Fastening element for attaching an attachment in the interior of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Arrangement comprising at least: - a fastening element (1) with at least one linear guide (5), an opening (8), an inlet area, at least one locking lug (10), and with an attachment part bearing (19) for the movable mounting of an attachment part (2), - a receptacle (6) comprising a latching region (11), a linear guide (16) corresponding to the at least one linear guide (5) of the fastening element (1), an outlet region corresponding to the inlet region of the fastening element (1), a contact spring (17) and - a fixing element (9), wherein the fastening element (1) can be guided along a linear mounting direction (7) of the at least one linear guide (5) in the corresponding linear guides (16) of the receptacle (6), wherein translational and rotational degrees of freedom can be blocked with the at least one linear guide (5) by seating the inlet area of ​​the fastening element (1) in the outlet area of ​​the receptacle (6), wherein the fastening element (1) can be fixed in the receptacle (6) in the linear assembly direction (7) against the contact spring (17) by engaging the at least one locking lug (10) in the engagement region (11) and the at least one locking lug (10) can be blocked by the fixing element (9) in the opening (8) of the fastening element (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element which is particularly suitable for fastening an attachment part in the interior of a vehicle.

[0002] Such an add-on part could be, for example, a sun visor, an interior mirror, or a similar component. The interior of a vehicle is typically lined with trim components, which are usually made of plastic materials and may also have a special visible surface, such as synthetic leather or a similar material. Add-on parts are typically attached to such interior trim components.

[0003] There are various requirements for the attachment of add-on components in the interior of a vehicle. Installation should be simple. Replacing the interior component—for example, in the event of a defect—should be possible without any problems. At the same time, the add-on component should be secured and cannot be accidentally removed by a user. Furthermore, there are often not only purely technical but also visual / design requirements for the attachment of add-on components. Depending on the technical design of the add-on component, there are different options for the visual design of the add-on component or for the design of the add-on component's visible design (for vehicle occupants).

[0004] DE 10 2018 213 966 A1, DE 10 2007 030 613 A1, DE 10 2011 085 188 A1 as well as US 6,095,734 A and US 5 746 599 A disclose various multi-part fastening systems.

[0005] Based on this, a particularly advantageous fastening element for add-on parts is described. Also described are a corresponding receptacle, a device for fastening add-on parts comprising the fastening element and the receptacle, and add-on parts provided with the fastening element, particularly for the interior of a vehicle.

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the patent claims. The description shows further preferred embodiments, which are explained in the description, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0007] The invention relates to a fastening element, in particular for fastening an add-on part in the interior of a vehicle, comprising at least one linear guide with which the fastening element is guided in a linear assembly direction when inserted into a provided receptacle, and comprising an opening for inserting a fixing element and at least one locking lug which is designed to interact with at least one locking region of the receptacle in such a way that the fastening element is fixed in the receptacle in a linear assembly direction, wherein the fixing element inserted into the opening blocks the at least one locking lug in the at least one locking region.

[0008] Vehicles here are in particular motor vehicles and particularly preferably passenger cars. The add-on part can be any add-on part in the interior of a motor vehicle, in particular sun visors, interior mirrors and so on. The interior of the vehicle here is in particular the area of ​​the vehicle in which the vehicle's occupants are seated. This interior is usually provided with interior paneling. It is preferred that the described fastening element is fastened to such interior paneling. It is also possible for the receptacle to be arranged on a body component which (viewed from the interior) is located beneath an interior paneling. In this case, the interior paneling preferably has an opening in the area of ​​the receptacle through which the receptacle is accessible.Particularly preferably, the part of the interior trim on or under which the receptacle for the fastening element is located is a so-called cowl above the windshield of the motor vehicle.

[0009] The fastening element is preferably a component suitable for establishing a detachable connection with a receptacle in the interior of the vehicle. The fastening element can preferably be understood as a subcomponent of the interior component (mirror, sun visor, etc.) that enables the interior component to be mounted on the receptacle in the vehicle.

[0010] The linear assembly direction is defined by the at least one linear guide. During assembly, the fastening element is guided by the linear guide along the linear assembly direction. Preferably, the at least one linear guide is designed such that tilting and / or jamming of the attachment in the linear guide is completely or at least partially excluded. The at least one linear guide eliminates or cancels out rotational degrees of freedom of the fastening element relative to the receptacle provided for it. At the same time, translational degrees of freedom of the fastening element relative to the receptacle provided for it are also eliminated or canceled out by the at least one linear guide, namely in a plane that lies orthogonal to the linear assembly direction.The fastening element is only movable in the holder in the linear mounting direction as soon as at least one linear guide is engaged with corresponding linear guides.

