Towing hook assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a towing hook assembly which is installed on a bumper beam arranged in the width direction of a vehicle. In particular, the towing hook assembly includes a reinforcing member connected to a bumper beam and a towing hook connected to the reinforcing member in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0140976 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 20, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0127199 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body, and more particularly to a towing hook assembly installed on a bumper beam of a vehicle body. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a bumper unit of a vehicle is configured to improve the safety of passengers by absorbing physical impact during a collision and minimizing damage to vehicle body components. The bumper unit of a vehicle has a bumper beam disposed in a vehicle width direction.

[0005] Towing hooks can be mounted on these bumper beams. In one example, the towing hooks can be provided as eyebolt types that can engage with towing tubes fixed on the bumper beams.

[0006] In another example, the towing hook may be a lug-type towing hook protruding from a bumper skin of a bumper beam. Such a lug-type towing hook is applied to the front of the vehicle to meet the recently strengthened off-road towing load conditions. In addition, the lug-type towing hook may be applied to the front of the vehicle together with the front bumper to protect the front of the vehicle.

[0007] In this case, the lug-type towing hook protrudes forward to a certain extent to avoid interference with the towing cable and the front bumper.

[0008] However, since the distance between the bumper skin of the rigid bumper beam and the front end of the towing hook is too large, it is difficult to ensure the installation rigidity and towing strength of the towing hook, which makes it difficult to meet the enhanced off-road towing load conditions.

[0009] The matters described in this background technology section are intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and may include matters beyond conventional technologies known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure seeks to provide a towing hook assembly that can ensure installation strength and towing strength and meet enhanced off-road towing load conditions.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a towing hook assembly mounted on a bumper beam arranged along the width direction of a vehicle is provided. In particular, the towing hook assembly may include a reinforcement member connected to the bumper beam, and a towing hook connected to the reinforcement member along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0012] The bumper beam and the reinforcement member may be provided as a rigid unit connected to one another.

[0013] In one embodiment, a towing hook assembly is mounted on a bumper beam connected to a front portion of a stay connected to a front side member, and the towing hook assembly may include: a mounting bracket disposed on a front bumper skin of the bumper beam and connected to the bumper beam and the stay; and a towing hook connected to the mounting bracket along a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0014] The mounting bracket can be attached to the front bumper fascia at the bumper cross member.

[0015] The mounting bracket may be connected to upper and lower flanges of the stays that are connected to the rear bumper fascia, upper and lower surfaces of the bumper beam.

[0016] The mounting bracket may include a bracket upper side and a bracket front side, a first flange is formed at the rear of the bracket upper side, and the bracket front side extends downward from the front of the bracket upper side. The mounting bracket may also include a bracket lower side and a bracket side surface, the bracket lower side extends backward from the lower part of the bracket front side and includes a second flange, and the bracket side surface extends backward from both ends of the bracket front side and includes a third flange.

[0017] Each bracket side surface may include an upper reinforcement portion extending from an upper portion of the bracket side surface in the vehicle width direction and a lower reinforcement portion extending from a lower portion of the bracket side surface in the vehicle width direction. The upper reinforcement portions of the bracket side surfaces face each other, and the lower reinforcement portions of the bracket side surfaces are opposite to each other.

[0018] The upper reinforcement portion may be connected to the upper side of the bracket by welding.

[0019] The lower reinforcement portion may be connected to the underside of the bracket by welding.

[0020] The first flange may overlap an upper flange of a stay connected to the rear bumper skin, an upper surface and a lower surface of the bumper beam, and the first flange may be bolted and connected to the upper surface of the bumper beam.

[0021] The first flange may include an upward flange portion bent in an upward direction.

[0022] The second flange may include a downward flange portion bent in a downward direction.

[0023] The second flange may overlap the lower flange of the stay in a vertical direction and be connected to a lower surface of the bumper beam.

[0024] The third flange may overlap the front bumper skin of the bumper beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and may be fixedly connected to the front bumper skin of the bumper beam.

[0025] The third flange may include at least one molding protruding in a forward direction.

