Vehicle cabin interior module for a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle cabin interior module (10) for a vehicle, comprising a module body (11) configured to be connected to a mating module body (12) of the vehicle; wherein the module body (11) has a hook-and-loop fastener (13) for connection to a mating hook-and-loop fastener (14) on the mating module body (12).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Vehicle cabin interior module for a vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle cabin interior module for a vehicle, a system comprising such a vehicle cabin interior module, and a vehicle.

[0004] Vehicle interior modules, or cockpit modules, are generally known from the prior art. These modules serve, for example, as devices for arranging decorative trim pieces on the instrument panel in the passenger area of ​​a vehicle. The interior module must meet various quality and safety requirements. The installation of such modules is not limited to the initial manufacturing process at the production plant. In particular, leased vehicles are often fitted with new interior modules during refurbishment to restore the vehicle to its original condition. These replacement procedures are complex, as the modules must be laboriously installed and removed using clamps and similar fasteners.

[0005] In this context, it has now become apparent that there is a need to provide a vehicle cabin interior module. Specifically, there is a need to provide an improved vehicle cabin interior module for a vehicle.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least partially eliminate, the disadvantages described above for vehicle cabin interior modules. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved vehicle cabin interior module that can be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by the claims. In particular, the problem is solved by a vehicle cabin interior module for a vehicle having the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a system having the features of independent claim 8 and by a vehicle having the features of independent claim 10. Features described in connection with the vehicle cabin interior module according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the system and the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0008] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a vehicle cabin interior module is provided for a vehicle, comprising a module body which is configured to be connected to a counter-module body of the vehicle; wherein the module body has a hook and loop fastener for connection with a counter-hook and loop fastener of the counter-module body.

[0009] The term "vehicle cabin interior module" refers in this context to a structural component designed to accommodate a visible element within the interior of a vehicle. This visible element can, for example, include a decorative panel, a cover, a flap, or a storage compartment.

[0010] The term "vehicle" in this context refers in particular to one of the following: motor vehicle, aircraft, train, helicopter. Preferably, the term "vehicle" refers to a motor vehicle, for example, a passenger car.

[0011] The term "module body" in this context refers in particular to a structural component designed to accommodate a visible part, such as a panel, cover, flap, or storage compartment, and / or to arrange it within the interior of a vehicle. The module body can be manufactured in one piece or in multiple pieces. Preferably, the module body is manufactured in one piece. Preferably, the module body is produced by injection molding. Preferably, the module body is made of a plastic material. The module body can be joined to a visible part using one of the following joining methods: material-bonded joining, force-bonded joining, and / or friction-bonded joining.

[0012] In this context, the term "visible part" refers specifically to a panel, cover, flap, or storage compartment for an interior area of ​​a vehicle cabin. The panel or cover can be made of any material.

[0013] The term "counter-module body" refers to a structural component designed to be connected to a module body in order to position or secure the module body within a vehicle cabin. The counter-module body can be a single piece or multiple pieces. It can be integrated into or located within a surface area of ​​a vehicle cabin. For example, the counter-module body can be located in or below an instrument panel on the passenger side of a vehicle. The term "instrument panel" refers to a dashboard within the cockpit of a vehicle. The instrument panel can be located in the driver's area and / or the passenger's area.

[0014] In this context, the term "hook and loop fastener" refers specifically to a first component of a fastening system consisting of two interlocking surfaces, one surface comprising at least one hook and the other surface comprising at least one loop into which the hook can engage. In this case, the hook and loop fastener in the module body can have a surface with at least one loop and / or a surface with at least one hook.

[0015] The term "counter-hook fastener" refers in this context specifically to a second component of a fastening system consisting of two interlocking surfaces, one surface comprising at least one hook and the other surface comprising at least one loop into which the hook can engage. In this case, the hook fastener in the counter-module body can have a surface with at least one loop and / or a surface with at least one hook. The hook fastener and the counter-hook fastener are specifically designed to be compatible, allowing them to be connected and preferably disconnected without damage. When disconnected, the hooks and / or tabs can deform elastically, at least partially, when a force is applied, thus releasing the connection.

