DE102011114030A1 - Spring mounting clip for releasably securing instrument cluster to fascia of car, has spring leg with sufficient freedom of movement in direction of another spring leg to move end portion of former spring leg against spring force of clip - Google Patents

Abstract

The clip (1) has a spring leg (2a) resiliently connected to another spring leg (2b) via a connecting portion (2c), where an attachment portion of an instrument cluster is received between the spring legs and secured with a barb (5a) and another barb. The spring legs include V-shaped spring elements (6a, 6b) for engagement with two sides of a fascia, respectively, where the clip is designed such that the latter spring leg has sufficient freedom of movement in a direction of the former spring leg to move an end portion (14b) of the latter spring leg against the spring force of the clip.

Description

The invention relates to a spring attachment clip for releasably securing a mounting object to a holding element according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a spring attachment clip is from the US 6,718,599 B2 known and can be used as such for releasably securing a plastic panel as a mounting object in a mounting hole of a holding element, for example. A frame part of a vehicle body.

This known spring-mounting clip should have the property that the force for inserting the connected with a mounting portion of the retaining element spring mounting clip in the mounting hole should be much lower than the force that would be spent on the disassembly of this known spring mounting clip. For this purpose, this known spring fastening clip is configured such that the two spring legs each have a spring tab, which are angled outwardly out of the plane of the respective spring leg and can be supported in the inserted into the mounting opening mounting position with an end portion against the inner edge of the mounting hole. For this purpose, the end portions have a V-shaped structure, wherein the outwardly projecting tip of this structure rests against the inner edge of the mounting opening, thereby creating a high resistance to the withdrawal of the spring mounting clip from the mounting hole. The attachment portion of the holding element is encompassed by the two spring legs, which have barbs to prevent the withdrawal of the mounting object.

A spring clip with similar structure is also from the US 6,353,981 B1 However, in which at least one spring tab has a multiple V-structure, so that represent due to the outwardly projecting tips of this zigzag-shaped structure of each of these tips a mounting position, so that such a spring attachment clip for different thicknesses of holding elements is used.

However, such known spring mounting clips do not meet the requirements in vehicle construction, when, for example, instrument clusters are to be attached to an instrument panel of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

So no high crash safety is given, in which the instrument cluster may not be torn from its anchorage in a rear crash. Acceleration values of 30 g can occur over a period of 30 ms.

Furthermore, with such known spring mounting clips unsuccessful the life tests required can be performed in which u. a. several hours of vibration under the influence of temperature with accelerations of up to 2 g are generated.

Another problem is the result of future combinations, which are on the one hand due to larger displays significantly heavier, so have a weight of more than 1.5 kg and on the other hand have a less favorable installation position for the crash, since such instrument cluster is inclined more forward and no longer have self-locking.

The object of the invention is therefore to develop a spring mounting clip of the type mentioned in such a way that a high crash safety is ensured when using such a spring mounting clips in vehicle, so disassembly is prevented by simply pulling the spring mounting clip from the mounting hole, but still given a disassembly is.

This object is achieved by a spring-fastening clip having the features of patent claim 1.

• – der erste und zweite Federschenkel V-förmig zueinander verlaufend ausgebildet sind,
• – der zweite Federschenkel einen an dem geschlossenen Ende des Federbefestigungsclips angelenkte Federlasche aufweist, welcher ausgebildet ist, den Befestigungsabschnitt des Montageobjektes zusammen mit dem ersten Federschenkel klammerartig unter Vorspannung zu umfassen,
• – der erste Federschenkel wenigstens einen federnden ersten Anschlag zur Anlage an die eine Seite des Haltelements und der zweite Federschenkel wenigstens einen nach außen gerichteten zweiten Anschlag zur Hinterrastung an der anderen Seite des Halteelements umfasst, und
• – der Federbefestigungsclip derart ausgebildet ist, dass der zweite Federschenkel ausreichend Bewegungsspiel in Richtung des ersten Federschenkels aufweist, um durch Bewegen eines Endabschnittes des zweiten Federschenkels entgegen der Federkraft des Federbefestigungsclips die Hinterrastung zu lösen.

Such a spring attachment clip of the type mentioned above is characterized according to the invention in that

• - The first and second spring legs are V-shaped extending towards each other,
• - The second spring leg has a hinged to the closed end of the spring mounting clip spring tab, which is designed to include the mounting portion of the mounting object together with the first spring leg bracket-like under bias,
• - The first spring leg comprises at least one resilient first stop for abutment with the one side of the holding element and the second spring leg at least one outwardly directed second stop for Hinterrastung on the other side of the holding element, and
• - The spring-mounting clip is formed such that the second spring leg has sufficient movement clearance in the direction of the first spring leg to solve by moving an end portion of the second spring leg against the spring force of the spring-mounting clip, the rear catch.

