Vehicle front assembly and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an easily assembled vehicle front assembly, comprising: a first trim piece including a through hole having a first edge and a second edge symmetrical with respect to a central plane; and a second trim piece, fitted to the outside of the first trim piece and including a snap-fit ​​portion engaging with the through hole, the snap-fit ​​portion including a first guide surface and a second guide surface arranged asymmetrically with respect to the central plane, the intersection of the first guide surface and the second guide surface being located on the central plane, and the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively including a first guide edge engaging with the first edge and a second guide edge engaging with the second edge, each of the first guide edge and the second guide edge forming an acute angle with the intersection line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle body construction, and more specifically, to a front component of a vehicle and a vehicle including such a front component. Background Technology

[0002] At the front of a vehicle, the bumper not only needs to fulfill its safety protection function, but also needs to take into account aesthetics and ease of installation. Traditional bumpers usually use a single surface structure, but as consumers' requirements for car appearance have increased, composite bumper designs with decorative parts have gradually become more popular.

[0003] In existing technologies, trim pieces are typically connected to the bumper skin via a snap-fit ​​structure. However, traditional snap-fit ​​structures are difficult to engage, resulting in low overall assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an easy-to-assemble vehicle front assembly.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a front component of a vehicle, including a bumper skin; a first trim piece fitted to the outer side of the bumper skin and including a through hole having a first edge and a second edge symmetrical with respect to a central plane; and a second trim piece fitted to the outer side of the first trim piece, wherein the second trim piece includes a snap-fit ​​portion protruding toward the first trim piece to snap into the through hole; wherein the snap-fit ​​portion includes a main snap-fit ​​member, the main snap-fit ​​member including a first guide surface and a second guide surface inclined with respect to the central plane, the first guide surface and the second guide surface being arranged asymmetrically with respect to the central plane, and the intersection line of the first guide surface and the second guide surface being located on the central plane, the first guide surface including a first guide edge engaging with the first edge during insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion into the through hole, the second guide surface including a second guide edge engaging with the second edge during insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion into the through hole, and each of the first guide edge and the second guide edge forming an acute angle with the intersection line.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first guide surface is rotated 180° around the central axis of the through hole and then coincides with the second guide surface.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the first guide surface and the central plane is equal to the angle between the second guide surface and the central plane.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the angle formed by each of the first guide edge and the second guide edge with the intersection line is between 10° and 15°.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the main snap-fit ​​component further includes a first abutting surface that abuts against the first edge and a second abutting surface that abuts against the second edge after the snap-fit ​​portion is inserted into the through hole, wherein the main snap-fit ​​component is configured such that after the snap-fit ​​portion is inserted into the through hole, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are deformed to be symmetrical with respect to the central plane.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the through hole is characterized in that it is configured as an elongated closed shape.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​portion further includes at least one secondary snap-fit ​​member, which is spaced apart from the primary snap-fit ​​member along the extension direction of the intersection line and abuts against the edge of the through hole in the extension direction.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first decorative member includes a mounting groove, the mounting groove being shaped to match the second decorative member and having a plurality of through holes, the second decorative member being installed in the mounting groove and including a plurality of snap-fit ​​portions snapping into the plurality of through holes.

[0013] A second aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including a vehicle front assembly according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the vehicle front assembly according to the present invention has several advantages, especially: for the snap-fit ​​portion of the second trim piece, by providing a first guide surface and a second guide surface that are asymmetrically arranged relative to the central plane of the through hole of the first snap-fit ​​piece, and a first guide edge and a second guide edge that form an acute angle with the intersection line of the two guide surfaces, the snap-fit ​​piece can be easily inserted into the through hole of the first snap-fit ​​piece, thereby improving installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle front assembly according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the first and second trim pieces of the front assemblies of the vehicle;

[0018] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from plane AA in the middle;

[0019] Figure 4This is a perspective view of the second trim piece of the front assembly of the vehicle, with the enlarged portion showing the main card connector;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the first and second trim pieces of the front assembly of the vehicle, viewed from another angle, with the magnified portion showing the snap-fit ​​joint.

