BODY UNIT, BODY AND VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF

Abstract

In order to improve a body unit comprising a body component that comprises an elongate carrier element and at least one injection molded part, it is proposed that at least one injection molded part that is molded onto the carrier element should hold at least one functional element at a holding part of the functional element.

Claims

1. A body unit, comprising a body component that comprises an elongate carrier element and at least one injection molded part, the at least one injection molded part is molded at least partly onto the carrier element and holds at least one functional element at a holding part of the functional element.

2. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part comprises at least one flange portion at which the injection molded part holds the functional element.

3. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part has at least one undercut and the injection molded part embraces at least one undercut.

4. The body unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one undercut is an undercut in relation related to a direction oriented from the holding part toward the carrier element.

5. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part has at least one wall portion that runs at least approximately parallel to a longitudinal extent of the carrier element, and at least one portion of the injection molded part at least partly, covers at least a side of the wall portion remote from the carrier element.

6. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part has at least one recessed element and the injection molded part engages in the at least one recessed element with an engaging portion.

7. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part has at least one aperture and the injection molded part engages through the least one aperture.

8. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part comprises at least one holding rib and the injection molded part embraces the at least one holding rib.

9. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding part has at least one receiving space in which the injection molded part engages.

10. The body unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one portion of the holding part that delimits the receiving space has at least one aperture.

11. The body unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one holding rib is arranged in the at least one receiving space.

12. A body unit, comprising a body component that comprises an elongate carrier element and at least one injection molded part, the at least one injection molded part is molded at least partly onto the carrier element and forms at least one functional element.

13. The body unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the functional element takes the form of a securing element for securing a vehicle functional unit.

14. The body unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the functional element takes the form of a securing element for being secured to a further body component.

15. The body unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the body unit comprises at least one further body component, and in that the at least one further body component is secured to the functional element.

16. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one functional element is at least partly made from metal.

17. The body unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the functional element is at least partly fiber-reinforced.

18. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one injection molded part is at least partly molded onto the carrier element and comprises a reinforcing component that reinforces the carrier element.

19. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one injection molded part comprises at least one reinforcing rib and the at least one reinforcing rib reinforces a holding component of the at least one injection molded part.

20. The body unit as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one reinforcing rib at least partly peripherally embraces the carrier element.

21. The body unit as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one reinforcing rib is arranged in an internal region of the carrier element.

22. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element has at least one through-hole, and at least one injection molded part engages in the at least one through-hole.

23. The body unit as claimed in claim 22, wherein a portion of the at least one injection molded part that engages in the through-hole is molded onto a portion of the reinforcing rib that portion of the reinforcing rib runs over a through-opening.

24. The body unit according to claim 1, wherein the carrier element has a laterally open cross-sectional shape.

25. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element is made at least partly from a metallic material.

26. A body unit, comprising a body component that comprises an elongate carrier element and at least one injection molded part, the carrier element is at least partly formed from an injection molded part.

27. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element is made at least partly from a material comprising a plastics material.

28. The body unit as claimed in claim 26, wherein the material of the carrier element comprises at least two different materials, wherein one of the at least two different materials has a greater elastic modulus than the other of the at least two different materials.

29. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element is at least partly fiber-reinforced.

30. The body unit as claimed in claim 29, wherein the carrier element is made from a fiber-reinforced material.

31. The body unit as claimed in claim 29, wherein the carrier element is fiber-reinforced by a fiber-reinforced reinforcing component.

32. The body unit as claimed in claim 29, wherein the carrier element is fiber-reinforced at least along a portion that, at least in respect of one operating mode, is on the driver's side.

33. The body unit as claimed in claim 29, wherein the carrier element is fiber-reinforced along its entire longitudinal extent.

34. The body unit as claimed in claim 26, wherein the injection molded part is at least partly fiber-reinforced.

35. The body unit as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fiber reinforcement takes the form of a fiber-reinforced layer.

36. The body unit as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least some of the fibers of the fiber reinforcement are entwined with one another.

37. The body unit as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least some fibers of the fiber reinforcement are oriented unidirectionally in at least one ply.

