Automotive bumper air intake grille shutter

Abstract

The invention relates to a front fascia assembly (16) for a motor vehicle, said front fascia assembly comprising a bumper skin (18) with an outer element (20), an air inlet opening (26) delimited by the outer element, a protective grille (32) attached to the opening and having mesh communicating with the air inlet opening; and a shutter (34) comprising at least one panel (36) covering the protective grille. The front fascia assembly includes a mounting body (42). The mounting body comprises: a first portion (56) attached to the outer element, a second portion (58) attached to the protective grille, and a third portion (60) attached to the shutter; for connecting the shutter, the protective grille, and the outer element via the mounting body. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Shutter for an air intake grille of a motor vehicle bumper

[0001] The invention relates to a shutter for an air intake grille of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the fixing of a shutter for an air intake grille of the front of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is a front of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle with an at least partially closed grille.

[0002] A given motor vehicle model has a front end with a bumper extending across its entire width. The bumper comprises a bumper skin and must meet various repairability criteria depending on the speed of the impacts that it is capable of absorbing. For example, for a low-speed impact, the front end is designed to absorb the impact by elastic deformation, thus without requiring subsequent repair. Low speed means an impact at a speed less than or equal to 10 km / h. During this impact, the bumper skin deforms elastically upon contact with the obstacle, then returns to its position without any permanent deformation remaining after the obstacle involved in the impact has moved away.

[0003] Around the bumper skin, the vehicle body has exterior panels completing the outer envelope. The bumper skin is precisely positioned relative to these exterior panels in order to refine the separation clearances. Controlling the geometry of the separation clearances contributes to the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0004] In addition to the exterior panels, the front facade includes lighting devices, including the front headlights. These lighting devices make it possible to illuminate the environment and to emit light signals to the outside. These lighting devices adjoin the bumper skin, defining other separation games; also involved in the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0005] The front panel also has air inlets, generally including an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet. The air captured via these air inlets is used to supply an internal combustion engine with fuel and to cool it using a dedicated heat exchanger.

[0006] The same model of motor vehicle is commonly available with several engines, including a thermal engine and an electric engine. In the context of the latter, the need to cool the engine via its heat exchanger disappears.

[0007] In circulation, the presence of the air intake grilles modifies the drag of the vehicle at because of the deflection and turbulence they cause. This drag increases primary energy consumption and reduces range. However, range is precisely a key point for electric motor vehicles. In order to reduce aerodynamic losses linked to the air flow passing through the air intake grilles, it is relevant to seal them in the context of an electric vehicle.

[0008] However, this modification involves specific modifications depending on the vehicle's engine. The gain in mass production on the same vehicle model decreases. There is therefore a need to maintain a production gain for the same model of motor vehicle available with several engines. There is a need to offer a front fascia assembly with grille that is compatible with several types of engine and that optimizes energy consumption.

[0009] Document EP3296135A1 presents a motor vehicle provided with a front bumper comprising: an outer skin comprising an opening, a radiator, an upper structural element, a lower structural element, a shutter comprising a panel mounted between the radiator and the outer skin, the shutter being mounted with the upper structural element and the lower structural element, the shutter being capable of partially blocking the opening. The front bumper comprises a grille, located behind the opening, and making it possible to protect the mechanical components located behind the grille from an impact with a foreign body. The grille comprises a plurality of slats which may be straight and / or crossed, so as to form a mesh. The shutter comprises an upper tab and a lower tab extending respectively from the panel to the structural elements for the purpose of fixing them.The shutter attachment requires a rivet, and therefore a hole in the upper structural element. This shutter improves the protection of a pedestrian in the event of an impact with the motor vehicle. It facilitates the installation of the shutter.

[0010] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to make the same front panel assembly compatible with different versions of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the ease of mounting a shutter and safety in the event of a pedestrian impact against the front panel of a motor vehicle.

[0011] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to propose simplifying the assembly of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the assembly and safety of a motor vehicle.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a front facade assembly motor vehicle, said front fascia assembly comprising a bumper skin with an outer element, an air inlet opening delimited by the outer element, a protective grille connected to the air inlet opening; a shutter comprising at least one panel facing the protective grille; characterized in that the front fascia assembly comprises a fixing body; said fixing body comprising: a first portion joined to the outer element, a second portion joined to the protective grille, a third portion joined to the shutter; in order to connect the shutter, the protective grille and the outer element via said fixing body.

