacent component should be as small as possible and be kept constant. If the direction of travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a vehicle is defined as the spatial direction X, these part parts can then be mounted on the support structure, preferably fixedly in the spatial direction X. Advantageously, a mounting can also be performed fixedly in the spatial direction Y which represents the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. On parts of the outer contour on which there is no adjacent component or no adjacent vehicle trim part, a fixed mounting of the outer skin on the support structure is not absolutely essential. For example, no defined gap dimension is required in the lower area of the vehicle door, i.e. in the area of the door sill. Therefore, fixing of this part of the workpiece in the height direction of the vehicle, described here as the spatial direction Z along the vertical axis of the vehicle, can be omitted. Therefore, a fixed assembly on the parts of the workpiece

previously described, which are adjacent to the wing panel or B-pillar, can also be omitted in the Z spatial direction as a variation in length may be allowed in this spatial direction. In another possible embodiment, the part of the part which extends horizontally under a side window of a vehicle door, can be fixed at least in the spatial direction Y, that is to say in the transverse direction. of the vehicle. In addition, a fastening can be made on this part of the part in the spatial direction Z, that is to say in the vertical direction. The fixing can for example be carried out by means of rails or clips. The workpiece element can for example be inserted laterally in a rail in the X direction, then be keyed by means of hooks which fix the workpiece element in the Z direction. This operation can be carried out identically for both. room elements. A reference point system can be used for the design of fixed support points. This system is also called “3-2-1 rule” or “tolerance management system”

When mounting the outer skin or the part elements, these can be inserted laterally in the X direction. This operation can for example be carried out by means of rails which are arranged on the support structure and / or on the room element. In another embodiment, the workpiece element may, during assembly, be hooked into the support structure, in a workpiece portion of the outer contour, and then be folded down and engaged and / or moved in the X direction. Preferably, the room element is suspended from a substantially horizontal lower room element.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one piece element present in an interior area which does not correspond to the exterior contour, is fixed to the support structure by a floating attachment in a longitudinal direction of the piece vehicle wrapping. A longitudinal direction is for example, as already indicated above, called “spatial direction X”. Likewise, a floating attachment of the part elements is possible in an interior area, for example in the height direction of the vehicle trim part, that is to say in the spatial direction Z. The floating attachment allows a relative displacement of said at least one part element in the interface zone. The floating attachment allows in particular a direction of free movement orthogonally to the outline of the interface zone.

The orientation of the floating attachment must therefore be adapted to the position or orientation of the interface area. If the interface zone extends for example diagonally over the entire surface of the outer skin, an orientation of the floating binding other than a vertical or horizontal orientation is also possible. Such fixing of the outer skin or of the at least two part elements on the support structure can for example be carried out by means of rails and / or clips. The clips can then be directly arranged on the interface area.

In a preferred embodiment, said at least two part elements may have a different size, a first part part preferably having an area the size of which is at least equal to twice an area of a second part part. . The second room element preferably overlaps the first room element. In the case of a vehicle trim part for a driver's side or passenger side door of a vehicle, the second part of the part can for example be arranged closer to a hinge of the vehicle door. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the interface area is also located closer to the hinge.

In a preferred embodiment, said at least two part elements may be at least partially in contact in the interface zone. It is then also necessary to ensure that a relative movement is possible between the two part elements. The two part elements can for example be connected by a film hinge, which makes it possible to obtain an interface zone which is airtight and watertight. It is also conceivable to arrange, in the interface zone on at least one part element, protrusions, pins or the like which create physical contact with the other part element. Preferably, the studs are arranged in the interface area, in the X direction, offset from the outer edge of a workpiece element, so that the scratches which appear during mutual displacement of the parts. two parts and which are formed by the nipples, etc., are never visible from the outside. This applies in particular for maximum displacement in the event of maximum contraction of at least one room element due to temperature. In a preferred embodiment, an elastomer may be at least partially arranged in the interface area between the two workpiece elements and / or the interface area may be formed in a waterproof manner. It is also conceivable to apply a flexible adhesive in the area between the two part elements. Preferably, the interface zone is formed watertight in order to protect the electronics possibly arranged inside against any entry of humidity, as well as the elements of the support structure against corrosion.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one gap can be formed at least in part in the interface zone between the two room elements, which gap in which ventilation slots, at least one camera, sensors, elements of the room. 'actuation, electrical connectors or lighting means can be arranged. The interface zone can thus comprise different portions over its entire length. In the case of a vehicle trim part for a door on the driver's side or on the passenger's side of a vehicle, a gap can for example be provided vertically in the center of the outer skin, as well as near the door hinge . The gap can, for example, be used to guide the air from the engine compartment or the wheel well, through the outer skin of a vehicle door. The air needed to cool the engine or the brakes can therefore be exhausted efficiently and directly. Ribs can for example be arranged inside the gap in order to stabilize and orient the guiding of the air. Wind noise can thus be avoided. When the air from the wheel arch is directly exhausted to the outside through

