Fixing device for securing a module to a vehicle component of a motor vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a module to a vehicle component of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Fixing devices for securing a module to a vehicle component of a motor vehicle are known, for example, for securing a module designed as a panel (instrument panel) to a vehicle component of a motor vehicle designed as a console. In this case, the panel is often arranged flush in the console, which complicates assembly, particularly by means of screwing and the like.

[0003] US 2015 / 0151636 A1 discloses a fastening device in which a joining unit comprises a plurality of hook-shaped fixing elements that, in a resiliently prestressed state, lock into recesses of a receiving unit of the vehicle component in a joined arrangement. Also known from the prior art are US 2015 / 151636 A1 and US 2006 / 266890 A1, as well as the generic DE 10 2014 014302 A1.

[0004] A disadvantage of known securing devices has been found to be that when high forces occur, for example, as a result of an impact on the vehicle, the hook-shaped securing elements can become dislodged from their fixed position, causing the panel-shaped module to move toward the vehicle interior. To counteract this, the known securing devices feature additional screw connections to prevent accidental release of the hook-shaped securing elements as a fail-safe solution.

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a fixing device by means of which high forces can be absorbed without screwing.

[0006] This object is achieved by a fixing device for fixing a module to a vehicle component of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one joining unit fixed to the module and comprising a receiving unit arranged in or on the vehicle component, in or on which the joining unit can be fixed by moving it in a joining direction, wherein the joining unit has at least one adjusting means which, when moved in the joining direction, can slide along an adjusting contour of the receiving unit and can be arranged in a stop position in which the adjusting means can be fixed against a stop of the receiving unit, and wherein the joining unit comprises at least one fixing means which comprises a projection extending transversely to the joining direction,which, when moved in the joining direction, can be inserted into a receiving opening of the receiving unit and whose projection can be moved transversely to the joining direction by the adjusting means and engages in a recess in the receiving opening extending transversely to the joining direction and, at least in the stop position of the adjusting means, can be fixed in a rear-engaging position in which the projection engages behind the recess with respect to the joining direction.

[0007] Because the securing means can be moved transversely to the joining direction by the adjusting means and can be moved into the recess in the receiving opening and secured there by the adjusting means, the forces that can be absorbed by the securing device counter to the joining direction are increased. This creates a practical alternative design to the known securing devices.

[0008] The module could be a panel, for example. The vehicle component could be a vehicle console, for example.

[0009] The fixing means can be produced simply and inexpensively if the fixing means comprises a longitudinal section at the free end of which the projection is arranged and / or if the projection is hook-shaped, wedge-shaped or block-shaped.

[0010] The longitudinal section has a smaller diameter than the projection, particularly with respect to the joining direction. Because the projection is hook-shaped, wedge-shaped, or block-shaped, a rear grip with a large contact surface between the projection and the wall of the recess can be easily achieved.

[0011] Furthermore, in embodiments of the fixing device, it is provided that the fixing means is designed to be substantially inelastic transversely to the joining direction or that the fixing means is designed to be elastic transversely to the joining direction and is pre-tensioned into the rear grip position.

[0012] If the securing means is essentially inelastic transverse to the joining direction, unintentional displacement of the securing means transverse to the joining direction can be avoided. If the securing means is elastic transverse to the joining direction and pre-tensioned toward the rear-engagement position, the securing means can be displaced transversely to the joining direction upon insertion into the receiving opening of the receiving unit. Upon reaching the recess in the receiving opening extending transversely to the joining direction, the projection can automatically guide it into the rear-engagement position.

[0013] The absorption of forces counter to the joining direction by the fixing device can be further increased if, as provided according to the invention, the receiving unit has at least one support section projecting in the direction of the joining unit and if the joining unit has at least one rocking section which bears against the support section in the stop position, wherein the rocking section is arranged between the fixing means and the adjusting means and wherein the adjusting means in the stop position applies a lever force to the fixing means via the rocking section in the direction of the rear grip position.

[0014] In such a case, the projection is pre-tensioned into the rear grip position by additional lifting forces acting through the adjusting means.

[0015] The leverage acting on the projection can be increased in a simple manner if a first lever arm formed between the rocking section and the adjusting means comprises a greater extent than a second lever arm formed between the rocking section and the fixing means, in particular if the length ratio between the first lever arm and the second lever arm is greater than or equal to 3:1, in particular 5:1, in particular 10:1.

[0016] In order to prevent the generation of noise, in particular rattling, during operation of the tilting vehicle, it proves to be advantageous if the rocking section comprises an area that is elastically flexible at least in the joining direction.

[0017] In this case, manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated for by the flexible area, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the fixing device and reducing waste.

