Plastic housing arrangement for indirect screw connection in motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic housing device (100) for indirect screw connection of a motor vehicle, wherein the plastic housing device (100) comprises: at least one positioning element (50); a clamping element (20); and a screw element (30); wherein the at least one positioning element (50) is configured to hold the clamping element (20) in place in a form-fitting manner; wherein the screw element (30) is configured to be pressed against the clamping element by the at least one positioning element (50) and thereby cause the clamping element to rotate; wherein the clamping element is configured to clamp the plastic housing device (100) to a metal panel by the rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic housing arrangement for an indirect screw connection of an antenna module of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The (amplifier) ​​module with the plastic housing has an additional metal element (metal cage) on its underside, which is inserted into a corresponding installation hole in the vehicle (panel) and thus positions and aligns the module.

[0003] Furthermore, inside the metal element (metal cage) there is a clamping element which is held centrally by means of screws. Tightening the screws causes the clamping element to rotate 45° and move in the direction of the module base (plastic housing), thereby clamping the module to the vehicle panel.

[0004] The additional metal element (metal cage) requires costs and, due to the type of construction, requires a cumbersome installation of the clamping element from the side. In addition, due to the tolerance conditions, the screws must be screwed together with the clamping element in advance on the production line (additional costs). Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved housing arrangement for a motor vehicle. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the basic concept of the present invention.

[0006] Embodiments and improvements can be found in the preferred embodiments of the invention, in the description and in the drawings.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a plastic shell device for an indirect screw connection of a motor vehicle, wherein the plastic shell device comprises: at least one positioning element; a clamping element; and a screw element; wherein the at least one positioning element is configured to hold the clamping element in place in a form-fitting manner; wherein the screw element is configured to be pressed against the clamping element by the at least one positioning element and thereby cause the clamping element to rotate; wherein the clamping element is configured to clamp the plastic shell device to a metal panel by the rotation.

[0008] The invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce costs and simplify the installation process on the production line and allows to improve the tolerance situation within the module assembly and during the installation process in the vehicle.

[0009] The invention advantageously allows the function of a metal element (also called "metal cage") to be incorporated into a plastic housing (also called "housing bottom"). By means of corresponding snap hooks on the plastic housing, the clamping element can now be mounted in the z direction and held in place in a form-fitting manner.

[0010] The screw is pressed against the thread on the clamping element by means of a spring web in the plastic cover (also called "housing cover") and therefore does not require pre-tightening, since the threads engage immediately when the screw is turned. Tolerances are compensated by the spring travel of the web.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the screw element is configured to engage with the spring tab when rotating.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the plastic housing device is configured such that tolerances are compensated by correspondingly adapted spring travels of the spring webs attached to the plastic housing device.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the plastic housing arrangement is configured to allow installation of the module in a vehicle.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the plastic housing arrangement is configured to push the screw element in one direction.

[0015] The described embodiments and refinements can be combined with one another as required.

[0016] Further possible configurations, improvements and embodiments of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention which are described above or below with reference to the exemplary embodiments, which are not explicitly described.

[0017] The accompanying drawings are intended to convey a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and are used to explain the concept of the present invention in conjunction with the description.

[0018] Other embodiments and many of the particular advantages will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings.The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown in correct proportion relative to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the attached picture:

[0020] Figure 1 : is a schematic representation for illustrating a housing device according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5: is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 : is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 8 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 9 : is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] Fig.10 : is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals indicate identical or functionally identical elements, components, parts or method steps.

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic representation of the housing device 100 for explaining the present invention. Figure 1 A prior art housing with a "metal cage" is shown.

[0032] The metal cage 40 has holes 10 formed therein.

[0033] The clamping element 20 must be inserted into the "metal cage" from the side and positioned in the 0° position at the top. This allows the screw element 30 to be inserted through the thread in the clamping element and the hole in the "metal cage", and this screwing together can be performed in advance.

