Bumper trim and bumper assembly for motor vehicles

The innovative bumper hubcap design with inclined fixing clips and elastic concave surfaces addresses the incompatibility issue of smaller hubcaps, enabling easy and secure attachment to vehicle bumpers.

FR3154059A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-04-18STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023011006
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-13
Publication Date
2025-04-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing bumper hooks are not compatible with smaller bumper hubcaps due to size and profile incompatibilities, making assembly difficult and requiring standard fixing devices that are not suitable for smaller dimensions.

Method used

A bumper hubcap design with inclined fixing clips and guide ranges, allowing for snapping engagement with complementary openings on the bumper support, along with elastic deformation of concave surfaces to secure the hubcap in place.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easy assembly and secure fixation of smaller bumper hubcaps in limited spaces, ensuring reliable attachment without increasing the hubcap's footprint.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a bumper trim (1) for a motor vehicle, the bumper trim (1) extending along its own elongation axis (O1) and comprising, on one rear face, a plurality of fastening clips (12, 12A) designed to interact with additional openings provided on a mounting site (3) for a bumper skin of the motor vehicle. Each fastening clip (12, 12A) has an inclined orientation with respect to the own elongation axis (O1), and each fastening clip (12, 12A) is contained within the width of one body of the bumper trim (1). Each fastening clip (12, 12A) is configured to engage with an opening (33) at one end of a concave surface (32) forming the receiving site (3), the fastening clip (12, 12A) being forcibly engaged in the opening (33) and cannot be retracted afterward. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 5
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Title of the invention: Bumper trim and bumper assembly for a motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the front face elements of a motor vehicle, contributing to creating style effects characteristic of a brand or a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to the elements for fixing such bumper trims to a motor vehicle bumper.

[0002] In the state of the art, the use of bumper trims located on a front face of the motor vehicle is known. Such bumper trims take the form of bodywork or grille parts, of smaller dimensions than those of the bumper itself, said trims being fixed integrally to the bumper during its assembly.

[0003] Typically, such known bumper trims are securely attached to the bumper or bumper support by means of fixing clips. These fixing clips have dimensions such that they were previously reserved for standard bumper trims, i.e. those of large dimensions, for example having dimensions greater than 20 mm in at least two directions.

[0004] The invention raises the problem of mounting smaller bumper trims, because the needs of motor vehicle manufacturers have evolved. Also, the fixing devices used for standard bumper trims are not compatible with smaller bumper trims, because they have a profile and / or a size incompatible with the bumper trim or with the receiving members arranged on the bumper and with which the bumper trim is intended to collaborate.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a new bumper trim in order to address at least a large part of the above problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to facilitate the fixing of such a bumper trim of smaller dimensions.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a simplified but non-removable fixing of such a bumper trim.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to allow the mounting of such a bumper trim in a very small space.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to propose an economical and reliable solution, particularly in terms of the fit of the bumper trim on said bumper.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a bumper trim for a motor vehicle, the bumper trim extending along a specific elongation axis and comprising, at a rear face, a plurality of fixing clips intended to collaborate with complementary openings arranged on a bumper support of the motor vehicle, each fixing clip being associated with at least one guide surface of the fixing clip in the corresponding complementary opening, the fixing clips being distributed along the rear face of the bumper trim.

[0011] According to the invention, the fixing clips have a general conformation inclined relative to the specific elongation axis of the bumper trim.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a vertical axis are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the bumper trim according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inboard and outboard refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis extends as being taken along a direction which extends from front to rear or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis.

