Multi-function automotive vehicle rear bumper skin reinforcement

Additional fixing means and multi-directional assembly methods improve the positioning precision and ease of assembly of motor vehicle bumper skins, addressing the challenges of complex and imprecise assembly in existing technologies.

FR3159788A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-09-05STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024002058
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-29
Publication Date
2025-09-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor vehicle bumper assemblies face challenges with complex and imprecise positioning of lighting devices and peripheral parts, leading to difficulties in assembly and maintenance.

Method used

The introduction of additional fixing means, such as second fixing means on a reinforcement, which extend beyond the first fixing means to improve positioning precision, and the use of multiple fixing directions (longitudinal, transverse, and vertical) to facilitate accurate assembly and maintenance of the bumper skin reinforcement.

Benefits of technology

Enhances positioning accuracy and ease of assembly by providing firmer hold and better mounting ergonomics, optimizing the assembly process and maintenance of motor vehicle bumper skins.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin, in particular a rear bumper skin. The assembly comprises: an outer panel (30) having an outer surface, an inner surface (44), a concave edge (38) delimiting the inner surface and intended to delimit a wheel arch of the motor vehicle, first fixing means (46) distributed along said concave edge (38); a reinforcement (42) fixed against the inner surface (44) in order to stiffen the outer panel (30). The reinforcement (42) comprises second fixing means (48) adapted to be fixed to a mudguard in the wheel arch, the second fixing means (48) being at a distance from the first fixing means (46). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3
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Description

Title of the invention: Multifunctional motor vehicle rear bumper skin reinforcement

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle bumpers. More specifically, the invention relates to the fixings of a motor vehicle bumper skin reinforcement. The invention relates more specifically to an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] Usually, at the rear facade, the lighting devices are integrated into the body of the motor vehicle. There, they adjoin the bumper skin, and possibly the side wings. They are also integrated at the level of the rear opening, generally referred to as the trunk hatch. At this location, they provide mechanical clearances involved in the perceived quality criteria.

[0003] A motor vehicle is equipped with rear lighting devices; commonly called taillights. These taillights illuminate the vehicle's surroundings and emit standardized signals for the attention of other road users. For safety reasons, the taillights must emit light radiation intense enough to make the vehicle visible at a predefined distance.

[0004] Document EP3350025B1 discloses a motor vehicle comprising an external body part assembly. The assembly comprises an outer covering and a support member attached to the outer covering, a fog lamp. The support member comprises a main body and a wing edge disposed around the main body and connected to the outer covering.

[0005] The flange edge comprises an upper flange edge, a lower flange edge and a side flange edge, the upper flange edge being used for supporting and connecting the outer skin. The lower flange edge is used for connecting the outer skin and the fog lamp, and the side flange edge is used for the outer skin. The side flange edge has three flanges.

[0006] For the installation of the support element and other peripheral parts, such as hubcaps, the side edge of the flange has several connecting elements. Each of them has a mounting opening allowing the assembly of the support element and the hubcap through the outer skin.

[0007] However, the assembly on the support element remains complex since the mounting opening must be positioned precisely in relation to the complementary fixing means. For convenience, the trim has an assembly orifice with a significant clearance in order to facilitate assembly, which is contrary to the precision of posi operation. There is a need to increase the positioning accuracy provided by the support element.

[0008] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the positioning accuracy via an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin. The invention also aims to optimize the positioning accuracy, ease of assembly, and maintenance of a motor vehicle bumper skin reinforcement.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin, the assembly comprising: an outer panel having an outer surface, an inner surface, a concave edge delimiting the inner surface and intended to delimit a wheel arch of the motor vehicle, first fixing means distributed along said concave edge; a reinforcement fixed against the inner surface in order to stiffen the outer panel; remarkable in that the reinforcement comprises second fixing means adapted to be fixed to a mudguard in the wheel arch, the second fixing means being at a distance from the first fixing means.

