Automotive front bumper skin frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a support frame (38) for the front bumper skin of a motor vehicle. The support frame (38) comprises: a rear portion (40) with a horizontal wall (42); a front portion (44) with a vertical wall (46) extending below the horizontal wall; and a junction (48) connecting the vertical wall (46) to the horizontal wall (42). The rear portion (40) includes an upper partition (50) projecting upwards from the horizontal wall (42); the upper partition (50) includes a front surface (52) with retaining means (54) designed to cooperate with a protrusion (36) of the bumper skin (20). The support frame (38) includes a flexible dome forming the upper partition (50). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Automotive front bumper skin frame

[0001] The invention relates to the assembly of a front bumper skin to its support frame for a motor vehicle. The invention concerns a front bumper skin for a motor vehicle with a central bulge. The invention relates to a support frame for a bumper skin for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] A front bumper system for a motor vehicle comprises various shock absorbers covered by a bumper skin. The bumper skin forms an outer casing, guiding the airflow through the motor vehicle. The bumper skin contributes to the perceived quality through its precise positioning, and in particular through the mechanical clearances it defines. Specifically, it defines a larger mechanical clearance with the front of the engine hood.

[0003] The bumper skin is mounted on the structure, in this case on a front crossmember. It forms a thin sheet. The bumper skin is generally made from a thin piece of plastic material, which makes it particularly flexible. The bumper skin is therefore commonly held in place by various components, including a support frame. This support frame is a rigid element on which the bumper skin rests, specifically the portion of the bumper skin located above the bumper crossmember. The frame helps to maintain geometric tolerances.

[0004] Document FR3136424A1 describes a front bumper frame for a motor vehicle. The frame comprises a front panel supporting a structural element for mounting a camera and its bracket. The structural element includes a central post with an open window in which the camera and its bracket are mounted. This design allows the camera and its bracket to recoil freely in the event of a frontal impact on the vehicle.

[0005] Typically, the rigidity of the bumper skin is further improved by an additional reinforcing piece. This reinforcing piece is positioned between the bumper skin and the support frame. This intermediate reinforcing piece generally forms a lining for the bumper skin. When a user leans on the bumper skin, it remains in place because it no longer compresses, thus providing an impression of solidity.

[0006] However, the existence of this reinforcing piece adds other constraints. It adds manufacturing and assembly steps for this additional part, which increases the The cost of the motor vehicle is also a factor. Furthermore, in certain configurations, particularly around the logo, the reinforcement piece creates a hard point in the event of a pedestrian collision. As a reminder, this type of hard point puts significant stress on the pedestrian, especially on the femur of an adult and on the head of a child. This increased risk of injury compromises safety. Therefore, the combination of the reinforcement piece and the logo insert imposes constraints on the logo's placement. The choice of safe locations for the logo insert is limited.

[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 optimize the safety and positioning possibilities of an external insert on a motor vehicle bumper skin that is held in place by a retaining frame. The invention also aims to optimize the safety, cost, retention of a bumper skin, and freedom of positioning of an external insert on a motor vehicle bumper skin.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a support frame for the front bumper skin of a motor vehicle; the support frame comprises: a rear part with a horizontal wall; a front part with a vertical wall extending under the horizontal wall; a junction connecting the vertical wall to the horizontal wall; notable in that the rear part includes an upper partition projecting upwards relative to the horizontal wall; the upper partition comprising a front surface with retaining means intended to cooperate with a bumper skin protrusion.

[0009] Preferably, the horizontal wall includes a cutout extending longitudinally from the upper partition.

[0010] Preferably, the cutout extends transversely over the entire width of the upper partition.

[0011] Preferably, the upper partition is a front upper partition; the support frame further comprises: a rear upper partition projecting from the horizontal wall, a connecting partition linking the front upper partition to the rear upper partition.

[0012] Preferably, the upper front partition, the upper rear partition, the junction partition delimit a pocket open downwards.

[0013] Preferably, the retaining means comprise at least one retaining fin, more preferably a row of retaining fins; each retaining fin projecting forward from the front surface.

[0014] Preferably, the upper partition includes an upper edge and at least one fixing slot along said upper edge.

[0015] Preferably, at least one fixing slot extends transversely over at least one third of the upper partition.

[0016] Preferably, the horizontal wall includes a break zone behind the upper partition.

[0017] Preferably, the rupture zone includes a groove having a bent trace.

[0018] Preferably, the junction includes a front edge, the upper partition extending rearward from the front edge.

[0019] Preferably, the front surface is concave.

[0020] Preferably, the support frame is a single piece.

[0021] Preferably, the vertical wall extends under the upper partition.

