Arrangement for attaching a vehicle's rear bumper

Abstract

TITLE: Arrangement for attaching a rear vehicle bumper. Arrangement (2) for attaching a rear vehicle bumper (3) (1) comprising a bumper support (4), a coupling device (5), a rear bumper (3) including a cutout (30) adapted to receive the coupling device (5), and a removable and attached reinforcing element (6), fixed to a first portion (32a) and a second portion (32b) of the bumper (3) by means of fastening means (8) so as to connect said portions together. Figure from the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for attaching a vehicle rear bumper

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a rear bumper to a vehicle. The invention also extends to a reinforcing element for such an arrangement. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising the arrangement and / or the reinforcing element according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling the arrangement according to the invention.

[0002] In a motor vehicle, the rear of the vehicle is conventionally equipped with a rear bumper. The bumper is a structure made of plastic material forming a casing or shell that conceals part of the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] When the vehicle includes a coupling device, the bumper includes a cutout configured to allow the passage of said device. The bumper thus extends on either side of the coupling device, while the latter extends through the cutout.

[0004] The presence of such a cutout, however, has the disadvantage of weakening the structure of the shield. As a result, during handling phases of the shield, particularly during transport for assembly and / or assembly of the shield in the vehicle, the shield may be deformed and damaged, which may render it unusable.

[0005] Also, it has been observed that reducing the rigidity of the shield is likely to lead to an increase in shield vibrations when the vehicle is in motion.

[0006] Finally, the presence of the cutout may affect the attachment of a fairing element fitted to the rear of the vehicle, conventionally mounted on the bumper.

[0007] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide an arrangement for the attachment of a vehicle rear bumper which resolves the aforementioned drawbacks and which is simple to implement and inexpensive.

[0008] The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a rear vehicle bumper comprising: - a bumper support; - a coupling device; - a rear shield, connected to the shield support and including a cutout suitable for receiving the coupling device, the shield comprising a first portion and a second portion arranged on either side of the cutout; - a removable and added reinforcing element, fixed to the first and second portions of the shield by means of fastening means in order to connect said portions between them, the reinforcing element extending opposite at least part of the cut and / or transversely to it.

[0009] In particular, the reinforcing element has an elongated structure and is: - at least partly flat or substantially flat; and / or - includes a profile at least partly in the shape of an "L" or substantially in the shape of an "L".

[0010] Optionally but preferably, the reinforcing element has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0011] According to examples of embodiments, the reinforcing element is made: - in a metallic material, such as sheet metal and / or aluminum; - in a plastic material, in particular filled, such as talc-filled polypropylene.

[0012] In particular, the reinforcing member is arranged so that the shield is interposed between the reinforcing member and the support along at least one direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the support comprises two connecting tabs, the first portion and the second portion of the shield being connected each to one of said tabs, the shield being interposed between the tabs and the reinforcing member.

[0014] Optionally, the arrangement further includes a fairing element, connected to the shield and / or the reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being at least partially interposed between the shield and the fairing element along one direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing member includes at least one rounded edge.

[0016] The invention also extends to a reinforcement member for a vehicle arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement member comprising an elongated structure having at least two flat portions configured to cooperate with a first portion and a second portion of a rear shield of the vehicle, the reinforcement member comprising holes configured to receive fastening means.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an arrangement and / or a reinforcing element according to the invention.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an arrangement according to the invention, comprising: - the fixing of the reinforcing element on the first and second portions of the shield, so as to connect them together, by means of fixing; - the positioning and fixing of the assembly formed by the shield and the reinforcing element on the support so that the shield is at least partially interposed between the support and the reinforcing element.

[0019] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment comprising an arrangement according to the invention for the attachment of a rear bumper.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic view from below of the arrangement comprising a rear shield and a reinforcing element.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a schematic view from the rear of the vehicle of a coupling device within the arrangement, the shield being shown in section for visibility purposes.

[0023] Fig. 4a is a schematic representation of a first example of the realization of the reinforcing element within the arrangement.

[0024] Fig. 4b is a schematic representation of a second example of the embodiment of the reinforcing element within the arrangement.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation viewed from below of the attachment of the reinforcement member to the shield.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation viewed from below of the attachment of a fairing element to the shield and / or to the shield in which the shield is shown in transparency.

