DEVICE FOR MECHANICALLY MOUNTING A MODULE TO A WALL OF A DEVICE WITH A MOUNTING OPENING TO RECEIVE THE MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for mechanically fastening a module to a wall of a device with a mounting opening for receiving the module.

[0002] Laboratory equipment such as shakers, incubators, cyclers, thermomixers, centrifuges, automated systems, and devices for other applications often feature a user interface (UI) module that is inserted into a mounting hole in one of the device's walls and attached to the wall. The UI module can be, for example, a membrane keypad, a touchscreen, or a combination of PCBA ( printed circuit board assembly ) and input elements such as rotary knobs or membrane keys.

[0003] It is known to fix the UI module in its inserted position in the mounting opening by screws and / or adhesive. It is also known to clip the module directly into a mounting opening of the device.

[0004] The design of the module and the wall with the device mounting opening is carried out and customized individually as part of the respective device development. This customization results in a correspondingly high level of effort for design, testing, and optimization in each case.

[0005] The module's known screw connections are detachable and vary in design. Consequently, a large number of tools must be kept on hand for production and service. Screw connections also have the disadvantage of sacrificing installation space to allow access for tightening tools.

[0006] Bonding the module to the housing has the disadvantage that the final bond strength is only available some time (up to several hours) after application, which can be a hindrance during assembly and servicing. Furthermore, reliable bonding requires specialized manufacturing expertise. Disassembly is not possible without damage when bonding. In the event of damage, entire device components, including the UI module, may need to be replaced to rectify the fault.

[0007] A snap-fit ​​connection between the module and the device requires precise coordination of the module and the mounting opening, including tolerances and tooling, resulting in significant development effort. Each injection mold for the device part with the mounting opening requires complex adjustments to the tool or the UI module design for integration. This disadvantage is particularly noticeable in medium and small production runs.

[0008] CN 108800734 A describes a touch panel display attached to a bracket with snap hooks. The bracket is inserted into an opening in a housing cover, and the snap hooks engage with snap recesses in the housing cover. The snap-fit ​​connection between the bracket and the housing cover requires precise alignment of the components.

[0009] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a device for the mechanical fastening of a module to a wall of a device with a mounting opening for receiving the module, in which the effort required for coordinating the components with each other and the tools required for manufacturing is reduced.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0011] The device according to the invention for mechanically fastening a module to a wall of a device with a mounting opening for receiving the module comprises: a module carrier comprising a plate-shaped base body for insertion into the mounting opening and at least one first snap element on the outer circumference of the base body, a module arranged on the front of the base body and attached to the module carrier, a support plate for support on a front side of the wall with the mounting opening, which is connected to the module carrier or module and projects outwards parallel to the main plane of the base body, a locking frame comprising a frame opening for insertion of a rear part of the base body and at least one second snap element on the inner circumference, at least one spring element designed and arranged to resiliently support the locking frame on the rear side of the wall next to the mounting opening and / or to resiliently support the support plate on the front side of the wall, wherein the first snap element and the second snap element are designed to snap together,when the base body is inserted into the frame opening, with a gap between the back of the support plate and the front of the locking frame to accommodate an edge area of ​​the wall surrounding the mounting openings.

[0012] In the device according to the invention, the module carrier with its plate-shaped base body can be inserted into the mounting opening of the device. The module is arranged on the front of the base body and attached to the module carrier. The module or the module carrier has a support plate with which the module carrier or the module can be supported against the front side of the wall adjacent to the mounting opening of the device. The locking frame has a frame opening into which the rear part of the base body can be inserted. The device comprises at least one spring element, which is designed and arranged to resiliently support the locking frame against the rear side of the wall adjacent to the mounting opening and / or to resiliently support the support plate against the front side of the wall. The module carrier has at least one first snap element on the outer circumference of the base body, and the locking frame has at least one second snap element on the inner circumference.The first and second snap elements are designed to snap together when the base body is inserted into the frame opening. When the first and second snap elements are engaged, a gap exists between the back of the support plate and the front of the mounting frame to accommodate the edge of the wall surrounding the mounting opening. This allows the module carrier to be inserted into the mounting opening first, followed by the rear of the mounting frame being inserted into the frame opening, or the mounting frame being slid onto the rear of the base body. When the first and second snap elements are engaged, the edge of the wall surrounding the mounting opening is positioned between the back of the support plate and the front of the mounting frame.As a result, the support plate is supported on the front side of the wall and the locking frame is supported via the spring element on the rear side of the wall and / or the support plate is supported via the spring element on the front side of the wall and the locking frame on the rear side of the wall.

