Abstract:
A movable rear parcel shelf having a storage plate for use in a vehicle, which is able to be retained by means of a detent connection, and the detent connection itself are specified, whereby the detent connection is releasable by means of an actuating element which is associated with the storage plate, and whereby the detent connection occurs between a detent spring, which is connected to a part being secured to the vehicle, and a detent element, which is connected to the storage surface.

Description:
This Application is the U.S. National Phase Application of International Application No PCT/DE2004/002635 filed Aug. 26, 2004. 
   The invention relates to a movable rear parcel shelf having a fixing device for retaining it in a secure manner. The rear parcel shelf is movable, i.e., in particular, detachable. The invention further relates to a device for holding such a rear parcel shelf, i.e. the fixing device itself. Lastly, the invention also relates to a vehicle, namely a motor vehicle, in particular, a passenger motor vehicle, i.e., for example, a cabriolet vehicle having such a rear parcel shelf or having a rear parcel shelf which can be retained by such a fixing device. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
   A passenger motor vehicle having a pivotable storage plate is known from DE 699 03 212 T2. The storage plate is pivotable between a first position, in which it is situated between a front edge of the boot lid and a wall bordering the front area of the boot, and a second position, in which it is situated under the boot lid. The storage plate is connected with the boot lid such that it follows the opening and closing movement of the boot lid. 
   A device for demountably holding covering elements onto motor vehicles is known from DE 198 04 220 A1. The covering element is, in this case, held in a frame and formed so as to be collapsible towards an outer side. 
   A cover for a rear loading space of a cabriolet vehicle is known from DE 43 28 886 C2, which includes a shutter arrangement and a fold-away partition wall. In order to seal the boot, the shutter arrangement and the partition wall are adjusted towards one another such that an upper edge of the partition wall is flush with the shutter arrangement. 
   Special fixing devices or retaining devices for the covers are not mentioned in the cited documents. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention consists in the specification of a fixing device, which is particularly suitable, in a motor vehicle, for use in the retention of movable storage surfaces, i.e., for example, storage plates as they are used in the case of a rear parcel shelf, and the like, and a storage surface provided with the fixing device, i.e., for example, the rear parcel shelf itself. 
   This problem is solved, in respect of the storage surface, according to the invention, through the features of Claim  1 . To this end, in the case of a movable storage surface, i.e., in particular in the case of the rear parcel shelf, for use in a motor vehicle, having a fixing device for its retention and having an in particular one-piece, storage plate which forms the storage surface, whereby the fixing device includes an actuating element envisaged for releasing the retention, in particular a push button, it is envisaged that the actuating element includes a releasing device envisaged for releasing a detent connection retaining the storage surface, and that the detent connection occurs between a detent spring which is connected to a part being secured to the vehicle, and a detent element which is connected to the storage surface. In this case, the releasing device is formed and envisaged for penetrating into and expanding a clearance between the detent spring and the detent element when the detent connection is released. 
   With regard to the fixing device itself, this problem is solved according to the invention by the features of Claim  9 . To this end, in a fixing device for retaining a movable storage surface, i.e., in particular, the rear parcel shelf, in a motor vehicle, which includes an actuating element envisaged for releasing the retention, in particular, a push button, it is envisaged that the actuating element includes a releasing device which is envisaged for releasing a detent connection retaining the storage surface, and that the detent connection occurs between a detent spring which is connected to a part being secured to the vehicle, and a detent element which is connected to the storage surface. Here also, the releasing device is formed and envisaged for penetrating into and expanding a clearance between the detent spring and the detent element when the detent connection is released. 
   A locking device for a flap, for example in the form of a glove compartment lid, is known from DE 196 12 066. In this case, the glove compartment lid is held in the closed position by means of a leg spring and a locking element. A gripping part is envisaged for opening the flap, which gripping part actuates the locking element by means of a pivot part such that the locking between the locking element and the leg spring is released by the locking element and the leg spring being separated from one another. Penetration of an actuating element into the clearance between the two elements forming the detent connection is not shown. 