[0018] In order to facilitate joining of the joining unit with the receiving unit, one embodiment of the fixing device provides that the adjusting contour of the receiving unit on the side facing away from the joining direction comprises a section extending obliquely to the joining direction, which forms a guide for the adjusting means of the joining unit when moving in the joining direction.

[0019] In such a case, as soon as the adjusting means comes into engagement with the adjusting contour of the receiving unit, it slides in its movement until it reaches the stop position.

[0020] In principle, it is conceivable for the adjusting means to be fixed in the stop position by force and / or friction. Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the adjusting contour comprises at least one groove extending transversely to the joining direction, in which the adjusting means can be arranged at least partially with a free end in the stop position.

[0021] In this case, a positive locking of the actuating device in the stop position is easily ensured.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the fixing device, it is provided that the adjusting contour comprises a finger-like extension in the direction of the joining unit and / or that the adjusting means comprises a recess extending in the joining direction, in which the finger-like extension of the adjusting contour can be arranged.

[0023] In this case, it is easy to prevent the joining unit from moving transversely to the joining direction and to facilitate the assembly of the joining unit on the receiving unit.

[0024] In principle, it is conceivable that the fixing device fixes the module to the vehicle component exclusively by means of at least one fixing unit with at least one fixing means, the rocking section and the adjusting means.

[0025] In order to prevent unintentional release of the adjusting means from the stop position, in one embodiment of the fixing device it can be provided that the fixing unit and the receiving unit comprise at least one opening extending in the joining direction, in which a holding means, such as screws or bolts, can be fixed in the stop position and engages behind the opening in the joining unit with a head section to prevent movement counter to the joining direction.

[0026] In such a case, the fixing unit is additionally screwed to the receiving unit.

[0027] Finally, it proves to be advantageous if the fixing means, the rocking section and the adjusting means of the fixing unit comprise a common component, in particular an injection-molded part.

[0028] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended patent claims, from the drawings and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the fixing device.

[0029] The drawing shows: Figure 1An isometric plan view of an embodiment of the fixing device; Figure 2A sectional detailed view of the fixing device according to Figure 1 in the area of ​​the fixing means; Figure 3A sectional detailed view of the fixing device according to Figure 1 in the area of ​​the adjusting agent.

[0030] The figures show a fastening device, designated overall by reference numeral 2, for fastening a module 4 to a vehicle component 6 of a motor vehicle (not explicitly shown in the figures). The fastening device 2 comprises a joining unit 8, which is secured to the module 4.

[0031] In addition, the fixing device 2 comprises a receiving unit 10, in or on which the joining unit 8 can be fixed by moving it in a joining direction 12. The joining unit 8 comprises at least one adjusting means 14, which can slide along an adjusting contour 16 of the receiving unit 10 when moving it in the joining direction 12. The adjusting means 14 is in a stop position (as in Figure 3shown). In the stop position, the adjusting means 14 is fixed against a stop 18 of the receiving unit 10. In addition, the joining unit 8 of the fixing device 2 comprises a fixing means 20 which comprises a projection 22 extending transversely to the joining direction 12. The fixing means 20 can be inserted into a receiving opening 24 of the receiving unit 10 when moved in the joining direction 12. The projection 22 of the fixing means 20 can be moved transversely to the joining direction 12 by the adjusting means 14 and can be arranged in a rear-engagement position in which the projection 22 engages behind a recess 26 extending transversely to the receiving opening 24 with respect to the joining direction 12.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiments of the securing device 2 shown in the figures, the securing means 20 comprises a longitudinal section 28, at the free end of which the projection 22 is arranged. The projection 22 is hook-, wedge-, or block-shaped.

[0033] In addition, the fixing device 2 comprises a support section 30 projecting in the direction of the joining unit 8 and a rocking section 32 of the joining unit 8, which rests against the support section 30 in the stop position. The rocking section 32 is elastic with respect to the fixing direction 12 and is arranged between the fixing means 20 and the adjusting means 14. The rocking section 32 forms a first lever arm 34 between the rocking section 32 and the adjusting means 14 and a second lever arm 36 between the rocking section 32 and the fixing means 20. As a result, when the adjusting means 14 is arranged in the stop position, a lever force acts on the projection 22, which fixes the projection 22 in the rear engagement position.

[0034] Because the rocking section 32 is designed to be elastic with respect to the joining direction 12, manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated and rattle protection can be formed.

[0035] In order to facilitate joining of the joining unit 8 with the receiving unit 10, the adjusting contour 16 comprises a section 38 extending obliquely to the joining direction 12. In addition, the joining unit 8 comprises a recess 40 extending in the joining direction 12, which can be pushed onto a finger-like extension 42 of the adjusting contour 16.

