Mounting structure for bumper retainers and vehicle components

Abstract

To provide a technology which can inhibit size increase of a retainer body in a bumper retainer for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body, compared to a case where a retainer body, a sensor attachment part, and a connection part are integrated.SOLUTION: A bumper retainer comprises: a resin made retainer body for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body; a sensor attachment part that is provided on one side in a thickness direction of the retainer body and integrated with or separated from the retainer body and to which a sensor may be attached; and a connection part that protrudes from the retainer body in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction, is positioned on a straight line extending through the sensor attachment part in the thickness direction when viewed from the side opposite to a protruding direction and formed separately from the sensor attachment part, and may be connected to an exterior component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bumper retainer and an attachment structure for vehicle parts.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a resin bumper retainer for attaching a rear bumper to a rear fender of a vehicle body. A rear lamp is disposed above the bumper retainer, and an engagement hook integrally formed with the bumper retainer engages with a hook receiving portion of the rear lamp.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a bumper retainer for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body. The bumper retainer is provided with a radar installation portion where an in-vehicle radar is installed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding the technology of providing a sensor attachment portion as a radar installation portion on a bumper retainer connected to a rear lamp as an exterior part. However, when integrally forming a sensor attachment portion on the bumper retainer, it is necessary to change the position of the connection portion connected to the exterior part due to the relationship of the die-cutting direction. When changing the position of the connection portion in consideration of die-cutting, there is a risk that the bumper retainer will become larger.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a technology that can suppress the increase in size of the retainer body in a bumper retainer for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body, compared to a case where the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion are integrated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A bumper retainer according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a resin retainer body for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body, a sensor mounting portion provided on one side of the retainer body in the thickness direction and being integral with or separate from the retainer body, on which a sensor can be attached, and a connecting portion that protrudes from the retainer body in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and is located on a straight line extending in the thickness direction through the sensor mounting portion when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction, is separate from the sensor mounting portion, and is connectable to an exterior part. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the retainer body is the same direction as the opening and closing (demolition) directions of the pair of molds used to form the retainer body.

[0008] When the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion are integrally molded, the slider that molds the connection portion and the mold interfere with each other. Therefore, when viewing the retainer body from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the connection portion, it is not possible to position the connection portion on a straight line that passes through the sensor mounting portion and extends in the thickness direction of the retainer body. To avoid interference between the mold and the slider, it is conceivable to position the connection portion at a position offset from the above straight line, but in this case, the retainer body may become larger. Also, if the position of the connection portion is changed, the position of the connected portion of the exterior part to which the connection portion is connected may change. On the other hand, it is conceivable to change the position of the sensor mounting portion without changing the position of the connection portion, but since the position of the sensor mounting portion is related to the mounting position of the sensor on the vehicle body, changing its position is difficult.

[0009] Therefore, in the bumper retainer of the first embodiment, when the retainer body and the sensor mounting part are integrated, the connecting part is made separate from the sensor mounting part. That is, the connecting part is made separate from the retainer body. When the connecting part is made separate from the retainer body and the sensor mounting part in this way, the size of the retainer body can be suppressed compared to when the retainer body, sensor mounting part and connecting part are integrated, by attaching the connecting part to the retainer body afterwards. In addition, since the connecting part can be molded as a single unit, the degree of freedom in the shape of the connecting part is increased.

[0010] Furthermore, in the bumper retainer of the first embodiment, when the retainer body and the sensor mounting part are separate, the connection part can be set at a predetermined position while the retainer body and the connection part are integrated. When the sensor mounting part is separate from the retainer body in this way, the size of the retainer body can be suppressed compared to when the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part are integrated, by attaching the sensor mounting part to the retainer body afterwards. In addition, since the sensor mounting part can be molded as a single unit, the degree of freedom in the shape of the sensor mounting part is increased.

[0011] Furthermore, in the bumper retainer of the first embodiment, when the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part are separate components, the connection part and sensor mounting part can be attached to the retainer body afterwards, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the retainer body compared to when the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part are integrated. In addition, since the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part can be molded individually, the degree of freedom in the shape of the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part is increased.

[0012] As described above, the bumper retainer of the first embodiment can suppress the increase in size of the retainer body compared to the case in which the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part are integrated into one unit. By suppressing the increase in size of the bumper retainer in this way, the space between the vehicle body and the bumper can be effectively utilized.

[0013] A bumper retainer according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer according to a first aspect, wherein the connecting portion is separate from the retainer body and is composed of a connecting member that connects the retainer body and the exterior component, the connecting member comprising a locking portion that engages with a locking portion provided on the exterior component and an engaging portion that engages with a locking portion provided on the retainer body.