[0027] The [Fig.7] is a schematic representation viewed from below of the attachment of a fairing element to the shield and / or to the shield.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a schematic view, taken from the rear of the vehicle, of a coupling device within the arrangement.

[0029] Figures 1 to 8 schematically illustrate an example of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 considered can be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 can have a combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid motor. Also, the vehicle 1 can be a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, or a vehicle dedicated to public transport.

[0030] By convention in the following description, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X, oriented from front to back. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct coordinate system XYZ is defined, as represented in the figures where required.

[0031] The terms “upper” and “lower” apply in their usual sense, “lower” indicating greater proximity, along the vertical direction Z, to the ground on which the vehicle 1 rests. Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” also apply in their usual sense within the vehicle 1. Finally, the terms “ "First", "second", "primary", "secondary" are intended to distinguish similar components and not to establish a hierarchy within the invention.

[0032] The vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises an arrangement 2 for the attachment of a rear bumper 3 of the vehicle 1 comprising generally, a support 4 for the bumper 3, a coupling device 5, a rear bumper 3 and a reinforcing element 6 for said bumper 3. As illustrated in [Fig.1], such an arrangement 2 is located at the rear of the vehicle 1, particularly at the level of a lower part of the vehicle 1.

[0033] The shield support 4 for shield 3 is configured to support shield 3. For example, it can be made of a metallic material, such as steel, and / or of a plastic material, for example, a filled plastic material, such as talc-filled polypropylene, particularly with a talc content of between 10% and 50% by mass. The shield support 4 for shield 3 is located on the underbody of the vehicle 1. For example, it can be connected to a body structure and / or to a rear crossmember 10 of the vehicle 1.

[0034] In particular, the support 4 includes a base 41, allowing its attachment within the vehicle 1, and at least one linking interface 42 configured to cooperate with the shield 3. In this case, the base 41 extends transversely or substantially transversely within the vehicle 1. It is connected to the underbody, to the body structure and / or to the rear crossmember 10 by means of reversible fastening elements 7, such as rivets or clips, and / or by welding in the case of parts made of metallic materials.

[0035] Figures 2 to 8 illustrate a particular, non-limiting example of a support 4 comprising two connecting tabs 42a. In other words, at least one connecting interface 42 of the support 4 here comprises two connecting tabs 42a. These tabs extend at least partially transversely, or even orthogonally, to the base 41 of the support 4.

[0036] In a known manner, the coupling device 5 is configured to allow the connection of a trailer or other implement to the vehicle 1. In particular, the coupling device 5 is made of a metallic material, such as steel. For example, and without limitation, the coupling device 5 comprises a base 51 and a connecting member 52, such as a ball joint, configured to allow the attachment of a trailer. According to the illustrated embodiment, the coupling device 5 includes the rear cross member 10, such that the base 51 is welded to the cross member 10. Alternatively, the coupling device 5 is connected to the rear cross member 10.

[0037] The rear bumper 3 is a bodywork structure forming an enclosure located at the rear of the vehicle 1. For example, the bumper 3 is made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. The bumper 3 is connected to the bumper support 4 and includes a cutout 30 suitable for receiving the coupling device 5.

[0038] For example, the shield 3 is connected to the shield support 4 at at least one connecting interface 42 by means of fasteners 7, such as rivets and / or clips. In particular, in the illustrated example, the shield 3 is connected to the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4.

[0039] Here, the term cutout 30 refers to an opening leading to an edge 31 of the shield 3. In particular, the cutout 30 has a central position along at least one direction. In this case, when the shield 3 is located within the vehicle 1, the cutout 30 has a central, or substantially central, position along the transverse direction Y. The shield 3 comprises a first portion 32a and a second portion 32b located on either side of the cutout 30.

[0040] The shield 3 comprises a plurality of walls. In particular, it may comprise at least one primary wall 33a, notably visible to a user present in the environment outside the vehicle 1. The plurality of walls also comprises at least one secondary wall 33b, connected to the at least one primary wall 33a at a proximal edge 31 of the at least one secondary wall 33b, and at least partially configured to extend under the vehicle 1, for example opposite the underbody and / or the rear crossmember 10. For example, the at least one secondary wall 33b extends transversely to the at least one primary wall 33a. In particular, the at least one primary wall 33a and the at least one secondary wall 33b form a single unit, i.e., they cannot be separated or dissociated from each other without resulting in the degradation, or even the destruction, of the shield 3.

