Bracket Structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bracket structure that satisfies North American crash performance standards and comprises a bracket supporting a bumper beam of a vehicle and a bracket cap coupled to the bracket. The bracket cap is coupled so as to protrude toward the front of the bracket, so that when an external impact is applied from the front of the vehicle, the bracket cap can preferentially absorb the impact to mitigate the collision energy and then transfer it to the bracket. Accordingly, the bracket structure according to the present invention secures superior rigidity and impact resistance compared to conventional mounting brackets, thereby satisfying North American crash performance standards.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket structure used in a vehicle bumper, and more specifically, to a bracket structure that supports the front beam of a vehicle's front bumper and absorbs external impact. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, inside the front bumper of a vehicle, there is a front beam that spans the body from left to right and absorbs collision energy. Mounting brackets are attached to the left and right sides of this front beam, respectively, to firmly secure the beam to the vehicle body.

[0004] The mounting bracket secures the front beam while simultaneously absorbing external shocks from various angles. To achieve this, the mounting bracket is formed by bending in multiple directions, providing various connection points with the front beam.

[0005] Mounting brackets efficiently disperse and absorb energy during a collision to minimize body deformation. However, to meet North American crash performance standards, such as the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), strict requirements are in place to minimize body deformation under various conditions, including frontal collisions, offset collisions, and low-speed bumper collisions.

[0006] Accordingly, conventional mounting bracket structures alone are insufficient, and a new mounting bracket design is required that can disperse collision energy in multiple directions and effectively absorb loads from various angles. The problem to be solved

[0008] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to ensure that when an impact is applied to a mounting bracket supporting the front beam of a vehicle bumper, the mounting bracket disperses collision energy in multiple directions and efficiently absorbs the impact to satisfy the collision performance standards of the North American region. means of solving the problem

[0010] To solve the above technical problem, the bracket structure according to the present invention comprises: a bracket coupled to a bumper beam of a vehicle; and a bracket cap coupled to the bracket and in contact with the bumper cover of the vehicle when an external impact is applied; wherein the bracket comprises: a plate connected to a rib supported by the bumper beam of the vehicle; and a locking portion formed protruding from the plate toward the front side of the vehicle; and wherein the bracket cap preferably accommodates the locking portion internally and in contact with the plate at least partially.

[0011] Preferably, the above-mentioned locking portion comprises a first locking portion formed extending in the left-right direction; and a second locking portion disposed spaced apart from the first locking portion.

[0012] The bracket cap comprises a receiving portion having an inner wall that contacts both the first locking portion and the second locking portion; and the receiving portion preferably has the front side of the vehicle closed.

[0013] The above receiving portion preferably includes a contact portion that is formed to protrude outward along an open outer circumference and contacts the plate.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving portion is formed such that at least a portion of the outer wall is bent inward toward the receiving portion to accommodate a fixing member that combines the plate and the receiving portion.

[0015] The above bracket includes a protrusion formed to protrude toward the front side of the vehicle from the upper end of the plate; and the protrusion is preferably spaced apart from the bracket cap.

[0016] It is preferable that the protrusion has a protrusion length smaller than the distance between the front end surface of the bracket cap and the plate.

[0017] It is preferable that when an external impact is applied, the front end of the protrusion comes into contact with the bumper of the vehicle.

[0018] It is preferable that the above bracket and the above bracket cap are formed of different materials. Effects of the invention

[0020] As explained above, according to the bracket structure of the present invention, the bracket of the present invention can effectively absorb external shocks with a light weight by utilizing a rib structure.

[0021] In addition, since the bracket and the bracket cap are formed of different materials, when an impact is applied to the bracket cap first, the difference in rigidity effectively prevents the impact from being directly transmitted from the bracket cap to the bracket.

[0022] In addition, the bracket cap is detachably connected to the bracket, so that only the bracket cap can be easily replaced when the fixing member is disassembled. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket structure according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket structure according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bracket separated from a bracket cap in a bracket structure according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a bracket structure according to the present invention is coupled to a bumper of a vehicle. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments below. These embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art.

