Automotive front bumper system

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (18) for a front bumper system (16) of a motor vehicle, the assembly (18) comprising: a bumper skin (20) with an outer panel (24), an air intake grille (26) adjacent to the outer panel; a shock absorber (32) with a rear body (46) behind the outer panel. The shock absorber includes a retaining portion (48) for the bumper skin (20), said retaining portion (48) extending longitudinally from the rear body of the shock absorber to the outer panel. The outer panel (24) includes a license plate mounting area extending from the retaining portion. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle front bumper system

[0001] The invention relates to the field of front bumpers for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to an assembly for a front bumper system for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] At the front, a motor vehicle has a bumper system. This system is exposed to collisions with other motor vehicles or with a fixed obstacle. A pedestrian is also likely to collide with the bumper system. Depending on the speed of the collision, the impact energy to be absorbed and the programmed deformations vary in order to achieve different levels of damping. Therefore, the bumper system must take these various scenarios into account.

[0003] The bumper system generally comprises a bumper skin extending across the width of the vehicle. This bumper skin includes an outer layer forming the bodywork. It also features various openings occupied by different grilles that form screens. The bumper skin commonly extends between the front fenders and incorporates lighting devices. In the central area, the bumper skin accommodates the license plate, also known as the registration plate.

[0004] US document 11077791B2 presents a motor vehicle comprising a The bumper system consists of a body panel, a mounting surface associated with the body panel, and at least one exciter mounted on the mounting surface. The mounting surface is typically located on the bumper in a central position, which is also the mounting area for a license plate. This mounting area is arranged vertically between two grilles. It is defined by a horizontal band that is essentially flexible due to the elongation of the grilles and their openings. Additionally, the bumper system incorporates one or more shock absorbers. These elements are designed to deform and reduce the effects of a collision with a pedestrian's leg. They can be arranged at different heights to accommodate the biomechanical behavior of a calf or thigh.

[0005] Document EP3659871A1 describes a motor vehicle comprising a front structure with a grille support located behind a bumper panel. The bumper panel has a grille opening and a support cover arranged to cover a rear portion of the grille support. The grille support faces an upper portion of the bumper panel from the rear. The front structure of the vehicle includes, behind the lower bumper, a The lower shock absorber consists of a shock-absorbing element, and a lower bumper reinforcement is located behind the lower shock absorber. The front structure of the vehicle further includes, again behind the upper bumper, an upper shock absorber consisting of a shock-absorbing element, and includes, behind the upper shock absorber, an upper bumper reinforcement.

[0006] Generally, during a low-speed collision, a bumper system gradually compresses upon impact with a fixed obstacle, dragging the electronic equipment attached to it. This deformation can damage this electronic equipment. Furthermore, the wide, thin geometry of the strip of material between two grilles makes it particularly flexible. Light manual pressure deforms it significantly, which detracts from its perceived quality. Moreover, attaching a license plate to this strip of material is complex because it provides an unstable mounting surface.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to stiffen a motor vehicle bumper system. The invention also aims to optimize the safety, rigidity, and perceived quality of a motor vehicle bumper system.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a front bumper system of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising: a bumper skin with an outer panel, an air intake grille adjacent to the outer panel; a shock absorber with a rear body behind the outer panel; notable in that the shock absorber includes a portion for retaining the bumper skin, said retaining portion extending longitudinally from the rear body of the shock absorber towards the outer panel.

[0009] The retaining portion extends towards the rear panel. Thus, it forms a stop limiting indentation when pressure is applied to the panel. During the installation of a parking space, the panel maintains its position despite pressure. More generally, when a user presses on the retaining portion, the panel retains its geometry, which improves the perceived quality.

[0010] Preferably, the air inlet grille includes a fixing edge to the outer panel which extends horizontally, the air inlet grille further including a vertical flange extending from the fixing edge; the retaining portion being against the vertical flange.