[0013] The invention allows the shutter to be mounted directly on the fixing means already housing the grille. Therefore, the mounting of the shutter uses the surfaces already present for the entire range of the motor vehicle. The integration of the shutter does not require additional design work for the bumper skin.

[0014] The front fascia assembly is modular since it allows the shutter to be integrated without the need for adaptation. The entire front fascia assembly can be used for several engines of the same motor vehicle model, which offers an economy of scale.

[0015] In addition, the integration of the shutter does not modify the structure of the vehicle. The programmed flexibility of the front panel is little or not modified. Therefore, in the event of a pedestrian impact, the addition of the shutter does not add a hard point. Safety for pedestrians is preserved.

[0016] The invention provides a bumper skin with a grille fixed to an opening, and a shutter fixed to the opening by means of fasteners also allowing the protective grille to be mounted there. Thus, these fasteners have a dual function. Their free ends are used to anchor the protective grille. The mounting operation is simple since it only involves an operation of embedding the fixing slots on the corresponding fixing bodies. The positioning between the protective grille and its shutter is precise since it rests on the same functional surfaces.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing body comprises a fixing tab extending longitudinally; preferably, the fixing body is integral with the outer element of the bumper skin.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one panel comprises a main plane, the shutter comprises a fixing boss offset longitudinally relative to the main plane, the fixing body being fixed to the fixing boss.

[0019] Preferably, the protective grid comprises a fixing eyelet, the second portion being in the fixing eyelet.

[0020] Preferably, the shutter comprises a fixing slot, the third portion being in the fixing slot; the at least one panel comprising a central zone waterproof and a fixing edge, the fixing slot being in the fixing edge; preferably the fixing slot comprises retention means cooperating with the third portion.

[0021] Preferably, the first portion comprises a base, the second portion projecting from said base.

[0022] Preferably, the second portion comprises a first section; the third portion comprises a second section; the first section being between the first portion and the second section.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one panel comprises a first panel with a first junction zone and a second panel with a second junction zone joined to the first junction zone by the third portion.

[0024] Preferably, the air inlet opening comprises a contour, the fixing body is a first fixing body, the front facade assembly further comprising a plurality of second fixing bodies connecting the shutter, the protective grille and the external element; the first fixing body and the second fixing bodies being distributed over the contour of the air inlet opening.

[0025] Preferably, the protective grid comprises meshes communicating with the air inlet opening.

[0026] Preferably, each panel is a single-piece panel.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one panel comprises a transverse fixing branch fixed by the third portion.

[0028] Preferably, the shutter is arranged behind the protective grid.

[0029] Preferably, the front facade assembly comprises fixing means with a first section, a second section and a third section; the third section being adjoining the second section.

[0030] Preferably, the front facade assembly comprises a fixing tab with a base secured to the external element, a first portion linked to the grid, a second portion linked to the shutter; the first portion being between the base and the second portion.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle front fascia assembly, said front fascia assembly comprising a bumper skin with an outer element, an air intake opening delimited by the outer element, a protective grille for the air intake opening; a shutter comprising at least one panel facing the protective grille; remarkable in that the front fascia assembly comprises fixing means with a first section, a second section and a third section; the third section being adjoining the second section.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention provides a vehicle front fascia assembly automobile, said front fascia assembly comprising a bumper skin with an outer element, an air intake opening delimited by the outer element, a protective grille for the air intake opening; a shutter comprising at least one panel facing the protective grille; remarkable in that the front fascia assembly comprises a fixing tab with a base secured to the outer element, a first portion linked to the protective grille, a second portion linked to the shutter; the first portion being between the base and the second portion.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a front facade assembly, remarkable in that the front facade assembly is in accordance with the invention.

[0034] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0035] [Fig.l] is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] shows a vehicle front fascia assembly shutter panel automobile according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig. 3] shows a slot for fixing a shutter of a front panel assembly of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] is a section of a front panel of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0039] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the front fascia assembly to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0040] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0041] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0042] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the front panel assembly, unless otherwise stated. be mentioned explicitly.