Through or through the exterior skin of the door, an air curtain can then be created along the exterior surface of the vehicle. It is thus possible to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. An aerodynamic improvement of up to 5% can thus be obtained. It is optionally possible to provide an actuator to intentionally create a gap width which can increase or decrease a gap depending on vehicle speed, in order to allow adaptive air guidance. This can for example have an impact on a bulge of at least one of the two part elements in the gap zone. It is also possible to arrange sensors, switches or other actuating elements or electrical connectors, for example a "Keyless-Go" system, in this gap. It is also possible to fit a reversing camera to act as an optical sensor. A vehicle comprising at least one door of this type could therefore be designed without

side mirrors and door handles.

In a preferred embodiment, a first part member may have a surface inclination at the gap relative to the exterior side of the part. vehicle wrapping, said inclination being different from that of a second room element at the level of the gap. The different surface slopes create a defined spacing in the gap area between the two part elements. In particular, the first workpiece element may have a concave or convex surface inclination with a different curvature from that of a convex or concave surface inclination of the second workpiece element. Thus, for example, a first room element may have a concave surface inclination in the Y direction at the gap level with respect to an outer side of the vehicle trim part, while a second room element may have a convex surface inclination in the Y direction at the gap. For example, a convex-concave-convex sequence can be formed with respect to a vertical Z direction from the top and above a part element. It is thus possible to further stabilize the air guide and minimize flow noise. An air curtain that is generated along the exterior surface of the vehicle can be directed in a targeted manner by convex or concave shaping of the surface, so that it is possible

to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the interface area in an overlapping direction or an enveloping direction may correspond to at least one maximum elongation of one of the two room elements which may occur with temperature. maximum temperature rise definable under usual ambient conditions. This is particularly advantageous when at least one of the two part elements has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. It is thus possible to ensure that no bulges and no visible gaps appear. The maximum expected heating temperature is understood to mean a temperature to which a vehicle is subjected under normal circumstances or in normal use.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one part element can be formed at least partly semi-transparent or transparent, with graphic elements. This allows visual decorations to be applied which can advantageously be easily replaced on the vehicle trim part by replacing a part of the part. In addition, it is possible to display

visual information or status indications by backlighting at least one room element, which information or indications are visible through the room element or can be projected onto it from behind.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle trim piece may be a vehicle door, roof element, engine hood, fender panel, or tailgate of a car or truck. The vehicle trim can also form any type of body panel. In addition, it is conceivable to form interior trim elements, such as for example on the cockpit, by means of a vehicle trim part of this type.

An object of the present invention is further to provide a part element for an outer skin of a vehicle trim part. The part element is designed for use in the aforementioned vehicle wrap part. The part element can have the same characteristics as those which have already been described for the two part elements. The same advantages as those described for the vehicle trim part part element apply to the part part, so this point is not discussed in more detail here. The part element can be applied to a support structure of a vehicle trim part. It is also possible to apply at least two pieces of vehicle wrapping on a support structure, so as to be able to form an interface zone such as that which has already been described.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle provided with at least one vehicle trim part according to the present invention. The vehicle can in particular be a car. The vehicle trim may include a vehicle door, a roof element, an engine hood, a fender panel or a tailgate, which can be configured as described above.

