FR3110205A1 - Modular fixing device for a wall, in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular fixing device for a wall, in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle The device (10) comprises: - a first element (16) pressed against a periphery of an opening in the wall, on the rear face, and a second element (18) pressed against the periphery, on the front face, the elements (16, 18) comprising connecting means (30, 34), cooperating so as to pinch the periphery between these elements (16, 18), - a third element (20) carried by the accessory (12a, 12b; 12c, 12d). The second (18) and the third (20) element respectively comprise a female fixing part (38) and a male fixing part (40). The male part (40) comprises a body (40a) and a head (40b) wider than the body. The female part (38) comprises an insertion zone (38a) wider than the head (40b) and a holding zone (38b) narrower than the head (40b), communicating with each other. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Modular fixing device for a wall, in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle

The present invention relates to a device for fixing an accessory to a wall, in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the fastening device is for example intended to equip an interior wall of a motor vehicle trunk.

Existing fixing devices are generally designed according to the interior wall and/or the accessory to be fixed.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a universal fixing device, which can be adapted to various wall thicknesses and to various accessories. Such a fixing device should also be removable, to easily allow a change of accessory.

To this end, the subject of the invention is in particular a device for fixing an accessory to a wall comprising a front face and a rear face, in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:

- a first element intended to be pressed against a periphery of an opening made in the wall, on the side of the rear face of the wall, and a second element intended to be pressed against the periphery of the opening, on the side of the front face of the wall, the first and second elements comprising complementary connecting means, capable of cooperating so as to pinch the periphery of the opening between these first and second elements, and

- a third element intended to be carried by the accessory,

and in that one of the second and the third element comprises a female fixing part, and the other of the second and the third element comprises a male fixing part, such that:

- the male attachment part comprises a body having a first width and a head having a second width greater than the first width, and

- the female attachment part comprises an insertion zone having a width greater than that of the head and a holding zone having a width between that of the head and that of the body, the insertion zone and the holding zone communicating with each other.

The fastening device is held to the wall by pinching the edges of the orifice between the first and second element. Thus, the fixing device can be fixed to the wall regardless of the thickness of this wall.

In addition, the attachment of the third element to the second element is easily reversible.

A fixing device according to the invention may also comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically conceivable combination.

- The first element has a central recess, forming a housing for the head of the male part when it is inserted into the female part.

- The connecting means comprise notches provided on the first element, preferably on the periphery of the first element, and connecting lugs arranged on the second element, each connecting lug being intended to cooperate with a respective notch.

- The connecting lugs are shaped to the dimensions of the opening, so that each connecting lug forms an abutment in contact with an edge of the opening in at least one direction, all of the connecting lugs forming abutments in two directions.

- The connecting tabs are shaped to be wedged between the corresponding notch and the edge of the opening when the first and second elements are assembled on the opening.

The invention also relates to an interior wall of a motor vehicle, having a front face and a rear face, and comprising at least one opening delimited by a perimeter, the opening having for example a rectangular shape, characterized in that it comprises a fixing device as defined above, the first element being pressed against the periphery, on the side of the rear face of the wall, and the second element being pressed against the periphery, on the side of the front face of the wall.

An inner wall according to the invention may also comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination.

- The inner wall comprises a housing for storing objects, and comprising at least two fixing devices arranged outside the housing, close to this housing, on either side of this housing, for fixing a element partially closing the housing, in particular chosen from a rigid plate, a flexible element such as a net, or straps, preferably elastic, or fixing hooks.

- The inner wall comprises a housing for storing objects, and comprising at least two fixing devices arranged in the housing, at the bottom of this housing, for fixing an element chosen from a strap, elastic or not, a housing block or hooks.

The invention also relates to a method for fixing an accessory to the wall as defined above, by means of the fixing device as described previously, characterized in that it comprises:

- a preliminary step of creating the opening in the wall,

- a step of fixing the first and second elements to the wall, during which the second element is inserted into the opening, on the side of the front face, until it comes into abutment with the periphery, and the first element is then attached to the second element, on the side of the rear face, until it comes into abutment with the periphery, the connecting tabs then cooperating with the notches,

- an assembly step during which the third element is attached to the second element, by causing the head of the male part to penetrate into the insertion zone of the female part, then the third element is slid downwards, in the holding area.