[0043] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0044] [Fig. 1] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means, such as an electric battery, and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10. The motor is in particular an electric motor.

[0045] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12, also called a body. The structure 12 forms a framework and supports various components of the motor vehicle 10, including the engine and openings. The structure 12 partially forms the bodywork 14 of the vehicle at the level of the roof, the front wings, the pillars. The bodywork 14 forms the external envelope of the motor vehicle 10.

[0046] The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a front facade assembly 16. The front facade assembly 16, in particular each of its elements, is adapted to withstand impacts at speeds up to 10 km / h, preferably up to 15 km / s, without there being any need to replace specific parts of the vehicle, and in particular all or part of the bumper skin 18. They are also adapted to limit the extent of injuries in the event of a pedestrian impact.

[0047] The bumper skin 18 comprises several exterior elements 20. The exterior elements 20 comprise different exterior walls whose external surface forms the bodywork. The exterior elements 20 are fixed to the structure of the front facade assembly 16; said structure comprising an upper beam and a lower beam (not shown). The exterior elements 20 comprise an exterior coating such as a layer of paint.

[0048] The front facade assembly 16 also comprises at least one lighting device 22. In this case, two lighting devices 22 are provided, on either side of the bumper skin 18. Each lighting device 22 is a regulatory lighting device. A lighting device 22 commonly has a housing and a transparent wall on the outside, which house one or more light sources. The light sources are capable of illuminating the environment at a distance from the motor vehicle 10 for driving comfort, and capable of emitting light signals for the attention of other users.

[0049] The front facade assembly 16 has at least one air intake opening 26. The at least one air intake opening 26 is optionally a central opening in the transverse direction. It is at the center, or adjacent to the center of the vehicle.

[0050] For example, the front fascia assembly 16 includes a lower air inlet opening 28 and an upper air inlet opening 30. It can capture a flow of comburant when the motor vehicle 10 is available in its thermal version. One of the bumper skin elements 20 can separate the lower air intake opening 28 from the upper air intake opening 30. The upper air intake opening 30 provides an airflow for cabin air conditioning; whether the electric vehicle is electric, thermal or hybrid driven. The front fascia assembly 16 optionally includes a central insert 24 in the lower air intake opening 28. The central insert 24 can receive sensors such as a radar or a camera.

[0051] At least one or each air intake opening 26 is associated with a grille such as a protective grille 32. A protective grille 32 generally forms a perforated screen. Each protective grille 32 generally extends vertically and transversely.The protective grilles 32 have functions of guiding the flow of air entering the vehicle, and of protecting the organs arranged behind. Each protective grille 32 is capable of blocking at least partially, and / or of acting as a screen in the corresponding opening.

[0052] Each protective grid 32 has a mesh with meshes separated from each other by separations (not shown) such as slats. The separations are joined to each other to form a network. The meshes communicate with the air inlet opening. The meshes can have different shapes. They can reproduce a hexagonal pattern, a quadrilateral pattern, a triangular pattern. According to an option of the invention, the protective grid 32 of the lower air inlet opening 28 has meshes in the form of scales, or with rectangular blocks connected by rods. Such mesh shapes increase the resistance of the protective grid 32 against the protections. Any type of mesh can be selected according to the protection and air inlet needs.

[0053] In order to close at least one protective grille 32, the front facade assembly 16 is equipped with a shutter 34. The shutter 34 may be a removable shutter. The shutter 34 is configured to close the lower air inlet opening 28. The shutter 34 is arranged behind the protective grille 32. It opposes the entry of air via the lower air inlet opening 28. It limits or prevents any entry of air. It may completely close the lower air inlet opening 28. It is optionally vertically spaced from the upper air inlet opening 30.

[0054] The shutter 34 comprises at least one panel 36. The panel 36 lines the rear face of the protective grid 32. The panel 36 is generally straight. According to one option, the at least one panel 36 comprises a first panel 38 with a first joining zone and a second panel 40 with a second joining zone which is joined to the first joining zone by a third portion of a fixing body as described below.

[0055] According to one option, the first panel 38 is a left panel, and the second Panel 40 is a straight panel. They are respectively arranged on the left and right in the lower air inlet opening 28. Their junction zones are placed in the center of the lower air inlet opening 28, for example at the central insert 24.