[0026] The towing hook may have a “U” shape and be fixedly connected to the side surface of the bracket.

[0027] The traction hook may include a pair of leg portions connected to the side surface of the bracket and a hook connected to the leg portions;

[0028] The hook may be formed inclined at a predetermined angle from a virtual horizontal line in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] In one embodiment, one plate may be folded to form the bracket upper side, bracket front side, bracket lower side, and bracket side surfaces of the mounting bracket.

[0030] The mounting bracket may further include a patch member connected to a side surface of the bracket.

[0031] The mounting bracket may include a first bracket and a second bracket coupled to each other. In one form, the bracket side surface includes a first bracket side surface and a second side surface.

[0032] The first bracket may include a bracket upper surface, a bracket front surface, a bracket lower surface, and a first bracket side surface formed of one plate.

[0033] The second bracket may include a second bracket side surface formed of a plate.

[0034] The mounting bracket may include a lower bracket and an upper bracket connected to each other.

[0035] The lower bracket may include a bracket front side formed by folding a predetermined portion of one plate, a bracket lower side, two lower bracket side surfaces, and an upper flange extending rearward from an upper portion of the bracket front side.

[0036] The upper bracket may include a bracket upper side formed by folding a predetermined portion of another plate and two upper bracket side surfaces.

[0037] The lower bracket may further include lower reinforcement portions extending in the vehicle width direction facing each other at the bottom.

[0038] The upper flange may be spaced apart from the bumper beam.

[0039] The upper flange and the upper side of the bracket can be connected by welding.

[0040] The lower bracket side surface and the upper bracket side surface may be welded.

[0041] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by ensuring the towing strength and installation strength of the towing hook, stable towing performance can be achieved and enhanced off-road towing load conditions can be met.

[0042] Furthermore, various effects that can be obtained or predicted from the present disclosure are directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Since these drawings are intended to be used to explain the exemplary disclosure of the present disclosure, the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 5 is a side view showing a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket and a towing hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket and a towing hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0051] Figure 8 is a top view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket and a hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a typical towing hook for comparison with a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0055] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing another variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to an embodiment.

[0056] Figure 12 to Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0057] The above drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and should be understood to present rather simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, should be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways, all of which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] The terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] The terms "include" and / or "comprising" used in this specification indicate the presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but there may be at least one other feature, integer, step, operation, element and / or component. It should also be understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of steps, operations, components and / or groups thereof.

[0061] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a certain purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered herein as being "configured to" satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0062] The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any one or all combinations of at least one of the associated listed items. In the present disclosure, each of phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", and "one or a combination of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase.

[0063] In the present disclosure, the term "joined" or "connected" means that parts are directly connected to each other by welding, SPR (self-tapping rivets), FDS (flow drill screws), structural adhesives, etc., or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate part and a physical relationship between the two parts.

[0064] As used in this specification, the terms "vehicle," "vehicle-based," or other similar terms are generally applied to passenger vehicles, including passenger cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, and also include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels from resources other than petroleum).

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0067] refer to Figure 1 The towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment may be applied to a front body 1 of a vehicle. The front body 1 includes a front side member 3, a stay 10, and a bumper beam 20.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the "vehicle front-rear direction" may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the "vehicle width direction" may be defined as the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and the "up-down direction" (alternatively, "upward direction" or "downward direction") may be defined based on the height direction of the vehicle body.

[0069] In addition, the terms "upper end", "upper part" or "upper surface" of a component refer to the relatively upper end, part or surface of the component in the figure, and the "lower end", "lower part" or "lower surface" of a component refer to the relatively lower end, part or surface of the component in the figure.

[0070] In addition, in the present disclosure, an end of a component (e.g., one end or the other end, etc.) means the end of the component in any one direction, and an end portion of a component (e.g., one end portion or the other end portion, etc.) means a portion of the component including the end.

[0071] The front side members 3 are provided at both sides of the vehicle and are arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. A stay 10 (also commonly referred to as a "crush box" by those skilled in the art) is connected to the front end of the front side members 3 .

