Fender-bumper cover arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A fender-bumper cover assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one fender (2), at least one bumper cover (3) and a connecting arrangement (4) by means of which the bumper cover (3) is attached to the fender (2), characterized in that at least one fastening element (11) provided on the bumper cover (3) and projecting from the inside (6) of the bumper cover (3) passes through an opening (10) provided on a fastening section (5) of the fender (2) which extends over the inside (6) of the bumper cover (3) and is locked by means of a movable locking element (16) fixed on the inside of the fender (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fender-bumper cover arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one fender, at least one bumper cover and a connecting arrangement by means of which the bumper cover is fastened to the fender.

[0002] In addition to two side fenders at the front left and right, and at the rear left and right, modern motor vehicles also have a bumper cover at the front and rear of the vehicle. This is often a component that is essentially U-shaped when viewed from above, enclosing the entire front or rear and overlapping the body components etc. behind the bumper cover and covered by it. A number of other functional units are usually also installed in the bumper cover, such as sensors, lighting devices, etc. The bumper cover is attached to the respective fender using a corresponding connecting arrangement, among other things. This is such that the fender has a folded edge that projects inwards more or less orthogonally to the inside of the fender, i.e. a mounting plate, in which at least two openings are formed which serve to fix a retaining element led from the bumper cover side.For this purpose, appropriate fasteners such as screws or rivets are used. In the assembled position, a laterally open slot is created between the fender mounting plate and the plate-shaped retaining element. A plate-shaped retaining section, which also protrudes orthogonally to the inside of the bumper cover, is inserted into this slot and locked, for example, to a suitable locking geometry on the retaining element.

[0003] As described, the mounting plate of the fender, the plate-shaped retaining element and the plate-shaped fastening section of the bumper cover are virtually perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, thus protruding a considerable distance towards the vehicle interior, which requires corresponding installation space, which, however, is not always available in sufficient quantities.

[0004] DE 10 2010 034 928 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with two fenders and a bumper connected to the fenders via retaining means. The retaining means comprise a fastening rail and a guide rail connected thereto. The fastening rail is held on the fender, and the guide rail has a flange. The flange is opposite a bend in the fender, and an edge of the bumper is arranged between the bend and the flange.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing an improved fender bumper cover arrangement.

[0006] To solve this problem, in a fender-bumper cover arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention provides that at least one fastening element provided on the bumper cover and projecting on the inside of the bumper cover passes through an opening provided on a fastening section of the fender, which extends over the inside of the bumper cover, and is locked by means of a movable locking element fixed on the inside of the fender.

[0007] In the arrangement according to the invention, the sections of the fender and bumper cover that are to be fastened to one another do not run, as was previously the case in the prior art, projecting quasi-orthogonally from the inside and protruding towards the vehicle interior. Rather, a corresponding flat or plate-shaped fastening section is provided only on the fender, which extends quasi in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and, viewed in this direction, overlaps the inside of the bumper cover to some extent, i.e., runs parallel or at a slight angle to it, so that, viewed from the side, a corresponding flat overlap results. At least one opening is provided on the fastening section, and possibly also several openings, as will be discussed below, into which one fastening element, or possibly also several in the case of several openings, protruding from the inside of the bumper cover, engages.This fastening element, for example a corresponding retaining pin or hook, protrudes from the inside of the cover to this overlapping fastening section and engages through the opening provided in the fastening section. Finally, a movable locking element attached to the fender serves to secure the cover. Because it is movable, it can be moved from a released position to a locked position, where it interacts with the through-passing fastening element of the cover and locks it. Since the locking element is attached to the fender, a firm connection between the bumper cover and the fender is achieved.

[0008] Since the invention provides a locking structure that extends virtually in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the required installation space for the arrangement according to the invention, viewed toward the vehicle interior, is significantly smaller than with previously known arrangements. Consequently, this locking mechanism can also be provided in positions where relatively little installation space is available.

[0009] The connection described above is made between a bumper cover and a fender. Typically, the arrangement comprises two fenders and a continuous bumper cover attached to both, for example, the two front left and right fenders and the front bumper cover, or the two rear right and left fenders and the rear bumper cover. However, it is also conceivable that the bumper cover is not a continuous component, but rather comprises two bumper cover sections that complement each other in the assembled position to form a single bumper cover. The two bumper cover sections meet, for example, in the center of the vehicle, or are connected to each other via a central component placed between them, or something similar.In any case, there is always a firm connection between the bumper cover or bumper cover parts and the fender adjoining the respective end of the bumper cover or bumper cover part in the form described.

[0010] Since the fastening section of the fender, as described, overlaps the end of the bumper cover or the bumper cover part on the inside, it is expedient if the fastening section is bent laterally towards the inside of the fender over at least one step to ensure a flush outer surface in the transition from the cover to the fender.