In an advantageous development of the vehicle, it is proposed to arrange the interface zone substantially orthogonal to a direction of movement, the part element which is arranged on the outside with respect to the outer skin or with respect to the Another part of the part, being arranged on the vehicle more forward in relation to the direction of travel. In such an embodiment, it is possible to provide at least one gap in the interface area, which gap can be used for air guidance as well as for the arrangement of sensors and / or cameras. The interface area can be arranged in different positions along the outer skin. The interface zone can extend in a substantially linear or angled fashion. The interface zone may for example be L-shaped. It is also possible for the interface zone to have a closed shape having for example the shape of a rectangle, a square, an ellipse or a circle. A vehicle provided with at least one vehicle wrap has the same advantages as those described in connection with the vehicle wrap.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle, two pieces of vehicle trim according to the present invention may be arranged on at least one exterior side of the vehicle, so that the respective interface areas are arranged symmetrically with respect to one. vertical vehicle axis, with at least one gap respectively provided in each interface zone. This gap forms, in the first piece of vehicle trim, an exhaust channel from the engine compartment and / or a front wheel arch, and, in the second piece of vehicle trim, on the opposite side. of the exhaust channel, an intake channel in a rear wheel arch.

In the event that the vehicle trim piece located at the front in the direction of travel is a driver's side or passenger side door of a vehicle, it can efficiently and directly exhaust the cooling air required by the engine or the brakes. When air from the wheel arch is exhausted directly to the outside through or through the outer skin of the vehicle door, an air curtain can then be created along the outer surface of the vehicle. In order to allow unhindered flow of the air curtain, it is particularly advantageous to reinject it directly into the rear wheel arch through or through the outer skin of a vehicle trim. To do this, an intake channel is formed in a vehicle trim part arranged further back, which may for example be a rear door of a vehicle. It is thus possible to advantageously form the two vehicle trim pieces symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis, so as to be able to produce such an intake channel in the interface zone of the vehicle trim piece. back. It is thus possible to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Other advantages will become apparent from reading the drawings and associated descriptions. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The drawings, description and claims contain many features combined. Those skilled in the art will also individually consider the characteristics as appropriate and group them together to obtain other useful combinations.

Brief description of the figures

The present invention will now be better understood on reading the following, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an embodiment of an outer skin of a vehicle trim part according to the present invention,

[Fig. 2] Figure 2 is an embodiment of a vehicle trim part according to the present invention,

[Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows other views of the embodiment according to

Figure 2,

[Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows several sectional views of the embodiment according to Figure 1, [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows different embodiments of an interface zone of a vehicle trim part according to the present invention,

[Fig. 6] Figure 6 is another embodiment of an interface area of a vehicle trim part according to the present invention,

[Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows other views of the embodiment according to Figure

1,

[Fig. 8] Figure 8 is another embodiment of an outer skin of a vehicle trim part according to the present invention,

[Fig. 9] Figure 9 is an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention,

[Fig. 10] Figure 10 shows further details of Figure 9,

[Fig. 1 1] Figure 1 1 shows other details of Figure 9,

[Fig. 12] Figure 12 shows an assembly sequence of two part elements,

[Fig. 13] Figure 13 is an embodiment of a room element seen from behind,

[Fig. 14] Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the part elements of Figure 12.