[0013] The device is fixed to the wall by the module carrier engaging with the mounting opening and the support plate and locking frame being clamped in place by the spring element on the front and rear sides of the wall. Tolerances between the module carrier, support plate, locking frame, and wall components can be compensated for by the varying elastic deformation of the spring element. Precise alignment of the module carrier and mounting opening is not critical, as the module carrier only needs to be insertable into the mounting opening with its base body, and the support plate covers the gap between the base body and the mounting opening. The wall thickness and the mounting opening in the housing can be subject to rough tolerances. Tolerances in the wall thickness are compensated for by the elastic deformation of the spring elements, and the gaps remaining between the wall opening and the engaging base body due to wall opening tolerances are covered by the support plate.The required precision is built into the module carrier and the mounting frame of the device. The snap connection between the module carrier and the mounting frame can be designed to be detachable, allowing for disassembly. The snap connection can be designed so that the components can be mounted and / or dismounted from the wall without special tools.

[0014] The device can be designed so that the module carrier and locking frame, or either of the two components mentioned above, can be used for different devices. This allows for the increased use of identical parts across various devices. If one of the two components needs to be specifically adapted to different devices, only minor modifications may be required. This is the case, for example, if the module carrier needs to be specifically adapted to the intended module or device. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connection enables simpler and faster assembly and maintenance. Since tolerance compensation is achieved via the spring element's support against the device wall, the forces between the first and second snap elements are not affected, or only minimally affected, by the tolerance compensation.

[0015] The design effort for newly developed devices can be reduced through the possible use of identical parts.

[0016] When the support plate is connected to the module carrier, the clamping forces are transferred via the module carrier and kept away from the module. This can be particularly advantageous for sensitive modules, such as displays with a cover glass. Connecting the support plate to the module also improves the design because the module sits flush against the housing wall and is not surrounded by the edge of a support plate on the module carrier. In another embodiment, the support plate is integrally connected to either the module carrier or the module. This simplifies manufacturing and assembly. When integrally connected to the module carrier, the support plate can be designed as a frame connected on its inner circumference to a rearwardly projecting base body. The frame can define a recess that accommodates the module.In a one-piece design with the module, the support plate can be designed as a laterally projecting edge area of ​​a cover glass of a touch panel or other module.

[0017] In another design, the module carrier and the mounting frame are rectangular or circular. Modules for use in devices are often rectangular or circular, and this shape allows for good adaptation and space-saving mounting of the device to the device.

[0018] In another embodiment, the module carrier has a recess on its front side, and the module is inserted into this recess. The recess allows for protected and space-saving placement of the module on the module carrier. In yet another embodiment, the recess is a window opening in the support plate and / or a depression in the base of the module carrier.

[0019] In another design, the module is bonded to the module carrier via an adhesive bond. This allows for stress-free attachment of the module to the carrier. Other methods of attaching the module to the carrier are also possible, such as clamping the module to the carrier, screwing it in place, or securing it with retaining rings or other fasteners. Different attachment methods can also be combined.

[0020] In another embodiment, the base body features a ribbed plate. This allows for a stable base body with minimal material usage. A stable base body can prevent damage to a module caused by forces acting on the module support.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the module is a display, a monitor, a keyboard, a touchscreen, another UI module, or a transparent panel. The module can, in particular, be designed as a touch panel. The transparent panel can, in particular, be a viewing window, for example, a panel on a centrifuge.