[0014] In the second embodiment of the bumper retainer, the connecting member is attached to the retainer body by engaging the engaging portion of the connecting member, which is separate from the retainer body, with the engaged portion of the retainer body. Furthermore, the connecting member and the exterior part are connected by engaging the locking portion of the connecting member with the locking portion of the exterior part. In this bumper retainer, since the connecting member is separate from the retainer body and the sensor mounting portion, it is easy to mold the locking portion and the engaging portion onto the connecting member.

[0015] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer in the second aspect, comprising: an opening provided in the retainer body into which the connecting member is inserted; and a blocking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the connecting member when it is inserted into the opening.

[0016] In the third embodiment of the bumper retainer, a blocking mechanism prevents the connecting member from rotating relative to the opening of the retainer body when the connecting member is inserted into the opening of the retainer body. This prevents rattling caused by the rotation of the connecting member when it is inserted into the opening of the retainer body.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer in the third aspect, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises: a first rib provided at circumferential intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the opening and extending along the insertion direction of the connecting member from one end to the other of the opening; and a second rib provided at circumferential intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion of the connecting member that is inserted into the opening, and extending along the insertion direction on the opposite side of the insertion direction, wherein when the insertion portion is inserted into the opening, the first rib is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion and the second rib is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening.

[0018] In the fourth embodiment of the bumper retainer, when inserting the insertion portion of the connecting member into the opening of the retainer body, first, multiple first ribs contact the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion. When the insertion portion is further inserted into the opening in this state, the second ribs of the insertion portion contact the inner circumferential surface of the opening, preventing the connecting member from rotating relative to the opening. In this bumper retainer, the first ribs guide the connecting member in the insertion direction within the opening until the second ribs contact the inner circumferential surface of the opening. In this state, since the second ribs of the connecting member are not in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening, the insertion force required to insert the connecting member into the opening can be kept low. In other words, the bumper retainer can keep the initial insertion force low when inserting the connecting member into the opening, and can effectively prevent the connecting member from rotating relative to the opening after insertion.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer in the first aspect, wherein the sensor mounting portion is separate from the retainer body and is composed of a sensor mounting member for mounting the sensor to the retainer body, the sensor mounting member comprising a locking portion for locking a portion of the sensor and an engaging portion for engaging a portion of the retainer body.

[0020] In the fifth embodiment of the bumper retainer, the sensor mounting member is attached to the retainer body by engaging the engaging portion of the sensor mounting member, which is separate from the retainer body, with the engaged portion of the retainer body. Furthermore, the sensor is attached to the sensor mounting member by engaging the locking portion of the sensor mounting member with the locked portion of the sensor. In this bumper retainer, since the sensor mounting member is separate from the retainer body and the connecting portion, it is easy to form the locking portion and the engaging portion on the sensor mounting member.

[0021] A bumper retainer according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein, when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the connection portion, the direction in which the sensor is attached to the sensor mounting portion and the direction in which the exterior component is connected to the connection portion are different.

[0022] In the bumper retainer of the sixth aspect, since the sensor mounting portion and the connecting portion are separate bodies, the direction in which the sensor is mounted on the sensor mounting portion and the direction in which the exterior component is connected to the connecting portion can be made different when viewed from the side opposite to the protruding direction of the connecting portion. As a result, the mounting direction of the sensor and the connecting direction of the exterior component can be optimized.

[0023] The bumper retainer of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a bumper retainer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the bumper is a rear bumper, the sensor is a radar sensor that detects an object approaching from the rear side with respect to the vehicle body, and the exterior component is a rear lamp.

[0024] In the bumper retainer of the seventh aspect, the rear bumper is attached to the vehicle body by a retainer main body attached to the vehicle body. Further, the radar sensor is attached to the vehicle body by attaching the radar sensor to a sensor mounting portion provided on the retainer main body. This radar sensor can detect an object approaching from the rear side with respect to the vehicle body through the rear bumper. Also, the rear lamp attached to the vehicle body and the retainer main body are connected by a connecting portion protruding from the retainer main body. As a result, the gap between the rear lamp and the retainer main body can be controlled.

[0025] The mounting structure of the vehicle component according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body, a bumper retainer attached to the vehicle body, a bumper attached to the bumper retainer, a sensor attached to the bumper retainer, and an exterior component attached to the vehicle body and connected to the bumper retainer. The bumper retainer includes a resin retainer main body for attaching the bumper to the vehicle body, a sensor mounting portion provided on the side opposite to the vehicle body side in the thickness direction of the retainer main body, which is integral or separate from the retainer main body and to which the sensor is attached, and a connection portion that protrudes from the retainer main body in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and is located on a straight line extending in the thickness direction through the sensor mounting portion as viewed from the side opposite to the protruding direction, and is separate from the sensor mounting portion and to which the exterior component is connected. Note that the thickness direction of the retainer main body is the same direction as the mold opening and closing (mold extraction) direction of a pair of molds for molding the retainer main body.

