SELF-RELEASE SYSTEM, INCLUDING A SELF-RELEASE COVER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-releasing cover for a functional opening of a trim component and to a vehicle. The invention is particularly relevant to the field of automotive engineering, particularly vehicle interiors.

[0002] US4094436A discloses a cover according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] For some vehicles, it is desirable to provide functional elements at certain locations in the vehicle interior that must protrude through the vehicle interior trim. For example, such functional elements can be eyelets that must be accessible from the vehicle interior on the one hand and connected to the vehicle body on the other. For example, such an eyelet can be used to attach a luggage net, which secures any cargo located in the vehicle's luggage compartment against slipping and, in particular, against intrusion into the passenger compartment. To enable the provision of such functional elements, it is necessary to provide corresponding functional openings in the vehicle interior trim.

[0004] However, since such functional elements and the associated functional openings in the vehicle trim are not desired or required in every vehicle, for example, because they are optional accessories that are provided or omitted depending on customer requirements, it is traditionally necessary to maintain at least two different versions for the respective trim components: one version with a functional opening and another version without. This required variety leads to increased logistical effort and correspondingly higher production costs.

[0005] As an alternative to providing various variants of trim components, trim components are also commonly used in the prior art in which the optionally desired functional opening is covered with a cover that can be removed as needed during assembly of the trim component to expose the functional opening. Conversely, it is also possible to install the cover on the assembly line only when needed. However, the optional removal of the cover if the functional opening is desired, or the optional attachment of the cover if the functional opening is not required, requires an additional assembly step, which also increases the complexity and production costs.

[0006] Another conceivable alternative, in which the intended functional opening remains open and unused in the absence of a functional element, is usually rejected for aesthetic reasons, as this is detrimental to the visual appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a possibility which enables the optional provision of a functional opening in a cladding component with little effort.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a self-releasing cover having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims and in the description.

[0009] In addition, a vehicle with a self-releasing cover will be provided.

[0010] The invention relates to a self-releasing cover for a functional opening in a trim component of a vehicle interior. The cover has a lid that can be latched to the functional opening of the trim component such that a front side of the lid at least partially covers the functional opening. In addition, the cover has at least one unlocking element that is arranged on a rear side of the lid facing away from the front side of the lid. The cover is designed such that the unlocking element can be actuated by a force acting on the unlocking element in the direction of the lid and can be deformed and / or displaced by actuating the lid, and a latching of the lid to the functional opening can be released.

[0011] The self-releasing cover can be used in a trim component for a vehicle interior. The trim component comprises a functional opening which is designed such that a functional element can be arranged in the functional opening when open, as well as the self-releasing cover for the functional opening. The cover has a lid which is latched to the functional opening such that a front side of the lid at least partially covers the functional opening. In addition, the cover has at least one unlocking element which is arranged on a rear side of the lid facing away from the front side of the lid. The trim component is designed such that by applying a force substantially perpendicular to the functional opening to the unlocking element, the lid can be displaced and / or deformed and the latching of the lid to the functional opening can be released.

[0012] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle with a self-releasing cover according to the invention.

[0013] A method for assembling a trim component with a functional opening and a self-releasing cover latched in the functional opening in a vehicle or on a vehicle component can be carried out in such a way that a functional element is provided in the vehicle or on the vehicle component at the destination of the functional opening of the trim component. Furthermore, the method comprises arranging the trim component at the destination in the vehicle or on the vehicle component in such a way that the self-releasing cover is actuated by exerting force substantially perpendicular to the functional opening by means of the functional element, thereby releasing the self-releasing cover latched in the functional opening from the functional opening.

[0014] The method for assembling a trim component to a vehicle component of the vehicle can be used in a method for manufacturing a vehicle.

[0015] A self-releasing cover is a cover that separates itself from the cladding component during assembly and releases the functional opening without the need for a separate work step during assembly.

[0016] A functional opening is an opening or recess in the trim component through which a functional element can protrude or pass through and / or by means of which a functional element arranged under the trim component is accessible from the vehicle interior.

[0017] A trim component is a component of the vehicle interior trim. In particular, the trim component can be designed as a door sill, dashboard, glove compartment, center console, vehicle interior floor, headliner, door trim, and / or luggage compartment trim, or as part of one of these elements.

[0018] The fact that the cover can be locked into the functional opening of the trim component means that the cover can be connected to the trim component with a force-locking and / or positive fit. In other words, the cover can be clamped into the functional opening of the trim component.