   The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the storage surface or rear parcel shelf can be released easily and by hand. The rear parcel shelf is movable after the retention has been released, such that detaching or pivoting of the rear parcel shelf is made possible. This is conveniently in order to make the loading space available under the rear parcel shelf accessible. The fixing device, as well as being suitable for retaining storage surfaces, i.e. horizontal or at least substantially horizontal surfaces, is also suitable for retaining vertical or at least substantially vertical surfaces, for example paneling elements. In order to prevent the paneling element from falling off in the case that the retention is released, it is beneficial if the panelling element is designed in a pivotable manner, i.e. is still fixed to an axle or the like, even after the releasing of the retention, or if the panelling element is fixed by at least one additional hook or the like. For this aspect of the invention, the terms “storage surface” and “storage plate”, which are used continuously in the following, should be understood to include panelling surfaces and panelling plates respectively. 
   Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims, which are based on the respective independent claims. 
   If a recessed grip lower part is arranged at the lower side of the storage plate, this forms, together with the storage plate, a recessed grip, which is accessible when the actuating element is actuated. A defined portion is thus obtained, with which the user&#39;s hand can engage in order to move or detach the storage plate. 
   Preferably, the releasing device is a component, in particular a one-piece component, of a push button lower part which belongs to the actuating element and which includes a guide element. The guide element is, in turn, fixed in a guide contour associated with the storage plate, and in particular, connected with this in a one-piece manner. The push button is thereby fixed particularly in a particularly simple manner to the storage plate. The mounting of the push button is simplified in that this must substantially only be inserted into the guide contour with its guide element. Nonetheless, a secure fixing of the push button is ensured as a result of the form of the guide contour and as a result of the form-fitting engagement of the guide element with the guide contour. 
   If the guide contour has a limiting pin, which engages with a recess of the guide element, the path around which the guide element can move into the guide contour when the push button is actuated and can move out of the guide contour when the push button is not actuated, is limited in a simple manner. Through a suitable selection of both the position of the limiting pin and the dimensions of the corresponding recess, an undesired dropping of the push button out of the storage plate can be prevented. 
   If the guide contour has an extension, on which a spring element, for example a push button spring designed as a spiral spring, is arranged, which, when under tension, abuts a lower side of the push button, in particular which abuts the push button lower part, the spring element holds the push button in a defined position in the non-actuated state. Further, the spring force of the spring element must be overcome when the push button is actuated, such that an unforeseen releasing of the retention is largely prevented. 
   The releasing device is advantageously designed as a wedge which is slanted at the free end, whereby the releasing device is situated under the push button perpendicular to a plane defined by the storage plate. The wedge ensures that the detent connection can be released particularly easily, because the wedge can co-operate with a correspondingly bent tongue of the detent spring. There thus occurs a transmission of the force to the detent spring over the largest possible surface. An effective transmission of force is also ensured in a beneficial manner, if the releasing device extends, in a perpendicular manner, under the push button. 
   Preferably, the releasing device is centrically slit at the free end. Then a detent cam provided at the detent spring can enter the slit at the releasing device. That is, the push button can be fully actuated, such that the recessed grip is fully accessible as a space for the hand, without the path of the push button being limited by the detent cam, which approximately abuts the lower edge of the releasing device. 
   Further preferably, the detent element, with which the detent cam engages, tapers off to a wedge shape at the free end, i.e. in the form of a ramp. This is sensible, in order that the detent connection closes as easily as possible when the storage plate is introduced or re-attached. The ramp, in this case, firstly pushes the detent cam to the side, such that the detent spring is made to travel. When pushing on the storage surface occurs, the detent cam slides ever higher at the ramp and the detent spring is made to travel correspondingly further. The detent connection is closed if the detent cam, after the end of the ramp, engages with a recess which is envisaged for it at the detent element. 
   In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail using the drawings. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following are shown: 
       FIG. 1  a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a rear parcel shelf, 
       FIG. 2  a vertical section through the rear parcel shelf in the area of a fixing device provided for retaining it, 
       FIG. 3  a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a receiving element for receiving the rear parcel shelf, 
       FIG. 4  a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a detent element in a vertical section, 
       FIG. 5  a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a push button for releasing the retention of the rear parcel shelf, also in a vertical section, 
       FIG. 6  a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a storage surface forming the rear parcel shelf, having a guide contour for receiving the push button, also in a partially completed vertical section and 
       FIG. 7  a detent spring, which, together with the detent element, forms the detent connection for retaining the rear parcel shelf. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematically simplified perspective depiction of a rear parcel shelf  10 , as an example of a movable storage surface. The rear parcel shelf  10  includes a storage plate  11  and at least one push button  12  for releasing a retention holding the rear parcel shelf  10 . 