In this invention spring fastening clips a positive connection of the spring mounting clip is realized with the holding element by means of the Hinterrastung, so not only a frictional connection as in the known spring mounting clips described above. If such an inventive spring fastening clip is used for fastening an instrument cluster to an instrument panel of a vehicle, this positive locking closes at a rear impact which accelerates the instrument cluster against its mounting direction.

Furthermore, despite the positive connection, it is possible to disassemble the spring fastening clip according to the invention, ie to release the rear catch. For this purpose, the spring mounting clip according to the invention is designed so that, despite the encompassed by the first spring leg and the spring clip of the second spring leg attachment portion of the second spring leg has enough play in the direction of the first spring leg, so that by pressing on an end portion of the second spring leg, the Hinterrastung can be solved ,

Furthermore, the resilient first stop connected to the first spring leg allows a tolerance compensation of the components involved in the assembly direction of the spring mounting clips, as this resilient first stop against the holding element, for example. Press the dashboard of a vehicle and thus unevenness of the components involved can be compensated.

In addition, this resilient first stop serves as a disassembly aid, since the spring mounting clip according to the invention is pressed under the spring bias of this resilient first stop on the holding element and upon release of the Hinterrastung the spring bias the spring mounting clip against the mounting direction, ie from the mounting hole suppressed.

A tolerance compensation is possible with this spring mounting clip according to the invention in the vertical direction, corresponding to the Z direction in vehicles, since the spring mounting clip according to the invention is held under its bias in its position in the mounting hole.

Together with the possibility of displacement of the spring fastening clip according to the invention in the transverse direction to the assembly direction, corresponding to the y direction in vehicles, a tolerance compensation in all three spatial directions can be achieved with the spring fastening clip according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second stop is designed as a parallel from the plane of the second spring leg parallel in a substantially parallel plane angled stop flange on at least one end face of the second spring leg. In this way, the spring fastening clip according to the invention can be produced in one piece from a simple geometric development. Particularly advantageously, according to further development, such a flange starting from the closed end of the spring fastening clip into the flange plane with a bevelled edge as an insertion aid for the insertion of the spring mounting clip into the mounting opening of the holding element can be configured. Such a bevel supports the insertion of the spring mounting clip according to the invention together with the mounting portion of the mounting object in the mounting hole, as pressed by this inclined surface, which rests during insertion at the mounting hole, the second spring leg in the direction of the first spring leg, until the stop flange, the mounting hole for Formation of a rear catch engages behind.

It is particularly advantageous according to a development of the invention, when the first stop is designed as a V-shaped spring element, thereby characterized sufficient spring preload when inserting the spring mounting clip according to the invention can be generated in the mounting hole of the holding element, whereby a secure hold this spring mounting clips is guaranteed ,

According to one embodiment of the invention, this V-shaped spring element is articulated with a first leg in the region of the open end of the spring mounting clip on the first spring leg, that the end of the second leg of the V-shaped spring element can be supported against the support member. Thus, the biasing force of this V-shaped spring element is constructed over a sufficient travel, whereby the assembly of the spring mounting clip according to the invention is facilitated together with the mounting object.

It is particularly advantageous if further development according to the end of the second leg of the V-shaped spring element C-shaped projecting from the surface of the holding element, thereby ensuring a clear and secure investment of this V-shaped spring element on the surface of the holding element ,

As a holding means for fixing the mounting portion of the mounting object in the space between the first spring leg and the spring clip of the second spring leg, it is advisable to form the first spring leg and the spring tab each with at least one directed inward towards the closed end of the spring mounting clip barbs. Thus, in the case of a force acting on the mounting object, for example an acceleration force against the mounting direction, a secure fixation is achieved achieved, since this barbs caught in the material of the attachment portion.

Finally, an advantageous development of the invention, that the free end of the spring tab of the second spring leg has an outwardly angled end portion, whereby the operation of this second spring leg is facilitated to release the Hinterrastung.

The invention will now be described in detail by means of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 a perspective schematic representation of a spring-mounting clip according to the invention,

2 a perspective schematic representation of a connection between a mounting object and a holding element by means of the spring mounting clip according to 1 .

3 a side view of the arrangement according to 2 .