[0011] Preferably, the retaining portion has a first transverse width, and the vertical flange has a second transverse width less than the first transverse width.

[0012] Preferably, the rear body comprises an upper half and an inner half lower; the support portion being arranged in the upper half.

[0013] Preferably, the shock absorber includes a transverse recess under the retaining portion.

[0014] Preferably, the shock absorber comprises a transverse row of front blocks under the transverse recess.

[0015] Preferably, the shock absorber includes a lateral protrusion vertically at the level of the retaining portion and having a first length, the retaining portion includes a second length longitudinally longer than the first length.

[0016] Preferably, the outer panel includes a license plate mounting area, the retaining portion being transverse to the mounting area.

[0017] Preferably, the bumper skin includes fastening means, and the retaining portion includes a clearance in line with said fastening means.

[0018] Preferably, the air inlet grille is a first air inlet grille, the bumper skin further comprising a second air inlet grille below the first air inlet grille; the retaining portion being vertically between the first air inlet grille and the second air inlet grille.

[0019] Preferably, the shock absorber includes a central notch vertically passing through the retaining portion.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining portion has a thickness decreasing towards the front.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining portion is flush with the outer panel.

[0022] Preferably, the rear body includes an upper edge, the retaining portion extending from the upper edge.

[0023] Preferably, the mounting area is flat and / or a central area.

[0024] Preferably, the thickness is a vertical thickness.

[0025] Preferably, the assembly comprises a first longitudinal clearance between the bumper skin and the retaining portion, and a second longitudinal clearance between the bumper skin and the lateral protrusion, said second clearance being greater than the first clearance.

[0026] Preferably, the vertical flange is longitudinally between the retaining portion and the outer panel.

[0027] Preferably, the air inlet grille includes a fixing edge with an extension.

[0028] Preferably, the outer panel includes a horizontal edge adjacent to the air inlet grille, and the air inlet grille includes a vertical flange against the outer panel, the retaining portion being against the vertical flange.

[0029] Preferably, the vertical flange extends vertically from the horizontal edge.

[0030] Preferably, the bumper skin includes an air inlet opening; the air inlet grille being in said air inlet opening.

[0031] Preferably, the retaining portion protrudes on the rear body.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a bumper system The front bumper of a motor vehicle comprises an assembly including: a bumper skin with an outer panel, an air intake grille adjacent to the outer panel, and a shock absorber with a rear body behind the outer panel. This shock absorber is notable in that it includes a longitudinal retaining portion abutting the rear face of the bumper skin to hold it in place. This assembly improves the rigidity of the bumper skin's retention.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising an assembly, remarkable in that the assembly conforms to the invention.

[0034] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a structure with a cross member against the shock absorber.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a structure with a crossmember, and a front bumper system assembly, the assembly comprising: a bumper skin with an outer panel, an air intake grille adjacent to the outer panel; a shock absorber with a rear body between the outer panel and the crossmember; notable in that the shock absorber includes a retaining portion for the bumper skin, said retaining portion extending longitudinally away from the crossmember from the rear body. Such a vehicle optimizes safety and rigidity.

[0036] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0037] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a front view of a bumper skin of a front bumper system. motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] The [Fig.3] is a rear view of a bumper skin of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a vertical section of an assembly for a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a shock absorber retaining portion of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a horizontal section of an assembly for a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0044] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the bumper system to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively refer to what is directed outward from the vehicle and inward from the vehicle.

[0045] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0046] 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 right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0047] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0048] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0049] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0050] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0051] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12, also called the 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 vehicle's body at the roof, front fenders, and pillars. The body forms the external envelope of the motor vehicle 10.

[0052] At the front, the structure 12 includes at least one cross member 14. The cross member 14 extends horizontally. In the event of a frontal collision, it contributes to the absorption of energy. The crossmember 14 is attached to the front side members or the front frame rails. It can be mounted using shock-absorbing boxes, also known as "crash boxes." In the event of a collision with a fixed obstacle in the environment or another vehicle, the shock-absorbing boxes deform, dissipating the impact energy. They are configured to deform at an impact speed of a certain threshold, for example, at least 30 km / h.