[0056] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0057] [Fig.2] shows a panel 36 of shutter 34 of front facade assembly 16 for motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that described in relation to [Fig.l]. In the present illustration, the first panel 38 is illustrated; i.e. the left panel. The right panel can be deduced by symmetry along a vertical and longitudinal plane. The panel 36 is seen from the front.

[0058] The front facade assembly 16 comprises a fixing body 42, preferably a plurality of fixing bodies 42. The plurality of fixing bodies 42 comprises a first fixing body and a plurality of second fixing bodies. These fixing bodies 42 are similar; possibly identical. They may have different inclinations depending on their directions of insertion. The air inlet opening comprises a contour. The fixing bodies 42 are distributed along the contour of the air inlet opening. They are optionally distributed around the panel, in particular its fixing edge.

[0059] Subsequently, the description will focus on only one of the fixing bodies 42. However, the characteristics defined in relation to this fixing body 42 apply to each fixing body 42. The fixing body 42 is essentially elongated. It extends longitudinally. It forms a fixing branch, or a fixing member.

[0060] The fixing body 42 comprises a first portion joined to the outer element (visible in [Fig.l]); a second portion joined to the protective grid (visible in [Fig.l]); and a third portion joined to the shutter 36; in this case to the first panel 38. Thus, the fixing body 42 connects the shutter, the protective grid and the outer element via the fixing body 42.

[0061] The fixing body 42 comprises a fixing tab 44 extending longitudinally. The fixing tab 44 is essentially flat. It can form a fixing wing. It has a vertical thinning, and extends transversely. The fixing tab 44 passes through the shutter 34, in this case the first panel 38.

[0062] The shutter comprises a fixing slot 46, preferably several fixing slots 46. The fixing slots 46 pass longitudinally through the shutter 34. They each have a main elongation, for example horizontal.

[0063] The, or at least one, or each panel 36 comprises a central area 48 and an edge fixing 50. The central zone 48 is generally rectangular. It may include stiffening ribs, preferably on the rear face in order to facilitate sealing with the protective grid. The central zone 48 is preferably waterproof and is intended to fit tightly with the protective grid. It comprises a continuity of material. It is generally flat and has a main plane 52. The main plane 52 is a geometric plane. It extends transversely and vertically. It may be inclined relative to the vertical direction in order to fit the protective grid.

[0064] The fixing edge 50 may be an upper edge. The fixing edge 50 may surround the central zone 48. It may be a peripheral edge. The fixing edge 50 fits the protective grid. It may surround or be at a distance from the meshes of the protective grid. The or at least one or each fixing slot 46 is positioned in the fixing edge 50. Thus, the seal between the protective grid and the shutter is optimized since the central zone 48 is free of slots.

[0065] At least one or each fastening body 42 comprises: a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion (not shown). The third portion is in the associated fastening slot. Thus, the invention uses different portions of the fastening body 42 in order to connect the different distinct entities of the front facade assembly 16.

[0066] The panel 36 comprises a transverse fixing branch 54. The transverse fixing branch 54 is generally horizontal. It extends from the central zone 48; for example towards the center. The transverse fixing branch 54 is fixed by a third portion of one of the fixing bodies 42. According to one option, the transverse fixing branch 54 is a lower fixing branch, the shutter 34 further comprising an upper fixing branch; above the lower fixing branch. These branches are separated vertically.

[0067] Optionally, the second panel comprises a lower fixing branch and an upper fixing branch which are fixed to those of the first panel; for example by the third fixing body portion 42. Thus, the fixing branches connect the panels to each other; in particular by going around the central insert (visible in [Fig.l]).

[0068] [Fig. 3] shows a fixing slot 46 for a shutter 34 of a front panel assembly 16 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 2. This fixing slot 46 is positioned at a corner of the panel 36, however the present description applies to each fixing slot 46 and to each associated fixing body 42.

[0069] The fixing body 42 comprises a first portion 56 joined to the outer element, a second portion 58 joined to the protective grid, a third portion 60 joined to the shutter. The third portion 60 is inserted into the fixing slot 46. These portions (56-60) make it possible to connect the shutter, the protective grid and the external element via said fixing body 42. Optionally, the second portion 58 and the third portion 60 are fixing portions.

