DE102024206979A1 - Connecting element and vehicle with connecting element - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting element (10) for connecting a vehicle body (51) (50) to a body attachment (52), comprising a first connecting section (11) for connecting, at least partially, to the vehicle body (51) and a second connecting section (12) for connecting, at least partially, to the body attachment (52), wherein the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) are connected via a joint (13) such that the second connecting section (12) is pivotable relative to the first connecting section (11), at least partially, about an axis of rotation (R), and wherein the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) are positively connected to each other, at least partially, such that the second connecting section (12) is secured against pivoting relative to the first connecting section (11) about the axis of rotation (R), wherein the positive connection can be released by introducing a predetermined force (F) into the second connecting section (12) to To enable the second connecting section (12) to pivot relative to the first connecting section (11) about the axis of rotation (R).

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element with the features of independent claim 1, a vehicle with the features of independent claim 13 and a method with the features of independent claim 14.

The connection of body components to a vehicle's body must meet various requirements. It must be ensured that the body component is connected to the body in such a way that sufficient hold is guaranteed during vehicle operation, preventing any unintentional detachment. It is also important that, particularly at high vehicle speeds, no fluttering of the body component occurs, resulting in noise emissions or even damage.

However, an overly robust connection between a body-mounted component and the vehicle body can have the potentially detrimental effect of unimpeded load transfer between the component and the body. For example, if the body-mounted component is a bumper, damage to the body structure can be increased in the event of a collision, as the impact forces are transmitted unhindered through the connection to the body. Such damage to the body is prevented by material reinforcements at the mounting points of body-mounted components. This leads to increased material usage in the manufacturing of the body, increased manufacturing effort, and therefore higher production costs.

Possible ways of connecting the body and body components include, for example, the DE 10 2022 104 524 A1 or the US 2018/0056905 A1 known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a connecting element that, on the one hand, enables a reliable connection between a body attachment and the body of a vehicle and, on the other hand, enables limited load transfer between the body attachment and the body.

The foregoing problem is solved by a connecting element having the features of independent claim 1, by a vehicle having the features of independent claim 13, and by a method having the features of independent claim 14. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the connecting element according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle according to the invention and/or in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

According to the invention, a connecting element for connecting a vehicle body to a body attachment is provided, comprising a first connecting section for connecting, at least partially, to the body and a second connecting section for connecting, at least partially, to the body attachment. The first connecting section and the second connecting section are connected via a hinge such that the second connecting section is pivotable relative to the first connecting section, at least partially, about an axis of rotation. Furthermore, the first connecting section and the second connecting section are positively connected to each other, at least partially, so that the second connecting section is secured against pivoting relative to the first connecting section about the axis of rotation. It is also provided that this positive connection can be released by introducing a predetermined force into the second connecting section in order to allow the second connecting section to pivot relative to the first connecting section about the axis of rotation.

In other words, a connecting element for joining a vehicle body to a body attachment is proposed. The body attachment can preferably be a bumper. The bumper can be a front or rear bumper of the vehicle. A connecting element according to the invention has proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to use with a rear bumper, i.e., one mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

A connecting element according to the invention comprises a first connecting section and a second connecting section. The first connecting section is designed to form a connection with the bodywork, at least partially. The second connecting section is designed to a connection, at least in sections, with the bodywork attachment is formed.

The connecting element further comprises a hinge through which the first and second connecting sections are connected such that the second connecting section is pivotable relative to the first connecting section, at least partially, or vice versa. In addition to this hinged connection, the first and second connecting sections are also positively locked, at least partially. This positive lock secures the second connecting section against pivoting relative to the first connecting section about the axis of rotation, or via the hinge. However, the positive lock can be released by applying a predetermined force to the second connecting section, thereby allowing the first connecting section to pivot relative to the second connecting section about the axis of rotation.

A connecting element according to the invention offers the advantage of a fundamentally rigid and reliable connection between the vehicle body and the body attachment. However, if a force or load introduced into the body attachment and, via this, into the second connecting section exceeds a predetermined limit, the positive connection between the first and second connecting sections is released. The resulting pivotability of the second connecting section relative to the first connecting section interrupts the load transfer between the vehicle body and the body attachment. This prevents damage to the vehicle body due to excessive load during an impact on the body attachment.

