EP1432081B1 - Fixing system for mecanically and electrically connecting a carrier system to a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a fastening system for the detachable connection of a support system for additional equipment with a motor vehicle, comprising at least: a first, arranged in a first housing subsystem with a connection mechanism and cooperating with the first subsystem, corresponding and connectable second subsystem with a connecting device, wherein the first subsystem is arranged on the carrier system and the second subsystem is arranged on the motor vehicle.

Such fastening systems are usually used in the automotive industry, in particular for the installation of modules or modular assemblies in a basic model for retrofitting, or for new equipment used. Such fastening systems are used primarily in the automotive industry characterized by supplier companies for simple and time-saving installation or construction, or for retrofitting.

From DE 200 17 905 U1 a plug-in connector for connecting and testing two connector parts is known. This plug-in connector has a stationary installable connector, an axially guided Contact piece which is electrically connected in a test position with the connection part and a relatively and rectified to the contact piece movable, the connection part in working position contacting, in test position, however, to contact-free plug part.

A disadvantage of this solution is the relatively large space. In addition, the plug-in connector is essentially suitable only for electrical contacting and not for the production of a mechanical connection.

Furthermore, from DE 195 48 561 A1 a pressure connector for an electrical system, in particular for motor vehicle combination instruments, known. In this solution, a arranged in a first connector part electrical contact by means of an actuating device with a fixed in a second connector part mating contact is detachably connectable. For example, to attach display devices easier and more cost-effective on a dashboard and simultaneously to allow safe production of electrical contact, in this solution by a linear movement of the actuator within the first electrical contact having plug part, which is mounted on a circuit board, the electrical Contact with the electrical mating contact connected, wherein the second plug part is fixedly connected to a carrier element, and during the contacting of contact and mating contact at the same time the first plug part with the support element by means of a first plug part in the direction of movement protruding locking device of the actuator is lockable.

A disadvantage of this solution is that the locking device protrudes beyond the first connector part and thereby unnecessarily space is needed. In addition, the connector is designed essentially only for electrical / electronic contacting, but in no case for the realization of a high-strength mechanical connection.

Furthermore, electrical plug connections with contacting and / or locking devices are known from DE 295 12 869 U1, DE 198 28 414 A1, EP 0674 362 A1, - 3 - DE 3527916 A1 and FR-A-2 810 802.

Also known are various automotive auxiliary equipment which are connected to the on-board electronics / electrical system of the motor vehicle, such as coolers, which can be placed in the footwell of the fund of a motor vehicle loose or between the back seat and the backrest of a front seat are arranged.

A disadvantage of such additional equipment is that in a crash, these additional equipment projectiles are catapulted through the vehicle interior, creating a significant risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fastening system in which the space available in a motor vehicle space is optimally utilized and an easy-to-use, high-strength mechanical connection with an electrical / electronic connection can be produced.

This object is achieved on the basis of a fastening system according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention includes the technical teaching that the connecting mechanism at least one mechanical locking device, a lever mechanism and an electrical / electronic contacting device, wherein the locking device and the electrical / electronic contacting device are coupled to one another via the lever mechanism and the second subsystem comprises a connection device corresponding to the connecting mechanism for engaging the connecting mechanism, so that upon actuation of the lever mechanism a mechanically highly loadable, crash-safe and at the same time an electrical / electronic connection of the two subsystem is feasible.

This solution has the advantage that in a fastening system with a handle, both a mechanical connection and an electrical / electronic contact can be produced in an ergonomic and simple manner. The function-integrating arrangement also makes it possible to realize a compact fastening system which requires an optimized installation space. The invention is not limited to carrier systems or motor vehicles. Rather, the invention is generally suitable for connecting connecting parts. A connection part in the sense of the invention may be a motor vehicle, more precisely the floor area of a motor vehicle or even a tunnel system of a motor vehicle. Under a tunnel system in the context of the invention is meant both a tunnel and its formation as well as running in the tunnel electrical / electronic system. The fact that the fastening system is divided into two, almost all connection options can be exploited. In this case, the connection mechanism of a first subsystem engagement means, which engage in a Verbindungseinrich-tion of a second subsystem. In this way, the fastening system can be expanded as desired by a second fastening system can be coupled to the first fastening system. This way, several fastening systems can be coupled with each other.

