DE102014207120B4 - Holder for a bumper fascia and arrangement of such a holder on a bodywork element of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Holder for a bumper cover (42) comprising at least one contact surface (16) for supporting the holder (14) on a body element (10) and at least one with respect to the contact surface (16) outstanding coupling element, wherein the coupling element for producing a tool-free, positive connection with an opening provided in the body element is formed, characterized in that a) the at least one coupling element comprises a form-locking connection securing and / or a form-locking connection producing, deflectable blocking element (38), during the manufacture of the compound in an intermediate position is deflected and occupies an installation position deviating from the intermediate position after production of the connection and / or b) the at least one abutment surface (16) is formed on a first subelement (18) and an at least second abutment surface (16) on a second subelement (20) is formed, wherein the first sub-element (18) and the second sub-element (20) are connected to one another via a film hinge (22).

Description

The invention relates to a holder for a bumper fascia and an arrangement of such a holder on a body element, in particular for a rear bumper fascia of a motor vehicle.

Out of practice, out DE 10 2008 059 324 A1 and from US 2007/0096482 A1 It is known to connect bumper panels via clip connections with a holder for the bumper fascia, wherein the holder is a separate component and is fixedly connected to a body member.

Out DE 10 2012 007 737 A1 is known a bumper fascia, which is connected via a holder and an additional deformation element for the bumper fascia with a body member called shell.

The bumper cover holders are usually bolted or welded to a body member in the arrangements described above.

Out DE 10 2009 033 535 A1 a bumper device of a motor vehicle with a designated as a connecting device holder is known. At the connecting device a contact surface for support on a bumper and an opposite the contact surface outstanding coupling element in the form of a connecting pin is provided. The connecting pin protrudes through an opening when made connection and has at the end projecting through the opening on a thickening, which secures the connection form-fitting together with a securing element.

Out DE 39 30 430 A1 an arrangement of a bumper on a motor vehicle is known in which a guide rail designated as a holding element has a contact surface for support on a bumper. By means of a coupling element in the form of a dowel, which is guided by an opening formed in the guide rail and in the bumper, the bumper is to be firmly attached to the body.

The invention has for its object to provide a holder for a bumper fascia and an arrangement of such a holder on a body element of a motor vehicle, which allow a simple and inexpensive installation of the holder on the body element.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments are described in the subclaims.

An inventive holder for a bumper fascia, which serves to connect a body element with a bumper fascia, comprises at least one contact surface for supporting the holder on the body element and at least one with respect to the contact surface outstanding coupling element. In this case, the coupling element for producing a tool-free, positive connection with an opening provided in the body member is formed. By "tool-free" is meant that no additional element, such. As a screwdriver, is required to make the connection. Examples of suitable coupling elements tool-free connections are described below in detail. An inventive holder can be connected by simply positioning the holder relative to an opening of a body member and proper use of the coupling element with the body member. This is a significant simplification compared to known connection methods of holders for bumper panels to body panels and thus saves assembly time and costs. An inventive holder usually extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. It is advantageous in this case, if the positive connection of the connection also takes place in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In a first practical embodiment of a holder according to the invention, the at least one coupling element comprises a positive locking connection and / or a. the positive connection producing, deflectable (in particular resilient) trained blocking element. Under such a blocking element in particular a clip and similarly designed elements are understood, which are elastically deflected during the preparation of the compound in an intermediate position and elastically spring back after production of the compound in a deviating from the intermediate mounting position and due to a suitable geometric design a positive connection between make the holder and the body element. This also includes connections in which clips comprise one or more latching noses. In this regard, reference is made in particular to clips, which consist of two locking lugs, which together have an arrow-shaped contour in a side view. Such clips are resiliently moved towards each other during the manufacture of the connection. Once the connection is made, the two locking lugs then spring due to their elasticity. again outward and lock with the element through which they were passed. This can be a bodywork element or another Be holding element. Under deflectable locking elements are further understood such locking elements, which are indeed rigid itself, but are pivotable due to a hinge, film hinge or other articulated construction in different positions. Preferably, the locking elements are hinged so that acts on this in the intermediate position acting in the installation position restoring force on the locking element.

Under a spring-trained locking element, which ensures a positive connection, is understood in the present case, a locking bolt, which is deflected during the preparation of a compound, in particular due to its elasticity, in an intermediate position and springs back after making the connection in an installed position and thus one Dissolution of the connection counteracts.