[0013] Additionally, a proper elongation axis is also defined in the frame of reference of the bumper trim, the proper elongation axis being defined by the main direction of elongation of the bumper trim, defined in particular by the direction of elongation between its two terminal ends. In the context of the integration of the bumper trim in the motor vehicle, the proper elongation axis of the bumper trim is coincident or substantially coincident with the vertical axis.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the bumper trim can take any shape. Preferably, the bumper trim takes the shape of a bearing surface which extends rectilinearly along the proper elongation axis, the bumper trim being delimited by two terminal ends opposite one another. The bumper trim has a front face which is intended to be visible from the front of the motor vehicle on which said bumper trim is intended to be mounted. In addition, the bumper trim has a rear face which is located opposite the bumper on which it is intended to be mounted. The rear face is located opposite the front face. The rear face of the bumper trim thus has a technical assembly interface on the bumper.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the technical interface for assembling the bumper trim on the bumper comprises the plurality of fixing clips. Each fixing clip is configured to collaborate with a corresponding interface arranged on the bumper. More particularly, each fixing clip collaborates by snap-fastening or by forceful engagement with the corresponding interface located opposite. In particular, in the context of the present invention, each fixing clip is configured to engage with the corresponding interface by local and elastic deformation of the material of the interface and / or of the fixing clip itself.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the fixing clips have a general conformation inclined relative to the proper elongation axis. In other words, each fixing clip has a geometry and a proper extension - defined for example by the largest dimension of the fixing clip itself - which is misaligned relative to the proper elongation axis of the bumper trim. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to solve the technical problem of the invention in that it makes it possible to snap-fasten such a bumper trim of any dimension. This assembly is very easy to implement as will be described below.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the at least one guide surface forms an indexing member of the bumper trim on its mounting interface - that is to say towards the corresponding opening. In the context of the present invention, by "associated" it is considered that a fixing clip is proximal to an adjacent guide surface, so as to ensure good centering of said fixing clip with the corresponding opening.

[0018] The bumper trim according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - the bumper trim preferably extends in a rectilinear manner, said bumper trim being delimited by two lateral edges which extend parallel to each other along the proper elongation axis. The lateral edges are located opposite each other and connect the front face to the rear face of the bumper trim;

[0020] - the general conformation of the fixing clips is inclined at an angle inclination greater than 10° relative to the proper elongation axis of the bumper trim. Preferably, the inclination angle is between 10° and 20°, preferably equal to 15°. In the context of the present invention, the inclination angle is measured relative to a larger dimension of the corresponding fixing clip;

[0021] - the bumper trim has a width - taken perpendicular to the axis of proper elongation and in the plane formed by the rear face - less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 8 mm. Thus, the invention is particularly suitable for small bumper trims, because the orientation of the fixing clips - inclined relative to the proper elongation axis of the bumper trim - does not increase the overall size of said bumper trim and makes it possible to fix it by snap-fastening with a mounting interface located opposite. In the context of the present invention, the mounting interface comprises the opening in which the fixing clip is intended to be engaged;

[0022] - each fixing clip comprises (i) a leg which projects from the face rear of the bumper trim, and (ii) a prismatic bearing surface which extends at a free end of the leg, the prismatic bearing surface forming a platform inclined relative to the proper elongation axis. The leg preferably extends perpendicular to the rear face of the bumper trim. The prismatic bearing surface extends at the end of the leg. The prismatic bearing surface thus forms a platform located at a distance from the rear face of the bumper trim and allowing it to interface - by snap-fastening or by force-fitting - with the mounting interface located opposite it on the bumper. The general conformation of the fixing clip is measured at the level of the corresponding prismatic bearing surface;

[0023] - at the level of an engagement face of the prismatic range of the fixing clips located at a distance from the rear face of the bumper trim, the prismatic surface has a peripheral chamfer. This advantageous configuration makes it easier for the fixing clip - and in particular its prismatic surface - to collaborate with the mounting interface located opposite;

[0024] - the prismatic range of each fixing clip is contained between two edges side of the bumper trim. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce and limit the size of the bumper trim, making the use of fixing clips compatible with very small bumper trims;

[0025] - in a plane transverse to the proper elongation axis, the bumper trim has a “T” or “L” shaped profile. This advantageous configuration allows a retaining member – the prismatic bearing surface – to be formed with the mounting interface located opposite it, thus preventing the bumper trim from being detached from said bumpers;

[0026] - the at least one guide surface associated with each fixing clip extends from the rear face of the bumper trim, said guide surface comprising a face inclined relative to the rear face. Each guide surface takes the form of a flat wall, one face of which distant from the rear face is inclined relative to said rear face, so as to achieve indexing and progressive orientation of the fixing clip towards the corresponding opening;

[0027] - in a plane perpendicular to the rear face of the bumper trim, a general shape of each at least one guide surface is triangular or trapezoidal;

[0028] - each at least one guide bearing surface is located centrally between the two side edges of the bumper trim;