[0022] In another embodiment, an electronic circuit board is arranged on the back of the base body. This circuit board can be an electronic control unit and / or a power supply for an electronic module attached to the module carrier.

[0023] In another embodiment, screw bosses project from the rear of the base body, and the circuit board is attached to screw holes on these bosses using screws. This ensures secure, easy assembly, and convenient servicing of the circuit board. In yet another embodiment, positioning lugs project from the rear of the base body, and the circuit board is guided by positioning holes on these lugs. This ensures precise alignment of the circuit board with the module carrier.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the module carrier has at least one rearward-projecting snap hook on its outer circumference, and the locking frame has at least one snap receptacle for the snap hook on its inner circumference, and / or the locking frame has at least one forward-projecting snap hook on its inner circumference, and the module carrier has at least one snap receptacle for the snap hook on its outer circumference. The snap hooks can be located exclusively on the module carrier and the snap receptacles exclusively on the locking frame, or vice versa. It is also possible for both components to have both snap hooks and snap receptacles, with the arrangement of the snap hooks and snap receptacles being coordinated so that a snap hook of one component can always snap into a snap receptacle of the other component.

[0025] In another embodiment, the locking frame has snap hooks and the module carrier has snap-in receptacles. Generally, the protruding snap hooks are more sensitive snap elements than the snap-in receptacles, as the snap hooks are deflected laterally before snapping into place. The arrangement of the snap hooks on the locking frame has the advantage that the more sensitive snap elements are located on the component that is particularly well-suited as a standard part for use on different devices and for cost-effective, high-volume production.

[0026] In another embodiment, the snap hook has a single- or double-armed lever with a first lever arm featuring a hook for snapping into a snap-in receptacle and a second lever arm for releasing the snap connection with the receptacle. This is advantageous for servicing because it facilitates disassembly without the use of tools. To access the lever, the servicing technician can open the device. In yet another embodiment, the second lever arm is located at the rear end. This makes it easier to operate the lever when the device is open.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the module carrier and / or the mounting frame has snap-in receptacles (locking receptacles) at several consecutive locking positions arranged perpendicular to the plate-shaped base body. This allows the module carrier and mounting frame to be locked together in various locking positions, where there are different distances between the back of the support plate and the front of the mounting frame. This enables the device to be used with various devices where the wall containing the mounting opening has different thicknesses. Furthermore, this allows for the accommodation of significant tolerances in the wall thickness of a device through different locking positions.

[0028] In another embodiment, the module carrier has several first snap elements on its outer circumference, and the locking frame has several second snap elements on its inner circumference. This allows the forces acting during snapping in the individual snap connections to be kept low, ensuring uniform clamping of the device to the wall of the equipment. In yet another embodiment, the module carrier has only a single first snap element, and the locking frame has only a single second snap element, with the first snap element running completely around the outer circumference of the module carrier and the second snap element running completely around the inner circumference of the locking frame.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the module carrier has several symmetrically arranged first snap elements on its outer circumference, and the locking frame has several symmetrically arranged second snap elements on its inner circumference. This promotes uniform clamping of the device to the equipment.

[0030] In another embodiment, the spring element protrudes from the front of the locking frame. Combining the spring element and locking frame into a single component simplifies assembly and disassembly. Positioning the spring element on the rear side of the wall can conceal any gap between the device and the wall caused by tolerance compensation.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the locking frame has at least one spring element on the front side, designed as a bending spring and inclined at an acute angle to the frame plane. Designing the spring element as an inclined bending spring is particularly advantageous from a manufacturing perspective when producing it by injection molding with plastic.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the locking frame has several symmetrically arranged spring elements. This is advantageous for uniform contact and for compensating for different manufacturing tolerances on the circumference of the mounting opening. The invention also includes embodiments in which the locking frame has only a single spring element, which can be formed, for example, by a circumferential, forward-projecting, and optionally outwardly inclined elastic lip on the front of the locking frame.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the support plate incorporates the spring element. The spring element is formed, for example, by a circumferential, possibly outwardly inclined, rearwardly projecting elastic lip on the outer circumference of the support plate, or by a support plate designed entirely as a disc spring made of elastic material.