[0026] In the bumper retainer in the mounting structure of the vehicle component according to the eighth aspect, when the retainer main body and the sensor mounting portion are integrated, the connection portion is made separate from the sensor mounting portion. That is, the connection portion is made separate from the retainer main body. When the connection portion is made separate from the retainer main body and the sensor mounting portion in this way, the enlargement of the retainer main body can be suppressed as compared with the case where the retainer main body, the sensor mounting portion, and the connection portion are integrated. In addition, since the connection portion can be molded as a single body, the degree of freedom in the shape of the connection portion is increased.

[0027] Further, in the bumper retainer in the mounting structure of the vehicle component according to the eighth aspect, when the retainer main body and the sensor mounting portion are separate, the connection portion can be set at a predetermined position while integrating the retainer main body and the connection portion. When the sensor mounting portion is made separate from the retainer main body in this way, the enlargement of the retainer main body can be suppressed as compared with the case where the retainer main body, the sensor mounting portion, and the connection portion are integrated. In addition, since the sensor mounting portion can be molded as a single body, the degree of freedom in the shape of the sensor mounting portion is increased.

[0028] Furthermore, in the bumper retainer of the mounting structure for vehicle parts according to the eighth embodiment, when the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion are made into separate parts, the increase in the size of the retainer body can be suppressed compared to when the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion are made into a single unit. In addition, since the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion can be molded individually, the degree of freedom in the shape of the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion is increased.

[0029] As described above, in the mounting structure for vehicle components of the eighth embodiment, the size of the bumper retainer is suppressed compared to the case in which a bumper retainer in which the retainer body, sensor mounting part, and connection part are integrated is used. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space between the vehicle body and the bumper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a technology is available that can suppress the increase in size of the retainer body in a bumper retainer for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body, compared to a case where the retainer body, sensor mounting portion, and connection portion are integrated into a single unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a mounting structure for a vehicle component and a bumper retainer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure and bumper retainer of a vehicle component, cut along the horizontal direction. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the area around the connection point between the exterior component and the bumper retainer. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a plan view of the bumper retainer. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of the area indicated by arrow 5X in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a 6X-6X cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the retainer body from the front, showing the retainer body before the clip is attached. [Figure 8]This is a perspective view of the retainer body from the back, showing the state before the clip is attached to the retainer body. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the retainer body from the front, showing the retainer body with the clip attached. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the retainer body from the back, showing the retainer body with the clip attached. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the clip. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the clip. [Figure 13] This is a side view of the clip. [Figure 14] This is a side view of the clip as seen from a direction perpendicular to Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged plan view of the opening of the retainer body. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is an enlarged plan view showing the clip insertion part inserted into the opening of the retainer body. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the retainer body, as seen from the front, showing the state before the housing case is attached to the retainer body of a bumper retainer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the retainer body from the back, before the housing case is attached to the retainer body. [Figure 19] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the retainer body from the front, showing the retainer body with the housing case attached. [Figure 20] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the retainer body from the back, with the storage case attached to the retainer body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Next, a mounting structure for a bumper retainer and vehicle components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16.

[0033] [Banparitaina] The bumper retainer 20 of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "retainer 20") is a component used to attach a bumper 110 to a vehicle body (for example, a body panel) 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The bumper 110 is an example of a vehicle component in this disclosure.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the retainer 20 of this embodiment is used to attach the bumper 110 to the rear fender of the vehicle body 100. Note that the bumper 110 in this embodiment is a rear bumper.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the retainer 20 comprises a retainer body 22, a sensor mounting portion 30, and a first connection portion 40 as a connection portion.

[0036] (Retainer body) As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the retainer body 22 is a component that makes up the main body of the retainer 20. The bumper 110 is attached to the vehicle body 100 via this retainer body 22 (see Figure 1). The retainer body 22 is made of resin.

[0037] In Figures 2 and 4, arrow X indicates the vertical direction of the retainer body 22, arrow Y indicates the horizontal direction of the retainer body 22, and arrow Z (see Figure 7) indicates the height direction of the retainer body 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "retainer height direction"). The horizontal direction of the retainer body 22 may also be referred to as the depth direction. Arrow T indicates the thickness direction of the retainer body 22. Here, the thickness direction of the retainer body 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "retainer thickness direction") is the same direction as the mold opening and closing (demolition) direction of the pair of molds that form the retainer body 22. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction of the retainer body 22 and the retainer thickness direction are the same direction. Also, the retainer thickness direction and the retainer height direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the retainer body 22 comprises a plate-shaped portion 23, a peripheral wall portion 24 formed on the outer circumference of the plate-shaped portion 23, and reinforcing ribs 25 provided on the surface 23A and back surface 23B of the plate-shaped portion 23, respectively.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the plate-shaped portion 23 is provided with a sensor mounting portion 30. Specifically, the sensor mounting portion 30 is provided on the surface 23A side of the plate-shaped portion 23. Details of the sensor mounting portion 30 will be described later.