[0016] The invention is based on the understanding that cockpit modules for mounting visible components such as bezels in the driver and passenger areas of motor vehicles require complex assembly using metal clips and other fasteners. Quality and safety requirements must be considered in this process. Furthermore, the visible components are prone to surface wear, such as scratches. For this reason, in leased vehicles, the visible component and cockpit module are replaced with a new one after the agreed lease term. This assembly process is costly and prone to errors. The invention proposes a cabin interior module with a module body featuring a hook-and-loop fastener designed to connect to a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener on a counterpart module body. The counterpart module body is, for example, located in an area of ​​the instrument panel.The worker can, for example, first connect the module body to a visible part during assembly. The visible part can be glued to the module body, for instance. Alternatively, the worker can be provided with a pre-assembled kit consisting of the module body and visible part. During assembly, the worker aligns the hook-and-loop fastener surfaces so that the hooks engage in the loops. The hook-and-loop connection then provides sufficient holding force to position the module body. In this way, the worker can easily and quickly attach the module body to the counterpart module body without any tools. No clamps, screws, or other fasteners such as clips are required. No assembly steps are necessary.For disassembly, the module body and / or the viewing element can have a point of engagement and / or a handle that the worker can use to detach the module body or module body together with the viewing element from the hook-and-loop fastener connection. Overall, the solution according to the invention offers a cost-effective, efficient, and safe way of arranging viewing elements in a vehicle cabin interior.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the hook and loop fastener and the module body can be formed integrally.

[0018] In other words, the hook-and-loop fastener and the module body can be formed in one piece, particularly monolithically. For example, the module body and hook-and-loop fastener have been manufactured using primary forming processes such as injection molding.

[0019] Preferably, the module body and hook-and-loop fastener can be made of the same material, for example, a plastic. This can have a beneficial effect on material homogeneity and / or increase recyclability. Alternatively, the module body and hook-and-loop fastener can be manufactured using two-component injection molding. Another option is to overmold the hook-and-loop fastener as an insert using injection molding. This can have a positive impact on manufacturing costs, assembly costs, and maintenance costs.

[0020] The hook-and-loop fastener can have various shapes. For example, it can have an angled shape. According to a preferred embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener can have a flat surface.

[0021] Assembly can be easily achieved on a flat surface by the worker pressing the hook-and-loop fastener onto the corresponding fastener. The corresponding fastener preferably has a flat surface. The holding force can be adjusted by changing the size of this surface. In this way, a reliable holding force can be achieved. This can have a beneficial effect on safety in the vehicle interior.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the module body can have at least one retaining element configured to connect to a corresponding retaining element of the counter-module body. Preferably, the module body and retaining element can be integral. In this context, the term retaining element refers to a structural component that can connect to a corresponding retaining element of the counter-module body to hold the module body. The retaining element can, for example, be a projection that can engage in an undercut of the counter-module body. The term corresponding retaining element refers to a structural component corresponding to the retaining element that is configured to connect to the retaining element to hold the module body. Preferably, the counter-module body and the corresponding retaining element can be integral. The connection can, for example, be force-fit and / or form-fit.A force-fit connection can be achieved via a plug-in and / or snap-fit ​​connection. A positive-fit connection can be achieved via a plug-in connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, and / or a connection with an undercut.

[0023] The retaining element allows for a second holding force, independent of the hook-and-loop fastener. This can have a positive impact on compliance with safety requirements. For example, in a crash, it can ensure that the base unit is not ejected into the vehicle interior when an airbag is deployed.

[0024] Overall, this can have a positive impact on manufacturing costs and the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining element can be configured to be positively connected to the counter-retaining element.

[0026] The retaining element can, for example, have a projection, and the counter-retaining element can, for example, have a corresponding undercut. During assembly, the retaining element can, for example, be inserted into the counter-retaining element via a pivoting motion, so that a positive-locking connection exists in at least one direction. The direction is preferably perpendicular to a surface of the hook-and-loop fastener or counter-retaining fastener. The positive-locking connection can act like an interlock. The retaining element can have a locking element.

[0027] This can advantageously prevent the module body from unintentionally detaching during a crash and / or airbag deployment. This can have a positive impact on safety requirements. Overall, this can positively affect manufacturing costs and the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the module body can include at least one fastening element for centering the module body on the counter-module body, wherein the fastening element can be configured to be connected to a counter-fastening element of the counter-module body. Preferably, the module body and fastening element can be integrally formed.

[0029] The term "fastening element" here refers to a structural element designed to engage with a counter-fastening element of the counter-module body, enabling the module body to be centered relative to the counter-module body. The fastening element may include a centering pin. The counter-fastening element may have a bore for this purpose. The fastening element may include a centering bolt. The counter-fastening element may have a bore for this purpose. The fastening element may further include one of the following: a positioning pin, a centering screw. The counter-fastening element may further include a bore or a threaded bore. Preferably, the counter-module body and the counter-fastening element can be integrally formed.

[0030] This advantageously allows for the centering of the module body. This allows for the centering of the visible part connected to the module body. This ensures compliance with a joint dimension between the visible part and its surroundings. This ensures that the visible part and its surroundings are flush.

[0031] The fastening element preferably includes a locking mechanism designed to engage when the hook-and-loop fastener and its counterpart make surface contact, optionally producing a click sound. This allows the operator to easily verify that the module body has been correctly mounted. The counterpart fastening element may have an undercut for this purpose.