It is advantageous that the connecting mechanism has a locking device, which does not protrude beyond the housing of the first subsystem in the unconnected state. Thus, the locking device is well protected from external influences. In addition, the connection mechanism thereby less prominent safety-related components, which can be damaged easily and unnoticed by an exposed position.

A further measure improving the invention provides that the housing has at least one outer plastic cover for protection and at least one inner steel reinforcement for reliable absorption of extraordinary forces, in particular forces occurring during a crash. An outer plastic cover has the advantage that it is optimally adaptable to the fastening system with regard to optics and construction volume. To accommodate higher forces, the housing has at least one inner steel reinforcement. This is covered by the outer plastic cover, so that a risk of injury to the occupants is reduced. Because of this plastic-steel composite, the advantages of both materials can be optimally utilized, the disadvantages being compensated by the respective other material.

A preferred embodiment provides that the steel reinforcement has a first region, which is designed to connect the fastening system with a first connection part. Due to the arrangement of a connection region on the steel reinforcement, a secure and reliable attachment with a connection part is realized. A possible connection part for the use of a fastening system according to the invention is For example, a carrier system for attachment of additional interior equipment in a motor vehicle.

Advantageously, the first region of the steel reinforcement openings for releasably connecting and adapted to the first connection part, designed as an abutment side surfaces. Due to the integration of support or reinforcement function and mounting in the steel reinforcement, a smaller design can be realized due to this functional integration.

The detachable connections are preferably designed as a bolt or screw connection for standardized and simple, detachable connection.

It is furthermore advantageous that the steel reinforcement has a second area which is designed for the pivotable mounting of the locking device. As a result, a further functional integration is realized, whereby an overall smaller construction of the fastening system is possible.

According to the invention, the second region is designed such that the second region has passage openings and abutment surfaces for mounting a locking device together with restoring element.

A further advantage is obtained in that the second region has a groove for receiving a corresponding connection device. In this way, one obtains an even more reliable connection between the first and the second subsystem, since in this way not only the engagement means of the connecting mechanism, but also the groove of the steel reinforcement cooperate with the second subsystem.

It is particularly advantageous that the mechanical locking device is designed as a pivotable about an axis hook with a return element which is pivotable about the lever mechanism in a locking position. Due to the pivotable locking device about an axis space-saving, reliable connection is possible.

Further advantageous in this regard is that the restoring element is designed as a return spring, so as to allow a small-sized locking device.

A measure improving the invention provides that the contacting devices comprise at least one plug holder, a plug and a line system, wherein the plug is coupled via the plug holder with the lever mechanism. This makes it possible to realize a variable design and installation of an electrical / electronic connection. Through the line system and preferably two corresponding connector can be a connection almost arbitrarily arrange on the mounting system. The plug holder also allows different types of plug can be used, since the plug holder is designed as an interface between the fastening system and plug.

It is advantageous that the plug holder is guided on actuation via the lever mechanism so that it performs a translational movement. This ensures a reliable and easy-to-implement guide, which ensures a reliable plug connection and thus a secure electrical / electronic contact.

It is particularly advantageous that the contacting device has a plug and a socket, which are connected to one another via the line system, wherein the plug is formed as an interface to the second connector part and the socket is formed as an interface to the first connector part. Thus, the connection parts can be used both with and without a fastening system, that is, a costly and expensive retrofitting existing connection parts can be omitted.