[0072] The bumper beam 20 is disposed in the vehicle width direction of the front body 1 and connected to the stay 10. The bumper beam 20 is bent at a predetermined curvature and may be provided in a beam shape having a closed cross section. In one example, the bumper beam 20 may be formed of a steel material or an aluminum material.

[0073] The stay 10 is connected to the rear bumper skin 23, the upper surface 25 and the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20 through the front portion. The stay 10 includes an upper flange 11 and a lower flange 13.

[0074] The towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment is mounted on the bumper beam 20 as a rigid unit and can be connected to a towing cable (not shown). In one embodiment, the towing hook assembly 100 can be mounted on both sides of the bumper beam 20 along the vehicle width direction.

[0075] In addition, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment may be provided as a lug type protruding forward from the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 .

[0076] In addition, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can be configured on the front vehicle body 1 and applied to the front bumper 9 (refer to Fig. 9A ) to protect the front of the vehicle. Since the configuration of the front bumper is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0077] The tow hook assembly 100 may be configured with a structure capable of meeting enhanced off-road towing load conditions while avoiding interference with the tow cable and the front bumper.

[0078] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0079] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment, a towing hook assembly 100 includes a reinforcement member 30 and a towing hook 70 .

[0080] In one embodiment, the reinforcement member 30 is connected to each side of the bumper beam 20 in the vehicle width direction. In one example, the reinforcement member 30 is provided as a bracket type having a predetermined strength and may be provided as a rigid unit 31 connected to the bumper beam 20 with each other.

[0081] In one embodiment, the reinforcement member 30 may include a mounting bracket 41 connected to the stay 10 and the bumper beam 20 .

[0082] The mounting bracket 41 has a predetermined shape and is provided on the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20. The mounting bracket 41 is connected to the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 and to the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10. In one example, the mounting bracket 41 may be provided in a pentahedral shape having an open rear portion.

[0083] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment, Figure 5 is a side view showing a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one example.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 5 According to one embodiment, the mounting bracket 41 includes a bracket upper side 43 , a bracket front side 45 , a bracket lower side 47 , and a bracket side surface 49 .

[0085] The bracket upper side 43 includes a first flange 51 formed at the rear. The first flange 51 vertically overlaps the upper flange 11 of the stay 10 and is screwed to the upper surface 25 of the bumper beam 20. In addition, the first flange 51 includes an upward flange portion 52 bent in an upward direction.

[0086] The support front side 45 extends downward from the front of the support upper side 43. The support upper side 43 is inclined from the upper part thereof to the lower part, and is connected to the upper part of the support front side 45.

[0087] The bracket lower side 47 extends from the lower portion to the rear portion of the bracket front side 45. The bracket lower side 47 includes a second flange 53 formed at the rear portion.

[0088] The second flange 53 overlaps the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 in the vertical direction and is screwed to the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20. The second flange 53 includes a downward flange portion 54 bent in the downward direction.

[0089] The bracket side surfaces 49 extend rearward from both ends of the bracket front side 45. Each bracket side surface 49 includes a third flange 55 formed at the rear.

[0090] The third flange 55 overlaps the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and is screwed to the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20. The third flange 55 includes at least one molding 56 protruding forward.

[0091] The molding 56 is configured to reinforce the strength of the mounting bracket 41 of the front bumper skin 21 for the bumper beam 20. The molding 56 may be provided in the form of a protrusion that is molded to the front.

[0092] In the mounting bracket 41 according to one embodiment, as described above, predetermined portions of one plate 41 a are folded to form the bracket upper side 43 , the bracket front side 45 , the bracket lower side 47 , and the bracket side surface 49 .

[0093] In other words, by folding one plate 41 a to form the mounting bracket 41 , it is possible to simplify the processing and ensure the rigidity of the mounting bracket 41 .

[0094] In one embodiment, each bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41 further includes an upper reinforcement portion 57 and a lower reinforcement portion 59. The upper reinforcement portion 57 and the lower reinforcement portion 59 are configured to reinforce the strength of the bracket upper side 43, the bracket lower side 47 and the bracket side surface 49.