detailed description

In the figures, identical reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an outer skin 14 of a vehicle trim part 10. The outer skin 14 is shown in top view from the outside (Figure 1 (a)) as well as viewed from behind (Figure 1 (b)). This skin comprises two part elements 16a, 16b, the second part element 16b having a size significantly smaller than that of the first part element 16a. In this illustration, the two part elements 16a, 16b are shown separated from one another. These can be arranged overlapping or enveloping above an interface zone 8 which extends, in this embodiment, in the outer skin 14 in a substantially vertical manner. The interface zone 18 extends essentially in an internal face 24 of the external skin 14. The external skin 14 is delimited by an external contour 22 which comprises the four part parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. The two workpiece portions 20a, 20c extend partly along the first workpiece element 16a and partly along the second workpiece element 16b. In contrast, part 20b extends vertically along first part member 16a and part part 20d extends vertically along second part member 16b. In this isometric representation of Figure 1 (a), it can be seen that the first part member 16a has a convex surface 46b of the outer skin 14 in the central vertical area. This is also reflected by the shape of the outer contour 22 in the workpiece portion 20b, as well as by the shape of the interface area 18. Above and below the convexly formed surface 46b, the first element of part 16a is, on the contrary, formed in a concave or even plane manner. In contrast, the second part element 16b has a convex surface 46b in the central area. The parts arranged above or below the convex surface 46b, on the contrary, extend identically to the corresponding parts of the first part element 16a. It is thus possible to form a gap 26 in the event of overlap of the two workpiece elements 16a, 16b in the area which has a concave surface 46a in the first workpiece element 16a and a convex surface 46b in the second workpiece element 16b. In this embodiment, the second part element 16b is formed with a double wall at the level of the gap 26 described above, so that the gap 26 can also be extended, in the X direction, in the area where, when the two room elements 16a, 16b overlap, the first room element 16a ends. Thus, the concave surface 46a in the Y direction of the first piece element 16a having a lateral edge in the X direction fits together like a puzzle with a lateral edge of the rear wall in the area of the convex surface 46b. in the Y direction of the second part 16b, as shown in Figure 1 (b). In this context, the second workpiece element 16b forms a sort of double-walled opening or pocket, into which the workpiece element 16a can engage. It appears that the two border zones of the room elements 16a, 16b in the interface zone 18 have shapes

corresponding. Thus, it is for example possible to form an exhaust channel through the gap 26, through which a flow of air from the engine compartment or the front wheel arch can be evacuated through the skin. outer 14. In the upper region of the second workpiece element 16b is arranged a further gap 26 which, however, does not extend continuously through the second workpiece element 16b. Such a gap 26 can for example be used to arrange sensors, lighting means and cameras therein. The illustrated embodiment may for example illustrate the outer skin 14 of a vehicle trim part 10 which forms a vehicle door 34.

Figure 2 shows a vehicle trim piece 10 which is configured as a vehicle door 34. The support structure 12 on which a room member 16b is arranged is shown therein. This part element 16b corresponds to the second part element 16b of Figure 1. It can be seen that the supporting structure 12 in the part parts 20a, 20c, 20d is adjacent to the contour of the supporting structure 12. In these three part parts 20a, 20c, 20d, it is possible to assemble the part element 16b to the supporting structure. support 12 fixedly in at least one spatial direction X, Y, Z. In the illustrated embodiment, a fixed support of the part 20d would for example be necessary in the X direction, in order to ensure a gap which must be held along part portion 20d to an adjacent vehicle trim part (not shown). In addition, a fixed support of this part 20d would be judicious in the Y direction in order to avoid lifting of the outer skin 14 relative to the support structure 12. On the other hand, a fixed support could be provided along it. the workpiece portion 20a in the Z direction, in order to prevent vertical displacement. This would ensure that the part 20a is also flush with a part of a part arranged at the same height of an adjacent vehicle trim part (not shown). On the other hand, part 20c extends along a door sill at which no gap must be maintained because no adjacent vehicle trim part is present. Therefore, the workpiece part 20c can remain without fixed support in the spatial X and Z directions. However, a fixed support in the Y direction is also suitable for the workpiece part 20c in order to avoid lifting of the outer skin 14. from the support structure 12. A comparable support with respect to the spatial directions X, Y, Z is possible for a first part element 16a (not shown here). The first workpiece element 16a can be made in a manner comparable to Figure 1. For the workpiece part 20b, the same requirements as for the workpiece part 20d apply because the workpiece element 16a on this workpiece part 20b can be adjacent to a B-pillar outer skin.

Figure 3 shows other views of the embodiment according to Figure 2. Unlike the illustration of Figure 2, the outer skin 14 is shown in its entirety. The two part elements 16a, 16b are visible there. The outer skin 14 is made as in the embodiment of Figure 1. Like features are designated by the same references, so this point is not discussed in more detail here.

