Control unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a first and second housing part connected to each other by at least one improved locking connection; associated steering wheel, associated use and associated assembly method

The locking mechanism in snap-fit connections for motor vehicle control units addresses the disengagement issue by elastic deflection and secondary locking, ensuring secure attachment and safety against lateral forces.

DE102025106947B3Active Publication Date: 2026-06-18PREH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025106947
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-24
Publication Date
2026-06-18
Estimated Expiration
2045-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Snap-fit connections in motor vehicle control units, particularly those attached to the steering wheel, are prone to disengagement under lateral forces, posing a safety hazard due to the flexibility of the snap-fit arm, which can lead to separation of housing parts.

Method used

A locking mechanism is introduced where the locking arm deflects elastically in a direction non-parallel to the joining direction, engaging a locking projection at the final position, and a secondary locking hook on the second housing part prevents disengagement, with a predetermined break point for release if necessary, ensuring secure attachment.

Benefits of technology

The design minimizes the risk of accidental separation of housing parts under force, enhancing safety by securing snap-fit connections and allowing for simple, cost-effective manufacturing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (4), wherein the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (4) are connected to each other via at least one locking connection (10), wherein the locking connection (10) comprises a locking bearing (6) formed on the first housing part (2) with at least one locking hook (6a, 6b) at a free end of the locking bearing (6) and at least one locking projection (4b) formed on the second housing part (4);and the locking arm (6) is designed such that, when the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (4) are joined along a joining direction (F), the locking arm (6) experiences an elastic deflection along a deflection direction (X) that does not coincide with the joining direction (F), and that the locking arm (6) returns to its original position at the latest when reaching an end position of the joining process, in order to engage the locking projection (4a) of the second housing part (4) with its locking hook (6a, 6b), so that the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (4) are fixed to each other at least in the opposite direction to the joining direction (F);characterized in that the locking connection (10) has a locking hook (7) formed on the second housing part (4), which is designed such that the locking hook (7) releases the locking arm (6) before reaching the end position and engages behind the locking arm (6) at the latest upon reaching the end position in order to block a deflection of the locking arm (6) that would release the locking projection (4a); as well as an associated steering wheel, a use and an assembly method.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    DE102017204600A1

  • operating device

    DE19715360B4

  • non-releasable snap-in connection, for force-locking connection, in particular of thermoplastic individual parts

    DE9201258U1

  • detachable snap-in connection for attaching one component to another component

    DE9312585U1

  • Two part snap fastening

    GB2147653A