Support device and device component with support device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle equipment component having a bearing device comprising at least one support having a first fastening region for fastening to a vehicle body and a second fastening region for fastening to the equipment component, wherein at least one first web and one second web are connected to the first fastening region and the second fastening region, the first web and the second web forming an angle to each other in the bent position in such a way that the second fastening region can be away from and close to the first fastening region with respect to the basic shape of the stent. In particular, the support device comprises at least a first bracket and a second bracket arranged at opposite end regions of the equipment component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates first to a support device.

[0002] This support device includes a first fastener for fixing to the vehicle floor and a second fastener for fixing to equipment components. Background Technology

[0003] A bracket for a vehicle center console is known from DE 20 2021 105 776 U1. The bracket includes a mounting area for fixing to the vehicle body and a mounting area for fixing to the center console. These mounting areas are interconnected by arms spaced apart from each other. Each arm has two areas that form a bend relative to each other.

[0004] DE 10 2010 001 449 A1 describes a center console for a vehicle. The center console includes a fixed boss designed to secure the center console to the floor of the motor vehicle by means of a fastener. The fixed boss has a recess designed to receive the fastener and is resiliently movable relative to the center console in at least the x and z directions of the motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a support device that provides greater safety in the event of a collision, especially a lateral impact collision.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a support device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The support device includes at least one bracket. The bracket has a first fixing region for fixing to the vehicle body and a second fixing region for fixing to equipment components. In the context of this invention, components connected to the vehicle body are also considered to be part of the vehicle body. At least one deformable section is connected to the first and second fixing regions. The deformable region can be configured such that, in terms of the basic shape of the bracket, the second fixing region can be located away from or close to the first fixing region.

[0008] The first and / or second fixed areas can be fixed directly or indirectly to the vehicle body or equipment components, for example. The first and / or second fixed areas are indirectly fixed, for example, by means of a support member capable of translational or rotational movement. For example, the movement of the support member can be locked. In this way, the bracket can also be used, for example, on a movable control panel. Here, the degree of freedom of the support member refers to directions independent of the deformation direction of the bracket.

[0009] For example, the support device includes at least a first bracket and a second bracket arranged at opposite end regions of the equipment component. If the brackets are arranged at opposite end regions of the equipment component, under the action of a force parallel to the direction of the connecting line between the two brackets, the fixing regions of the first bracket can move away from each other, while the fixing regions of the second bracket can move closer to each other. The arrangement of the brackets on the equipment component allows tilting about all three spatial axes to be damped. Additionally or alternatively, at least one bracket capable of damping movement along each of the six spatial directions can be provided.

[0010] Utilizing these characteristics, when subjected to impact forces, depending on the positioning of the support, equipment components can translate in a certain direction and / or tilt relative to a spatial axis, with the support damping the movement of the equipment components. The deformation of the support can be elastic or plastic. The advantage of good elastic deformability is that the support can return to its basic shape.

[0011] For example, the stent can be structurally designed to deform only under a limited force exceeding a threshold (e.g., about 500 N). Thus, the stent has high stability during normal use, but deforms under high forces in impact scenarios.

[0012] The device components according to the invention have particular advantages: they do not detach from the vehicle body and experience less deformation upon impact. This helps to maintain the function of locking or latching elements (such as the cover lock of the center console). Consequently, the risk of injury to vehicle occupants is reduced because items inside the vehicle are not flung around, and the console or its components do not detach from their anchors. The risk of damage to the console is also reduced.

[0013] Because the vehicle console deforms less, brittle materials can be used, such as foamed thermoplastics, for example, according to "Mucell". ® "Process (MuCell)" ® It is a foamed thermoplastic material, or recycled material or other lightweight structural material, made by Trexel, Inc. (registered trademark of Trexel, Inc., Wilmington, Massachusetts, 01887, USA). By damping the energy of a vehicle impact through a support structure, the burden and requirements on the material's deformation characteristics are reduced.

[0014] The small size and light weight allow the bracket to be installed on equipment components of different sizes without requiring substantial structural modifications to the bracket.

[0015] The deformable section may have a tortuous or C-shaped shape, for example. Thus, in the event of relative movement between the first and second fixed regions, the deformable section can deform. The deformation of the deformable section can allow the first and second fixed regions to move away from or towards each other. For example, in a lateral impact, the fixed regions of the first support may move away from each other, and the fixed regions of the second support may move towards each other.