38. The body unit as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fiber reinforcement comprises a plurality of plies having fibers.

39. A body for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one body unit as claimed in claim 1.

40. A motor vehicle having a body unit as claimed in claim 1.

41. The body unit as claimed in claim 1, the at least one injection molded part is at least partly fiber-reinforced.

42. A method for the manufacture of a body unit comprising a body component, wherein the method comprises providing an elongate carrier element and forming at least one injection molded part for the body component, wherein the at least one injection molded part is at least partly molded onto the carrier element.

43. The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein a mold is used for the manufacture of at least the body component, wherein the mold comprises a plurality of mold units that are movable in relation to one another.

44. The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the mold comprises at least one mold unit that has a mold slide that is displaceable relative to a mold unit base.

45. The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the formation of at least one injection molded part comprises multi-component injection molding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0330] In the drawing:

[0331] FIG. 1 shows a body of a vehicle;

[0332] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a body component of the body, in a view of a side facing a driver-control region;

[0333] FIG. 3 shows an exploded illustration of a carrier element and, molded onto this, an injection molded part of the body component, in a view similar to FIG. 2;

[0334] FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the body component, in a view of a side facing a front region;

[0335] FIG. 5 shows an exploded illustration of the carrier element and the injection molded part, in a view similar to FIG. 4;

[0336] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged illustration of the body component in the region of a longitudinal end with a flange body;

[0337] FIG. 7 shows a sectional illustration through the carrier element and the injection molded part along the section VII-VII that is marked in FIG. 6;

[0338] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged illustration of a detail of the body component in the region of the functional element;

[0339] FIG. 9 shows a sectional illustration through the functional element, the injection molded part and the carrier element along the section IX-IX that is marked in FIG. 8;

[0340] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged illustration of a holding part of the functional element;

[0341] FIG. 11 shows a sectional illustration of the holding part embedded in a holding body of the injection molded part;

[0342] FIG. 12 to FIG. 15 show a sequence of a method movement of mold units of a mold, in a method for the formation of the injection molded part, and the injection molded part that is formed during this;

[0343] FIG. 16 shows an illustration, similar to FIG. 9, of a second exemplary embodiment of a body component;

[0344] FIG. 17 shows an illustration of a body component in a variant of the exemplary embodiments; and

[0345] FIG. 18 shows a schematic illustration of a fiber-reinforced carrier element of a further variant of the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0346] An exemplary embodiment of a body, which is designated 110 as a whole, of a motor vehicle (not illustrated in detail in the drawings), and which is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, comprises a plurality of body components, which are in particular bracing parts for the body skeleton, casing parts, and for example built-on parts.

[0347] The body skeleton comprises, in particular in a forward region 114 as seen in relation to a vehicle longitudinal axis 112, a forward transverse support 116 on which are laterally arranged two longitudinal supports 118a and 118b that extend as far as a central region 122 and are connected to a respective corresponding A pillar support 124a and 124b.

[0348] Preferably, provided in the central region 122, at the front as seen in relation to the vehicle longitudinal axis 112, is a windshield transverse support 126 that extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal axis 112, and provided in an upper region is a roof support structure that in particular comprises transverse supports and longitudinal supports and that extends above the central region 122. The A pillar supports 124a and 124b are arranged laterally in the central region and connected to the windshield transverse support 126 and the roof support structure.

[0349] Arranged in a rear region 132 at the back is a rear support structure 134 that in particular likewise comprises transverse supports and longitudinal supports and is connected to the roof support structure.

[0350] In particular, the body 110 also comprises a body substructure 136 that is arranged below the roof support structure 128 and is connected, directly or indirectly by way of carrier elements, to the longitudinal supports 118, the pillar supports 124a, b and the rear support structure 134.

[0351] An oriented vehicle longitudinal direction 138 is oriented along the vehicle longitudinal axis 112 from the rear region 132 forward to the forward region 114 such that, as seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction 138, the forward region 114 is at the front and the rear region 132 is at the back. In particular, the vehicle longitudinal direction 138 corresponds substantially to a direction of travel of the vehicle during straight-ahead travel.

