Alignment device for aligning an interior trim component for a vehicle, interior trim component, and vehicle

Abstract

An alignment device (100) is proposed for aligning an interior trim component (10) for a vehicle (1) relative to the vehicle (1) during assembly of the interior trim component (10). The vehicle (1) has at least one vehicle-side reference element (2). The alignment device (100) has an actuating section.Furthermore, the alignment device (100) has a coupling section (120) which is configured to couple with the at least one reference element (2), in a first state initial during assembly is configured to allow relative movement between the interior fitting part (10) and the at least one reference element (2) coupled to the coupling section (120), and in a second state which can be selectively activated via the actuating section (110) is configured to restrict the relative movement between the interior fitting part (10) and the at least one reference element (2) coupled to the coupling section (120).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the alignment of an interior trim component for a vehicle during assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to an alignment device for aligning an interior trim component for a vehicle, an interior trim component with such an alignment device, and a vehicle with such an interior trim component. State of the art

[0002] It is well known from vehicle manufacturing practice that an interior trim component must be aligned relative to a vehicle reference element, which could be another interior trim component, a vehicle part such as a body panel, a seam, a reference edge, or the like. This alignment of the interior trim component can, for example, serve to create a design edge or a continuous light line from, say, an instrument panel to a door panel, pillar trim, or similar element. Since the components, such as interior trim parts, cannot always center themselves on each other, manual readjustment is necessary during assembly to compensate for tolerances, etc. Currently, this is achieved through multiple assembly, alignment, disassembly, centering adjustments (e.g., using an eccentric), subsequent assembly, and verification of the result.

[0003] This process of multiple assembly steps is complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Therefore, a less complex method for aligning an interior component in or on a vehicle is desirable.

[0004] DE 10 2009 012 738 A1 relates to a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle in which manufacturing inaccuracies of a body or a raw component as well as a fairing can be compensated for in order to enable an accurate alignment of the fairing to other components of the motor vehicle. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to create a means of aligning an interior fitting in or on a vehicle using the simplest possible means of construction.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an alignment device is proposed. The alignment device is designed, or can be used, to align an interior trim component for a vehicle relative to the vehicle during the installation of the interior trim component. The vehicle has at least one vehicle-side reference element. The alignment device has an actuating section. Furthermore, the alignment device has a coupling section. The coupling section is designed to couple with the at least one reference element. In addition, the coupling section, in an initial state during installation, is designed to allow relative movement between the interior trim component and the at least one reference element coupled to the coupling section.Furthermore, the coupling section is designed in a second state, which can be selectively activated via the actuating section, to at least restrict the relative movement between the interior fitting part and the at least one reference element coupled to the coupling section.

[0008] The alignment device allows the interior trim component to be readjusted during assembly and / or the assembly process, i.e., relative to the vehicle, for example, relative to the reference element. For instance, the interior trim component can be centered using the alignment device. The alignment allows the interior trim component to be moved, e.g., shifted, relative to the vehicle in one or more directions, i.e., spatial directions, as long as the alignment device is in the first state. The second state can then be selectively activated by manipulating the operating section once the interior trim component is aligned as desired, e.g., with a design edge, a continuous light line, etc., within the vehicle.In the first state of the alignment device, the interior trim component, including the alignment device, can already be positioned in the vehicle and pre-fixed to at least one reference element via the coupling section, but it remains movable and / or adjustable. In the second state, centering, at least partial fixing, or similar action of the interior trim component is possible, since the relative movement between the interior trim component and the vehicle is at least restricted, or possibly blocked, by the alignment device, e.g., by fixing the coupling section. The second state can even be activated if the interior trim component is already installed or at least approximately in its intended installation position. The interior trim component no longer needs to be removed or partially removed for alignment.One idea behind the alignment device is to allow alignment to continue until a kind of mechanical activation of the centering mechanism occurs. This activation can take place within the already assembled component, i.e., the interior trim part, without requiring disassembly or partial disassembly. The alignment device offers the possibility of readjusting the component more quickly. In the assembly process at, for example, a vehicle manufacturer, this leads to significant time savings, as the alignment device eliminates several work steps.