[0034] In another embodiment, the spring element is formed by a ring made of an elastomer, positioned between the locking frame and the rear of the wall or between the support plate and the front of the wall. The ring can, for example, be guided around the circumference of the base body and positioned on the rear or front of the wall. The ring can be rectangular or circular. An O-ring can be used for this purpose.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the snap hook is formed integrally with the module carrier or the locking frame, and / or the snap receptacle is formed integrally with the locking frame or the module carrier, and / or the spring element is formed integrally with the locking frame or the support plate. The integral formation of the aforementioned structures with the aforementioned components simplifies manufacturing and assembly. Manufacturing can be carried out, in particular, by injection molding from plastic. Preferably, both the module carrier and the locking frame are injection molded in one piece from plastic.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the module carrier is made of plastic or metal, and / or the locking frame is made of plastic. According to another embodiment, the module carrier is made of die-cast aluminum or milled metal. According to another embodiment, the module carrier is injection-molded from plastic, and / or the locking frame is injection-molded from plastic (but it could also be a two-component injection-molded part made of hard and soft components to achieve a sealing function). According to another embodiment, the module carrier is formed in one piece, and / or the locking frame is formed in one piece. According to another embodiment, the wall and / or a housing of the device comprising the wall is made of metal or plastic. For example, TSG is used as the plastic. According to a second embodiment, the housing is injection-molded from plastic.

[0037] In the present application, the terms "front" and "back" as well as terms encompassing these directional information, such as "front" and "back", refer to an arrangement of the device on an outer wall of a device, wherein the module is arranged on the outside of the device, its outside being visible to an observer looking at the device from the outside, and the grid frame is arranged on the inside of the outer wall of the device.

[0038] The device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a module carrier of a first embodiment of the invention in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 2 a locking frame of the same device in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 3 the same device at the beginning of assembly on a mounting opening of a device in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 4 the same device after the module carrier has been inserted into the mounting opening and before the module carrier snaps into the locking frame in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 5 the same device with the module carrier and locking frame snapped into place and clamped to the device in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 6 a further embodiment of the invention in a first locking position in a cross-section perpendicular to the wall; Fig. 7 the same device in a second locking position in a cross-section perpendicular to the wall; Fig. 8 the same device in a third locking position in a cross-section perpendicular to the wall; Fig.Fig. 9 a module carrier of a third embodiment of the invention in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 10 a locking frame of the same device in a perspective view obliquely from the front; Fig. 11 the same device at the beginning of assembly on a mounting opening of a device in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 12 the same device after the module carrier has been inserted into the mounting opening and before the locking frame snaps into place with the module carrier in a perspective view obliquely from behind; Fig. 13 the same device with the module carrier and locking frame snapped into place and clamped to the wall of the housing in a perspective view obliquely from behind.

[0039] According to Fig. 1A module support 1 has a rectangular, plate-shaped base body 2. The base body 2 has a plate 3 and intersecting ribs 4.1, 4.2 projecting from the rear side of the plate 3. The ribs 4.1, 4.2 have hook-shaped projections 5.1, 5.2 at their outer ends, with their outer edges oriented perpendicular to the plate 3.

[0040] The base body 2 has first snap elements 6 on its outer circumference, which are designed as snap hooks 7 projecting vertically backwards from the base plate.

[0041] The snap hooks 7 each have a strip-shaped section 7.1. A hook 7.2, in the form of a bar inclined at an acute angle to the strip-shaped section 7.1, projects outwards from the base body 2 at a distance from the base body 2. The hook 7.2 is located at a distance from the rear end of the strip-shaped section 7.1. At its rear end, the strip-shaped section 7.1 has a chamfer 7.3 on its outer surface. The snap hook 7 forms a single-armed lever with a shorter first lever arm 7.4 and a longer second lever arm 7.5, which can be pivoted by pressing against the outer surface of the second lever arm 7.5.