[0036] It can be seen from the figures that the adjusting means 14, the fixing means 20 and the rocking section 32 of the joining unit 8 comprise a common component.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the area of ​​the fixing device 20. Figure 2 It can be seen that the second lever arm 36 is substantially smaller than the first lever arm 34. The rocking section 32 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the fixing means 20.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a detailed view in the area of ​​the adjusting means 14.

[0039] In the following, with reference to the Figures 1 to 3The mode of operation of the fixing device 2 is discussed below: When joining the module 4 to the vehicle component 6, the joining unit 8 is arranged in the joining direction 12 in the receiving unit 10. The fixing means 20 engages in the receiving opening 24 of the receiving unit 10, and the adjusting means 14 is pushed with its recess 40 onto the finger-like extension 42 of the adjusting contour 16. When the stop position is reached by the adjusting means 14, the adjusting means 14 acts via the active section 32 with a lever force on the fixing means 20, whereby the projection 22 is fixed in the recess 26 in the engaging position. List of reference symbols

[0040] 2Fixing device 4Module 6Vehicle component 8Joining unit 10Receiving unit 12Joining direction 14Adjusting means 16Adjusting contour 18Stop 20Fastening means 22Protrusion 24Receiving opening 26Recess 28Longitudinal section 30Support section 32Rocking section 34First lever arm 36Second lever arm 38Inclined section 40Recess 42Finger-like extension

Claims

1. A fastening device (2) for fastening a module (4) to a vehicle component (6) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one joining unit (8) that can be fastened to the module (4) and a receiving unit (10) that can be arranged in or on the vehicle component (6), in or on which the joining unit (8) can be fastened by moving it in a joining direction (12), wherein the joining unit (8) has at least one adjusting means (14) that, when moved in the joining direction (12), can slide along an adjusting contour (16) of the receiving unit (10) and can be arranged in a stop position in which the adjusting means (14) can be fastened against a stop (18) of the receiving unit (10), and wherein the joining unit (8) comprises at least one fixing means (20) that comprises a projection (22) extending transversely to the joining direction (12), which, when moved in the joining direction (12) into a receiving opening (24) of the receiving unit (10) and whose projection (22) is movable by the adjusting means (14) transversely to the joining direction (12) and engages in a recess (26) extending transversely to the joining direction (12) in the receiving opening (24) and, at least in the stop position of the adjusting means (14), can be fixed in a rear-engaging position in which the projection (22) engages behind the recess (26) with respect to the joining direction (12), characterized in that the receiving unit (10) has at least one support section (30) projecting in the direction of the joining unit (8) and in that the joining unit (8) has at least one rocking section (32) which bears against the support section (30) in the stop position, wherein the rocking section (32) is arranged between the fixing means (20) and the adjusting means (14) and wherein, in the stop position, the adjusting means (14) applies a lever force to the securing means (20) via the rocking section (32) in the direction of the rear-engagement position.

2. The securing device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing means (20) comprises a longitudinal section (28) at the free end of which the projection (22) is located and / or that the projection (22) is hook-shaped, wedge-shaped, or block-shaped.

3. The securing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing means (20) is substantially inelastic transversely to the joining direction (12), or that the securing means (20) is elastic transversely to the joining direction (12) and is pretensioned into the rear-engagement position.

4. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first lever arm (34) formed between the rocking section (32) and the adjusting means (14) has a greater extension than a second lever arm (36) formed between the rocking section (32) and the securing means (20), in particular that the length ratio between the first lever arm (34) and the second lever arm (36) is greater than or equal to 3:1, in particular 5:1, in particular 10:1.

5. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocking section (32) comprises a region that is elastically flexible at least in the joining direction (12).

6. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting contour (16) of the receiving unit (10) comprises, on the side facing away from the joining direction (12), a section extending obliquely to the joining direction (12), which forms a guide for the adjusting means (14) of the joining unit (8) when moving in the joining direction (12).

7. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting contour (16) comprises at least one groove extending transversely to the joining direction (12), in which the adjusting means (14) can be arranged at least partially with a free end in the stop position.

8. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting contour (16) comprises a finger-like extension (42) in the direction of the joining unit (8) and / or that the adjusting means (14) comprises a recess (40) extending in the joining direction (12), in which the finger-like extension (42) of the adjusting contour (16) can be arranged.

9. The securing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing unit and the receiving unit (10) comprise at least one opening extending in the joining direction (12), in which a holding means, such as screws or bolts, can be secured in the stop position and engages behind the opening in the joining unit (8) with a head portion to prevent movement counter to the joining direction (12).

10. Fixing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (20), the rocking section (32) and the adjusting means (14) of the fixing unit form a common component, in particular an injection-molded part