[0352] In the text above and below, the wording “top” and “bottom” is used in relation to a normal orientation of the body and the vehicle, in particular when the latter stands on a horizontal surface, and to a vertical line through the vehicle longitudinal axis 112, so that the roof support structure 128 is arranged at the top and the body substructure 136 is arranged on the bottom of the body, and when the vehicle is standing on the horizontal surface the road surface is below the body substructure 136.

[0353] The body 110 defines an internal space 142 in which, in the central region 122, the passenger compartment is provided, and in particular an engine compartment 146 is arranged in the forward region 114 and a trunk 148 of the vehicle is arranged in the rear region 132, provided the vehicle has a front drive, and in variants in which the vehicle has a rear drive an engine compartment is arranged in the rear region 132 and for example a trunk 148 is arranged in the forward region 114.

[0354] In particular, the internal space 142 comprises a driver-control region 152 and a front region 154, which in relation to the vehicle longitudinal axis 112 and as seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction 138 is arranged in front of the driver-control region 152, wherein in particular the driver-control region 152 is at least a partial region of the passenger compartment 144 and for example the front region 154 is at least a partial region of the engine compartment 146 in the case of a vehicle with front drive, and in variants of the vehicle with rear drive it is for example a partial region of the trunk.

[0355] In particular, the driver-control region 152, and preferably the entire passenger compartment, is arranged between the roof support structure 128 and the body substructure 136, in relation to a direction.

[0356] In particular, the windshield transverse support 126 is arranged in front of the driver-control region, as seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction 138.

[0357] Preferably, the body 110 comprises a front wall 156 that is arranged between the driver-control region 152 and the front region 154 and in particular is secured to the longitudinal supports 118a, b, the A pillar supports 124a, b and the body substructure 136.

[0358] In particular, the internal space 142 extends in the at least substantially vertical direction between the roof support structure 128 and the body substructure 136, and as seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction 138 between the forward transverse support 116 and a rearward region of the rear support structure 134.

[0359] A body component 210, which is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 to 11, comprises an elongate carrier element 212 and at least one injection molded part 214 that is preferably molded onto the carrier element 212.

[0360] In this exemplary embodiment, the body component 210 extends between the A pillar supports 124a, b and is secured to these and to a body substructure 136.

[0361] In particular, the body component 210 is provided for securing vehicle functional units such as a steering column, and for example for securing control units, by means of which a driver of the vehicle can control the vehicle and for example units of its equipment such as an air conditioning system and/or an audio system and/or a navigation system.

[0362] In variants of the exemplary embodiment, the body component 210 may also have additional and/or alternative functions and/or may be arranged in a different region of the body and be secured to different body components.

[0363] The body component 210 extends in a substantially elongate manner along a component axis 218, wherein individual components thereof such as the injection molded part 214 extend transversely to the component axis 218, away from the substantially elongate underlying structure of the body component 210.

[0364] The component axis 218 is defined substantially by the carrier element 212, which extends substantially along the component axis 218 in a longitudinal extent.

[0365] For example, the carrier element 212 is a metallic carrier element.

[0366] The carrier element 212 comprises a plurality of longitudinal portions 222, 224, 226 that extend along the component axis 218 at least between two longitudinal ends 215 and 217 of the body component 210, which are opposite one another along the component axis 218.

[0367] Preferably, the longitudinal portions 222, 224, 226 take a substantially planar form along their longitudinal extent, for example taking a planar form throughout or taking a planar form along the majority of the longitudinal extent.

[0368] For example, individual step portions or a step portion 238 between planar portions are provided. In particular, a longitudinal extent of the step portion 238 is substantially smaller than the longitudinal extent of the longitudinal portion.

[0369] Preferably, transversely to its longitudinal extent, in particular in relation to a cross section running at least approximately perpendicular to the component axis 218, the carrier element 212 has an open cross-sectional profile, in particular a C-shaped profile, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0370] Two longitudinal portions, in this case the longitudinal portions 222 and 224, run substantially parallel to one another and are at a spacing from one another transversely to the axial direction of the component axis 218 such that corresponding inner flat sides thereof face one another and partly delimit a hollow internal region 242 of the carrier element 212.