4 a plan view of the arrangement according to 2 , and

5 a perspective schematic representation of a dashboard attached to a instrument cluster by means of a spring mounting clip according to 1 ,

The V-shaped spring attachment clips 1 according to 1 includes a first and second spring legs 2a and 2 B each with an end portion 14a respectively. 14b that have an open end 12 of the spring-fastening clip 1 form, wherein the end portion 14b of the second spring leg 2 B slightly angled inwards (cf. 3 ). The two spring legs 2a and 2 B are via a connecting leg as a connecting portion 2c to form a closed end 3 of the spring-fastening clip 1 resiliently connected.

The second spring leg 2 B has a spring tongue extending in the leg direction 4 on that at the closed end 3 in the connecting leg 2c goes over and in the direction of the first spring leg 2a angled so that according to 3 in cross-section, this spring tab 4 together with the connecting leg 2c and the first spring leg 2a form a U-shape. In the space between the first spring leg 2a and this spring tab 4 can be a fixing section 31 a mounting object 30 be absorbed, then from this spring tab 4 , the connecting leg 2c and the first spring leg 2a is embraced, like this 2 is apparent.

As seen from the perspective view 1 and the plan view according to 4 can be seen, is the spring tab 4 rectangular from the middle part of the second spring leg 2 B cut out with the formation of a gap, so that this spring tab 4 only with the connecting leg 2c is connected and the second spring leg 2 B remains in its surface as a U-shape, whose legs in the connecting leg 2c pass. As the 3 shows, lie the spring tab 4 and the second spring leg 2 B because of the bending of the spring tab 4 in different levels.

According to 3 is at the free end of the spring tab 4 an end section 4a angled slightly outwards, so that thereby the insertion of the attachment portion 31 of the mounting object 30 in the space between the first spring leg 2a and the spring tab 4 is relieved.

For mounting the mounting object 30 , for example, an instrument cluster 30 on a holding element 20 , For example, an instrument panel by means of the spring-mounting clip 1 First, the spring attachment clip 1 on the attachment section 31 of the mounting object 30 deferred so that this attachment section 31 from the first spring leg 2a , the connecting leg 2c and the spring tab 4 U-shaped is enclosed. A peeling off the spring-fastening clip 1 is doing each of the first spring leg 2a and the spring tab 4 arranged barbs 5a and 5b prevented.

This way on the mounting object 30 mounted spring fixing clip 1 will be with his closed end 3 in advance according to 2 in a mounting hole 21 of the holding element 20 introduced, this holding element 20 in the 3 and 4 in a section plate-shaped with a front side 22 and a back page 23 is shown. For fixing the spring fixing clip 1 in the mounting hole 21 serve both on the first spring leg 2a in the region of its end portion 14a molded-on first stops 6a and 6b , which are formed as V-shaped spring elements, as well as on the second spring leg 2 B molded-on second stops 7a and 7b ,

The second stops 7a and 7b are as part of the second spring leg 2 B from the plane thereof in the form of a respective stop flange with a rectangular blank in a substantially parallel plane to the plane of the second spring leg 2 B bent so that in the bending area of the stop flange 7a respectively. 7b at the edge of the connecting section 2c starting a beveled edge 9a respectively. 9b arises, which then in the plane of the stop flange 7a respectively. 7b passes. The to the end section 14b of the second spring leg 2 B adjacent edge of the stop flange 7a respectively. 7b serves as a stop edge 8a respectively. 8b ,

When inserting the spring-mounting clip 1 together with the attachment section 31 the mounting object 30 becomes the second spring leg 2 B due to the sliding along the two beveled edges 9a and 9b at the top of the mounting hole 21 pressed down until after passing through the mounting hole 21 the second spring leg 2 B snaps back up and with the stop edge 8a respectively. 8b the stop flange 7a respectively. 7b with the back 23 of the holding element 20 forms a rear catch. In this position, the two end sections protrude beyond 14a respectively. 14b of the first and second spring leg 2a respectively. 2 B the front side 22 of the holding element 20 ,

When snapping the stop edge 8a respectively. 8b behind the mounting hole 21 At the same time come the V-shaped spring elements as first stops 6a and 6b under construction of a spring preload in contact with the front side 22 of the holding element 20 so that thereby the spring attachment clip 1 opposite to the mounting direction M is acted upon with this spring preload.

The V-shaped spring elements 6a and 6b are in the end area 14a of the first spring leg 2a formed on both sides in the lateral area, so that the surfaces of the spring elements 6a and 6b each substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first spring leg 2a stand. This is a first leg 10a respectively. 10b at the edge in the direction of the first spring leg 2a , to which a second leg 11a respectively. 11b the V-shape connects and its C-shaped bent end 13a respectively. 13b against the front side 22 of the mounting object 20 can support when the spring-mounting clips 1 together with the mounting object 20 in the mounting hole 21 is introduced while the stop edges 8a and 8b this mounting hole 21 behind rest.