[0009] As used herein, the alignment device can be a component, assembly, or the like, attached to or formed on the interior trim part. The alignment device can, for example, be made of at least one plastic material, e.g., by injection molding or the like. Initially, the alignment device is in the first state, which allows the interior trim part to still move relative to the vehicle. The actuation section can be used to activate the second state from the first state. Simultaneously, the actuation section can also be configured to prevent the activation of the second state, e.g., to block it, as long as the alignment device is still in the first state. The actuation section can have a proximal section that extends to the coupling section.Furthermore, the actuating section can have a distal section that is spaced apart from the actuating section, i.e., arranged at a distance. The distal section can be designed to be handled or manipulated by a user, e.g., a technician, by means of a handle or similar device, and thereby act on the proximal section in such a way that the second state can be activated. The coupling section can, for example, have an opening in which the at least one reference element can be arranged, e.g., partially received. The coupling mechanism can be designed, when actuated via the actuating section, to activate a latching mechanism or the like in the second state in order to restrict, e.g., also block, the relative movement between the interior trim component and the vehicle, and thereby center the interior trim component, or the like.

[0010] The interior component could be, for example, a door panel, instrument panel, dashboard, center console, headliner, etc. The vehicle could be, for example, a motor vehicle such as a car or truck, a train, an airplane, etc.

[0011] According to a further development, the alignment device can be permanently attached to the interior trim component. The alignment device can be attached to the interior trim component, for example, via at least one fastening element, such as a clip connection, screw connection, or the like. The interior trim component can be positioned on the at least one reference element via the coupling section, e.g., pre-fixed, but can then still be aligned.

[0012] In a further development, the actuation section can be designed so that, at least in the first state, it is at least partially exposed to the interior trim component and / or accessible from outside the interior trim component. This allows the second state to be activated via the actuation section even if the interior trim component is already installed in the vehicle.

[0013] According to further training, the actuating section can be removed from the alignment device, at least partially, during or after activation of the second state. This allows the actuating section to primarily serve to activate the second state and then be removed. The remaining sections of the alignment device remain attached to the interior trim component.

[0014] The actuating section can be coupled to the alignment device by means of a predetermined breaking point. The second state can be activated by breaking the predetermined breaking point and at least partially removing the actuating section. The actuating section can be configured to maintain the first state. The second state can then be activated by at least partially removing the actuating section, particularly from the coupling section.

[0015] According to further training, the actuating section can have a handle at its distal end. The actuating section can have a proximal section that extends to or into the coupling section. Furthermore, the actuating section can have a distal section, or the distal end itself, spaced apart from the coupling section, which contains the handle. The distal section, e.g., the handle, can serve to activate the second state of the alignment device over a distance from the coupling section.

[0016] The coupling section may have a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism may be designed to block the relative movement between the interior trim component and the at least one reference element when engaged. The coupling section may be locked in the first state by the actuating section and released and lockable in the second state.

[0017] The coupling section can have at least one first part and a second part that is movable relative to it by shearing action. The first part can have at least one first locking element. The second part can have at least one second locking element that can be locked to the at least one first locking element. In the first state, the actuating element can be arranged between the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element. In the first state, the actuating element can hold the locking elements disengaged. In the second state, the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element can be locked to each other by at least partially removing the actuating element.

[0018] A second aspect concerns an interior trim component for a vehicle. This interior trim component has at least one section that, when installed in the vehicle, can be aligned or is to be aligned relative to at least one vehicle-side reference element. This reference element may be at least partially obscured by the interior trim component and / or the vehicle. Furthermore, the interior trim component has an alignment device as described in the first aspect.

[0019] A third aspect concerns a vehicle that has at least one interior fitting according to the second aspect.

[0020] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. Brief character description

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 in a perspective front view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 in a perspective top view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 in a perspective exploded view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle in a first state according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 in a perspective exploded view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle in a second state according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 in a perspective side view a section of an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle in a second state according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 in a perspective front view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 in a perspective top view an alignment device for aligning an interior fitting part for a vehicle relative to the vehicle according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 in a perspective front view an interior fitting for a vehicle with an alignment device for aligning the interior fitting relative to the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary alignment device 100 in a perspective view, which is used to align an interior fitting 10 (see Fig. 8) suitable for a vehicle 1 relative to the vehicle 1 during the assembly of the interior trim part 10. The vehicle 1 has at least one vehicle-side reference element 2, from which in Fig. Figure 1 shows only one section. The reference element 2 shown here is merely an example of a type of pin, which can be described, for example, as a centering pin, of a vehicle door.

