SYSTEM FOR HOOKING AND FIXING ACCESSORIES MADE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL TO MODULAR SELF-BEARING ELEMENTS AND FROM THE LATTER TO THE VEHICLE BODY

Abstract: The system is provided to hook and fix definitely a mechanism and/or an accessory (1) inside a motor vehicle, said mechanism (1) including a pyramidal protuberance (2) with a fixed part (5) and an elastic part (6), as well as a base (4) provided a groove (3) for the passage of such pyramidal protuberance (2) through an orifice (8) conformed to this effect in the self-bearing element (7) of the vehicle; said self-bearing element, for example the roof, the door panel, etc., is retained to a plastic and elastic sheet (9) with a window (10) similar to that which is provided in the body (13) of the vehicle, so that the definitive fixing of the mechanism or accessory (1) is carried out by using an additional keying element (11) introduced through the lower part and to the pyramidal protuberance (2), so that the thickness corresponding to the elastic sheet (9) and to the metal sheet of the vehicle body remains in the groove (3). The system provides for an easy preinstallation and definitive mounting as well as the unitary replacement of mechanism and/or accessories, including the assembly fixed to the body itself, for purposes of inspection, repair or replacement.

Description: OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a system for fixing accessories that are usually made of plastic and fitted in the interior of motor vehicles, which fixing takes place through the modular elements constituting the ceilings, panels, inlaid work of linings, etc., in order to be definitively fixed in the holes purposely made in the bodywork shell of the relevant vehicle. The object of the invention is to provide a system for coupling and fixing plastic material accessories to modular self-supporting elements and the latter to the bodywork of motor vehicles, by inserting a resilient plastic device integrated in the actual accessories in windows purposely provided in the structural elements of the latter, although for a definitive arrangement, the device may be previously coupled to and supported on the relevant modular self-supporting element, thereby to allow manipulations to be made until the accessory is definitively fitted in the vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Certain accessories mounted in the interior of vehicles, such as hangers, grips, door handles, etc., are fixed by means of elements that cross the ceiling, door panels, etc., and are anchored in windows or holes purposely provided in the vehicle bodywork shell. Plastic parts are normally used in systems used for this mounting and fixing, which are attached on the one hand to the accessory at issue, passing through the self-supporting elements and being anchored in the window of the vehicle bodywork shell. Currently known mechanisms or means to carry this out have a number of drawbacks and disadvantages, namely that they are difficult to disengage in order for the accessory to be dismounted and/or replaced, wherever this is necessary, indeed resulting in the actual mechanism being broken and having to be replaced with another one which shall logically fulfil the said function. Similarly, complex manipulations are required when it comes to mounting and fixing, for it is difficult, with conventional systems and devices, to hold the assembly whilst it is being manipulated to be locked in the window of the vehicle bodywork shell. Wherever mounting and/or dismounting is relatively simple, or poses no serious problems, then fixing is not sufficiently rigid, clearances being created within short time periods which result in noise and bother for the actual user. Some fixing mechanisms of this kind, affected by the above described disadvantages, could be found in the following documents: EP- 0.346.157, EP-0.088.931, WO-9617178, WO-9523294 and US- 2.627.094. The features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from WO-A-95 23294. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system subject hereof has been devised to fully solve the above drawbacks and is based on the accessory to be fixed being linked to a mechanism with a pyramid-shaped protuberance, that could in principle be described as being "incomplete", projecting therefrom, the contour of its base having a small slot in which a thin plastic holding blade will be inserted having an identical window as the shell of the vehicle bodywork, with a rectangular, circular and other outer contour, depending on the projecting base of the accessory to be held, wherein said thin plastic blade allows said mechanism as a whole to be held to the self-supporting element (ceiling, door panel, etc.), once the latter has been sandwiched between the blade and the base of the pyramid-shaped protuberance. The thickness of said blade plus the shell thickness must equal the width of the slot at the base of the pyramid-shaped protuberance, specifically in a small vertical skirt on the perimeter of such a base and in which the slot is logically cut, which shall be taken up by the relevant fringe on the exterior of both windows once insertion has been completed. The pyramid-shaped protuberances are considered "incomplete", as noted hereinbefore, because if the bottom of the slot provided in the skirt of the pyramid-shaped base should define therein a smaller square section than that of its base, albeit with dimensions identical with those of the shell window, then insertion would not be possible. Now then, if two quadrants of the pyramid can be cleaved off (as defined by planes parallel to the axis and to the traces of the diagonals from the base) in order for two facing edges to remain immovable, namely the edges lying between two parallel planes equidistant from the plane defined by these two edges and another plane perpendicular thereto, shifted parallel to the other diagonal such that the section defined leaves the dimension of the window diagonal on the