[0371] A further longitudinal portion, in this case the longitudinal portion 226, connects the two mutually spaced longitudinal portions 222, 224 and is in each case molded onto these, for example in a respective curved region 246, 248, and delimits the internal region 242 transversely to the component axis 218 and transversely to the direction in which the two spaced longitudinal portions 222 and 224 delimit the internal region 242.

[0372] Thus, the internal region 242 is open toward one side 252, wherein the open side 252 is arranged opposite the connecting longitudinal portion 226 and is delimited by the spaced longitudinal portions 222 and 224.

[0373] The in particular one-piece injection molded part 214 has a reinforcing component 272 that is molded directly onto the carrier element 212 and reinforces it.

[0374] The reinforcing component 272 comprises a multiplicity of reinforcing ribs 274, 276, 278.

[0375] Preferably, some of the reinforcing ribs, in this case the reinforcing ribs 274, run along the outer side of the carrier element 212, peripherally along it and for example transversely and/or at least approximately perpendicular to the component axis 218, and in so doing preferably run through all the longitudinal portions 222, 224, 226, for example from one margin of the open side 252 along the periphery of the carrier element 212 to the other margin of the open side 252.

[0376] In particular, some of the reinforcing ribs, in this case the reinforcing ribs 276, run longitudinally, that is to say in particular at least approximately parallel to the component axis 218, along a margin of the open side 252, and in so doing are preferably connected to the peripheral reinforcing ribs 274 at contact locations 275.

[0377] It is particularly favorable if some of the reinforcing ribs, in this case the reinforcing ribs 278, are arranged in the internal region 242 of the carrier element 212. In particular, some of these reinforcing ribs 278 extend transversely and cross one another, wherein some of the reinforcing ribs 278 are formed to extend at least approximately parallel to the component axis 218, some of the reinforcing ribs 278 are formed to extend at least approximately perpendicular to the component axis 218, and some of the reinforcing ribs 278 are formed to extend obliquely to the component axis 218.

[0378] For example, in the case of at least some of the peripheral reinforcing ribs 274, there are arranged corresponding inside reinforcing ribs 278, which run on the inside along the part of the carrier element 212 that is embraced by the outer reinforcing rib 274.

[0379] Some of the reinforcing ribs, in this case in particular the peripheral reinforcing ribs 274 and marginal reinforcing ribs 276, take a linear form, wherein other reinforcing ribs, in this case in particular the inside reinforcing ribs 278, take a planar form.

[0380] In particular, the linear reinforcing ribs have a cross section transverse to their longitudinal extent of which the dimension is at least approximately of the same size in mutually perpendicular directions.

[0381] In the case of planar reinforcing ribs, their cross section transverse to their longitudinal extent has a dimension in one direction that is substantially greater than, for example being at least five times the size, in particular at least ten times the size, a dimension in a direction at least approximately perpendicular to the one direction.

[0382] For example, at least some of the inside reinforcing ribs 278 extend in planar manner from the open side 252 as far as the longitudinal portion 226 that lies opposite the open side 252, and transversely thereto from one of the spaced longitudinal portions 222, 224 to the other of the two spaced longitudinal portions 224, 222.

[0383] Preferably, the carrier element 212 has small through-holes 282 along its longitudinal portions 222, 224, 226, wherein the reinforcing component 272 of the injection molded part 214 engages through the through-holes 282 by means of pin elements, wherein at their respective ends the pin elements are preferably molded onto an outside reinforcing rib, in this case for example the peripheral reinforcing ribs 274, and are molded on the inside onto the inside reinforcing ribs 278.

[0384] In particular, at least some of the reinforcing ribs extend at least between two through-holes 282.

[0385] Preferably, at least some of the outside reinforcing ribs 274 run from a through-hole 282 in one of the spaced longitudinal portions 222, 224 along the periphery of the carrier element 212, at least as far as a through-hole in the other of the spaced longitudinal portions 224, 222.

[0386] For example, at least some of the inside reinforcing ribs 278 extend at least between two through-holes 282 in for example the two spaced longitudinal portions 222, 224.

