fixing assembly

Abstract

A fixing assembly (1) has a support element (2) suitable for being fixed to a component of a vehicle and a frame (3) suitable for supporting an accessory (60) in a fixed relative position and for being connected to the support element (2) in a fixed position; the support element (2) has two openings (6) which, during an installation step, engage with corresponding protruding pins (7) of the frame (3) to allow the frame (3) to be rotated towards the support element (2), the protruding pins (7) being inserted in the openings (6) during the installation step; a snap-on fitting (8) prevents the frame (3) from being displaced at the end of the aforesaid rotation, then a threaded blocking device (9) secures the frame (3) in a stable position; the snap-on fitting (8) has an elastically deformable element (14) which snap-fits to a retaining shoulder (12) and forms part of one of the support element (2) and the frame (3) made of a portion of polymeric or elastomeric material between the support element (2) and the frame (3).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102020000030599, filed on December 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a fastening assembly for securing an accessory to a component inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, electronic accessories, such as displays or panels with control buttons, can be fixed to interior components of a vehicle, such as to the dashboard in the passenger compartment, using appropriate mounting components.

[0005] Known types of fixed components typically include a support element and a frame, the support element being directly fixed to or integrated into the dashboard, and the frame supporting accessories and being fixedly attached to the support element during vehicle assembly.

[0006] In known types of fixed components, securing a frame to a support element is typically achieved by approaching and subsequently screwing the frame onto the support element.

[0007] To achieve both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective fixation, the relative positioning between the support elements and the frame must be constrained by relatively narrow tolerances defined during the design phase. Specifically, to guide the operator during fixation, the frame and support elements include one or more mechanical references that define an ideal reference system for the relative positioning between the support elements and the frame.

[0008] However, during the tightening operation, the forces involved and any inaccuracies in the operator's part can alter the position of the mechanical reference within the ideal reference system.

[0009] This results in non-compliance with the provided tolerances, thus affecting the quality and aesthetics of the dashboard in the passenger compartment.

[0010] In particular, the position of the mechanical reference may change more in some directions than in others.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a fixing component in which the correct relative positioning between the frame and the support elements is achieved in an accurate, simple and quick manner, and is maintained even at the end of the fixing operation, so that design tolerances are met.

[0012] I also felt the need to limit the number of components in the fixed assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of this invention is to provide a fixing component that allows the above requirements to be met in a simple and economical manner.

[0014] According to the present invention, a fastening assembly for securing an accessory to a vehicle component is provided; the assembly includes:

[0015] A support element adapted to be fixed to the component or to form part of the component; the support element includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface along a first direction;

[0016] A frame adapted to support the attachment in a relatively fixed position and having a third surface at least partially facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface along the first direction;

[0017] A fixing device that connects the frame to the support element in a fixed position;

[0018] The fixed equipment is characterized in that it includes:

[0019] At least one opening and at least one protruding pin, the opening being formed in one of the support element and the frame, the protruding pin being part of the other of the support element and the frame; during the installation step, the protruding pin engages the opening to allow the frame to rotate relative to the support element about a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the protruding pin being inserted into the opening during the installation step;

[0020] A snap-fit ​​device, which, at the end of the aforementioned rotation, prevents the frame from shifting from the support element along the first direction; and

[0021] A blocking device for blocking the frame relative to the support element; the blocking device includes: at least one first hole, at least one second hole, and at least one retaining pin, the first hole being formed in the support element along an axis parallel to a third direction, the second hole being formed in the frame and coaxial with the first hole, and the retaining pin engaging the first and second holes; the third direction is orthogonal to the first and second directions;

[0022] The buckle fitting includes at least one retaining shoulder and at least one elastic deformable element. The retaining shoulder is on one of the support element and the frame. The elastic deformable element snaps into the retaining shoulder and forms a part of the other of the support element and the frame, which is made of a polymer material or an elastic material. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To better understand the invention, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the fixing assembly according to the present invention;

[0025] Figures 3a and 3b are... Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front view of the support element of the fixed component;

[0026] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the fixed components;

[0027] - Figure 5 It is shown at an enlarged scale. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view showing the details of the frame of the fixed components; and

[0028] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown in enlarged proportions and cross-sections based on the corresponding cross-sectional plane. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view showing the details of the fixed components. Detailed Implementation

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a device for attaching electrical / electronic accessories 60 (in... Figure 2 (See image) A mounting assembly that is fixed to a component (not shown) of the vehicle, particularly a mounting assembly that is fixed to the dashboard of the vehicle's passenger compartment. Such an accessory 60 may be, for example, a display and / or a control panel.