Together with the rear catch will accidentally pull out the spring-mounting clip 1 from the mounting hole 21 prevents the edge 8a respectively. 8b the stop flange 7a respectively. 7b due to its curved course at the transition to the second spring leg 2 B forms a nearly vertical stop, as is particular 3 is apparent. This thus formed positive connection between the spring mounting clip 1 and the holding element 20 locks when the mounting object accelerates 30 contrary to the mounting direction, for example due to a rear crash. The spring attachment clip 1 is due to the barbs 5a and 5b firmly on the attachment section 31 of the mounting object 30 fixed.

The spring attachment clip 1 can be easily dismantled, for example, in a case of service despite the form-fitting formed by the rear catch. These are the spring attachment clip 1 , the mounting hole 21 and the height of the mounting object 30 so coordinated, that according to 2 in the assembled state of the spring mounting clip 1 the second spring leg 2 B sufficient movement in the direction of the first spring leg 2a has, so the distance between the end portion 14b of the second spring leg 2 B and the mounting object 30 is big enough to press the end section 14b of the second spring leg 2 B against the spring force of the spring mounting clip 1 release the rear catch so that the stop edges 8a and 8b the stop flanges 7a and 7b no longer the mounting hole 21 engage behind. This allows the mounting object 30 together with the spring attachment clip 1 from the mounting hole 21 be removed.

In a combination instrument as a mounting object 30 , which on an instrument panel as a holding element 20 is mounted, the spring clip would 1 located behind the instrument cluster, so that with a common tool, such as a Schraubenziehen by insertion between the instrument cluster and the instrument panel of the end portion 14b of the second spring leg 2 B can be pushed down.

The disassembly is also by the V-shaped spring elements 6a and 6b generates preload supported, since this preload force is the mounting object 30 against the mounting direction M presses and thus after releasing the Hinterrastung of these V-shaped spring elements 6a and 6b from the mounting hole 21 is pressed.

Because these two V-shaped spring elements 6a and 6b in the assembled state against the front side 22 of the holding element 20 Press, unevenness in the dimensions are compensated, so a tolerance compensation in mounting direction M, ie achieved in the x-direction relative to a vehicle.

Also in the vertical direction, ie in the Z direction relative to a vehicle, a tolerance compensation is achieved because of the first spring leg 2a and the second spring leg 2 B spring preload compensates tolerances and so the spring-mounting clip 1 always fixed in its position.

Since a tolerance compensation transverse to the mounting direction M, ie in the y-direction based on a vehicle is given by itself, results with the spring-mounting clip 1 a variable in each vehicle direction of a vehicle fastener.

The spring attachment clip 1 can be easily produced from its geometric development and requires only a small space requirement, while maintaining a high degree of design flexibility.

As already stated, can the spring mounting clips 1 with advantage for attaching a combination instrument as a mounting object 30 on an instrument panel as a holding element 20 In order to prevent the instrument cluster from causing a rear-end crash where acceleration can reach up to 30 g over a period of up to 30 ms 30 from the instrument panel 20 is torn.

5 shows a highly schematic representation of a combination instrument 30 , which with a spring fastening clip 1 according to the 1 to 4 on the also heavily schematized instrument panel 20 is attached.

According to this 5 includes the instrument panel 20 a base plate 24 , which at one end an angled base flange 26 and at the other end a U-shaped extending further flange 25 includes. The instrument cluster 30 has an attachment section in the upper area 31 on top of which the spring attachment clip 1 is attached, and is equipped at the bottom with two tabs, which in two slot-shaped openings of the base flange 26 intervene, leaving the instrument cluster 30 can be pivoted according to the arrow P in the illustrated mounting position, so that while the spring-mounting clip 1 with the closed end 3 ahead in a mounting hole 21 the other flange 25 inserted and the stop flanges 7a and 7b by means of their stop edges 8a and 8b at the edge of the mounting hole 21 behind rest.