[0095] The upper reinforcement portions 57 of the bracket side surfaces 49 extend facing each other in the vehicle width direction from the upper portions of the bracket side surfaces 49. The upper reinforcement portions 57 overlap with the lower surface of the bracket upper side 43. The upper reinforcement portions 57 and the bracket upper side 43 may be connected by welding.

[0096] The lower reinforcement portions 59 of the bracket side surfaces 49 extend facing each other in the vehicle width direction from the lower portions of the bracket side surfaces 49. The lower reinforcement portions 59 overlap with the upper surface of the bracket lower side 47. The lower reinforcement portions 59 and the bracket lower side 47 may be connected by welding.

[0097] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment, Figure 6B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection structure between a mounting bracket and a towing hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to an example.

[0098] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 41 may be bolted (eg, overlapped) to the bumper beam 20 via a first fastening member 61 , a second fastening member 63 , and a third fastening member 65 .

[0099] refer to Figure 2 and Fig. 6A The first flange 51 of the bracket upper side 43 of the mounting bracket 41 overlaps the upper flange 11 of the stay 10 in the vertical direction and is screwed to the upper surface 25 of the bumper beam 20 via the first fastening member 61 .

[0100] The first fastening member 61 includes a first bolt 62a and a first weld nut 62b. The first weld nut 62b is mounted on the upper inner surface of the bumper beam 20. The first bolt 62a passes through the overlapping first flange 51, the upper flange 11 and the upper surface 25 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the first weld nut 62b.

[0101] The second flange 53 of the bracket lower side 47 of the mounting bracket 41 overlaps the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 in the vertical direction and is connected to the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20 by a second fastening member 63 .

[0102] The second fastening member 63 includes a second bolt 64a and a second weld nut 64b. The second weld nut 64b is mounted on the lower inner surface of the bumper beam 20. The second bolt 64a passes through the overlapping second flange 53, the lower flange 13 and the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the second weld nut 64b.

[0103] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6B The third flange 55 of the bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41 overlaps with the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and is screwed to the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 through the third fastening member 65 .

[0104] The third fastening member 65 includes a third bolt 66a and a third weld nut 66b. The third weld nut 66b is mounted on the front inner surface of the bumper beam 20. The third bolt 66a passes through the overlapping third flange 55 and the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the third weld nut 66b.

[0105] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the towing hook 70 is connected to a towing cable (not shown) along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and is connected to the mounting bracket 41 as the reinforcement member 30 .

[0106] The towing hook 70 protrudes from the front side of the mounting bracket 41. The towing hook 70 is screwed to the bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41. In one example, the towing hook 70 may be provided in a "U" shape.

[0107] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket and a towing hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment, Figure 8 1 is a top view showing a connection structure of a mounting bracket and a hook applied to a towing hook assembly according to an example.

[0108] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the towing hook 70 according to one embodiment includes a pair of leg portions 71 and a hook 73 .

[0109] A pair of leg portions 71 are screwed to the bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41. A hook 73 is connected to the leg portions 71 along the vehicle width direction.

[0110] The hook 73 is connected to the towing cable. In one example, the hook 73 is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the virtual horizontal line HL along the vehicle width direction. In other words, the hook 73 is connected to the leg portion 71 obliquely along the curve of the bumper beam 20 .

[0111] The leg portion 71 of the towing hook 70 is in close contact with the bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41 , and may be screwed to the bracket side surface 49 by a fourth fastening member 75 .

[0112] refer to Figure 6B The fourth fastening member 75 includes a fourth bolt 76a and a fourth weld nut 76b. The fourth weld nut 76b is mounted on the inner surface of the bracket side surface 49. The fourth bolt 76a passes through the leg portion 71 and the bracket side surface 49, and is engaged with the fourth weld nut 76b.

[0113] Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0114] refer to Figures 1 to 9A , the assembly process and operation of the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment are described in detail below.

[0115] A mounting bracket 41 of a predetermined shape is provided. The mounting bracket 41 includes a bracket upper side 43, a bracket front side 45, a bracket lower side 47, and a bracket side surface 49, in which a predetermined portion of one plate 41a is folded.

