FR3152452A1 - Automotive vehicle front bumper skin frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining frame (24) for the skin of a front bumper of a motor vehicle. The retaining frame (24) comprises a front screen (28), a rear partition (30) extending horizontally and having, longitudinally, a first half (40) and a second half (42) extending from the first half. The retaining frame (24) comprises a water flow orifice (46), and a breakable fixing zone (48) capable of breaking in the event of a pedestrian impact at the level of said retaining frame, said breakable fixing zone (48) comprising a through slot (52); the flow orifice (46) and the through slot (52) being in the first half (40) in order to avoid a possible accumulation of water in said first half. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Automotive vehicle front bumper skin frame

The invention relates to the flow of runoff water in a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a bumper skin frame subject to stagnation of runoff water. The invention provides a frame for maintaining the skin of a front bumper of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle commonly features a front bumper system. This embodies the bodywork of the motor vehicle by presenting various exterior panels whose assembly precision contributes to the perceived quality as well as to aerodynamics and watertightness. These exterior panels embody the bumper skin, and adjoin centrally positioned air intake grilles.

Exterior panels must meet different repairability criteria depending on the speed of the impacts they undergo. For example, for a low-speed impact, the front bumper system is designed to absorb the impact by elastic deformation, therefore without requiring subsequent repair. Low speed means an impact at a speed less than or equal to 10 km/h, preferably 15 km/h. During this impact, the bumper skin deforms elastically upon contact with the obstacle, then returns to its position without any permanent deformation remaining after the obstacle involved in the impact has moved away.

A bumper frame holds the various exterior panels in place. The frame is essentially a rigid element and helps maintain the shape and position of the bumper skin, which is generally made of flexible, thin plastic. This frame is itself attached to a support, such as an upper cross member and/or front pillars.

In terms of safety, a motor vehicle is also designed with the possibility of pedestrian impact in mind. In such a case, the pedestrian's head may strike the hood of the motor vehicle directly above the frame. Thus, the rigidity of the latter potentially becomes a disadvantage. Indeed, the frame creates a hard point that the head reaches, through the front hood, during a pedestrian impact.

Document FR3122134A1 presents a front bumper frame for a motor vehicle, comprising a structure intended to be arranged against an inner face of an outer wall of the front bumper, above a crossmember of said front bumper; in which the front bumper frame comprises a central foot extending from the structure and configured to bear on the front bumper crossmember. The frame further has a front screen extending vertically and a rear partition extending horizontally.

The front bumper system has an interface with a front flap, commonly referred to as the engine cover. In the event of rain, water can seep into the engine compartment despite the seal at the interface. As a result, the water flows onto the frame and tends to collect in the pools it forms. This presence of water maintains a level of humidity that accelerates the corrosion of electrical equipment.

The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to optimize the safety and water drainage of a motor vehicle bumper frame. The invention also aims to optimize the safety, mass, and drainage of runoff water in the front bumper skin frame of a motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a support frame for the skin of a front bumper of a motor vehicle, the support frame comprising a front screen, a rear partition extending horizontally and having, longitudinally, a first half and a second half extending from the first half; remarkable in that the frame retaining frame comprises a water flow orifice, and a breakable fixing zone capable of breaking in the event of pedestrian impact at the level of said retaining frame, said breakable fixing zone comprising a through slot; the flow orifice and the through slot being in the first half in order to limit any possible presence of water in said first half.

It will be understood that the invention proposes a frame with a rear partition in which the water flow means are grouped longitudinally.

Thus, the retaining frame efficiently and quickly evacuates the water it receives. The retaining frame also adapts to complex geometry, in particular the presence of reinforcements and safety devices. The invention exploits the through-section nature of the breakable fixing zone to contribute to the flow of water.

Document US11608122_B2 discloses a mounting system for clips on a vehicle body panel. The system includes a first portion having a first mounting surface and a first through opening in the first mounting surface. The system further includes a second portion having a second mounting surface and a second through opening in the second mounting surface.

CN217713204U discloses auto parts, particularly a combined type buckle structure. The structure comprises a base, buckles, and a guide plate. The two buckles are installed on both sides of the base, the guide plate is located between the two buckles, the height of the guide plate is greater than that of the buckles, and the buckles are arranged on the guide plate.

However, these documents do not provide a solution for the evacuation of runoff water, nor do they optimize the safety and evacuation of water entering a compartment of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the flow orifice and the breakable fixing zone are longitudinally aligned.

Preferably, the flow orifice and the through slot are longitudinally aligned.

Preferably, the retaining frame comprises an upper rim extending transversely along the through slot and the flow orifice.

Preferably, the retaining frame comprises an upper partition extending rearward from the front screen, and/or a junction partition extending forward from the rear partition, said junction partition being inclined relative to the front screen and the rear partition.

