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EP-4737222-A1 - VEHICLE EXTERIOR SYSTEM

EP4737222A1EP 4737222 A1EP4737222 A1EP 4737222A1EP-4737222-A1

Abstract

A vehicle exterior system (1) separates an outer area (2) from an inner area (3), the vehicle exterior system comprising a panel (4) and a bumper (7). The panel covers lighting elements (18) and comprises inner (5) and outer panel sides (6). The bumper comprises inner (8) and outer bumper sides (9). A hook- and-loop fastener (12), positioned between the panel and bumper, mechanically fastens them together. A seal member (13) between the panel and bumper seals a path between an outer gap (14) and the fastener. The panel is detachable from the bumper by unfastening the fastener.

Inventors

  • Zeuner, Markus

Assignees

  • ZKW Group GmbH

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20241105

Claims (14)

  1. A vehicle exterior system (1) for separating an outer area (2) from an inner area (3), the vehicle exterior system (1) comprising: a panel (4) designed to cover at least one lighting element (18), the panel (4) having an inner panel side (5) directed to the inner area (3) and an outer panel side (6) directed to the outer area (2); a bumper (7) having an inner bumper side (8) directed to the inner area (3) and an outer bumper side (9) directed to the outer area (2); characterized in that the vehicle exterior system (1) further comprises: at least one hooks part (10) and at least one corresponding loops part (11), forming together at least one hook-and-loop fastener (12), the hook-and-loop fastener (12) being positioned between the panel (4) and the bumper (7) to mechanically fasten the panel (4) and the bumper (7) together; at least one seal member (13) positioned between the panel (4) and the bumper (7), wherein the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is attached to the bumper (7) and the panel (4) such that the panel (4) and the bumper (7) overlap in the direction from the inner area (3) to the outer area (2) and such that an outer gap (14) with a defined width (15) is formed in the boundary to the outer area (2) between the bumper (7) and the panel (4), wherein the seal member (13) is positioned such that a path between the outer gap (14) and the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is sealed, wherein the panel (4) is detachable from the bumper (7) by unfastening the hook-and-loop fastener (12) such that the hooks part (10 is separated from the loops part (11).
  2. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is attached to the inner bumper side (8) and the outer panel side (6) such that the outer gap (14) is formed in the boundary to the outer area (2) between the inner bumper side (8) and the outer panel side (6).
  3. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is attached to the bumper (7) and the panel (4) by adhesive tapes (16a, 16b).
  4. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is attached continuously along the entire perimeter of the panel (4).
  5. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein further hook-and-loop fasteners (12) are distributed at multiple separate positions along the perimeter of the panel (4).
  6. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the seal member (13) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, EPDM, TP, and silicone.
  7. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the seal member (13) is positioned to completely cover the hook-and-loop fastener (12).
  8. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the panel (4) comprises at least one opening (17) for at least one sensor element (19).
  9. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 8, further comprising a securing frame (20) made from metal or rigid plastic, configured to be detachably connected to the panel (4).
  10. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the securing frame (20) is designed to distribute mechanical loads evenly across the panel (4) and bumper (7).
  11. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the panel (4) and the bumper (7) overlap in the direction from the inner area (3) to the outer area (2) by a distance of 5 to 40 mm.
  12. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer gap (14) with a defined width (15) is between 0.5 and 5 mm.
  13. Vehicle exterior system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hook-and-loop fastener (12) is configured to provide a secure attachment that can withstand vehicle vibrations and external forces during operation.
  14. Vehicle comprising a vehicle exterior system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 13.

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle exterior system for separating an outer area from an inner area, the vehicle exterior system comprising: a panel designed to cover at least one lighting element, the panel having an inner panel side directed to the inner area and an outer panel side directed to the outer area; a bumper having an inner bumper side directed to the inner area and an outer bumper side directed to the outer area. In the automotive industry, the assembly of exterior components such as panels and bumpers plays a crucial role in vehicle design and functionality. These components must be securely attached to withstand external forces while allowing easy assembly and disassembly. Traditional means of attaching panels to bumpers involve mechanical fasteners such as screws, clips, and rivets. These means often require significant space and can complicate the assembly process. Additionally, the integration of lighting elements into panels necessitates a secure yet flexible attachment to accommodate various design requirements. Alternative fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners are known from other areas. However, environmental influences such as water, dust and dirt have so far prevented these from being used on the outside of vehicles, as these influences impair the functionality of such fasteners. There is thus a need for a vehicle exterior system that provides a secure and space-efficient connection between panels and bumpers with alternative fasteners to the state of the art. The attachment should also ensure protection of the fastening means while enhancing the structural integrity of the vehicle. This object is achieved by a vehicle exterior system of the above-mentioned kind, wherein the vehicle exterior system further comprises at least one hooks part and at least one corresponding loops part, forming together at least one hook-and-loop fastener, the hook-and-loop fastener being positioned between the panel and the bumper to mechanically fasten the panel and the bumper together; at least one seal member positioned between the panel and the bumper, wherein the hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the bumper and the panel such that the panel and the bumper overlap in the direction from the inner area to the outer area and such that an outer gap with a defined width is formed in the boundary to the outer area between the bumper and the panel, wherein the seal member is positioned such that a path between the outer gap and the hook-and-loop fastener is sealed, wherein the panel is detachable from the bumper by unfastening the hook-and-loop fastener such that the hooks part is separated from the loops part. In this context, a "hook- and-loop fastener" can be formed as a generally known hook-and-loop fastener or as a more advanced variant. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners are known under the trademark "Velcro" from the manufacturer Velcro or as further developed versions known under the trademark "Dual Lock" from the manufacturer 3M, which are suitable for heavy-duty applications. In this context, the term "corresponding" refers to the loops part that is designed to match and engage with the hooks part of the hook-and-loop fastener. The hooks and loops are complementary components that interlock to create a secure fastening mechanism. The expression "directed to" defines the orientation of a side towards a specific area. It indicates the side's facing direction, which may not directly face the area but is oriented towards it, possibly with intervening elements. The hook-and-loop fastener may be attached to the inner bumper side and the outer panel side, forming the outer gap in the boundary to the outer area between these sides. The hook-and-loop fastener can be attached to the bumper and the panel by adhesive tapes. The hook-and-loop fastener may be attached continuously along the entire perimeter of the panel. Alternatively, further hook-and-loop fasteners can be distributed at multiple separate positions along the perimeter of the panel. The seal member can be made from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, EPDM, TP, and silicone. The seal member may be positioned to completely cover the hook-and-loop fastener. The panel can comprise at least one opening for at least one sensor element. The vehicle exterior system may further comprise a securing frame made from metal or rigid plastic, configured to be detachably connected to the panel. The securing frame is preferably designed to distribute mechanical loads evenly across the panel and bumper. The panel and the bumper can overlap in the direction from the inner area to the outer area by a distance of 5 to 40 mm. The outer gap with a defined width may be between 0.5 and 5 mm. The hook-and-loop fastener is preferably configured to provide a secure attachment that can withstand vehicle vibrations and external forces during operation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising such a vehicle exterior system. The