As an alternative to a coupling element of a holder according to the invention is also explicitly on a mushroom-like design element with a. Neck element and one. referenced to the neck element subsequent collar element. Such a mushroom-shaped element can in particular be combined with a keyhole-shaped opening of a body element or another holding element in order to produce a positive connection. This possibility will be discussed in detail below in connection with an arrangement according to the invention.

Furthermore, reference is made to the possibility of producing a tool-free, positive connection by means of clips with one or more locking lugs. In this regard, according to a second embodiment of the invention, a contact surface formed on a first sub-element and formed at least a second contact surface on a second sub-element, the two sub-elements can be arranged in particular on both sides of a body element and a tool-free, positive connection between the two sub-elements can be produced and thereby the body element is sandwiched.

In this case, the holding element comprises a first sub-element and a second sub-element, wherein the first sub-element and the second sub-element are connected to each other via a film hinge. As a result, a holder produced from at least two partial elements can be produced simply and inexpensively in one tool only. On the other hand, the number and variety of parts is reduced, which simplifies the storage for spare parts supply and assembly.

Not only in the above variant with film hinge, but also in other variants, it is preferred if the holder is integrally formed, in particular if a holder comprises a mushroom-like element. The advantages already mentioned above with regard to manufacture, assembly and storage apply accordingly in this case.

The invention also relates to an arrangement according to the invention of a holder, in particular of a holder as described above, on a body element. According to an inventive arrangement of the holder with at least one contact surface on the body element. Furthermore, the tool-free manufacturable, positive connection is produced by a coupling element and a corresponding opening with the coupling element. It is irrelevant whether the coupling element is formed on the holder and the opening on the body member or vice versa. It is also possible that the coupling element and the corresponding opening are arranged on a first sub-element of a holder and a second sub-element of a holder. However, in this case, it is required that the body member is sandwiched by the first sub-member and the second sub-member. An inventive arrangement is simple, inexpensive and above all with little time and without tools produced.

In a first practical embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a first sub-element and at least a second sub-element which sandwich the body element, wherein the body element is penetrated by the at least one coupling element and the positive connection is also made between the sub-elements. This embodiment has the advantage that the production of the positive connection can be made substantially independent of the body element. For example, the first sub-element and the at least second sub-element of the holder according to the invention may in this case be connected to one another via a film hinge, so that the holder with the first sub-element and the second sub-element is a one-piece component. In this case, the film hinge can also act as a positioning aid for producing the positive connection insofar as for the preparation of the compound, the two sub-elements only have to be moved to the film hinge. A manual relative alignment of the sub-elements to each other is not required in this case.

In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention are on the body member and on the holder formed complementary geometries, by means of which an additional positive locking in the vehicle vertical direction and / or in the vehicle transverse direction is generated during manufacture of the compound. In this regard, reference is made in particular to the formation of mutually complementary stampings that can be easily and inexpensively formed already in the manufacture of a holder according to the invention and a body element. Complementary geometries may alternatively or in addition also be designed so that it is suitable for guiding a holder into the correct relative position of the holder to the body element. This is the case in particular when the embossing is designed so that they approach each other when the two elements (holding element and body element) approach each other.

In a further practical embodiment of the arrangement is arranged as a coupling element at least one mushroom-like element having a neck member and a collar member in at least one keyhole-shaped opening such that the neck member protrudes through the opening and by means of the collar member a positive connection between body member and holder in a first Direction is generated. This first direction is preferably the vehicle longitudinal direction, in particular when the holder extends from the body element in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Furthermore, it is irrelevant in this case, whether the coupling element is formed on the holder and the opening on the body member or vice versa. It is also possible that the coupling element and the corresponding opening are arranged on a first sub-element of a holder and a second sub-element of a holder.

In a further practical embodiment, adjacent to the at least one, mushroom-shaped element a - in particular resiliently - deflectable locking element arranged and designed such that this produces a positive connection in the installed position in a second direction. The second direction is preferably a direction running transversely to the first direction, in particular a direction perpendicular to the first direction, such. B. the vehicle vertical direction and / or the vehicle transverse direction.

Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

1 a body element of a motor vehicle, not shown, in a view from behind with an enlarged portion shown and a schematic representation of a holder according to the invention for a bumper fascia,

2 a sectional view according to the in 1 registered section line AA,

3 a sectional view according to the in 1 registered section line BB,

4 a sectional view according to the in 1 registered section line CC,

5a , b is a side view ( 5a ) and a perspective view ( 5b ) of a holder according to the invention of an arrangement according to the invention in tool position,

6a , b is a side view ( 6a ) and a perspective view ( 6b ) of a holder according to the invention of an arrangement according to the invention in the installed position,

7 an alternative embodiment of a body member for a second embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention in a view from behind,

8th a holder according to the invention for in 7 shown body element in a perspective view,

9 this in 7 illustrated body element with the in 8th illustrated inventive holder in an inventive arrangement.