[0030] The fixing component 1 includes a support element 2 and a frame 3. The support element 2 is adapted to be fixed to the dashboard or to form part of the dashboard itself. The frame 3 supports the accessory 60 in a fixed relative position and is fixed to the support element 2 by a fixing device 4.

[0031] First, the relative design positions between the support element 2 and the frame 3 can be defined, wherein specific positional tolerances defined in the design phase are observed.

[0032] Specifically, the fixing component 1 can be placed in an assembly configuration where, taking into account two mutually orthogonal directions X and Y, the support element 2 and the frame 3 are in fixed relative positions, but not stably locked together. The fixing component 1 can be brought into a "fastening" configuration where the support element 2 and the frame 3 are in relative design positions and stably locked together by a blocking device 9, particularly a screw-type blocking device 9.

[0033] Support element 2 includes a first surface 2a ( Figure 1and 3b), which faces rearward during use, i.e., towards the dashboard; and the second side 2b ( Figure 2 And 3a), which is opposite to the first face 2a along the direction Y as described above and faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or the annex 60 in use.

[0034] Frame 3 includes a third surface 3a that faces at least partially along the Y direction toward the second surface 2b. Figure 1 ) and the fourth surface 3b, which is opposite to the third surface 3a along the same direction Y. Figure 2 ), and therefore the fourth side 3b, in use, faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or faces the annex 60.

[0035] In detail, the support element 2 includes a main part 40, which is specifically defined by a plate having a generally rectangular outer perimeter and is surrounded by an annular protrusion 41 that extends cantileveredly from the outer perimeter toward the frame 3 in a direction parallel to Y.

[0036] More specifically, the protrusion 41 includes an upper portion 42 and a lower portion 43, which are spaced apart from each other along a direction Z orthogonal to the Y direction and preferably parallel to the aforementioned direction X. The protrusion 41 also includes two side portions 44 and 45, which join the side ends of the upper portion 42 and the side ends of the lower portion 43 and are spaced apart along the X direction.

[0037] In the specific embodiment shown, the support element 2 is symmetrical about a mid-plane parallel to directions Z and Y.

[0038] Preferably, the support element 2 further has a through hole 46 formed parallel to the Y direction at the main portion 40. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the through hole 46 is positioned such that it can be used as a passage for cables from the inside of the dashboard to the frame 3, and then to the accessory 60.

[0039] If support element 2 is to be fixed to the dashboard and therefore not part of it, as in the example shown, support element 2 includes multiple fixing attachments 47 for fixing to the dashboard, for example by screws (not shown). Specifically, fixing attachments 47 are arranged on sides 44 and 45 (…). Figure 1 It protrudes laterally outward relative to the latter. Obviously, a fixing system other than attachment 47 can be envisioned.

[0040] The frame 3 includes an attachment portion 50 and a receiving portion 61 defined by a third surface 3a and a fourth surface 3b, respectively. The attachment portion 50 is fixedly connected to the support element 2 and the attachment 60. The receiving portion 61, on the other hand, terminates at the fourth surface 3b with an edge 62 arranged around the attachment 60. Specifically, the receiving portion 61 has an annular, generally rectangular shape to surround and receive the attachment 60. Figure 2 ).

[0041] In the solution shown, parts 50 and 61 define different bodies and are fixed to each other in a manner not shown. According to a variation not shown, parts 50 and 61 constitute a single body component as a single piece. According to another variation not shown, part 61 is absent, such that attachment 60 is cantilevered relative to frame 3.

[0042] The attachment portion 50 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a central region and an outer annular region 51, the outer annular region 51 surrounding the central region. Figure 1 It includes an upper portion 52 and a lower portion 53 spaced apart along the Z direction, and two side portions 54 and 55 spaced apart along the X direction and connecting the side ends of the upper portion 52 to the side ends of the lower portion 53.