Preferably, the rear partition comprises an upper face with a stiffening rib; said stiffening rib being transversely between the through slot and the flow orifice.

Preferably the front screen extends vertically.

Preferably, the retaining frame comprises an upper stud projecting from the first half; the upper stud being longitudinally at the level of the flow orifice and/or the breakable fixing zone.

Preferably, the retaining frame has a central section and a lateral section, the flow orifice and the through slot being in the lateral section.

Preferably, the first half is a back half and the second half is a front half.

Preferably, the flow orifice is wider than the through slot.

Preferably, the through slot passes through the rear partition according to its thickness.

Preferably, the through slot crosses the first rear half.

Preferably, the junction partition extends from the upper partition.

Preferably, the junction partition is inclined relative to the rear partition and the front partition at an angle of between 30° and 60°.

Preferably, the junction partition is inclined relative to the rear partition and the front partition at an angle of between 40° and 50°.

Preferably, the water flow orifice and the through slot are vertically at the same level.

Preferably, the lateral section extends transversely over at least: 10%, or 20%, or 30%, of the transverse width of the retaining frame.

Preferably, the through slot is longer than the flow orifice.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a front bumper system with a frame for holding a front bumper skin, characterized in that the holding frame is in accordance with the invention.

Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a front flap with a retaining rod, and the first half comprises means for locking the retaining rod; the locking means being transversely between the flow orifice and the through slot.

Each feature introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended figures and listed below.

There FIG. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There FIG. 2 shows from the front a subassembly of a motor vehicle front bumper system according to the invention.

There FIG. 3 is a side view of a retaining frame for a motor vehicle front bumper system according to the invention.

There FIG. 4 is a top view of a rear partition of a motor vehicle bumper skin retaining frame according to the invention.

There FIG. 5 is a view from below of a rear partition of a motor vehicle bumper skin retaining frame according to the invention.

In the following description, the term “comprise” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the support frame to which it relates. It is understood that the term “comprise” includes the terms “consist of”. The terms “external” and “internal” will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

In this description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference system of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

In this description, the value ranges include the limits that delimit them.

In this description, the equalities between the values are not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality authorizes a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

In this description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the frame, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

There FIG. 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 can be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems. The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. In particular, the structure 12 receives a front opening such as the front flap 14. The front flap 14 is movable between a closed position (drawn in solid lines), and an open position (drawn in dotted lines) where it provides access to a front compartment 16 (shown in mixed lines). The front compartment 16 is preferably an engine compartment, or a loading space.

In order to be carried in the open position, the front flap 14 comprises a holding rod 18. The holding rod 18 is a manual device, oriented in a retracted position in the front compartment 16, and a raised position (shown in dotted lines) for holding the front flap 14. This raised position is a deployed position.

The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a front bumper system 20. The front bumper system 20 is capable of absorbing energy from a low-speed impact. The front bumper system 20 comprises a front bumper skin 22, impact absorbers, and at least one crossmember (not shown). The front bumper system 20 is configured to absorb energy in the event of a pedestrian impact, as in the event of an impact against another vehicle. It is capable of deforming elastically, and therefore of returning to its place without permanent deformation, for an impact at a speed of at most 10 km/h, preferably at most 15 km/h. The front bumper skin 22 is formed from one or more outer panels. The front bumper skin 22 forms the outer envelope of the motor vehicle 10.

The front bumper system 20 further comprises a retaining frame 24. The retaining frame 24 supports the front bumper skin 22. It is connected to front side members of the structure 12. It extends transversely between the front lighting devices that it optionally supports.

The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

There FIG. 2 partially presents a front bumper system 20 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to the FIG. 1 .

The front bumper system 20 comprises a front bumper skin 22 forming the front of the motor vehicle. The front bumper skin 22 extends substantially over the entire transverse width of the motor vehicle. It comprises clearances 38 in order to fit the lighting devices (not shown). The front bumper skin 22 comprises one or more panels connected to each other. According to one option, the front bumper system 20 comprises one or more air intake grilles 26. The air intake grilles 26 are nested in the front bumper skin 22. They can comprise any type of mesh.

The front bumper system 20 also comprises a retaining frame 24, and therefore a mounting frame for the front bumper skin 22. The retaining frame 24 is arranged behind the front bumper skin 22. It is transversely in a central position; and extends over a fraction of the width of the front bumper skin 22, for example over at most 70%, preferably over at most 50%. The retaining frame 24 can serve as a support for retaining at least one air intake grille 26, for example an upper grille.

The retaining frame 24 comprises a front screen 28, or frontal screen, extending vertically, a rear partition 30 extending horizontally. The front screen 28 extends vertically. It forms the front end of the retaining frame 24. The front screen 28 optionally receives one of the air inlet grilles 26. It can extend over the entire transverse width of the retaining frame 24.