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will be highlighted in the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended figures, among which:

- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastening device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the fixing device of FIG. 1, during a fixing step;

- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 during a fixing step subsequent to that of FIG. 2;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view, in a median plane, of the assembled fastening device of Figure 3;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a wall equipped with fixing devices similar to that of Figure 1, according to a first example;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, in which an example of an accessory is fixed by means of the fixing device;

- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, in which an example of an accessory is fixed by means of the fixing device;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of a wall equipped with fixing devices similar to that of Figure 1, according to a second example;

- Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, in which an example of an accessory is fixed by means of the fixing device;

- Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 8, in which an example of an accessory is fixed by means of the fixing device.

There is shown in Figure 1, a fixing device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The fixing device 10 is intended to fix an accessory 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (visible in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and 10) to a wall 14 (visible in FIGS. 2 to 10).

The wall 14 is preferably an interior wall of a motor vehicle, and more particularly a trunk trim wall of the motor vehicle, or a trim wall of a door of the motor vehicle.

As shown in particular in Figure 4, the wall 14 has a rear face 14a and a front face 14b. The front face 14b is the one that is visible to a user, and the rear face 14a is the one that is opposite the front face 14b (and therefore generally hidden, in particular when the wall 14 is fitted to a motor vehicle).

The front face 14b is more generally that on which the accessory 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is fixed.

The fastening device 10 comprises first 16, second 18 and third 20 fastening elements.

The fixing device 10 is intended to be attached to an opening 22 formed in the wall 14. The opening 22 is delimited by a perimeter 24. The opening 22 has for example a rectangular shape.

The first element 16 has dimensions greater than those of the opening 22 (in particular a height and/or a greater width), so as to be able to press against the periphery 24, on the side of the rear face 14a of the wall 14.

The first element 16 also comprises a central recess 26 whose function will be described later.

The first element 16 finally comprises a first connection means 30 for its connection with the second element 18. The first connection means 30 comprises for example notches 32, preferably provided on the periphery

The second element 18 comprises a base 19 also having dimensions greater than those of the opening 22 (in particular a height and/or a greater width), so as to be able to press against the periphery 24, on the side of the front face 14b of the wall 14.

The second element 18 also comprises a second connecting means 34 for its connection with the first element 16. The second connecting means 34 comprises for example, for each notch 32, a complementary connecting tab 36 extending from the base 19 .

Preferably, the connecting lugs 36 are shaped to the dimensions of the opening 22, so that each connecting lug 36 forms an abutment in contact with an edge of the opening in at least one direction, all of the lugs of link 36 forming stops in two directions.

More particularly, considering an insertion direction, which is the direction in which the second element 18 is inserted into the opening 22, the connecting tabs 36 form abutments in two directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of insertion. These two directions correspond for example to the directions in which the length and the width of the opening 22 are defined.

The direction of insertion X, a transverse direction Y in which the width of the opening 22 is defined, and an elevation direction Z in which the height of the opening 22 is defined will be defined below. invert the X and Y directions to be in the vehicle reference, as well as in figures 2 and 3)

Thus, the fixing device 10 is immobilized in these two directions.

Preferably, the connecting lugs 36 are shaped so as to allow the second element 18 to be jammed in the opening 22. Thus, the second element 18 can only be inserted or removed in the opening 22 by applying a force to it. sufficient.

In the example described, the second element 18 has three connecting tabs 36: an upper tab and two lower tabs.

The upper leg has an upper surface in contact with the upper edge of the opening 22.

The lower legs are arranged on either side of the second element 18 in the transverse direction Y. Each lower leg has a side surface in contact with a respective side edge of the opening 22. Each lower leg finally has a lower edge in contact with a lower edge of the opening 22. Thus, each lower leg is arranged in a respective lower corner of the opening 22.

Each connecting lug 36 is intended to cooperate with a complementary notch 32 of the first element 16. Each connecting lug 36 is thus wedged between the corresponding notch 32 and the edge of the opening 22, which ensures effective maintenance of the second element 18 in opening 22.