outside of its base, and if the edge remaining between the two parallel planes is made to be able to flex from the peak toward the main axis, then it will be possible for the distance between the vertices of this and the opposite edge to be equal to or less than the shell window diagonal, thereby for the pyramid defined by these four edges altogether to be able to enter the windows, moving diagonally and its fixed part being inserted over the two adjacent sides of the windows, the flexible part being supported on the opposite corner, thereby being clipped and fulfilling in principle the coupling function. If a solid body, hereinafter referred to as a supplementary wedge element, which may or may not be solidly attached to the mechanism, is sandwiched under pressure between the fixed and flexible portions, a perfect fixing will be achieved by embedding which will in many applications more than suffice for this purpose to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, faced with heavy stressing, the system may be complemented with an additional moveable part to finish off or replace the pyramid sections initially eliminated, the total supporting effect on the outer perimeter of the window being therefore completed and its effect being therefore resisting. It is also noteworthy that it is in this case necessary to sandwich a supplement under pressure between the fixed and the moveable portions in order to cause a suitable side embedding against all four sides of the window. Having regard to the above-mentioned two cases, it can indeed be assured that the supporting effectiveness at the perimeter can reach up to 46% in the case of the full pyramid and 67% in the latter case. Now then, if the effectiveness of the first case is compared with the second case, the difference is only 10% lower, which confirms what was said hereinbefore regarding to less demanding applications. The system described may also be used on windows with a slightly greater side, using two side integrated runners that shall to some extent replace the second case referred to above, albeit without a central clippable member, in which case its effectiveness would remain at 46%. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to provide a fuller description and contribute to an easier understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification as an integral part thereof which, while purely illustrative and not fully comprehensive, shows the following: Figures 1A, 1B and 1C.- Are each schematic plan close-views of the three mounting forms matching the three cases referred to above. Figure 2.- Is an exploded view of how an accessory, specifically a hanger, is mounted in accordance with the option shown in figure 1A. Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E.- Are cross-sectional plan views with supplementary wedge elements, without supplementary wedge elements, with an accessory mechanism, namely a hanger, definitively fixed, and a plan view of the visible mounting face shown in the preceding figures, all in accordance with the mounting option of figure 1. Figure 4.- Is an exploded view of how an accessory is mounted in accordance with the option shown in figure 1B. Figures 5A and 5B.- Are each views of the accessory of the preceding figure in a pre-mounting position and in a definitive fixing position, in accordance with the mounting sequence of said figure 4. Figure 6.- Is an exploded view of a pre-mounting similar to that of figure 4, albeit in accordance with the option of figure 1C. Figures 7A and 7B.- Are each views of how the accessory shown in the preceding figure is pre-mounted and definitively fixed, in accordance with the mounting option shown in figure 1C. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Before going into a description of the preferred embodiment and certain different applications, in order to clarify the relevant description with reference to each and every single figure, where reference is made to a certain component or element, the reference numeral shall always be the same, even if its application or shape should differ. Bearing the foregoing in mind, reference numeral (1) will always identify the accessory that is to be held or fixed, whereas reference numeral (2) will so identify the pyramid-shaped protuberance from said accessory (1), and reference numeral (3) will identify the slot provided at the base (4) on the base of said protuberance (2). Similarly, reference numeral (5) identifies a riged portion of said protuberance (2) and reference numeral (6) the flexible portion thereof. Furthermore, the self-supporting element or module in which the above-mentioned mechanism will previously be inserted will be given reference numeral (7), the same being provided with a hole (8) to allow the above-mentioned protuberance (2) through, the plastic holding blade being identified with reference numeral (9) and the hole of said plastic blade with reference numeral (10). The locking supplement is in one case referred to as (11) and in another as (12), as shall be explained hereinafter, whereas the vehicle bodywork shell or element will be allocated reference numeral (13). Bearing the foregoing in mind, figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the first mounting option in which the rigid portion (5) of the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) enters two adjacent sides of the respective hole of the structural bodywork element (13), whereas the flexible portion (6) is arranged at the corner diametrically opposite said same hole, a locking supplement (11) being provided for definitive fixing or locking. Figure 1B shows the second mounting option, albeit in this case with a second locking supplement (12) completing the pyramid shape of the respective protuberance. In figure 1C, the mounting hole of the bodywork element (13) is slightly larger, and the accessory at issue has supplementary non-adjacent displaceable flexible portions (6) whose effectiveness is similar to that of the first option shown in