Fixing Assembly

Abstract

To provide a fixation assembly.SOLUTION: A fixation assembly 1 has a support element 2 configured to be fixed to a component of a vehicle, and a frame 3 that is configured to support an accessory 60 at a fixed relative position and is connected to the support element 2 at the fixing position. The support element 2 has two openings 6 engaged with each other by each projection pin 7 of the frame 3 so as to rotate the frame 3 toward the support element 2 in a mounting step of inserting the projection pins 7 into an opening 6. A snap type fitting part 8 prevents movement of the frame 3 at the time of end of the rotation, and then a screw type prevention device 9 fixes the frame 3 to a stable position. The snap type fitting part 8 has an elastically deformable element 14 that is snap-fit to a holding shoulder part 12, and forms a part of a part formed of a polymer material or an elastomer material in a part between the support element 2 and the frame 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This patent application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102020000030599, filed December 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a fastening assembly for fastening an accessory to a component within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, electronic accessories such as displays or panels with control buttons can be fixed to an interior component of a vehicle, for example the dashboard of a passenger compartment, by means of respective fixing assemblies.

[0004] Known types of fixing assemblies generally consist of a support element which can be fixed directly to or integrated into the dashboard, and a frame which supports the accessory and is connected to the support element in a fixed position when mounted in the vehicle.

[0005] The fastening of the frame to the support element of a known type of fastening assembly is generally carried out by accessing the frame and then screwing it onto the support element.

[0006] To achieve an aesthetically and functionally effective fixation, the relative positioning between the support element and the frame must be constrained by relatively narrow tolerances that are specified during the design phase. In particular, in an attempt to guide the operator during fixation, the frame and the support element include one or more mechanical references. The mechanical references define an ideal reference system for the relative positioning between the support element and the frame.

[0007] However, during the screwing operation, the forces involved and any inaccuracies on the part of the operator can alter the position of the mechanical reference within the ideal reference system.

[0008] This results in non-compliance with the tolerances provided and consequently affects the quality and aesthetics of the passenger compartment dashboard.

[0009] In particular, the change in position of the mechanical reference may be greater in some directions than in others.

[0010] For this reason, a fastening assembly is considered necessary, in which the correct relative positioning between the frame and the support element is achieved in an accurate, easy and quick way and maintained at the end of the fastening operation, making it possible to comply with design tolerances.

[0011] Another consideration is the need to limit the number of components in the fastening assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening assembly which enables the above requirements to be met in a simple and economical way.

[0013] According to the present invention, a fastening assembly as defined in claim 1 is realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fastening assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a fastening assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3a is a front view of the support element of the fixation assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3b is a front view of the support element of the fixation assembly of FIGS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixation assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the frame of the fixation assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 in greater detail. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional perspective view of a detail of the fixing assembly of FIG. 1 according to the cross section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of the fixing assembly of FIG. 2 according to the cross-section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 designates a fastening assembly used to fasten an electrical / electronic accessory 60 (seen in Figure 2) to a component (not shown) of a vehicle, in particular to the dashboard of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Such an accessory 60 may be, for example, a display and / or a control panel.

[0016] The fixing assembly 1 comprises a support element 2 configured to be fixed to the dashboard or to form part of the dashboard itself, and a frame 3 which supports the accessory 60 in a fixed relative position and is fixed to the support element 2 by a fixing device 4.

[0017] Firstly, it is possible to define the relative design position between the support element 2 and the frame 3, with certain position tolerances defined at the design stage being respected.

[0018] In particular, the fastening assembly 1 may be installed in an assembled configuration in which the support element 2 and the frame 3 are in a fixed relative position having regard to two mutually perpendicular directions X and Y, but are not stably blocked together. The fastening assembly 1 may also be in a "clamped" configuration, in which the support element 2 and the frame 3 are in their relative design positions and are stably blocked together, in particular by a blocking device 9 of the screw type.