[0016] For example, the bracket includes a first support surface and a second support surface arranged opposite to each other. The bracket can be arranged in a support of an equipment component such that the first support surface of the mounting structure for the bracket is designed to transmit force so as to mate with the first support surface; and the second support surface is designed to mate with the second support surface. When a load is applied to one of the oppositely arranged support surfaces, the bracket can transmit the force to the vehicle body. For this purpose, the bracket can, for example, have a C-shaped region surrounding the support surface.

[0017] For example, at least one support is arranged such that translational movement in opposite directions is permitted. That is, the translational movement of the equipment components relative to opposite directions can be damped by means of the support.

[0018] The deformable region can deform, for example, along a direction that is perpendicular to at least one of the planes formed by the first fixed region and the second fixed region.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the at least two supports are arranged to allow the device component to rotate about an axis. In other words, the first and second supports allow the device component to rotate with damping or to tilt, wherein in the first support position, the second fixed area of ​​the support is away from the first fixed area, and in the second support position, the second fixed area is close to the first fixed area.

[0020] The first and second fixing regions of the support are formed relatively rigidly, for example. There is no deformation or only minimal deformation in these regions.

[0021] The deformable areas or the entire support frame are made of metal, especially steel plates, or have areas made of steel plates. These features ensure simple manufacturability through common production steps. The production cost of this product is relatively low.

[0022] For example, the steel plates of the support are made of spring steel. As a result, the support has a high elastic deformation capacity, which allows it to return to its basic shape after deformation.

[0023] For example, the support is made of a single metal strip. In this case, it can be manufactured, for example, simply by a single stamping and bending process. The metal strip has a width of, for example, less than 30 mm, and (regardless of the width) a thickness of, for example, less than 2 mm. The length of the metal strip may vary depending on the design of the deformation zone. The stretched length is, for example, between 80 mm and 180 mm, for example between 100 mm and 140 mm, and especially about 120 mm.

[0024] For example, the support is designed to be narrower in the middle region at the location adjacent to the first and second fixed regions. Thus, the stress occurring at this location can be absorbed by the material.

[0025] The deformable region includes, for example, at least one tab, wherein the fixed region is connected to the tab at spaced-apart end regions. The tab allows the support to have good deformability because it can be oriented at an angle or parallel to the fixed region. In the undeformed position of the support, the tab is designed to be, for example, parallel to the fixed region. Thus, the support occupies less space in this position.

[0026] The fixing section of the connector in the second fixing region is arranged laterally offset relative to the fixing section of the connector in the opposite first fixing region in a side view, such that the connector, together with the fixing region, forms a tortuous structure. These features contribute to greater deformability of the support.

[0027] For example, the deformable region forms at least two curved regions. In this case, the deformable region can move relative to two fixed regions (i.e., relative to a first fixed region and a second fixed region).

[0028] For example, at least one fixed area is provided with a fastener. For example, at least one fixed area is provided with at least one retaining tongue. The retaining tongue allows for simple assembly, for example, by means of a locking mechanism. The retaining tongue can be designed so that it can be arranged in a support of an equipment component and / or a vehicle body. The retaining tongue has, for example, a fastener, such as a hole, an elongated hole, or a locking mechanism.

[0029] The retaining tongue is equipped with a locking mechanism, such as a locking spring. These devices ensure simple assembly. Furthermore, the locking spring can, for example, prevent noise caused by play in the bracket.

[0030] For example, the first fixing tongue can achieve fixation in a first plane, and the second fixing tongue can achieve fixation in at least one second plane spaced apart from the first plane. In this case, the bracket has sufficient room for movement to allow the fixing areas to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0031] At least one fixed area has, for example, a tolerance compensation element. For example, the fixed area has at least one elongated hole that enables screwing or riveting and can compensate for dimensional deviations in at least one direction, such as dimensional deviations relative to two spatial directions perpendicular to each other.

[0032] The support device is supported, for example, on a base that is fixed relative to the vehicle body or movable relative to the vehicle body. For example, at least one track can be fixed to a movable support member on the vehicle body, in which at least one traveling element is movably guided. Thus, at least one traveling element can, for example, form a base on which the support is fixed. For example, the traveling element can be locked relative to the track.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device component comprising a support device according to a first aspect of the invention. The support device includes at least a first support at a first support position of the device component and a second support at a second support position of the device component. These supports are arranged at mutually spaced-apart regions of the device component. These spaced-apart regions are, for example, opposite end regions of the device component.

[0034] According to one implementation, the device components consist of a control console. For example, the control console is positioned between the two front seats in the interior space of a vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0035] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are also illustrated by way of example with reference to schematic diagrams. Here, for clarity, the same or similar parts, elements, or areas are referred to by the same reference numerals, and in some cases, lowercase letters are added.