[0029] Advantageously, the bumper trim comprises (i) first fixing clips associated with each longitudinal end of the bumper trim, each first fixing clip being associated with a first guide surface located on the side of the corresponding longitudinal end of the bumper trim, and (ii) a second fixing clip located between the first fixing clips, the second fixing clip being associated with two second guide surfaces located on either side of the second fixing clip. This configuration is particularly advantageous for small bumper trims.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bumper assembly for a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly comprising:

[0031] - at least one bumper trim according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements;

[0032] - at least one reception site associated with each at least one bumper trim, the at least one docking site comprising a plurality of depressions each forming a concave surface and an opening provided at the bottom of said concave surface, so that each fixing clip can be forcibly engaged in the corresponding opening.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, each docking site is formed on a bumper support or on a bumper skin fixedly attached to the bumper support.

[0034] In the context of the present invention, each depression forms a concave surface which projects in a direction opposite to the associated bumper trim. The depression thus forms a thin pyramidal structure which can be elastically deformed when the bumper trim fixing clip is introduced into said depression and then, finally, into the opening. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows, during the assembly of the bumper trim and the introduction of the fixing clip into the depression and through the corresponding opening, an elastic deformation of the depression and the associated opening, making it possible to engage the fixing clip - and its prismatic bearing surface - through said opening. This elastic deformation is made possible because the concave surface is then subjected to bending and stretching. On the other hand, once mounted, it is no longer possible to remove the fixing clip - and in particular the prismatic bearing surface - from the opening because the concave surface is then perceived as a convex surface by the prismatic bearing surface engaged in the opening: it is no longer possible to elastically deform the depression, and the fixing clip remains retained in the opening, unless the fixing clip and / or the depression is damaged.

[0035] The bumper assembly according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0036] - each depression is configured to be able to be elastically deformed when inserting the corresponding fixing clip;

[0037] - each depression is configured to accommodate the guide bearings associated with the fixing clips, the inclined face of the guide surfaces cooperating with the concave surface of the depression to guide the corresponding fixing clip towards the opening;

[0038] - each depression has at least one stop lug which projects from the concave surface, said lug collaborating with the bumper trim when the latter is engaged at the reception site.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a set of bumpers in accordance with the second aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

[0040] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a bumper trim according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed perspective view of a trim fixing clip bumper shown in [Fig.l];

[0044] [Fig.3] illustrates a detail and profile view of a fixing clip of the bumper trim illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.4] illustrates a perspective view of a bumper assembly conforming to the second aspect of the invention;

[0046] [Fig.5] illustrates a detail and perspective view of a receiving site of one of the bumper trim fixing clips illustrated in [Fig.l] and mounted on the bumper assembly of [Fig.2];

[0047] [Fig.6] illustrates a detailed and sectional view of one of the bumper trim fixing clips illustrated in [Fig.l] and mounted on the bumper assembly of [Fig.2];

[0048] [Fig.7] illustrates a detailed and perspective view of a reception site of the whole bumper of [Fig.2].

[0049] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0050] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0051] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0052] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the bumper trim 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0053] More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood in a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0054] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to rear or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0055] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0056] Additionally, a specific elongation axis 01 is also defined in the reference frame of the bumper trim 1, the specific elongation axis 01 being defined by the main direction of elongation of the bumper trim 1, defined in particular by the direction of elongation between its two terminal ends 101. In the context of the integration of the bumper trim 1 in the motor vehicle, the specific elongation axis 01 of the bumper trim 1 is coincident or substantially coincident with the vertical axis Z.

[0057] With reference to [Fig.l], 2 and 3, the invention relates to a bumper trim 1 for a motor vehicle. The bumper trim 1 extends along a specific elongation axis 01. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the bumper trim 1 has a rectilinear and elongated shape along the specific elongation axis 01. The bumper trim 1 has a generally parallelepiped shape, said bumper trim 1 being delimited by two lateral edges 11 that are rectilinear and parallel to each other. Between the two lateral edges 11, the bumper trim 1 comprises a front face 14 intended to be placed in correspondence with the bumper of the motor vehicle, and a rear face 10 which forms a technical interface for the assembly of the bumper trim 1 on said bumper. The front face 14 and the rear face 10 are flat. The front face 14 and the rear face 10 are advantageously parallel.