[0019] The support element 2 has a first surface 2a (Figures 1 and 3b) which, in use, faces rearward, i.e., towards the dashboard, and a second surface 2b (Figures 2 and 3a) opposite the first surface 2a along the above-mentioned direction Y and which, in use, faces the passenger compartment and / or accessories 60 of the vehicle.

[0020] The frame 3 has a third surface 3a (Figure 1) at least partially facing the second surface 2b along the direction Y, and a fourth surface 3b (Figure 2) opposite the third surface 3a along the same direction Y and therefore facing the passenger compartment and / or accessories 60 of the vehicle in use.

[0021] In detail, the support element 2 is notably formed by a flat plate with a substantially rectangular periphery and comprises a main part 40 surrounded by an annular protrusion 41 extending towards the frame 3 in a cantilevered manner starting from said periphery parallel to the direction Y.

[0022] More specifically, the projection 41 comprises an upper portion 42 and a lower portion 43 spaced apart from each other along a direction Z perpendicular to the direction Y and preferably parallel to the above-mentioned direction X. The projection 41 further comprises two lateral portions 44 and 45 that join a lateral end of the upper portion 42 with a lateral end of the lower portion 43 and are spaced apart along the direction X.

[0023] In the particular embodiment shown, the support element 2 is symmetrical about a median plane parallel to the Z and Y directions.

[0024] Preferably, the support element 2 also has a through-opening 46 formed in the main part 40 parallel to the direction Y. As shown in Figure 4, the through-opening 46 is positioned such that it can be used for passing an electric cable from the inside of the dashboard to the frame 3 and thus to the accessory 60.

[0025] As in the illustrated example, the support element 2 will be fixed to the dashboard, and therefore, if it is not part of the dashboard, the support element 2 comprises a number of fixing appendages 47 for fixing to the dashboard, for example by means of screws (not shown). In particular, the fixing appendages 47 are arranged on the lateral portions 44 and 45 (FIG. 1) and project laterally outward relative to the lateral portions 45. Obviously, fixing systems other than appendages 47 may also be used.

[0026] The frame 3 comprises a mounting portion 50 and a housing portion 61, delimited by a third side 3a and a fourth side 3b, respectively. The mounting portion 50 is connected to the support element 2 and the accessory 60 in a fixed position, while the housing portion 61 terminates at the fourth side 3b with an edge 62 arranged around the accessory 60. In particular, the housing portion 61 has an annular, substantially rectangular shape so as to surround and accommodate the accessory 60 (Fig. 2).

[0027] In the solution shown, parts 50 and 61 form separate bodies fixed to one another in a manner not shown. According to a variant not shown, parts 50 and 61 are in a single piece and form part of a single body. According to an additional variant not shown, part 61 is not present, so that accessory 60 is arranged in a cantilevered manner relative to frame 3.

[0028] The mounting portion 50 is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises an intermediate zone and an outer annular zone 51 surrounding the intermediate zone (FIG. 1) and comprising an upper portion 52 and a lower portion 53 spaced apart along direction Z, and two lateral portions 54 and 55 spaced apart along direction X and joining the lateral ends of the upper portion 52 to the lateral ends of the lower portion 53.

[0029] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, portion 61 protrudes relative to outer annular area 51 both outwardly (along directions X and Z) and forwardly (i.e., along direction Y opposite support element 2, towards the passenger compartment).

[0030] The annular projection 41 of the support element 2 surrounds an outer annular area 51. In other words, the annular projection 41 is engaged by the attachment portion 50 to form a cavity having the main portion 40 as a bottom wall.

[0031] 4, portion 61 is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to projection 41 beyond upper portion 42 (along direction Z) and lateral portions 44, 45 (along direction X), while lower portion 43 of annular projection 41 is dimensioned to extend beyond the lower end of portion 61 along direction Z.

[0032] Advantageously, the fixing device 4 comprises at least one opening 6 formed in the support element 2 and at least one pin 7 coaxial with the opening 6 and protruding from the frame 3 along an axis A parallel to the direction Z (alternatively, the opening 6 can be formed in the frame 3 and the pin 7 can protrude from the support element 2).