The fastening system is advantageously configured such that the connecting device comprises a mechanical locking device, an electrical / electronic plug device and a housing which can be closed by a cover, the mechanical locking device and the electrical / electronic plug device corresponding to the mechanical locking device and the electrical / electronic contacting device Connection mechanism are formed. Due to this configuration, the connecting device can be accommodated as a related unit separately to a connection part. In particular, the connection device can be arranged such that it can be lowered into the connection part such that the closed cover terminates substantially flush with the surface of the connection part. When using the connecting device, the lid can be opened, whereby the interface is accessible, upon release of the connection, the lid is closed, whereby the interface is protected.

An advantage of the invention is obtained in that the mechanical locking device is designed as a sheet with at least one tab. This tab thus forms the possibility of engagement for the hook the locking device. Such a locking device can be easily produced, whereby high forces can be absorbed, and the entire locking device can be easily arranged on connecting parts such as on the body of a motor vehicle.

Preferably, the electrical / electronic connector device is connected to the running through the tunnel on-board electrical / on-board electronics and thus formed as an electrical / electronic interface between the tunnel system and mounting system.

More preferably, the mechanical locking device and the electrical / electronic plug device is arranged substantially in the cavities of the housing, wherein these do not protrude in the direction of the vehicle interior, so that they can be covered by means of the lid. This can further reduce a potential occupant injury risk.

A further preferred embodiment of the fastening system provides that the housing with the lid closed flush with the vehicle interior facing side of the tunnel system.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungssystems,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Teilsystems des erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungssystems in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt des in Fig. 2 dargestellten ersten Teilsystems in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch das in Fig. 2 dargestellte erste Teilsystem in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 5

eine 3D-Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsmechanik,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsmechanik und

Fig. 7

eine 3D-Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsmechanik.

Further measures improving the invention are set forth in the subclaims or will be described in more detail below together with the description of several preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a fastening system according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a first Subsystem of the fastening system according to the invention in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a detail of the first subsystem shown in FIG. 2 in another perspective view,

Fig. 4

3 shows a section through the first subsystem shown in FIG. 2 in a perspective view,

Fig. 5

a 3D side view of a connection mechanism according to the invention,

Fig. 6

a schematic side view of a connection mechanism according to the invention and

Fig. 7

a 3D side view of a connection mechanism according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a fastening system 1 in a perspective view. The fastening system 1 has a first subsystem 2 and a second subsystem 3. The first subsystem 2 has, for connection to the second subsystem 3, a connection mechanism 5 arranged in a housing 4. The second subsystem 3 has a connecting device 6 that corresponds to the connecting mechanism 5 of the first subsystem 2. Furthermore, in the first subsystem, a lever mechanism 7 is arranged with a lever, via which the fastening system 1 can be actuated, so that the two subsystems 2, 3 interact with each other and realize a mechanically highly resilient, crash-safe connection.

The illustrated in Fig. 2 in a perspective view of the first subsystem 2 of the fastening system shows more clearly the structure of the housing 4 and the connection mechanism 5. The housing 4 has an upper plastic cover 8 and an underlying steel reinforcement 9. The steel reinforcement 9 is constructed in two parts as a profile, which laterally limit the fastening system with the plastic cover 8. The two profiles are arranged mirror-symmetrically to each other. The connecting mechanism 5 according to FIG. 2 comprises a locking device 10, which is arranged on the steel reinforcement 9 and can be actuated via a lever mechanism 7 coupled to the locking device 10. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 5 comprises a contacting device 11, which is also actuated via the lever mechanism 7.