[0040] Furthermore, the plate-shaped portion 23 is provided with mounting holes 26 for attaching the retainer body 22 to the vehicle body 100 using clips 102. These mounting holes 26 penetrate the plate-shaped portion 23 in the direction of the retainer thickness. In this embodiment, three mounting holes 26 are provided in the plate-shaped portion 23, but the disclosure is not limited to this, and there may be two or fewer mounting holes 26, or four or more.

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the peripheral wall portion 24 is a wall portion that protrudes from the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 23 along the retainer thickness direction. The peripheral wall portion 24 may protrude from the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 23 on both sides in the retainer thickness direction, or it may protrude only on one side. The protrusion height of the peripheral wall portion 24 may be constant or vary. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 24 may be formed continuously with the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 23, or it may be formed intermittently.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the reinforcing ribs 25 are provided on the surface 23A and back surface 23B of the plate-like portion 23, respectively. Specifically, the reinforcing ribs 25 include a first reinforcing rib 25A that protrudes from the surface 23A of the plate-like portion 23 in the retainer thickness direction, and a second reinforcing rib 25B that protrudes from the back surface 23B of the plate-like portion 23 in the retainer thickness direction. Hereafter, the direction in which the first reinforcing rib 25A protrudes from the surface 23A of the plate-like portion 23 is referred to as one side in the retainer thickness direction. The direction in which the second reinforcing rib 25B protrudes from the back surface 23B of the plate-like portion 23 is referred to as the other side in the retainer thickness direction.

[0043] Multiple first reinforcing ribs 25A are provided on the surface 23A of the plate-like portion 23. The protrusion height of these first reinforcing ribs 25A from the surface 23A may be constant or different. Furthermore, the protrusion height of a single first reinforcing rib 25A may be constant or different in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Multiple second reinforcing ribs 25B are provided on the back surface 23B of the plate-like portion 23. The protrusion height of these second reinforcing ribs 25B from the back surface 23B may be constant or different. Furthermore, the protrusion height of a single second reinforcing rib 25B may be constant or different in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the retainer body 22 is provided with an opening 27 into which a clip 42, described later, is inserted. Specifically, the opening 27 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 24 of the retainer body 22, on the other side in the retainer thickness direction from the plate-shaped portion 23 and on the upper side in the height direction of the retainer body 22. This opening 27 is a through hole that penetrates the peripheral wall portion 24 in the height direction of the retainer body 22. When the clip 42 is inserted into the opening 27, a part of the clip 42 protrudes upward from the peripheral wall portion 24 in the retainer height direction, which is perpendicular to the retainer thickness direction. When viewed from the opposite side of the direction in which the clip 42 protrudes (in this case, the upper side in the retainer height direction), the clip 42 is located on a straight line L that passes through the sensor mounting portion 30 and extends in the retainer thickness direction. That is, the opening 27 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 24 such that the clip 42 is located on the straight line L.

[0046] (Sensor mounting section) The sensor mounting portion 30 is a part of the retainer body 22 to which the sensor 130 provided on the retainer body 22 can be attached. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, this sensor mounting portion 30 is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the retainer body 22. Specifically, the sensor mounting portion 30 is provided on the surface 23A side of the plate-shaped portion 23. The sensor mounting portion 30 is a recessed portion on the surface 23A of the plate-shaped portion 23 into which the sensor 130 is fitted. The sensor mounting portion 30 is provided with a plurality of locking claws 32 to prevent the fitted sensor 130 from coming out. These locking claws 32 prevent the sensor 130 from coming out of the sensor mounting portion 30 by having the claw portion catch on the peripheral edge 130A of the sensor 130. The sensor 130 used in this embodiment is a radar sensor that detects approaching objects.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor mounting portion 30 is integrated with the retainer body 22. In other words, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the retainer body 22 are integrally molded from resin.

