Cover fixing structure for vehicle bumper

Abstract

To provide a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper which can reduce bending of a cover attached and removed at opening of a bumper.SOLUTION: A cover fixing structure 100 for a vehicle bumper comprises a bumper 101 which includes an opening 110 and a cover 150 which closes the opening 110. The cover 150 includes an inside panel which is fixed to the bumper 101 and an outside panel 152 which overlaps with outside of the inside panel and is larger than the inside panel and is fixed to the inside panel. There are formed outward-looking ridge line 152m which runs from the bumper 101 and then protrudes to outside and inward-looking edge line 152n which protrudes to inside in the outside panel 152.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper. [Background technology]

[0002] A cover that hides a towing hook attached to a vehicle body is sometimes attached to the bumper of a vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cover that can be attached to an opening in the bumper provided at the front of the vehicle body. This cover has support pieces and locking pieces on the back side, which keep it attached to the opening in the bumper under normal conditions, but are removed when the vehicle is towed, exposing the towing hook. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-294105 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cover is prone to bending due to the load applied to the support pieces and the locking pieces when the cover is attached to or detached from the opening in the bumper.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper that can reduce bending of a cover that is attached to or detached from an opening in a bumper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a typical configuration of the present invention is a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper, which includes a bumper having an opening and a cover that closes the opening, and is characterized in that the cover has an inner panel fixed to the bumper and an outer panel that is larger than the inner panel and fixed so as to overlap the outside of the inner panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, bending of the cover when it is attached to or detached from the opening of the bumper can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a bumper to which a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] 2 is a front view of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure of FIG. 1 with an outer panel removed. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cover and its surroundings in the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of an inner panel of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure of FIG. 1, viewed from the back side. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a front view of an outer panel of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a rear view of an outer panel of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 6 is a front view showing the state in which the outer panel of FIG. 5 is attached to the inner panel of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper comprising a bumper having an opening and a cover that closes the opening, wherein the cover is characterized by having an inner panel fixed to the bumper and an outer panel that is larger than the inner panel and fixed so as to overlap the outside of the inner panel.

[0010] According to the present invention, the cover has two panels, an inner panel and an outer panel, which increases the rigidity of the cover. As a result, bending of the cover when it is attached to or detached from the opening of the bumper can be reduced. Furthermore, because the outer panel is larger than the inner panel, the inner panel is not exposed at the boundary between the bumper and the cover, and the structure of the inner panel can be hidden from view from the outside. In other words, even though the cover has two panels, the visibility is not impaired.

[0011] In addition, the outer panel may have a design that forms an outward ridge that continues from the bumper and protrudes outward, and the inner panel may have a bead portion that extends in a direction that intersects with the outward ridge and protrudes inward.

[0012] Such a ridgeline continuing from the bumper may become a starting point for bending of the cover. However, with the above-described configuration, the bead portion of the inner panel extending in a direction intersecting the outward ridgeline of the outer panel prevents the outer panel from bending along the outward ridgeline. Furthermore, because bending of the cover starting from the outward ridgeline is prevented, there is no problem even if such an outward ridgeline is formed on the cover continuing from the bumper. This means that the degree of freedom in the design of the cover is improved. Furthermore, because the protruding direction (outward) of the outward ridgeline and the protruding direction (inward) of the bead portion are opposite, bending of the cover is further suppressed.

[0013] The outward ridge is formed in the vertical direction on the outer panel, and the outer panel further has an inward ridge that is continuous with the bumper as a design and protrudes inward in the vertical direction on the inside of the outward ridge in the vehicle width direction, and the outer panel preferably has two first panel engagement claws that extend from the inward ridge to the inner panel and engage with the inner panel, the two first panel engagement claws being arranged on both sides of the bead portion, and a second panel engagement claw that extends from the outside of the outward ridge in the vehicle width direction to the inner panel and engages with the inner panel.

[0014] According to this configuration, the inward ridge line is a starting point for bending of the outer panel, but two (i.e., multiple) first panel engagement claws are provided that extend from the inward ridge line and engage with the inner panel, thereby preventing the outer panel from bending along the inward ridge line. Furthermore, the two first panel engagement claws are arranged to straddle the bead portion vertically, and the two first panel engagement claws and the second panel engagement claw are arranged to straddle the outward ridge line in the vehicle width direction (left and right). Engagement between the first panel engagement claw and the second panel engagement claw prevents misalignment of the outer panel and the inner panel.