     FIG. 2  shows, in order to describe in more detail the retention of the rear parcel shelf  10 , a section through this along the line II-II in  FIG. 1 . In the depiction, it can be seen that the rear parcel shelf  10  further includes a recessed grip lower part  13  alongside the storage plate  11  and the push button  12 . The latter is welded to the storage plate  11 . To this end, a storage plate weld connection  14  is depicted, which, in the form of liquefied material of the storage plate  11 , engages with a recess in the recessed grip lower part  13  envisaged for this purpose. The recessed grip lower part  13  is shaped such that it forms, with the storage plate  11 , a recessed grip  15  in the area of the push button  12 . 
   The push button  12 , in turn, includes a push button lower part  16  having a releasing device  18  ending in a wedge  17 , and a guide element  19 . The latter is guided by a guide contour  20  formed in the storage plate  11 . The guide contour  20  appears in the sectional depiction as a pot, which the guide element  19 , which appears as a peg, engages with in a form-fitting manner. The push button  12  is depicted in a non-actuated position. The guide element  19  is correspondingly situated at the upper end of the guide contour  20 . When the push button  12  is actuated, the guide element  19  penetrates further into the guide contour  20 . The depth of the guide contour  20  limits the path of the push button  12  when actuation takes place. In order to hold the non-actuated push button  12  in the guide contour  20 , a limiting pin  21  is envisaged, which is arranged in the storage plate  11  in the area of the guide contour  20  and which engages, with a protruding end, with a recess  21 ′ provided for it at the push button lower part  16 , in particular at the guide element  19  of the push button lower part  16 . The limiting pin  21  limits the path of the non-actuated push button  12  and holds the guide element  19  in the guide contour  20  at least insofar that a secure fixing of the push button  12 , especially in the non-actuated state, is ensured. When actuation takes place, the push button  12  is pushed down against the pressure of a spring element, for example a push button spring  22  which is designed as a spiral spring. This is situated between a support formed by an extension  23  of the guide contour  20 , and the lower side of the push button lower side  16 . The push button spring  22  is, in this case, pre-tensioned, such that it lifts the push button lower part  16  into a position determined by the limiting pin. The surface of the push button  12  is flush with the surface of the storage plate  11  in this position. 
   The storage plate  11  has several reinforcing ribs  24  which run parallel or at least substantially parallel to the longest axis of the storage plate  11  and which appear in the sectional depiction in  FIG. 1  as solid elements. One or individual reinforcing ribs  24  are formed in the area of the push button  12  such that they follow the outer contour of the guide contour  20 . The or each of the reinforcing ribs  24  concerned thereby supports the guide contour  20  and prevents possible undesired deformation of it when actuation of the push button  12  takes place. 
   In the area of the recessed grip lower part  13 , a receiving element  25  is arranged as an element which is secured to the vehicle. The situation is depicted whereby the receiving element  25  is designed as a separate component and is attached to a fastening holder  26 , which is likewise secured to the vehicle. 
   The receiving element  25  is formed suitably in order for there to be a suitable contour for the adjustment of the rear parcel shelf  10  in a correct positional manner. The recessed grip lower part  13  abuts this contour, at least in portions. 
   A detent spring  27  with a detent cam  27 ′ is attached to the receiving element  25 , for example by welding, as can be seen from the depicted weld domes  28 . The detent cam  27 ′ engages, when a detent connection exists, in an opening provided for this purpose at an extension of the recessed grip lower part  13 , designed as a detent element  29 . At the free end of the detent spring  27 , this runs above the detent cam  27 ′ in the form of a bent tongue  30 . The angle of the tongue  30  corresponds substantially to the gradient of the wedge  17  at the end of the releasing device  18 . 