[0041] The cutout 30 extends partially into at least one primary wall 33a so as to allow the passage of the coupling device 5, for example, at a central area of ​​said wall as described above. A bead of material from the at least one primary wall 33a thus holds the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b together. The cutout 30 also extends at least partially into at least one secondary wall 33b. In particular, the cutout 30 opens at a distal edge 31a of the at least one secondary wall 33b, opposite the proximal edge 31. Such a shape of cutout 30, opening at one of the edges 31 of the shield 3, results in particular from constraints related to the manufacturing process of the shield 3 with cutout 30.

[0042] The first portion 32a thus comprises at least a part of at least one primary wall 33a and at least a part of at least one secondary wall 33b. Similarly, the second portion 32b thus comprises at least a part of at least one primary wall 33a and at least a part of at least one secondary wall 33b distinct from the parts included in the first portion 32a.

[0043] The reinforcing element 6 is a removable, attached part, fixed to the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the shield 3 by means of fastening means 8 so as to connect said portions together, particularly so as to reinforce the connection between the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b established by the bead of material. For example, the fastening means 8 are reversible, removable fasteners such as clips or rivets.

[0044] The reinforcing member 6 thus comprises a plurality of orifices configured to receive each a fastening means 8. For example, such orifices are arranged at the ends of the reinforcing member 6.

[0045] In particular, the reinforcing member 6 is disposed at or near the free ends of the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the shield 3. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 6 is disposed so as to extend into an open area of ​​the cutout 30 corresponding to the area at which the cutout 30 opens into one of the edges 31 of the shield 3. In this case, the reinforcing member 6 is disposed at or near the distal edge 31a of the shield 3.

[0046] The reinforcing member 6 is thus arranged to extend opposite at least a part of the cutout 30 along at least one direction and / or to extend transversely across at least a part of the cutout 30. In particular, the reinforcing member 6 is arranged transversely to the cutout 30, in particular so as to join opposite edges of said cutout 30. The reinforcing member 6 thus makes it possible to strengthen the structure of the shield 3 at the level of an area structurally weakened by the presence of the cutout 30.

[0047] In particular, the reinforcing member 6 is arranged so that at least a part of the first portion 32a is interposed between the reinforcing member 6 and the support 4 along at least one direction, here in particular along the vertical direction Z. The same applies to the second portion 32b of the shield 3. In this case, the support 4 of the shield 3 and the reinforcing member 6 are arranged on either side of at least a part of the secondary wall 33b included in the first portion 32a of the shield 3 and at least a part of the secondary wall 33b included in the second portion 32b of the shield 3.

[0048] The reinforcing element 6 thus makes it possible, in particular, to limit the vibrations of the shield 3, especially of at least one secondary wall 33b, during the movement of the vehicle 1 by reinforcing its structure. The reinforcing element 6 also makes it possible to limit the displacement of the shield 3, especially of at least one secondary wall 33b, along at least one direction, or even a plurality of directions. In this case, the reinforcing element 6 helps to limit the displacement of the first portion 32a and of the second portion 32b along the vertical direction Z and along the transverse direction Y keeping said portions together.

[0049] In particular, in the illustrated example, the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the shield 3 are each connected to one of the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4 by means of fastening members 7, the shield 3 being interposed between said tabs and the reinforcing member 6 along at least one direction, here along the vertical direction Z.

[0050] In particular, the fixing of the reinforcing member 6 on the shield 3 can be carried out so that the fixing means 8 frame at least part of the fixing members 7 holding the shield 3 on the support 4. For example, the fixing means 8 of the reinforcing member 6 on the shield 3 frame at least two fixing members 7 configured to connect the shield 3 to the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing member 6 is made of a metallic material, such as sheet steel and / or aluminum. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 6 is preferably made of a metallic material, in particular from a steel plate. According to another embodiment, the reinforcing member 6 can be made of a plastic material, in particular a filled material, such as talc-filled polypropylene, with a filling content of between 10% and 50% by mass, preferably about 30%.

[0052] In particular, the reinforcing element 6 has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm. Alternatively, the reinforcing element 6 has a thickness less than or equal to 5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm. For example, the reinforcing element 6 has a thickness of approximately 2 mm.

[0053] The reinforcing member 6 has an elongated structure, that is to say, it has a length strictly greater than its width, for example a length at least twice greater than its width.