[0033] The pin 7 engages with the opening 6 in a manner that allows the frame 3 to rotate relative to the support element 2 about an ideal hinge axis parallel to the direction X during the installation step, when the pin 7 is inserted axially into the opening 6. In other words, the connection between the pin 7 and the opening 6 during installation forms a hinge about this axis. Thanks to this rotation, it is possible to bring the frame 3 closer to the support element 2 along the direction Y and engage with the mounting portion 50 in the cavity formed by the annular projection 41. For example, to perform this rotation function, the pin 7 and / or the edge of the opening 6 have a certain elastic deformation or radial clearance along the direction Y.

[0034] In the particular embodiment shown, the fixation device 4 comprises two openings 6 spaced apart along the direction X and two pins 7 engaging with the two openings 6 respectively (FIG. 4).

[0035] Preferably, the opening 6 is a cylindrical through-hole. Preferably, the opening 6 is made in the lower part 43 of the projection 41 (FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b). At the same time, the pin 7 projects downwards relative to the lower part 53 (FIG. 1).

[0036] Each pin 7 comprises in particular a core fixed relative to the mounting part 50 and a covering made from a polymeric or elastomeric material. In particular, the covering is formed by a cap fitted onto the core.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the pin 7 protrudes from a head or flange 7a. In particular, during the installation operation, said head or flange 7a is placed axially against a surface of the lower part 43 facing the centre of the support element 2 due to the weight of the frame 3. In contrast, when the assembly unit 1 is in the clamped configuration, the flange 7a is spaced from this surface by the lower part 43 along the direction Z.

[0038] The fixing device 4 further comprises a snap-fitting 8 for holding the frame 3 and preventing it from moving away from the support element 2 in the direction Y at the end of said rotation.

[0039] 1 and 4, the snap-fitting part 8 comprises a retaining shoulder 12 arranged on the support element 2 transversely to the direction Y and one or more elastically deformable elements 14 arranged on the frame 3 and snap-fitting onto the retaining shoulder 12. Alternatively, the retaining shoulder 12 may be arranged on the frame 3, while the elastically deformable elements 14 may be arranged on the support element 2.

[0040] In particular, the elastically deformable element 14 constitutes a single part with the mounting part 50 and / or the housing part 61, which together form a single body made from a polymeric or elastomeric material. In other words, the elastically deformable element 14 is not formed by a spring or a metal element attached to a part made from a plastic material, but rather by a plastic or rubber part that is itself integrated or moulded onto the frame 3. Otherwise, in the case not shown where the elastically deformable element 14 is arranged on the support element 2, such element, together with part of the support element 2, would form part of a single body made from a polymeric or elastomeric material.

[0041] 4, the retaining shoulder 12 is arranged on the first face 2a, which in the illustrated case delimits a rear portion 40, whereas each elastically deformable element 14 extends in a cantilevered manner from the third face 3a parallel to the direction Y.

[0042] Furthermore, one or more openings 15 passing parallel to the direction Y are formed in the support element 2. In particular, the elastically deformable elements 14 pass through the openings 15 and thus protrude beyond the first face 2a.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 2 has two openings 15 spaced apart from each other parallel to the direction X. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the snap-on fitting 8 comprises two pairs of elastically deformable elements 14. In particular, each pair of elastically deformable elements 14 passes through a respective opening 15.

[0044] In particular, two openings 15 are formed in the main part 40 near the top 42. Even more particularly, the openings 15 are formed above the opening 46 in the direction Z and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the support element 2.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 15 is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0046] Each opening 15 is delimited upwardly by a straight edge 16, in particular extending parallel to the direction X. In particular, a retaining shoulder 12 is formed by an area of ​​the first face 2a and extends from the edge 16 towards the top 42.

[0047] Each elastically deformable element 14 comprises an elastically flexible arm 20 parallel to the direction Y and a tooth 21 projecting from the arm 20 transversely to the direction Y (FIG. 5).