[0026] Additionally, terms such as "...part" described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware.

[0027] Furthermore, when a part is described in this specification as being "above" or "upper" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. In addition, when a part is described as being "below" or "lower" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0028] In addition, the classification of the names of components in this specification as "first," "second," etc., is intended to distinguish them due to identical names, and is not necessarily limited to that order in the following description.

[0030] Hereinafter, a bracket structure (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0031] To aid in understanding the present invention described below, the directions of the present invention can be defined as follows: the direction moving away from the ground can be called the upper side, and the direction moving closer to the ground can be called the lower side. The direction in which the vehicle moves can be called the front, and the opposite direction can be called the rear.

[0033] The bracket structure (1) is coupled to the bumper beam (2) of the vehicle. More specifically, the bracket structure (1) can be coupled to the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively, to support the front bumper beam (2) of the vehicle. At this time, the bracket structures (1) coupled to the left and right sides can be formed in shapes that are symmetrical to each other.

[0035] The bracket structure (1) includes a bracket (100) and a bracket cap (200).

[0036] The bracket (100) is attached to the bumper beam (2) of the vehicle. To this end, the bracket (100) includes a rib (110) supported by the bumper beam (2) of the vehicle.

[0037] The rib (110) contacts the upper part of the bumper beam (2) of the vehicle and can be formed to extend inwardly toward the vehicle. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the bracket structure (1) is prevented from shifting forward and can maintain balance.

[0038] The rib (110) can be formed in a fleshy shape on the inside while maintaining the outer edge. Accordingly, the rib (110) can reduce the overall weight while maintaining rigidity, thereby reducing the weight of the part and manufacturing costs.

[0040] The bracket (100) includes a plate (120) connected to a rib (110). More specifically, the plate (120) may be connected to the front end of the rib (110). For example, the plate (120) may be connected in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the rib (110). Additionally, the front end of the rib (110) may be connected to the upper side of the plate (120). Thus, when viewed from the side, the rib (110) and the plate (120) may be connected in a ┓ shape.

[0041] The plate (120) can be formed to have a predetermined thickness. The plate (120) can be formed in a rib shape while maintaining the outer edge. Accordingly, the plate (120) can reduce the overall weight while maintaining rigidity, thereby reducing the weight of the part and manufacturing costs.

[0043] The bracket (100) includes a catch portion (130) formed to protrude from the plate (120) toward the front side of the vehicle. The catch portion (130) is received inside the bracket cap (200) to be described later, and can fix and support the upper and lower parts of the bracket cap (200).

[0044] To this end, the locking part (130) may include a first locking part (131) and a second locking part (132).

[0045] The first locking portion (131) may be formed to protrude from the upper side of the plate (120) and extend in the left and right directions. For example, the first locking portion (131) may be formed such that its thickness increases towards the center along the length direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the first locking portion (131) may show an arrowhead-shaped cross-section in which the thickness of the center is thicker than that of the two ends. Accordingly, the first locking portion (131) can stably fix the upper part of the bracket cap (200).

[0046] The second locking portion (132) may protrude from the lower side of the plate (120) and be formed to extend in the left and right directions. For example, the second locking portion (132) may be formed such that its thickness increases towards the center along the length direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the second locking portion (132) may show an arrowhead-shaped cross-section in which the thickness of the center is thicker than that of the two ends. Accordingly, the second locking portion (132) can stably fix and support the lower part of the bracket cap (200).

[0047] Additionally, the second locking part (132) may be spaced apart from the first locking part (131). For example, the first locking part (131) and the second locking part (132) may be positioned to face each other.

[0048] With this configuration, when the bracket cap (200) described later receives an external impact, the first locking part (131) and the second locking part (132) can distribute the impact load in stages to mitigate the direct impact transmission applied to the bracket (100).

[0050] The bracket (100) may include a protrusion (140) formed to protrude toward the front of the vehicle from the upper end of the plate (120).