From front to rear, the retaining frame 24 has different entities between the front screen 28 and the rear partition 30. The retaining frame 24 comprises an upper partition 32 extending rearwardly from the front screen 28, and a junction partition 34 extending forwardly from the rear partition 30. The junction partition 34 extends from the upper partition 32. It is inclined relative to the front screen 28 and the rear partition 30. It forms a ramp along which rainwater runs from the upper partition 32 to the rear partition 30. It is waterproof.

In order to support and position the holding rod (not shown) in the retracted position, the holding frame 24 comprises an upper stud 36 projecting upwardly from the rear partition 30.

There FIG. 3 presents in isolation a retaining frame 24 for the skin of a motor vehicle bumper. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 2.

The retaining frame 24 comprises a front screen 28 extending vertically, a rear partition 30 forming the rear end of the retaining frame 24. Longitudinally, the rear partition 30 has a first half 40 and a second half 42 extending from the first half 40. They extend each other and are horizontal; or are at least inclined by at most 10°, preferably by at most 5°, more preferably by at most 3° relative to a strictly horizontal axis.

At the top, the retaining frame 24 comprises an upper partition 32 extending rearwardly from the front screen 28. The connecting partition 34 longitudinally connects the rear partition 30 to the upper partition 32. The connecting partition 34 is inclined relative to the front screen 28 and the rear partition 30 at an angle of inclination of between 30° and 60°; preferably between 40° and 50°. This inclination provides a compromise between rigidity and compactness. The inclination contributes to safety in the event of a pedestrian impact.

The upper block 36 rises from the first half 40. It extends the rear partition 30 towards the rear. It extends vertically at the level of the junction partition 34. The upper partition 32 is elevated relative to the upper block 36. The upper face of the rear partition 30 forms a space for folding down the holding rod.

The retaining frame 24 comprises a stiffening rib 44. The stiffening rib 44 is on the upper face. It is formed on the rear partition 30. It extends at least in the first half 40. The stiffening rib 44 extends from the junction partition 34 and/or the upper stud 36. It connects them. It has an arcuate shape in order to limit its protruding nature, and to avoid the formation of a hard point in the event of a pedestrian impact against the front flap (not shown).

There FIG. 4 presents a portion of a motor vehicle support frame. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 3.

Generally speaking, the frame retaining frame 24 comprises water flow means. It comprises a water flow orifice 46 arranged in the first half 40 of the rear partition 30. The flow orifice 46 forms a vertical passage allowing flow by gravitation of the water possibly present on the upper face 54 of the first half 40. The retaining frame 24 also has a breakable fixing zone 48 capable of breaking in the event of a pedestrian impact directly above said retaining frame, against the front flap (not shown). The breakable fixing zone 48 comprises a fixing orifice 50 intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle, for example with a fixing pin. The fixing orifice 50 passes through a boss in excess thickness in order to reinforce the fixing.

The breakable fixing zone 48 comprises a through slot 52. The through slot 52 is a cutout with a width. The through slot 52 has a through width of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, in order to facilitate flow. It opens vertically. It allows communication between the upper face 54 and the lower face of the rear partition 30. The through slot 52 can be segmented. It can comprise several sections. It surrounds the breakable fixing zone 48. Connecting bridges can cross it horizontally. The breakable fixing zone 48 is configured so as to resist up to the application of a threshold force or a threshold deformation. These thresholds depend on the material and the bridges.

The through slot 52 is also in the first half 40; as is the flow orifice 46. The flow orifice 46 is longitudinally spaced from the second half 42. The first half 40 as well as the second half 42 generally form strips. These strips are of the same widths, and possibly of constant widths when the rear partition 30 is.

Generally, the flow orifice 46 is a water drainage orifice. It and the breakable fixing zone 48 are longitudinally aligned. They overlap longitudinally. They are vertically at the same level. They are below the upper partition 32 and the junction partition 34. The front screen 28 extends vertically at their level.

Thus, the flow orifice 46 and the through slot 52 extend over the same half, the same section, of the rear partition 30. This limits a potential accumulation of stagnant water. This result is achieved despite the presence of the upper stud 36, and the stiffening rib 44 which forms a barrier against a free transverse flow of runoff water.

In the present illustration, the first half 40 is a rear half, and the second half 42 is a front half. In the acceleration phase, the water concentrates, moves backward, towards the water flow means.

In the event that the rear bulkhead 30 is substantially inclined in the mounting configuration, the first half 40 is arranged at the bottom for the natural flow of water.