[0387] For example, at least one longitudinal portion, in this case the connecting longitudinal portion 224, has openings 284 that are bordered and reinforced by portions of the reinforcing component 272 that border the opening.

[0388] At its longitudinal ends 215 and 217, the body component 210 has respective flange bodies 312 and 314 that are formed by the carrier element 212 and the injection molded part 214, for the purpose of securing to further components of the body, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0389] In particular, the flange bodies 312, 314 have securing apertures 316, 318, wherein for example at least one securing aperture, in this case the securing aperture 316, is formed in the carrier element 212 and reinforced by corresponding portions of the injection molded part 214, and in particular at least one securing aperture, in this case the securing aperture 318, is formed solely by the injection molded part 214.

[0390] Preferably, the body component 210 has further securing components, in this case securing struts 332, 334, which are formed by the injection molded part 214 and extend transversely to the component axis 218, in an elongate manner away from the elongate underlying structure with the carrier element 212, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0391] For example, two securing struts 332a, b are provided that extend away downward and have at their respective lower ends, which are spaced from the carrier element 212, securing locations, for example having securing apertures, for the purpose of being secured for example to the body substructure 136.

[0392] Preferably, the securing struts 332 have one or more mounting locations 344 that are at least partly formed by flange portions 346 that face the driver-control region 152 and on which equipment units and/or control elements may be arranged, and in the assembled condition of the vehicle are arranged, for operation by the driver.

[0393] Preferably, at least one securing strut, in this case the securing strut 334, extends transversely to the component axis 218, forward as seen in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal direction 138, into the front region 154, and is provided with securing locations for the purpose of being secured to a further component of the body and/or with at least one mounting location at which vehicle functional units, for example an engine unit, and/or units for equipment, for example an air conditioning system, may be arranged and held, and in the assembled condition are arranged and held, at least partly by the securing strut 334.

[0394] Additionally provided is a functional element 410, which is held at a holding part 412 thereof by a holding component 414 of the injection molded part 214, as illustrated in particular by way of example in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0395] In this exemplary embodiment, the functional element 410 is a securing element by means of which the body component 210 may be secured, and in the assembled condition is secured, to a further component of the body, in this case the front wall 156.

[0396] In variants of the embodiment, the functional element 410 is for example an element of a vehicle functional unit or an equipment unit.

[0397] For the purpose of securing to at least one further body component, the functional element 410 comprises a plurality of securing parts 422, wherein in particular some securing parts 422a have stably formed securing receptacles 424 for receiving securing elements such as bolts and/or screws, and further securing parts 422b have securing elements 426 such as bolts, or in the case of variants also screws, for connection to for example securing receptacles in other body components.

[0398] In this exemplary embodiment, the functional element 410, which takes the form of a securing element, is secured to the front wall 156, and thus when the body is assembled is positioned in front of the carrier element 212, as seen in the vehicle longitudinal direction 138, and is arranged on a side of the body component 210 that is remote from the driver-control region 152.

[0399] The functional element 410, which comprise the holding part 412 and the functional parts 422 taking the form of securing parts, in this exemplary embodiment is formed in one piece and is made from a metallic material, in particular magnesium.

[0400] With its side having its holding part 412, the functional element 410 faces the carrier element 212, and the holding component 414 comprises two holding arms 432a and 432b that are molded onto the reinforcing component 272 and extend away from the carrier element 212 transversely, in particular at least approximately perpendicular, to the component axis 218, and are molded onto a holding body 434 of the holding component 414, wherein the holding body 434 is connected to the holding part 412 in a manner holding the latter.

[0401] In particular, the holding part 412 is embedded in the holding body 434.

[0402] In particular, the holding body 434 covers large areas of the holding part 412.

[0403] The holding part 412 comprises in particular three flange portions 442, 444, 446 that delimit a receiving space 448 on three sides, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0404] In particular, the flange portions 442, 444, 446 are flat flange portions with large surface areas and mutually opposing flat sides, wherein in each case one of the flat sides delimits the receiving space 448.

[0405] In this case, two flange portions 442 and 444 run at a spacing from one another, as lateral outer walls of the receiving space 448, and are connected to one another by the third flange portion 446, wherein the connecting flange portion 446 is molded at opposing ends thereof onto a respective one of the spaced flange portions 442 and 444.