[0036] Within the scope of this invention, features described, shown, or disclosed only with respect to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments (even those not shown in the drawings) are encompassed within this invention.

[0037] All disclosed features are essential to this invention. The disclosures of cited documents and described prior art devices are also fully incorporated into this application, and for the purpose of incorporating individual or additional features of the disclosed objects into one or more claims of this application. Such modified embodiments (even if not shown in the drawings) are also included in this invention.

[0038] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 Showing from Figure 1 A front view of the vehicle's interior space in the event of a lateral impact on the left side, where force F acts on the side of the vehicle. Figure 2A perspective view of a device component in the form of a central console is shown, wherein the upper structure of the central console, such as a storage compartment, is not shown; Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 A top view of the central control console; Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A partial illustration of the cross-section of the cutting line IV in the diagram; Figure 5 Showing a side view of the central console; Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the central control console along section VI-VI; Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 A portion of the cutting line VII in the diagram; Figure 8 A perspective view of the support as a separate component is shown; Figure 9a A side view of the bracket as a separate component is shown; Figure 9b Showing according to Figure 9a A side view of the bracket, showing the bracket in a deformed state; Figure 10 The bracket is shown according to Figure 9a The top view of the arrow X in the image; Figure 11 A top view of metal strips used as an intermediate product for manufacturing support devices is shown. Figure 12 Showing device components according to Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the observation arrow XII shows the force F generated by the lateral impact acting on the vehicle body. Figure 13 Showing according to Figure 3 A schematic top view of the equipment components, showing a force F acting on the vehicle body due to a lateral impact; and Figure 14 Showing according to Figure 5 A schematic side view of a device component, showing a tilt about the y-axis. Detailed Implementation

[0039] exist Figure 1The image shows the vehicle interior space 30 during a lateral impact. Between the two front seats 11a and 11b, an equipment component 10 in the form of a center console is arranged. On the front seat 11a, an occupant 12 is shown who is thrown in a direction y2 by the lateral impact and exerts a force on the equipment component 10 in this direction y2. The equipment component 10 is also tilted in the direction y2 from a target posture within the vehicle interior space 30.

[0040] In existing center consoles, in many cases, the center console deforms severely upon lateral impact, which can lead to: the cover opening unexpectedly and items stored in the center console's storage compartments being thrown out and injuring occupants. Furthermore, impacts often cause the center console to detach from its anchors or be damaged.

[0041] Therefore, current testing standards stipulate that, under limited lateral impact conditions, the deformation of the center console should not be severe enough to cause the locking or securing components to detach, nor should it cause the entire console or components thereof, or the contents of any storage compartments formed therein, to be thrown into the vehicle's interior space. This would occur if the deformation of the console is severe enough to cause, for example, the locking components of the center console cover to open. The securing components of the center console must also not detach from the vehicle body.

[0042] The following describes an embodiment of the device component 10 of the present invention, which is in the form of a central control console.

[0043] according to Figure 2 The device component 10 has a front end region 13, a rear end region 14, and side regions 15 and 16. Storage compartments and other functional components of the device component 10 are not shown. The front end region 13 has a connector 17 for connecting the area of ​​the instrument panel 22 or the vehicle interior space 30 to the instrument panel.

[0044] according to Figure 3 The top view of the device component 10 shown indicates that the connecting member 17 is located at support positions 31a and 31b. Furthermore, according to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The equipment component 10 has connectors 18 at four support positions 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d for connecting the equipment component 10 to the vehicle floor 19. Connectors 17 and 18 are part of a support device 20, which secures the equipment component 10 to the vehicle body.

[0045] Connectors 17 and 18 have brackets 21, which, depending on the mounting method, allow damped movement of the device component 10 in different directions when a threshold force of approximately 500 N is exceeded. When the bracket 21... Figure 8 , Figure 9a and Figure 10When moving within the basic shape shown, the support 21 deforms. Connector 17 allows the central console 10 to move along directions x1 and x2, and to rotate or tilt about the Z-axis along directions u1 and u2. Connector 18 allows movement along directions z1 and z2, and rotation or tilt about the X-axis along directions u1 and u2.

[0046] exist Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of part IV in the figure. This illustration shows the orientation of the bracket 21 at support position 31b. The bracket 21 is shown in its basic shape, i.e., in an undeformed state. The connection with the instrument panel 22 is not shown.