[0043] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, portion 61 protrudes outward (along directions X and Z) and forward (i.e., in the direction Y opposite to the support element 2, toward the passenger compartment) relative to the outer annular region 51.

[0044] The annular protrusion 41 of the support element 2 surrounds the outer annular region 51; in other words, the annular protrusion 41 defines a cavity that engages with the attachment portion 50 and has a main portion 40 as the bottom wall.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the dimensions of portion 61 are such that it extends outward relative to protrusion 41 beyond upper portion 42 (along the Z direction) and sides 44, 45 (along the X direction). On the other hand, the dimensions of lower portion 43 of annular protrusion 41 are such that it extends in the Z direction beyond the lower edge of portion 61.

[0046] Advantageously, the fixing device 4 includes at least one opening 6 formed in the support element 2, and at least one pin 7 coaxial with the opening 6 and projecting from the frame 3 along an axis A parallel to the direction Z (or, the opening 6 may be formed in the frame 3 and the pin 7 may project from the support element 2).

[0047] Pin 7 engages opening 6 to allow frame 3 to rotate relative to support element 2 about an ideal hinge axis parallel to direction X during the installation step, during which pin 7 is axially inserted into opening 6. In other words, during installation, the connection between pin 7 and opening 6 defines a hinge about this axis. Due to this rotation, frame 3 may be moved closer to support element 2 in direction Y to engage attachment portion 50 in the cavity defined by annular protrusion 41. For example, to achieve this rotation function, the edges of pin 7 and / or opening 6 have a certain elastic deformation or radial clearance in direction Y.

[0048] In the specific embodiment shown, the fixing device 4 includes two openings 6 spaced apart along the X direction, and two pins 7 that respectively engage the two openings 6. Figure 4 ).

[0049] Preferably, the opening 6 is a cylindrical through hole. Preferably, the opening 6 is formed at the lower part 43 of the protrusion 41. Figure 2 (Figures 3a and 3b); at the same time, pin 7 protrudes downward relative to the lower part 53 ( Figure 1 ).

[0050] Each pin 7 specifically includes a core fixed relative to the attachment portion 50 and a coating made of a polymeric or elastic material. Specifically, the coating is defined by a cover mounted on the core.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, pin 7 protrudes from the head or flange 7a. Specifically, during installation, due to the weight of the frame 3, the head or flange 7a is placed axially against the surface of the lower portion 43, which faces the center of the support element 2. Conversely, when the component unit 1 is in a fastened configuration, the flange 7a is spaced apart from this surface by the lower portion 43 in the Z direction.

[0052] The fixing device 4 also includes a snap-fit ​​fitting 8 for holding the frame 3 and preventing it from moving away from the support element 2 in the direction Y at the end of the aforementioned rotation.

[0053] Special Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The snap-fit ​​accessory 8 includes a retaining shoulder 12 arranged transversely to the Y direction and on the support element 2, and one or more elastically deformable elements 14 arranged on the frame 3 and snap-fitted to the retaining shoulder 12. Alternatively, the retaining shoulder 12 may be arranged on the frame 3, while the elastically deformable elements 14 may be arranged on the support element 2.

[0054] In detail, the elastic deformable element 14 forms a single piece with the attachment portion 50 and / or the receiving portion 61, so as to form a monolith made of polymeric or elastic material together with said portion. In other words, the elastic deformable element 14 is not defined by a spring or metal element mounted on a part made of plastic material, but by a plastic or rubber portion integrated or co-molded on the frame 3. Otherwise, in cases where the elastic deformable element 14 is not arranged on the support element 2, these elements would form a part of a monolith made of polymeric or elastic material together with a portion of the support element 2.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the shoulder 12 is positioned at the first surface 2a, which in the case shown defines the rear portion 40, while each elastically deformable element 14 extends cantileveredly from the third surface 3a parallel to the direction Y.

[0056] Furthermore, one or more openings 15 are formed in the support element 2, passing through the direction Y. In particular, elastically deformable elements 14 pass through the openings 15 such that they protrude beyond the first surface 2a.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 2 has two openings 15, which are spaced apart from each other parallel to the direction X. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the snap-fit ​​accessory 8 includes two pairs of resilient deformable elements 14. Specifically, each pair of resilient deformable elements 14 passes through its respective opening 15.