[0116] The bracket side surface 49 includes an upper reinforcement portion 57 and a lower reinforcement portion 59. The upper reinforcement portion 57 is connected to the bracket upper side 43 by welding, and the lower reinforcement portion 59 is connected to the bracket lower side 47 by welding.

[0117] A “U”-shaped traction hook 70 including a pair of leg portions 71 and a hook 73 is provided.

[0118] The bumper beam 20 is connected to the front portion of the front side member 3 through the stay 10. The bumper beam 20 is disposed between the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10, and a rear bumper skin 23 of the bumper beam 20 is connected to the stay 10 by welding. The upper flange 11 of the stay 10 is connected to the upper surface 25 of the bumper beam 20 by welding, and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 is connected to the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20 by welding.

[0119] In this state, the mounting bracket 41 is positioned between the leg portions 71 of the towing hook 70. The leg portions 71 are in close contact with the bracket side surfaces 49 of the mounting bracket 41.

[0120] The fourth bolt 76 a passes through the leg portion 71 and the bracket side surface 49 , and is engaged with the fourth weld nut 76 b .

[0121] The mounting bracket 41 is connected to the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 via a first flange 51 on the bracket upper side 43 and a second flange 53 on the bracket lower side 47 .

[0122] The third flange 55 of the bracket side surface 49 is in close contact with the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20. The first flange 51 and the second flange 53 overlap the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 in the vertical direction, respectively, with the bumper beam 20 located therebetween.

[0123] Because the upward flange portion 52 is formed on the first flange 51 and the downward flange portion 54 is formed on the second flange 53 , the mounting bracket 41 may be connected to the stay 10 without interfering with the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 13 of the stay 10 .

[0124] The first bolt 62a passes through the overlapping first flange 51, the upper flange 11, and the upper surface 25 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the first weld nut 62b. The second bolt 64a passes through the overlapping second flange 53, the lower flange 13, and the lower surface 27 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the second weld nut 64b. In addition, the third bolt 66a passes through the overlapping third flange 55 and the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20, and is engaged with the third weld nut 66b.

[0125] The bumper beam 20 and the mounting bracket 41 connected to the bumper beam 20 may be provided as a rigid unit 31 having a predetermined strength.

[0126] A towing hook assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is mounted on a front bumper skin 21 of a bumper beam 20 and stays 10 at both sides of the bumper beam 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0127] According to the towing hook assembly 100, the mounting bracket 41 provided as the rigid unit 31 together with the bumper beam 20 is provided between the bumper beam 20 and the towing hook 70. And, the towing hook 70 is installed on the mounting bracket 41 to protrude forward.

[0128] Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a typical towing hook assembly for comparison with a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] like Fig. 9BAs shown, according to a typical towing hook, the front end of the towing hook 7a is installed to protrude forward from the front bumper skin of the bumper beam 2a at a predetermined distance L2 from the front bumper skin of the bumper beam 2a.

[0130] like Fig. 9A As shown, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can reduce the distance L1 from the rigid unit 31 to the front end of the towing hook 70 .

[0131] As described above, compared with the typical towing hook of the comparative example, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can reduce the distance from the rigid unit 31 to the front end of the towing hook 70, so that during towing, the torque applied to the towing hook 70 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the towing strength of the towing hook 70.

[0132] In addition, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment may ensure the mounting strength of the towing hook 70 by mounting the towing hook 70 on the bumper beam 20 through the mounting bracket 41 .

[0133] Therefore, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can ensure the towing strength and the installation strength of the towing hook 70, so that the enhanced off-road towing load condition can be met.

[0134] Also, according to the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment, when the towing hook 70 protrudes forward to a certain extent through the mounting bracket 41 , interference between the towing cable (not shown) and the front bumper 9 can be avoided.

[0135] When the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment is towed, the first bolt 62 a , the first weld nut 62 b , the second bolt 64 a , and the second weld nut 64 b generate vertical resistance on the bumper beam 20 and the mounting bracket 41 .