[0047] from Figure 4 As can be seen, bracket 21 has a generally tortuous shape. Bracket 21 includes a first fixing region 23 connected to device component 10 and a second fixing region 24 connected to instrument panel 22, wherein the instrument panel is not... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. A deformable region 25 is formed between fixed regions 23 and 24 in bracket 21. Bracket 21 is mounted at support positions 31a and 31b in an orientation such that the fixed region 23 of bracket 21 is spaced apart from the fixed region 24 about directions x1 and x2 and is movable along directions x1 and x2. For the mobility along directions x1 and x2, bracket 21 of connector 17 can also be in a position rotated 90° relative to the X-axis.

[0048] Deformation area 25 allows fixed area 23 to be fixed from Figure 4 The undeformed basic posture shown moves relative to the fixed region 24 along directions x1 and x2. This also applies to the support 21 at support position 31a.

[0049] Therefore, when subjected to a large force, device component 10 can move relative to the vehicle body or dashboard 22 along directions x1 and x2. When bracket 21 deforms (where fixed region 23 moves relative to fixed region 24 along one of directions x1 or x2), tab 26 is in an angled position relative to fixed regions 23 and 24. An angled position means that tab 26 forms an acute angle relative to one of fixed regions 23 or 24.

[0050] exist Figure 4 The basic posture shown is that the splice 26 is in a posture that is roughly parallel to the fixed areas 23 and 24.

[0051] Figure 5 A side view of device component 10 is shown. It shows connector 17 for connection to dashboard 22 and connector 18 for connection to vehicle floor 19, which is part of the vehicle body.

[0052] exist Figure 6The image shows a cross-sectional view of device component 10. (See image below.) Figure 6 As can be seen, the connecting member 17 and the connecting member 18 of the support device 20 include a bracket 21, wherein the bracket 21 of the connecting member 17 and the connecting member 18 are oriented differently.

[0053] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bracket 21 is installed at support positions 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d such that the fixing area 23 is connected to the equipment component 10 and the fixing area 24 is connected to the vehicle floor 19. With the aid of the bracket 21 at support positions 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d, the equipment component 10 can translate along directions z1 and z2 and tilt about the X-axis, as described in detail below.

[0054] According to Figure 7 As can be seen in the enlarged partial view, the fixing regions 23 and 24 of the bracket 21 are spaced apart from each other about directions z1 and z2. Therefore, the installation of the connector 18 differs from that of the connector 17 shown, in that the fixing regions 23 and 24 are movable relative to each other and parallel to the z-axis. The bracket 21 has two opposing support surfaces 40 and 41, designed to transmit forces to mate with two opposite bearing surfaces 38 and 39 of the support 32 for the bracket 21. In this example, the support 32 is formed by a protrusion of the device component 10.

[0055] Therefore, the fixed area 24 of the bracket 21 can deform relative to the fixed area 23 in directions z1 and z2. Thus, due to the deformability of the bracket 21 in directions z1 and z2, the equipment component 10 can also move relative to the vehicle floor 19, which is indirectly connected to the vehicle body.

[0056] exist Figures 8 to 10 In this example, bracket 21 is shown as a single component. In this example, bracket 21 is designed as a single sheet metal piece. Alternatively, multi-piece manufacturing of bracket 21 is also considered. The fixing region 23 has a hole 33 and tongues 34a and 34b extending from the plane of the fixing region 23. Through the hole 33, bracket 21 can be screwed into one of support 28 or 32, wherein alternatively, a locking connection can be achieved by means of the tongues 34a and 34b.

[0057] The locking mechanism allows for simple assembly. Furthermore, tongues 34a and 34b act as clearance compensation elements, thus preventing the bracket 21 from making a clicking sound due to clearance. As a supplement to or alternative to the locking mechanism, the bracket 21 can be screwed onto, for example, the vehicle body or equipment component 10 by means of the elongated hole 35 in the fixing area 24. Since large equipment components (e.g., vehicle consoles) have considerable dimensional tolerances, the elongated hole 35 is used to compensate for these tolerances.

[0058] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9a As can be seen, a deformable region 25 is arranged between fixed regions 23 and 24. This deformable region includes bending regions 36 and 37, and a connecting piece 26 arranged between the bending regions 36 and 37. Deformation can be performed in the following manner (see...). Figure 9b That is, the contact piece 26 can move relative to the fixed region 23 in direction p1 or p2; and / or the contact piece 26 can move relative to the fixed region 24 in direction q1 or q2. In general, the bracket 21 can therefore move along directions s1 and s2 (see...). Figure 9b )from Figure 9a The basic shape shown is moved.

[0059] exist Figure 11 In the diagram, the support in a stretched state, serving as an intermediate product, is represented by 21'. The intermediate product does not yet contain any bending. In this example, the length l is approximately 118 mm, the width b is approximately 25 mm, and the thickness d is approximately 1.5 mm.