[0010] The invention adds second fixing means to the reinforcement, which extends the fixing area beyond the first fixing means. This improves the positioning precision provided by the reinforcement. In addition, the second fixing means are dedicated to the mudguard, which improves its positioning precision; in addition to providing a firmer hold and better mounting ergonomics.

[0011] Preferably, the first fixing means comprise a row of fixing orifices distributed along the concave edge; and / or the reinforcement comprises a mounting edge along the concave edge, the second fixing means being distributed along the mounting edge.

[0012] Preferably, the outer panel is an upper outer panel, the bumper skin further comprises a lower outer panel under the upper outer panel; the reinforcement comprising a lower edge with third fixing means fixed to the lower outer panel.

[0013] Preferably the concave edge is a first concave edge, the lower outer panel comprising a second concave edge extending the first concave edge.

[0014] Preferably, the assembly further comprises a light device; the reinforcement comprising a longitudinal end with a vertical edge, at the vertical edge the reinforcement comprises fourth fixing means fixed to the light device.

[0015] Preferably, the light device comprises a first height, the reinforcement comprises a second height representing from 80% to 120% of the first height.

[0016] Preferably, the fourth fixing means comprise positioning studs projecting transversely inwards.

[0017] Preferably, the positioning pads comprise longitudinally open positioning orifices.

[0018] Preferably, the second fixing means comprise at least one fixing branch at the concave edge, each fixing branch protruding transversely inwards.

[0019] Preferably, the first fixing means comprise a first insertion direction, the second fixing means comprising a second insertion direction inclined relative to the first insertion direction.

[0020] Preferably, the outer panel comprises a horizontal upper edge with a row of mounting holes vertically spaced from the second fixing means.

[0021] Preferably, the assembly has a vertical slot closed by the light device.

[0022] Preferably, the concave edge is intended to be mounted against a mudguard of the wheel arch.

[0023] Preferably, the concave edge runs circumferentially along the wheel arch.

[0024] Preferably, the second direction of insertion is perpendicular to the first direction of insertion.

[0025] Preferably, the first fixing means comprise two rows of fixing orifices distributed along the concave edge.

[0026] Preferably, the second fixing means protrude from the reinforcement, transversely towards the opposite side of the outer panel.

[0027] Preferably, the outer panel comprises a third height representing from 80% to 120% of the first height.

[0028] Preferably, the lower edge is horizontal.

[0029] Preferably, the arched upper wall is arched around the wheel arch and / or along a wheel rotation axis associated with the wheel arch.

[0030] Preferably, the reinforcement is welded to the outer panel.

[0031] Preferably, the assembly edge is offset relative to the concave edge.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a wheel arch of a motor vehicle; the assembly comprising: a bumper skin with an outer panel having an outer surface, an inner surface, a concave edge along the wheel arch and delimiting the outer surface; a reinforcement fixed against the inner surface of the outer panel in order to stiffen it; remarkable in that the assembly further comprises a mudguard delimiting the wheel arch, and having a fixing zone at the concave edge; the reinforcement comprises means of attachment to the mudguard assembly area and arranged at a distance from the concave edge. This assembly optimizes the positioning precision of the mudguard.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a motor vehicle; the assembly comprising: a bumper skin with an outer panel having an outer surface, an inner surface, a concave edge along the wheel arch and delimiting the inner surface, a vertical edge; a reinforcement fixed against the inner surface of the outer panel in order to stiffen it; a lighting device; remarkable in that the reinforcement comprises a vertical edge longitudinally opposite the concave edge, the vertical edge being at a longitudinal end of the outer panel and comprising fixing means, called third fixing means, which are linked to the lighting device. The third fixing means make it possible to rigidly fix and precisely position the lighting device at a longitudinal end of the outer panel.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin, the assembly comprising: an upper outer panel having an outer surface, an inner surface, a concave edge intended to delimit a wheel arch of the motor vehicle, said concave edge delimiting the inner surface and having first fixing means distributed along said concave edge; a reinforcement fixed against the inner surface in order to stiffen the outer panel; remarkable in that the assembly further comprises a lower outer panel under a lower edge of the upper outer panel, the reinforcement comprising fixing means, called fourth fixing means, vertically at the lower edge and fixed to the lower outer panel, in order to connect it to the upper outer panel.This arrangement allows the lower outer panel to be rigidly fixed and precisely positioned in relation to the upper outer panel.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising: a bumper skin, a wheel arch, a mudguard delimiting the wheel arch; remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention.