Preferably, the force to be applied to the second connecting section to release the positive locking mechanism can be oriented orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the joint. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the force is applied to the second connecting section at an end facing away from the first, and/or that the predetermined force is a maximum of 100 N, in particular a maximum of 80 N, preferably a maximum of 60 N. Such a dimensioning of the predetermined force has proven advantageous with regard to preventing damage to the bodywork caused by load transmission from the body attachment.

It may also be preferably provided that the positive connection between the first and second connecting elements can be released non-destructively by introducing a predetermined force into the second connecting section. This means that the first and second connecting sections are not damaged, or substantially not damaged, when the positive connection is released, so that the positive connection can be restored, particularly to the same or substantially the same quality. This offers the advantage that the connecting element can continue to be used even after the positive connection has been released, for example, in the event of an accident or impact on the bodywork component.

Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous that a receptacle is formed on one connecting section, in particular the first connecting section, and a locking head is formed on the other connecting section, in particular the second connecting section, wherein the positive locking between the first connecting section and the second connecting section is formed at least partially by engagement, in particular by snapping, of the locking head into the receptacle. A simple and reliable positive locking connection between the connecting sections can be achieved through a snap-fit connection. Furthermore, the predetermined force for releasing the positive locking can be specified by appropriately dimensioning the receptacle and the locking head.

The receptacle may be formed by at least two, or exactly two, locking lugs, in particular arranged opposite each other. With a positive fit between the connecting sections, the locking lugs enclose the locking head at least partially and thereby hold the locking head securely in the receptacle.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that a limiting element is formed on the first connecting section, wherein the limiting element restricts movement of the second connecting section in the direction of the first connecting section. This offers the advantage of a defined positioning of the second connecting section relative to the first connecting section and thus also a more reliable arrangement of the body attachment relative to the body, as long as the positive fit between the connecting sections exists. The limiting element can simultaneously form a stiffening element within the meaning of the present invention.

It may be provided within the scope of the invention that in the case of a positive-locking connection Between the first and second connection sections, the locking head rests against the limiting element, at least partially. This increases the resistance of the positive locking mechanism to disengagement. Furthermore, the limiting element can thus be used as a support for the locking head and a defined movement sequence for disengaging the positive locking mechanism.

It is also conceivable that the joint is designed as a film hinge. In other words, the joint can be formed by a material film that is flexible or elastically deformable such that bending or elastic deformation of the material film allows the second connecting section to pivot relative to the first, or vice versa. Using a film hinge offers the advantage of realizing the joint as an integral part of the connecting element. The film hinge also creates a permanent connection between the connecting sections, thus preventing the unintentional loss of a connecting section. Furthermore, a connecting element with a film hinge as the joint is comparatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Assembly steps required for other joint designs to create the joint connection are completely eliminated. Therefore, the film hinge represents the preferred embodiment of a joint in relation to the present invention. Alternatively, however, the joint can also be realized in another way. In particular, the joint can generally be designed as a pivot joint, e.g. as a hinge, especially a tab hinge.

It is also conceivable that the first connecting section and the second connecting section comprise a plate-shaped base body, with the film hinge in particular forming a transition between the plate-shaped base bodies of the connecting sections. In other words, it is conceivable that both the first and the second connecting section comprise a plate-shaped base body. It can preferably be provided that the film hinge is arranged between the plate-shaped base bodies and is connected at a first end, in particular towards the first connecting section, to the plate-shaped base body of the first connecting section and at a second end, in particular towards the second connecting section, to the plate-shaped base body of the second connecting section. In particular, the film hinge can thus form a transition between the plate-shaped base bodies of the connecting sections.

Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible to reduce the material thickness of the film hinge compared to the material thickness of the plate-shaped base body of the first and/or second connecting section. This results in reduced stiffness of the connecting element in the area of the film hinge compared to the respective plate-shaped base body and thus improved mobility of the connecting sections relative to each other via the joint or film hinge.

Furthermore, the invention may provide that at least one stiffening element, in particular at least one stiffening rib, is formed on at least one connection section, in particular on the first connection section and/or the second connection section, to increase the bending stiffness of the connection section. At least one stiffening element may be formed on a plate-shaped base body of the connection section. Preferably, the stiffening element may be designed to absorb bending moments, in particular about an axis oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. At least one stiffening element may be oriented orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to a plate-shaped base body of the first and/or second connection section. Additionally or alternatively, at least one stiffening element may be formed as an edge that circumferentially, at least partially, of the first and/or second connection section, in particular of a plate-shaped base body of the first and/or second connection section. Additionally or alternatively, at least one stiffening element can extend from an edge of a plate-shaped base body of the first and/or second connecting section, inclined towards this edge, over the plate-shaped base body.

Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that in at least one connecting section, in particular the first connecting section and/or the second connecting section, at least two stiffening elements are connected to each other, at least partially, in particular by a material bond, and form a stiffening structure. Such a stiffening structure can preferably be formed on a plate-shaped base body of the connecting section, in particular the first and/or second connecting section. The formation of a stiffening structure results in a comparatively high stiffness of the connecting section in question, thereby supporting a high-quality connection to the body or the body attachment.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting element, at least partially, and in particular entirely, is made of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element can be manufactured in one piece and/or from a single material, particularly as an injection-molded part. The use of plastic offers the advantage of cost-effective and simple manufacturing of the connecting element. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element can be manufactured, at least partially, and in particular entirely, from a metal, especially a sheet metal part.

The connecting element can be made of at least two different plastics. Preferably, the first and second connecting sections are made of a plastic with lower stiffness than the plastic used for the joint, particularly a film hinge. The first and second connecting sections can be made of the same plastic or different plastics. Advantageously, the connecting element can be designed as a two-component injection-molded part (2K injection-molded part). This offers the advantage of allowing the material properties of the connecting element to be varied locally. For example, the connecting sections can be designed with higher stiffness for a reliable connection to the vehicle body or body-integrated component. Conversely, improved flexibility in the area of the joint, particularly a film hinge, can be achieved by reducing the material stiffness.

In relation to the present invention, it can further be advantageous for the connecting element to be formed, at least partially, from a fiber-reinforced plastic. The reinforcing fibers can be, in particular, glass fibers and/or carbon fibers and/or natural fibers, especially bast fibers, hemp fibers, or flax fibers. The use of a fiber-reinforced plastic can improve the mechanical properties of the connecting element. The use of natural fibers can achieve improved environmental compatibility.

Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous that at least one connecting section, in particular the first and/or the second connecting section, is provided with at least one pre-fastening element for a pre-fastening, in particular a positive-locking, attachment of the connecting element. A pre-fastening element on the first connecting section can preferably serve to pre-fasten the connecting element to the vehicle body. A pre-fastening element on the second connecting section can preferably serve to pre-fasten the connecting element to the vehicle body component. At least one pre-fastening element can, for example, be designed as a centering bolt. The use of a pre-fastening element allows for easier handling of the connecting element during assembly, since the positive lock achievable via the pre-fastening element holds the connecting element in an assembly position and thus does not need to be held continuously by a user. Furthermore, the use of a pre-fastening element can prevent incorrect positioning of the connecting element on the vehicle body and/or the vehicle body component.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one connecting section has at least one recess for receiving, at least partially, a fastening element. The fastening element can preferably be designed as a screw or rivet. In other words, the fastening element can be guided through the recess, at least partially, through the connecting element in order to connect the respective connecting section to the body attachment or the body, and in particular to clamp it.

The above problem is further solved by a vehicle according to the invention, comprising a body, at least one body attachment, and at least one connecting element according to the invention, in particular at least one connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 12. It is provided that the body and the body attachment are connected to each other by the connecting element.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a vehicle according to the invention as have already been described with regard to a connecting element according to the invention.

The vehicle is preferably a car or passenger vehicle. Alternatively, it can also be a truck, an agricultural vehicle, or a construction vehicle. It may be provided that several, in particular at least two, four, or six, connecting elements are provided to connect at least one body attachment to the body. The connecting elements are preferably identical.

• - Einbringen wenigstens eines Kunststoffs in eine in einem Spritzgusswerkzeug ausgebildete Kavität, wobei die Kavität einem Negativ des Verbindungselements entspricht,
• - Ausformen des Verbindungselements aus dem Spritzgusswerkzeug.

The above problem is further solved by a method according to the invention for producing a connecting element according to the invention, in particular a connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps:

• - Introducing at least one plastic into a cavity formed in an injection molding tool, wherein the cavity corresponds to a negative of the connecting element,
• - Molding the connecting element from the injection mold.

The method allows for the simple and comparatively cost-effective production of a connecting element according to the invention in high quantities.