[0048] (Connection part) The first connection portion 40 is the part that allows the retainer body 22 to be connected to a rear lamp 120 (rear combination lamp in this embodiment), which is an example of an exterior part. As shown in Figures 3, 9, and 10, the first connection portion 40 protrudes upward from the peripheral wall portion 24 of the retainer body 22 in the retainer height direction, which is perpendicular to the retainer thickness direction. When viewed from the opposite side of the direction in which the first connection portion 40 protrudes (in this case, the upper side in the retainer height direction), the first connection portion 40 is located on a straight line L that passes through the sensor mounting portion 30 and extends in the retainer thickness direction. In other words, when viewed from the opposite side of the direction in which the first connection portion 40 protrudes, a portion of the first connection portion 40 is located in the region between the straight lines L that pass through both ends of the sensor mounting portion 30 in the direction perpendicular to the retainer thickness direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the first connection portion 40 is separate from the sensor mounting portion 30 which is integrated with the retainer body 22, and is composed of a clip 42, which is an example of a connecting member that connects the retainer body 22 and the rear lamp 120. Specifically, the first connection portion 40 is composed of the portion that protrudes from the opening 27 when the clip 42 is inserted into the opening 27 of the retainer body 22.

[0050] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 11, the clip 42 has a hook portion 44 which is an example of a locking portion that is locked to a hook receiving portion 122 which is an example of a locking portion provided on the rear lamp 120. This hook portion 44 is provided at the tip of the clip 42 in the protruding direction, and the retainer body 22 and the rear lamp 120 are connected by hooking onto the hook receiving portion 122.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, the clip 42 has an insertion portion 43, which is the part inserted into the opening 27, and an engaging claw 46, which is an example of an engaging portion, that engages with a step 28, which is an example of an engaged portion, provided on the retainer body 22. Specifically, on the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27 in the peripheral wall portion 24, grooves 27B are provided at opposing positions, extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 24. These grooves 27B terminate before reaching the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 24. The termination of these grooves 27B forms a step 28. The elastically deformable engaging claw 46 provided on the insertion portion 43 of the clip 42 engages with this step 28. The mounting method of the clip 42 and the retainer body 22 by the engagement of the engaging claw 46 and the step 28 is a so-called snap fit. However, the mounting method of the clip 42 and the retainer body 22 is not limited to a snap fit.

[0052] The clip 42 is a single molded resin part. This clip 42 is molded using a different mold from the pair of molds used to mold the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30.

[0053] Furthermore, the retainer body 22 is provided with a second connection portion 60 located at a distance from the first connection portion 40, which allows the retainer body 22 to be connected to the rear lamp 120. As shown in Figure 7, this second connection portion 60 protrudes upward from the peripheral wall portion 24 of the retainer body 22 in the retainer height direction, which is perpendicular to the retainer thickness direction. The second connection portion 60 is positioned at a distance from the first connection portion 40 in the vertical direction of the retainer body 22 (see Figure 9).

[0054] Furthermore, the second connecting portion 60 is integrated with the retainer body 22. That is, the second connecting portion 60 is integrally molded with the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30. The second connecting portion 60 is provided with a hook portion 62 that engages with a hook receiving portion (not shown) provided on the rear lamp 120. This hook portion 62 is provided at the tip of the second connecting portion 60 in the protruding direction, and the retainer body 22 and the rear lamp 120 are connected by hooking onto the hook receiving portion (not shown). In this embodiment, since the retainer body 22 and the rear lamp 120 are connected by the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 60, the retainer body 22 and the rear lamp 120 are stably connected.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 12, the retainer 20 is equipped with a blocking mechanism 50 that prevents the clip 42 from rotating when it is inserted into the opening 27. Specifically, the blocking mechanism 50 prevents the clip 42 from rotating around the insertion direction when it is inserted into the opening 27. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the clip 42 (hereinafter referred to as the "clip insertion direction") is from bottom to top along the retainer height direction.

[0056] The blocking mechanism 50 includes a first rib 52 and a second rib 54.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the first ribs 52 are provided on the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27 at circumferential intervals. These first ribs 52 protrude from the inner circumferential surface 27A and extend along the clip insertion direction from one end of the opening 27 to the other end. In this embodiment, three first ribs 52 are provided on the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, the second ribs 54 are provided at circumferential intervals on the outer circumferential surface 43A of the insertion portion 43 that is inserted into the opening 27 of the clip 42. These second ribs 54 are provided on the portion of the insertion portion 43 opposite to the clip insertion direction, protrude from the outer circumferential surface 43A, and extend along the clip insertion direction. In this embodiment, two second ribs 54 are provided on the outer circumferential surface 43A of the insertion portion 43, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0059] Furthermore, when the insertion portion 43 of the clip 42 is inserted into the opening 27, as shown in Figure 16, the first rib 52 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 43A of the insertion portion 43, and the second rib 54 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the retainer 20 has different orientations for attaching the sensor 130 to the sensor mounting portion 30 and for connecting the rear lamp 120 to the first connection portion 40, when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the first connection portion 40. Specifically, the sensor mounting portion 30 is configured so that the sensor 130 is attached along the thickness direction of the retainer. On the other hand, the first connection portion 40 is configured so that the rear lamp 120 is connected from an oblique direction with respect to the thickness direction of the retainer. That is, the direction in which the hook portion 44 hooks into the hook receiving portion 122 is oblique to the thickness direction of the retainer.