[0036] Preferably, the motor vehicle further comprises an exterior finishing element which is fixed to the first fixing means, against the exterior surface.

[0037] Preferably, the bumper skin is a rear bumper skin.

[0038] Preferably, the mudguard comprises a vertically extending inner wall, an arcuate upper wall extending transversely outwardly from the inner wall and fixed to the second fixing means; preferably, the mudguard further comprises a rim between the upper wall and the outer panel, the second fixing means extending transversely along the rim.

[0039] Preferably, the exterior finishing element has an arched shape which fits the concave edge.

[0040] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0041] 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.

[0042] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] [Fig.2] shows a rear bumper skin of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0044] [Fig. 3] is an interior view of a motor vehicle bumper skin assembly according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig.4] illustrates a mudguard attached to second attachment means of an outer skin panel of a motor vehicle bumper according to the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 5] is a detailed view of the first and second fixing means of an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 6] is a detailed view of the third fixing means of an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin according to the invention.

[0048] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of the fourth fixing means of an assembly for a motor vehicle bumper skin according to the invention.

[0049] 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 bumper skin 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0052] In the present description, the equalities between the values ​​are not to be understood as strict sense insofar as each equality authorizes a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0053] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0054] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly configuration of the assembly, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0055] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0056] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0057] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0058] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems.

[0059] The motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one bumper skin 14, including a front bumper skin 16 and a rear bumper skin 18. Each bumper skin 14 is capable of elastically deforming in the event of a low-speed collision with an obstacle. Low speed means a speed of at most 10 km / h. Elastic deformation is a deformation during which the bumper skin 14 returns to its position without any permanent deformation remaining after the obstacle involved in the collision has moved away.

[0060] The motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one lighting device 20, including a front lighting device 22 associated with the front bumper skin 16; and a rear lighting device 24 associated with the rear bumper skin 18. Each lighting device 20 is connected to an electrical power supply of the motor vehicle, as well as to a control unit. Depending on the electrical power supply received, the lighting device 20 emits or does not emit light radiation.

[0061] Each light device 20 is capable of emitting light beams. It is configured to illuminate the environment of the vehicle, and optionally to generate regulatory lighting. It can emit safety light signals for the attention of other road users. The light devices are arranged on the left and right. The rear light device 24 is also called a tail light.

[0062] Each wheel of the motor vehicle 10 is housed in a dedicated wheel arch 26. A wheel arch 26 forms a recess in the structure 12. It allows vertical oscillations guided by the suspension systems, and pivots controlled by the steering system. At least one or each wheel arch 26 is equipped with a mudguard 28, or mudguard. Such equipment comprises a shell partially enveloping a wheel in order to intercept projections during the movement of the vehicle. In a known manner, a mudguard is fixed to the structure 12 of the vehicle using screws; or more generally fixing pins.

[0063] The motor vehicle 10 further comprises at least one exterior finishing element 68, for example an exterior finishing element 68 associated with each wheel arch 26. The exterior finishing element 68, also called a trim, comprises an arched body matching the concave edge of the bumper skin, and protects the arched edge against abrasion and possible impacts.

[0064] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0065] [Fig. 2] shows a bumper skin 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. In this case, the bumper skin 14 is a rear bumper skin 18. It is seen from the outside. The mudguard is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0066] The bumper skin 14 comprises several exterior panels 30 including at least one upper exterior panel 32 and a lower exterior panel 34. The exterior panels 30 comprise an exterior coating, preferably with at least one layer of paint. The upper exterior panel 32 and the lower exterior panel 34 form the bodywork thanks to their exterior surface. They are superimposed and define between them a clearance 36, preferably horizontal. The clearance 36 is a mechanical clearance. The upper exterior panel 32 forms a side wing.