[0054] Additionally, the reinforcing member 6 has a structure that is at least partially planar or substantially planar. In particular, the reinforcing member 6 is configured to cooperate with planar or substantially planar connection zones of the shield 3, respectively of the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b. In this case, at least the ends of the reinforcing member 6, configured to cooperate with the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the shield 3, respectively, are planar or substantially planar. In this case, a first end of the reinforcing member 6, which is planar or substantially planar, cooperates with the first portion 32a of the shield 3, while a second end of the reinforcing member 6, which is planar or substantially planar, cooperates with the second portion 32b of the shield 3.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4a], the structure of the reinforcing member 6 is flat or substantially flat, forming, for example, a reinforcing strip. In particular, the reinforcing element 6 is in the same plane, the first end and the second end being in the same plane.

[0056] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 4b], the structure of the reinforcing member 6 comprises a profile at least partly L-shaped or substantially L-shaped. The preceding description, relating to the first embodiment, applies here mutatis mutandis; the reinforcing member 6 then comprises a primary lamella 61, arranged in contact with the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b so as to be fixed to the shield 3 as described above.

[0057] Additionally, the reinforcing member 6 includes a secondary slat 62, connected to the primary slat 61 and extending transversely to the primary slat 61. The secondary slat 62 extends over a portion of the length of the reinforcing member 6. For example, the secondary slat 62 extends at least over an intermediate portion of the reinforcing member 6, located between the openings of the reinforcing member 6. For example, the secondary slat 62 is configured to extend between the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4. The primary slat 61 and the secondary slat 62 then form a single unit. The presence of the secondary slat 62 advantageously increases the rigidity of the reinforcing member 6.

[0058] Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment implemented, the reinforcing member 6 includes at least one rounded edge. This principle notably optimizes the safety of a technician using the reinforcing member 6 as a gripping means, or handle, to transport an assembly formed by the shield 3 and the reinforcing member 6 during the assembly of the process in the vehicle 1.

[0059] Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 6 or 7, the arrangement 2 further includes a fairing element 9. The fairing element 9 is a contoured envelope configured to cover components of the vehicle 1, for example components of the lower part of the vehicle 1.

[0060] The fairing element 9 is connected to the shield 3 by means of fastening elements 7, such as clips. It is arranged so that the reinforcing element 6 is at least partially interposed between the shield 3 and the fairing element 9 along at least one direction, in this case along the vertical direction Z. A first face of the reinforcing element 6, facing the cutout 30, is then at least partially in contact with the shield 3, while a second face of the reinforcing element 6, opposite the first face, is in contact with the fairing element 9.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the fairing element 9 is connected to the reinforcing member 6 by means of at least one fastening member 7, such as a clip. In particular, such a fastening is made opposite the cutout 30, that is to say at the intermediate part of the reinforcing member 6 located between the openings allowing the fixing of the reinforcement element 6 on the shield 3. Such a principle makes it possible in particular to strengthen the fixing of the fairing element 9 and thus to stiffen the connection between the fairing element 9 and the shield 3. Similar to what has been indicated above, optionally, the reinforcement element 6 is then arranged so as to be at least partially interposed between the shield 3 and the fairing element 9 along one direction.

[0062] The invention also extends to a reinforcement element 6 as such, intended for an arrangement 2 and / or a vehicle 1 according to the invention. The preceding description, relating to the reinforcement element 6 included in the arrangement 2, applies here mutatis mutandis. In particular, similarly to what has been described above, the reinforcement element 6 comprises an elongated structure having at least two flat or substantially flat portions configured to cooperate with the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the rear bumper 3 of the vehicle 1. Likewise, the reinforcement element 6 includes openings configured to receive means 8 for attaching the reinforcement element 6 to the various portions of the bumper 3.

[0063] The invention also extends to a method of assembling the arrangement 2 according to the invention in the vehicle 1. It is understood that the preceding description applies mutatis mutandis to the assembly method according to the invention.

[0064] The method comprises fixing, in particular reversibly, the reinforcing member 6 to the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the shield 3 so as to connect them together, that is to say, so as to reinforce the connection between said portions made by the bead of material involved in delimiting the cutout 30. Such fixing is achieved by means of fixing means 8. As described above, the reinforcing member 6 is arranged so as to extend opposite the cutout 30 of the shield 3 and transversely to it, in particular so as to join the opposite edges of said cutout 30. For example, the member is arranged in contact with at least one secondary wall 33b of the shield 3, in particular at or near one of the edges 31s of the shield 3, here the distal edge 31a of the shield 3.

