Support for center console of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bracket for a center console of a vehicle, comprising a first fixing region (11) for fixing to a vehicle body (13) and a second fixing region (12) for fixing to a center console (14), the first fixing region (11) and the second fixing region (12) being connected by at least one arm (17a, 17b) extending in the Z direction. The arm (17a, 17b) is characterized in that it comprises a primary region (18) having a first central axis (m1) and at least one secondary region (19) having a second central axis (m2), the first central axis and the second central axis forming at least one inflection point (22) relative to each other, the inflection point enabling deformation of the primary region (18) relative to the secondary region (19) and thus enabling relative movement of the first fixing region (11) relative to the second fixing region (12) in the Z direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bracket for a central control console in a vehicle. In the context of this invention, the vehicle is, for example, a land vehicle, an air vehicle, or a water vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Such a bracket is known from its well-known prior use. The console is made of at least one plastic component, which is secured to the vehicle body by means of a rigid, plastic bracket. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances, tolerance compensation elements are used. Especially when components, such as the center console, are long, significant tolerances can sometimes occur, making the use of such compensation elements necessary.

[0003] A center console component for a vehicle is known from DE10257123A1, in which the bracket is made of plastic instead of steel. This allows for flexible shaping of the bracket and inexpensive manufacturing. However, this solution does not achieve improvements in the tolerances to be followed.

[0004] DE102013004632A1 describes a retaining element for a center console of a motor vehicle, wherein a tolerance compensation device is formed by a support element that is pivotable about a pivot axis extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle at two support points of a profile flange, can contact the center console, and can be fixed in the resulting pivot position. The fixing measure is formed, for example, by a fixing screw passing through an elongated hole extending in the pivot direction of the support element.

[0005] DE102010001447A1 describes a center console having a fixed dome with elastically movable tabs arranged at its base. The purpose is to enable controlled movement of the center console relative to the vehicle floor in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the tabs ensure tolerance compensation during the installation of the center console. For example, the tabs can be held on bellows or zigzag arms configured to be elastically movable. In this way, tolerance compensation in the X and Z directions can be achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bracket for a central console that can be manufactured with minimal material consumption and can be adapted to the tolerance range of the central console.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a support having the features of the present invention.

[0008] A bracket is provided to hold the center console of a vehicle. It includes a first fixing area for direct or indirect attachment to the vehicle body and a second fixing area for attachment to the center console. The first and second fixing areas are connected by at least one arm extending between them. For example, two or more arms may be provided.

[0009] Each arm includes a primary region having a first central axis and at least one secondary region having a second central axis, wherein each central axis constitutes at least one inflection point that enables the primary region to elastically deform relative to the secondary region and thus enables the first fixed region to move relative to the second fixed region in the Z direction.

[0010] The advantage of the bracket according to the invention is that it can be manufactured with relatively little cost and allows for tolerance compensation for the central console without additional measures.

[0011] For example, the first and second central axes form an angle between 90° and 120°. In this case, a large portion of the force introduced into the secondary region acts as a torque on the primary region and causes elastic deformation.

[0012] For example, the first fixed region forms a substantially rigid, i.e., immovable connection with at least one major region of the arm. Furthermore, the connection between the second fixed region and a secondary region of the arm is, for example, substantially rigid.

[0013] At least the arms of the support are formed from sheet metal, particularly steel plates. Because the arms or the entire support are made of sheet metal, the arms have good elastic deformability.

[0014] Steel plates, for example, are sheets made of spring steel. In this case, the steel plate has particularly good elastic deformability.

[0015] The first and second fixed areas are connected to each other, for example, by at least two arms. When multiple arms are used, the structural difference between one arm and another may lie in the fact that the arm can perform specific movements under special force conditions—such as in the event of a vehicle collision—causing the center console to perform limited movements. This can reduce the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Furthermore, with at least two arms, greater forces can be transmitted between the second and first fixed areas.

[0016] For example, each arm has at least two inflection points. The arms can be configured such that a desired force introduction occurs in a secondary region of the arm. Furthermore, the arms can be configured such that the force transmission from the primary region to the first fixed region is adapted to requirements. For this purpose, the arm may have two or more inflection points.

[0017] At least one fixed area is provided, for example, with at least one fixing tab, wherein the fixed area can be fixed in a first plane and the fixing tab can be fixed in at least one second plane. For example, the first plane and the second plane form an angle. The fixing tab allows for flexible additional fixing to the structure of the vehicle body and / or the center console.