[0136] Furthermore, in the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment, the third bolt 66 a and the third weld nut 66 b generate a shear force on the bumper beam 20 and the mounting bracket 41 when towing.

[0137] Therefore, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can ensure stable towing performance because the vertical resistance and the shear force act as a supporting load of the mounting bracket 41 during the towing process.

[0138] Meanwhile, the bracket side surface 49 of the mounting bracket 41 includes an upper reinforcement portion 57 and a lower reinforcement portion 59 , and at least one molding 56 formed on the third flange 55 .

[0139] Therefore, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can improve the strength of the mounting bracket 41 in the vehicle body front-rear direction, the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction and the vehicle collision performance.

[0140] Furthermore, the bracket upper side 43 of the mounting bracket 41 is inclined from the upper portion to the lower portion, and has a structure connected to the upper portion of the bracket front side 45 .

[0141] As a result, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can compactly realize the shape of the mounting bracket 41 and facilitate ensuring the strength of the front portion of the mounting bracket 41 .

[0142] Furthermore, the hook 73 of the towing hook 70 is connected to the leg portion 71 obliquely along the curve of the bumper beam 20 .

[0143] Therefore, the towing hook assembly 100 according to one embodiment can further improve the collision performance of the vehicle by increasing the performance of the towing hook 70 in the vehicle width direction in a small overlap collision of the vehicle.

[0144] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing a variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to an embodiment.

[0145] refer to Fig.10 An exemplary variation of the mounting bracket 141 according to one embodiment may further include a patch member 167 connected to the bracket side surface 149 .

[0146] The patch member 167 is provided in a plate shape and may be coupled to the inner surface of the bracket side surface 149 by welding. A welding nut 176 may be installed on the patch member 167 to mount a towing hook (not shown) to the mounting bracket 141.

[0147] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing another variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to an embodiment.

[0148] refer to Fig.11 Another variation of the mounting bracket 241 may include a first bracket 242 and a second bracket 244 connected to each other.

[0149] The first bracket 242 may include a bracket upper side 243, a bracket front side 245, a bracket lower side 247, and a bracket side surface 249, in which a predetermined portion of one plate 242a is folded.

[0150] Furthermore, the second bracket 244 may include a bracket side surface 249 a at the other side where a predetermined portion of the other plate 244 a is folded.

[0151] The first bracket 242 and the second bracket 244 may be connected by welding.

[0152] Figure 12 to Figure 14is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary variation of a mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to one embodiment.

[0153] In describing Figure 12 to Figure 14 When describing another exemplary variation of the mounting bracket applied to a towing hook assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention, repeated description of the same or similar configurations as the mounting bracket applied to the towing hook assembly according to the above embodiment is omitted.

[0154] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the mounting bracket 341 according to another embodiment may include a lower bracket 342 and an upper bracket 344 connected to each other.

[0155] The lower bracket 342 includes a bracket front side 345 formed by folding a predetermined portion of one plate 342a, an upper flange 346, a bracket lower side 347, and two lower bracket side surfaces 349.

[0156] A bracket front side 345 is formed at a front portion of the lower bracket 342 , and an upper flange 346 extends rearward from an upper portion of the bracket front side 345 .

[0157] The bracket lower side 347 extends rearward from a lower portion of the bracket front side 345 , and lower bracket side surfaces 349 on both sides extend rearward from respective ends of the bracket front side 345 in the vehicle width direction.

[0158] The upper flange 346 is formed to be spaced apart from the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 by a predetermined gap. The two lower bracket side surfaces 349 may include lower reinforcement portions 359 extending in the vehicle width direction facing each other at the bottom. The lower reinforcement portions 359 may be connected to the upper surface of the bracket lower side 347 by welding.

[0159] The upper bracket 344 is disposed at an upper portion of the lower bracket 342 and may be connected to the lower bracket 342 by welding.

[0160] The upper bracket 344 includes a bracket upper side 344b formed by folding a predetermined portion of another plate 344a and two upper bracket side surfaces 344c.

[0161] The bracket upper side 344b is formed at the upper portion of the upper bracket 344, and upper bracket side surfaces 344c on both sides extend downward from both ends of the bracket upper side 344b in the vehicle width direction.

