Mounting system for vehicle license plates with detachable plug connection

Abstract

Fastening system for detachably connecting a plate-shaped object (O), in particular a vehicle license plate, to a support structure (T), comprising: - at least two first fastening elements in the form of bolts (1) that can be connected to the support structure (T), - and at least two elongated second fastening elements in the form of retaining arms (5) that can be connected to the object (O), wherein each retaining arm (5) has a receptacle (6) for positive or force-fit connection with an associated bolt (1), wherein the connection is established by a relative movement, in particular by placing and then moving along a guide contour, wherein at least one of the connecting elements consists of an elastically deformable thermoplastic material, wherein the object (O) can be fixed into the retaining arms (5) by a snapping motion, and wherein the elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material is used to reversibly snap the object (O) into the retaining arms (5).

Description

Summary

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system for the detachable connection of a plate-shaped object (O), in particular a vehicle license plate, to a support structure (T), in particular a vehicle part. The system comprises at least two bolts (1) that can be attached to the support (T) and at least two elongated retaining arms (5) with keyhole-shaped receptacles (6). By placing the retaining arms (5) on the support structure and then sliding them along a guide contour, they are positively connected to the bolts (1). The object (O) is then secured by elastic clamping within the retaining arms (5). All components are preferably made of thermoplastic material and allow for tool-free, residue-free assembly and disassembly. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to the fastening of plate-shaped objects (O) to support structures (T), in particular the tool-free and residue-free removable mounting of vehicle license plates. State of the art

[0003] Various license plate retention systems are known from the state of the art: • Conventional license plate frames mostly consist of rectangular plastic frames with mechanical clips or locking tabs. These systems are clearly visible and significantly alter the appearance of the vehicle. • Screw-on systems create a permanent connection between the license plate and the vehicle, which can only be removed with tools. They also leave visible drill holes in the license plate. • While magnetic mounts offer easy installation, they require large mounting plates, are susceptible to external influences such as dirt, moisture, or strong vibrations, and can fail at high speeds or under harsh conditions. Furthermore, according to the current interpretation of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV), they are considered legally questionable because they do not guarantee a permanently secure attachment and could therefore violate Section 12 of the FZV (Design and Mounting of License Plates) and current traffic regulations. They can also cause paint damage to the vehicle. • Adhesive-based systems, such as those using hook-and-loop pads or double-sided adhesive tapes, offer reduced visibility but are only usable once, difficult to remove, and often leave adhesive residue on the paintwork or license plate. Disassembly without damage is often impossible.

[0004] All these known systems are either visually obtrusive, can only be used once, or require tools or special aids for installation or removal, or cause permanent changes to the vehicle or license plate. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention provides a fastening system consisting of two functional levels: 1. Connection to the support structure (T): At least two first fastening elements in the form of bolts (1) are securely mounted to the support structure (T), in particular by means of a screw connection. Each bolt (1) has, in succession along its length, a head section (2), a locking groove (3), and an adjoining shoulder section (4). The locking groove (3) is formed below the head section (2) and serves to receive the elastically acting clamping lugs (7) in the retaining arm (5). The shoulder section (4) has a cross-section larger than that of the locking groove (3) and the head section (2) and forms a support-like guide which, in the assembled state, prevents lateral pivoting or tilting of the retaining arm (5) relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt (1). This results in a stable, backlash-free connection between the retaining arm (5) and the support structure (T). 2. Connection to the plate-shaped object (O): Two elongated retaining arms (5), which are connected to or can be fixed to the object (O), each have a keyhole-shaped opening (6). This opening is placed over the bolts (1) and moved into a locking position by a linear relative movement – ​​preferably from top to bottom – along a guide contour. Locking is achieved via a keyhole-shaped opening (6) in the retaining arm (5), which has an expanding zone in its upper region to receive the head section (2) and transitions into a narrower guide groove. In the transition area to the guide groove, two parallel, elastically deformable webs (7) are formed on both sides, the clear width of which, in the unloaded state, is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking groove (3).When the bolt (1) is inserted into this narrow section, the webs (7) are elastically deformed outwards, creating a force-fit clamping effect. This elastic preload prevents back-movement and ensures that the retaining arm (5) remains securely locked onto the bolt (1) without vibration or additional locking elements. The object (O) is further secured by elastic compression into the retaining arms (5). The elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material allows for reversible locking and tool-free removal of the object (O). For disassembly, the plate-shaped object (O) can remain in the retaining arms (5), while the entire unit can be removed from the bolts (1) without tools by a linear movement, particularly perpendicular to the support structure (T).After disassembly, only the firmly screwed bolts (1) remain on the support structure (T), which is a particularly discreet and visually unobtrusive solution.