[0018] For example, the support can be constructed as a single piece. For instance, the support can be formed from a single piece of metal. Therefore, the support can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0019] The support can be constructed as a single stamped and bent component.

[0020] At least one fixed area is provided with ribs and / or bends extending in the y-direction for reinforcement, for example, in the y-direction. This reduces deformation of the fixed area.

[0021] At least one fixed region, such as the region relative to the arm, is provided with at least one rib and / or at least one bend for reinforcement, extending from the fixed region to the region of the arm. This prevents relative movement between the fixed region and the region of the arm.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example in the following description of the accompanying drawings and also with reference to the schematic diagrams. For clarity, the same or similar parts, elements, or areas are indicated by the same reference numerals, some with lowercase letters added.

[0023] Features described, illustrated, or disclosed only with respect to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0024] All disclosed features are essential to this invention. Therefore, in this disclosure, the disclosures of cited documents and the described prior art devices are fully included in the content, in order to incorporate one or more features of the subject matter disclosed therein into this application. These modified embodiments are also included in this invention, even if they are not shown in the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] In the attached diagram:

[0026] Figure 1 This shows a perspective view of the bracket taken from a slightly lower angle.

[0027] Figure 2 Another perspective view of the bracket, taken from a slightly lower angle, is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A front view of the bracket according to the invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 4a Showing according to Figure 3 The view of arrow A in the view,

[0030] Figure 4b Showing according to Figure 4a The view shows the area of ​​the vehicle body and the center console.

[0031] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 3 The view indicated by arrow B in the view.

[0032] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 3 The view indicated by arrow C in the view.

[0033] Figure 7 Show along Figure 5 The sectional view of section line DD in the middle.

[0034] Figure 8 Show along Figure 5 The section view of section line EE in the middle, and

[0035] Figure 9 Show along Figure 5 The sectional view of section line FF in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The support structure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the attached diagram.

[0037] In this example, the bracket 10 is designed as a one-piece stamped and bent part, and according to Figure 1 and 2 It includes a first fixing region 11 and a second fixing region 12. Using the first fixing region 11, the bracket 10 can be fixed to the vehicle body 13. The second fixing region 12 is configured for fixing... Figure 1 On the central control console 14 (not shown).

[0038] In this embodiment, the fixing regions 11 and 12 are formed by a linear profile sheet extending in the y-direction. However, alternatively, they can also be constructed differently. For example, if the mating surfaces of the vehicle body and / or center console to which the fixing regions 11 and 12 are fixed have a special structure, then the fixing regions 11 and 12 can be adapted accordingly.

[0039] Fixing regions 11 and 12 have openings 16 and 16'' that allow screws to pass through and thus allow screws to be secured. In this embodiment, the first fixing region 11 and the second fixing region 12 are configured to be substantially parallel to the direction of extension along the y-direction. Therefore, the first fixing region 11 can be fixed in a first plane E1 and the second fixing region 12 can be fixed in a second plane E2, which is spaced apart from plane E1 about the z-direction.

[0040] Arms 17a and 17b extend along the Z-direction between fixed regions 11 and 12. Each arm 17a and 17b includes a primary region 18 with a longitudinal centerline m1 and a secondary region 19 with a longitudinal centerline m2. The primary region 18 is disposed with respect to the fixed region 11, while the secondary region 19 is disposed with respect to the fixed region 12. Regions 18 and 19 form an angle γ. Due to the angle γ, when a load F is applied to the fixed region 12, elastic deformation occurs between the centerline m1 of region 18 and the centerline m2 of region 19, and these two centerlines intersect at an inflection point 22.

[0041] For example, the angle γ is between 90° and 120°. Utilizing this angular range, when a load F is applied to the primary region, a large moment is generated in the secondary region 19, which causes its elastic deformation. Regions 18 of arms 17a and 17b are interconnected in the y-direction via a fixed region 11, and regions 19 of arms 17a and 17b are interconnected via a fixed region 12.