[0060] Therefore, when it occurs according to Figure 12 When subjected to a lateral impact with a resultant force F along direction y2, it is possible, through the four support positions 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d, that, for example, the fixed regions 23 and 24 of the bracket 21 are far apart from each other at support positions 29a and 29c, and close together at support positions 29b and 29d. In this way, the equipment component 10 can tilt about the X-axis in the deformation region of the bracket 21 at support positions 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d. Under the action of a force along direction y1, the bracket 21 will extend at support positions 29a and 29c and shorten at support positions 29b and 29d. According to alternative embodiments, for other equipment components, only two brackets 21 may be required, for example, at support positions 29a and 29b.

[0061] Because the deformation of the bracket 21 at the corresponding support position dissipates energy, it dampens the movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the equipment component 10 from detaching from the vehicle body and to avoid undesirable deformation, which in this example could, for example, cause the cover of the console's storage box to open or cause the anchor to break.

[0062] exist Figure 13 The diagram schematically illustrates that, under the action of a force F along the direction y2, due to the presence of the bracket 21 of the connecting member 17 at support positions 31a and 31b, the equipment component 10 may also rotate about the Z-axis as a supplement or alternative to other movements. Here, for example, the bracket 21 at support position 31a shortens along the direction s1, while the bracket 21 at support position 31b extends along the direction s2.

[0063] according to Figure 14 Furthermore, tilting of device component 10 about the y-axis can also occur. For example, support 21 is stretched at support positions 29a and 29b (according to...). Figure 9b (s1 in the middle), and shortened at support positions 29c and 29d (see ...). Figure 9b (s2 in the text). Conversely, the support 21 can also be shortened at support positions 29a and 29b, and stretched at support positions 29c and 29d.

[0064] The aforementioned tilting movements of the equipment components can occur in combination.

[0065] As shown above, the device component 10 with the support 21 can perform both damped translational and rotational movements. During the deformation of the support 21, according to Figure 8 As shown in Figure 9, the tab 26, which has a parallel orientation relative to the fixed regions 23 and 24, is moved to an angled orientation, wherein the curved regions 36 and 37 and optionally the tab 26 can be deformed.

Claims

1. A support device (20) comprising at least one bracket (21) having a first fixing region (23) for fixing to a vehicle body and a second fixing region (24) for fixing to a device component (10), wherein The deformation region (25) is connected to the first (23) and second (24) fixed regions such that, in terms of the basic shape of the bracket (21), the second fixed region (24) can be moved away from and towards the first fixed region (23).

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein The bracket (21) has a meandering or C-shaped shape.

3. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The bracket (21) comprises two opposing support faces (40, 41) which are designed to transmit forces in order to cooperate with two opposing bearing faces (38, 39) of a holder (32) for the bracket (21).

4. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one bracket (21) is arranged such that translational movement of the device component in the direction (x1, x2, z1, z2) is permitted.

5. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deformation region (25) can be deformed in a direction at right angles to at least one of the planes formed by the first (23) and second (24) fixed regions.

6. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least two brackets (21) are arranged such that rotation of the device component about an axis (z, x, y) is permitted.

7. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one part of the deformation region (25) or the entire bracket (21) is composed of metal, in particular sheet steel.

8. The support device (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that The sheet steel of the bracket (21) is composed of spring steel.

9. The support device (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that The bracket (21) is composed of a one-piece sheet metal strip.

10. The support device (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that The bracket (21) is designed to be narrower in terms of the bending region (36) at the point at which it adjoins the first (23) and second (24) fixed regions.

11. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deformation region (25) comprises at least one tab (26) and the tab (26) is connected to the first (23) and second (24) fixed regions.

12. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deformation region (25) comprises at least two bending regions (36, 37).

13. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one fixed region (11) is provided with at least one fixing tab (15a, 15b).

14. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first fixed region (23) is arranged in a first plane (E1) and the second fixed region (24) is arranged in a second plane (E2) which is spaced apart from the first plane (E1).

15. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one fixed region (23, 24) is provided with a fixing.

16. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one fixed region (23, 24) is provided with a tolerance compensation.

17. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bracket (21) is supported on a base which is fixed relative to the vehicle body or which is movable relative to the vehicle body.

18. Support device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device component (10) forms a central console.

19. A device component (10) comprising at least one bearing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The support device (20) comprises at least a first bracket (21) in a first support position (29a, 29c, 31a) and a second bracket (21) in a second support position (29b, 29d, 31b), which are arranged at mutually spaced-apart regions of the device component (10).

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