[0061] Furthermore, the retainer 20 is provided with a mounting portion (not shown) to which the bumper 110 is attached. This mounting portion may be, for example, a stepped portion to which an elastic claw (not shown) provided on the bumper 110 catches.

[0062] [Mounting structure for vehicle parts] The mounting structure S for vehicle components in this embodiment is a structure that attaches the bumper 110 and the sensor 130 to the vehicle body 100 via a retainer 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the mounting structure S includes the vehicle body 100, a retainer 20 attached to the vehicle body 100, a bumper 110 attached to the retainer 20, a sensor 130 attached to the retainer 20, and a rear lamp 120 attached to the vehicle body 100 and connected to the retainer 20.

[0063] Furthermore, when attaching vehicle components (bumper 110 and sensor 130) to the vehicle body 100, first, the retainer body 22 with the clip 42 attached is attached to the vehicle body 100 using the clip 102. Next, the sensor 130 is attached to the sensor mounting part 30, and the rear lamp 120 is connected to the first connection part 40 and the second connection part 60. Note that the order in which the sensor 130 is attached and the rear lamp 120 is connected does not matter. After that, the bumper 110 is attached to the retainer body 22. In this way, the bumper 110 and sensor 130 are attached to the vehicle body 100 via the retainer 20.

[0064] Next, the operation and effects of the retainer 20 and mounting structure S of this embodiment will be described.

[0065] When the retainer body 22, sensor mounting portion 30, and first connection portion 40 are integrally molded, the pair of molds mainly used to mold the retainer body 22 and sensor mounting portion 30 and the slider used to mold the first connection portion 40 interfere with each other. For this reason, as shown in Figure 3, when viewing the retainer body 22 from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the first connection portion 40, it is not possible to position the first connection portion 40 on a straight line L passing through the sensor mounting portion 30. To avoid interference between the molds and the slider, it is conceivable to position the first connection portion 40 at a position offset from the straight line L, but in this case, the retainer body 22 may become larger. Also, if the position of the first connection portion 40 is changed, the position of the hook receiving portion 122 of the rear lamp 120 to which the first connection portion 40 is connected may need to be changed. On the other hand, it is conceivable to change the position of the sensor mounting portion 30 without changing the position of the first connection portion 40, but since the position of the sensor mounting portion 30 is related to the mounting position of the sensor 130 on the vehicle body 100, changing its position is difficult.

[0066] Considering the above facts, in the retainer 20 of this embodiment, when the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30 are integrated, the first connecting portion 40 is separate from the sensor mounting portion 30. That is, the first connecting portion 40 is separate from the retainer body 22. When the first connecting portion 40 is separate from the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30 in this way, the first connecting portion 40 can be retrofitted (after molding) to a straight line L passing through the sensor mounting portion 30 when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the first connecting portion 40. For this reason, in the retainer 20 of this embodiment, the size of the retainer body 22 can be suppressed compared to when the retainer body 22, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connecting portion 40 are integrated. By suppressing the size of the retainer 20 in this way, the space between the vehicle body 100 and the bumper 110 can be effectively utilized. In the retainer 20 of this embodiment, the first connection portion 40 is separate from the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30, so the first connection portion 40 can be molded as a single unit. For this reason, the retainer 20 offers greater freedom in the shape of the first connection portion 40 compared to when the first connection portion 40 is integrally molded with other parts.

[0067] In the retainer 20 of this embodiment, the clip 42 is attached to the retainer body 22 by engaging (hooking) the engaging claw 46 of the clip 42, which is separate from the retainer body 22, with the step 28 of the retainer body 22. Furthermore, the clip 42 and the rear lamp 120 are connected by locking (hooking) the hook portion 44 of the clip 42 with the hook receiving portion 122 of the rear lamp 120. In the retainer 20, since the clip 42 is separate from the retainer body 22 and the sensor mounting portion 30, it is easy to mold the hook portion 44 and the engaging claw 46 onto the clip 42.

[0068] In the retainer 20 of this embodiment, the blocking mechanism 50 prevents the clip 42 from rotating relative to the opening 27 of the retainer body 22 when the clip 42 is inserted into the opening 27. This prevents rattling caused by the rotation of the clip 42 when it is inserted into the opening 27 of the retainer body 22.