[0042] On each of the two long sides of the base body 2 there are two snap hooks 7 and on each of the two short sides of the base body 2 there is one snap hook 7.

[0043] From the lateral edges of plate 3 of base body 2, rib-shaped side walls 8.1-8.4 of base body 2 project vertically forward, defining a recess in the form of a depression 9 on the front of base body 2. The depression 9 serves to insert a module.

[0044] At the four corners of the plate 3, two diagonally arranged screw bosses 10 and two diagonally arranged positioning lugs 11 project to the rear, each supported by a lateral rib 12 on the back of the plate 3.

[0045] For manufacturing reasons and to improve the elasticity of the snap hooks, the plate-shaped base body 3 has rectangular first openings 13 on the inner sides of the snap hooks.

[0046] The module carrier 1 is manufactured in one piece by injection molding.

[0047] According to Fig. 2A mounting frame 14 has a rectangular frame body 15 with four frame sides 15.1-15.4 that define a frame opening 16. The frame sides 15.1-15.4 are each L-profiles 17.1-17.4. First legs 18.1-18.4 of the L-profiles 17.1-17.4 fall into the main plane (plane of greatest extent) of the mounting frame 14 and together form a mounting section 19 of the mounting frame 14. Second legs 20.1-20.4 of the L-profile 17.1-17.4 extend vertically forward from the edge of the frame opening 16 to the main plane of the mounting frame 14 and together form a connecting section 21 of the mounting frame 14.

[0048] The assembly section 19 has spring elements 22 on its front side in the form of bending springs 23 inclined at an acute angle to the main plane. Three bending springs 23 are arranged on each of the two long frame sides 15.1, 15.3 of the mounting frame 14, and two bending springs 23 are arranged on each of the two short frame sides 15.2, 15.4 of the mounting frame 14. The bending springs 23 are distributed essentially evenly across the sides of the assembly section 19.

[0049] The connecting section 21 has second snap elements 24 in the form of snap-in receptacles on its inner circumference. The snap-in receptacles 25 are arranged on the front edge of the connecting section 21. Two snap-in receptacles 25 are arranged on each of the two long frame sides 15.1, 15.3, and only one snap-in receptacle 25 is arranged on each of the two short frame sides 15.2, 15.4.

[0050] The grid frame 14 is injection-molded in one piece from plastic.

[0051] The shape and dimensions of the module carrier 1 and the mounting frame 14 are coordinated such that the mounting frame 14, with its frame opening 16, can be slid onto the module carrier 1 from the rear, allowing the snap hooks 7 to engage in the frame opening 16 and the connecting section 21 and snap into the snap receptacles 25 by engaging the hooks 7.2 in the snap receptacles 25. In this position, the front of the mounting section 19 of the mounting frame 14 is spaced from the front of the base body 2, such that this spaced area can accommodate the edge of a mounting opening in the wall of a device.

[0052] Recess 9 of module carrier 1 is designed to accommodate a touch panel or another module. According to Fig. 3A module 26 is inserted into the recess 9, wherein the module 26 has a support plate 27, for example in the form of a display glass, which projects outwards in the sides of the base body 2 parallel to the main plane (plane of greatest extent) of the base body 2.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6 , which uses the same module carrier 1 as in Fig. 1 and one of Fig. 2 The module 26, which includes a different grid frame 14, is shown in recess 9.

[0054] Module 26 is attached to module carrier 1 by means of an adhesive bond.

[0055] A rectangular circuit board 28 with holes at the corners can be mounted on the back of the module carrier 1. Positioning lugs 11 are inserted into two diagonally arranged positioning holes on the circuit board 28, and screws 29 are inserted through the two diagonally arranged screw holes and screwed into the screw bosses 10. In the present embodiment, this step has been omitted and replaced in the Figs. 11 to 13 shown for a different embodiment.