[0058] Specifically, two openings 15 are formed at the main portion 40, near the upper portion 42. More specifically, the openings 15 are formed above the opening 46 with respect to direction Z and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the midplane of the support element 2.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 15 is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0060] In detail, each opening 15 is defined above by a straight edge 16 extending parallel to the direction X. Specifically, the retaining shoulder 12 is defined by a region of the first surface 2a that extends from the edge 16 toward the upper part 42.

[0061] Each elastic deformable element 14 includes an elastic flexible arm 20 parallel to the direction Y and a tooth 21 protruding from the arm 20 transversely to the direction Y. Figure 5 ).

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the tooth 21 is arranged outside the opening 15 and located on the retaining shoulder 12 to prevent the frame 3 from moving away from the support element 2 in the direction Y.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown and described above, two arms 20 are provided on each side of the support element 2. They are spaced apart from each other along the X direction and protrude parallel to the Y direction starting from a block 20a, which preferably has two grooves 20b on its own upper surface aligned with corresponding teeth 21. The block 20a and its two arms 20 form a fork, which defines a seat between the two arms 20.

[0064] Specifically, the two blocks 20a protrude sequentially from the edge of the receiving portion 61, parallel to the direction Y.

[0065] More specifically, each groove 20b has a tooth 21 along the direction X from the surface 3a toward the corresponding tooth 21. Figure 5 The amplitude gradually decreases, so that when viewed along the Z direction, it has a roughly trapezoidal shape.

[0066] Furthermore, the thickness of block 20a and arm 20 decreases along the Z direction and moves away from surface 3a along the Y direction. In particular, arm 20 has a flat shape of the flange type or sheet type, which is orthogonal to the Z direction.

[0067] Specifically, during installation, by rotating the frame 3 about the X direction toward the support element 2 while inserting the pin 7, the free ends of the arms 20 and their teeth 21 rest against the edge 16 and slide in a direction substantially parallel to the Y direction, deforming and / or bending in the opposite direction to the edge 16. To facilitate this deformation / bending, the teeth 21 and / or the free ends of the arms 20 are defined by inclined lead-in surfaces to have a wedge shape and function, thereby causing the edge 16 to tend to apply a pressure action toward the center of the frame 3 when at rest and sliding.

[0068] This deformation allows each tooth 21 to cross the edge 16 and the associated opening 15 until it snaps into place, i.e., it elastically returns to the undeformed position, resulting in engagement with the retaining shoulder 12.

[0069] Special Reference Figure 1 Each blocking device 9 includes a first hole 10 obtained in the support element 2 along an axis B parallel to the direction Z, a second hole 11 formed in the frame 3 and coaxial with the first hole 10, and a screw or pin 13 engaging with the first hole 10 and the second hole 11.

[0070] During installation, after the elastic deformable element 14 has snapped into the retaining shoulder 12, the blocking device 9 blocks the frame 3 against the support element 2 in the fixed position. Therefore, after the screws 13 have been inserted into the first hole 10 and the second hole 11, the fixing assembly 1 changes from an assembled configuration to a fastened configuration.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the two blocking devices 9 are spaced apart from each other along the X direction so as to be arranged in a position adjacent to the corresponding elastically deformable element 14 on each side of the component 1.

[0072] In detail, for each side of component 1, two elastically deformable elements 14 are arranged along direction X in positions opposite to the diameter of the corresponding blocking device 9. Specifically, each blocking device 9 extends along the corresponding axis B through a seat between arms 20.

[0073] Considering the direction Z, the two blocking devices 9 and the snap-fit ​​fitting 8 are preferably arranged on the side opposite to the positions of the setting pin 7 and the opening 6. In particular, a first hole 10 is obtained near the upper part of the protrusion 41, and a second hole 11 is obtained near the upper part 52.