1 shows a body element 10 a motor vehicle, not shown, together with a detailed representation of this body element 10 , In the bodywork element 10 it is a so-called end part, which is part of a shell of the motor vehicle and extends substantially across the width of the vehicle. Such a closure part is often made of sheet steel and part of a supporting frame structure. However, it can also be made of other materials.

In 1 and in each of the following figures, a coordinate system is shown. In the coordinate system, the vehicle longitudinal direction is indicated by the x-direction, the vehicle-width direction by the y-direction, and the vehicle vertical direction by the z-direction, where the x-direction arrow points to the vehicle front side and the z-direction arrow points to the vehicle upper side. The respective coordinate systems provide information on how the illustrated elements are oriented in the installed position within a motor vehicle.

In 1 is initially only to recognize that according to an inventive arrangement 12 a schematically illustrated as a black block holder 14 for a bumper fascia with the bodywork element 10 connected is. The arrangement of the holder 14 in the region of the outside on the body element 10 (viewed in the vehicle transverse direction) is to be understood as an example. An inventive arrangement 12 may also be in the middle area and / or in other areas of the bodywork element 10 respectively.

The structural design and the geometry of a first embodiment of a holder according to the invention 14 in an arrangement according to the invention 12 is in the 2 to 6 shown. These figures will be referred to in detail below.

In the 5a to 6b is the principle of operation of a holder according to the invention with reference to several perspective views 14 recognizable. As in the 5a and 5b shown, the holder of the invention has 14 a first subelement 18 and a second subelement 20 on, with the first subelement 18 and the second subelement 20 about a movie hinge 22 connected to each other. At the first subelement 18 are three openings 24 educated. At the second subelement 20 are three locking lug pairs 26 designed so that from the locking lug pairs 26 and the openings 24 a clip connection is produced, as this in the 2 . 4 and 6b is recognizable.

In the in the 5a and 5b shown tool position of the holder according to the invention 14 are the first subelement 18 and the second subelement 20 in an unfolded, open relative position to each other. In this position, the holder can 14 with its first subelement 18 relative to the bodywork element 10 be positioned. In the in the 1 - 6 the embodiment shown is the holder 14 designed so that the film hinge as a lower stop on the body element 10 and thus serves as a positioning aid.

To the holder 14 after production of a desired position between the first sub-element 18 and the bodywork element 10 connecting with each other becomes the second subelement 20 in the direction of in 5a registered arrow on the film hinge 22 worked so well in the 6a and 6b take shown mounting position and thus a firm connection between the holder according to the invention 14 and the bodywork element 10 to create. In the installation position come on the sub-elements 18 . 20 trained contact surfaces 16 with contact surfaces 28 of the bodywork element 10 to the plant.

The 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of a holder according to the invention 14 , wherein in the following for identical or at least functionally identical elements, the same reference numerals as in the 1 to 6 be used.

7 shows a body element according to the invention 10 , which in turn is a so-called conclusion element. In 7 only the area is shown, which in 1 is shown enlarged on the bottom right. As in 7 can be seen, is in the bodywork element 10 a keyhole-shaped opening 30 formed with an upper, circular cutout and a subsequent slot.

8th shows a holder according to the invention 14 for use with the in 7 illustrated body element 10 , On the holder 14 is a neck member extending in the x direction 32 and a to the neck element 32 subsequent, laterally projecting collar element 34 educated. The neck element 32 and the collar element 34 serve as a holding and guiding element 36 for connecting the holder 14 with the in 7 shown bodywork element 10 ,

Above the holding and guiding element 36 is a spring-loaded locking element 38 educated.

To a connection between the holder according to the invention 14 and in 7 shown bodywork element 10 manufacture, becomes the holder 14 with its collar element 34 through the upper, circular portion of the keyhole-shaped opening 30 guided. This is the resiliently designed locking element 38 deflected in the negative x-direction according to the coordinate system shown. Subsequently, the collar element 34 inside the keyhole-shaped opening 30 led down. This is the neck element 32 dimensioned so that the lower, elongated portion of the keyhole-shaped opening 30 (Slot area) as a guide for the neck element 32 serves. Once the collar element 34 in the slot is moved to the very bottom, as in 9 shown in a sectional view, the locking element springs 38 due to its elastic design in the in 9 shown position and thus provides a backup of the holder according to the invention 14 in z-direction. Force effects on the holder 14 in the z-direction is thus by the blocking element 38 effectively counteracted. The holder 14 can only be removed from the bodywork element 10 be removed when manually the blocking element 38 deflected in negative x-direction and held there until the holder 14 was moved so far in the z-direction, that on the blocking element 38 trained locking nose (in 9 the triangular surface on which the arrow 38 indicates) of the bodywork element 10 is "held" in the deflected position. This ensures that the holder 14 in driving, even in extreme situations, not by itself from in 9 shown position triggers.