[0019] The fact that the force acting to actuate the release element is applied in the direction of the lid means that the force is applied at least partially and optionally completely perpendicular to the front of the lid and / or perpendicular to the back of the lid, i.e., that the force is not applied completely parallel to the front and / or back of the lid. In other words, the force acting on the release element is applied from behind, i.e., from the side facing away from the lid, in the direction of the lid.

[0020] The fact that the force acts essentially perpendicular to the functional opening on the release element means that the force is not completely parallel to the functional opening, but rather has a perpendicular vector component of the force relative to the surface of the functional opening. Optionally, the angular range in which the force acts on the release element lies within an angular range of 0° to 45° around the surface normal to the surface of the functional opening.

[0021] The invention offers the advantage that only one variant of cladding components needs to be provided, although in some versions this is required with an exposed functional opening and in others with a covered functional opening. This reduces the logistics effort and, accordingly, production costs.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention offers the advantage that in vehicle variants on which the functional opening for an optional functional element is desired and on which the functional element is already mounted before the trim component is installed, the self-releasing cover is automatically removed during installation of the trim component. This offers the advantage that no additional work step is required to remove the cover or to expose the functional opening. Rather, the invention offers the advantage that the removal of the cover or the exposure of the functional opening takes place automatically during regular installation of the trim component, i.e. when arranging the trim component at the intended location in the vehicle interior or on the vehicle component, without any additional effort being incurred by the installer.

[0023] Optionally, the release element has a pressure surface on the back of the cover, which can be subjected to the force required to release the locking mechanism. This pressure surface offers the advantage of absorbing the force exerted by the functional element during assembly and directing it to the desired location on the cover.

[0024] Optionally, the printing surface is arranged at an acute angle to the front of the lid.

[0025] This offers the advantage that the force acting perpendicularly in the direction of the cover on the unlocking element can be at least partially redirected to also provide a force component parallel to the cover. This can be advantageous for unlocking the locking mechanism. In particular, the cover, the unlocking element, or the pressure surface can be designed such that a force applied by the functional element to the pressure surface creates a lever effect on the cover and / or on a locking feature of the unlocking element, which leads to the unlocking of the locking mechanism with the trim component.

[0026] Optionally, the cover is designed such that the deformation of the lid and / or the displacement of the lid due to the force acting on the unlocking element occurs at least partially perpendicular to the direction of the force acting. This offers the advantage that force components can also be generated and / or utilized for unlocking the locking mechanism that are perpendicular to the original force acting upon the covering component pressing against the functional element, thus achieving greater flexibility for mechanisms for unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0027] Optionally, the self-releasing cover is detached, in particular irreversibly detached, from the functional opening of the cladding component in the assembled state of the cladding component when the functional element is arranged in the functional opening.

[0028] In other words, if the self-releasing cover is irreversibly detached, the cover cannot be reattached to the functional opening in the aforementioned state. This can be caused, for example, by the functional element extending through the functional opening, thus no longer allowing the cover to be positioned at the functional opening. Optionally, this can also be caused by the panel component no longer being able to lock into place when installed, even if no functional element extends through the functional opening. This offers the advantage of preventing the functional opening from being accidentally resealed by means of a cover.

[0029] Optionally, the trim component is designed as a door sill trim. This offers the advantage that, depending on the vehicle model, the installation of covered or uncovered functional openings can be achieved, particularly in the door sill trim. For example, the functional element can be designed as or include an eyelet for a luggage net. The installation of eyelets, for example for the optional attachment of a luggage net to separate the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment, can be desirable or undesirable depending on the vehicle model, so door sill trims with and without corresponding functional openings must be feasible.

[0030] Optionally, the cover is held in place solely by mechanical forces due to the locking mechanism on the trim component. Optionally, the cover and / or trim component can have corresponding locking lugs in the area of ​​the functional opening. This offers the advantage that the cover can be attached to the functional opening without the use of separate fasteners and / or adhesives, and accordingly, removing such fasteners and / or adhesives is not necessary when unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0031] Optionally, the cover is formed as a single piece. For example, the lid and the release element are formed as a single molded piece. Optionally, the cover is made at least partially of plastic. This offers the advantage that the cover can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0032] Optionally, the self-releasing cover and the trim component are designed as separate components. This offers the advantage that a clean separation of the cover from the trim component can be achieved when the locking mechanism is released. However, according to other embodiments, the cover and the trim component can be formed as a single piece.