In Figure 4 are shown several sectional views of the embodiment according to Figure 1 of the outer skin 14 of a vehicle trim part 10 according to the present invention. The position of the respective section planes A-A, B-B and C-C is shown in Figure 4 (a).

Figure 4 (b) shows section AA along the upper area of outer skin 14. It appears that part element 16b overlaps part element 16a in interface area 18. The part element can be seen. part of part 20d of the outer contour 22 in the left area. This is U-shaped, the U-shaped area being able to be supported by the support structure (not shown) in a fixed manner in at least one spatial direction X, Y, Z. The part element 20b n ' is not visible because the illustration is cut in the right area. The two part elements 16a, 16b are substantially arranged on a line, the part element 16b being arranged slightly offset from the part element 16a in order to create the overlap.

Figure 4 (c) shows the section taken along plane B-B. This plane lies within the concave or convex surfaces 46a, 46b. In this area, the part element 16b is double-walled because a gap 26 is formed between the two part elements 16a, 16b. The double-walled configuration allows airflow to be continued and guided behind room element 16b, with wall portion 48 of room element 16b extending as an extension of room element 16a. The gap 26 could also be formed without the wall portion 48 of the room member 16b.

A double-walled configuration of room element 16b is not absolutely necessary in this area. In another embodiment not shown, the wall portion 48 may be formed in the interface area 18 in correspondence with the contour of the workpiece element 16a in this area. Thus, the two elements, i.e. the wall part 48 with the room element 16a, can fit into each other like a puzzle. The pieces fit together like a puzzle in the X-Z plane. It is conceivable that the first element engages or sinks, at least in part, into a slot, a double-walled opening or a pocket of the other element. In another configuration (no

shown), a sufficient gap may exist between the wall portion 45 and the workpiece element 16a, so that thermal expansion of at least one of the two elements can be permitted. This gap can for example be formed with an elastomer and / or in a waterproof manner. It is further conceivable that the workpiece element 16a engages the gap 26 between the wall part 48 and the workpiece element 16b (not shown).

Figure 4 (d) shows the section taken along the plane C-C which lies in the lower region of the outer skin 14. The outer skin 14 is formed therein in a manner comparable to the construction in section A-A. One difference is that the part member 16b in this area is formed shorter in the X direction than in the upper area A-A of the outer skin 14.

Different embodiments of an interface zone 18 of a vehicle trim part 10 according to the present invention are shown in Figure 5. In the illustrations, the outer side of the outer skin 14, which is visible through an observer of a vehicle trim part 10, is respectively defined at- above illustration. In all the embodiments, a relative displacement of the two part elements 16a, 16b is possible in the interface zone 18.

Figure 5 (a) shows an embodiment in which the two workpiece elements 16a, 16b are arranged at a distance from each other in the interface area 18. In the gap 26 between the workpiece elements 16a, 16b, it is possible to arrange at least one sensor and / or at least one camera (neither of the two is shown).

The gap 26 can also be used for guiding the air.

In Figure 5 (b), an elastomer 38 is arranged between the part elements 16a, 16b, which creates a flexible connection in the interface zone 18. This connection can be watertight.

The embodiment according to Figure 5 (c) is comparable to that of Figure 5 (b), in which the workpiece element 16b has a thinning 50 in the interface area 18. The interface area 18 may thus be configured visually. Preferably, the constricted area is not in contact with the part member 16a in order to avoid scratching the surface.

In the illustration of Fig. 5 (d), the part element 16b is formed raised in the region of the interface area 18. An overlap of the two part elements 16a, 16b can thus be ensured in the area d. Interface 18. Protrusions 40 are made on the workpiece element 16b. The protrusions 40 can be made with the part member 16b in a common injection molding operation. The position of the projections 40 allows the two workpiece elements 16a, 16b to be guided away from each other in the event of relative movement. The protrusions 40 should be arranged at a sufficient distance from a side edge of the workpiece element 16b, in order to avoid scratching the surface of the workpiece element 16a in the visible area in the event of maximum displacement or contraction. at least one part element 16b, in particular two part elements 16a, 16b.