[0406] For example in this context, the one flange portion, in this case the flange portion 442, is surrounded on both sides—on the side facing the receiving space 448 and the opposite side—over its full surface and at least substantially entirely by the holding body 434 and is embedded therein, and the other of the spaced flange portions, in this case the flange portion 444, is at least partly embedded in the holding body 434.

[0407] The connecting flange portion 446 is also embedded in the holding body 434 on both sides to a very large extent, wherein FIG. 11 illustrates by way of example a region in which a molding-on region in which the flange portion 446 is molded onto the flange portion 444 is free of material of the holding component, and wherein otherwise the connecting flange portion 446 is surrounded over its full surface by the holding body 434.

[0408] The holding part 412 comprises a plurality of recessed elements 462, 464, wherein for example two recessed elements 462a and 462b are shaped in a flange portion, in this case the connecting flange portion 446, and a further recessed element 464 is shaped in a further portion of the holding part 412, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0409] The recessed elements 462, 464 in this case take substantially the same form, so they are explained together.

[0410] The recessed element 462, 464 extends from a starting side 466 toward which the recessed element 462, 464 is also open, into the holding part 412 with wall portions, which in this case form an inner wall 468 of the recessed element 462, and as far as a base portion 472, which in this case projects beyond the side 474 opposite the starting side 466, such that the recessed element 462, 464 forms a projection 476 on the opposite side 474, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0411] Here, the recessed elements 462 shaped in the flange portion 464 project into the receiving space 448, and the opposite side 474 is in this case a side of the flange portion 464 that delimits the receiving space 448.

[0412] Here, the holding body 434 of the holding component 414 is molded onto the recessed elements 462, 464 such that it has an engaging portion 478 that engages in the recessed element 462, 464 and in so doing entirely covers the inner wall 468 thereof and also the base portion.

[0413] In particular, the recessed element 462, 464 is embedded on both sides in the holding body 434 such that the part that projects on the opposite side 474 and forms the projection 446 is also entirely surrounded by the holding body 434.

[0414] Moreover, the holding part 412 has a multiplicity of apertures 482, 484, wherein a first group of apertures 482 is made in a flange portion, in this case the flange portion 446, and a second group of apertures 484 is made in the recessed elements 462, 464, in particular in the base portion 472 thereof, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0415] The apertures 482, 484 take substantially the same form, so they are explained here together.

[0416] In each case, the aperture 482, 484 opens on the opposing sides by means of a through-opening 486, 488, and extends continuously between the through-openings 486, 488, all the way through the holding part 412. Here, each of the through-openings 486 and 488 is bordered by a border portion 492 or 494 of the holding part 412.

[0417] By means of a filling portion 496, in this case taking for example a pin-shaped form, the holding body 434 entirely fills the aperture 482, 484, and portions that are molded onto the filling portion 496 entirely cover the border portions 492 and 494 such that the aperture 482, 484 and a region of the holding part 412 surrounding it are entirely embedded in the holding body 434.

[0418] Moreover, the holding part 412 has a holding rib 512 or a plurality of holding ribs 512 that are arranged in particular in the receiving space 448.

[0419] The holding ribs 412 are in this case formed from rib portions 514, 516 that run transversely to one another and are in particular molded onto a flange portion, in this case the flange portion 446, and extend away from this, wherein one of the rib portions, in this case the rib portion 514, takes a form running transversely to the component axis 218, and a further rib portion, in this case the rib portion 516, takes a form running substantially parallel to the component axis 518 and for example faces the carrier element 212 by means of an end-face side 518.

[0420] Preferably, the holding body 434 at least partly embeds the holding ribs 512 as well, and in particular embraces at least one rib portion, in this case the rib portion 516, on its end-face side 518 that faces the carrier element 212 and on the side remote from the carrier element 212.