[0022] Preferably, the upper partition is longitudinally at a distance from the vertical wall.

[0023] Preferably, the upper partition comprises a height of at least 20 mm.

[0024] Preferably, the upper partition comprises a height of at least 40 mm.

[0025] Preferably, the upper partition extends mainly transversely.

[0026] Preferably, the cutout extends longitudinally between the upper partition front and the upper rear bulkhead.

[0027] Preferably, the upper front partition is longitudinally at a distance from the upper rear partition.

[0028] Preferably, the upper front partition has a first inclination with respect to the vertical direction, the upper rear partition has a second inclination with respect to the vertical direction, the second inclination being greater than the first inclination.

[0029] Preferably, the upper partition comprises a lower half, an upper half, and a fixing slot in the upper half.

[0030] Preferably, at least one fixing slot extends transversely over at least half of the upper partition.

[0031] Preferably, the rupture zone is longitudinally located at a distance from the cut.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention provides a retaining frame for the front bumper skin of a motor vehicle; the retaining frame comprises: a rear portion with a horizontal wall; a front portion with a vertical wall extending below the horizontal wall; notable in that the rear portion comprises a hollow dome projecting upwards from the horizontal wall; the hollow dome comprising a front surface with retaining means intended to cooperate with a bumper skin protrusion. The hollow dome provides a locking mechanism while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility, thus optimizing safety and retention.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a front bumper skin, a support frame for the front bumper skin, notable in that the support frame conforms to the invention.

[0034] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a front hood with a front area having a lower edge, the upper partition being raised relative to the lower edge.

[0035] Preferably, the bumper skin includes a rear span cooperating with the retaining means; the bumper skin includes an outer insert with a rear edge against the surface fixed to the central area; said outer insert extending vertically at the level of the upper partition and the vertical wall.

[0036] Preferably, the rear reach is between the rear edge and the retaining means.

[0037] Preferably, the bumper skin includes a central area with a rear surface against the retaining frame.

[0038] Preferably, the bumper skin includes a fixing stud attached to the vertical wall.

[0039] Preferably, the outer insert passes vertically through the horizontal wall and / or the junction.

[0040] Preferably, the outer insert includes at least one finishing blade.

[0041] Preferably, the outer insert protrudes from the front hood.

[0042] Preferably, the bumper skin comprises an upper edge with a horizontal section and a protrusion projecting from the horizontal section, the upper partition extending over the entire height of the protrusion.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Fig. 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a front view of a vehicle bumper skin automobile according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 3 is a front view of a bumper skin retaining frame. motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 4 is an enlargement of a vertical partition of a support frame. for bumper skin of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 5 is a cross-section of a vertical partition of a support frame for bumper skin for motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a cross-section of an outer insert and a retaining frame for a motor vehicle bumper skin according to the invention.

[0051] 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 support structure to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 16°, 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.

[0055] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the retaining frame and the bumper skin, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0056] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0057] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0058] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the front compartment, which is optionally an engine compartment.

[0059] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the systems of The front suspension is located at the front of the structure. At the front, the structure 12 includes a front crossmember 14. The front crossmember 14 is attached to the front side members. The front crossmember 14 forms a front beam. In the event of a frontal collision, the front crossmember 14 absorbs the impact energy by deforming and transmits some of the impact energy to the rest of the structure 12 via the front side members. The front crossmember 14 contributes to safety.

[0060] The motor vehicle 10 has a bumper system 16. The bumper system 16 incorporates the front crossmember 14. The bumper system 16, in particular each of its components, 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 part of the motor vehicle. Such an impact is understood to be a low-speed impact. A low-speed impact can be a parking impact, i.e., at a speed of 4 km / h. The bumper system 16 is also designed to limit the severity of injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision, particularly to the legs.

[0061] The bumper system 16 includes a bumper skin 20. The bumper skin 20 forms the body, i.e., the outer shell of the motor vehicle 10. The bumper skin 20 is a front bumper skin. The bumper skin 20 is located under the front hood 22. The bumper skin 20 includes at least one outer panel attached to the structure 12. The front hood 22 is an opening. It is commonly referred to as the engine hood.

[0062] The bumper skin 20 includes at least one central air inlet opening 18. The air inlet 18 has a central opening through the bumper skin 20. The air inlet 18 communicates with a cooling system. The air inlet 18 is covered by a protective grille 26. The protective grille 26 is attached to the bumper skin 20. An external insert 28 is carried by the bumper skin 20. It may be a logo or a badge. The external insert 28 is a finishing element.