[0067] The wheel arch 26 is delimited by a concave edge 38. The clearance 36 extends to the concave edge 38. The concave edge 38 has several sections. It forms a first concave edge on the upper outer panel 32, and a second concave edge on the lower outer panel 34 in the extension of the first concave edge. The lower outer panel 34 forms a lower skirt extending under the upper outer panel 32 and under the lighting device 20.

[0068] The bumper skin 14 houses a light device 20, in this case a rear light device 24. The rear light device 24 is essentially vertically elongated. It has a rectangular shape. The light device 20 includes a housing delimiting a chamber housing a light source, for example with diodes. The housing is closed by a glass fitting the body.

[0069] The bumper skin 14 further comprises at least one transverse panel 40. Each transverse panel 40 is vertically at the level of the upper outer panel 32. It delimits an opening for an opening such as a trunk flap. The lighting device 20 is arranged transversely between the outer panel 30 and the transverse panel 40. It is bordered by the latter two.

[0070] The outer panel 30, in particular the upper outer panel 32, comprises a rear end 56. The rear end 56 is longitudinally opposite the concave edge 38. The rear end 56 fits the light device 20. It delimits it. Their positioning precision relative to each other contributes to the perceived quality.

[0071] The bumper skin 14 has a vertical slot 58. The vertical slot 58 is delimited by the outer panel 30, in particular the upper outer panel 32, and the transverse panel 40. It is delimited by the rear end 56. The vertical slot 58 is closed by the light device; preferably in a sealed manner.

[0072] The outer panel 30, in particular the upper outer panel 32, comprises a horizontal upper edge 60 with a row of mounting holes 62. The mounting holes 62 are intended to be assembled to a bodywork element of the motor vehicle.

[0073] [Fig. 3] shows an assembly comprising an exterior panel 30 and a reinforcement 42 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 2. The mudguard is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0074] The outer panel 30 is here the upper outer panel 32. It has a concave edge 38. The outer panel 30 has an inner surface 44 opposite the outer surface. It is fixed to the lower outer panel 34. The concave edge 38 is curved around the associated wheel (not shown).

[0075] The outer panel 30 has first fixing means 46. The first fixing means 46 are in the concave edge 38. The concave edge 38 forms a strip of material and is delimited by a slice. It forms a fixing edge. The first fixing means 46 are distributed along the concave edge 38; along the circumference.

[0076] The reinforcement 42 comprises second fixing means 48. The second fixing means 48 are intended to be fixed to the mudguard, in particular to a fixing zone of the mudguard. Generally, the second fixing means 48 are means for fixing the reinforcement. They are at a distance from the first means of fixing 46. These second fixing means 48 are transversely spaced from the first fixing means 46; in particular towards the inside. The reinforcement 42 is welded to the outer panel 30. According to an alternative of the invention, the reinforcement is glued to the outer panel.

[0077] The reinforcement 42 therefore forms a multi-function reinforcement insofar as it allows both stiffening and holding of the mudguard. It offers firm support thanks to its rigid nature of reinforcement 42. By offsetting the second fixing means 48 relative to the first fixing means 46, their access is facilitated. The assembly and disassembly operations are easy.

[0078] The outer panel 30 and the light device 20 have equal heights; or which differ by at most 20%, preferably by at most 10%. The light device 20 is essentially vertically elongated.

[0079] The reinforcement 42 comprises a vertical edge 64. The vertical edge 64 forms a longitudinal end of the reinforcement 42. It may be parallel to the rear end 56 of the outer panel 30, in particular the upper outer panel 32. The vertical edge 64 is opposite the concave edge 38.

[0080] Longitudinally at the longitudinal end, preferably the vertical edge 64, the reinforcement 42 comprises fixing means, called fourth fixing means 66, fixed to the lighting device 20. They are fixed to its housing. The fourth fixing means 66 can form a vertical row. They are distributed over the height of the reinforcement 42.