[0053] At the front, the motor vehicle 10 includes a front bumper system 16. The front bumper system 16 comprises a set 18 of elements. The front bumper system 16, in particular each of its elements, is adapted to withstand impacts at speeds up to 10 km / h, preferably up to 15 km / h, without the need to replace any specific vehicle parts. The front bumper system 16 is also adapted to limit the severity of injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision.

[0054] The front bumper system 16 includes a bumper skin 20. The bumper skin 20 forms the body. It extends to the hood 22 and to the side fenders (not shown). The bumper skin 20 incorporates front lighting devices, such as headlights. It includes at least one outer panel 24. Each outer panel 24 is generally smooth. It has a continuous and / or homogeneous outer surface.

[0055] The bumper skin 20 defines air inlet openings. These air inlet openings are equipped with at least one air inlet grille 26, comprising a first air inlet grille 28 and a second air inlet grille 30. The first air inlet grille 28 is above the second air inlet grille 30. They are respectively an upper grille and a lower grille. They are transversely centered. These air inlet grilles 26 form protection against projectiles. They help to capture and guide the airflow.

[0056] Each air inlet grille 26 has a mesh. Any type of mesh can be selected depending on the protection requirements and the corresponding air inlet. It forms a protective screen. Each air inlet grille 26 generally forms a perforated wall. It generally extends vertically and transversely. Each air inlet grille 26 is capable of at least partially blocking the corresponding air inlet opening.

[0057] The assembly 18 for the front bumper system 16 also includes a shock absorber 32. The shock absorber 32 includes a rear body. The rear body is generally a transverse body. It may include foam. The shock absorber 32 is attached to the structure 12 of the motor vehicle 10, preferably via the crossmember 14. It is a single piece. The shock absorber 32 is configured to absorb energy during a pedestrian collision in order to protect the pedestrian.

[0058] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a bumper skin 20 of a motor vehicle. The vehicle automobile generally corresponds to that presented in relation to [Fig.l].

[0060] In the present illustration, the bumper skin 20 is equipped with three air intake grilles 26. A third air intake grille 34 is arranged between the light devices (not shown), or at least between the cutouts intended to receive the light devices. In the present illustration, at least one air intake grille has horizontal blades. However, any other mesh pattern may be used.

[0061] The bumper skin 20 comprises at least one outer panel 24, or several outer panels 24 attached to one another. The at least one outer panel 24 has a mounting area 36 for a license plate (not shown). The mounting area 36 is generally flat. It extends vertically and transversely. The mounting area 36 is vertically between the first air intake grille 28 and the second air intake grille 30. It forms a horizontal band separating them.

[0062] The bumper skin 20 has fastening means 38. The fastening means 38 are configured for attaching the license plate. They are preferably arranged in at least one outer panel 24, more preferably in the mounting area 36.

[0063] Figure 3 illustrates the attachment of an air inlet grille 26 to an exterior panel 24 bumper skin 20 of motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 2. The shock absorber is omitted for clarity.

[0064] The mounting area 36 is viewed from the rear. The fastening means 38 include, in particular, fastening holes passing through the outer panel 24. The fastening holes pass through the mounting area 36, ​​and more generally through the bumper skin 20.

[0065] The air inlet grille 26 includes a mounting edge 40 for the outer panel 24. The mounting edge 40 extends horizontally. It runs alongside the associated air inlet opening 42, which is formed in the bumper skin 20. The air inlet grille 26 is located within said air inlet opening 42. It passes through it. The mounting edge 40 includes, for example, mounting arms extending rearward.