[0063] The motor vehicle 10 includes lighting devices 24. Each lighting device 24 is capable of illuminating the surroundings and being seen by other road users. It is a regulatory device. It is also called a headlight or front projector. The lighting devices 24 are integrated into the bumper skin 20. They are arranged on either side of the air intake 18. The front crossmember 14 is positioned below the air intake 18.

[0064] The front fascia also has a support frame 38 configured to support the bumper skin 20. The support frame 38 is attached to the front crossmember 14. The support frame 38 is arranged between the light devices 24 and / or above the air intake 18. They are superimposed and are arranged behind the bumper skin 20.

[0065] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a bumper skin 20 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1.

[0067] The bumper skin 20 is a single piece. The bumper skin 20 is designed to extend transversely across the entire width of the motor vehicle. It has recesses 27 designed to fit the contour of the lighting devices. In its central part, the bumper skin 20 includes a mounting area 30 for a license plate, also known as a registration plate.

[0068] The bumper skin 20 includes an upper edge 32. The upper edge runs along the mounting area 30 of the license plate. The upper edge 32 has at least one horizontal section 34 and a protrusion 36 projecting from the horizontal section 34. In this case, the upper edge 32 comprises two horizontal sections 34, with the protrusion 36 connecting them. The bumper skin 20 has an air intake grille along the upper edge 32. The protrusion 36 is an upper protrusion.

[0069] The bumper skin 20 comprises a central area with a rear surface against the front face of the retaining frame. The bumper skin 20 is equipped with an outer insert 28. The outer insert 28 is located in front of the bumper skin 20. It is transversely centered. It extends vertically into the protrusion 36. The outer insert 28 is fixed to the central area.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a support frame 38 for a bumper skin of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0071] The support frame 38 comprises a rear portion 40 with a horizontal wall 42. The horizontal wall 42 includes mounting lugs and a rear lip. It extends transversely. It is intended to partially cover the front compartment of the motor vehicle. By concealing certain components, it contributes to the perceived quality. It is intended to be covered by the front hood (not shown).

[0072] The support frame 38 also includes a front portion 44 with a vertical wall 46. The vertical wall 46 extends below the horizontal wall 42. The vertical wall 46 has stiffening ribs. It also has fastening holes. Its lower edge has a bottom beam. Lateral arms extend the vertical wall 46 downwards. The lateral arms are intended to be mounted on the front cross member.

[0073] The support frame 38 further includes a junction 48. The junction 48 connects the vertical wall 46 to the horizontal wall 42. It extends transversely. The junction 48 is designed to receive the upper edge of the bumper skin. It allows it to precisely follow the front hood. The vertical wall 46 extends under the upper partition 50.

[0074] The rear portion 40 comprises an upper partition 50. The upper partition 50 extends vertically and transversely. The upper partition 50 projects upwards from the horizontal wall 42. The upper partition 50 forms the apex of the rear portion 40; preferably of the retaining frame 38. It is at a distance from the vertical wall 46. The upper partition 50 comprises a front surface 52 with retaining means 54 intended to cooperate with a bumper skin protrusion.

[0075] The retaining means 54 accommodate the vertical extension of the bumper skin formed by the protrusion of its outer edge. Thus, the retaining frame 38 adapts to complex bumper skin geometries. It directly retains the upper protrusions, in the same way as an interposed reinforcing piece. This retention remains firm and precise. Consequently, the conventional reinforcing piece can be eliminated, thus removing the risk of a hard point it represents. Furthermore, its absence offers weight savings and cost reductions.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a rear portion 40 of a support frame 38 with a vertical partition 50 for a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0077] The rear portion 40 is an upper portion. The rear portion 40 has a horizontal wall 42 surmounted by an upper partition 50. The upper partition 50 culminates above and projects upwards from the horizontal wall 42. The upper partition 50 extends primarily transversely. The front surface 52 is concave. It has a hollow opening towards the front. The upper partition 50 is longitudinally spaced from the vertical wall 46. The vertical wall 46 extends below the upper partition 50.

[0078] The upper partition 50 has a front surface, also called the front surface 52, on which retaining means 54 are distributed. The retaining means 54 are intended to hold a bumper skin protrusion.

[0079] The junction 48, also called the junction zone, includes a front edge 56. The front edge 56 is generally horizontal. The upper partition 50 extends rearward from the front edge 56. The upper partition 50 also extends upward from the front edge 56.

[0080] The retaining means 54 comprise at least one retaining fin 58, preferably a row of retaining fins 58. The row forms a succession of retaining fins 58 arranged side by side, on the same line. In this instance, the line describes a curve. The retaining fins 58 are inclined relative to each other. They converge towards a lower center. Each retaining fin 58 projects forward from the front surface 52.