[0051] The protrusion (140) is formed protruding from the plate (120) and can be spaced apart from the bracket cap (200) to be described later. For example, when viewed from the side, the rear of the plate (120) can be connected to the rib (110), and the front of the plate (120) can be connected to the protrusion (140). Thus, when viewed from the side, the plate (120) and the protrusion (140) can be connected in a ┎ shape.

[0052] The protrusion (140) can be formed to have a predetermined thickness. The protrusion (140) can be formed in a fleshy shape on the inside while maintaining the outer edge. Accordingly, the protrusion (140) can reduce the overall weight while maintaining rigidity, thereby reducing the weight of the part and manufacturing costs.

[0053] Additionally, the rear end of the protrusion (140) can be connected to the rib (110). Since both the rib (110) and the protrusion (140) have a flesh-like interior, the inner space can be connected. Accordingly, when an impact is applied to the protrusion (140), the impact force can be distributed to the rib (110).

[0054] The length of the protrusion (140) protruding forward may be smaller than the distance between the front end surface of the bracket cap (200), which will be described later, and the plate (120). Therefore, when viewed from the side, the front end surface of the bracket cap (200) may protrude further forward than the front end surface of the protrusion (140).

[0055] With this configuration, when an external impact is applied, the front end of the protrusion (140) can come into contact with the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle. This is because the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle is formed by being bent so that its thickness gradually decreases from the center to both ends.

[0056] That is, when the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle is indented inward due to an external impact, both the protrusion (140) and the bracket cap (200) described later can come into contact with the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle. Accordingly, the external impact energy is prevented from being concentrated locally, and the impact load is efficiently distributed, thereby minimizing damage to the vehicle.

[0057] A fastening plate may be further included on the upper side of the protrusion (140) so as to be combined with other parts of the vehicle bumper. Holes may be formed at both ends of the fastening plate to which a fixing member connecting the fastening plate and other parts of the vehicle bumper can be attached. Accordingly, the position of the bracket (100) within the vehicle bumper can be fixed more stably.

[0059] The bracket cap (200) accommodates the catch portion (130) on the inside and can be combined with the bracket (100) so as to make at least partial contact with the plate (120).

[0060] The bracket cap (200) may include a receiving portion (210) and a contact portion (220).

[0061] The receiving portion (210) may be formed such that the front side is closed and the rear side is open. Accordingly, the locking portion (130) can be accommodated in the internal space of the receiving portion (210). At this time, the inner wall of the receiving portion (210) may be in contact with the upper surface of the first locking portion (131) and the lower surface of the second locking portion (132). The receiving portion (210) may be fixedly supported in the upper and lower directions by the first locking portion (131) and the second locking portion (132). That is, the rear end of the open receiving portion (210) is in contact with the plate (120), and the first locking portion (131) and the second locking portion (132) are accommodated on the inner side, allowing for stable coupling to the bracket (100).

[0062] The closed front end surface of the receiving portion (210) may come into contact with the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle when an external impact is applied. Since the front end surface of the receiving portion (210) protrudes further forward than the protrusion (140), considering the shape of the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle formed by bending, both the front end surface of the receiving portion (210) and the protrusion (140) may come into contact with the bumper cover (3) of the vehicle. Accordingly, external impact energy is prevented from being concentrated locally, and the impact load is efficiently distributed to minimize damage to the vehicle.

[0063] Additionally, the receiving portion (210) may be formed by bending at least a portion of the outer wall inward so as to accommodate a fixing member for connection with the plate (120). For example, if the outer cross-section of the receiving portion (210) is formed as a rectangle, it may be partially recessed inward along the outer perimeter of the rectangle to secure a space for accommodating the fixing member. With this configuration, only the bracket cap (200) can be easily replaced by separating the fixing member from the bracket structure (1).