According to a possible alternative embodiment, each connecting lug 36 comprises at least one tooth allowing attachment to the corresponding notch 32 by snap-fastening.

The base 19 of the second element 18 also comprises a female fixing part 38, intended to cooperate with a male fixing part 40 carried by the third element 20.

In a variant not shown, the male part is carried by the second element 18 and the female part is carried by the third element 20.

In accordance with the embodiment described, the male attachment part 40 comprises a body 40a having a first width and a head 40b having a second width greater than the first width. The head 40b has for example the shape of a disk, and the body 40 has the shape of a rod with a circular section.

The body 40a extends from a support 41 to the head 40b.

The female fixing part 38 is a through hole made in the base 19. The female fixing part 38 comprises an insertion zone 38a having dimensions greater than those of the head 40b and a holding zone 38b having a width between that of the head 40b and that of the body 40a, the insertion zone 38a and the holding zone 38b communicating with each other.

Thus, the female fixing part 38 has the general shape of a “keyhole”.

It will be noted that the female fixing part 38 is arranged facing the central recess 26. Thus, when the male fixing part 40 is inserted into the female fixing part 38, this male fixing part 40 is located in the central recess 26 and therefore does not come into contact with the first element 16. In other words, the central recess 26 forms a housing allowing the movement of the head 40b during assembly or disassembly of the accessory 12 and this whatever i.e. the thickness of the wall 14.

A method of fixing an accessory to a wall 14 by means of the fixing device 10 will now be described.

The fixing method comprises a preliminary step of making the opening 22 in the wall 14. The dimensions of the opening 22 are known, depending on the dimensions of the fixing device 10.

The opening 22 can be provided from the production of the wall 14 (for example during molding) or alternatively be made later by cutting the wall 14.

The fixing method then comprises a step of fixing the first 16 and second 18 elements to the wall 14.

The second element 18 is inserted into the opening 22, on the side of the front face 14b, until its base 19 comes into abutment with the periphery 24. The connecting tabs 36 then cooperate with the edges of the opening 22 so that the second member 18 is fixed in the transverse Y and elevation Z directions.

The first element 16 is then attached to the second element 18, on the side of the rear face 14a, until it comes into abutment with the periphery 24. The connecting tabs 36 then cooperate with the notches 32. These connecting tabs 36 are thus each sandwiched between the corresponding notch 32 and the edge of the opening 22.

The first 16 and second 18 elements thus find themselves stuck in the opening 22. This fixing is however reversible, by applying a sufficient withdrawal force on the first 16 and/or on the second 18 element.

The third element 20 is also previously fixed to the accessory to be fixed, or alternatively it is directly integrated into this accessory.

To perform the fixing, the third element 20 is attached to the second element 18, by causing the head 40b of the male part 40 to penetrate into the insertion zone 38a of the female part 38, as shown in Figure 2.

The third element 20 is then slid downwards, as shown in FIG. 3, the third element 20 thus being held, because the width of the head 40b is greater than that of the holding zone 38b.

It will be noted that the accessory can very easily be detached, by lifting it to pass the head 40b through the insertion zone 38a again.

Examples of application of the fixing device 10 will be described below, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

These figures show a wall 14 comprising a housing 42 for storing objects.

In the example of FIG. 5, fixing devices 10 (and more particularly their first 16 and second 18 elements) are arranged outside the housing 42, close to this housing 42, on either side of this housing. 42.

This allows the attachment, for example as shown in Figure 6, of an accessory 12a partially closing the housing 42, for example a rigid plate or a flexible element such as a net.

This alternatively allows the attachment, for example as shown in Figure 7, accessories 12b partially closing the housing 42, for example straps, preferably elastic.

In the example of FIG. 8, fixing devices 10 (and more particularly their first 16 and second 18 elements) are arranged in the housing 42, at the bottom of this housing.

The fixing devices 10 can then allow the fixing of a strap 12c, elastic or not, as in figure 9.

Alternatively, the fixing devices 10 can allow the fixing of a housing block 12d.

Alternatively, each fixing device 10 can allow the fixing of a hook.