[0048] In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the teeth 21 are arranged beyond the openings 15 and rest on the retaining shoulders 12, thereby preventing the frame 3 from moving away from the support element 2 along the direction Y.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, as described above, two arms 20 are provided on either side of the support element 2. The two arms are spaced apart from each other along direction X and project parallel to direction Y from block 20a. Block 20a preferably has two grooves 20b on its upper surface that are aligned with respective teeth 21. Block 20a and its two arms 20 form a bifurcation that forms a seat between the two arms 20.

[0050] In particular, the two blocks 20 a then project from the edge of the housing part 61 parallel to the direction Y.

[0051] More specifically, each groove 20b has a width that gradually decreases along direction X from face 3a towards the corresponding tooth 21 (Figure 5), so that it has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed along direction Z.

[0052] Furthermore, the thickness of the block 20a and the arm 20 along the direction Z decreases as one moves away from the face 3a in the direction Y. In particular, the arm 20 has a flat shape, of the type of a flange or thin plate, perpendicular to the direction Z.

[0053] In particular, during installation, by rotating the frame 3 towards the support element 2 in direction X while the pin 7 is inserted, the free end of the arm 20 and its teeth 21 rest against the edge 16 and slide in a direction substantially parallel to direction Y, deforming and / or bending in a direction opposite to the edge 16. To facilitate this deformation / bending, the teeth 21 and / or the free end of the arm 20 are delimited by inclined lead-in surfaces so as to have the shape and function of a wedge. Due to this function, the edge 16 exerts a pressure action on the arm 20 and / or teeth 21 towards the center of the frame 3 while resting and sliding.

[0054] This deformation allows each tooth 21 to move over the edge 16 and relative opening 15 until it snaps into place, i.e., resiliently returns to its undeformed position, causing engagement with the retaining shoulder 12.

[0055] Referring particularly to Figure 1, each blocking device 9 comprises a first hole 10 provided in the support element 2 along an axis B parallel to the direction Z, a second hole 11 formed in the frame 3 and coaxial with the first hole 10, and a screw or pin 13 engaging in the first and second holes 10, 11.

[0056] The blocking device 9 prevents movement of the frame 3 towards the support element 2 in the fixed position after the elastically deformable element 14 has snapped into the retaining shoulder 12 during the installation operation, so that the fixing assembly 1 moves from the assembled configuration to the clamped configuration after the screws 13 have been inserted into the first and second holes 10, 11.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the two blocking devices 9 are spaced apart from each other along the direction X so as to be positioned in abutment against respective elastically deformable elements 14 on either side of the assembly 1 .

[0058] In particular, for each side of the assembly 1, two elastically deformable elements 14 are arranged diametrically opposite to a corresponding blocking device 9 along the direction X. In particular, each blocking device 9 extends along a corresponding axis B through a seat between the arms 20.

[0059] The two blocking devices 9 as well as the snap-on fitting 8 are preferably arranged on the opposite side, in view of the direction Z, to where the pin 7 and the opening 6 are provided. In particular, the first hole 10 is provided near the top 42 of the projection 41 and the second hole 11 is provided near the top 52.

[0060] Preferably, the first holes 10 are provided through the top portion 42 in two projections 71 extending in a cantilevered manner from the top portion 42 at openings 15 parallel to the direction Z (FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0061] In particular, the second holes 11 are formed in each protrusion 70. The protrusions 70 form part of the mounting portion 50 and extend in a cantilevered manner from the third face 3a parallel to the direction Y (Fig. 5). In particular, such protrusions 70 protrude from the upper portion 52 parallel to the direction Y and are arranged below the elastically deformable element 14 along the direction Z.

[0062] More specifically, each protrusion 71 has a semi-cylindrical shape and only rearwardly embraces a respective screw 13. In particular, each protrusion 71 is arranged to rest in contact with a corresponding block 20a along direction Y and in contact with a corresponding protrusion 70 along direction Z (FIG. 4).

[0063] In particular, after tightening the screws 13, the arms 20 are clamped parallel to the direction Z between the upper part 42 of the support element 2 and the mounting part 50 of the frame 3 (FIG. 7).

