Modular locking bracket for factory-installed device and switch slots on an instrument panel in motor vehicles, for attaching commercially available accessories, especially in Volkswagen T4 / T5 / T6 / T6.1 and T7 models. This example is for the VW T6.1.

Abstract

Modular locking device for a standard equipment slot in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, comprising • an insertion frame adapted to the shaft geometry, which can be inserted into the equipment shaft, • at least two expanding and / or locking elements arranged on the insertion frame, acting outwards in the assembly direction and engaging behind counter contours inside the shaft, and • optionally a locking mechanism operable from the front, which in the installed position generates a definable clamping pressure between the insertion frame and the device slot, wherein the insertion frame has a standardized coupling interface on its front for the detachable reception of interchangeable attachment modules, so that the locking device can be retrofitted without destructive interventions in the vehicle and fixed without play in the device slot.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to vehicle technology, in particular a mechanical plug-in and locking device for the tool-free attachment of accessories in a standard-fitted device slot in the instrument panel (I-panel), usually closed with a blanking plate, especially in Volkswagen Transporter / Multivan T5 / T6 / T6.1 / T7. The device is modular in design and serves as a carrier for various holder options, e.g. for mobile phones, small devices, card holders, cameras or universal adapters. State of the art

[0002] Production vehicles often have unused mounting slots that are sealed with covers at the factory. Accessory mounts are usually attached using adhesive, suction cups, clamps to air vents, or via add-on brackets. These solutions have disadvantages: • Lack of form-fit / force-fit strength, especially under temperature fluctuations and vibrations • Obstructions to visibility or impairment of airbag / control elements • Risk of damage or gaps due to screwing / gluing to decorative and support parts • No standardized interface for changing applications. A reversible and lockable mounting system with modular attachment carriers specifically designed for the T6.1 shaft is not known on the market. The problem underlying the invention

[0003] Provision of a form- and force-lockable, reversible and tolerance-insensitive mount that is inserted into the existing slot of the instrument panel without vehicle modification, assumes a defined locking position and securely supports various holder / mount variants as a standardized interface. Description of the invention

[0004] The task is solved by a basic unit that can be inserted into the shaft, containing: • an insertion frame adapted to the shaft geometry with lateral locking / expansion elements (A) that engage behind counter contours within the shaft, • a central locking mechanism (B) (e.g. eccentric, clamping or wedge lifting mechanism) to generate a definable clamping pressure in the installed position, • a standardized front-mounted coupling interface (e.g., 4-point grid, dovetail, hole pattern or pin mount) for interchangeable add-on modules, • optional anti-rattle and decoupling elements for damping, • A releasable safety device to prevent unintentional release (e.g., locking tab / slider). After removing the blanking plate, the base unit is inserted into the shaft, clamped by actuating the locking mechanism, and thus fixed without play. Add-on modules are attached / hooked onto the front and secured with a snap-in mechanism. Advantages of the invention • Shaft-compatible locking: form-fit / force-fit fixing within the available installation space, without drilling / gluing. • Reversibility: complete disassembly without leaving any traces; original cover remains reusable. • Modularity: quick, tool-free adaptation of different mounting modules (mobile phone holders, ball joints, charging adapters, vent grille mounts, etc.). • Ergonomics and safety: defined position in the field of vision / operation without covering air vents or airbags or using cupholders. • Vibration resistance: backlash-free clamping with damping elements; rattle-free use even on bad roads. • Tolerance compensation: self-adjusting or adjustable spreading / clamping elements compensate for manufacturing and aging tolerances. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic unit disassembled in an isometric view Fig. 2: shows 3 views of the developed universal application for this shaft Fig. Figure 3 shows the use with a universal “MOUNTING BALL (C)” in d= 17 / 20 / 25mm Fig. Figure 4 shows the use with a simulated ventilation grille (D) for attaching commercially available holders. Fig. 5: shows the insertion with a holder for an APPLE MAGSAFE (E) charger Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises: • Insert frame: 3D printed part or injection molded or CNC milled support part with outer contour corresponding to shaft opening; integral guide for movable spreading jaws. • Spreading / locking elements: jaws arranged in pairs with contact surfaces, locking travel 0.5-1.5 mm for zero play. • Locking mechanism: secondary snap latch with safety tongue, optionally a front-accessible slider or rotary knob that generates radial tension via an eccentric / wedge. e. • Front interface: simulated airflow or mounting ball in various diameters. Alternatively, fixed mounting options made from 3D printing. • Damping / decoupling: TPE / EPDM inserts on contact surfaces; thin textile / flock sleeves to prevent scratches. • Cable / charging integration (optional): concealed cable routing through the base unit; receptacle for USB-C dock or MagSafe adapter; strain relief. • The base unit is dimensioned so that airbag / control elements are not affected and the original bezel can be reinstalled at any time. Function and handling 1. Remove the blanking plate. 2. Insert the base unit into the shaft until the side guides are flush and lock into place. 3. The locking mechanism audibly / tangibly engages, or alternatively by means of expanding jaws, operable at the front, which clamp the frame without play in the shaft. 4. Mount the desired add-on module to the front interface. Materials and manufacturing • Carrier / insert frame: fiber-reinforced polyamide (PA6 / PA12-GF) or aluminum (CNC); surfaces optionally structured / painted. • Spreading jaws and contact pads: TPE / EPDM or PU-coated pads. • Locking components: POM / PA with steel axles or all-metal (stainless steel / aluminum) for long service life. • Add-on modules: depending on the function, injection molding, 3D printing (e.g. ASA / PA 12) with threaded inserts; metallic dovetail strips. • Manufacturing-friendly design using standard components, clips and screws; ESD and noise requirements taken into account. scope • Primary instrument panel slots, especially on VW T5 / T6 / T6.1 / T7 in the position shown in the exemplary drawings of a T6.1. • Transferable to identical / similar shafts of other models and makes (e.g. VW T5 / T6 / T6.1 / T7 or Mercedes V-Class / Vito, FORD), provided that the outer contour of the insertion frame and support points are adapted. Design variants • Alternative locking technology: screw spindle with knurled wheel, eccentric lever, toggle lever clamping system. • Various front interfaces: dovetail, four-point grid, AMPS hole pattern. • Integrated charging function: inductive charging pad or mechanical docking connector. • Security option with lock / key release to prevent theft / removal. • Quick-change magnetic coupling with mechanical locking mechanism. • Width / height adapters for shaft tolerances and different equipment variants.