[0033] Optionally, the front side of the cover is at least partially substantially flush with an outer surface of the cladding component. This means that the front side of the cover and the outer surface of the cladding component surrounding the cover at least partially form a continuous surface. For example, an edge of the cover can be flush with the outer surface of the cladding component, so that apart from a minimal gap, a flat surface is formed by the outer surface of the cladding component and the cover on the circumferential contour of the functional opening. Optionally, the cover can be designed such that the front side of the cover is completely flush with the outer surface of the cover, and the cover and the outer surface form a completely flat surface or contour. Alternatively, however, the cover can also have a bulge and / or notch, so that it does not have a completely flat surface or contour with the outer surface.Contour. According to other optional embodiments, the cover can have locking lugs that can be arranged around the trim component delimiting the functional opening.

[0034] The assembly of the trim component can form part of a process for manufacturing or repairing a vehicle.

[0035] A vehicle can be designed, for example, as a land vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft. A land vehicle can be designed, for example, as a road vehicle or as a rail-bound vehicle. In particular, a vehicle can be a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck, bus, or motorcycle.

[0036] The features and embodiments mentioned above and explained below are not only to be regarded as disclosed in the respective explicitly mentioned combinations, but are also encompassed by the disclosure content in other technically meaningful combinations and embodiments.

[0037] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following examples and embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1A and 1B show a trim component according to an optional embodiment; Fig. 2A and 2B show a self-releasing cover according to an optional embodiment; Fig. 3 show an assembled trim component according to an optional embodiment with a functional element extending therethrough; Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c show explanatory illustrations of an optional assembly method for a trim component; Fig. 5 show a vehicle according to an optional embodiment.

[0039] In the following figures, identical or similar elements in the various embodiments are designated by identical reference numerals for the sake of simplicity.

[0040] Figure 1A shows a trim component 10 according to an optional embodiment. According to the embodiment shown, the trim component 10 is designed as a door sill strip for the interior of a vehicle. In the lower region, the trim component 10 has a recess 12 in which a functional opening is formed. This opening is covered by a self-releasing cover 14 and is therefore not visible in the view shown. Only the front side of the cover can be seen, which is formed by the front side 16a of a cover 16.

[0041] The recess 12 with the cover 14 is in Figure 1Bshown in an enlarged view. It can be seen that the cover 14 completely fills and covers the functional opening in the trim component, so that the functional opening is not visible. The cover 12 serves to keep the functional opening closed for those model variants of the vehicle in which the side panel is to be installed, in which no functional element and accordingly no functional opening is to be provided at the respective position. However, if the trim component 10 is used in other model variants in which a functional element is formed at the corresponding location, the cover 14 is automatically unlocked during installation of the trim component 10, so that the functional opening and the functional element are exposed and the cover 14 is removed. According to other optional embodiments, the cover is not arranged in a recess of the trim component 10.

[0042] Figure 2Ashows the self-releasing cover 14 in isolation, viewed from the rear. Formed on the rear side 16b of the cover 14 or lid 16 is an unlocking element 18, as well as a plurality of locking lugs 20, wherein the locking element 18 also has a locking feature 18a. By means of the locking lugs 20 and the locking feature 18a of the unlocking element 18, the cover 14 can be locked into a designated functional opening in the trim component 10, so that the cover 14 is positively and / or non-positively connected to the trim component 10. Furthermore, the unlocking element 18 has a pressure surface 22, which extends at an acute angle relative to the rear side 16b and the front side of the lid 16 or relative to the front side 16a of the lid 16.The release element 14, and in particular the pressure surface 22, are designed to absorb a force acting on the release element during installation of the trim component 10 in a vehicle, when a functional element is formed at the location where the functional opening of the trim component 10 is to be arranged, so that the functional element extends through the functional opening. The force then releases the locking of the cover 14 to the functional opening, as described in more detail below.

[0043] Figure 2Bshows a section of the cladding component 10 from its rear side, which also reveals the rear side of the cover 14 or the rear side 16b of the lid 16. The cover 14 is locked to the functional opening 24 by means of the locking lugs 20 and the locking protrusion 18a of the release element 18, so that the cover 14 is held in the functional opening 24 and closes or covers it.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the trim component 10 designed as a door sill according to the Figures 1A and 1Bshown embodiment again from the front, but in a state in which a functional element 26 is formed at the location of the functional opening and the cover 14 was automatically released from the locking connection with the functional opening 24 and removed during assembly of the trim component 10. Because the cover 14 no longer covers the functional opening 24, the functional opening 24 can be seen, as well as the functional element 26, which extends through the functional opening 24 of the trim component 10.

[0045] The functional element 26 is designed as an eyelet. According to the optional embodiment shown, this is an eyelet which is connected to the vehicle body (not shown) and in which a luggage net (not shown) can be attached. Because the eyelet must, on the one hand, be attached to the vehicle body located below or behind the trim component and, on the other hand, must be accessible from the vehicle interior for attaching the luggage net, it is necessary to provide the functional opening 24 through which the functional element 26 can extend. According to the optional embodiment shown, the indentation 12 is designed such that it embeds the functional element 24, so that the functional element 24 does not represent a freestanding obstacle in the vehicle interior.