[0015] The inner panel may have a first rib that abuts against the outer panel on the line where the two first panel engaging claws are aligned, and a second rib that abuts against the outer panel on the inner side of the bead portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0016] If a rigid engagement mechanism such as the first and second panel engagement claws were provided around the entire periphery of the outer panel, the inner panel would not bend even if the outer panel bent slightly from an outward or inward ridge. This could result in excessive force being applied to the first and second panel engagement claws, potentially resulting in disengagement. However, by providing the first and second ribs, these claws are pressed firmly against the outer panel, preventing bending of the outer panel. Furthermore, even if the outer panel bends slightly, the outer panel can move slightly on the first and second ribs in directions other than perpendicular to its surface, preventing disengagement of the outer and inner panels by the first and second panel engagement claws. [Example]

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown. In the following description, the configuration of the right side of a vehicle will be described as an example, but since a vehicle has a symmetrical configuration, the configuration of the left side of the vehicle is similar.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a front view of a bumper 101 to which a vehicle bumper cover fixing structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In Fig. 1 and all other drawings, the front-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), the left and right in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), and the up-down direction is indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure 100 includes a bumper 101. The bumper 101 has a center bumper 102, a center bumper lower part 103 below the center bumper 102, side bumpers 104 on the vehicle width direction outer sides of the center bumper 102, and side bumper lower parts 105 below the side bumper 104. The center bumper 102, the center bumper lower part 103, the side bumpers 104, and the side bumper lower parts 105 are molded and painted separately and then assembled during manufacturing. The center bumper 102 is made of a material such as polycarbonate. The side bumpers 104 are made of a material such as polypropylene.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure 100 of Fig. 1 with the outer panel 152 removed. The bumper 101 has an opening 110. This opening 110 forms a hole at the edge of the center bumper 102 and the side bumper 104. The center bumper 102 has a notch 102k formed facing inward in the vehicle width direction. The opening 110 is surrounded by this notch 102k and the side bumper 104. A towing hook (not shown) is provided inside the vehicle body of the opening 110 (toward the rear of the vehicle).

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 150 and its surroundings of the vehicle bumper cover fixing structure 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, showing the engaged state of the lower side of the cover 150. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, showing the engaged state of the upper side of the cover 150. The cover 150 is a member that closes the opening 110. When the cover 150 closes the opening 110, it hides, for example, a towing hook (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the cover 150 has an inner panel 151 and an outer panel 152. The inner panel 151 and the outer panel 152 are made of, for example, polycarbonate.

[0022] The inner panel 151 is a panel that is fixed to the center bumper 102 and the side bumper 104 within the opening 110. The engaging claws of the inner panel 151 engage with the engaged claws of the center bumper 102. The engaging claws of the inner panel 151 also engage with the engaged claws of the side bumper 104.

[0023] For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the inner panel 151 has an engaging claw 151a provided on the lower side and an end 151b extending upward. On the other hand, the center bumper 102 has an engaged claw 102a that forms the lower edge of the opening 110 and a bent end 102b that bends inward. At the lower side of the opening 110, the engaging claw 151a engages with the engaged claw 102a. At the upper side of the opening 110, the end 151b is positioned outside the bent end 102b.

[0024] 3(b), the inner panel 151 has an engaging claw 151c provided on the upper side and an end portion 151d bent inward on the lower side. Meanwhile, the center bumper 102 has an engaged claw 102c that forms the upper edge of the opening 110 and a bent end portion 102d that bends inward. Above the opening 110, the engaging claw 151c engages with the engaged claw 102c. Below the opening 110, the end portion 151d contacts the bent end portion 102d from the outside.

[0025] Although not shown, the cover 150 is also engaged with the side bumper 104 by engaging claws (see engaging claws 151g, 151h, and 151a in FIG. 4) of the inner panel 151 and engaged claws (not shown) of the side bumper 104. Since the inner panel 151 does not directly form a design surface, it may be lightened by appropriate hollowing (by providing holes). The outer end of the cover 150 in the vehicle width direction is disposed on the inner edge of the side bumper 104 in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inner panel 151 of the vehicle bumper cover fastening structure 100 of Fig. 1, viewed from the back surface side. As shown in Fig. 4, the inner panel 151 has a bead portion 151x. The bead portion 151x protrudes in a direction away from the back surface of the inner panel 151 (in the panel overlapping direction in which the outer panel 152 is overlapped on the inner panel 151), has a predetermined height, and extends in the vehicle width direction. Note that the protruding direction of this bead portion 151x is opposite to the protruding direction of an outward ridge line 152m, which will be described later.