[0011] This edge therefore offsets the fastening section slightly inward, creating a corresponding recess for the end of the bumper cover over the step, into which the cover engages and can be flush with the fender. The fender-side fastening section extends over the step, folded back essentially in the longitudinal direction of the fender or the vehicle's longitudinal direction, thus creating a corresponding overlap over the inside of the cover.

[0012] It may be expedient for the fastening section to be folded over at least two steps, with the opening through which the fastening element engages being provided on the part of the fastening section adjoining the second step. In order to make the connection as stable as possible, it may be expedient to make the bumper cover more stable in the area of ​​the fastening element. This double fold allows the cover to accommodate a greater material thickness in this area. This is particularly expedient if the fastening element or, if provided, the plurality of fastening elements are provided on, preferably a common, separate component that is fastened to the inside of the bumper cover.This offers the possibility of producing the bumper cover, which is usually manufactured as a plastic component in a mold, with a virtually flat interior surface and no specific shape design. The small, separate components containing the fastening element(s) can be manufactured in a separate mold with a more complex geometry. All that is required is to fix the corresponding component to the interior of the cover, for example, by plastic welding or gluing or similar. In principle, the bumper cover will then be somewhat wider, but this is easily possible since the fastening section is simply folded twice.

[0013] As described, the cover is fixed to the fender by means of a movable locking element, which, when the fastening element passes through the opening in the fastening section of the fender, is displaced, thereby locking the fastening element. To easily mount the locking element movably, a guide part is expediently provided, which is fixed to the fastening section and on which the movable locking element is located. This guide part, which, for example, also has an opening aligned with the opening in the fastening section, is firmly fixed to the fender in a suitable manner, for example via clamping or snap-in connections, which enable simple clamping, snap-in, or snap-in mounting of the guide part on the fastening section.This fixed guide part serves as a holding and guiding element for the locking element, which can then be easily moved between the release and locking positions.

[0014] For easy attachment, several locking recesses are expediently provided on the attachment section, which engage positively with the locking sections of the guide part, or vice versa, i.e., corresponding locking sections are provided on the attachment section, which engage positively with locking recesses on the guide part. Thus, a multi-point fixation is achieved, with the attachment being achieved by simply snapping or snapping on; the use of separate fastening elements such as screws, rivets, or the like is advantageously not required here. This fundamentally offers the possibility of arranging the entire locking arrangement without the use of any additional fastening element in the form of a screw, rivet, or the like, or of connecting the fender to the cover.Such an additional fastening element is neither required for the arrangement of the guide part on the fastening section, nor for the actual mechanical connection of the fastening element and the locking element, since both are ultimately positioned by simple relative movements to each other and interact with each other by moving the locking element into the locking position.

[0015] The locking element itself is conveniently a linearly movable slider that interacts with the fastening element of the bumper cover in the locked position. During assembly, for example, after the guide part has been engaged, the slider is still in the release position. Once the bumper cover is positioned and the elongated fastening element engages the opening on the fender side and, if applicable, also the opening in the guide part, it is only necessary to slide the slider linearly into the locked position, in which the fastening element is then locked.

[0016] For precise linear guidance of the locking element, a groove-like guide section is expediently provided on the guide part, in which the locking element is accommodated for linear displacement. The slider is expediently movable essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fender from the release to the locking position, i.e., for example, relative to the mounting position on the motor vehicle, it is pushed vertically from the top from the release position downwards into the locking position.

[0017] An opening is expediently provided on the locking element itself, which in the release position is aligned with the opening in the mudguard and through which the fastening element passes, wherein the locking element engages behind the fastening element in the locking position.

[0018] This means that a corresponding locking section is formed on the fastening element, into which the locking element is inserted, thus locking it in place. For this purpose, the fastening element is designed, for example, as a hook-shaped locking element or has one, while the locking element engages behind the locking element with a locking section, i.e., is pushed behind this hook-shaped section. Since the locking element is firmly attached to the guide part, a further disengagement movement is blocked.

[0019] To firmly connect the cover to the fender via several mechanical connections, it is advisable to provide two or more openings on the fender, two or more fastening elements on the bumper cover, and two or more openings with associated locking sections on the locking element. This allows for two or more mechanical locking positions, making the mechanical connection even more secure.

[0020] Furthermore, it is expedient for the locking element to be locked in the locked position. This prevents the locking element from accidentally being released from the locked position. This locking mechanism can, for example, be a catch that automatically engages when the locking element is moved into the locked position and prevents reverse movement. Releasing this catch is only possible with a special tool, for example.