[0024] The alignment device 100 has an actuating section 110 and a coupling section 120. The actuating section 110 and the coupling section 120 are coupled to each other directly or indirectly. The actuating section 110 can, for example, be coupled to the alignment device 100 by means of at least one predetermined breaking point 111. The actuating section 110 is configured to act on the coupling section 120 when actuated.

[0025] The coupling section 120 is configured for coupling with at least one reference element 2. Furthermore, the alignment device 100, e.g., the coupling section 120, is configured to allow, in an initial, first state during assembly, relative movement between at least one subsection of the interior fitting 10 and the at least one reference element 2 coupled to the coupling section 120. In the embodiment example according to Fig. 1. Such a relative movement is permitted, for example, in the x-direction. That is, the alignment device 100 in Fig. 1 in the x-direction relative to the at least one reference element 2. Although no relative movement in the y-direction is provided here as an example, it should be noted that the alignment device 100, e.g., by appropriate design of the coupling section 120, can also be configured in the first state to allow relative movement in the y-direction. In addition, the alignment device 100, e.g., the coupling section 120, is configured in a second state, which can be selectively activated via the actuating section 120, to restrict the relative movement between the at least one subsection of the interior fitting 10 and the at least one reference element 2 coupled to the coupling section 120. In the exemplary alignment device 100 according to Fig. In the first state, the relative movement in the x-direction is restricted, e.g., blocked. In the second state, the alignment device and / or the interior fitting 10 equipped with it can be centered.

[0026] For example, the coupling section 120 can have a locking mechanism in at least some embodiments. The locking mechanism can be configured to restrict, e.g., block, the relative movement between the interior fitting part 100 and the at least one reference element 2 when it is engaged. The locking mechanism can be blocked in the first state by the actuating section 110 and released and lockable in the second state.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the coupling section 120 can be designed in multiple parts. Thus, the coupling section 120 can have at least a first part 121 and a second part 122, wherein the at least one first part 121 and the second part 122 are movable relative to each other, e.g., shear-movable. According to Fig. 1. Two first parts 121 are provided as examples, between which, here exemplarily in the z-direction, the second part 122 is arranged. The at least one first part 121 and the second part 122 and / or the two first parts 121 can be clamped towards each other, e.g. in Fig. 1 in the z-direction. The at least one first part 121 can be at least one first detent element 123 (see e.g. Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) and the second part 122 at least one second locking element 124 that can be locked with the at least one locking element (see e.g. Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) exhibit. In the first state, the actuating element 110 or a section thereof can be arranged between the at least one first detent element 123 and the at least one second detent element 124, wherein the actuating element 110 holds the detent elements 123 and 124 disengaged in the first state. Furthermore, in the second state, the at least one first detent element 123 and the at least one second detent element 124 can be detented and / or engaged with each other by at least partial removal of the actuating element 110 or the section thereof. The detent can restrict, e.g., block, the relative movement between the interior trim part 100 and the at least one reference element 2. While in the first state the at least one first part 121 and the second part 122 are movable relative to each other, the detent restricts this movement.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the alignment device 100 can be used according to Fig. 1. The coupling section 120 shall have at least one opening 125 which may be designed to receive at least one reference element 2, at least partially. Fig. 1 The at least one reference element 2 extends, by way of example, in the z-direction through the at least one opening 125.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, the alignment device 100 can be used according to Fig. 1. The coupling section 120 shall have at least one stop 126. The stop 126 may be configured to limit the relative movement between the interior fitting 100 and the at least one reference element 2 at end points.

[0030] For example, the alignment device 100 can have at least one predetermined breaking point 111 mentioned above, via which the actuating section 110 is coupled to the alignment device 100. For example, the second state can be activated by breaking the at least one predetermined breaking point 111 and at least partially removing the actuating section 110 from the coupling section 120. The actuating section 110 can be removed from the alignment device 100, at least partially, during or after activation of the second state.