figure 1A, having a pair of resilient bridges (19) in addition to the locking supplement (11). Figure 2 is an exploded view of how an accessory (1), specifically a hanger, is mounted by means of the system of the option shown in Figure 1A, the accessory (1) at issue being provided with a pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) with its rigid (5) and flexible (6) portions, and the base (4) in which the respective slot (3) is provided. Now then, in this mounting, a hole or window (8) is made in the relevant self-supporting element (7), which in this case consists of a ceiling, the size of the hole being slightly greater than that of the perimeter of the base (4) in the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2), and thus when the latter is inserted in said hole (8), it is attached to the self-supporting element (7) by means of a complementary resilient plastic blade (9) provided with a hole (10) the size of which will match the size of the respective hole purposely provided in the relevant bodywork structure or element (13). Upon the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) being inserted through the hole (8) and the slot (3) of the former in the hole (10), the accessory (1) is attached to the self-supporting element (7), thereby allowing the relevant turning or probing manipulations to be made in order to effect the housing in the respective hole or window of the bodywork shell or element (13), and once housed therein, have it embedded by means of the wedge effect of the locking supplement (11), thereby securing the application. Figure 3A shows the accessory (1) inserted in the visible face of the self-supporting element (7), wherein the locking supplement is identified with reference numeral (11), as described above. Figure 3B shows a cross-section of the attachment and fixing system shown in the preceding figure, which cross-section is made at the height of the outer portion of the structural bodywork element (13), showing it clearly clipped and locked by the locking element (11), moreover showing the pair of holes (14) useful for dismounting the assembly. Figure 3C is analogous to the preceding figure albeit devoid of the locking element (11), the flexible portion (6) lying next to the rigid portion (5) of the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) upon being inserted in the hole of the structural bodywork element (13) or upon being expelled therefrom, by approximation using pointed pliers on the holes (14). Figure 3D shows the accessory (1) which in this case consists of a sunshade support, as it would be mounted on the structural bodywork element (13), showing how both the thickness of the shell forming such a structural bodywork element (13) and the resilient plastic blade (9) are housed in the relevant slot (3) purposely provided in the base (4) of the accessory (1), specifically at the base of the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2). Figure 3E shows the appearance, in plan view, of the definitive fixing, as observed from inside the structural bodywork element (13). Figure 4 shows an accessory (1) forming what could be deemed to be a grip support, with a movable member (15), in which the accessory (1) includes the base (4), the protuberance (2) with its rigid (5) and flexible (6) portions, wherein as shown in this figure 4, said pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) is inserted in the hole (8) of the self-supporting element (7) and also passes through the window (10) of the resilient blade (9) in order to hold the accessory (1), the foregoing in accordance with the application or mounting case shown in figure 1B, in such a way that in this case a second locking supplement (12) is inserted to complete the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2), wedging it with the locking supplement (16) that forms an integral part of the actual movable member (15) of the support of the grip or accessory (1) at issue, which operation is carried out by simply turning and slightly pressing the grip (17) on the projections (18) from the member (15), which forms an integral part thereof, as shown in figures 5A and 5B. With reference to figure 5A, the same shows the position of the accessory or grip (1) pre-mounted on the self-supporting element (7), which in this case consists of a ceiling, the sequence of figure 4 being followed, whereas in figure 5B it is now arranged definitely mounted on the structural bodywork element (13); in order to definitively fix it thereto, the grip (17) need only be turned to position (17'), and the member (15) to position (15'), for the locking supplement (16) to begin to enter between flexible portion (6) and the rigid portion (5) of the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2). When the grip (17) is returned to its initial position, only P need be pressed, as shown in figure 5B, for the desired embedding to take place on the bodywork (13), and for the movable member (15) to take up its final position (15'); as noted hereinbefore, this mounting matches the option shown in figure 1B. Figure 6 shows a pre-mounting sequence similar to that of figure 4, using an accessory with all its mobile parts integrated therein, through resilient bridges (19). Upon being mounted on the bodywork, the fixing option for this system will be as shown in figure 1C. Figure 7 shows how a grip or accessory of the kind shown in the preceding figure is pre-mounted, wherein displacement of the flexible portion (6) is enabled by the deformation of the resilient bridges (19) which initially act as springs, allowing the plastic blade (9), with which attachment is effected as aforesaid, to enter the hole (10), thereafter for the respective structural bodywork element (13) to be entered. Figure 7B finally shows the accessory shown above and now definitively fixed to the bodywork (13), wherein embedding on the window is shown to take place by locking the locking supplement (16) and simultaneously pushing the rigid (5) and flexible (6) portions.