[0065] The contact portion (220) may be formed to protrude outward along the outer circumference of the open front side of the receiving portion (210). In this case, "outward" may mean a direction away from the internal space of the receiving portion (210). For example, if the open front side of the receiving portion (210) has a circular shape, the contact portion (220) may be formed to protrude radially along the outer circumference.

[0066] The contact portion (220) is in contact with the plate (120) to stably fix the bracket cap (200). A hole may be formed in the contact portion (220) into which a fixing member connecting the plate (120) and the contact portion (220) can be inserted. For example, if the fixing member is a screw, screw threads may be formed in the hole.

[0068] In addition, the bracket (100) and the bracket cap (200) can be formed from different materials.

[0069] For example, the bracket (100) may be formed from a material that mixes polypropylene resin (PP) and glass fiber (GF). When glass fiber is mixed with polypropylene resin, it is possible to achieve excellent rigidity and impact resistance and reduce weight, so that the bracket (100) can stably support the bumper beam (2) of the vehicle without increasing the overall weight.

[0070] Additionally, for example, the bracket cap (200) may be formed from GMT (Glass Mat Thermoplastic) material. GMT material is a composite material in which a glass fiber mat is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, and can effectively absorb impact energy. Therefore, the bracket cap (200) can absorb collision energy by deforming upon receiving external impact first, and transmit the impact to the bracket (100) in a mitigated state.

[0071] In this way, by forming the bracket (100) and the bracket cap (200) from different materials, the rigidity is reinforced during a collision, allowing the impact energy to be efficiently dispersed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a bracket structure (1) that minimizes body deformation during a frontal collision of a vehicle and satisfies North American crash performance standards (FMVSS and IIHS, etc.).

[0073] The above detailed description is illustrative of the present invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention may be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. That is, modifications or alterations are possible within the scope of the concept of the invention disclosed herein, the scope equivalent to the disclosed content, and / or the scope of the art or knowledge. The described embodiments describe the best state for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications required in specific fields of application and uses of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the above detailed description of the invention is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, the appended claims should be interpreted as including other embodiments. Explanation of the symbols

[0075] 1: Bracket structure 100: Bracket 110: Liv 120: Plate 130: Hinder 131: First stumbling block 132: Second stumbling block 140: Protrusion 141: Fastening plate 200: Bracket Cap 210: Reception Department 220: Contact part 2: Vehicle bumper beam 3: Car bumper cover

Claims

Claim 1 A bracket structure comprising: a bracket coupled to a bumper beam of a vehicle; and a bracket cap coupled to the bracket and in contact with the bumper cover of the vehicle when an external impact is applied; wherein the bracket comprises: a plate connected to a rib supported by the bumper beam of the vehicle; and a locking portion formed protruding from the plate toward the front side of the vehicle; and wherein the bracket cap accommodates the locking portion internally and is in contact with the plate at least partially. Claim 2 A bracket structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking part comprises: a first locking part formed extending in the left-right direction; and a second locking part disposed spaced apart from the first locking part. Claim 3 In claim 2, the bracket cap comprises a receiving portion having an inner wall that contacts both the first locking portion and the second locking portion; and the receiving portion is characterized by having the front side of the vehicle closed. Claim 4 A bracket structure characterized in that, in claim 3, the receiving portion is formed to protrude outward along an open outer circumference and includes a contact portion that contacts the plate. Claim 5 A bracket structure according to claim 4, wherein the receiving portion is formed such that at least a portion of the outer wall is bent inward toward the receiving portion to accommodate a fixing member that combines the plate and the receiving portion. Claim 6 A bracket structure according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a protrusion formed to protrude toward the front side of the vehicle from the upper end of the plate; and wherein the protrusion is spaced apart from the bracket cap. Claim 7 A bracket structure according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is characterized in that the protrusion length is smaller than the distance between the front end surface of the bracket cap and the plate. Claim 8 A bracket structure according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is characterized in that, when an external impact is applied, the front end of the protrusion comes into contact with the bumper of the vehicle. Claim 9 A bracket structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracket and the bracket cap are formed of different materials.

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