[0031] It should be noted that Fig. 1 shows the alignment device 100 in the first state in which the interior fitting part 100 can be aligned or aligned relative to the at least one reference element 2.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows the alignment device 100 in a perspective top view. The alignment device 100 is in its first state.

[0033] As mentioned above, the coupling section 120 can be made up of multiple parts. Thus, the coupling section 120 can have at least a first part 121 and a second part 122, wherein the at least one first part 121 and the second part 122 are movable relative to each other, e.g., shear-movable. According to Fig. Figure 2 shows two first parts 121 as examples, between which, here by way of example in the z-direction, the second part 122 is arranged. The two first parts 121 and the second part 122 are arranged planarly relative to each other. At least one first part 121 and the second part 122 and / or the two first parts 121 can be clamped towards each other. This is shown in Fig. 2 indicated by the converging side edges of the first parts 121.

[0034] The actuation section 110 extends to the coupling section 120. In the thickness direction of the alignment device 100 (cf. z-direction in Fig. 1) Considered, the actuating section 110 is arranged between the respective first parts 121 and the second part 122 and is designed to keep the detent elements 123 and 124 disengaged in the first state.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows the alignment device 100 in a perspective exploded view, where the alignment device 100 is in its first state.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 3 shows that the coupling section 120 comprises the two first parts 121 and the second part 122 arranged between them in the thickness direction of the alignment device 100. Furthermore, in Fig. 3 the at least one first locking element 123 and the at least one second locking element 124 are recognizable. In the first state shown, these are held out of engagement by the actuating section 110, since in the first state, viewed in the thickness direction of the alignment device 100, this is arranged between the respective first part 121 and the second part 122.

[0037] Furthermore, in Fig. 3. It can be seen that the stops 126 limit the relative movement between the first parts 121 and the second part 122 by forming end stops for the second part 122.

[0038] It should be noted that each of the first parts 121 and the second part 122 each has the opening 125. The opening 125 of the second part 122 is movable within the limits defined by the stops 126 relative to the respective opening 125 of the first parts 121.

[0039] According to Fig. 3. The actuating section 110 can also be designed in multiple parts, with two parts shown here as an example. A first part is arranged between the first of the first parts 121 and the second part 122. A second part is arranged between the second of the first parts 121 and the second part 122. Each part of the actuating section 110 can be coupled to the alignment device 100 by means of a corresponding predetermined breaking point 111.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows the alignment device 100 in a perspective exploded view, where the alignment device 100 is in the second state.

[0041] According to Fig. 4. The shear points 111 are now broken and the actuating section 110 has been removed in such a way that it is no longer arranged between the first parts 121 and the second part 122. As a result, the at least one first locking element 123 and the at least one second locking element 124 can be locked together and / or engaged with each other.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section, namely the coupling section 120, of the alignment device 100 in the second state in a perspective side view.

[0043] According to Fig. In section 5, the actuating section 110 has been removed, and the at least one first locking element 123 and the at least one second locking element 124 are locked together and / or engaged with each other. As a result, the second part 122 is fixed relative to the first parts 121 and can no longer be moved relative to them. This centers the interior trim part 10 relative to the at least one reference element 2 (see figure 5). Fig. 1).

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 shows the alignment device 100 in a perspective front view. The alignment device 100 is in its first state.

[0045] This shows Fig. 6 An exemplary principle for attaching the alignment device 100 to the interior trim part 10. The alignment device 100 can be permanently attached to the latter. For example, the attachment can be effected via at least one fastening element 130, e.g., via a clip connection, a frame, or the like. It is also conceivable that the alignment device 100 is integrally formed with the interior trim part 10.

[0046] Fig. Figure 7 shows the entire exemplary alignment device 100 in a perspective top view.

[0047] The actuating section 110 has a proximal section that extends to the coupling section 120. Furthermore, the actuating section 110 has a distal section spaced apart from the coupling section 120, which here exemplarily includes a handle. The distal section, e.g., the handle, can serve to activate the second state of the alignment device 100 over a distance from the coupling section 120.