[0162] The bracket upper side 344b of the upper bracket 344 can be connected to the upper flange 346 of the lower bracket 342 by welding, wherein the upper flange 346 is placed on the lower side. That is, the bracket upper side 344b and the upper flange 346 can be connected by the welding portion W1 (see Fig.12 ).

[0163] Furthermore, the upper bracket side surfaces 344c on both sides of the upper bracket 344 can be connected to the lower bracket side surfaces 349 on both sides of the lower bracket 342 by welding, and the lower bracket side surfaces 349 on both sides are placed on the inner side. That is, the lower bracket side surface 349 and the upper bracket side surface 344c can be connected by the welding portion W2 (see Fig.12 ).

[0164] Meanwhile, the bracket upper side 344 b of the upper bracket 344 is screwed to the upper surface of the stay 10 via the lower flange 351 .

[0165] The bracket underside 347 of the lower bracket 342 is screwed to the lower surface of the stay 10 via the second flange 353 .

[0166] Furthermore, the lower bracket side surfaces 349 on both sides of the lower bracket 342 are screwed to the front bumper skin 21 of the bumper beam 20 via the third flanges 355 .

[0167] The towing hook 70 according to one embodiment is screwed to the lower bracket side surfaces 349 on both sides of the lower bracket 342 .

[0168] In the figure, reference numeral 352 denotes an upward flange portion extending from a first flange 351 of a bracket upper side 344b, and reference numeral 354 denotes a downward flange portion extending from a second flange 353 of a bracket lower side 347. And, reference numeral 356 denotes a molding formed on a third flange 355 on both sides of a lower bracket side surface 349.

[0169] Since the configurations and functions of the upward flange portion 352 , the downward flange portion 354 , and the molding 356 have been mentioned above, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0170] According to the mounting bracket 341 configured as described above, a structure can be provided in which the upper flange 346 of the lower bracket 342 and the bracket upper side 344b of the upper bracket 344 are coupled by welding.

[0171] According to the mounting bracket 341, a structure in which both lower bracket side surfaces 349 of the lower bracket 342 and both upper bracket side surfaces 344c of the upper bracket 344 are joined by welding may be provided.

[0172] Therefore, since no welding indentation is formed on the bracket front side 345 of the lower bracket 342 exposed to the outside, the appearance quality of the vehicle can be improved.

[0173] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0174] Explanation of symbols

[0175] 1: Front body 3: Front side member

[0176] 10: stay 11: upper flange

[0177] 13: Lower flange 20: Bumper beam

[0178] 21: Front bumper skin 23: Rear bumper skin

[0179] 25: upper surface 27: lower surface

[0180] 30: Reinforcement member 31: Rigid unit

[0181] 41, 141, 241, 341: mounting bracket 41a, 242a, 244a, 342a, 344a: plate

[0182] 43, 243, 344b: upper side of the bracket 45, 245, 345: front side of the bracket

[0183] 47, 247, 347: Underside of bracket

[0184] 49, 149, 249, 249a: Bracket side surface

[0185] 51, 351: first flange 52, 352: upward flange portion

[0186] 53, 353: Second flange 54, 354: Downward flange portion

[0187] 55, 355: third flange 56, 356: molded part

[0188] 57: upper reinforcement part 59, 359: lower reinforcement part

[0189] 61: First fastening member 62a: First bolt

[0190] 62b: First welding nut 63: Second fastening member

[0191] 64a: second bolt 64b: second welding nut

[0192] 65: third fastening member 66a: third bolt

[0193] 66b: Third welding nut 70: Towing hook

[0194] 71: Leg part 73: Hook

[0195] 75: fourth fastening member 76a: fourth bolt

[0196] 76b: Fourth weld nut HL: horizontal line

[0197] 100: traction hook assembly 167: patch component

[0198] 176: Welding nut 242: First bracket

[0199] 244: Second bracket

[0200] 342: Lower bracket

[0201] 344: Upper bracket

[0202] 344c: Upper bracket side surface

[0203] 346: Upper flange

[0204] 349: Side surface of lower bracket

[0205] W1, W2: welding part

Claims

1. A towing hook assembly, wherein: It is a towing hook assembly installed on the bumper beam arranged along the width direction of the vehicle. The traction hook assembly comprises: a reinforcement member connected to the bumper beam; and A towing hook is connected to the reinforcement member along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

2. The towing hook assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The bumper beam and the reinforcement member are provided as a rigid unit connected to each other.