[0011] However, the fully assembled fastening element should also be fixed in the holder in this linear installation direction. For this purpose, it has at least one locking lug that engages in a locking area on the holder as soon as the fastening element is inserted into the holder as far as intended in the linear installation direction. The fixing element is provided to ensure that the locking lugs are securely held in the locking area. The fixing element can be inserted into an opening in the fastening element. The fixing element, the locking lugs, and the fastening element are designed such that the fixing element blocks the locking lugs in the locking area and prevents them from accidentally being released from the locking area.

[0012] Preferably, the locking lugs and the designated engagement areas of the holder are designed so that the fastening element sits in the holder under a (slight) preload. Preferably, the holder has contact springs against which the fastening element must be pressed so that the locking lugs engage in the engagement area. The contact springs deform slightly before the locking lugs engage in the engagement area. This deformation of the contact springs creates the preload that enables the component bearing to be securely held.

[0013] The fastening element is preferably a plastic part. However, it can also be made of any other possible material.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one linear guide has an inlet region and a guide region which are arranged one behind the other along the linear mounting direction, wherein the inlet region is designed in such a way that insertion of the fastening element into the receptacle is simplified.

[0015] Preferably, the receptacle has a corresponding guide area and a run-out area.

[0016] When inserting the fastener into the holder, the inlet area facilitates insertion because the inlet area initially engages with the linear guide area of ​​the holder, where it sits without a fit, making it easier to insert. As the fastener is then inserted further into the holder along the installation direction, the guide areas interlock, and the actual linear guide is activated.

[0017] Preferably, there is an outlet region on the receptacle which corresponds to the inlet region on the fastening element and in which the inlet region of the fastening element is seated when the fastening element is (fully) inserted into the receptacle along the linear mounting direction.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the fastening element has at least two linear guides, wherein the opening for the fixing element is arranged in a central area between the linear guides.

[0019] The central area is defined such that it lies on an imaginary connecting line between the linear guides in a plane orthogonal to the linear assembly direction. Directly adjacent to the opening for the fixing element are the locking lugs, which can be locked with the fixing element in the engagement area on the holder. The position of the opening, the fixing element, and the locking lugs in the central area ensures that forces acting on the locking lugs in directions other than the assembly direction are avoided, or that such forces are transferred as completely as possible to the linear guides.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the at least one locking lug blocks the opening for inserting the fixing element if the at least one locking lug is not engaged in the engagement area of ​​the receptacle.

[0021] Preferably, there is an escape space for the locking lugs below the opening on the fastening element, into which the locking lugs or at least sections of the locking lugs opposite the engagement area have escaped, while the locking lugs have not (yet) engaged in the engagement area. This ensures that the fixing element cannot be inserted while the locking lugs have not engaged in the engagement area. The fixing element therefore preferably has a dual function. On the one hand, the fixing element ensures that the locking lugs remain in the engagement area after assembly. On the other hand, the fixing element or the insertion of the fixing element also (implicitly) checks whether the locking lugs have engaged correctly in the engagement area. The fixing element therefore also forms a type of loss protection for the fastening element or for the attachment with the fastening element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one locking lug has at least one return point which is accessible through the opening and with which the locking lugs can be pushed back from the engagement area in order to enable the fastening element to be removed from the receptacle.

[0023] The return points can preferably be designed as a type of bracket, which can be pushed or pulled with a rod-shaped tool (e.g., a screwdriver or similar tool) so that the locking lugs are released from the engagement area. The fixing element is preferably designed to interact with the return points. The fixing element can have sections that engage in a return point designed as a bracket and enclose or encompass it in the plane orthogonal to the linear assembly direction. This allows for particularly secure fixation of the locking lugs.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fastening element has at least two locking lugs which are arranged opposite one another around the opening, wherein the opening forms a common escape space for the locking lugs which is blocked when the fixing element is inserted.

[0025] Preferably, the directions of possible deflection movements of the locking lugs into the deflection space are exactly opposite to each other. The locking element pushes the locking lugs apart and into the engaging areas of the receptacle located on both sides / sides of the deflection space.