[0056] According to Fig. 3 At the start of assembly, module carrier 1 and mounting frame 14 are aligned with a rectangular mounting opening 30 in a wall 31 of a housing 32 of a device. The wall 31 can be an outer wall of a housing 32. Alternatively, the wall 31 can also be an inner wall of a device, for example, a wall separating two functional areas of the device.

[0057] The dimensions of the mounting opening 30 slightly exceed the external dimensions of the base body 2.

[0058] According to Fig. 4 In a further assembly step, the module carrier 1 is inserted into the assembly opening 30 with the base body 2 until the support plate 27 rests on the front side of the wall 31.

[0059] Finally, the locking frame 14 is pushed onto the module carrier 1 from the rear until the spring elements 22 are supported on the rear side of the wall 31, compress slightly and the snap hooks 7 snap into the snap receptacles 25.

[0060] In Fig. 5The device is shown in the installed position, in which the module carrier 1 and the locking frame 14 are snapped together and the spring elements 22 are elastically deformed and supported against the wall 31. In the installed position, the device 33, consisting of module carrier 1, module 26, and locking frame 14, is clamped to the outer edge of the mounting opening 30 on the wall 31. The manufacturing tolerances of the device 33 and the wall 31 are compensated for by the spring elements 22. Precise alignment of the mounting opening 30 and the module carrier 1 is not critical, as the support plate 27 covers any gaps between the mounting opening 30 and the module carrier 1 on the outside.

[0061] The device 33 can be assembled extremely easily and without tools. Disassembly is also simple and tool-free. To do this, the opposing snap hooks 7 of the module carrier 1 can be slightly squeezed together at their rear ends until the hooks 7.2 are released from the snap receptacles 25. The locking frame 14 can then be pulled off the module carrier 1 and the module carrier 1 removed from the mounting opening 30.

[0062] The exemplary embodiment of Figs. 6 to 8 differs from the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5The connecting section 21 of the locking frame 14 has snap-in receptacles 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 at several successive locking positions arranged perpendicular to the mounting section 19. As a result, the module carrier 1 and the locking frame 14 can be snapped or locked together in various locking positions. This is advantageous for roughly compensating for manufacturing tolerances and for using the device 33 with different devices where the mounting opening 30 is formed in walls 31 with different wall thicknesses.

[0063] The rear edges of each snap-in receptacle 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 are inclined backwards in accordance with the inclination of the rear of each hook 7.2 to facilitate the movement of the latching frame 14 into a subsequent latching position.

[0064] Furthermore, this embodiment features an external step 34 on the front side of the wall 31, extending around the mounting opening 30 and dimensioned to accommodate the support plate 27. Consequently, the front of the support plate 27 is flush with the front of the wall 31 next to the external step 34. The gap between the outer circumference of the support plate 27 and the outer edge of the external step can be kept small. From the outside, the module 26 is perfectly integrated into the wall.

[0065] The exemplary embodiment of Figs. 9 to 13 differs from the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5 by the fact that the first snap elements 6 of the module carrier 1 are designed as snap receptacles 25 and not as snap hooks, and that the second snap elements 24 of the locking frame are designed as snap hooks 7 and not as snap receptacles.

[0066] Another difference is that the support plate 27 is formed in one piece with the module carrier 1 and not with the module 26.

[0067] The module carrier 1 has snap-in receptacles 25 on the outer circumference of the strip-shaped side walls 8.1-8.4. The snap-in receptacles 25 are designed as rectangular secondary openings 35 in the module carrier 1. Two snap-in receptacles 25 are arranged on each of the two long sides of the base body 2, and one snap-in receptacle 25 is arranged on each of the two short sides of the base body 2.

[0068] On the rear side, the base body 2 has rearwardly projecting insertion ramps 36 next to the snap-in receptacles 25. The insertion ramps 36 are formed on the outer sides of rearwardly projecting parallel cams 37.1, 37.2, which are connected to each other by a connecting web.