3. A towing hook assembly, wherein: is a tow hook assembly mounted on a bumper cross member connected to the front portion of a stay connected to the front side member, The traction hook assembly comprises: A mounting bracket disposed on a front bumper skin of the bumper beam and connected to the bumper beam and the stay; and A towing hook is connected to the mounting bracket along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

4. The towing hook assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting bracket is connected to the front bumper fascia of the bumper beam, and The mounting bracket is connected to the upper flange and the lower flange of the stay, and the upper flange and the lower flange are connected to the rear bumper skin, the upper surface and the lower surface of the bumper beam.

5. The towing hook assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting bracket comprises: an upper side of the bracket, which is formed with a first flange at the rear; a front side of the bracket extending downwardly from a front portion of an upper side of the bracket; a bracket underside extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the bracket front side and comprising a second flange; and The bracket side surfaces respectively extend rearward from both ends of the front side of the bracket and include a third flange.

6. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the bracket side surfaces comprises: an upper reinforcement portion extending from an upper portion of a side surface of the bracket in a vehicle width direction; and, a lower reinforcement portion extending from a lower portion of a side surface of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, The upper reinforcement portions of the bracket side surfaces face each other, and the lower reinforcement portions of the bracket side surfaces are opposite to each other.

7. The towing hook assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The upper reinforcement portion is connected to the upper side of the bracket by welding; and The lower reinforcement portion is connected to the underside of the bracket by welding.

8. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first flange overlaps an upper flange of the stay connected to the rear bumper skin, the upper surface and the lower surface of the bumper beam, and The first flange is bolted and connected to the upper surface of the bumper beam.

9. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first flange includes an upward flange portion bent in an upward direction; and The second flange includes a downward flange portion bent in a downward direction.

10. The towing hook assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The second flange overlaps the lower flange of the stay in a vertical direction and is connected to the lower surface of the bumper beam.

11. The towing hook assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The third flange overlaps the front bumper skin of the bumper beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and is fixedly connected to the front bumper skin of the bumper beam.

12. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The third flange includes at least one molding protruding in a forward direction.

13. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The traction hook has a U-shape and is fixedly connected to the bracket side surface.

14. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The towing hook comprises: a pair of leg portions connected to the bracket side surfaces; and A hook is connected to the leg portion.

15. The towing hook assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The hook is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle from a virtual horizontal line in the vehicle width direction.

16. The towing hook assembly according to claim 5, wherein: a plate forming the bracket upper side, the bracket front side, the bracket lower side and the bracket side surface of the mounting bracket, and The mounting bracket also includes a patch member connected to a side surface of the bracket.

17. The towing hook assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket connected to each other, The bracket side surface includes a first bracket side surface and a second side surface, The first bracket includes the bracket upper surface, the bracket front surface, the bracket lower surface and the first bracket side surface formed by a plate, and The second bracket includes a second bracket side surface formed of a plate.

18. The towing hook assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting bracket comprises a lower bracket and an upper bracket connected to each other, The lower bracket includes a bracket front side formed by folding a predetermined portion of a plate, a bracket lower side, two lower bracket side surfaces, and an upper flange extending rearward from the upper portion of the bracket front side, and The upper bracket includes a bracket upper side formed by folding a predetermined portion of another plate and two upper bracket side surfaces.

19. The towing hook assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The lower bracket further includes lower reinforcement portions extending in the vehicle width direction facing each other at the bottom.

20. The towing hook assembly of claim 18, wherein: the upper flange is spaced apart from the bumper beam; The upper flange is connected to the upper side of the bracket by welding; and The lower bracket side surface and the upper bracket side surface are welded.

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