Figure 5 (e) shows an embodiment in which a protrusion 40 is directly formed in the part member 16b. In the left area of the illustration, a right part of part element 16b extends. As the workpiece element 16b has a recess on the surface opposite the protrusion 40, it is also possible to use this as an optical element.

According to the embodiment according to Figure 5 (f), the two part elements 16a, 16b are arranged envelopingly. For this purpose, room element 16b has a U-shaped rim area into which room element 16a can be inserted. The U-shaped rim area can be formed into at least two parts in order to meet the demoulding requirements in the case of injection molding.

Within the limits of the U-shaped rim area, there must be a sufficient gap to further allow a variation in length of at least one of the two workpiece elements 16a, 16b. On the exterior side, this embodiment is equivalent to an implementation according to Figure 5 (d).

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an interface area 18 of a vehicle trim part 10 according to the present invention. A connection zone thinned in the manner of a film hinge makes it possible to mutually connect the two part elements 16a, 16b. It is thus possible to create a watertight connection in the interface zone 18.

Figure 7 is another view of the embodiment according to Figure 1. Unlike the illustration of Figure 1, the two part elements 16a, 16b are shown overlapping or enveloping in the interface area 18, and form a continuous surface of the outer skin 14 in the use according to the present invention. The characteristics agree with the characteristics according to Figure 1, so this point is not discussed in more detail here.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of an outer skin 14 of a vehicle trim part 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the interface area 18 extends in an L-shape above the inner face 24 of the outer skin 14. Therefore, the workpiece element 16b is made in an L-shape. The part element 16a has a substantially rectangular shape, so that a closed outer skin 14 is created. In this embodiment, it is also possible to provide a fixed support for the workpiece elements 16a, 16b, as has been described in connection with Figures 2. A reference point system can be used for the design of the points. fixed supports. This system is also called “3-2-1 rule” or “tolerance management system” In the area of the internal face 24, the part elements 16a, 16b can be fixed to a support structure (not shown) via a floating attachment.

A vehicle 100 having at least two vehicle trim pieces 10a, 10b according to the present invention is shown in Figure 9. The two vehicle trim pieces 10a, 10b are made symmetrical along the vertical axis of the vehicle. Q in the Z direction. The vehicle door 34 is formed analogously to the embodiment according to Figure 3. The gap 26 here forms an exhaust channel 1 1 a through which the air from the engine compartment or of the front wheel arch can be evacuated through the outer skin 14. In the inner region of the vehicle 100, the rear door is also formed in accordance with a vehicle trim part 10b. The symmetry with respect to the vertical axis of the vehicle Q makes it possible to arrange the gap 26 at the end of the door leaf. The workpiece element 16b here overlaps the workpiece element 16a, so that an inlet channel 1 1b is formed inside the gap 26. It is thus possible to guide an air curtain near the outer side 36 of the vehicle 100 and to introduce it into the rear wheel arch, in the rear area through the intake channel 1 1 b. The aerodynamics of the vehicle 100 can thus be improved. Of course, the other side of the vehicle 100 can be configured identically to the embodiment shown. Alternatively, it would be

It is conceivable to arrange the overlapping room element 16a in the X direction before the room element 16b, so that no air inlet 25 is formed in the rear area of the vehicle 100.

Figures 10 and 11 show details of the elements which may be arranged within a gap 26. Figure 10 (a) is an enlarged view of the sectional view A of Figure 9. This interstice 26 does not create any air gap. On the other hand, a camera 44 as well as a sensor 30 are arranged inside the gap 26. These can for example be used for a "Keyless-Go" system or as a reversing camera. The vehicle 100 could therefore be configured without side mirrors as well as without door handles.

Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the sectional view B of Figure 9. The gap 26 is configured as an air gap. Therefore, lamellae 42 are arranged inside the gap 26, which lamellae serve to guide the air and / or to stiffen the outer skin 14. Further, the workpiece element 16a is provided with a concave surface in the area of the gap 26. The part element 16b on the other hand has a convex surface 46b. It is thus also possible to influence the guiding of the air along an outer side 36 of the vehicle 100.