[0021] Figure 6a and Figure 6b They are along Figure 4 Cross-sectional views taken from planes BB and CC;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view of the second trim piece of the front assembly of the vehicle, with the enlarged portion showing the main clip connector;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top view of the snap-fit ​​part of the front component of the vehicle;

[0024] Figure 9a And Figure 9B is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken from plane HH shows the cross-sectional view of the main connector when it is inserted into the through hole and after it is inserted into the through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0026] In this manual, the descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," are not absolute but relative. When the components are in their normal operating state as shown in the figure, these directional descriptions are appropriate, but when the positions of the components in the figure change, these directional descriptions should also change accordingly.

[0027] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this specification and accompanying drawings, "front" and "rear" are defined with reference to the X-axis (forward and backward direction) of the vehicle. Furthermore, the X-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (i.e., the direction of travel), the Y-axis represents the lateral direction of the vehicle (i.e., the left-right direction at a 90-degree angle relative to the direction of travel), and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the vehicle (i.e., the up-down direction). Additionally, in this specification, "inner" and "outer" are defined with reference to the vehicle's orientation; "inner side" refers to the side facing inwards from the vehicle, and "outer side" refers to the side facing outwards from the vehicle.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle front assembly A according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the vehicle front assembly 100 according to the present invention includes a bumper cover 1, a first decorative element 2, and a second decorative element 3. The bumper cover 1 is symmetrically arranged on both sides along the Y direction, and each side includes the first decorative element 2 and the second decorative element 3.

[0031] The first decorative element 2 and the second decorative element 3 differ in color, shape, and material to enhance the visual hierarchy. For example, they can use a combination of the same color and contrasting colors, respectively, to shape the main outline and to decorate the details, and respectively to use high-strength structural materials and lightweight decorative materials.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first trim piece 2 has a generally trapezoidal shape, is fitted to the outer side of the bumper skin 1, and includes a mounting groove 25. The mounting groove 25 is provided with a stepped surface 251 that abuts against the second trim piece 3 (see reference). Figure 6a The mounting groove 25 is provided with three through holes 21 located at its two ends and the middle.

[0033] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, each through-hole 21 has a first edge 211 and a second edge 212 that are symmetrical with respect to the central plane S of the through-hole 21. Preferably, the through-hole 21 is configured as a long, closed shape, such as an ellipse, with the first edge 211 and the second edge 212 forming the long edge of the through-hole 21, and the third edge 213 and the fourth edge 214, which are opposite each other, forming the short edge of the through-hole 21. Compared with, for example, a C-type snap-fit ​​through-hole, this closed design eliminates the problem of weak edge strength caused by an open structure, and avoids the risk of wear and breakage at the snap-fit ​​part due to repeated insertion and removal or vibration. The smooth and continuous contour, such as an ellipse, avoids sharp corner structures, effectively disperses stress, and prevents material fatigue or cracking caused by local stress concentration.

[0034] like Figures 4 to 6bAs shown, the second decorative element 3 is shaped to match the mounting groove 25 and is configured as an elongated strip extending approximately along the Z direction to be installed into the mounting groove 25 on the outside of the first decorative element 2. It includes three snap-fit ​​portions 31 located at its two ends and the middle position, respectively. Each snap-fit ​​portion 31 protrudes towards the first decorative element 2 to snap into the corresponding through hole 21. Each snap-fit ​​portion 31 includes a main snap-fit ​​member 32 and at least one secondary snap-fit ​​member 35. As shown, the snap-fit ​​portions 31 at both ends of the second decorative element 3 are respectively provided with a main snap-fit ​​member 32 and a secondary snap-fit ​​member 35 located on one side of the main snap-fit ​​member 32. The snap-fit ​​portion 31 located in the middle position of the second decorative element 3 is provided with a main snap-fit ​​member 32 and two secondary snap-fit ​​members 35 located on both sides of the main snap-fit ​​member 32.