[0058] At the rear face 10, the bumper trim 1 comprises a plurality of fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B intended to collaborate with complementary openings arranged on a bumper support of the motor vehicle or on the bumper itself, each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B being associated with at least one guide surface 13 of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B in the corresponding complementary opening 33. The fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B and the guide surfaces 13 are distributed along the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1, relative to the specific elongation axis 01.

[0059] In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the bumper trim 1 comprises:

[0060] - first fixing clips 12A associated with each longitudinal end of the bumper trim 1, each first fixing clip 12A being associated with a first guide surface 13 located on the side of the corresponding longitudinal end of the bumper trim 1. In other words, the first fixing clips 12A are located at each terminal end 101 of the bumper trim 1 bumper, and the guide surface 13 associated with the corresponding first fixing clip 12A is located opposite the other fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B, relative to said first fixing clip 12A; and

[0061] - a second fixing clip 12B located between the first fixing clips 12A, the second fixing clip 12B being associated with two second guide surfaces 13 located on either side of the second fixing clip 12B. In other words, the second fixing clip 12B is located in an intermediate position between the two second fixing clips 12B, and preferably in a central position of the bumper trim 1, relative to the proper elongation axis 01.

[0062] The invention is particularly suitable for bumper trims 1 of small dimensions, and in particular of small width t, the width t being considered here in a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis 01. In particular, the invention is particularly suitable for widths of less than 10 mm, for which the use of known mounting means is no longer possible due to the reduced dimensions of the bumper trim 1.

[0063] Thus, according to the invention, and as can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 2 and 3, the fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B have a general shape inclined relative to the specific elongation axis 01 of the bumper trim 1. The inclination is here measured in a plane parallel to the rear face 10 and around an axis perpendicular to the rear face 10.

[0064] The general conformation of the fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B is inclined at an angle of inclination Al greater than 10° relative to the proper elongation axis 01 of the bumper trim 1. Preferably, the angle of inclination Al is between 10° and 20°, preferably equal to 15°.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B comprise:

[0066] - a leg 122 which projects from the rear face 10 of the trim 1 of bumper. The leg 122 extends perpendicular to the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1.

[0067] - a prismatic span 121 which extends at a free end of the leg 122, the prismatic bearing surface 121 forming a platform which extends along a proper extension axis 02 inclined relative to the proper elongation axis 01. The prismatic bearing surface 121 extends at the end of the leg 122. The prismatic bearing surface 121 thus forms a platform located at a distance from the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1 and making it possible to interface - by force engagement - with the mounting interface located opposite on the bumper.

[0068] The leg 122 and the prismatic bearing 121 are made from one material, so as to form a monolithic assembly. In addition, each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is made from material with the body 15 of the bumper trim 1. According to the invention, it is indeed the prismatic bearing surface 121 which has the angle of inclination A1 mentioned above. The leg 122 connecting the prismatic bearing surface 121 to the body 15 of the bumper trim 1 is, for its part, aligned with the proper elongation axis O1. This offset between the leg 122 and the prismatic bearing surface 121 makes it possible both to facilitate the insertion of the prismatic bearing surface 121 into the opening 33 provided on the reception site 3, but also to allow locking of the prismatic bearing surface 121 - and finally of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B - in said opening 33.

[0069] The inclination of the prismatic bearing surface 121 with respect to the proper elongation axis 01 and the dimensions of said prismatic bearing surface 121 are such that a width t of the prismatic bearing surface 121, taken perpendicular to the proper elongation axis 01 and in a plane parallel to the rear face 10, is less than 5 mm, preferably equal to 3 mm. More generally, the prismatic bearing surface 121 of each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is contained between two lateral edges 11 of the bumper trim 1. This particularly narrow configuration makes it possible to define a minimal reception site 3 on the bumper or the bumper support, and it is particularly suitable for bumper trims 1 of small dimensions.

[0070] As visible in FIGURES 3 and 6, in a plane transverse to the proper elongation axis 01, the bumper trim 1 has a “T” or “L” profile. In other words, the prismatic bearing surface 121 is off-center relative to the leg 122 which connects it to the body 15 of the bumper trim 1. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form a retaining member - the prismatic bearing surface 121 - with the mounting interface of the docking site 3 located opposite, thus preventing the bumper trim 1 from being detached from said bumper;

[0071] As visible in FIGURES 1 and 3, the bumper trim 1 comprises at least one - and preferably several - guide surfaces 13 associated with each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B. Each guide surface 13 projects from the body 15 of the bumper trim 1. In particular, each guide surface 13 extends from the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1.