[0081] The upper partition 50 includes an upper edge 60. The upper edge 60 is convex. It describes a wave. The upper partition 50 includes at least one fixing slot 62, preferably two fixing slots 62. Each fixing slot 62 extends transversely. Each fixing slot 62 is along said upper edge 60. At least one fixing slot 62 extends transversely over at least half of the upper partition 50.

[0082] Each fixing slot 62 provides flexibility to the support frame 38. This aspect limits the risk of hard spots appearing in the event of a pedestrian impact, despite the protruding nature of the upper partition 50. Preferably, at least one fixing slot 62 extends transversely over at least one-third of the upper partition 50. The combination of all the fixing slots 62 extends transversely over at least one-third, preferably at least half, of the upper partition 50.

[0083] Figure 5 is a central longitudinal section of the retaining frame 38 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4. The bumper skin is not shown for clarity.

[0084] The horizontal wall 42 includes a cutout 64 extending longitudinally from the upper partition 50. The cutout 64 forms a pocket in the rear part 40. The cutout 64 passes vertically through the horizontal wall 42. The upper partition 50 extends vertically from the cutout 64. The cutout 64 extends transversely across the entire width of the upper partition 50.

[0085] The upper partition 50 is a front upper partition 66. The retaining frame 38 further comprises: a rear upper partition 68 projecting from the horizontal wall 42; just like the front upper partition 66. They are generally parallel. The front upper partition 66 is longitudinally spaced from the rear upper partition 68. The upper partition 50 comprises a lower half, an upper half, and at least one fixing slot 62 in the upper half.

[0086] The front upper partition 66 has a first inclination with respect to the vertical direction. The rear upper partition 68 has a second inclination with respect to the vertical direction. The second inclination is greater than the first inclination. Thus, the rear upper partition 68 facilitates the creation of a breaking zone 72 in the event of a pedestrian impact.

[0087] The support frame 38 further includes a connecting partition 70 linking the front upper partition 66 to the rear upper partition 68. The connecting partition 70 forms a longitudinal connecting strip. The cutout 64 extends longitudinally between the front upper partition 66 and the rear upper partition 68.

[0088] The upper front partition 66, the upper rear partition 68, and the connecting partition 70 form a hollow dome. They define a pocket open downwards via the cutout 64. The hollow dome is essentially flexible. In the event of a pedestrian impact, it retracts and tilts backwards. Thus, it forms a retaining, or preferably fastening, area for the bumper skin at the location of the outer insert. The retaining, or fastening, area is located at a distance from, and raised relative to, the horizontal wall 42.

[0089] The upper partition 50 includes an upper edge 60 and at least one mounting slot 62 along said upper edge 60. The mounting slot 62 is adjacent to the connecting partition 70, which promotes the hinge effect in the event of a pedestrian impact. The mounting slot 62 is above the retaining means 54, in particular the retaining fins 58. The retaining means 54 support the bumper skin.

[0090] The horizontal wall 42 includes a rupture zone 72. The rupture zone 72 extends transversely. The rupture zone 72 is behind the upper partition 50. It is behind the rear upper partition 68. The rupture zone 72 includes a groove with a bent profile. The groove forms a thinning of the horizontal wall 42. The rupture zone 72 is longitudinally distant from the cutout 64. The rupture zone 72 runs alongside the cutout 64, and therefore along the upper partition 50, and in particular along the rear upper partition 68, from which it is also distant.

[0091] In the event of a pedestrian impact, the rupture zone 72 breaks, facilitating rearward movement and the collapse of the upper partition 50. The hollow dome retracts. Again, this limits the presence of a hard point despite the extended contact area of ​​the bumper skin. Thus, the invention optimizes safety and geometric possibilities.

[0092] The upper partition 50 includes a height 74 of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, and more preferably at least 40 mm. The height 74 is measured vertically. It is measured from the upper surface of the horizontal wall 42 to the base of the upper partition 50. The height 74 is a maximum height. Increasing the height 74 extends the support area available to the bumper skin and the distance the outer insert can protrude vertically, while still ensuring the required support.

[0093] The present illustration shows only one half of the upper partition 50; the other half can be deduced by symmetry.

[0094] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the upper part includes a passage through the horizontal wall. The passage includes the cutout.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the upper part is free of a front upper partition and / or a rear upper partition. The horizontal wall is free of cutouts.

[0096] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a support frame 38 and its bumper skin 20 for a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5. The front hood 22 is shown in the closed position. The protective grille 26 is visible in the background.