[0042] Fixed region 11 and the main region 18 connected thereto are rigid relative to each other. Similarly, fixed region 12 is relatively rigid relative to the secondary region 19 connected thereto, i.e., it is immovable. For reinforcement, (stiffening) ribs 21 are constructed. Figure 3 As can be seen, the rib 21 extends from the fixed region 11 into the main region 18. Furthermore, the rib 21 extends from the fixed region 12 into the secondary region 19. In this way, rigidity is supported between the first fixed region 11 and the main region 18, and between the second fixed region 12 and the secondary region 19.

[0043] Furthermore, the edge regions 28 of the fixed regions 11 and 12 and the edge regions 29 of the arms 17a and 17b are provided with bends 30. Elastic deformation occurs between regions 18 and 19 of the arms 17a and 17b. Region 22 of the arms 17a and 17b thus functions as a hypothetical hinge, ensuring the relative mobility of the fixed regions 11 and 12 in the Z direction.

[0044] In the current configuration, the fixing region 11 has protrusions 15a and 15b. These protrusions allow for fixing to surfaces E3 and E4 (see...). Figure 3On the wall of the vehicle body 13, planes E3 and E4 are arranged perpendicular to planes E1 and E2. For fixation to the vehicle body 13, protrusions 15a and 15b have openings 16 and 16'. In this embodiment, protrusions 15a and 15b are provided for rigid connection to the vehicle body, but may be omitted according to alternative embodiments.

[0045] exist Figure 4a The image shows a side view of the bracket 10. Figure 4b The fixation of surface 24 of fixing region 11 to mating surface 26 of body 13 and surface 25 of fixing region 12 to mating surface 27 of center console 14 are shown. Screw fixation 31 is indicated only by dashed lines. A socket 20 is provided for fixation to the center console 14; the function of this socket is not important to the present invention. Figure 4b The angle γ between regions 18 and 19 can be clearly seen in the image.

[0046] exist Figure 5 and 6 As can be seen, the rib 21 extends in the y-direction over the fixed region 12 and into the secondary region 19 of the arms 17a and 17b, resulting in reinforcement of the support 10 in the y-direction. The fixed region 11 is also provided with the rib 21 extending in the y-direction. A groove 23 can be seen between the arms 17a and 17b.

[0047] According to Figure 7 In the view, the bend 30 can be seen, which results in the reinforcement of fixed areas 11 and 12 as well as areas 18 and 19, wherein the area of ​​the inflection point 22 is left empty to allow for the possibility of elastic deformation, and there is neither rib 21 nor bend 30.

[0048] In summary, the support 10 has high rigidity about the x and y directions and elastic deformability about the z direction.

Claims

1. A bracket (10) for a center console (14) of a vehicle, comprising a first fixing region (11) for fixing to a vehicle body (13) and a second fixing region (12) for fixing to the center console (14), wherein The first (11) and the second (12) fixing region are connected by at least one arm (17a, 17b) extending in the Z direction, characterized in that the arm (17a, 17b) comprises a primary region (18) having a first central axis (m1) and at least one secondary region (19) having a second central axis (m2), the first and the second central axis forming at least one inflection point (22) with respect to each other, the at least one inflection point enabling a deformation of the primary region (18) with respect to the secondary region (19) and thus enabling a relative movement of the first fixing region (11) with respect to the second fixing region (12) in the Z direction, the bracket being configured in one piece.

2. The stent of claim 1, wherein At the inflection point (22), the primary region (18) forms an angle of between 90° and 120° with the secondary region (19).

3. The stent of claim 1, wherein The first fixing region (11) is configured substantially rigid with respect to the primary region (18) and the second fixing region (12) is configured substantially rigid with respect to the secondary region (19).

4. The stent of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least the arm (17a, 17b) is formed from a steel sheet.

5. The stent defined in Claim 4, wherein, The steel sheet is formed from a sheet material consisting of spring steel.

6. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, The first (11) and the second (12) fixing region are connected to each other by at least two arms (17a, 17b).

7. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, Each arm (17a, 17b) has at least two inflection points (22).

8. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, At least one fixing region (11) is provided with at least one fixing tab (15a, 15b), the fixing region (11) being able to be fixed in a first plane (E1) and the fixing tab (15a, 15b) being able to be fixed in at least one second plane (E3, E4).

9. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, At least one fixing region (11, 12) is reinforced with respect to the y direction by a rib (21) and / or by a bend (30).

10. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, At least one fixing region (11, 12) is reinforced with respect to the region (19) of the at least one arm (17a, 17b) by a rib (21) and / or by a bend (30).

Images