   In the depicted position, the rear parcel shelf  10  is retained, because the detent cam  27 ′ engaging with the detent element  20  prevents a raising or an undesired releasing of the rear parcel shelf  10 . In order to release the rear parcel shelf  10 , the push button  12  is actuated and is, to this end, pushed down against the pressure of the detent spring  22 . In this case, the guide element  19 , on the one hand, penetrates into the guide contour  20 . On the other hand, the wedge  17  pushes, at the end of the releasing device  18 , on the tongue  30  at the end of the detent spring  27 . When further actuation of the push button  12  takes place, the wedge  17  makes the detent spring  27  travel, such that the detent cam  27 ′ is finally lifted from the detent element  29 . The depth of the guide contour  20  and the dimensions of the recess  21 ′ are, for this purpose, dimensioned such that the wedge  17  can make the detent spring  27  travel to such an extent that the detent connection is released. The releasing device  18  is thus formed and envisaged for penetrating into and expanding a clearance between the detent spring  27  and the detent element  29  when the detent connection is released. This clearance exists, firstly, substantially in the area of the tongue  30 . When the clearance is expanded, i.e. when the detent spring  30  is made to travel, the releasing device  18  or the wedge  17 , at its end, enlarges the clearance little by little to such an extent that the detent cam  27 ′ is finally lifted from the detent element  29 . Elements of the detent connection are correspondingly the detent spring  27  with the detent cam  27 ′, the detent element  29 , with which the detent cam  27 ′ engages when a detent connection exists, and the wedge  17  at the end of the releasing device  18  for releasing the detent connection. 
   As soon as the detent element  29  is free, the rear parcel shelf  10  is raised up by a spring element, for example a lifting spring  31  designed as a spiral spring, which is situated between the receiving element  25  and the recessed grip lower part  13  under pretensioning. The spring force of the lifting spring  31  is, for this purpose, dimensioned such that at least a raising up of the rear parcel shelf  10  is possible. This also prevents an undesired renewed catching of the detent connection. In the raised up state of the rear parcel shelf, which is not depicted, the recessed grip  15  becomes accessible. That is, an operator can grasp the recessed grip  15  with the same hand with which he/she previously actuated the push button  12 , in order to further raise up the rear parcel shelf by means of pressure against the lower side of the storage surface  11  in the area of the recessed grip  15 . For a pivotably movable rear parcel shelf  10  (not shown), consideration should be given to a support surface contour enabling a pivoting movement, in particular in the area of the push button  12 , and to sufficient gaps between pivoted and stationary elements, for example the detent element  29  and the lifting spring  31 . 
   Upon retention of the rear parcel shelf  10 , this is firstly adjusted in the envisaged position. Here, the counter-contour of the support surface  24 , adapted to the outer contour of the guide contour  20 , and a diagonal portion of the recessed grip lower part  13 , which abuts a corresponding portion of the receiving element  25 , are helpful. The spring force of the lifting spring  31  is overcome by light pressure on the upper side of the storage plate  11 , such that the detent cam  27 ′ of the detent spring  27  slides along at the ramp  32  formed at the end of the detent element  29  and the detent spring  27  is made to travel. As soon as the envisaged position of the rear parcel shelf  10  has been reached, the detent cam  27 ′ engages with the detent element  29 , such that the rear parcel shelf is retained once again. The detent connection prevents vertical mobility of the rear parcel shelf  10 . Horizontal mobility of the rear parcel shelf  10  is prevented by the contours already described above in conjunction with the pre-adjustment of the rear parcel shelf  10  upon introduction. 
   In order to check that the rear parcel shelf  10  is retained correctly, a microswitch  33  is envisaged. This is attached to the receiving element  25  and engages, by means of a probe head, through an opening  34  provided for this purpose, with the receiving element  25 . The opening  34  is situated in a portion of the receiving element  25 , which is abutted by a portion of the recessed grip lower part  13 , when the rear parcel shelf  10  is retained. The concerned portion of the recessed grip lower part  13  actuates the microswitch  33  such that an electrical signal can be discharged in a manner which is known per se and which is thus not depicted and also not described in a more detailed fashion, which electrical signal indicates the correct retention of the rear parcel shelf. As soon as the detent connection is released, the rear parcel shelf  10  is raised up by the lifting spring  31  at least insofar that the recessed grip  15  is accessible and the microswitch  33  is also freed in the process. From this switching situation of the microswitch  33 , an electrical signal can be discharged, which indicates the released retention of the rear parcel shelf. 