[0006] The retaining arms (5) are designed to accommodate both standardized metal license plates and three-dimensional plastic license plates. The lower section of each retaining arm (5) has a receptacle (10) into which the respective license plate (O) is inserted. The upper section of the retaining arm (5) features a locking head (8) that allows clamping across various license plate thicknesses and heights. Additionally, an elongated slot (9) is incorporated into the upper part of the retaining arm (5) to ensure defined flexibility. This is particularly advantageous because the thermoplastic material used exhibits high impact and scratch resistance. This design has resulted in a particularly lightweight yet robust and durable holder. Preferred embodiment

[0007] In a preferred embodiment (see example) Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The system consists of: • two cylindrical bolts (1) with flat head section (2), central screw base, locking groove (3) and shoulder section (4), • two elongated retaining arms (5) made of thermoplastic material with keyhole-shaped opening (6), integrated elastic clamping bars (7), elongated hole (9), grid head (8) and lower receptacle (10), • a plate-shaped object (O), in particular a vehicle license plate, which is fixed between the retaining arms (5) by elastic clamping.

[0008] The retaining arms (5) can be completely removed, reused, and fitted with different types of license plates. They are mounted by placing and lowering the retaining arms (5) onto the securely bolted pins (1), with the locking mechanism provided by the elastic clamping lugs (7) and the locking groove (3). The locking head (8) in the upper part of the retaining arm (5) ensures secure clamping across various license plate thicknesses.

[0009] The entire unit, consisting of the retaining arms (5) and the inserted object (O), can be detached from the bolts (1) by a linear movement (e.g., upwards) without the need for tools. After disassembly, only the flat bolts (1) remain on the support structure (T), thus maintaining a particularly discreet appearance. Reference symbol list 1 bolt 2 Head section 3 locking groove 4 Shoulder section 5 Support arm 6 Opening 7 clamping bridge 8 Grid head on the holding arm 9 elongated holes for increased flexibility 10 License plate recording area T support structure O plate-shaped object (identification mark) Fig. 1: Exploded view of the holder system in individual parts Fig. 2: Side view of the mounting system Fig. 3: Assembly process

Claims

[1] Fastening system for detachably connecting a plate-shaped object (O), in particular a vehicle license plate, to a support structure (T), comprising: - at least two first fastening elements in the form of bolts (1) that can be connected to the support structure (T), - and at least two elongated second fastening elements in the form of retaining arms (5) that can be connected to the object (O), wherein each retaining arm (5) has a receptacle (6) for positive or force-fit connection with an associated bolt (1), wherein the connection is established by a relative movement, in particular by placing and then moving along a guide contour, wherein at least one of the connecting elements consists of an elastically deformable thermoplastic material, wherein the object (O) can be fixed into the retaining arms (5) by a snapping motion, and wherein the elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material is used to reversibly snap the object (O) into the retaining arms (5). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that the bolts (1) have a screw base by means of which they can be screwed into the support structure (T). [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the receptacle (6) in the retaining arm (5) has a keyhole-shaped contour which interacts with a locking groove (3) of the bolt (1) and is locked by elastic clamping ribs (7). [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shoulder section (4) forms a support-like guide which prevents lateral pivoting or tilting of the retaining arm (5) relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt (1). [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining arm (5) has an elongated hole (9) in the upper area, which creates a defined flexibility during the locking movement, especially when using impact-resistant plastics. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the object (O) is held by positive insertion into the receptacle (10) and force-fit clamping in the grid head (8) of the holding arm (5), wherein the object (O) can be removed from the holding arm (5) without the use of tools. [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining arms (5) are suitable for holding both flat metal license plates and profiled plastic license plates. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the retaining arms (5) are reusable, can be remounted on bolts (1) after disassembly, and allow tool-free replacement of the plate-shaped object (O) within the retaining arms (5) without the use of adhesives, films or other consumables. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the grid head (8) has a profiled clamping surface on its side facing the plate-shaped object (O), in particular a step-, tooth- or rib-shaped contour which runs transversely to the insertion direction, so that the object (O) can be held in several discrete detent positions with different clamping distances. [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the grid head (8) is formed integrally with the holding arm (5) and has an insertion ramp with a rounded edge, over which the object (O) is guided into the clamping position, wherein the elongated hole (9) allows an elastic deflection of the grid head (8) in the clamping direction.

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