[0027] Furthermore, the inner panel 151 has engaging claws 151f, 151g, and 151h in addition to the aforementioned engaging claws 151a and 151c. Of these, the engaging claws 151g and 151h are claws for engaging with engaged claws (not shown) of the side bumper 104. These engaging claws 151a, 151c, 151f, 151g, and 151h are formed so as to bend from the edge of the panel surface of the inner panel 151. The reason for forming them so as to bend from the edge of the panel surface is to avoid the engaging claws being more likely to break on the panel if they are provided at a position closer to the center of the panel surface than the edge of the panel surface.

[0028] 5 is a front view of the outer panel 152 of the vehicle bumper cover fastening structure 100 of FIG. 1. The outer panel 152 is formed larger than the inner panel 151 (see FIG. 7). The outer panel 152 has a first plate 152a, a second plate 152b, and a third plate 152c that are adjacent to each other in order from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The outer panel 152 also has a fourth plate 152d that is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the second plate 152b and below the third plate 152c, and a fifth plate 152e that is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the second plate 152b and above the third plate 152c. The first plate 152a to the fifth plate 152e have different inclination angles from the adjacent surfaces.

[0029] The first plate 152a is inclined so as to be positioned further forward in the vehicle as it moves from the outer side in the vehicle width direction to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The second plate 152b is inclined so as to be positioned further forward in the vehicle as it moves from the inner side in the vehicle width direction to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The first plate 152a and the second plate 152b intersect and connect at the front of the vehicle and protrude toward the front, i.e., toward the outside, of the vehicle.

[0030] An outward ridge 152m that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle, i.e., toward the outside, is formed at the boundary between the first plate 152a and the second plate 152b. The outward ridge 152m is formed in the vertical direction and continues from the center bumper 102 due to the design. Furthermore, the outward ridge 152m is curved inward in the vehicle width direction as it goes from the bottom to the top.

[0031] Next, the third plate 152c is provided along the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction. The third plate 152c and the second plate 152b intersect and connect at the rear of the vehicle, protruding toward the rear, i.e., inward, of the vehicle. The fourth plate 152d is inclined downward so as to be positioned toward the rear, i.e., inward, of the vehicle. The fourth plate 152d and the second plate 152b protrude toward the rear, i.e., inward, of the vehicle. The fifth plate 152e is inclined upward so as to be positioned toward the rear, i.e., inward, of the vehicle. The fifth plate 152e and the second plate 152b protrude toward the rear, i.e., inward, of the vehicle.

[0032] An inward ridge 152n that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, i.e., toward the inside, is formed at the boundary between the second plate 152b and the third plate 152c. Similarly, an inward ridge 152p that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, i.e., toward the inside, is formed at the boundary between the second plate 152b and the fourth plate 152d. Similarly, an inward ridge 152q that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, i.e., toward the inside, is formed at the boundary between the second plate 152b and the fifth plate 152e. The inward ridges 152n, 152p, and 152q are continuous.

[0033] The inward ridges 152p, 152n, and 152q are continuous with the center bumper 102 due to the design. The inward ridges 152p, 152n, and 152q are formed in the vertical direction. The inward ridges 152n and 152q are curved so as to approach the center in the vehicle width direction as they extend from bottom to top. The inward ridge 152p is curved so as to approach the center in the vehicle width direction as they extend from top to bottom.

[0034] A hook 152f is attached to the third plate 152c. This hook 152f is hooked onto a hole (not shown) or the like in a member that constitutes the vehicle body. This hook 152f prevents the cover 150 from falling off when it is removed from the bumper 101.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the outer panel of the vehicle bumper cover fastening structure 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer panel 152 has two first panel engagement claws 161, 162. The first panel engagement claws 161, 162 extend from the inward ridge 152n to the inner panel 151 and engage with the engagement holes 151p, 151q (see FIG. 2) of the inner panel 151. The two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 are arranged on both sides of the bead portion 151x (see FIG. 7). The upper first panel engagement claw 161 and the lower first panel engagement claw 162 straddle the bead portion 151x vertically. Note that although there are two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 in this embodiment, any other number may be used.