     FIG. 3  shows, also in a schematically simplified perspective depiction, the receiving element  25 , which is provided for receiving the rear parcel shelf in the area of the recessed grip  15 . In the depiction, the opening  34  for the microswitch  33  can be recognised, along with one of the weld domes  28 , with which the detent spring  27  is connected to the receiving element  25 . 
     FIG. 4  shows, in a schematically simplified perspective depiction, the detent element  29  in a vertical section. A free leg of the detent element  29 , which extends downwardly in a perpendicular manner and which tapers off at its free end in a slanting manner and thus forms the ramp  32 , can be recognised. Approximately in the middle area of the leg, a detent area, designed as a horizontally orientated longitudinal hole, is depicted, with which the detent cam  27 ′ of the detent spring  27  engages. Due to the vertical section, only half of the detent element  29  is visible. 
     FIG. 5  shows, in a schematically simplified perspective depiction, the push button  12  for releasing the retention of the rear parcel shelf, also in a vertical section. It can be recognised that the push button  12  has an outer contour in the form of a semi-circle on one side. On this side of the push button  12 , at the lower side of the push button  12 , along the complete semi-circle line, where applicable, interrupted in sections, runs the guide contour  19 . This form of the guide contour  19  enables a fixing of the push button  12  in the direction of all of the spatial co-ordinates. The other side of the push button  12  is designed in a straight manner. At this side, the releasing device  18  extends in a perpendicular manner under the push button  12 , which releasing device is slanted at its free end and thus has the wedge  17 . In the vertical section, which shows exactly half of the push button  12 , it can additionally be recognised that the releasing device  18  is centrically slit at the free end. The detent cam  27 ′ can engage with this slit when the retention is released, such that the path of the releasing device  18  is not limited by the detent cam  27 ′. 
     FIG. 6  shows a schematically simplified perspective depiction of the storage surface  11  forming the rear parcel shelf, with the guide contour  20  for receiving the push button  12 , also in a partially realised vertical section. It can be recognised that the guide contour  20 , corresponding to the corresponding form of the guide element  19  of the push button  12 , is designed in the form of a semi-circle. Thus, as already mentioned, a fixing of the push button  12  in the direction of all of the spatial co-ordinates is ensured. On the one hand—if the x-y plane is conceived to be coplanar with the largest surface of the storage plate  11 —a displacement of the push button  12  in the x or y direction is prevented. On the other hand, an undesired tilting of the push button  12  and thus an undesired mobility in the z direction, is prevented. 
   Also depicted is the extension  23 , which bears the push button spring  22  when the push button  12  is mounted. 
   Finally,  FIG. 7  shows the detent spring  27  with the detent cam  27 ′. At the free end of the detent spring  27 , the bent tongue  30  (c.f.  FIG. 2 ) can be recognised, which is actuated in order to release the retention at the releasing device  18 . At the end of the detent spring  27  which is securely located in the mounted state, two bores can be recognised, with which the weld domes  28  of the receiving element  25  for connecting the detent spring  27  with the receiving element  25  engage. 
   List of Reference Numbers 
   
       
         10  Rear parcel shelf 
         11  Storage plate 
         12  Push button 
         13  Recessed grip lower part 
         14  Storage plate weld connection 
         15  Recessed grip 
         16  Push button lower part 
         17  Wedge 
         18  Releasing device 
         19  Guide element 
         20  Guide contour 
         21  Limiting pin 
         21 ′ Recess 
         22  Push button spring 
         23  Extension 
         24  Reinforcing rib 
         25  Receiving element 
         26  Fastening holder 
         27  Detent spring 
         27 ′ Detent cam 
         28  Weld dome 
         29  Detent element 
         30  Tongue 
         31  Lifting spring 
         32  Ramp 
         33  Microswitch 
         34  Opening