[0035] The main connector 32 includes an extension arm 33 and a connector 34 located at the free end of the extension arm 33. The connector 34 has a radial dimension larger than that of the through hole 21 and includes a first guide surface 341 and a second guide surface 342 inclined relative to the central plane S. The first guide surface 341 and the second guide surface 342 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the central plane S, and the intersection line 343 of the first guide surface 341 and the second guide surface 342 is located on the central plane S.

[0036] Preferably, the first guide surface 341 is rotated 180° around the central axis AX of the through hole 21 and coincides with the second guide surface 342, that is, the first guide surface 341 is centrally symmetrical with respect to the second guide surface 342. More preferably, the angle α1 between the first guide surface 341 and the central plane S is equal to the angle α2 between the second guide surface 342 and the central plane S.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the first guide surface 341 includes a first guide edge 344 that engages with the first edge 211 during the insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion 31 into the through hole 21, and the second guide surface 342 includes a second guide edge 345 that engages with the second edge 212 during the insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion 31 into the through hole 21. In this embodiment, the first guide edge 344 represents the lower edge of the first guide surface 341, and the second guide edge 345 represents the lower edge of the second guide surface 342.

[0038] The first guide edge 344 forms an acute angle β1 with the intersection line 343, and the second guide edge 345 forms an acute angle β2 with the intersection line 343. Preferably, the included angle β1 is equal to the included angle β2. From a top-view perspective, the first guide surface 341 and the second guide surface 342 together constitute... Figure 7 The diagram shows a roughly parallelogram. Preferably, the included angles β1 and β2 are between 10° and 15°, for example, both included angles β1 and β2 are set to 10°, 12°, or 15°. According to some implementation variations, included angle β1 may be set to be different from included angle β2, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0039] like Figures 8 to 9b As shown, the snap-fit ​​connector 34 includes a first end E1 and a second end E2 opposite to the first end E1 in the extension direction of the intersection line 343. For the first end E1, during insertion into the through hole 21, the interference portion I on the first guide edge 344 side is greater than the interference portion III on the second guide edge 345 side. Therefore, the force F1 (e.g., 10 N) on the first guide edge 344 side is greater than the force F3 (e.g., 2 N) on the second guide edge 345 side. Similarly, for the second end E2, during insertion into the through hole 21, the force F4 (e.g., 2 N) on the first guide edge 344 side is less than the force F2 (e.g., 10 N) on the second guide edge 345 side. Therefore, the snap-fit ​​connector 34 can generate a clockwise rotational torque around the center G (in a top view) of the snap-fit ​​connector 34 during insertion into the through hole 21. During the rotation, the snap-fit ​​connector 34 adjusts the insertion angle by rotating. That is, the side with greater interference will cause local deformation or increased frictional resistance due to increased contact pressure, forcing the snap-fit ​​connector to adjust to the side with less interference, and finally reach the equilibrium position and be fully inserted into the through hole 21.

[0040] Compared to traditional symmetrical snap-fit ​​structures (such as F1 and F3, both 5N), the snap-fit ​​connector of this invention avoids the need for additional pushing force during insertion due to "jamming". This asymmetrical snap-fit ​​connector 34 design converts the direct frictional resistance that would otherwise need to be overcome into rotational torque, reducing insertion resistance and making it easier to insert the snap-fit ​​connector 34 into the through hole 21. The snap-fit ​​connector 34 of this invention is particularly suitable for fastening smaller components, for example, where the width of the second decorative piece 3 along the Y direction is set to approximately 8mm, and the width of the snap-fit ​​connector 34 along the Y direction is set to approximately 3mm. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connector 34 is designed as a solid structure with a certain thickness, so that when the snap-fit ​​connector 34 is inserted into the through hole 21, it has sufficient rigidity to open the edge of the through hole 21.