The retaining frame 24 comprises an upper rim 56 extending transversely along the through slot 52 and the flow orifice 46. The upper rim 56 is watertight. The upper rim 56 stiffens the rear partition 30. The upper rim 56 extends along the rear edge of the rear partition 30. It also extends over the lateral edges, for example up to the junction partition 34. Thus, it forms a bowl 58 on the rear partition 30; which is likely to fill in the event of precipitation despite the seals of the front flap.

The bowl 58 forms a basin. The rear partition 30 comprises at least one bowl 58. The bowl 58 extends over the entire width of the rear partition 30, and in particular of the retaining frame 24. It is segmented by the stiffening rib 44 which forms a sealed separation there. The stiffening rib 44 is higher than the upper edge 56. The stiffening rib 44 is a longitudinal rib. It is transversely between the through slot 52 and the flow orifice 46 and divides the bowl 58 into two sub-basins.

The upper stud 36 projects from the first half 40. It is integrated into the upper rim 56. It extends forward from the upper rim 56, which helps to locally block runoff water. The flow orifice 46 and the breakable fixing zone 48, in particular the through slot 52, are longitudinally at the level of the upper stud 36, which allows independent water evacuation on either side of the latter.

Transversely, the retaining frame 24 has a central section 60 and a lateral section 62. The water flow orifice 46 and the through slot 52 are placed in the lateral section 62. This allows water to be evacuated at at least one end which is also likely to receive solid impurities. The transverse width of the lateral section 62 corresponds to at least: 10%, or 20%, or 30%, of the transverse width of the retaining frame 24.

The first half 40 comprises means 64 for locking the holding rod (not shown). The locking means 64 comprise, for example, an elastic clamp, or clip. The locking means 64 are advantageously arranged at the top of the upper stud 36. This allows the holding rod to be securely held in the thickness of the holding frame 24. The compactness of the assembly including the holding rod and the holding frame 24 is improved. The locking means 64 are transversely between the flow orifice 46 and the through slot 52. Thus, the invention optimizes compactness, safety and water drainage.

There FIG. 5 shows the retaining frame 24 for a motor vehicle seen from below. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 4. A flow of water 66 is shown in the form of drops.

In the event of the presence of water 66, this liquid flows, is evacuated through the through slot 52 and the flow orifice 46. The water 66 is evacuated through the lower face 68 of the rear partition 30, from the first half 40. The first half 40 and the second half 42 are flat and coplanar for the flow of water from front to rear.

Geometrically, the flow orifice 46 has an oblong shape. The through slot 52 forms a line which delimits the outline of a rectangle. The through slot 52 is longer than the flow orifice 46. The length corresponds to the main lengths. The width is measured perpendicular to the lengths. The flow orifice 46 is wider, for example at least twice as wide, preferably at least four times as wide, than the through slot 52.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining frame is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims (10)

Supporting frame (24) for the skin of the front bumper (22) of a motor vehicle (10), the supporting frame (24) comprising a front screen (28), a rear partition (30) extending horizontally and having, longitudinally, a first half (40) and a second half (42) extending from the first half (40); characterized in that the frame holding frame (24) comprises a flow orifice (46) for water (66), and a breakable fixing zone (48) capable of breaking in the event of pedestrian impact at the level of said holding frame (24), said breakable fixing zone (48) comprising a through slot (52); the flow orifice (46) and the through slot (52) being in the first half (40) in order to limit any possible presence of water (66) in said first half (40). Holding frame (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow orifice (46) and the breakable fixing zone (48) are longitudinally aligned; preferably, the flow orifice (46) and the through slot (52) are longitudinally aligned. Holding frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the holding frame (24) comprises an upper rim (56) extending transversely along the through slot (52) and the flow orifice (46). Supporting frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supporting frame (24) comprises an upper partition (32) extending rearwardly from the front screen (28), and/or a junction partition (34) extending forwardly from the rear partition (30), said junction partition (34) being inclined relative to the front screen (28) and to the rear partition (30). Holding frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rear partition (30) comprises an upper face (54) with a stiffening rib (44); said stiffening rib (44) being transversely between the through slot (52) and the flow orifice (46); preferably the front screen (28) extends vertically. Holding frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding frame (24) comprises an upper stud (36) projecting from the first half (40); the upper stud (36) being longitudinally at the level of the flow orifice (46) and/or the breakable fixing zone (48). Holding frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holding frame (24) has a central section (60) and a lateral section (62), the flow orifice (46) and the through slot (52) being in the lateral section (62). Holding frame (24) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first half (40) is a rear half and the second half (42) is a front half; and/or the flow orifice (46) is wider than the through slot (52). Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front bumper system (20) with a retaining frame (24) of a front bumper skin (22), characterized in that the retaining frame (24) conforms to one of claims 1 to 8. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a front flap (14) with a holding rod (18), and the first half (40) comprises locking means (64) for the holding rod (18); the locking means (64) being transversely between the flow orifice (46) and the through slot (52).