[0081] The lighting device 20 comprises a first height, the reinforcement 42 comprises a second height representing from 80% to 120% of the first height, preferably from 90% to 100%. These proportions optimize the rigidity and compactness by taking advantage of the rigidity of the lighting device 20, in particular of its housing. The first height and the second height are measured vertically in the assembled state, at the level of the vertical edge 64. The outer panel 30 comprises a third height representing from 90% to 120% of the first height.

[0082] The outer panel 30 comprises a generally horizontal upper edge 60. The upper edge 60 is provided with a row of mounting holes vertically spaced from the second fixing means 48; preferably opposite the second fixing means 48.

[0083] [Fig. 4] shows a mudguard 28 mounted on an outer panel 30 of a motor vehicle assembly. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0084] The mudguard 28 comprises an inner wall extending vertically. The inner wall 50 is perpendicular to the transverse direction. It is generally planar. The inner wall 50 is notched. It comprises a rising vertical groove crossed by a suspension system.

[0085] The mudguard 28 also comprises an arcuate upper wall 52 extending transversely outwardly from the inner wall 50. It may be an upper wall, in that it forms the upper face of the mudguard 28. The upper wall 52 is arcuate around the wheel arch 26 and / or along an axis of rotation of a wheel associated with the wheel arch 26. The upper wall 52 is fixed to the second fixing means 48. On its upper face, the upper wall 52 comprises stiffening ribs in order to fix its radius of curvature.

[0086] The mudguard 28 further comprises a rim 54 between the upper wall 52 and the outer panel 30. The rim 54 forms an outer edge. It may be against the reinforcement 42. The second fixing means 48 extend transversely along the rim 54.

[0087] [Fig. 5] is an enlargement of the concave edge 38 exposing the second fixing means 48 of the reinforcement 42 associated with the outer panel 30 of the motor vehicle assembly. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0088] The reinforcement 42 has second fixing means 48 adapted to be fixed to the mudguard (not shown), which is mounted in the wheel arch 26. The second fixing means 48 are at a distance from the first fixing means 46. They are distributed along the first fixing means 46. They provide an additional fixing zone.

[0089] The first fixing means 46 comprise at least one row of fixing orifices 70, preferably two rows of fixing orifices 70. The fixing orifices 70 are distributed along the concave edge 38. The fixing orifices 70 comprise fixing slots, capable of receiving fixing tabs of the mudguard and the exterior finishing element (not shown). The exterior finishing element (not shown) is fixed against the exterior surface of the exterior panel 30.

[0090] The reinforcement 42 comprises a mounting edge 72 along the concave edge 38. The mounting edge 72 is tangent, preferably parallel to the concave edge 38. The second fixing means 48 are distributed along the mounting edge 72. The second fixing means 48 are at a distance from the concave edge 38. They project inside the reinforcement 42, preferably transversely towards the opposite side of the outer panel 30.

[0091] The first fixing means 46 comprise a first insertion direction, preferably transverse. The second fixing means 48 comprise at least one second insertion direction inclined relative to the first insertion direction. The second insertion direction is longitudinal and / or vertical. It is perpendicular to the first insertion direction. An insertion direction corresponds to the direction in which a fixing axis is introduced into the fixing means. It corresponds to the perpendicular to a fixing hole or slot.

[0092] The second fixing means 48 comprise at least one fixing branch 74, preferably several fixing branches 74. The fixing branches 74 are distributed along the level of the concave edge 38, according to the circumference. The fixing branches 74 comprise second insertion directions inclined relative to each other. Each fixing branch 74 projects transversely inwards. It extends opposite the outer panel 30. It has a facet intended to bear against the mudguard, and a fixing orifice.

[0093] [Fig. 6] is an enlargement of the fourth fixing means 66 of the reinforcement of the motor vehicle assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0094] The fourth fixing means 66 comprise at least, preferably several positioning studs 76. The positioning studs 76 are distributed vertically. Each positioning stud 76 projects transversely inwards. It is essentially hollow. The positioning studs 76 extend from the vertical edge 64.