[0070] The panel 36 may be the second panel 40. The fixing slot 46 may be at a second joining area 62 of the second panel 40. It may be placed against the first joining area of ​​the first panel. These joining areas may be stacked longitudinally to ensure sealing. They may be fixed to each other by means of the third portion 60 of the fixing body 42.

[0071] Each panel is made from one piece. Each panel is a single piece. They can be produced by injection molding a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material.

[0072] The panel 36 comprises a central zone 48 and a fixing edge 50, the fixing slot 46 is in the fixing edge 50 which forms an ear at the corner of the panel 36. This makes it possible to offset the fixing slot 46 relative to the meshes of the protective grid.

[0073] The panel 36 comprises a main plane 52. The shutter 34 comprises a fixing boss 64. The fixing boss 64 forms a stud towards the front, in particular towards a fixing of the protective grid. It can be hollowed out. The fixing boss 64 is offset longitudinally relative to the main plane 52. The fixing slot 46 is formed through the fixing boss 64. The fixing body 42 is fixed to the fixing boss 64. The third portion 60 is fixed to the fixing boss 64. The fixing body 42 passes through the fixing boss 64.

[0074] The fixing body 42 comprises retention asperities. The retention asperities comprise extra thicknesses 66 in the second portion 58. The extra thicknesses 66 are on the upper face, and possibly on the lower face. They form protrusions. They are capable of retaining the protective grid following its mounting against the external element. The retention asperities also comprise bulges 68, such as hollows. The bulges are on the upper face and on the lower face of the fixing body 42. The bulges 68 are arranged longitudinally at the third portion 60. The bulges 68 are optional.

[0075] The fixing slot comprises retention means 70 engaging the fixing body 42. The retention means 70 cooperate with the third portion 60. They comprise ribs penetrating the bulges 68 in order to ensure longitudinal retention. This feature makes it possible to use a relatively short section of the fixing body while optimizing the locking. Thus, the third portion can be shortened. This contributes to optimizing the compactness of the front facade assembly 16. The bulges are purely optional since the ribs manage to ensure a friction hold.

[0076] [Fig. 4] shows a section of a front panel assembly 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The section is at a distance from the fixing body 42.

[0077] The front facade assembly 16 comprises a bumper skin 18 with an outer element 20. Its front surface forms the visible surface of the motor vehicle. The front facade assembly 16 also has an air intake opening 26 delimited by the outer element 20, a protective grille 32 connected to the air intake opening 26. The shutter 34 comprises at least one panel 36 facing the protective grille 32. The shutter 34, via its panel(s), makes it possible to close the passage through the protective grille 32 and the air intake opening 26.

[0078] The front facade assembly 16 comprises a fixing body 42, preferably several fixing bodies 42. In this case, two fixing bodies 42 are shown in the background. They are at the lower edge and at the upper edge of the air inlet opening 26. These edges may coincide with those of the panel 36. They may match the fixing edge 50 of the panel 36. The fixing body 42 successively comprises, from front to rear: a first portion 56 secured to the external element 20; a second portion 58 fixed to the protective grille 32; a third portion 60 fixed to the shutter 34; in a fixing slot 46.

[0079] Thus, the entire length of the fixing body 42 is used. Its end protruding from the protective grid 32 is used to fix the shutter which is optionally mounted on the motor vehicle. Therefore, a single model of bumper skin 18 makes it possible to receive the shutter 34 while preserving the compactness of each fixing body 42.

[0080] As presented in the present embodiment, the fixing body 42 comprises a fixing tab 44 extending longitudinally. Each fixing body 42 is optionally integral with the outer element 20 of the bumper skin 18. Thus, the bumper skin allows precise positioning of the protective grille 32 relative to the air inlet opening 26. Similarly, the outer element 20 is precisely positioned relative to the protective grille to seal it in a sealed manner.

[0081] The protective grid 32 comprises a fixing frame 72 with at least one, preferably several fixing eyelets 74. The fixing frame 72 surrounds the meshes of the protective grid 32. Each fixing eyelet 74 is adjusted to the thickness of the fixing body 42. The second portion 58 is in the fixing eyelet 74. The extra thicknesses 66 block the fixing eyelets 74 and hold the protective grid 32 against the external element 20. The fixing eyelets 74 are in the extension of the fixing slots 46.