[0048] Fig. Figure 8 shows an exemplary interior trim part 10 with the exemplary alignment device 100 in a perspective front view. The interior trim part 10 is, in this case, an exemplary door panel for vehicle 1, of which a vehicle door 3 is shown here for better understanding. At least one reference element 2 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle door 3, which is located in Fig. 8 is concealed by the interior trim part 10 and the vehicle door 3. It should be noted that the interior trim part 10 is not limited to a door panel, but can also be used in an instrument panel, dashboard, center console, headliner, etc.

[0049] The interior trim part 10, in this case the door panel, is to be aligned with the vehicle 1, in this case the vehicle door 3, during its installation in order to, for example, at least partially compensate for manufacturing tolerances or the like, to create a design edge, etc. The alignment device 100 described herein makes it possible to pre-fix the interior trim part 10 to the vehicle door 3, while still allowing for adjustment. Once the desired alignment is achieved by moving the interior trim part 10 relative to the vehicle door 3, the second state described above can be activated to center the interior trim part 10 relative to the vehicle door 3. The centered interior trim part 10 can then be fixed to the vehicle 1 or the vehicle door 3 in this orientation, for example, by at least one clip connection, screw connection, or the like.

[0050] The alignment device 100 is in Fig. 8 Only the distal section of the actuating section 110 with the exemplary handle is visible, as the coupling section 120 is concealed by the interior trim part 10 and the vehicle door 3. However, since the distal section of the actuating section 110 is at least partially exposed to the interior trim part 10 in the first state and / or accessible from outside the interior trim part 10, the second state described above can be activated after the interior trim part 10 has been aligned, in order to center the interior trim part 10.

[0051] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 vehicle, e.g. motor vehicle 2 Reference element 3 vehicle doors 100 alignment device 110 Actuation section 111 Breakaway point 120 coupling section 121 Part of the coupling section 122 Part of the coupling section 123 Latching element 124 locking element 125 opening 126 attacks x, y, z directions and / or spatial axes

Claims

Alignment device (100) for aligning an interior trim part (10) for a vehicle (1) relative to the vehicle (1) during assembly of the interior trim part (10), wherein the vehicle (1) has at least one vehicle-side reference element (2) and the alignment device (100) comprises: an actuating section (110), a coupling section (120) which is configured to couple with the at least one reference element (2), in a first state initial during assembly configured to allow relative movement between the interior trim part (10) and the at least one reference element (2) coupled to the coupling section (120), and in a second state which can be selectively activated via the actuating section (110) configured to restrict the relative movement between the interior trim part (10) and the at least one reference element (2) coupled to the coupling section (120).wherein a) the actuating section (110) is coupled to the alignment device (100) by means of at least one predetermined breaking point (111), and the second state can be activated by breaking the at least one predetermined breaking point (111) and at least partially removing the actuating section (110), and / or b) the coupling section (120) has a detent mechanism (123, 124) which is configured to block the relative movement between the interior fitting part (10) and the at least one reference element (2) when detented, and whose detent is blocked in the first state by the actuating section (110) and is released and detentable in the second state, and / or c) the coupling section (120) has at least a first part (121) and a second part (122) which is movable relative to it by shearing action.the at least one first part (121) has at least one first locking element (123) and the second part (122) has at least one second locking element (124) that can be locked with the at least one locking element (123), the actuating element (110) being arranged between the at least one first locking element (123) and the at least one second locking element (124) in the first state and holding the locking elements (123, 124) out of engagement, and the at least one first locking element (123) and the at least one second locking element (124) being lockable together in the second state by removing the actuating element (110). Alignment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the alignment device (100) can be arranged or is arranged in a fixed position on the interior fitting part (10). Alignment device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating section (110) is configured to be exposed at least sectionally to the interior fitting part (10) and / or accessible from outside the interior fitting part (10), at least in the first state. Alignment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating section (110) can be removed from the alignment device (100) at least section by section during or after activation of the second state. Alignment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating section (110) has a handle at a distal end. Interior fitting part (10) for a vehicle (1), comprising: at least a section which, when the interior fitting part (10) is installed in the vehicle (1), can be aligned or is to be aligned relative to at least one vehicle-side reference element (2) which is at least partially concealed by the interior fitting part (10) and / or the vehicle (1), and an alignment device (110) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (1) with an interior fitting (10) according to the preceding claim.

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