[0069] In the retainer 20 of this embodiment, when inserting the insertion portion 43 of the clip 42 into the opening 27 of the retainer body 22, firstly, multiple first ribs 52 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 43A of the insertion portion 43. When the insertion portion 43 is further inserted into the opening 27 in this state, the second rib 54 of the insertion portion 43 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27, preventing the clip 42 from rotating relative to the opening 27. Here, in the retainer 20, the first ribs 52 guide the clip 42 within the opening 27 in the clip insertion direction until the second rib 54 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27. In this state, since the second rib 54 of the clip 42 is not in contact with the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27, the insertion force required to insert the clip 42 into the opening 27 can be kept low. In other words, the retainer 20 can keep the initial insertion force when inserting the clip 42 into the opening 27 low, and can effectively prevent the clip 42 from rotating relative to the opening 27 after insertion.

[0070] In the retainer 20 of this embodiment, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40 are separate components, allowing for the setting of the optimal die-cutting direction for both the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40. Therefore, when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the first connection portion 40, the direction in which the sensor 130 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 30 and the direction in which the rear lamp 120 is connected to the first connection portion 40 can be made different. This makes it possible to optimize the mounting direction of the sensor 130 and the connection direction of the rear lamp 120.

[0071] In this embodiment, the retainer 20 is attached to the vehicle body 100 by the retainer body 22, which is attached to the vehicle body 100. The radar sensor is attached to the vehicle body 100 by attaching the sensor 130, which is a radar sensor (vehicle component), to the sensor mounting portion 30 provided on the retainer body 22. This radar sensor can detect objects approaching the vehicle body 100 from the rear side through the bumper 110. Furthermore, the retainer body 22 is connected to the rear lamp 120, which is attached to the vehicle body 100, by a first connection portion 40 protruding from the retainer body 22. This allows control of the gap between the rear lamp 120 and the retainer body 22. For example, narrowing the gap between the rear lamp 120 and the retainer body 22 improves the appearance.

[0072] In the retainer 20 of the embodiment described above, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the retainer body 22 are integrated, and the sensor mounting portion 30 and the retainer body 22 and the first connection portion 40 are separate parts. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 17 to 20, the sensor mounting portion 74 may be separate from the retainer body 72 and the first connection portion 40, and the first connection portion 40 may be integrated with the retainer body 72. In the retainer 70, the sensor mounting portion 74 is composed of a housing case 75, which is an example of a sensor mounting member for attaching the sensor 130 to the retainer body 72. This housing case 75 is a member for housing the sensor 130 and is fitted into a recessed portion formed in the retainer body 72 and fixed in place. Specifically, the housing case 75 includes a locking claw 76 that locks (restrains) the sensor 130 by catching on the peripheral edge 130A (an example of a locked portion) of the sensor 130, and an engaging claw 78 that fixes the housing case 75 to the retainer body 72 by catching on the edge 77A (an example of a engaged portion) of a through hole 77 provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion of the retainer body 72. Here, in the retainer 70, since the retainer body 72 and the sensor mounting portion 74 are separate parts, the first connection portion 40 can be set in a predetermined position while the retainer body 72 and the first connection portion 40 are integrated. When the sensor mounting portion 74 is separate from the retainer body 72 in this way, the housing case 75 that constitutes the sensor mounting portion 74 can be attached to the retainer body 72 afterwards, which suppresses the increase in size of the retainer body 72 compared to when the retainer body 72, sensor mounting portion 74 and first connection portion 40 are integrated. Furthermore, since the sensor mounting portion 74 can be molded as a separate housing case 75, the degree of freedom in the shape of the sensor mounting portion 74 is increased. In addition, in the retainer 70, the housing case 75 is attached to the retainer body 72 by engaging the engaging claws 78 of the housing case 75, which is separate from the retainer body 72, with the edge portion 77A of the retainer body 72. The sensor 130 is attached to the housing case 75 by engaging the locking claws 76 of the housing case 75 with the peripheral portion 130A of the sensor 130. In the retainer 70, since the housing case 75 is separate from the retainer body 72 and the first connection portion 40, it is easy to mold the locking claws 76 and engaging claws 78 onto the housing case 75.

[0073] In the retainer 20 of the embodiment described above, the second connecting portion 60 is integrated with the retainer body 22, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second connecting portion 60 may also be formed with a clip 42, like the first connecting portion 40. In this case, an opening of the same dimensions as the opening 27 is provided at the location where the second connecting portion 60 is provided in the retainer body 22.

[0074] In the retainer 20 of the embodiment described above, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the retainer body 22 are integrated, and the sensor mounting portion 30 and the retainer body 22 and the first connection portion 40 are separate parts. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the retainer body 22, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40 may each be separate parts, or the second connection portion 60 may also be separate in addition to these. In this case, by attaching the first connection portion 40 and the sensor mounting portion 30 to the retainer body 22 afterwards, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the retainer body 22 compared to the case in which the retainer body 22, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40 are integrated. Furthermore, since the retainer body 22, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40 can be molded individually, the degree of freedom in the shape of the retainer body 22, the sensor mounting portion 30 and the first connection portion 40 is increased.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the bumper 110 and sensor 130 are attached to the rear fender of the vehicle body 100 via a retainer 20, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. A sensor other than the radar sensor may be attached to the sensor mounting portion 30 of the retainer 20. Also, a bumper other than the rear bumper may be attached to the retainer 20.