[0026] The fixing element inserted into the opening or escape space is preferably not subjected to any forces that would force it back out of the opening or escape space (in a linear direction). Jamming of the fixing element in the escape space or opening preferably occurs via frictional engagement. Therefore, it is possible to lever the fixing element out of the opening using a simple tool such as a screwdriver. For this purpose, a lever point is preferably provided on the fixing element and / or the fastening point as a starting point, allowing the fixing element to be levered out of the opening without damaging any visible surfaces of the fastening element and / or the fixing element.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one linear guide is a dovetail. A dovetail is easy to manufacture and enables effective elimination of degrees of freedom of movement of the fastening element and the receptacle relative to each other, enabling movement along the linear mounting direction while simultaneously eliminating other degrees of freedom of movement of the fastening element and the receptacle relative to each other, or effectively preventing tilting and / or jamming of the fastening element relative to the receptacle.

[0028] It is also preferred if the fastening element has at least two linear guides, wherein an attachment part bearing is arranged in a central region between the linear guides, to which an attachment part can be fastened in a movably mounted manner.

[0029] The attachment part bearing can, for example, be a movable bearing in which the attachment part is movably mounted, but which cannot be removed non-destructively using tools, or can only be removed with great effort. An example of such a bearing is a joint (in particular a ball joint or a ball-like joint) with which the attachment part can move when installed. Such a joint can, for example, be designed to enable a user / operator of the vehicle to move an attachment part designed as a sun visor or mirror into a desired position. The attachment part bearing is preferably arranged in the central area between the linear guides described above, because forces occur at the attachment part bearing which can then be dissipated particularly well to the holder via the linear guides.Particularly preferably, the attachment bearing is positioned such that a pivot point of the attachment bearing, around which a user can move the attachment, is located at the height of the linear guides in the linear assembly direction. This means that the linear guides extend on both sides of a plane of the pivot point in the linear assembly direction, which is oriented orthogonally to the assembly direction. This also improves the force transmission from the attachment bearing to the linear guides and reduces the leverage forces acting on the linear guides during movement of the attachment.

[0030] Also to be described here is a receptacle for a described fastening element, comprising linear guides corresponding to the fastening element for guiding the fastening element in the linear mounting direction, as well as at least one latching area for interacting with latching lugs of the fastening element.

[0031] It is preferred if the receptacle has at least one contact spring against which the fastening element is clamped when the at least one locking lug is engaged in the engagement area.

[0032] The special advantages and design features described in connection with the fastening element are transferable to the holder.

[0033] Furthermore, a device for fastening an add-on part in the interior of a vehicle is to be described here, comprising a described receptacle and a described fastening element as well as a fixing element for insertion into an opening of the fastening element and for blocking the at least one locking lug in the locking area.

[0034] This describes an overall system consisting of the described fastening element and the corresponding described receptacle, as well as the fixing element for securing the fastening element (especially the locking lugs). The receptacle is usually firmly connected to the interior component. The fastening element is firmly connected to other components of the add-on part.

[0035] Therefore, an add-on part for the interior of a vehicle with a described fastening element will also be presented here.

[0036] The invention and its technical background are explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show preferred embodiments, to which the invention is not limited. They show: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a described fastening element from below; Fig. 2: a side view of a described fastening element in a motor vehicle; Fig. 3: a view from below of a described fastening element in a receptacle; Fig. 4: a cross-section through a described fastening element in a receptacle; Fig. 5: a bottom view of a described fastener during insertion into the receptacle; Fig. 6: a cross-section through a described fastening element during insertion into the receptacle; and Fig. 7: another cross-section through a described fastening element in a holder.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows the described fastening element 1 in a view obliquely from below in a three-dimensional representation. The view from below here refers in particular to a view of the rear side of the fastening element 1, which is not visible, for example, to a passenger in a motor vehicle when the fastening element is inserted into a receptacle provided for it (not shown here). In this view, however, the elements of the fastening element 1 that bring about the mechanical fastening effect of the fastening element 1 can be seen. It can be seen that the fastening element 1 has a total of four linear guides 5, which are designed in a dovetail shape here. These linear guides 5 are designed to interact with corresponding counterparts of the receptacle (not shown here).Also visible are two locking lugs 10 of the fastening element 1, the functioning of which is explained in more detail below with reference to the other figures.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the described fastening element 1 together with the associated receptacle 6. For explanatory purposes, a vehicle 4 with an interior 3 is also shown here, in which the occupants of the vehicle 4 can be seated. This interior 3 also has an interior surface 21, which can be formed, for example, with plastic paneling. The fastening element 1 described here serves the purpose of fastening devices 18 in this interior 3 or on this vehicle 4 and in particular on this interior surface 21 in a manner that is, on the one hand, permanent and stable, but, on the other hand, also detachable, for example if damage to the device requires replacement or there is a similar reason for disassembly.