It can also be provided that at least two different plastics are introduced into the injection mold simultaneously, at least temporarily. It can be provided that the first and/or the second connecting section is each made of a plastic that differs from the plastic used for the joint, in particular the film hinge. Specifically, the plastic used for the film hinge can have a lower stiffness than the plastic (or plastics) used for the connecting sections. The connecting element can therefore be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. This offers the advantage of customized adaptation of local material properties combined with rapid production of large quantities.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verbindungselements,
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verbindungselements,
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs,
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer Karosserie und
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verfahrens.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

• 1 a schematic view of a connecting element,
• 2 a schematic view of a connecting element,
• 3 a schematic view of a vehicle,
• 4 a schematic view of a car body and
• 5 a schematic view of a process.

The figures use identical reference numerals for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

1 and 2 Figure 10 shows schematic views of a connecting element 10 for connecting a vehicle body 51 of a vehicle 50 to a body attachment 52. The connecting element 10 comprises a first connecting section 11 for connecting, at least partially, to the vehicle body 51 and a second connecting section 12 for connecting, at least partially, to the body attachment 52. The first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12 are connected via a joint 13 such that the second connecting section 12 can pivot, at least partially, about an axis of rotation R relative to the first connecting section 11. Furthermore, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12 are positively connected to each other, at least partially, so that the second connecting section 12 is secured against pivoting relative to the first connecting section 11 about the axis of rotation R. It is also provided that this positive locking can be released by introducing a predetermined force F into the second connecting section 12 in order to allow the second connecting section 12 to pivot relative to the first connecting section 11 about the axis of rotation R.

A connecting element 10 according to the invention provides the advantage of a reliable connection between the body 51 and the body attachment 52. If a force F or load introduced into the body attachment 52 and, via this, into the second connecting section 12, exceeds a predetermined limit, the positive locking between the first and second connecting sections 11, 12 is released. The resulting pivotability of the second connecting section 12 relative to the first connecting section 11 interrupts the load transfer between the body 51 and the body attachment 52. This prevents damage to the body 51 due to excessive load during an impact on the body attachment 52.

Out of 1 and 2 It is further evident that a receptacle 14 is formed on the first connecting section 11 and a locking head 15 is formed on the second connecting section 12, the positive locking between the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12 being formed by the engagement of the locking head 15 in the receptacle 14. The receptacle 14 is defined in this case by two opposing The locking lugs 22 are formed. In the case of a positive fit between the connecting sections, the locking lugs 22 enclose the locking head 15 at least partially and thereby hold the locking head 15 positively in the receptacle 14.

Out of 1 It is further evident that a limiting element 16 is formed on the first connecting section 11, wherein the limiting element 16 restricts movement of the second connecting element 12 in the direction of the first connecting element 10. In the case of a positive-locking connection between the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12, the locking head 15 rests against the limiting element 16 at least partially.

According to 1 and 2 The joint 13 is designed as a film hinge 13. The use of a film hinge 13 offers the advantage of an integral realization of the joint 13 on the connecting element 10. The first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12 each comprise a plate-shaped base body 17, wherein, in particular, the film hinge 13 forms a transition between the plate-shaped base bodies 17 of the connecting sections 11, 12.

Furthermore, in 1 It has been shown that at least one stiffening element 18 is formed on both connecting sections 11, 12 to increase the bending stiffness of the connecting sections 11, 12. The stiffening elements 18 are formed on the plate-shaped base body 17 of the connecting sections 11, 12. The stiffening elements 18 are oriented orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the plate-shaped base bodies 17 of the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12, respectively. For example, at least one first stiffening element 18.1 is formed as an edge of the plate-shaped base body 17 of the first and second connecting section 11, 12 that is at least partially circumferential. At least one second stiffening element 18.2 also extends from an edge of the plate-shaped base body 17 and is inclined to this edge over the plate-shaped base body 17.

It will be made from 1 It is further evident that in both the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 12 at least two stiffening elements 18 are at least partially joined to each other by a material bond and form a stiffening structure.

Furthermore, it shows 2 , that at least one pre-fastening element 19 is formed on the first connecting section 11 for pre-fastening the connecting element 10. The pre-fastening element 19 on the first connecting section 11 serves to pre-fasten the connecting element 10 to the body 51.

Furthermore, it shows 1 , that at least one recess 20 is provided for receiving, at least partially, a fastening element. The fastening element may preferably be designed as a screw or rivet. Such a recess 20 is also provided on the non-visible mounting surface 21, where the connection between the connecting element 10 and the body attachment 52 is made.