[0036] The outer panel 152 has one second panel engagement claw 163. The second panel engagement claw 163 extends from an end of the outer panel 152 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the outward ridge 152m to the inner panel 151 and engages with an engagement hole 151r (see FIG. 2) of the inner panel 151.

[0037] The outer panel 152 overlaps the outside of the inner panel 151, and is fixed to the inner panel 151 by the first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and the second panel engagement claw 163 engaging with the engagement holes 151p, 151q, 151r.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a front view showing the state in which the outer panel 152 of Fig. 5 is attached to the inner panel 151 of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the inner panel 151 has first ribs 151s and 151t that can come into contact with the outer panel 152, on the line where the two engaged holes 151p and 151q are aligned. Since the first panel engaging claws 161 and 162 engage with the engaged holes 151p and 151q, the line where the two engaged holes 151p and 151q are aligned corresponds to the line where the two first panel engaging claws 161 and 162 are aligned.

[0039] The inner panel 151 also has a second rib 151u that can come into contact with the outer panel 152, located inside the bead portion 151x in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] The two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 straddle the bead portion 151x. The second panel engagement claw 163 and the two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 straddle the outward ridge line 152m.

[0041] The bead portion 151x extends in a direction intersecting the outward ridge line 152m when viewed from the overlapping direction of the outer panel 152 and the inner panel 151. The bead portion 151x also extends in a direction intersecting the inward ridge line 152n when viewed from the overlapping direction of the outer panel 152 and the inner panel 151. This embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the outward ridge line 152m and the inward ridge line 152n extend in the vertical direction and the bead portion 151x extends horizontally, but this is not limited to this embodiment, and the outward ridge line 152m and the inward ridge line 152n may extend horizontally and the bead portion 151x may extend in the vertical direction.

[0042] Next, the operation of the cover fastening structure 100 for a vehicle bumper when a user removes the cover 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the state shown in FIG. 3(b), the user pushes the upper part of the outer panel 152 inward. The engaging claw 151c is released from the engaged claw 102c. The user pulls the upper part of the outer panel 152. In the state shown in FIG. 3(a), the engaging claw 151a is also released from the engaged claw 102a, and the user removes the cover 150 from the center bumper 102.

[0043] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the cover 150 has two panels, the inner panel 151 and the outer panel 152, and therefore the rigidity of the cover 150 is high. As a result, bending of the cover 150 when it is attached to or detached from the opening 110 of the bumper 101 can be reduced. This also makes it possible to prevent cracking of the cover 150. Furthermore, because the outer panel 152 is larger than the inner panel 151, the inner panel 151 is not exposed at the boundary between the bumper 101 and the cover 150, and the structure of the inner panel 151 can be made invisible from the outside. In other words, even though the cover 150 has two panels, the visibility is not impaired.

[0044] Furthermore, while the inner panel 151 has engagement claws 151a, 151c, etc., on its peripheral edge, the outer panel 152 does not have engagement claws on its peripheral edge, which prevents a decrease in visibility when the cover 150 is attached to the opening 110. This is significant because a margin is provided between the cover 150 and the opening 110 in the design to take into account thermal expansion and variations. The visibility here refers to the absence of steps between the components (being flush) and the inability to see through to the back.

[0045] Furthermore, because bending of cover 150 is reduced, scraping noise between cover 150 and the surrounding components (center bumper 102 and side bumper 104) is reduced when cover 150 is attached to or removed from opening 110. This also means that the material of cover 150 is not limited, increasing the degree of freedom in material selection. Conventionally, covers have typically been molded from the same material as the bumper surrounding the cover, and if the cover is configured with claws fitted between components made of hard materials, the materials used have been limited due to concerns about cracks when the cover is attached or removed, or scraping noise caused by external forces such as vibrations while the vehicle is running.