[0064] As mentioned above, the opening 6 and the pin 7 are spaced apart by a snap-fit ​​8 and are spaced apart in the direction Z by a blocking device 9 .

[0065] The support element 2 further comprises at least one support ridge 17 in relief relative to the second face 2b, whereas the frame 3 comprises at least one support ridge 18 in relief relative to the third face 3a and abutting the ridge 17 along the direction Y. In the embodiment shown, two support ridges 17 are provided spaced apart from each other along the direction X, and two corresponding support ridges 18 are provided aligned with the ridge 17 parallel to the direction Y.

[0066] Essentially, movement of the frame 3 along the direction Y is stopped in one direction by the teeth 21 and in the opposite direction by the support between the ridges 17 and 18 .

[0067] Furthermore, the slots 32 are formed in the portion 40, while the frame 3 comprises a centering pin 33 which protrudes from the mounting portion 50 in the direction Y and engages with the slots 32 with a gap in the direction Z and substantially without a gap in the direction X. Alternatively, the slots 32 can be located in the frame 3 and the centering pin 33 can be part of the support element 2.

[0068] In particular, the slot 32 penetrates along the direction Y. Even more particularly, the slot 32 is located midway between the two openings 15 (Figures 3a and 3b). In the embodiment shown, the slot 32 is centrally located in the median plane of symmetry of the support element 2.

[0069] The fastening assembly 1 further comprises a number of protrusions 80 which serve to define the relative positioning between the support element 2 and the frame 3 along the direction Y (FIGS. 2 and 3A).

[0070] In detail, the above-mentioned protrusion 80 forms part of the support element 2, protrudes from the second face 2b along the direction Y and is placed in abutment against the frame 3 on the side of the third face 3a along the direction Y. Alternatively, the protrusion 80 may form part of the frame 3 and be placed in abutment against the support element 2.

[0071] The protrusions 80 may be made from a vibration-damping material.

[0072] Alternatively, the fixing assembly 1 may comprise a single continuous protrusion 80 which forms part of the support element 2, protrudes from the second face 2b and is placed in abutment against the frame 3 on the side of the third face 3a along the direction Y.

[0073] Furthermore, the support element 2 comprises one or more protrusions 31 protruding parallel to the direction Y such that a gap along the direction Y between the support element 2 and the frame 3 is hidden by the protrusions 80. As a result, due to the protrusions 31, the inner parts of the second face 2b and / or the third face 3a are not visible to occupants in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0074] Alternatively, the protrusion 31 may form part of the frame 3 .

[0075] In particular, the projections 31 are formed by ribs parallel to the direction Z and projecting from the lateral portions 44 and 45, respectively.

[0076] The installation of the fixing assembly 1 is described below, starting from the state in which the frame 3 is separated from the support element 2 and the support element 2 is fixed to the dashboard (either forming part of the dashboard itself or fixed to the dashboard by means of fixing appendages 47 and corresponding screws not shown).

[0077] In particular, the first surface 2a is arranged towards the inside of the dashboard and the second surface 2b faces towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0078] First, the pin 7 engages in the opening 6 with a downward movement. In particular, the head 7a rests against the lower part 43 of the support element 2.

[0079] During coupling of the pin 7 into the opening 6, this coupling forms a hinge about an axis parallel to the direction X, so that the frame 3 rotates relative to the support element 2 and moves towards it.

[0080] During this rotation, the elastically deformable element 14 comes into engagement with the opening 15 and the centering pin 33 comes into engagement with the slot 32. Now, the clearance along direction Z does not hinder the rotation and approach trajectory of the frame 3, but the edge of the slot 32 holds the frame 3 in a stable position along direction X.

[0081] At the end of the rotation stroke, each tooth 21 comes into contact with the edge 16 of the associated opening 15. By forcing a further rotation towards the support element 2 by the thrust of the frame 3, the reaction exerted by the edge 16 on the end of the arm 20 causes an elastic deformation thereof towards the lower part 43, so that each tooth 21 passes completely through the associated opening 15 and protrudes beyond said opening, snapping into the retaining shoulder 12.