[0039] On the interior surface 21, a receptacle 6 for the fastening element 1 is formed, which is explained in more detail below and into which the fastening element 1 can be inserted with a linear mounting direction 7. Also visible here are the linear guides 5 on the fastening element 1, which were already explained above and serve to guide the fastening element 1 in the linear mounting direction 7 when inserted into the receptacle 6. Fig. 2 shows a situation in which the fastening element 1 is not fully inserted into the receptacle 6. The fastening element 1 has a surface 20 that forms a visible surface that a user can see from the interior 3 of the vehicle and that, in preferred embodiments, is visually adapted to the further interior surface 21 and may even be flush with this interior surface 21.

[0040] The device 18, which is equipped with the fastening element 1 to be fastened in the vehicle 4, is, for example, an attachment part 2 such as a sun visor or an interior mirror.

[0041] The Fig. 3 and the Fig. 4 each show the fastening element 1 in a situation in which it is inserted into the described receptacle 6. Fig. 3 a view from below and Fig. 4 a cross-section as shown with the designation AA in Fig. 3 is also defined. Both figures are explained together. They can be seen in Fig. 3 how the linear guides 5 of the fastening element 1 interact with corresponding linear guides 16 of the holder 6, which thus form corresponding counterparts of the holder 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 also show contact springs 17, which are formed on an underside of the receptacle 6 and which form a stop for the underside of the fastening element 1, against which the underside of the fastening element 1 rests when the fastening element 1 is fully inserted into the receptacle 6. The contact springs 17 thus define a linear position of the fastening element 1 in the receptacle 6 in the linear assembly direction 7.

[0042] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, locking lugs 10 are also shown on the fastening element 1, which interact with engagement areas 11 on the receptacle 6. If the fastening element 1 is inserted into the receptacle 6 in such a way that the underside of the fastening element 1 rests against the contact springs 17, the locking lugs 10 also engage in the engagement area 11, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is also shown. The locking lugs 10 also have return points 13, which are designed here as a type of bracket and are accessible via an opening 8 to remove the locking lugs 10 from the engagement area 11. The return points 13 can be used, for example, with a tool (not shown here) to bend the locking lugs 10 back. The fastening element 1 can then be removed from the receptacle 6 along the linear assembly direction 7.

[0043] In Fig. 4 shows that a fixing element 9 is additionally inserted into the opening 8, which serves the purpose of closing the opening 8 and simultaneously fixing the locking lugs 10 in the engaged position in the engagement area 11. The fixing element 9 preferably flushes with the surface 20 of the fastening element 1 and thus partially forms this surface 20.

[0044] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 also shows an attachment part bearing 19 on the fastening element 1, to which the attachment part (not shown here) is fastened or, if necessary, also movably mounted, as occurs, for example, in a conventional sun visor or in a conventional interior mirror in a vehicle.

[0045] The attachment bearing 19 is located in a central area 12 of the fastening element 1, around which the linear guides 5 are arranged. This design ensures that the holding forces occurring at the attachment bearing 19 for mechanically holding the attachment to the fastening element 1 can be very effectively transferred to the holder 6 via the linear guides 5.

[0046] The Fig. 5 and the Fig. 6 each show the fastening element 1 in a situation in which it is not yet fully inserted into the described receptacle 6, but is already engaged with the receptacle 6. Fig. 5 a view from below and Fig. 6 a cross-section as marked AA in the Fig. 5 is also defined. Both figures are explained together, whereby the figures show corresponding views to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 in a different installation situation. Therefore, the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 4 and differences to the representation in these figures are explained.

[0047] Based on Fig. Figure 6 explains, by way of example, the design of the linear guide 5 with the guide area 22 and the inlet area 23, as well as the corresponding design of the receptacle 6 with the guide area 22 and the outlet area 24. The tapered inlet area 23 makes it easier to insert the linear guide 5 or the fastening element 1 into the receptacle 6. The guide areas 22 of the fastening element 1 and the receptacle 6 engage with one another when the fastening element 1 is fully inserted into the receptacle 6. Optionally, outlet areas 24 can also be arranged on the receptacle 6, against which the inlet area 23 rests when the fastening element 1 is (fully) inserted into the receptacle 6.