[0034] The clamping element 20 is pulled down by further rotating the screw element 30 and locked by rotating it into the 45° position. The module is pulled down all the way with the clamping element in the mounting hole and brought into the 45° position.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 The top and bottom sides of the plastic housing device 100 are shown in FIG.

[0037] In the illustration of the top side of the plastic housing device 100 , the clamping element 20 and the screw element 30 are visible, and in the illustration of the bottom side, the clamping element 20 and the screw element 30 are visible. Figure 2 The positioning element 50 , which is designed as three spring tongues, is also visible.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] From top to bottom, Figure 3 The following is shown:

[0040] Figure 3 The clamping element 20 is shown above in FIG. 1 . The plastic housing device 100 comprises a one-piece housing base. Figure 3 Similarly, a circuit board is shown as a carrier for electronic components. Figure 3 The screw element 30 and the housing cover are similarly shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 The clamping element is shown pressed against a hook 50 in the housing base.

[0043] The first thread turn of the screw element 30 presses against the clamping element 20 .

[0044] The screw heads are located on the housing cover.

[0045] The positioning element 50 , which is realized as a spring-loaded arm, pushes the screw element 30 upwards.

[0046] For example, in the neutral position, the clamping element 20 is prevented from rotating.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a hook is provided as a positioning element for fixing a clamping element.

[0048] Figure 4 The lower figure in shows the clamping element in the 0° position.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 Two hooks 60 are shown which have a temporary retaining function.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7 The clamping element is shown in a 45° position.

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] exist Fig. 9 In the illustrated plastic housing arrangement, at least one positioning element 50 is designed as a spring tongue or a snap-on hook element.

[0057] Fig.10 is a schematic representation of a plastic housing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] exist Fig.10 In the illustrated plastic housing arrangement, at least one positioning element 50 is designed as a helical spring.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described above based on preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in various ways. In particular, the present invention can be changed or modified in various ways without departing from the core of the present invention.

[0060] In addition, it should be noted that “comprising” and “having” do not exclude any other elements or steps and “a” or “an” do not exclude a plural number.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other above exemplary embodiments. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. A plastic housing device (100) for indirect screw connection of a motor vehicle, wherein the plastic housing device (100) comprises: - at least one positioning element (50); - a clamping element (20); as well as - a screw element (30); wherein the at least one positioning element (50) is configured to hold the clamping element (20) in place in a form-fitting manner; wherein the screw element (30) is configured to be pressed against the clamping element by the at least one positioning element (50) and thereby cause the clamping element to rotate; The clamping element is configured to clamp the plastic housing device (100) to the metal panel by the rotation, wherein the plastic housing device (100) is configured so that tolerances are compensated by a correspondingly adapted spring travel of a spring tab attached to the plastic housing device, wherein the at least one positioning element (50) is constructed as a spring tab.

2. The plastic housing device (100) according to claim 1, Wherein the screw element is configured to engage with the spring tabs when rotated.

3. The plastic housing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, The plastic housing device (100) is configured to allow installation of the module in the vehicle.

4. The plastic housing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, The screw element has a screw head which is located on the housing cover.

5. The plastic housing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, The plastic housing device (100) is configured to push the screw element along one direction.

6. A plastic housing device (100) for indirect screw connection of a motor vehicle, wherein the plastic housing device (100) comprises: - at least one positioning element (50); - a clamping element (20); as well as - a screw element (30); wherein the at least one positioning element (50) is configured to hold the clamping element (20) in place in a form-fitting manner; wherein the screw element (30) is configured to be pressed against the clamping element by the at least one positioning element (50) and thereby cause the clamping element to rotate; The clamping element is configured to clamp the plastic housing device (100) to the metal panel by the rotation, wherein the plastic housing device (100) is configured so that tolerances are compensated by a correspondingly adapted spring travel of a coil spring attached to the plastic housing device, wherein the at least one positioning element (50) is constructed as a coil spring.

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