[0082] At the end of the rotational movement, the slot 32 performs a holding movement against the pin 33 .

[0083] The rotation of the frame 3 ends in particular when the ridges 17 and 18 abut against each other.

[0084] At this point, movement of the frame 3 along the direction Y is prevented by the engagement of the upper snap-fitting 8 with the pin 7 in the lower opening 6. Any coupling tolerances along the direction Y are compensated for below by the resilience of the softer coating provided on the pin 7.

[0085] After the teeth 21 are snapped together, the fastening assembly 1 is in an assembled configuration.

[0086] In particular, as explained above, the frame 3 is arrested in the direction Y by the support between the teeth 21 of the elastically deformable element 14 and the ridges 17 and 18 which define the end of the stroke when the frame 3 rotates close (FIG. 4). The coupling of the pin 7 to the opening 6 also defines a reference along the direction Y.

[0087] Reference along axis X is essentially provided by the coupling of pin 33 into slot 32 .

[0088] Furthermore, as explained above, the protrusion 31 prevents the inner portions of the second surface 2b and / or the third surface 3a from being visible to occupants in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0089] To bring the fixing assembly 1 into a clamped configuration, the screws 13 are screwed into the holes 10 and 11. In particular, by screwing in the screws 13, the frame 3 is raised along the direction Z relative to the support element 2. In this way, the frame 3 reaches its designed position by creating a gap along the direction Z between the head 7a and the surface of the lower part 43 facing the center of the support element 2. This gap is of the order of a few millimeters.

[0090] Thus, with respect to a reference along axis Z, the frame 3 is essentially placed in a fixed design position by the tightening force of the screws 13 which engage in the holes 10 and 11 along their respective axes B (FIG. 7).

[0091] Furthermore, after tightening the screws 13, the arm 20 is clamped between the upper part 42 of the support element 2 and the mounting part 50 of the frame 3 along the direction Z (FIG. 7).

[0092] By ensuring precise positioning and relatively tight tolerances, the centering and retention characteristics prevent the resulting stresses and deformations during the screwing operation of screw 13 from altering this positioning in directions X and Y.

[0093] From a consideration of the properties of the fastening assembly 1 according to the invention, the advantages that can be obtained from the fastening assembly 1 are clear.

[0094] Firstly, the snap-fitting portion 8 prevents the frame 3 from separating along the direction Y, and then the blocking device 9 blocks the position of the frame 3 relative to the support element 2, so that the assembly 1 can be easily assembled and the design tolerances are respected.

[0095] Indeed, at the end of the rotation of the frame 3, and thus when the teeth 21 have snapped into the retaining shoulder 12, the relative position between the frame 3 and the support element 2 is defined in a precise manner parallel to the directions X and Y, respecting the design tolerances. The subsequent threading of the screw 13 has the purpose of arresting the two parts in a fixed position and does not change the relative position between the two parts along the directions X and Y.

[0096] The relative positioning in direction Z between the frame 3 and the support element 2 is achieved accurately and quickly following the engagement of the screws 13 .

[0097] The mounting of the frame 3 is also particularly effective due to the presence of the snap-on joints 8, which simplifies the assembly operation and limits any risk of imprecision on the part of the operator. In particular, all elastically deformable elements 14 are coupled at the same time, and no additional holding elements need to be provided before screwing in the screws 13. Furthermore, the snap-on joints 8 make it unnecessary to provide metal elastic elements or additional springs, since the arms 20 themselves are flexible and are formed integrally with the mounting part 50 and / or the housing part 61 (or part of the support element 2).

[0098] Finally, from the foregoing, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the fastening assembly 1 as described and shown, without going beyond the scope of protection of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0099] For example, the shapes of the various parts may differ from those shown as examples, but will always be suitable to provide the reference, positioning and retention functions described above, with the result that the elastically deformable elements are always made as elements of polymeric or elastomeric material, integral with the rest of the assembly 1.