[0048] In contrast to Fig. 3 and Fig. Show 4 Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, that the locking lugs 10 could not yet engage in the engagement area 11 because the underside of the fastening element 1 does not yet rest against the contact springs 17. In particular in Fig. 5 it can be seen that the fixing element 9 has not (yet) been inserted into the opening 8 and thus the locking lugs 10 are not (yet) fixed in the engaged position in the engagement area 11. In this situation, inserting the fixing element 9 into the opening 8 is not possible at all. A common escape space 14 is accessible through the opening 8, in which the inserted fixing element 9 would be located. Due to the fact that the locking lugs 10 have not yet been engaged in the engagement area 11, they still block the common escape space 14 for the fixing element 9. Because the fixing element 9 cannot be inserted through the opening 8 into the escape space 14, a fitter who mounts the fastening element 1 on the holder 6 can also see that the fastening element 1 has not yet been inserted correctly.

[0049] Finally, Fig.7 shows a cross-section through the fastening element 1 in the receptacle 6 in a plane parallel to the surface. This plane clearly shows how the linear guides 5 on the fastening element 1 interact with corresponding linear guides 16 of the receptacle 6 to effectively transfer forces occurring at the attachment part bearing 19 in the central area 12 to the receptacle 6. A return point 13 on a locking lug 10 is also visible here. List of reference symbols 1 fastening element 2 attachment part 3 Interior 4 vehicle 5 Linear guide 6 Recording 7 linear mounting direction 8 Opening 9 Fixing element 10 locking lug 11 Snap-in area 12 central area 13 return points 14 shared escape room 15 Leverage point 16 corresponding linear guides 17 contact spring 18 Device 19 attachment parts warehouse 20 Surface 21 Interior surface 22 Inlet area 23 Management area 24 Run-off area

Claims

[1] Arrangement comprising at least: - a fastening element (1) with at least one linear guide (5), an opening (8), an inlet area, at least one locking lug (10), and with an attachment part bearing (19) for the movable mounting of an attachment part (2), - a receptacle (6) comprising a latching region (11), a linear guide (16) corresponding to the at least one linear guide (5) of the fastening element (1), an outlet region corresponding to the inlet region of the fastening element (1), a contact spring (17) and - a fixing element (9), wherein the fastening element (1) can be guided along a linear mounting direction (7) of the at least one linear guide (5) in the corresponding linear guides (16) of the receptacle (6), wherein translational and rotational degrees of freedom can be blocked with the at least one linear guide (5) by seating the inlet area of ​​the fastening element (1) in the outlet area of ​​the receptacle (6), wherein the fastening element (1) can be fixed in the receptacle (6) in the linear assembly direction (7) against the contact spring (17) by engaging the at least one locking lug (10) in the engagement region (11) and the at least one locking lug (10) can be blocked by the fixing element (9) in the opening (8) of the fastening element (1). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one linear guide (5) of the fastening element (1) has an inlet region and a guide region which are arranged one behind the other along the linear mounting direction (7), wherein the inlet region is designed such that insertion of the fastening element (1) into the receptacle (6) is simplified. [3] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (1) has at least two linear guides (5), wherein the opening (8) for the fixing element (9) is arranged in a central region (12) between the linear guides (5). [4] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking lugs (10) block the opening (8) of the fastening element (1) for inserting the fixing element (9) when the locking lugs (10) are not engaged in the engagement region (11) of the receptacle (6). [5] Arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the at least one locking lug (10) of the fastening element (1) has at least one return point (13) which is accessible through the opening (8) and with which the locking lugs (10) can be pushed back from the engagement area (11) in order to enable removal of the fastening element (1) from the receptacle (6). [6] Arrangement according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the fastening element (1) has at least two locking lugs (10) which are arranged opposite one another around the opening (8), wherein the opening (8) forms a common escape space (14) for the locking lugs (10), which is blocked when the fixing element (9) is inserted. [7] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (9) can be clamped in the opening (8) of the fastening element (1) and has at least one lever point (15) so that it can be levered out with a tool. [8] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one linear guide (5) of the fastening element (1) is a dovetail. [9] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (1) has at least two linear guides (5), wherein in a central region (12) between the linear guides (5) an attachment bearing (19) is arranged, to which an attachment (2) can be fastened in a movably mounted manner. [10] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (6) has linear guides (16) corresponding to the fastening element (1) for guiding the fastening element (1) in the linear assembly direction (7) and at least one latching area (11) for interacting with latching lugs (10) of the fastening element (1). [11] Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the receptacle (6) has at least one contact spring (17) against which the fastening element (1) is braced when the at least one locking lug (10) is engaged in the engagement region (11). [12] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment part (2) can be attached in the interior (3) of a vehicle (4) with the fastening element (1).

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