Fig. 3 shows a detail of the first subsystem, in particular the steel reinforcement 9, the connecting mechanism 5 with the locking device 10 and the contacting device 11 from a different angle. The locking device 10 comprises a hook 12 which pivotally via a bolt 13 and with the Lever mechanism 7 coupled to the steel reinforcement 9 is arranged. For this purpose, the steel reinforcement 9 has a region which is designed to receive the locking device 10 and, in particular, has a passage opening for receiving the bolt 13 for realizing a bolt connection. The locking device 10 has a return element 14 which is coupled to the hook 12 and which is designed as a return spring. Furthermore, the steel reinforcement 9 in the area has an open to the end of the steel reinforcement 9 groove, in which a connecting device of a second subsystem can engage and its outwardly open side is enclosed upon actuation of the lever mechanism 7 of the hook 12, so that a positive connection can be realized. The contacting device 11 comprises a plug 15, a Plug holder 16 and a line system (not shown). The plug 15 is arranged on the plug holder 16. The plug holder 16 has an area with a slot. This slot is the coupling point of the plug holder 16 with the lever mechanism 7, wherein the slot for receiving and serves as a storage of a shape of the lever mechanism 7. Upon actuation of the lever mechanism 7, the pivotal movement of the lever mechanism is transformed, inter alia, via this slot in a substantially translational movement of the plug holder 16. To realize the translational movement of the plug holder 16, this is additionally guided over the steel reinforcement 11. Here, the steel reinforcement 11 is formed so that at least a part of the plug holder can slide in the manner of a slide in the specially designed profile of the steel reinforcement 11. This acting as a slide part of the plug holder 16 triggers at an actuation of the lever mechanism 7 at the same time the pivotal movement of the hook 12, so that at the same time a translational movement - the plug holder 16 with the plug 15 - and a rotational movement - that of the hook 12 - comes.

Based on the section shown in Fig. 4 through the first subsystem of a fastening system according to the invention, in particular by the connection mechanism 5, the structure of the fastening system is further illustrated. In particular, the embodiment of the plug holder 16 and the arrangement of the plug 15 in the plug holder 16 is illustrated. The plug holder 16 has, in addition to one, the plug 15 receiving frame, a trained on the manner of a slide areas, which is linearly movable within the steel reinforcement profile. Alternatively, the plug can directly have a region which is designed in the manner of a carriage. Thereby could a component be saved. However, the two-part design of plug 15 and plug holder 16 offer the advantage that various types of plug can be arranged on the plug holder 16, so that a higher compatibility with as many types of plug can be achieved. The illustration also shows that most of the components are made of plastic in order to save weight. Thus, only the steel reinforcements are made as supporting parts of a non-plastic.

FIG. 5 shows a 3D side view of the connection mechanism 5. Based on the representation, the kinematics of the connection mechanism can be clarified. Upon actuation / pivoting of the lever mechanism 7, the movement is transmitted to the plug holder 16, which performs a translational movement due to the guide. At the same time press projections formed in the plug holder 16 on the pivotally mounted hook 12, which performs a rotational movement parallel to the translational movement of the plug holder 16. Due to the pivoting movement, the hook 12 encloses a correspondingly shaped connecting device for the mechanical connection of a first and a second subsystem. The return element 14 is tensioned during operation and thereby supports the opposite operation.

In Fig. 6, the connection mechanism is shown schematically. In this diagram, the kinematic chain consisting of the lever mechanism 7, the plug holder 16 and the hook 12 is shown more clearly.

Finally, FIG. 7 shows the second subsystem with the connecting device 6 in a perspective view. The connecting device 6 comprises a arranged in a second housing 17, corresponding to the connector of the connecting mechanism socket 18, a locking device 19 and a cover 20 for closing the second housing 17. The locking device 19 has arranged on a plate 21 tabs 22 which in the groove of the steel reinforcement of Verrieglungsvorrichtung fit and can be enclosed by the hook of the locking device. About the metal sheet, the locking device 19 can be connected to a connection part, for example with a motor vehicle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

fastening system

2

First subsystem

3

Second subsystem

4

casing

5

connection mechanism

6

connecting device

7

lever mechanism

8th

Plastic cover

9

steel reinforcement

10

locking device

11

contacting

12

hook

13

bolt

14

Return element

15

plug

16

plug holder

17

Second housing

18

Rifle

19

locking device

20

cover

21

sheet

22

flap

Claims (18)