3 Furthermore, a schematic view of vehicle 50 is shown. Vehicle 50 comprises a 4 A schematically represented body 51 and a body attachment 52, wherein the body 51 and the body attachment 52 are connected to each other via at least one connecting element 10. The body attachment 52 is designed in this case as a bumper, which is arranged at the rear of the vehicle 50.

• - Einbringen 110 wenigstens eines Kunststoffs in eine in einem Spritzgusswerkzeug ausgebildete Kavität, wobei die Kavität einem Negativ des Verbindungselements 10 entspricht,
• - Ausformen 120 des Verbindungselements 10 aus dem Spritzgusswerkzeug.

5 further shows a method 100 for manufacturing a connecting element 10, comprising the following steps:

• - Introducing 110 at least one plastic into a cavity formed in an injection molding tool, wherein the cavity corresponds to a negative of the connecting element 10,
• - Molding 120 of the connecting element 10 from the injection mold.

Reference symbol list

10

Connecting element

11

first connecting section

12

second connecting section

13

Joint / film hinge

14

Recording

15

Raster head

16

Boundary element

17

basic body

18

stiffening element

18.1

first stiffening element

18.2

second stiffening element

19

Pre-fastening element

20

recess

21

Mounting surface

22

Rastnase

50

vehicle

51

body

52

Body attachment

100

Proceedings

110

Introducing

120

Shape

F

Power

R

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10 2022 104 524 A1 [0004]
• US 2018/0056905 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Connecting element (10) for connecting a vehicle body (51) (50) to a body attachment (52), comprising a first connecting section (11) for connecting, at least partially, to the vehicle body (51) and a second connecting section (12) for connecting, at least partially, to the body attachment (52), whereby the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) are connected via a joint (13) such that the second connecting section (12) is pivotable relative to the first connecting section (11), at least partially, about an axis of rotation (R), and wherein the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) are positively connected to each other, at least partially, such that the second connecting section (12) is secured against pivoting relative to the first connecting section (11) about the axis of rotation (R), whereby the positive connection is achieved by introducing a predetermined force (F) into the second connecting section (12). is solvable in order to allow the second connecting section (12) to pivot relative to the first connecting section (11) about the axis of rotation (R). Connecting element (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that a receptacle (14) is formed on one connecting section (11) and a locking head (15) is formed on the other connecting section (12), wherein the positive locking between the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) is formed at least partially by an engagement of the locking head (15) in the receptacle (14). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a limiting element (16) is formed on the first connecting section (11), wherein the limiting element (16) limits a movement of the second connecting section (12) in the direction of the first connecting section (11). Connecting element (10) after Claim 2 and 3 , characterized in that , in the case of a positive locking connection between the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12), the locking head (15) bears at least partially against the limiting element (16). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (13) is designed as a film hinge (13). Connecting element (10) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (12) comprise a plate-shaped base body (17), wherein the film hinge (13) forms a transition between the plate-shaped base bodies (17) of the connecting sections (11, 12). Connecting element (10) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the material thickness of the film hinge (13) is reduced compared to the material thickness of the plate-shaped base body (17) of the first connecting section (11) and/or second connecting section (12). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stiffening element (18) is formed on at least one connecting section (11, 12) to increase the bending stiffness of the connecting section (11, 12), in particular on a plate-shaped base body (17). Connecting element (10) after Claim 8 , characterized in that at least two stiffening elements (18) are at least partially joined together by a material bond in at least one connection section (11, 12) and form a stiffening structure. Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (10) is made of plastic, at least in sections, and/or that the connecting element (10) is formed in one piece and/or of a single material, in particular as an injection-molded part. Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pre-fastening element (19) for a, in particular positive locking, pre-fastening of the connecting element (10) to the body (51) is formed on the first connecting section (11). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess (20) is provided on at least one connecting section for receiving, at least section by section, a fastening means. Vehicle (50) comprising a body (51), at least one body attachment (52) and at least one connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (51) and the body attachment (52) are connected to each other by the connecting element (10). Method (100) for manufacturing a connecting element (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , comprising the following steps: - Inserting (110) at least one plastic into a cavity formed in an injection molding tool, wherein the cavity corresponds to a negative of the connecting element (10), - Molding (120) the connecting element (10) out of the injection molding tool.