[0072] Each guide surface 13 takes the form of a flat wall which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 and perpendicular to the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1. The guide surface 13 comprises an inclined face 131 distant from the rear face 10, the inclined face 131 is inclined relative to the rear face 10 of the body 15 of the bumper trim 1. The inclination of the inclined face 131 is between 30° and 60° relative to the rear face 10, preferably equal to 45°. Each inclined face 131 thus forms a slope which rises towards the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B with which it is associated. Generally speaking, in a plane perpendicular to the rear face 10 of the bumper trim 1, a shape general of each at least one guide surface 13 is triangular or trapezoidal.

[0073] The guide surfaces 13 make it possible to achieve indexing and progressive orientation of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B towards the corresponding opening 33, when the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is engaged in the reception site 3 during the fixing of the bumper trim 1 on the bumper skin or on the bumper.

[0074] Each guide surface 13 is located centrally between the two lateral edges 11 of the bumper trim 1. Each guide surface 13 extends parallel to the specific elongation axis 01 of the bumper trim 1.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.4], the invention also relates to a set of bumpers 2 for a motor vehicle, the set of bumpers 2 comprising:

[0076] - at least one bumper trim 1 as described above;

[0077] - a bumper support or on a bumper skin fixed integrally to the bumper support;

[0078] - at least one reception site 3 associated with each at least one hubcap 1 of bumper, the at least one docking site 3 being formed on the bumper skin or on the bumper support and comprising a plurality of depressions each forming a concave surface 32 and an opening 33 arranged at the bottom of said concave surface 32, so that each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B can be forcibly engaged in the corresponding opening 33.

[0079] As visible in FIGURES 5, 6 and 7, each depression forms a concave surface 32 which projects in a direction opposite to the associated bumper trim 1. The depression thus forms a thin pyramidal structure 31 which extends backwards, relative to the longitudinal axis X. The depression thus makes it possible to tension the concave surface 32 intended to accommodate the corresponding fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B of the bumper trim 1. The dimensions of the depression are such that they allow the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B and its associated guide bearing surface(s) 13 to engage in said depression and at the level of the concave surface 32.

[0080] In particular, the conformation of the concave surface 32 and the conformation of the leg 122 of the associated fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B are such that, when the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is engaged in the depression, a face of the leg 122 located opposite the depression is pressed against the concave surface 32. Similarly, when the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is engaged in the depression, the inclined face 131 of the corresponding guide surface(s) 13 are pressed against the concave surface 32. This configuration leads to optimal guidance of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B in the depression and towards the corresponding opening 33, as well as to optimal indexing of the depression trim 1 on the bumper skin or on the corresponding bumper support.

[0081] In order to improve both the guidance of the guide bearing surfaces 13 on the concave surface 32 and the maintenance of the bumper trim 1 on the corresponding docking site 3, each depression comprises at least one stop lug 34 which projects from the concave surface 32, said lug 34 collaborating with the bumper trim 1 when the latter is engaged on the docking site 3. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 7], the depression comprises two stop lugs 34 which each project from the concave surface 32, each stop lug 34 being located on one side and the other of the associated opening 33.

[0082] The opening 33 associated with the depression is located at a base of the concave surface 32. The opening 33 has an elongated shape - typically oblong or rectangular - so as to be able to receive the prismatic bearing surface 121 of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B, by force-fitting it therethrough. The opening 33 is oriented in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 of the trim 1 when the latter is approached and placed on the corresponding receiving site 3. On the other hand, as visible in [Fig.5], the prismatic bearing surface 121 of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is inclined relative to the opening 33, thus making it possible to retain the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B - and the bumper trim 1 - and making it impossible to remove it, except by damaging the bumper trim 1 and / or the reception site 3.

[0083] The opening 33 of the depression is thus configured to be able to be elastically deformed when the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B of the bumper trim 1 is introduced into said depression and then, finally, into the opening 33.

[0084] This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows, during the assembly of the bumper trim 1 and the introduction of the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B into the depression and through the corresponding opening 33, an elastic deformation of the depression and the associated opening 33, making it possible to engage the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B - and its prismatic bearing surface 121 - through said opening 33. This elastic deformation is made possible because the concave surface 32 is then subjected to bending and stretching.