[0095] The positioning stud 76 comprises a longitudinally open positioning orifice 78. The positioning orifice 78 cooperates with a positioning index 80 of the light device 20. The positioning stud 76 also comprises a clamping orifice 82 intended to receive a screw for fixing the light device 20.

[0096] [Fig. 7] is an enlargement of the interface between the upper outer panel 32 and the lower outer panel 34, at the level of the gap 36 (shown in dotted lines). The bumper skin is shown from the inside, in a low angle view. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 6.

[0097] The lower outer panel 34 vertically extends the upper outer panel 32 downwards. The lower outer panel 34 is under the reinforcement 42. The reinforcement 42 comprises a lower edge 84 with fixing means, called third fixing means 86. The third fixing means 86 comprise, for example, a retention orifice. They are fixed to the lower outer panel 34 which comprises, for example, a flexible tab engaged in the retention orifice.

[0098] Generally speaking, the invention orients the means for fixing the reinforcement in several directions: longitudinally, transversely and vertically. This contributes to an isostatic assembly. These fixing methods are complementary to those of the exterior panel.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement 42 is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material 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, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers. The reinforcement comprises a material different from the outer panel.

[0100] The reinforcement 42 comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0101] The present description is given in relation to a rear bumper skin. However, it also applies to a front bumper skin.

[0102] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0103] Figures 2 to 7 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. An assembly for a bumper skin (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the assembly comprising: an outer panel (30) having an outer surface, an inner surface (44), a concave edge (38) delimiting the inner surface (44) and intended to delimit a wheel arch (26) of the motor vehicle (10), first fixing means (46) distributed along said concave edge (38); a reinforcement (42) fixed against the inner surface (44) in order to stiffen the outer panel (30); characterized in that the reinforcement (42) comprises second fixing means (48) adapted to be fixed to a mudguard (28) in the wheel arch (26), the second fixing means (48) being at a distance from the first fixing means (46).

2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fixing means (46) comprise a row of fixing orifices (70) distributed along the concave edge (38); and / or the reinforcement (42) comprises a mounting edge (72) along the concave edge (38), the second fixing means (48) being distributed along the mounting edge (72).

3. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the outer panel (30) is an upper outer panel (32), the bumper skin (14) further comprises a lower outer panel (34) under the upper outer panel (32); the reinforcement (42) comprising a lower edge (84) with third fixing means (86) fixed to the lower outer panel (34); preferably, the concave edge (38) is a first concave edge, the lower outer panel (34) comprising a second concave edge extending the first concave edge.

4. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the assembly further comprises a light device (20); the reinforcement (42) comprising a longitudinal end with a vertical edge (64), at the level of the vertical edge (64) the reinforcement (42) comprises fourth fixing means (66) fixed to the light device (20); preferably, the light device (20) comprises a first height, the reinforcement (42) comprises a second height representing from 80% to 120% of the first height.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the fourth fixing means (66) comprise positioning studs (76) projecting transversely inwards; preferably, the positioning studs (76) comprise positioning orifices (78) open longitudinally.

6. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second fixing means (48) comprise at least one fixing branch (74) at the concave edge (38), each fixing branch (74) projects transversely inwards.

7. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first fixing means (46) comprise a first insertion direction, the second fixing means (48) comprising a second insertion direction inclined relative to the first insertion direction.

8. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer panel (30) comprises a horizontal upper edge (60) with a row of mounting holes (62) vertically spaced from the second fixing means (48).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a bumper skin (14), a wheel arch (26), a mudguard (28) delimiting the wheel arch (26); characterized in that the assembly is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) further comprises an exterior finishing element (68) which is fixed to the first fixing means (46), against the exterior surface; and the bumper skin (14) is a rear bumper skin (18).

10. A motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the mudguard (28) comprises a vertically extending inner wall (50), an arcuate upper wall (52) extending transversely outwardly from the inner wall (50) and fixed to the second fixing means (48); preferably, the mudguard (28) further comprises a rim between the upper wall (52) and the outer panel (30), the second fixing means (48) extending transversely along the rim (54).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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