[0097] The horizontal wall 42 has a break zone 72 behind the upper partition 50. The outer insert 28 extends vertically at the break zone 72 to compensate for its protruding nature. The bumper skin 20 is a front bumper skin.

[0098] The front hood 22 has an outer sheet metal and a reinforcing lining. The front hood 22 has a front area 76 with a lower edge 78. The lower edge 78 is a front edge. It forms the front end. It is adjacent to the bumper skin 20 and defines a transverse mechanical gap therein. The lower edge 78 is vertically aligned with the outer insert 28. The upper partition 50 extends above the lower edge 78. The upper partition 50 is raised relative to the lower edge 78. This allows the outer insert 28 to be fitted into the bumper skin 20 while optimizing its retention.

[0099] The bumper skin 20 includes a central area 80 with a rear surface 82 against the retaining frame 38. The bumper skin 20 includes a mounting stud 84 fixed to the vertical wall 46. The mounting stud 84 extends longitudinally. It is hollow. The mounting stud 84 has a cavity open to the front. The outer insert 28 closes the cavity. The outer insert 28 overlaps the horizontal wall 42 and / or the joint vertically. The outer insert 28 includes at least one finishing strip, for example, a metal one. The outer insert 28 projects beyond the front hood 22. It protrudes vertically.

[0100] The bumper skin 20 includes a rear span 86 cooperating with the retaining means 54. The rear span 86 is curved. It forms an angular section of tube. The rear span 86 is formed by the protrusion 36 of the bumper skin 20. The protrusion 36 is a vertical protrusion.

[0101] The outer insert 28 has a rear edge 88. The rear edge 88 forms the rear end of the outer insert 28. The rear edge 88 is against the front surface 52. The outer insert extends vertically at the level of the upper partition 50 and the vertical wall 46. It conceals them. The rear span 86 is vertically between the edge rear 88 and the means of support 54. The rear edge 88 is further back than the rear span 86.

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement is made of a plastic or composite material. It is produced by injection molding. It is a single piece. The plastic material may be 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.

[0103] The frame 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 16 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the vehicle's environmental footprint.

[0104] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0105] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Support frame (38) for front bumper skin (20) of motor vehicle (10); the support frame (38) comprises: a rear portion (40) with a horizontal wall (42); a front portion (44) with a vertical wall (46) extending under the horizontal wall (42); a junction (48) connecting the vertical wall (46) to the horizontal wall (42); characterized in that the rear portion (40) comprises an upper partition (50) projecting upwards from the horizontal wall (42); the upper partition (50) comprising a front surface (52) with retaining means (54) intended to cooperate with a bumper skin protrusion (36).

2. Support frame (38) according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal wall (42) includes a cutout (64) extending longitudinally from the upper partition (50); preferably, the cutout (64) extends transversely over the entire width of the upper partition (50).

3. Supporting frame (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the upper partition (50) is a front upper partition (66); the supporting frame (38) further comprises: a rear upper partition (68) projecting from the horizontal wall (42), a connecting partition (70) connecting the front upper partition (66) to the rear upper partition (68); preferably, the front upper partition (66), the rear upper partition (68), the connecting partition (70) delimit a pocket open downwards.

4. Supporting frame (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support means (54) comprise at least one support fin (58), preferably a row of support fins (58); each support fin (58) projecting forward from the front surface (52).

5. Support frame (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper partition (50) comprises an upper edge (60) and at least one fixing slot (62) along said upper edge (60); preferably, the at least one fixing slot (62) extends transversely over at least one third of the upper partition (50).

6. Supporting frame (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the horizontal wall (42) includes a rupture zone (72) behind the upper partition (50); preferably, the rupture zone (72) includes a groove having a bent profile.

7. Supporting frame (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the joint (48) comprises a front edge (56), the upper partition (50) extending rearward from the front edge (56); preferably, the front surface (52) is concave.

8. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front bumper skin (20), a retaining frame (38) for the front bumper skin (20), characterized in that the retaining frame (38) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 7; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a front hood (22) with a front area (76) having a lower edge (78), the upper partition (50) being raised relative to the lower edge (78).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the bumper skin (20) comprises a rear span (86) cooperating with the retaining means (54); the bumper skin (20) comprises an outer insert (28) with a rear edge (88) against the surface fixed to the central area; said outer insert (28) extending vertically at the level of the upper partition (50) and the vertical wall (46); preferably, the rear span (86) is between the rear edge (88) and the retaining means (54).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the bumper skin (20) comprises a central area (80) with a rear surface (82) against the retaining frame (38); preferably, the bumper skin (20) comprises a fixing stud (84) fixed to the vertical wall (46).

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