Figure 12 shows a possible mounting sequence of two workpiece elements 16a, 16b on a support structure 12 (not shown). In a first step illustrated in Figure 12 (a), the workpiece element 16a is kept tilted relative to a vertical and is hooked to the support structure 12 along the lower workpiece portion 20c. The part element 16a is used slightly offset to the right with respect to the support structure 12. On the part element 20c, it is for example possible to arrange a molding in which the part element 16a engages. U-shaped. The workpiece element 16a can thus be fixed in the Y direction.

In the next step of Figure 12 (b), the workpiece element 16a is folded over the support structure, so that it is arranged substantially vertically. On the rear side of the inner face 24 of the workpiece element, hooks 52 are arranged in this embodiment to form on the support structure 12 a floating connection of the workpiece element 16a in the Y direction. After the workpiece element 16a has been hooked to the support structure 12 with the hooks 52, the workpiece element 16a is moved to the left, as shown in Figure 12 (c). The room element 16a can thus be keyed with the support structure 12. The hooks 52 preferably allow movement of the workpiece element 16a in the Y direction, in order to establish the floating connection with the support structure 12 and to allow expansion. thermal in an interface zone. The hooks 52 can further fix the workpiece element 16a in the Z direction and be arranged over the entire internal face 24.

As shown in Figure 12 (d), it is then possible to move the second part member 16b from the left on the support structure 12 in the X direction, until it is arranged in the position of the Figure 12 (e). The second part member 16b can also be attached to the support structure 12 with the hooks 52, thereby creating a floating attachment. In a further step, the workpiece elements 16a, 16b can be fixed to the support structure 12 by means of screws 54. It is thus possible to predefine or limit an expansion direction in the event of thermal expansion of the workpiece elements 16a. , 16b. This can be a final assembly step.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a room element 16b viewed from behind. We can see the hooks 52 which serve to form a floating attachment. The hooks 52 allow the workpiece element 16b to be fixed to a support structure 12 in the Y direction. On the other hand, movement in the X direction is again possible. In the part 20d of the outer contour 22 are arranged snap members 56 which allow a fixed support of the part 20d in at least two spatial directions. Keying with the support structure 12 can be achieved by moving the workpiece element 16b relative to the support structure 12. On the workpiece portion 20d, it is further possible to arrange a U-shaped skin, by means of which the workpiece element 16b engages the support structure.

Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the mounted part elements 16a, 16b of Figure 12. The configuration substantially corresponds to the configuration of Figure 4 (c) along the plane B-B of Figure 4 (a). A reference is made here to

configurations relating to Figures 4 (a) and 4 (c). Figure 14 further illustrates a sub-construction which is a sectional view of the support structure 12.

Reference list

10: Vehicle wrapping part

10a: Vehicle wrapping part

10b: Vehicle wrapping part

1 1 a: Exhaust channel

1 1 b: Intake channel

12: Support structure 14: Outer skin

16A: Room element

16B: Room element

18: Interface area

19: Elastic connection area, film hinge

20a: Part of part

20b: Part of part

20c: Part of part

20d: Part of part

22: Outer outline

24: Internal face

26: Interstice

28: Ventilation slot

30: Sensor

32: Inner area of room elements

34: Vehicle door

35: Tailgate

36: Exterior side

38: Elastomer

40: Protrusion / spacer

42: Lamella

44: Camera

46a: Concave surface

46b: Convex surface

48: Part of wall

50: Thinning

52: Hook

54: Screw

56: Locking device

100: Vehicle

a: Coefficient of thermal expansion Q: Vertical axis of the vehicle

X, Y, Z: Spatial direction

Claims

[Claim 1] Vehicle trim (10) for an interior or exterior space of a vehicle (100), comprising a support structure (12) covered with an outer skin (14) having an outer contour (22). ), characterized in that the outer skin (14) consists of at least two part elements (16a, 16b) arranged overlapping and / or enveloping in at least one interface zone (18), and in that that the supporting structure (12) has a coefficient of thermal expansion (a) lower than that of at least one of said two workpiece elements (16a, 16b), wherein at least one of said workpiece elements (16a, 16b) is mounted on the support structure (12) in at least a part of a workpiece (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the outer contour (22) fixedly in at least one spatial direction (X, Y, Z), of so that in the event of thermal expansion of at least one of said two workpiece elements (16a, 16b), a relative movement between said two workpiece elements (16a, 16b) is possible in the interface area (18).