In the in 9 shown embodiment of the arrangement 12 serves the left side of the collar element 34 and the side opposite this side in the x-direction as contact surfaces 16 of the bodywork element 14 at corresponding contact surfaces 28 of the bodywork element 10 , These are the distance d of the contact surfaces 16 and the material thickness of the body element 10 in the area of contact surfaces 28 designed as a transition fit or press fit.

In 3 is shown as an inventive holder 14 in a known way with the help of a separate clip 40 with a bumper cover 42 can be connected.

In 4 is shown as by forming an embossment 44 on the bodywork element 10 and a matching stamp 46 on a holder according to the invention 14 can be generated by positive locking an additional positive connection in the y-direction. In the 4 illustrated stampings 44 . 46 are for illustrative purposes only. Instead of the geometries shown, other suitable geometries may be attached to the holder 14 and the bodywork element 10 be formed.

The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential both individually and in any desired combinations for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

It can be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

In particular, it is emphasized again that the number of coupling elements is variable, in particular the number of clip connections and / or mushroom-like elements which interact with keyhole-shaped openings. Also variable is the relative arrangement of the holder in a motor vehicle. The holder may also be oriented in a vehicle direction other than described, in particular at an angle to the vehicle's main axes. The design and arrangement of the coupling elements described on the holder and on the body element may differ from the described embodiments. It is important in essence that with the coupling elements a tool-free, (at least in the vehicle longitudinal direction) positive connection between the holder and a body member can be produced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

body member

12

arrangement

14

holder

16

Contact surface (of the holder)

18

first subelement

20

second subelement

22

film hinge

24

opening

26

Locking lug pair

28

Contact surface (of the body element)

30

keyhole-shaped opening

32

neck member

34

collar element

36

Holding and guiding element

38

blocking element

40

clips

42

bumper fascia

44

Verprägung

46

Verprägung

Claims (5)

Holder for a bumper cover ( 42 ) comprising at least one contact surface ( 16 ) for supporting the holder ( 14 ) on a bodywork element ( 10 ) and at least one opposite the contact surface ( 16 ) outstanding coupling element, wherein the coupling element is designed for producing a tool-free, positive connection with an opening provided in the body member, characterized in that. a) the at least one coupling element securing a positive connection and / or a form-fitting connection producing, deflectable Blocking element ( 38 ), which is deflected into an intermediate layer during the production of the connection and after installation of the connection occupies an installation position deviating from the intermediate layer and / or b) the at least one contact surface ( 16 ) on a first subelement ( 18 ) is formed and at least a second contact surface ( 16 ) on a second subelement ( 20 ), wherein the first subelement ( 18 ) and the second subelement ( 20 ) via a film hinge ( 22 ) are interconnected. Holder according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coupling element is a mushroom-shaped element with a neck element ( 32 ) and a collar element ( 34 ). Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder ( 14 ) is integrally formed. Arrangement of a holder ( 14 ) on a bodywork element ( 10 ), the holder ( 14 ) with at least one contact surface ( 28 ) on the bodywork element ( 10 ) is applied and at least one tool-free manufacturable, positive connection is made by a coupling element and an opening corresponding to the coupling element, characterized in that a) the holder ( 14 ) a first subelement ( 18 ) and at least a second subelement ( 20 ), which the body element ( 10 ), wherein the body element ( 10 ) is penetrated by the at least one coupling element and the positive connection between the sub-elements ( 18 . 20 ) and / or b) on the body element ( 10 ) and on the holder ( 14 ) complementary geometries are formed, by means of which a connection in the vehicle vertical direction and / or in the vehicle transverse direction is generated after production of the compound. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that as a coupling element at least one mushroom-like element with a neck element ( 32 ) and a collar element ( 34 ) in at least one keyhole-shaped opening ( 30 ) is arranged such that the neck element ( 32 ) the opening ( 30 ) and by means of the collar element ( 34 ) a positive connection between the body element ( 10 ) and holders ( 14 ) is made in a first direction.

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