1. Fastening system (1) for the releasable connection of a supporting system for additional fittings to a motor vehicle, comprising at least: a first part system (2) arranged in a first housing (4) with a connection mechanism (5) and a second part system (3), which cooperates with, corresponds to and can be connected to the first part system (2), with a connection arrangement (6), wherein the first part system (2) is arranged on the supporting system and the second part system (3) is arranged on the motor vehicle, characterised in that the connection mechanism (5) has at least one mechanical locking device (10), a lever mechanism (7) and an electrical/electronic contacting device (11), wherein the locking device (10) and the electrical/electronic contacting device (11) are coupled to one another by means of the lever mechanism (7) and the second part system (3) comprises a connection arrangement (6) corresponding to the connection mechanism (5) for engagement of the connection mechanism (5), so that when the lever mechanism (7) is actuated, a mechanically highly resistant, crash-safe connection and at the same time an electrical/electronic connection of the two part systems (2, 3) may be achieved.
2. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the locking device (10) of the connection mechanism (5) is arranged inside the first housing (4) of the first part system (2) in the non-connected state.
3. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first housing (4) has at least one outer plastics covering (8) for protection and at least one inner steel reinforcement (9) for absorbing forces, in particular forces arising in the event of a crash.
4. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 3, characterised in that the steel reinforcement (9) has a first region, which is configured for connection of the fastening system (1) to the supporting system.
5. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the first region of the steel reinforcement (9) has openings for releasable connection as well as side faces adapted to the supporting system and configured as abutments.
6. Fastening system (1) according to one of the previous Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the releasable connections are preferably configured as bolt or screw connection.
7. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 3, characterised in that the steel reinforcement (9) has a second region, which is configured for the pivotal mounting of the locking device (10).
8. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 7, characterised in that the second region has passages as well as abutment surfaces for mounting the locking device (10) including a restoring element (14).
9. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the second region of the steel reinforcement (9) has a groove to receive the corresponding connection arrangement (6).
10. Fastening system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical locking device (10) is configured as a hook (12) capable of pivoting around an axis with a restoring spring (14), which can be rotated by means of the lever mechanism (7) into a locking position.
11. Fastening system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contacting devices (11) comprise at least
    a plug connector holder (16),
    a plug connector (15) and also
    a conductor system, wherein the plug connector (15) is coupled to the lever mechanism via the plug connector holder (16).
12. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 11, characterised in that the plug connector holder (16) is guided on actuation by means of the lever mechanism (7) so that this performs a translation movement.
13. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the contacting device (11) has a plug connector (15) and a socket (18), which are connected to one another via the conductor system, wherein the plug connector (15) is configured as interface to a motor vehicle and the socket (18) is configured as interface to the supporting system.
14. Fastening system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection arrangement (6) comprises
    a mechanical locking arrangement (19),
    an electrical/electronic connector arrangement, and also
    a second housing (17) lockable by a cover (20), wherein the mechanical locking arrangement (19) and the electrical/electronic connector arrangement are configured to correspond to the mechanical locking arrangement (10) and the electrical/electronic contacting arrangement (11) of the connection mechanism (5).
15. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 14, characterised in that the mechanical locking arrangement (19) is configured as a metal sheet (21) with at least one lug (22).
16. Fastening system (1) according to Claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the electrical/electronic connector arrangement can be connected to the onboard electric/onboard electronic system running through a tunnel, and is thus configured as an electrical/electronic interface between the tunnel system and fastening system (1).
17. Fastening system (1) according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the mechanical locking arrangement (19) and the electrical/electronic connector arrangement are substantially arranged in the cavities of the second housing (17) and do not project beyond this in the direction of the vehicle interior, so that they can be covered by arrangement of the cover (20).
18. Fastening system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the cover (20) is closed the second housing (17) terminates flush with the side of the tunnel system facing the vehicle interior.

Images