[0082] In at least one or each fixing body 42, the first portion 56 comprises a base secured to the external element 20. It is specific to and / or included in the latter. The first portion 56 may be an interface between the external element 20 and the protective grid 32. The second portion 58 projects from said base; therefore relative to the external element 20.

[0083] In at least one or each fixing body 42, the second portion 58 is a first section, such as a first longitudinal section. The third portion is a second section, such as a second longitudinal section. The first section is interposed between the first portion 56 and the second section. The first section connects the first portion 56 to the second section.

[0084] The invention uses the free end of the fixing body. It uses the section projecting from the protective grid in order to fix another entity there; in this case the shutter. This increases the modular nature of the front facade assembly 16 which receives; or not; the shutter without modifying the fixing body.

[0085] According to another complementary approach of the invention, the front facade assembly comprises fixing means with a first section, a second section and a third section; the third section being adjoining the second section. The fixing means preferably comprise the fixing body

[0086] According to another complementary approach of the invention, the front facade assembly comprises a fixing tab with a base secured to the external element, a first portion linked to the grid, a second portion linked to the shutter; the first portion being between the base and the second portion.

[0087] According to another embodiment of the invention, the outer element and the shutter comprise fixing slots; the second portion of the fixing body is specific to the protective grid; the first portion comprises a front fixing tab fixed to the fixing slot of the outer element, and the third portion comprises a rear fixing tab fixed to the fixing slot of the shutter; preferably the fixing body is integral with the protective grid and comprises the front fixing tab and the rear fixing tab.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the invention, the external element and the protective grid comprise fixing slots; the third portion of the fixing body is specific to the shutter; the first portion being in the fixing slot of the external element, and the second portion being in the slot of the protective grid; preferably the fixing body is integral with the shutter.

[0089] According to another embodiment of the invention, the fixing body comprises a fixing axis, such as a fixing rod. The fixing body may comprise a screw passing through the shutter, the protective grid and the external element. 13

Claims

Claims

1. Front panel assembly (16) of a motor vehicle (10), said front panel assembly (16) comprising a bumper skin (18) with an outer element (20), an air intake opening (26) delimited by the outer element (20), a protective grille (32) connected to the air intake opening (26); a shutter (34) comprising at least one panel (36) facing the protective grille; characterized in that the front panel assembly (16) comprises a fixing body (42); said fixing body (42) comprising: • a first portion (56) joined to the outer element (20), • a second portion (58) joined to the protective grille (32), • a third portion (60) joined to the shutter (34); in order to connect the shutter (34), the protective grid (32) and the external element (20) via said fixing body (42).

2. Front fascia assembly (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing body (42) comprises a fixing tab (44) extending longitudinally; preferably, the fixing body (42) is integral with the outer element (20) of the bumper skin (18).

3. Front facade assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the at least one panel (36) comprises a main plane (52), the shutter (34) comprises a fixing boss (64) offset longitudinally relative to the main plane (52), the fixing body (42) being fixed to the fixing boss (64).

4. Front panel assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the protective grille (32) comprises a fixing eyelet (74), the second portion (58) being in the fixing eyelet (74).

5. Front facade assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shutter (34) comprises a fixing slot (46), the third portion (60) being in the fixing slot (46); the at least one panel (36) comprising a sealed central zone (48) and a fixing edge (50), the fixing slot (46) being in the fixing edge (50); preferably the fixing slot (46) comprises retention means (70) cooperating with the third portion (60).

6. Front facade assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first portion (56) comprises a base, the second portion (58) projecting from said base.

7. Front facade assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second portion (58) comprises a first section; the third portion (60) comprises a second section; the first section being between the first portion (56) and the second section.

8. Front facade assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one panel (36) comprises a first panel (38) with a first junction zone and a second panel (40) with a second junction zone joined to the first junction zone by the third portion (60).

9. Front panel assembly (16) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the air inlet opening (26) comprises a contour, the fixing body (42) is a first fixing body, the front panel assembly (16) further comprising a plurality of second fixing bodies connecting the shutter (34), the protective grille (32) and the external element (20); the first fixing body and the second fixing bodies being distributed over the contour of the air inlet opening (26).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front panel assembly (16), characterized in that the front panel assembly (16) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9.

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