[0066] The air inlet grille 26 further includes a vertical flange 44 extending from the mounting edge 40. The vertical flange 44 is a positioning flange and / or a support flange. The vertical flange 44 extends transversely. It is arranged against the outer panel 24, more precisely against its rear surface. The vertical flange 44 is arranged between the mounting means 38. It is vertically aligned with the mounting means 38.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an assembly 18 for a front bumper system 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0068] The assembly 18 comprises a bumper skin 20 and a shock absorber 32 covered by the bumper skin 20. The bumper skin 20 has an outer panel 24 and an air intake grille 26 adjacent to the outer panel 24 and in its vertical extension. The outer panel 24 is a front panel. The shock absorber 32 includes a rear body 46 behind the outer panel 24. The rear body 46 extends transversely. It is essentially solid. The rear body 46 is vertically aligned with the outer panel 24. It extends at a distance from the air intake grille 26.

[0069] The shock absorber 32 further includes a retaining portion 48 for the bumper skin 20. The retaining portion 48 extends longitudinally from the rear body 46 to the outer panel 24. It provides longitudinal locking of the bumper skin 20, in particular of the outer panel 24. The retaining portion 48 includes a front end forming a stop for the bumper skin 20.

[0070] In the event of manual pressure against the bumper skin 20, particularly at the fastening interface between the outer panel 24 and the air intake grille 26, the retaining portion 48 limits the indentation. However, safety is maintained since this limitation is ensured by the shock absorber 32. The retaining portion 48 has a thickness that decreases towards the front, which allows for control of the rigidity of the assembly 18. The thickness is vertical and / or transverse. The cross-section of the retaining portion 48 decreases towards the front.

[0071] The retaining portion 48 is vertically positioned between the first and second air inlet grilles. This configuration compensates for the flexibility of the bumper skin 20 between these air inlet grilles. The rigidity of the bumper skin 20 is independent of its narrowness between the air inlet grilles.

[0072] The rear body 46 has an upper edge 50. The upper edge 50 is horizontal and / or extends transversely. The retaining portion 48 extends longitudinally from the upper edge 50. This arrangement places the retaining portion 48 at the top of the shock absorber 32. Thus, the shock absorber 32 does not disrupt the airflow entering through the air intake grille 26.

[0073] The retaining portion 48 includes a clearance 52 in line with the fastening means 38. This facilitates fastening via these fastening means 38.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a shock absorber 32 of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4. The shock absorber 32 is partially shown. It is generally symmetrical. The bumper skin is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0075] The shock absorber 32 has a rear body 46 with an upper half 54 and a lower half 56. The retaining portion 48 is arranged in the upper half 54 and at a distance from the lower half 56. Thus, the presence of the retaining portion 48 only slightly modifies the behavior of the shock absorber 32 in the event of a pedestrian impact. This optimizes safety and rigidity.

[0076] The shock absorber 32 includes a transverse recess 58. The transverse recess 58 is forward of the rear body 46. It extends horizontally. The transverse recess 58 is arranged under the retaining portion 48, which provides flexibility for safety. The shock absorber 32 includes a row of front blocks 60 under the transverse recess 58. The front blocks 60 are under the transverse recess 58. They extend longitudinally from the rear body 46. Each clearance 52 is on the upper face of the retaining portion 48.

[0077] The shock absorber 32 includes a lateral protrusion 64 vertically at the level of the retaining portion 48 and having a first length 66. The retaining portion 48 includes a second length 68 longitudinally longer than the first length 66. These lengths are measured from the rear face of the shock absorber 32.

[0078] The shock absorber 32 includes a central notch 70 extending vertically through the retaining portion 48. Thus, the retaining portion 48 is split. The central notch 70 extends longitudinally to the rear body 46. The central notch 70 provides flexibility to the retaining portion 48. According to one option of the invention, the central notch 70 forms a housing for electronic equipment, such as a radar.