Any other accessory is possible, as long as it carries a third element 20.

This third element 20 (with the shapes 40) is preferably produced on the accessory directly by an injection process, by overmoulding, or even by gluing small added elements.

The accessories are interchangeable, because, as indicated above, it is easy to detach an accessory to attach another.

It will be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but could present various complementary variants.

Claims (9)

Device (10) for fixing an accessory (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) to a wall (14) comprising a front face (14b) and a rear face (14a), in particular an interior wall of a motor vehicle, characterized in what it includes:
- a first element (16) intended to be pressed against a perimeter (24) of an opening (22) formed in the wall (14), on the side of the rear face (14a) of the wall (14), and a second element (18) intended to be pressed against the periphery (24) of the opening (22), on the side of the front face (14b) of the wall (14), the first (16) and second (18) elements comprising complementary connection means (30, 34), adapted to cooperate so as to pinch the periphery (24) of the opening (22) between these first (16) and second (18) elements, and
- a third element (20) intended to be carried by the accessory (12a, 12b; 12c, 12d),
and in that one of the second (18) and the third (20) element comprises a female fixing part (38), and the other of the second (18) and the third (20) element comprises a fixing male (40), such as:
- the male fixing part (40) comprises a body (40a) having a first width and a head (40b) having a second width greater than the first width, and
- the female fixing part (38) comprises an insertion zone (38a) having a width greater than that of the head (40b) and a holding zone (38b) having a width between that of the head (40b) and that of the body (40a), the insertion zone (38a) and the holding zone (38b) communicating with each other. Fixing device (10) according to Claim 1, in which the first element (16) comprises a central recess (26), forming a housing for the head (40b) of the male part (40) when it is inserted into the female part (38). Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the connecting means (30, 34) comprises notches (32) made on the first element (16), preferably on the periphery of the first element (16) , and connecting lugs (36) arranged on the second element (18), each connecting lug (36) being intended to cooperate with a respective notch (32). Fixing device according to claim 3, in which the connecting tabs (36) are shaped to the dimensions of the opening (22), so that each connecting tab 36 forms an abutment in contact with an edge of the opening ( 22) in at least one direction, all of the connecting tabs (36) forming stops in two directions. Fixing device according to Claim 4, in which the connecting tabs (36) are shaped to be wedged between the corresponding notch (32) and the edge of the opening (22) when the first (16) and second ( 20) elements are assembled on the opening (22). Interior wall of a motor vehicle, having a front face (14b) and a rear face (14a), and comprising at least one opening (22) delimited by a perimeter (24), the opening (22) having for example a rectangular shape , characterized in that it comprises a fixing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the first element (16) being pressed against the periphery (24), on the side of the rear face (14a) of the wall (14), and the second element (16) being pressed against the periphery (24), on the side of the front face (14b) of the wall (14). Interior wall (14) according to claim 6, comprising a housing (42) for storing objects, and comprising at least two fixing devices (10) arranged outside the housing (42), close to this housing (42 ), on either side of this housing (42), for fixing an element partially closing the housing (42), chosen in particular from a rigid plate, a flexible element such as a net, or straps, preferably elastic, or the attachment of hooks. Interior wall (14) according to claim 6, comprising a housing (42) for storing objects, and comprising at least two fixing devices (10) arranged in the housing (42), at the bottom of this housing, for attachment of an element selected from a strap (12c), elastic or not, a housing block (12d) or hooks. Method of fixing an accessory to the wall (14) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, by means of the fixing device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises:
- a preliminary step of making the opening (22) in the wall (14),
- a step of fixing the first (16) and second (18) elements to the wall (14), during which the second element (18) is inserted into the opening (22), on the side of the front face ( 14b), until it comes into abutment with the periphery (24), and the first element (16) is then attached to the second element (18), on the side of the rear face (14a), until it comes into abutment with the perimeter (24), the connecting tabs (38) then cooperating with the notches (32),
- an assembly step during which the third element (20) is attached to the second element (18), by causing the head (40b) of the male part (40) to penetrate into the insertion zone (38a) of the female part (38), then the third element (20) is slid downwards, in the holding zone (38b).