[0021] Furthermore, it is expedient if the locking element is positively or flush with the bumper cover in the locked position. Due to the lateral overlap, the locking element is virtually located in the area of ​​the bumper cover. Since, for example, the upper edge of the bumper cover is visible when the hood is opened, it is expedient to integrate the locking element with its upper handling section, over which the locking element is moved, positively or flush with the bumper cover when the locking element is in the locked position.

[0022] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having at least one fender-bumper cover assembly. Such a motor vehicle typically has two front and two rear fenders, as well as a front bumper cover extending all the way around the front and a rear bumper cover extending all the way around the rear, each of which is connected to the two fenders via the described locking mechanism.

[0023] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a fender-bumper cover arrangement showing a front fender together with the front cover, Fig. 2 a sectional schematic diagram in a partial view of the arrangement according to the invention showing the locking mechanism, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the end region of the fender showing the fastening section formed there, Fig. 4 a perspective view according to Fig. 3 with guide part arranged on the fastening section together with locking element, Fig. 5 the unit from Fig. 4 in a perspective view from the other side, Fig. 6 a perspective view corresponding Fig. 5 with additional bumper cover and locking element in the release position, Fig. 7 the arrangement Fig. 6 with the locking element in the locking position, and Fig. 8 a perspective view of the locked arrangement according to Fig. 7 from the other side.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a fender-bumper cover assembly 1, comprising a fender 2, which is typically made of steel, aluminum, or plastic and, in the example shown, is the front left fender. Also shown is a bumper cover 3, which is a plastic component, for example, a circumferential, U-shaped component, and is to be attached not only to the left fender 2 shown, but also to the opposite right fender 2, with the attachment being identical.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram, in section, of the connecting arrangement 4 (locking mechanism) provided for this purpose. The sectional view shows the fender 2 on the one hand and the bumper cover 3 on the other. Fig. 2 the basic functional principle is explained, the individual components required for this and their design and interaction are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0026] On the fender 2, a fastening section 5 is formed, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the fender 2 or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e. here forwards towards the front of the vehicle, and which partially overlaps the inner side 6 of the bumper cover 3, as Fig. 2 clearly shows. The fastening section 5 is, as shown Fig. 2 also Fig. 3 shows, is bevelled twice over two steps 7, i.e. offset inwards towards the fender 2 or its inner side. This offers the possibility that the bumper cover 3 with its outer side 8 connects almost flush with the outer side 9 of the fender, as Fig. 2 , but also Fig. 8, show.

[0027] At the fastening section 5, see Fig. 2, two openings 10 are formed, through which, as will be discussed below, and how Fig. As already indicated in Figure 2, a fastening element 11, arranged on the inner side 6 of the bumper cover 3, extends through the opening 10. The fastening element 11 is a separate component that is fixed, in particular glued, to the inner side via a correspondingly large-surface fastening base 12. It has a hook-shaped locking element 13, which extends through the opening 10.

[0028] To lock or arrest the fastening element 11, a guide part 14 is fixed to the fastening section 5 of the fender 2, which is achieved by simple locking or snap-in connections. The guide part 14 also has an opening 15 that is aligned with the opening 10 of the fastening section 5, as shown in FIG. Fig. 2 shows.

[0029] A linearly movable locking element 16 in the form of a slider 17 is arranged on the guide part 14. This slider 17 also has an opening 18 through which the locking element 13 passes. The slider 17 engages behind the hook-shaped locking element 13 with a locking section 19, as Fig. 2 clearly shows. Since the locking element 16 is fixed to the guide part 14, which in turn is fixed to the fastening section 5 of the fender 2, the bumper cover 3 is securely fixed in the locking position, preventing it from coming loose again.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the fender 2 with the fastening section 5. On the fastening section 5, several locking recesses 20 are provided, in which corresponding locking sections of the guide part 14 lock. As in particular Fig. As shown in Figure 4, hook-shaped locking sections 21 are formed on the guide part 14, which are hooked into the locking recesses 20 and lock there. For example, the locking sections 21 are passed through and engaged by sliding the guide part 14, after which the further locking section 21, which is designed as a locking tongue, locks onto the fastening section 5. In any case, this ensures a secure, firm fixation of the guide part 14.

[0031] The locking element 16 in the form of the slider 17 is arranged and guided on the guide part 14. For this purpose, see Fig. 5, a groove-like guide section 22 is formed on the guide part 14, which is defined by corresponding hook elements 23, by means of which the slider 17 is also secured against falling out. In the example shown, the slider 17 has two openings 24, which are arranged in the Fig. 5 are aligned with the openings 10 of the fastening section 5, as well as Fig. 4. Each opening 24 is designed in a quasi-L-shaped manner; it has a larger lower portion, which is dimensioned such that it can be easily penetrated by the hook-shaped locking element 13, and an adjoining narrower opening portion, which is dimensioned such that it can accommodate the narrow section of the locking element 13 extending to the fastening foot 12. The respective locking section 19 of the locking element 16 is also formed in the region of this narrower opening portion.