[Claim 2] Vehicle wrapping part (10) according to claim 1,

characterized in that the interface area (18) intersects at least one, preferably two, part parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the outer contour (22) of the vehicle trim part (10) .

[Claim 3] Vehicle trim part (10) according to claim 2,

characterized in that the two part parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) are arranged on the outer skin (14) in a substantially opposite manner.

[Claim 4] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface zone (18) extends at least partially through the outer skin (14) in a direction substantially vertical and / or horizontal.

[Claim 5] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one part element (16a, 16b) is made of plastic and is preferably at least partially translucent. and / or or transparent to electromagnetic fields.

[Claim 6] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two part elements (16a, 16b) have a different coefficient of thermal expansion (a).

[Claim 7] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each part element (16a, 16b) in at least two part parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the outer contour (22) is fixedly assembled to the support structure (12) in at least two (X, Y), preferably three (X, Y, Z), spatial directions.

[Claim 8] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one part element (16a, 16b) arranged in an interior zone (32) which does not correspond to the outer contour (22), is fixed to the support structure (12) by a floating attachment in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle trim part (10).

[Claim 9] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two part elements (16a, 16b) have a different size, in which a first part element (16a) preferably has an area which is at least twice the size of an area of a second workpiece element (16b).

[Claim 10] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two part elements (16a, 16b) are at least partially in contact in the interface zone (18) .

[Claim 1 1] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastomer (38) is arranged at least partly in the interface zone (18) between the two workpiece elements (16a, 16b) and / or the interface area (18) is formed waterproof.

[Claim 12] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gap (26) is formed at least in part in the interface zone (18) between the two room elements (16a, 16b), gap in which ventilation slots (28), at least one camera (44) and / or sensors (30) can be arranged.

[Claim 13] Vehicle wrapping part (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a first part element (16a) has, at the level of the gap (26) with respect to an outer side of the vehicle trim part (10), a surface inclination (46a) which is different from the surface inclination (46b) of a second part element (16b) at the gap (26), in In particular, the first workpiece element (16a) has a concave or convex (46a) surface inclination with a different curvature from a convex or concave (46b) surface inclination (46b) of the second workpiece element (16b).

[Claim 14] Vehicle wrapping part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width of the interface zone (18) in an overlapping direction or an enveloping direction corresponds at least to a maximum elongation of one of the two workpiece elements (16a, 16b) which can occur in the event of a maximum definable heating temperature under usual ambient conditions.

[Claim 15] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle trim part (10) is a vehicle door (34), a roof element, a engine cover, fender panel or tailgate (36) of a car or truck.

[Claim 16] Part element (16a, 16b) for an outer skin (14) of a vehicle trim part (10), characterized in that the part element (16a, 16b) can be used in a vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

[Claim 17] Vehicle (100), in particular a car, characterized in that at least one vehicle trim part (10), in particular a car door (34), a roof element, a hood. engine, wing panel or tailgate (36) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15.

[Claim 18] A vehicle (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that the interface area (18) is arranged substantially orthogonal to a direction of travel (X), wherein the workpiece element (16b) which is arranged externally with respect to the outer skin (14) or with respect to the other part element (16a), is arranged on the vehicle further forward with respect to the direction of travel (X).

[Claim 19] Vehicle according to claim 18, characterized in that two vehicle trim parts (10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 15 are arranged on at least one outer side (36) of the vehicle, of such that the respective interface areas (18) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical transverse vehicle axis (Q), in which respectively at least one gap (26) is provided in the interface area (18 ) respective which forms, in the first vehicle trim part (10a), an exhaust channel (1 1 a) from an engine compartment and / or a front wheel arch and which forms, in the second vehicle trim part (10b), an intake channel (1 1 b) in a rear wheel arch.