[0074] Preferably, a first hole 10 is obtained through the upper part 42 and in two protrusions 71, which extend cantileveredly from the upper part 42 parallel to the Z direction at the opening 15. Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0075] Specifically, a second hole 11 is formed in a corresponding protrusion 70, which forms part of the attachment portion 50 and extends cantileveredly from the third surface 3a in the direction Y. Figure 5 Specifically, these protrusions 70 protrude from the upper part 52 parallel to the Y direction and are arranged below the elastic deformable element 14 along the Z direction.

[0076] More specifically, each protrusion 71 has a semi-cylindrical shape and is only wrapped with its respective screw 13 at the rear. In detail, each protrusion 71 is positioned to rest against the corresponding block 20a in the Y direction and against the corresponding protrusion 70 in the Z direction. Figure 4 ).

[0077] Specifically, after tightening screw 13, arm 20 is tightened parallel to direction Z between the upper part 42 of support element 2 and the attachment portion 50 of frame 3. Figure 7 ).

[0078] As described above, the opening 6 and the pin 7 are spaced apart along the Z direction by the snap fastener 8 and the blocking device 9.

[0079] The support element 2 further includes at least one support ridge 17 that protrudes relative to the second surface 2b, while the frame 3 includes at least one support ridge 18 that protrudes relative to the third surface 3a and abuts against the ridge 17 in the direction Y. In the illustrated embodiment, two support ridges 17 are spaced apart from each other in the direction X, and two corresponding support ridges 18 are provided, which are aligned with the ridge 17 in a direction parallel to the direction Y.

[0080] Basically, the movement of frame 3 along the Y direction is stopped in one direction by tooth 21 and in the opposite direction by the support between ridges 17 and 18.

[0081] Furthermore, a slot 32 is formed in portion 40, and the frame 3 includes a centering pin 33 that protrudes from the attachment portion 50 in the Y direction and engages the slot 32 with a gap in the Z direction, and substantially without gap in the X direction. Alternatively, the slot 32 may be obtained in the frame 3, and the centering pin 33 may be part of the support element 2.

[0082] Specifically, the slot 32 passes through along the Y direction. More specifically, the slot 32 is located at the midpoint between the two openings 15 (Figures 3a and 3b). In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 32 is centrally located at the symmetrical midplane of the support element 2.

[0083] The fixing component 1 also includes a plurality of protrusions 80, which help define the relative positioning of the support element 2 and the frame 3 in the Y direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3A ).

[0084] In detail, the protrusion 80 forms part of the support element 2, protrudes from the second surface 2b in the direction Y, and rests against the frame 3 on one side of the third surface 3a in the direction Y. Alternatively, the protrusion 80 may form part of the frame 3 and may rest against the support element 2.

[0085] The protrusion 80 can be made of damping material.

[0086] Alternatively, the fixing component 1 may include a single continuous protrusion 80 that forms part of the support element 2, protrudes from the second surface 2b, and rests against the frame 3 on one side of the third surface 3a in the direction Y.

[0087] Furthermore, the support element 2 includes one or more protrusions 31 that project parallel to the Y direction to conceal the gap in the Y direction between the support element 2 and the frame 3 due to the protrusion 80. Therefore, due to the protrusions 31, the interior portions of the second surface 2b and / or the third surface 3a are not visible to the occupants of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0088] Alternatively, the protrusion 31 may form part of the frame 3.

[0089] Specifically, the protrusion 31 is defined by ribs that are parallel to the direction Z and protrude from the side portions 44 and 45 respectively.

[0090] The installation of the fixing component 1 is described below, starting from the state where the frame 3 is separated from the support element 2, which is fixed relative to the dashboard (forming part of the dashboard itself, or fixed to the dashboard by fixing attachment 47 and corresponding screws (not shown)).

[0091] Specifically, the first side 2a is arranged facing the inside of the dashboard, while the second side 2b faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0092] First, the pin 7 moves downwards and engages in the opening 6. Specifically, the head 7a is positioned to abut against the lower part 43 of the support element 2.

[0093] During the engagement of pin 7 in opening 6, the engagement defines a hinge about an axis parallel to direction X, thereby causing frame 3 to rotate relative to support element 2 and move frame 3 closer to support element 2.

[0094] During this rotation, the elastic deformable element 14 engages with the opening 15, and the centering pin 33 engages with the slot 32, wherein the gap along the z direction does not impede the rotation and approach trajectory of the frame 3, but the edge of the slot 32 along the x direction holds the frame 3 in a stable position.