[0421] In particular, the holding body 434 also has bracing ribs 522 that reinforce it and for example at least partly take the form of prolonged parts of portions surrounding the holding ribs 512, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0422] In this case, preferably the holding part 412 has a plurality of undercuts, in particular on the holding ribs 512 with their transversely running rib portions 514, 516 and/or on the recessed elements 462, 464 and/or at the apertures 482, 484, wherein the undercuts are in some cases undercuts in the direction that is drawn from the carrier element 212 in the direction towards the functional element 410 and corresponds at least approximately to the vehicle longitudinal direction 138, and in some cases undercuts drawn transversely to this direction, in particular drawn in an axial direction of the component axis 218.

[0423] In particular, the body component 210 is provided with a mold, which is designated 610 as a whole and has the at least one injection molded part 210, as illustrated by way of example in the sequence of FIGS. 12 to 15. In this arrangement, the mold 610 has a plurality of mold units, in this case for example at least the mold units 612 and 614, of which at least some are displaceable in relation to one another.

[0424] Here, the mold units 612, 614 have mold recesses which, in particular when put together, substantially form the shape of the at least one injection molded part 214 and where appropriate further injection molded parts.

[0425] In the method, before injection molding, inserts are inserted into at least some mold recesses, for example the mold recess 622 of the mold unit 612, and these inserts form elements and/or components of the body component 210, such as the metallic carrier element 212 and/or the in particular metallic functional element 410, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12.

[0426] Once the inserts have been inserted into their corresponding mold recesses, the mold units, which are movable relative to one another, are moved into position relative to one another such that the inserts are arranged in relation to one another in the relative positions provided for the body component 210, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 13.

[0427] Furthermore, at least one mold unit, in this case the mold unit 614, has a mold slide 628 which is displaceable in relation to a mold unit base 626 and by means of which complex shapes of the injection molded part 214 and in particular undercuts therein and/or recesses therein can be shaped in inserts, illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0428] Once the inserts, such as the carrier element 212, have been inserted into the corresponding recesses 622 for example in the mold unit 612, the mold units 612 and 614 are moved in relation to one another, and the one mold unit 614 is moved at least approximately perpendicular to a mold plane 632 toward the other mold unit 612, as far as an end position (FIG. 12). In this end position, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 13, the mold slide 628 is then moved relative to the mold unit base 626 into an end position, wherein in this case for example parts of the mold slide 628 engage in the internal region 242 of the carrier element 212 and hence provide mold portions for the injection molded part therein, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 14.

[0429] Then, the injection molding material is injected such that the molding cavity formed by the mold units is filled.

[0430] After the injection phase and an at least partial cooling of the injection molded part, the mold units are moved back into their home position for demolding, wherein in particular the mold slide 628 is moved first out of its end position and into a home position.

[0431] By way of example, FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of the injection molded part 214 that is molded onto the carrier element 212 in this way.

[0432] In this way, as illustrated and described by way of example for the carrier element 212 as an insert, the injection molded part may also be molded onto other inserts, in particular the functional element, and/or provided with inserts, in particular stabilizing securing parts, and given the form of complex structures.

[0433] In a second exemplary embodiment of a body component, which is designated 210′ as a whole and is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 16, the elements and features that take at least basically the same form and/or that fulfill substantially the same function are provided with the same reference numeral as above, and where no statements to the contrary are made below, these are formed as above. In particular, if a particular form taken in the case of this exemplary embodiment is to be pointed out explicitly, the reference numeral is provided with a prime mark.

[0434] In this exemplary embodiment, a functional element 410′ takes the form of an injection molded part 214′.

[0435] In particular, the injection molded part 214′ also has a holding component 414′ which, in this exemplary embodiment, is made in one piece with the functional element 410′, and by means of which the functional element 410′ is arranged on the carrier element 212.

[0436] Preferably, otherwise the body component 210′, in particular the injection molded part 214′ and the carrier element 212, take at least substantially the form of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0437] Thus, in particular the injection molded part 214′ likewise has a reinforcing component 272 for reinforcing the carrier element 212. For advantageous configurations, reference is made to the statements above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment.

[0438] The functional element 410′ comprises in particular functional parts that are formed for example by the injection molded part 214′ and/or are individual, separate parts which, in particular in the context of the injection molding method, are connected to the injection molded part 214′ as inserts. Otherwise, as regards the function and functional parts of the functional element 410′, reference is made to the statements in connection with the first exemplary embodiment.