[0085] On the other hand, once mounted, it is no longer possible to remove the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B - and in particular the prismatic bearing surface 121 - from the opening 33 because the concave surface 32 is then perceived as a convex surface by the prismatic bearing surface 121 engaged in the opening 33: it is now not possible to elastically deform the depression, and the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B remains retained in the opening 33, unless the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B and / or the depression are damaged.

[0086] In summary, the invention relates to a bumper trim 1 for a motor vehicle, the bumper trim 1 extending along a specific elongation axis 01 and comprising, at a rear face 10, a plurality of fixing clips 12, 12A, 12B intended to collaborate with complementary openings arranged on a reception site 3 of a bumper skin of the motor vehicle. Each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B has an orientation inclined relative to the proper elongation axis 01, and each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is contained in the width t of a body 15 of the bumper trim 1. Each fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B is configured to collaborate with an opening 33 arranged at one end of a concave surface 32 forming the reception site 3, the fixing clip 12, 12A, 12B being forcibly engaged in the opening 33 without it being able to be retracted thereafter.

[0087] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Bumper trim (1) for a motor vehicle, the bumper trim (1) extending along a specific elongation axis (01) and comprising, at a rear face (10), a plurality of fixing clips (12, 12A, 12B) intended to collaborate with complementary openings arranged on a bumper support of the motor vehicle, each fixing clip (12, 12A, 12B) being associated with at least one guide surface (13) of the clip in the corresponding complementary opening (33), the fixing clips (12, 12A, 12B) being distributed along the rear face (10) of the bumper trim (1), characterized in that the fixing clips (12, 12A, 12B) have a general conformation inclined relative to the specific elongation axis (01).

2. Bumper trim (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the general conformation of the fixing clips (12, 12A, 12B) is inclined at an angle of inclination (Al) of between 10° and 20°, preferably equal to 15°.

3. Bumper trim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bumper trim (1) has a width (t) - taken perpendicular to the proper elongation axis (01) and in the plane formed by the rear face (10) - less than or equal to 10

4. mm. Bumper trim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fixing clip (12, 12A, 12B) comprises: - a leg (122) which projects from the rear face (10) of the bumper trim (1); - a prismatic bearing surface (121) which extends at a free end of the leg (122), the prismatic bearing surface (121) forming a platform inclined relative to the proper elongation axis (01).

5. Bumper trim (1) according to the preceding claim, in which, at an engagement face of the prismatic surface (121) of the fixing clips (12, 12A, 12B) located at a distance from the rear face (10) of the bumper trim (1), the prismatic surface (121) comprises a peripheral chamfer (123).

6. Bumper trim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one associated guide surface (13) each fixing clip (12, 12A, 12B) extends from the rear face (10) of the bumper trim (1), said guide surface (13) comprising an inclined face (131) relative to the rear face (10).

7. Bumper trim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bumper trim (1) advantageously comprises: - first fixing clips (12A) (12, 12A, 12B) associated with each longitudinal end of the bumper trim (1), each first fixing clip (12A) (12, 12A, 12B) being associated with a first guide surface (13) located on the side of the corresponding longitudinal end of the bumper trim (1); - a second fixing clip (12B) (12, 12A, 12B) located between the first fixing clips (12A) (12, 12A, 12B), the second fixing clip (12B) (12, 12A, 12B) being associated with two second guide surfaces (13) located on either side of the second fixing clip (12B) (12, 12A, 12B).

8. Bumper assembly (2) for a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly (2) comprising: - at least one bumper trim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; - at least one reception site (3) associated with each at least one bumper trim (1), the at least one reception site (3) comprising a plurality of depressions each forming a concave surface (32) and an opening (33) arranged at the bottom of said concave surface (32), so that each fixing clip (12, 12A, 12B) can be forcefully engaged in the corresponding opening (33).

9. A bumper assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein each depression comprises at least one stop lug (34) which projects from the concave surface (32), said lug (34) collaborating with the bumper trim (1) when the latter is engaged at the docking site (3).

10. A motor vehicle comprising a bumper assembly (2) according to any one of claims 8 or 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods

    US20150375797A1