[0095] At the end of the rotational stroke, each tooth 21 contacts the edge 16 of the associated opening 15. The rotation is further forced toward the support element 2 by the thrust on the frame 3, and the reaction force exerted on the end of the arm 20 by the edge 16 causes its elastic deformation toward the lower part 43. This allows each tooth 21 to pass completely through and protrude beyond the associated opening 15 to engage with the retaining shoulder 12.

[0096] At the end of the rotation stroke, slot 32 performs a retaining action on pin 33.

[0097] In particular, the rotation of frame 3 ends when ridges 17 and 18 are adjacent to each other.

[0098] At this point, displacement of the frame 3 in the Y direction is prevented by the engagement of the upper snap-fit ​​fitting 8 and the lower pin 7 in the opening 6. Any connection tolerances in the Y direction are compensated for on the lower side by the elasticity of a softer coating provided on the pin 7.

[0099] After the tooth 21 has been engaged, the fixing component 1 is in the assembly configuration.

[0100] Specifically, as described above, the frame 3 is blocked along the Y direction by the teeth 21 of the elastically deformable element 14 and the support between ridges 17 and 18, which defines the end of the stroke during the near-rotation of the frame 3. Figure 4 The connection of pin 7 in opening 6 also defines a reference along the Y direction.

[0101] The reference along axis X is essentially given by the connection of pin 33 in slot 32.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, due to the protrusion 31, the interior portions of the second side 2b and / or the third side 3a are not visible to the occupants of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0103] To secure the fixing assembly 1, screws 13 are screwed into holes 10 and 11. Specifically, by screwing in screws 13, the frame 3 is raised relative to the support element 2 in the Z direction. Thus, the frame 3 reaches its designed position by creating a gap in the Z direction between the surfaces of the head 7a and the lower part 43 facing the center of the support element 2. This gap is on the order of a few millimeters.

[0104] Therefore, regarding the reference along axis Z, due to the tightening force of the screws 13 in the corresponding axis B engagement holes 10 and 11, the frame 3 is essentially arranged in a fixed design position. Figure 7 ).

[0105] Furthermore, after the fastening screw 13, the arm 20 is clamped in the direction Z between the upper part 42 of the support element 2 and the attachment portion 50 of the frame 3. Figure 7 ).

[0106] By ensuring precise positioning and relatively tight tolerances, centering and retaining properties prevent stress and deformation generated during the tightening operation of screw 13 from altering this positioning in the X and Y directions.

[0107] From an examination of the characteristics of the fixing component 1 according to the invention, the advantages it allows for are obvious.

[0108] First, because the snap-fit ​​accessory 8 prevents the frame 3 from moving away in the Y direction and the blocking device 9 subsequently blocks the position of the frame 3 relative to the support element 2, the assembly 1 can be easily assembled and comply with design tolerances.

[0109] In fact, at the end of the rotation of frame 3, once the teeth 21 engage with the retaining shoulder 12, the relative positioning between frame 3 and support element 2 is defined in a precise manner parallel to directions X and Y, and conforms to design tolerances. Subsequent tightening of screw 13 serves to hold both parts in a fixed position without altering their relative position between them along directions X and Y.

[0110] After tightening screw 13, the relative positioning of the frame 3 and the support element 2 in the Z direction is achieved precisely and quickly.

[0111] The presence of the snap-fit ​​fitting 8 makes the installation of the frame 3 particularly efficient, simplifying the assembly process and limiting the risk of any operator inaccuracies. Specifically, all the resilient deformable elements 14 are simultaneously engaged before tightening the screws 13, eliminating the need for additional retaining elements. Furthermore, thanks to the snap-fit ​​fitting 8, there is no need for metal resilient elements or additional springs, as the arm 20 itself is flexible and integral with the attachment portion 50 and / or the receiving portion 61 (or part of the support element 2).

[0112] Finally, it is clear from the above that modifications and variations can be made to the described and shown fixing component 1, and these modifications and variations do not exceed the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0113] For example, the shape of each part may differ from that illustrated, but it is always applicable to giving the above-mentioned reference, positioning, and holding functions, and always makes the elastic deformable element an element of polymer material or elastic material integral with the rest of component 1.