Claims

1. A fastening assembly (1) for fastening an accessory (60) to a vehicle component, said assembly (1) comprising: a support element (2) configured to be fixed to or form part of said component, said support element (2) having a first surface (2a) and a second surface (2b) opposite said first surface (2a) along a first direction (Y); a frame (3) configured to support said accessory (60) in a relatively fixed position, said frame (3) having a third surface (3a) at least partially facing said second surface (2b) and a fourth surface (3b) facing said third surface (3a) along said first direction (Y); - fixing means (4) connecting said frame (3) to said support element (2) in a fixed position, The fixing means (4) is at least one opening (6) formed in one of the support element (2) and the frame (3), and at least one protruding pin (7) forming part of the other of the support element (2) and the frame (3), the protruding pin (7) engaging with the opening (6) to allow rotation of the frame (3) relative to the support element (2) about a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y) during an installation step in which the protruding pin (7) is inserted into the opening (6); - snap-fit ​​means (8) for preventing said frame (3) from moving away from said support element (2) along said first direction (Y) at the end of said rotation; - blocking means (9) for blocking the frame (3) relative to the support element (2), said blocking means (9) comprising at least one first hole (10) formed in the support element (2) along an axis (B) parallel to a third direction (Z), at least one second hole (11) formed in the frame (3) coaxial with said first hole (10), and at least one fixing pin (13) engaging in said first and second holes (10, 11), said third direction (Z) being orthogonal to said first and second directions (Y, X), said snap-fitting means (8) comprising at least one retaining shoulder (12) on one of said support element (2) and said frame (3) and at least one elastically deformable element (14) snap-fitted onto said retaining shoulder (12) and forming part of the other of said support element (2) and said frame (3) made from a polymeric or elastomeric material; Fixing assembly.

2. 2. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein said elastically deformable element (14) forms part of said frame (3).

3. 3. The fastening assembly according to claim 2, wherein the retaining shoulder (12) is arranged on the first surface (2a).

4. 4. A fastening assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elastically deformable element (14) comprises an arm (20) extending cantilevered relative to the third face (3a) along the first direction (Y).

5. 5. A fastening assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support element (2) comprises a through opening (15), the elastically deformable element (14) engages with the through opening (15) so as to protrude beyond the first surface (2a), the through opening (15) having an edge (16) from which the retaining shoulder (12) extends.

6. 6. The fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the snap-on engagement means (8) comprises two elastically deformable elements (14) diametrically opposed to each other relative to the second hole (11) along the second direction (X).

7. 7. The fastening assembly according to claim 6, wherein the preventing means (9) comprises two first holes (10) spaced apart from each other along the second direction (X) and two second holes (11) coaxial with the first holes (10), and the snap-fitting means (8) comprises two pairs of the elastically deformable elements (14), the elastically deformable elements (14) of each pair being diametrically opposite each other with respect to the respective second holes (11) along the second direction (X).

8. 8. The fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support element (2) comprises first support means (17) on the second face (2b) and the frame (3) comprises second support means (18) arranged on the third face (3a) and abutting against the first support means (17) along the first direction (Y).

9. 9. The fixing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastically deformable element (14) comprises an arm (20) parallel to the first direction (Y) and a tooth (21) protruding from the arm (20) transversely to the first direction (Y).

10. A fixing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ejector pin (7) comprises a core and a coating of polymeric or elastomeric material disposed on the core.

11. 11. The fixing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fixing means (4) comprises two of the openings (6) spaced apart from each other along the second direction (X) and two of the protruding pins (7) each engaging with one of the two openings (6).

12. 12. The fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the opening (6) and the protruding pin (7) are spaced apart from the snap-fitting means (8) and the blocking means (9) along the third direction (Z).

13. 13. A fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein one of the support element (2) and the frame (3) comprises at least one protrusion (33) extending in a cantilevered manner parallel to the first direction (Y) for engaging with a corresponding seat (32) formed on the other of the support element (2) and the frame (3).

14. 14. The fixing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the protrusion is formed by a centering pin (33), which engages with the seat (32) with a clearance along the third direction (Z).

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