[0032] Overall, this can have a positive impact on manufacturing costs and the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening element can have a projection, in particular a locking hook, for engaging with an undercut of the mating fastening element. This ensures efficient assembly and also allows for increased connection strength.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising: a vehicle cabin interior module as described above, and a counter-module body with a hook and loop fastener.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter module body may have at least one counter-support element; and / or the counter module body may have at least one counter-fastening element.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle with a vehicle cabin interior module and / or a system described in more detail above.

[0037] All disclosures and embodiments described herein relate to the vehicle cabin interior module, system, and vehicle described above, and vice versa. Advantageously, the advantages offered by one embodiment and example also apply to all other embodiments and examples, and vice versa.

[0038] It shows schematically:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a vehicle cabin interior module according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a vehicle cabin interior module 10 according to the invention for a vehicle. The vehicle in this case is a passenger car. The vehicle cabin interior module 10 comprises a module body 11. A visible part 20 is bonded to the module body 11 by means of an adhesive. The visible part 20 is a decorative panel. The module body 11 includes a hook-and-loop fastener 13, which is flat and designed to connect to a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener 14 of a counterpart module body 12. The counterpart module body 12 is located inside an instrument panel area. The module body 11 also has a retaining element 15, which is designed to connect to a counter-retaining element 16 of the counterpart module body 12. The retaining element 15 is inserted into an undercut of the counter-retaining element 16 by means of a pivoting movement.The counter module body 12 is constructed in multiple parts and at least partially comprises an upper part of the instrument panel 24, on which the counter-holding element 16 is arranged. The module body 11 further comprises two fastening elements 17, each with a projection 19, which are configured to be connected to a counter-fastening element 18 of the counter module body 12. The projection 19 includes an elastic locking element. The counter-fastening element 18 includes a bore. One of the fastening elements 17 includes, for example, a centering element, such as a centering pin (not shown). The fastening element 17 is inserted into the counter-fastening element 18, so that the module body 11 is both locked onto the bore 18 via the projection 19 and is also centered. Furthermore, an airbag 23 is arranged behind the base body 11.The airbag 23 is located below the upper part of the instrument panel 24. When the airbag 23 is deployed, the upper part of the instrument panel 24 is at least partially torn open, allowing the airbag 23 to initially deploy in a direction 25 and subsequently towards the passenger (not shown). The retaining element 16 is not torn away by this process. The positive-locking connection between the retaining element 15 and the retaining element 16 ensures a secure arrangement of the module body 11, including the visible part 20, even when the airbag 23 is deployed. The windshield 27 is visible in the front area. The glove compartment 22 is visible in the lower area. In this case, another cover 26 is located above the visible part 20. The visible part 20 has a point of engagement 21 for removing the module body 11.For this purpose, for example, the worker can pull on the point of attack 21 after disassembling the aperture 26, so that the module body 11 detaches from its connection to the counter-module body 12.

[0041] Reference symbol list

[0042] Vehicle cabin interior module

[0043] Mod ul body

[0044] Counter module body

[0045] Velcro fastener

[0046] Hook and loop fastener

[0047] Holder element

[0048] Counterholding element

[0049] Fastener

[0050] Counter-fastening element

[0051] projection

[0052] Visible part

[0053] Point of attack

[0054] glove compartment

[0055] Airbag

[0056] Upper part of the instrument panel

[0057] Airbag deployment direction, further cover

[0058] windshield

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) for a vehicle, comprising a module body (11) configured to be connected to a counter module body (12) of the vehicle; wherein the module body (11) has a hook and loop fastener (13) for connection with a counter hook and loop fastener (14) of the counter module body (12).

2. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the Velcro fastener (13) and the module body (11) are integrally formed.

3. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hook and loop fastener (13) has a flat surface.

4. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module body (11) has at least one retaining element (15) which is configured to be connected to a counter-retaining element (16) of the counter-module body (12).

5. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to claim 4, wherein the retaining element (15) is arranged to be positively connected to the counter-retaining element (16).

6. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module body (11) comprises a fastening element (17) for centering the module body (11) on the counter module body (12), wherein the fastening element (17) is configured to be connected to a counter fastening element (18) of the counter module body (12).

7. Vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to claim 6, wherein the fastening element (17) has a projection (19), in particular a locking hook, for engaging with an undercut of the counter fastening element (18).

8. System comprising: a vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, a counter module body (12) with a counter Velcro fastener (14).

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the counter module body (12) has at least one counter support element (16); and / or wherein the counter module body (12) has at least one counter fastening element (18).

10. Vehicle with a vehicle cabin interior module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a system according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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