[0076] In the retainer 20 of the embodiment described above, a first rib 52 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 27A of the opening 27 and a second rib 54 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 43A of the insertion portion 43 as a blocking mechanism 50, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the protruding heights of the first rib 52 and the second rib 54 may be formed in a tapered shape so that the insertion portion 43 of the clip 42 is restrained in the opening 27 as the insertion portion 43 is inserted into the opening 27.

[0077] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various other forms without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 20 Retainers (Bumper Retainers) 22 Retainer body 27 Opening 27A Inner surface 28 Step (engaged portion) 30 Sensor mounting section 40 First connection part (connection part) 42 Clips (connecting components) 43 Insertion part 43A Outer surface 44 Hook section (locking section) 46 Engaging claw (engaging part) 50 Blocking mechanism 52 First Rib 54 Second Rib 70 Retainers 72 Retainer body 74 Sensor mounting section 75. Enclosure case (sensor mounting component) 76 Locking claw (locking part) 77A Edge (engaged part) 78 Engaging claw (engaging part) 100 car bodies 110 Bumper 120 Rear Lamp (Exterior Part) 122 Hook receiving part (locking part) 130 sensors 130A Peripheral portion (locking portion) T Retainer thickness direction (thickness direction of the retainer body)

Claims

1. A resin retainer body for attaching the bumper to the vehicle body, A sensor mounting portion is provided on one side of the retainer body in the thickness direction, is integrated with the retainer body, and is capable of mounting a sensor. A connecting portion is formed by a connecting member that connects the retainer body and the exterior component, and is located on a straight line extending in the thickness direction through the sensor mounting portion when viewed from the opposite side of the direction of protrusion, and is separate from the sensor mounting portion and the retainer body, and is located on a straight line that extends in the thickness direction when viewed from the opposite side of the direction of protrusion, A vampire retainer having a vampire retainer.

2. The bumper retainer according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a locking portion that engages with a locking portion provided on the exterior part, and an engaging portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the retainer body.

3. The retainer body is provided with an opening into which the connecting member is inserted, A blocking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the connecting member when it is inserted into the opening, The bumper retainer according to claim 2, having the following features.

4. The aforementioned blocking mechanism is A first rib is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening at intervals in the circumferential direction, extending from one end of the opening to the other end along the insertion direction of the connecting member, The connecting member has a second rib provided at circumferential intervals on the outer surface of the insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, and extending along the insertion direction on the portion opposite to the insertion direction, Equipped with, The bumper retainer according to claim 3, wherein, when the insertion portion is inserted into the opening, the first rib is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion and the second rib is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening.

5. A resin retainer body for attaching the bumper to the vehicle body, A sensor mounting portion is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the retainer body, is separate from the retainer body, and is composed of a sensor mounting member for attaching the sensor to the retainer body. A connecting portion that protrudes from the retainer body in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and is located on a straight line extending in the thickness direction through the sensor mounting portion when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction, is separate from the sensor mounting portion and integrated with the retainer body, and is connectable to an exterior component, A vampire retainer having a vampire retainer.

6. The bumper retainer according to claim 5, wherein the sensor mounting member comprises a locking portion that engages with a locking portion provided on the sensor, and an engaging portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the retainer body.

7. The bumper retainer according to claim 1 or claim 5, wherein, when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction of the connection portion, the direction in which the sensor is attached to the sensor mounting portion and the direction in which the exterior component is connected to the connection portion are different.

8. The aforementioned bumper is a rear bumper. The aforementioned sensor is a radar sensor that detects an object approaching the vehicle body from the rear side, The aforementioned exterior part is a rear lamp. The bumper retainer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The car body and, The bumper retainer attached to the vehicle body, The bumper attached to the aforementioned bumper retainer, The sensor attached to the bumper retainer, An exterior part attached to the vehicle body and connected to the bumper retainer, It has, The aforementioned bumper retainer is A resin retainer body for attaching the bumper to the vehicle body, A sensor mounting portion is provided on the side opposite to the vehicle body side in the thickness direction of the retainer body, is integrated with the retainer body, and has the sensor attached to it. The retainer body comprises a connecting portion which protrudes from the retainer body in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and is located on a straight line extending in the thickness direction through the sensor mounting portion when viewed from the opposite side of the protruding direction, and which is separate from the sensor mounting portion and the retainer body, and is composed of a connecting member that connects the retainer body and the exterior component. Mounting structure for vehicle parts.

Images