[0069] The support plate 27 is a rectangular frame 38 with a window opening 39 on the front. The support plate 39 is integrally connected at the edge of the window opening 39 to the front edge of the strip-shaped side walls 8.1-8.4 surrounding the recess 9 and projects outwards parallel to the main plane of the base body 2. The window opening 39 and the recess 9 together form a recess 40 for inserting and wiring a module 26.

[0070] The base body 2 may have through-holes to connect an electronic module on the front of the base body to an electronic circuit board on the back of the base body or to electronics in the device by means of cables passed through them.

[0071] The module carrier 1 is injection-molded in one piece from plastic.

[0072] According to Fig. 10The locking frame has snap hooks 7 on its inner circumference. Each snap hook 7 is connected to the front edge of the connecting section 21 via a connecting tab 41. Each snap hook 7 has a strip-shaped section 7.1 that extends perpendicularly to the mounting section 19 and has an inwardly projecting hook 7.2 at its front end. The connecting tab 41 is connected to the center of the strip-shaped section 7.1. Thus, the snap hook 7 is designed as a two-armed lever, with a first lever arm 7.4 extending from the hook 7.2 to the connecting tab 41 and a second lever arm 7.5 extending from the connecting tab 41 to the rear end of the strip-shaped section 7.1, which can be pivoted by actuating the second lever arm 7.5.

[0073] The bending springs 23 are arranged on the front of the locking frame 14 above wedge-shaped indentations 42 of the contact section 19, such that the bending springs 23 are connected to the contact section 19 above the deepest point of the indentation 42. This arrangement is chosen to increase fatigue strength and for manufacturing reasons.

[0074] The grid frame 14 is injection-molded in one piece from plastic.

[0075] On the front of the module carrier 1, a module is glued into the recess 40, which is not visible in the figures. On the back of the module carrier 1, according to Figs. 11 to 13 a circuit board 28 is fixed.

[0076] According to Fig. 11 At the start of the assembly, the module carriers 1 and the mounting frames 14 are arranged on different sides of the mounting opening 30 and aligned with it.

[0077] According to Fig. 12Next, the module carrier 1 is inserted into the mounting opening 30 until the support plate 27 rests against the front side of the wall 31.

[0078] Finally, according to Fig. 13 The mounting frame 14 is pushed onto the module carrier 1 from the rear until the bending springs 23 are supported on the rear side of the wall 31, compress slightly, and the snap hooks 7 engage in the snap receptacles 25. In the snapped-in position, the device is in Fig. 13 shown.

[0079] In this design as well, the spring elements 22 compensate for tolerances of the components 1, 14, 31 involved. The support plate 27 covers the edge of the mounting opening 30, so precise alignment of the module carrier 1 with the mounting opening 30 is not necessary. Assembly can be carried out without tools. Disassembly is also easily accomplished by slightly pivoting the rear ends of opposing snap hooks 7 towards each other. As soon as the hooks 7.2 are released from the snap receptacles 25, the locking frame 14 can be pulled off the module carrier 1. The module carrier 1 can then be removed from the mounting opening 30.

[0080] Another advantage is that the snap hooks 7 are components of the locking frame 14, meaning that in case of failure, the locking frame 14 only needs to be replaced. The locking frame 14 can preferably be used as a standard part for different devices, making replacement of this component relatively inexpensive. List of reference symbols

[0081] 1 Module carrier 2 Base body 3 Plate 4.1, 4.2 Rib 5.1, 5.2 Projection 6 First snap element 7 Snap hook 7.1 Strip-shaped section 7.2 Hook 7.3 Chamfer 7.4 First lever arm 7.5 Second lever arm 8.1-8.4 Side wall 9 Recess 10 Screw boss 11 Positioning nose 12 Ribbing 13 First opening 14 Grid frame 15 Frame body 15.1-15.4 Frame side 16 Frame opening 17.1-17.4 L-profile 18.1-18.4 First leg 19 Mounting section 20.1-20.4 Second leg 21 Connecting section 22 Spring element 23 Bending spring 24 Second snap element 25 Snap-in 26 Module 27 Support plate 28 Electronic circuit board 29 Screw 30 Mounting opening 31 Wall 32 Housing 33 Device 34 Outer step 35 Second opening 36 Lead-in chamfer 37.1, 37.2 Cam 38 Frame 39 Window opening 40 Recess 41 Connecting tab 42 Notch