Claims

[1] Modular locking device for a standard equipment slot in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, comprising • an insertion frame adapted to the shaft geometry, which can be inserted into the equipment shaft, • at least two expanding and / or locking elements arranged on the insertion frame, acting outwards in the assembly direction and engaging behind counter contours inside the shaft, and • optionally a locking mechanism operable from the front, which in the installed position generates a definable clamping pressure between the insertion frame and the device slot, wherein the insertion frame has a standardized coupling interface on its front for the detachable reception of interchangeable attachment modules, so that the locking device can be retrofitted without destructive interventions in the vehicle and fixed without play in the device slot. [2] Locking device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the locking mechanism is designed as an eccentric, wedge-lift, toggle lever or screw spindle mechanism, which can be actuated by a rotary knob, slide or knurled wheel on the front, or by snapping into place. [3] Locking device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the expanding and / or locking elements have a locking travel of 0.5 to 1.5 mm to compensate for manufacturing and aging tolerances of the device shaft. [4] Locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling interface is designed as a four-point grid, dovetail guide, AMPS hole pattern, pin mount or quick-change magnetic coupling with mechanical locking. [5] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that damping and decoupling elements made of TPE, EPDM, PU coating or textile flock sleeves are provided on contacting surfaces to prevent rattling and scratching noises. [6] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insertion frame incorporates a concealed cable guide with strain relief, preferably for USB-C, inductive charging or docking adapters. [7] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the attachment modules are selected from a group consisting of: mounting ball carrier (C) in various diameters, simulated ventilation grille (D) for attaching commercially available clamp holders, holder for inductive chargers, magnetic plate (E) or camera holder. [8] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the insertion frame is designed as a fiber composite plastic part, aluminum milled part or injection molded part, and that locking components are made of POM / PA with metal axles or are completely metallic. [9] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assembly is dimensioned in such a way that standard operating elements and airbag functional areas are not obscured or impaired and the original blanking plate can be reused. [10] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed for equipment compartments of transporter / van vehicles, especially for Volkswagen T5, T6, T6.1 and T7, and is adaptable to geometrically similar compartments of other makes by varying the outer contour of the insertion frame and the support points. [11] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking mechanism has an audible and tactile click in a defined locking position. [12] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a lock or key release element is provided to protect the attached module from theft. [13] Insert module for a locking receptacle or base insert ( Fig. 1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the insert module has a complementary coupling geometry (rectangular shaft in the basic application) Fig. 1) to the front interface and as • Mounting ball carrier ( Fig. 3) • Ventilation grille adapter ( Fig. 4) • MagSafe charger slot ( Fig. 5) • Camera mounts [14] Use of the locking device according to one of claims 1 to 13 for the form-fit and force-fit, reversible fastening of accessories in the standard equipment slot of an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, in particular a Volkswagen T6.1.

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