[0046] The Figures 4a to 4cexplain in schematic representations a method according to an optional embodiment for mounting the trim component 10 in a vehicle interior, wherein a functional element 26 is formed at the position at which the functional opening 24 is arranged.

[0047] The trim component is pressed into the desired position in a predetermined angular range, in which the trim component 10 is to be arranged in the vehicle interior. The angular range can, for example, be in a range of 0° to 45° relative to the surface normal of the functional opening or the surface spanned by the functional opening 24. The Figures 4a to 4c The direction of movement shown is indicated by the arrows 100.

[0048] When the trim component 10 moves into the intended position during assembly, the release element 18 comes into contact with the functional element 26 in such a way that the functional element 26 applies a force to the pressure surface 22. If the movement of the trim component 10 continues toward the intended position during assembly, the pressure force of the functional element 26 on the release element 18 becomes so strong that the release element 18 deforms the cover 14. According to the embodiment shown, the deformation of the cover 14 particularly comprises a deformation of the release element 18 such that the locking cover 18a detaches from the trim component 10. Figure 4cThe deformation caused by the force acting on the functional element is so pronounced that the locking feature 18a releases the locking mechanism and accordingly releases the cover 14 from the functional opening 24 and accordingly exposes the functional opening 24. In the embodiment shown, the force acting on the unlocking element 18 is limited to the force with which the trim component 10 is pressed into the desired position during assembly of the trim component 10 and, accordingly, the unlocking element is pressed onto the functional element 26. For example, this assembly step can be carried out by an assembler and / or a robot.

[0049] In this way, during assembly of the trim component, the self-releasing cover 14 detaches from the trim component 10 and exposes the functional opening 24 if a functional element 26 is formed at the corresponding position. If no functional element 26 is formed at the corresponding location during assembly of the trim component 10, the cover 14 is not unlocked and accordingly is not removed from the trim component 10, so that the functional opening 24 remains covered.

[0050] Figure 5shows a vehicle 28 according to an optional embodiment, wherein the illustration shown offers a view of the vehicle interior through the left rear door of the vehicle. The arrow 200 indicates the position at which the trim component 10, designed as a door sill strip, is arranged, which has a self-releasing cover 14. The self-releasing cover 14 is only indicated schematically and highlighted in color for identification. In other embodiments, the self-releasing cover 14 can be color-matched to the trim component and match its color. According to the embodiment shown, the self-releasing cover is arranged in the footwell of the rear seat bench.If, according to another variant of the vehicle 28, an eyelet for a luggage net is desired and pre-assembled there, the self-releasing cover 14 is removed during assembly of the trim component 10 and the functional opening 24 for the eyelet is released. List of reference symbols

[0051] 10Cover component 12Recess 14Self-releasing cover 16Cover 16aFront of the cover 16bRear of the cover 18Release element 18aLocking feature of the release element 20Locking lug 22Pressure surface 24Function opening 26Function element 28Vehicle 100Direction of movement of the cover component during assembly 200Arrow indicating the position of the self-releasing cover

Claims

1. Self-releasing system comprising a self-releasing cover (14) for a functional opening (24) of a lining component (10) of a vehicle interior, the cover having: - a lid (16) which can be locked to the functional opening (24) of the lining component (10) such that a front side (16a) of the lid (16) at least partially covers the functional opening (24); - at least one releasing element (18) which is arranged on a rear side (16b) of the lid (16) facing away from the front side (16a) of the lid (16); the cover (14) being designed such that the releasing element (18) can be actuated by exerting a force on the releasing element (18) in the direction of the lid (16) and, as a result of the actuation, the lid (16) can be deformed and / or displaced and a locking of the lid (16) to the functional opening (24) can be detached; the releasing element (18) having a pressure surface (22) on the rear side (16b) of the lid (16), which pressure surface can be subjected to the force exertion required to release the locking; characterized in that the self-releasing system further comprises a functional element (26) which, when the lining component (10) is moved into the intended position during assembly, comes into contact with the releasing element (18) such that the functional element (26) applies a force to the pressure surface 22.

2. Self-releasing system (14) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure surface (22) is arranged at an acute angle to the front side (16a) of the lid (16).

3. Self-releasing system (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (14) is designed such that the deformation of the lid (16) and / or the displacement of the lid (16) by exerting a force on the releasing element (18) takes place at least partially perpendicularly to the direction of the force exertion.