[0046] The ridge line continuing from the bumper 101 may become a starting point for bending of the cover 150. However, with the above-described configuration, the bead portion 151x of the inner panel 151 extending in a direction intersecting the outward ridge line 152m of the outer panel 152 prevents the outer panel 152 from bending along the outward ridge line 152m. Furthermore, because bending of the cover 150 starting from the outward ridge line 152m is prevented, there is no problem even if the outward ridge line 152m is formed on the cover 150 continuing from the bumper 101. In other words, the degree of freedom in designing the cover 150 is improved. Furthermore, because the protruding direction (outward) of the outward ridge line 152m and the protruding direction (inward) of the bead portion 151x are opposite to each other, bending of the cover 150 is further suppressed.

[0047] Although the inward ridge 152n would be the starting point for bending of the outer panel 152, two, i.e., multiple, first panel engagement claws 161, 162 are provided that extend from the inward ridge 152n and engage with the inner panel 151, thereby preventing the outer panel 152 from bending along the inward ridge 152n. The two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 are arranged to straddle the bead portion 151x vertically, and the two first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and the second panel engagement claw 163 are arranged to straddle the outward ridge 152m in the vehicle width direction (left and right). Engagement between the first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and the second panel engagement claw 163 prevents misalignment of the outer panel 152 and the inner panel 151.

[0048] If robust engagement means such as first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and second panel engagement claw 163 were provided around the entire periphery of outer panel 152, the inner panel 151 would not bend even if the outer panel 152 were to bend slightly starting from outward ridge 152m or inward ridge 152n. This could result in a large force being applied to first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and second panel engagement claw 163, or the engagement could be disengaged. However, if the above-mentioned first ribs 151s, 151t and second rib 151u are provided, they are pressed firmly against the outer panel 152, preventing bending of the outer panel 152. Furthermore, even if the outer panel 152 is slightly bent, the outer panel 152 can move slightly on the first ribs 151s, 151t and the second rib 151u in directions other than perpendicular to the surface, thereby preventing the first panel engagement claws 161, 162 and the second panel engagement claw 163 from disengaging the outer panel 152 and the inner panel 151.

[0049] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention can be practiced by freely combining inventions described in claims and examples, regardless of the dependent relationships of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The present invention can be used in a cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100... Cover fixing structure for vehicle bumper, 101... Bumper, 102... Center bumper, 102a... Engagement claw, 102b... Bent end, 102c... Engagement claw, 102d... Bent end, 102k... Notch, 103... Center bumper lower, 104... Side bumper, 105... Side bumper lower, 110... Opening, 150... Cover, 151... Inner panel, 151a... Engagement claw, 151b... End, 151c... Engagement claw, 151d... End, 151p... Engagement hole, 151 q...engagement hole, 151r...engagement hole, 151s...first rib, 151t...first rib, 151u...second rib, 151x...bead portion, 152...outer panel, 152a...first plate, 152b...second plate, 152c...third plate, 152d...fourth plate, 152e...fifth plate, 152f...hook portion, 152m...outward ridge, 152n...inward ridge, 152p...inward ridge, 152q...inward ridge, 161, 162...first panel engagement claw, 163...second panel engagement claw

Claims

1. a bumper having an opening; A cover fixing structure for a vehicle bumper, comprising: a cover that closes the opening; The cover is an inner panel secured to the bumper; an outer panel that is fixed to the outside of the inner panel so as to overlap the inner panel and is larger than the inner panel; A vehicle bumper cover fixing structure comprising:

2. The outer panel has an outward ridge that is continuous with the bumper and protrudes outward, 2. The vehicle bumper cover fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the inner panel has a bead portion that extends in a direction intersecting the outward ridge and protrudes inward.

3. The outward ridge line is formed on the outer panel in the up-down direction, The outer panel further includes an inward ridge line that is continuous with the bumper and protrudes inward in the vertical direction on the inner side of the outward ridge line in the vehicle width direction, The outer panel is two first panel engagement claws extending from the inward ridge line to the inner panel and engaging with the inner panel, the two first panel engagement claws being disposed on both sides of the bead portion; 3. The vehicle bumper cover fixing structure according to claim 2, further comprising: a second panel engaging claw extending from the outer side of the outward ridge line in the vehicle width direction to the inner panel and engaging with the inner panel.

4. The inner panel is a first rib that abuts against the outer panel on a line where the two first panel engagement claws are aligned; a second rib that abuts against the outer panel on an inner side of the bead portion in the vehicle width direction; 4. The vehicle bumper cover fixing structure according to claim 3, further comprising:

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