Claims

1. Device for the mechanical fastening of a module to a wall of an apparatus having a mounting opening for receiving the module comprising: • a module carrier (1) having a plate-shaped base body (2) for insertion into the mounting opening (30) and at least a first snap element (6) on the outer circumference of the base body (2), • a module (26) arranged on the front side of the base body (2) and fastened to the module carrier (1), • a support plate (27) for supporting on a front side of the wall (31) having the mounting opening (30), which is connected to the module carrier (1) or module (26) and projects outward parallel to the main plane of the base body (2); • a detent frame (14) having a frame opening (16) for inserting a rear part of the base body (2) and at least one second snap element (24) on the inner circumference, a locking frame (14), which comprises a frame opening (16) for the insertion of a rear portion of the base body (2) and has at least a second latching element (24) on the inner circumference, • at least one spring element (22) which is designed and arranged to resiliently support the latching frame (14) on the rear side of the wall (31) adjacent to the mounting opening (30) and / or to resiliently support the support plate (27) on the front side of the wall, • wherein the first snap element (6) and the second snap element (24) are designed to snap together when the base body (2) is inserted into the frame opening (16), wherein a gap is provided between the rear side of the support plate (27) and the front side of the detent frame (14) for receiving an edge region of the wall (31) surrounding the mounting opening (30).

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the support plate (27) is connected integrally with the module carrier (1) or with the module (26).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the module carrier (1) has a recess (40) on the front side and the module (26) is inserted into the recess (40).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the module (26) is connected to the module carrier (1) by an adhesive connection.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the module (26) is a display, a monitor, a keyboard, a touchscreen, another UI module, or a transparent pane.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein screw domes (10) project rearward from the rear side of the base body (2) and an electronic circuit board (28) is fastened to the screw domes (10) by means of screws (29).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the module carrier (1) has at least one snap-in hook (7) projecting rearward on its outer periphery and the detent frame (14) has at least one snap-in receptacle (25) for the snap-in hook (7) on its inner periphery and / or in which the detent frame (14) has at least one snap-in hook (7) projecting forward on its inner periphery and the module carrier (1) has at least one snap-in receptacle (25) for the snap-in hook (7) on its outer periphery.

8. Device according to claim 7, in which the snap-in hook (7) is a single-armed or two-armed lever having a first lever arm (7.4) with a hook (7.2) for snapping into the snap-in receptacle (25) and a second lever arm (7.3) for releasing the snap-in connection with the snap-in receptacle (25)9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the module carrier (1) and / or the detent frame (14) has snap-in receptacles (25.1, 25.2, 25.3) at several locking positions arranged one behind the other in a direction perpendicular to the plate-shaped base body.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the module carrier (1) has several first snap elements (6) on its outer periphery, and the detent frame (14) has several second snap elements (24) on its inner periphery.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the spring element (22) projects from the front of the detent frame (14).

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detent frame (14) has at on its front side at least one spring element (22), designed as a leaf spring (23), which is inclined at an acute angle to the plane of the frame plane.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the snap-in hook (7) is integrally formed with the module carrier (1) or with the detent frame (14) and / or wherein the snap-fit receptable is integrally formed with the detent frame or the module carrier (1) and / or wherein the spring element (22) is integrally formed with the detent frame (14) or the support plate (27).

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the module carrier (1) is made of a plastic and / or the detent frame (14) is made of a plastic.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the module carrier (1) and / or the detent frame (14) is injection molded.