[0041] like Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown, the snap-fit ​​connector 34 also includes a first abutting surface 346 abutting against the first edge 211 and a second abutting surface 347 abutting against the second edge 212 after the snap-fit ​​portion 31 is inserted into the through hole 21. The main snap-fit ​​member 32 is configured such that after the snap-fit ​​portion 31 is inserted into the through hole 21, the first abutting surface 346 and the second abutting surface 347 are deformed to be symmetrical with respect to the central plane S. This design allows the first abutting surface 346 and the second abutting surface 347 on both sides to bear force evenly, increasing stability and reducing the possibility of the main snap-fit ​​member 32 falling off. According to one embodiment, the first abutting surface 346 and the second abutting surface 347 themselves can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central plane S.

[0042] The secondary snap-fit ​​connector 35 is spaced apart from the primary snap-fit ​​connector 32 along the extension direction D1 of the intersection line 343, and abuts against the third edge 213 or the fourth edge 214 of the through hole 21 in the extension direction D1. The gap between the secondary snap-fit ​​connector 35 and the primary snap-fit ​​connector 32 allows the second decorative element 3 to shift moderately during assembly, preventing breakage due to rigid impact. More specifically, the secondary snap-fit ​​connector 35 includes a third guide surface 351 abutting against the third edge 213 of the through hole 21 or a fourth guide surface 352 abutting against the fourth edge 214 of the through hole 21. The third guide surface 351 and the fourth guide surface 352 are inclined relative to the central axis AX of the through hole 21 to facilitate guiding the snap-fit ​​connector 34 into the through hole 21.

[0043] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the creative idea of ​​the present invention, but all of these shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0044] The above description of the embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle front assembly (100), characterized in that, include: Bumper skin (1); A first decorative element (2) is fitted to the outside of the bumper skin (1) and includes a through hole (21) having a first edge (211) and a second edge (212) symmetrical with respect to the central plane (S). as well as The second decorative element (3) is assembled to the outside of the first decorative element (2), wherein the second decorative element (3) includes a snap-fit ​​portion (31) which protrudes toward the first decorative element (2) to snap into the through hole (21); The snap-fit ​​portion (31) includes a main snap-fit ​​member (32), which includes a first guide surface (341) and a second guide surface (342) inclined relative to the central plane (S). The first guide surface (341) and the second guide surface (342) are arranged asymmetrically relative to the central plane (S), and the intersection line (343) of the first guide surface (341) and the second guide surface (342) is located on the central plane (S). The first guide surface (341) includes a first guide edge (344) that engages with the first edge (211) during the insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion (31) into the through hole (21), and the second guide surface (342) includes a second guide edge (345) that engages with the second edge (212) during the insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion (31) into the through hole (21), and each of the first guide edge (344) and the second guide edge (345) forms an acute angle (β1, β2) with the intersection line (343).

2. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first guide surface (341) is rotated 180° around the central axis (AX) of the through hole (21), it coincides with the second guide surface (342).

3. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle (α1) between the first guide surface (341) and the central plane (S) is equal to the angle (α2) between the second guide surface (342) and the central plane (S).

4. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angles (β1, β2) formed by each of the first guide edge (344) and the second guide edge (345) with the intersection line (343) are between 10° and 15°.

5. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main connector (32) further includes a first abutting surface (346) that abuts against the first edge (211) after the connector (31) is inserted into the through hole (21), and a second abutting surface (347) that abuts against the second edge (212). The main snap-fit ​​member (32) is configured such that after the snap-fit ​​part (31) is inserted into the through hole (21), the first abutment surface (346) and the second abutment surface (347) are deformed to be symmetrical with respect to the central plane (S).

6. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The through hole (21) is configured as a long, closed strip shape.

7. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​portion (31) further includes at least one secondary snap-fit ​​member (35), which is spaced apart from the primary snap-fit ​​member (32) along the extension direction (D1) of the intersection line (343) and abuts against the edge of the through hole in the extension direction (D1).

8. The vehicle front assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first decorative element (2) includes a mounting groove (25), which is shaped to match the second decorative element (3) and is provided with a plurality of through holes (21). The second decorative element (3) is installed into the mounting groove (25) and includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​portions (31) that snap into the plurality of through holes (21).

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle front assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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