[0079] The assembly comprises a first longitudinal gap between the bumper skin and the retaining portion 48, and a second longitudinal gap between the bumper skin and the lateral protrusion 64, said second gap being longer than the first gap. Thus, the firmness and retention of the bumper skin are greater at the point of the retaining portion 48.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of the entire motor vehicle assembly 18 at the level of the support portion 48. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0081] The assembly 18 comprises a bumper skin 20 with an outer panel 24, an air intake grille; a shock absorber 32 with a rear body 46 protected by the outer panel 24, and with a retaining portion 48 of the bumper skin 20. The retaining portion 48 extends longitudinally forward from the rear body of the shock absorber 32, towards the outer panel 24. It forms a central portion. The retaining portion 48 is flush with the outer panel 24. The notch central 70 is at the center of the maintenance portion 48.

[0082] According to one option of the invention, the retaining portion 48 is longitudinally against the vertical flange 44 of the air inlet grille. It is in contact with it.

[0083] The retaining portion 48 has a first transverse width 72, and the vertical flange 44 has a second transverse width 74 less than the first transverse width 72. This aspect improves the retention of the vertical flange 44, while integrating the possibility of geometric dispersions inherent in the air inlet grille.

[0084] The vertical flange 44 is longitudinally positioned between the retaining portion 48 and the outer panel 24. Therefore, the retaining portion 48 is capable of holding the outer panel 24 through the vertical flange 44 of the air inlet grille. The vertical flange 44 is longitudinally positioned between the outer panel 24 and the central notch 70.

[0085] The outer panel 24 includes a mounting area 36 for a license plate. The mounting area 36 extends transversely across the entire width of the retaining portion 48. The retaining portion 48 is transverse and / or vertical to the mounting area 36. This makes the latter more secure. This facilitates the mounting of the license plate using fixing pins and snap-fit ​​means.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer panel and / or the air inlet grille are made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may include a thermoplastic or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0087] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments presented by all the figures.

[0088] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (18) for a front bumper system (16) of a motor vehicle (10), the assembly (18) comprising: a bumper skin (20) with an outer panel (24), an air intake grille (26) adjacent to the outer panel (24); a shock absorber (32) with a rear body (46) behind the outer panel (24); characterized in that the shock absorber (32) comprises a holding portion (48) of the bumper skin (20), said holding portion (48) extending longitudinally from the rear body (46) of the shock absorber (32) towards the outer panel (24).

2. An assembly (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air inlet grille (26) comprises a fixing edge (40) to the outer panel (24) which extends horizontally, the air inlet grille (26) further comprising a vertical flange (44) extending from the fixing edge (40); the holding portion (48) being against the vertical flange (44).

3. Assembly (18) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding portion (48) has a first transverse width (72), and the vertical flange (44) has a second transverse width (74) less than the first transverse width (72).

4. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rear body (46) comprises an upper half (54) and a lower half (56); the holding portion (48) being arranged in the upper half (54).

5. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shock absorber (32) comprises a transverse recess (58) under the holding portion (48); preferably the shock absorber (32) comprises a transverse row of front blocks (60) under the transverse recess (58).

6. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shock absorber (32) comprises a lateral protrusion (64) vertically at the level of the holding portion (48) and having a first length (66), the holding portion (48) comprises a second length (68) longitudinally longer than the first length (66).

7. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the outer panel (24) comprises a mounting zone (36) of police plate, the holding portion (48) being transversely at the level of the mounting zone (36); preferably, the bumper skin (20) comprises fixing means (38), and the holding portion (48) comprises a clearance (52) in the extension of said fixing means (38).

8. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the air intake grille (26) is a first air intake grille (28), the bumper skin (20) further comprising a second air intake grille (30) under the first air intake grille (28); the holding portion (48) being vertically between the first air intake grille (28) and the second air intake grille (30).

9. Assembly (18) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shock absorber (32) comprises a central notch (70) passing vertically through the holding portion (48), preferably, the holding portion (48) has a thickness decreasing towards the front.

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising an assembly (18), characterized in that the assembly (18) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a structure (12) with a cross member (14) against the shock absorber (32).

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