[0032] Furthermore, the slider 17 has a handling section 25 which is designed in the manner of a handle and by means of which the slider 17 can be moved without any problem.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows the situation in which the bumper cover 3 was positioned. It overlaps, as Fig. 2 shows the fastening section 5, which is located virtually adjacent and approximately parallel to the inner side 6 of the bumper cover 3. After the slider 17 is in the release position in which it is pulled upwards, the two hook-shaped locking elements 13 can be guided through the corresponding openings 10 on the one hand and in particular 24 on the other hand, so that the hook-shaped end sections are located virtually beyond the slider 17. If this is now, in the transition from Fig. 6 to Fig. 7, is pressed downwards, the locking sections 19 are pushed under the hook-shaped locking elements 13 of the fastening element 11, as in Fig. 2, so these are being undermined.

[0034] The narrow web of the fastening element 11 engages the narrow section of the respective opening. In this position, in which the slider 17 is preferably also locked against a simple backward movement, the fastening elements 11 are secured against backward movement, i.e., against a loosening movement, and the bumper cover 3 is firmly connected to the fender 2.

[0035] As the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show, in the locking position the slider 17 or the handling section 25 is arranged virtually flush with the bumper cover 3, so that, as in particular Fig. 8 shows, results in an almost step-free top.

[0036] The guide part 14 and the slider 17 are expediently plastic components, as are the bumper cover 3 and the fastening element arranged on it, which on the one hand enables simple production, but on the other hand also leads to a reduced overall weight.

[0037] The connection of the fender 2 to the bumper cover 3 can be achieved with just one such mechanical connection point. However, it is also conceivable, particularly for larger joints, to provide two such connection arrangements 4, one in the upper area and one in the lower area of ​​the connection.

Claims

[1] Fender-bumper cover arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one fender (2), at least one bumper cover (3) and a connecting arrangement (4) by means of which the bumper cover (3) is fastened to the fender (2), characterized by in that at least one fastening element (11) provided on the bumper cover (3) and projecting on the inside (6) of the bumper cover (3) passes through an opening (10) provided on a fastening section (5) of the fender (2) which extends over the inside (6) of the bumper cover (3) and is locked by means of a movable locking element (16) fixed on the inside of the fender (2). [2] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized bythat two fenders (2) and a continuous bumper cover (3) attached to both are provided, or that two fenders (2) and two bumper parts are provided which complement each other in the assembled position to form a common bumper cover (3). [3] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fastening section (5) provided at the end of the fender (2) facing the bumper cover (3) is bent laterally towards the inside of the fender via at least one step (7) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the fender (2). [4] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 3, characterized by that the fastening section (5) is bent over at least two steps (7), wherein the opening (10) is provided on the part of the fastening section (5) adjoining the second step (7). [5] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a guide part (14) is provided which is fixed to the fastening section (5) and on which the movable locking element (16) is provided. [6] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 5, characterized by that the guide part (14) is fixed to the fastening section (5) via snap-in or clamping connections. [7] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 6, characterized by that a plurality of locking or clamping recesses (20) are provided on the fastening section (5), into which the locking or clamping sections (21) of the guide part (14) engage in a form-fitting manner, or vice versa. [8] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (16) is a linearly movable slider (17) which, in a locking position, interacts with the fastening element (11) of the bumper cover (3). [9] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 8, characterized by that a groove-like guide section (22) is provided on the guide part (14), in which the locking element (16) is received in a linearly displaceable manner. [10] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the locking element (16) is movable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mudguard from the release position to the locking position. [11] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that an opening (24) is provided on the locking element (16), which in the release position is aligned with the opening (10) of the mudguard (2) and through which the fastening element (11) passes, wherein the locking element (16) engages behind the fastening element (11) in the locking position. [12] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 11, characterized bythat the fastening element (11) has a hook-shaped locking element (13) and the locking element (16) engages behind the locking element (13) with a locking section (19). [13] Fender bumper cover assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that two or more openings (10) are provided on the fender (2), two or more fastening elements (11) are provided on the bumper cover (3), and two or more openings (24) with associated locking sections (19) are provided on the locking element (16). [14] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (16) is locked in the locking position. [15] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (16) is positively or flush with the bumper cover (3) in the locking position. [16] Fender bumper cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening element(s) (11) are provided on, preferably a common, separate component which is fastened to the inside of the bumper cover. [17] Motor vehicle comprising at least one fender bumper cover assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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