[0439] The holding component 414′ is formed in particular in one piece with the functional element 410′ and the reinforcing component 272. For example, it also has reinforcing ribs and/or bracing ribs.

[0440] Otherwise, the body component 210′ of the second exemplary embodiment, with its elements and features, at least substantially takes the same form as the body component of the first exemplary embodiment, so in order to avoid repetition reference is made to the statements in connection with the first exemplary embodiment in their entirety.

[0441] In the case of variants of the first and/or second exemplary embodiment, the carrier element 212 is made partly or entirely from the injection molded part 214, 214′, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 17.

[0442] In particular in the case of these variants, the part forming the carrier element 212, and the holding component of the injection molded part 214, 214′ are made in one piece.

[0443] Preferably in these variants, the injection molded part 214, 214′ has features as explained in connection with the reinforcing component, in particular reinforcing ribs.

[0444] Further configurations of the body component, in particular the carrier element and/or the components of the injection molded part, also preferably take the same form as in one of the exemplary embodiments explained above, so reference is made to the above statements in this regard, and in this variant the only difference is that the injection molded part at least partly forms the carrier element.

[0445] In particular, in these variants the body component 210, 210′ is thus substantially formed as an injection molded part.

[0446] In some variations, the injection molded part is made from a plastics material, for example a high-strength plastics material.

[0447] In other variations, the injection molded part 214, 214′ is made from a plurality of plastics materials, wherein the injection molded part is made by a multi-component injection molding method, and thus for example locations on the injection molded part that are under particularly heavy load, such as at least portions of the carrier element, for example at least the portion on the driver's side, are made using a high-strength plastics material and locations that are under less load, such as portions for securing equipment units, are made using a lower-cost plastics material.

[0448] The rest of the construction in the case of these variants is correspondingly as explained above in connection with the first and second exemplary embodiments, so reference is made to these statements in their entirety.

[0449] In further variants of the first or second exemplary embodiment, which are illustrated by way of example in FIG. 18, at least one element and/or component of the body component 210, 210′ is formed to be fiber-reinforced.

[0450] In particular, the carrier element 212 and the injection molded part 214, 214′ are formed to be fiber-reinforced.

[0451] In some of these variants, the fiber reinforcement is formed such that the corresponding element and/or component, in particular the carrier element 212 and/or the injection molded part 214, 214′, in particular its holding component 414, 414′ and/or its reinforcing component 272, and/or the functional element 410, 410′, is/are in particular formed by a fiber-reinforced material, in particular a fiber-reinforced composite material.

[0452] In other variants, the fiber reinforcement of the corresponding element and/or component, in particular as listed above, is/are formed by a fiber-reinforced layer 712, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 18.

[0453] In this case, the fiber-reinforced layer 712 comprises fibers that are embedded in a material, preferably a thermoplastic material.

[0454] The layer 712 is then arranged on the corresponding component and/or element and secured thereto such that the latter is fiber-reinforced.

[0455] For example, the carrier element 212 is fiber-reinforced at least in certain portions, in particular along a portion that is provided on a driver's side, or is fiber-reinforced at least approximately along the entire longitudinal extent. In this case, this fiber reinforcement may be made both by the fiber-reinforced material and also by the layer that extends along the corresponding portion or the longitudinal extent.

[0456] Preferably in this case, the fibers are arranged in plies. In particular, the fibers are arranged partly unidirectionally and partly intertwined into a braided arrangement in order to have a reinforcing effect preferably along load paths.

[0457] Correspondingly, in the case of the variants the injection molded part 214, 214′, in particular its holding component and/or its reinforcing component, is also fiber-reinforced.

[0458] For example, in this case the layer is provided as an insert in an injection molding method.

[0459] The functional element 410, 410′ is also correspondingly fiber-reinforced in some of these variants.

[0460] Otherwise, these variants take at least substantially the same form as the above-explained exemplary embodiments and their variants, so reference is made to the statements above in their entirety.

[0461] In particular, the features and configurations of the different exemplary embodiments and variants thereof are substantially combinable with one another.