Claims

1. A fastening assembly (1) for securing an accessory (60) to a vehicle component; said assembly (1) comprising: - Support element (2), which is adapted to be fixed to the component or form part of the component; The support element (2) includes a first surface (2a) and a second surface (2b) opposite to the first surface (2a) along a first direction (Y); - A frame (3) adapted to support the attachment (60) in a relatively fixed position and having a third side (3a) that is at least partially facing the second side (2b) and a fourth side (3b) that is opposite to the third side (3a) along the first direction (Y). - Fixing device (4), which connects the frame (3) to the support element (2) in a fixed position; The fixed equipment (4) is characterized in that it comprises: - At least one opening (6) and at least one protruding pin (7), the opening (6) being formed in one of the support element (2) and the frame (3), the protruding pin (7) being part of the other of the support element (2) and the frame (3); during the installation step, the protruding pin (7) engages the opening (6), thereby enabling the frame (3) to rotate relative to the support element (2) about a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction (Y), the protruding pin (7) being inserted into the opening (6) during the installation step; - A snap-fit ​​device (8) for preventing the frame (3) from shifting from the support element (2) along the first direction (Y) at the end of the aforementioned rotation; and - A blocking device (9) for blocking the frame (3) relative to the support element (2); the blocking device (9) includes: at least one first hole (10), at least one second hole (11), and at least one retaining pin (13), the at least one first hole (10) being formed in the support element (2) along an axis (B) parallel to a third direction (Z), the at least one second hole (11) being formed in the frame (3) and coaxial with the first hole (10), and the at least one retaining pin (13) engaging with the first and second holes (10, 11); the third direction (Z) being orthogonal to the first and second directions (Y, X); The snap-fit ​​device (8) includes at least one retaining shoulder (12) and at least one elastic deformable element (14), the retaining shoulder (12) being on one of the support element (2) and the frame (3), and the elastic deformable element (14) snapping into the retaining shoulder (12) and forming part of the other of the support element (2) and the frame (3) made of polymer or elastic material.

2. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic deformable element (14) forms part of the frame (3).

3. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining shoulder (12) is positioned on the first surface (2a).

4. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic deformable element (14) includes an arm (20) that extends cantileveredly relative to the third surface (3a) along the first direction (Y).

5. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support element (2) includes a through hole (15); the elastically deformable element (14) engages the through hole (15) to protrude beyond the first surface (2a); the through hole (15) has an edge (16) from which the retaining shoulder (12) extends.

6. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​device (8) includes two elastically deformable elements (14) that are diametrically opposite each other about the second hole (11) along the second direction (X).

7. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blocking device (9) includes two first holes (10) and two second holes (11), the two first holes (10) being spaced apart from each other along the second direction (X), and the two second holes (11) being coaxial with the first holes (10); and wherein the snap-fit ​​device (8) includes two pairs of the elastic deformable elements (14); each pair of elastic deformable elements (14) is diametrically opposite each other along the second direction (X) with respect to the corresponding second hole (11).

8. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support element (2) includes a first support device (17) located on the second surface (2b), and the frame (3) includes a second support device (18) located on the third surface (3a) and abutting against the first support device (17) along the first direction (Y).

9. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic deformable element (14) includes an arm (20) parallel to the first direction (Y) and a tooth (21) protruding from the arm (20) transverse to the first direction (Y).

10. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding pin (7) includes a core and a coating of polymer or elastic material disposed on the core.

11. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing device (4) includes two openings (6) spaced apart from each other along the second direction (X) and two protruding pins (7) respectively engaging with the two openings (6).

12. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening (6) and the protruding pin (7) are spaced apart from the snap-fit ​​device (8) and the blocking device (9) along the third direction (Z).

13. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the support element (2) and the frame (3) includes at least one protrusion (31) that extends in a cantilevered manner parallel to the first direction (Y) to engage a corresponding seat (32) formed in the other of the support element (2) and the frame (3).

14. The fastening assembly for securing the accessory (60) to a vehicle component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The protrusion is defined by a centering pin (33), which engages the seat (32) with a gap along the third direction (Z).

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