[0065] The method then comprises positioning and securing the assembly formed by the shield 3 and the reinforcing member 6 onto the shield support 4. Advantageously, the reinforcing member 6 can be used as a gripping means when handling such an assembly, particularly during its transport or positioning. The shield 3 is arranged, in particular, so that the coupling device 5 extends through the cutout 30, the latter surrounding, for example, at least a portion of the base 51.

[0066] Additionally, the assembly formed by the shield 3 and the reinforcing member 6 is arranged so that the shield 3 is at least partially interposed between the support 4 and the reinforcing member 6. For example, part of the first portion 32a is interposed between the support 4, in particular one of the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4, and the reinforcing member 6. Similarly, a part of the second portion 32b of the shield 3 is interposed between the support 4, in particular one of the connecting tabs 42a of the support 4, and the reinforcing member 6. The reinforcing member 6 and the support 4 are thus arranged on either side of the shield 3, the reinforcing member 6 being accessible and visible from below the vehicle 1 so as not to hinder the attachment of the shield 3 to the support 4.

[0067] The shield 3 is fixed to the support 4 by means of a plurality of fasteners 7, such as clips or rivets. The shield 3 thus does not have a direct connection with the support 4, so as to allow simple assembly of the arrangement 2.

[0068] Optionally, when the arrangement 2 or the vehicle 1 includes the fairing element 9, the method subsequently includes a step of attaching the fairing element 9 to the bumper 3 and / or the reinforcing member 6 by means of at least one connecting member 52, such as a clip or a rivet. As described previously, the reinforcing member 6 is then interposed between at least a portion of the fairing element 9 and a portion of the bumper 3 along at least one direction.

[0069] The present invention thus proposes an arrangement for attaching a vehicle rear bumper and a reinforcing element that advantageously strengthens the structure of the rear bumper when it includes a cutout allowing the passage of a towing device, which weakens the structure of said housing. The reinforcing element also advantageously reduces bumper vibrations while the vehicle is in motion, at a lower cost and without affecting the rear bumper's installation in the vehicle.

[0070] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. Arrangement (2) for the attachment of a rear bumper (3) of a vehicle (1) comprising: - a bumper support (4); - a coupling device (5); - a rear bumper (3), connected to the bumper support (4) and comprising a cutout (30) suitable for receiving the coupling device (5), the bumper (3) comprising a first portion (32a) and a second portion (32b) arranged on either side of the cutout (30); - a removable and attached reinforcement member (6), fixed to the first portion (32a) and to the second portion (32b) of the bumper (3) by means of fastening means (8) in order to connect said portions together, the reinforcement member (6) extending opposite at least a part of the cutout (30) and / or transversely to it.

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing member (6) has an elongated structure and: - at least partly flat or substantially flat; and / or - comprises a profile at least partly in the shape of an "L" or substantially in the shape of an "L".

3. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing member (6) has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm.

4. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing member (6) is made: - in a metallic material, such as sheet metal and / or aluminum; - in a plastic material, in particular filled, such as talc-filled polypropylene.

5. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing member (6) is arranged so that the shield (3) is interposed between the reinforcing member (6) and the support (4) along at least one direction.

6. An arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fairing element (9) connected to the shield (3) and / or the reinforcing member (6), the reinforcing member (6) being at least partially interposed between the shield (3) and the fairing element (9) along one direction.

7. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing member (6) comprises at least one rounded edge.

8. Reinforcing member (6) for a vehicle arrangement (2) (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the reinforcing member (6) comprising an elongated structure having at least two flat portions configured to cooperate with a first portion (32a) and a second portion (32b) of a rear shield (3) of the vehicle (1), the reinforcing member (6) comprising openings configured to receive fastening means (8).

9. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a reinforcing element (6) according to the preceding claim.

10. Method of assembling an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - fixing the reinforcing member (6) on the first portion (32a) and the second portion (32b) of the shield (3), so as to connect them together, by means of fixing means (8); - positioning and fixing the assembly formed by the shield (3) and the reinforcing member (6) on the support (4) so ​​that the shield (3) is at least partially interposed between the support (4) and the reinforcing member (6).

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