The attachment section 31 of the instrument cluster 30 is made of plastic, so that the barbs 5a and 5b can get caught in this plastic such that removal of the spring-mounting clip 1 not possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Spring mounting clips

2a

first spring leg

2 B

second spring leg

2c

Connecting portion of the spring mounting clip 1

3

closed end of the spring mounting clip 1

4

Spring tab of the second spring leg 2 B

4a

End portion of the spring portion 4

5a

Barb on the first spring leg 2a

5b

Barb on the spring section 4

6a

first stop of the first spring leg 2a

6b

first stop of the first spring leg 2a

7a

second stop of the second spring leg 2 B or stop flange

7b

second stop of the second spring leg 2 B or stop flange

8a

Stop edge of the second stop or the flange 7a

8b

Stop edge of the second stop 7b or the flange 7b

9a

Bevel edge of the flange 7a

9b

Bevel edge of the flange 7b ,

10a

first leg of the first stop 6a

10b

first leg of the first stop 6b

11a

second leg of the first stop 6a

11b

second leg of the first stop 6b

12

open end of the spring attachment clip 1 ,

13a

End of the second leg of the first stop 6a

13b

End of the second leg of the first stop 6b ,

14a

End portion of the first spring leg 2a

14b

End portion of the second spring leg 2 B

20

Retaining element, instrument panel of a vehicle

21

mounting hole

22

One side of the retaining element 20

23

Other side of the retaining element 20

24

Base plate of the holding element 20

25

U-shaped flange of the base plate 25

26

Flange of the base plate

30

Mounting object, instrument cluster of a vehicle

31

Mounting section of the mounting object

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6718599 B2 [0002]
• US 6353981 B1 [0004]

Claims (9)

Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) for releasably securing a mounting object ( 30 ) on a holding element ( 20 ), wherein the spring attachment clip ( 1 ) a first and second spring legs ( 2a . 2 B ), which via a connecting portion ( 2c ) are resiliently connected, a fixing portion ( 31 ) of the mounting object ( 30 ) between the two spring legs ( 2a . 2 B ) and with holding means ( 5a . 5b ) is fixed and for producing a resilient operative connection with the retaining element ( 20 ) of the spring attachment clips ( 1 ) with the connecting section ( 2c ) ahead into a mounting opening ( 21 ) of the retaining element ( 20 ) is insertable, characterized in that - the first and second spring legs are V-shaped extending towards each other, - the second spring leg ( 2 B ) one at the connecting portion ( 2c ) hinged spring tab ( 4 ), which is formed, the attachment portion ( 31 ) of the mounting object ( 30 ) together with the first spring leg ( 2a ) in a clamp-like manner under pretensioning, - the first spring leg ( 2a ) at least one resilient first stop ( 6a . 6b ) for attachment to a page ( 22 ) of the retaining element ( 20 ) and the second spring leg ( 20b ) at least one outwardly directed second stop ( 7a . 7b ) to the Hinterrastung on the other side ( 23 ) of the retaining element ( 20 ), and - the spring attachment clip ( 1 ) is formed such that the second spring leg ( 2 B ) sufficient movement play in the direction of the first spring leg ( 2a ) by moving an end portion ( 14b ) of the second spring leg ( 2 B ) against the spring force of the spring mounting clip ( 1 ) to release the rear catch. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second stop as from the plane of the second spring leg ( 2 B ) parallel in a substantially parallel plane angled stop flange ( 7a . 7b ) is trained. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the stop flange ( 7a . 7b ) on at least one end face of the second spring leg ( 2 B ) is trained. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the stop flange ( 7a . 7b ) starting from the closed end ( 3 ) of the spring mounting clip ( 1 ) up to the flange plane a beveled edge ( 9a . 9b ) as an insertion aid for the insertion of the spring mounting clip ( 1 ) into the mounting opening ( 21 ) of the retaining element ( 20 ) having. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stop ( 6a . 6b ) is designed as a V-shaped spring element. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that a first leg ( 10a . 10b ) of the V-shaped spring element ( 6a . 6b ) at the edge in the region of the open end ( 12 ) of the spring mounting clip ( 1 ) to the first spring leg ( 2a ) is articulated in such a way that the end ( 13a . 13b ) of the second leg ( 11a . 11b ) of the V-shaped spring element ( 6a . 6b ) against the retaining element ( 20 ) is supported. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to claim, characterized in that the end ( 13a . 13b ) of the second leg ( 11a . 11b ) of the V-shaped spring element ( 6a . 6b ) C-shaped from the surface ( 22 ) of the retaining element ( 20 ) is formed projecting. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring leg ( 2a ) and the spring tab ( 4 ) of the second spring leg in each case at least one inwardly in the direction of the closed end ( 3 ) of the spring mounting clip ( 1 ) barbs ( 5a . 5b ) as a holding means. Spring attachment clip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end of the spring tab ( 4 ) of the second spring leg ( 2 B ) an outwardly angled end portion ( 4a ) having.

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