Claims: A system for coupling and securing an accessory (1) of plastic material to a self-supporting element (7) and the latter to the bodywork (13) of a vehicle, in which the self-supporting element (7) and the accessory (1) are to be simultaneously mounted on the bodywork (13), said system comprises: a base (4) on said accessory (1), a protuberance (2) of incomplete pyramid shape extending from said base (4), said protuberance (2) including a rigid portion (5) secured to said base (4) and a flexible potion (6) secured to an upper end of said rigid portion (5) and extending downwardly in opposition to said rigid portion (5) to form define a slot (3) with said base (4) and provide flexibility of said flexible portion (6), a self-supporting element (7) having a hole (8) through which said protuberance (2) is insertable, the bodywork (13) of the vehicle having a hole into which said protuberance (2) is insertable after passing through said hole (8) in the self-supporting element (7), and thereby securing the accessory (1) and the self-supporting element (7) to the bodywork (13), whereby the bodywork (13) is fitted in said slot (3), a locking supplement (11-16) engageable in said protuberance (2) between said rigid and flexible portions (5-6) to hold said flexible portion (6) in a deformed state in locked position behind the bodywork (13), characterised in that the system further comprises: a resilient blade (9) having a shaped hole (10) into which said protuberance (2) is insertable after passing through said hole (8) in the self-supporting element (7), said flexible portion (6) of said protuberance (2) being capable of undergoing deformation when passing through said hole (10) in the blade (9) to be secured there behind and to hold the blade (9) against the self-supporting element (7), whereby said blade (9) and said self-supporting element (7) are fitted into said slot (3) when the protuberance (2) is inserted through said hole (10) in the blade (9). A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a second locking supplement (12) is mounted around the flexible portion (6) to complete the pyramid shape of the protuberance (2), which on being wedged by the locking supplement (11-16) rigidifies the anchorage of the system once inserted on the bodywork (13). A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said accessory (1) includes a movable member (15) to which the locking member (16) is solidly attached, the movable member (15) being movable to a locked position at which pushes the locking member (16) into said protuberance (2). A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the flexible portion (6) is joined to the rigid portion (5) by resilient bridges (19), which, once the assembly is mounted on the bodywork (13), lies in an expanded position by the insertion of a locking member (11-16). A system as claimed in preceding claims, characterised in that said flexible and rigid portions (5-6) of said protuberance (2) have holes (14) which are accessible to an implement for removing the locking member (11-12) from the protuberance (2) to enable the rigid and flexible portions (5-6) to be brought together to separate the accessory (1) from the bodywork (13). A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said resilient blade (9) is made of plastic material.

Inventors: BARRERO SERRANO FELIPE, ROMERO MAGARINO ANTONIO, BARRERO SERRANO, FELIPE, ROMERO MAGARINO, ANTONIO
Applicants: ANTOLIN GRUPO ING SA, GRUPO ANTOLIN-INGENIERIA, S.A.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B60R13
IPC codes: B60R11, B60R13, B60N3, F16B5