Patent Description:
As is known, electronic accessories, such as displays or panels having control buttons, can be fixed to internal components of a vehicle, for example to the dashboard of the passenger compartment, by means of respective fixing assemblies.

Fixing assemblies of a known type generally comprise a support element, which can be fixed directly to the dashboard or integrated therein, and a frame which supports the accessory and which is coupled to the support element in a fixed position during vehicle fitting.

The fixing of the frame to the support element in the fixing assemblies of a known type is generally made by approaching and subsequently screwing the frame to the support element.

In order to achieve an aesthetically and functionally effective fixing, the relative positioning between the support element and the frame must be bound by relatively narrow tolerances, which are defined during the design phase. In particular, in an attempt to guide the operator during fixing, the frame and the support element comprise one or more mechanical references, which define an ideal reference system for the relative positioning between the support element and the frame.

However, during screwing operations, the forces involved and any inaccuracies on the part of the operator can alter the position of the mechanical references within the ideal reference system.

This results in a non-compliance with the tolerances provided and, consequently, affects the quality and aesthetics of the dashboard in the passenger compartment.

In particular, the alteration of the position of mechanical references may be greater in some directions than in others.

The need to have a fixing assembly is therefore felt, wherein the correct relative positioning between the frame and the support element is achieved in an accurate, easy and quick manner, and is maintained even at the end of the fixing operations, thus enabling the design tolerances to be respected.

The need to limit the number of components of the fixing assembly is also felt.

<CIT> discloses a fixing assembly according to the preamble of Claim <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a control unit that includes a case able to receive a first device which may in particular be a printed circuit, a fascia intended to be placed against the case, the fascia being able to receive a second device which may in particular be a force sensor, a connection link connecting the first device to the second device. The control unit is in addition provided with an integrated device for assisting assembly keeping the control unit in an open state, the case and the fascia being at a distance one from the other in a first position and this so as to facilitate inter alia the assembly of the connection link, the integrated device for assisting assembly then permitting placing of the control unit in a closed state, the fascia and the case having been brought one towards the other and being one against the other.

Aim of the present invention is to provide a fixing assembly which allows the above requirements to be fulfilled in a simple and economical manner.

According to the present invention, a fixing assembly as defined in Claim <NUM> is realized.

For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is now described, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:.

In <FIG>, the reference number <NUM> denotes a fixing assembly used to fix an electrical/electronic accessory <NUM> - visible in <FIG> - to a component (not shown) of a vehicle, specifically to the dashboard of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Such an accessory <NUM> may be, for example, a display and/or a control panel.

The fixing assembly <NUM> comprises a support element <NUM> adapted to be fixed to the dashboard, or forming part of the dashboard itself, and a frame <NUM>, which supports the accessory <NUM> in a fixed relative position and is fixed to the support element <NUM> by means of a fixing device <NUM>.

First of all, it is possible to define a relative design position between the support element <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, wherein specific position tolerances defined in the design phase are respected.

In particular, the fixing assembly <NUM> may be placed in an assembled configuration, wherein the support element <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are in a fixed relative position considering two directions X and Y orthogonal to each other, but are not stably blocked together. The fixing assembly <NUM> may be brought into a "tightened" configuration, wherein the support element <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are in the relative design position and are stably blocked together by means of blocking devices <NUM>, in particular of the screw type.

The support element <NUM> comprises a first face 2a (<FIG> and <FIG>), which in use faces rearwards, i.e. towards the dashboard, and a second face 2b (<FIG> and <FIG>), which is opposite to the first face 2a along the direction Y mentioned above and is facing, in use, towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or towards the accessory <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a third face 3a (<FIG>) at least partially facing the second face 2b along the direction Y, and a fourth face 3b (<FIG>), which is opposite the third face 3a along the same direction Y and is therefore facing, in use, towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or towards the accessory <NUM>.

In detail, the support element <NUM> comprises a main portion <NUM>, defined in particular by a plate having a substantially rectangular outer perimeter, and surrounded by an annular projection <NUM>, which extends in a cantilever fashion starting from said outer perimeter parallel to the direction Y towards the frame <NUM>.

In further detail, the projection <NUM> comprises an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>, which are spaced apart from each other along a direction Z, orthogonal to the direction Y and are preferably parallel to the direction X mentioned above. The projection <NUM> further comprises two lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which join the lateral ends of the upper portion <NUM> with those of the lower portion <NUM> and are spaced apart along the direction X.

In the particular embodiment shown, the support element <NUM> is symmetrical with respect to a median plane parallel to the directions Z and Y.

Preferably, the support element <NUM> also has a through opening <NUM> formed at the main portion <NUM> parallel to the direction Y. As shown in <FIG>, the through opening <NUM> is arranged in such a position that it can be used for the passage of electrical cables, from the inside of the dashboard to the frame <NUM> and hence to the accessory <NUM>.

If the support element <NUM> is to be fixed to the dashboard, and therefore is not part of it, as in the example shown, the support element <NUM> comprises a plurality of fixing appendages <NUM>, for fixing to the dashboard, for example by means of screws (not shown). In detail, the fixing appendages <NUM> are arranged at the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) and, with respect to the latter, protrude laterally outwards. Obviously, fixing systems other than the appendages <NUM> might be envisaged.

The frame <NUM> comprises an attachment portion <NUM> and a housing portion <NUM> which are delimited by the third face 3a and by the fourth face 3b, respectively. The attachment portion <NUM> is coupled in a fixed position to the support element <NUM> and to the accessory <NUM>. On the other hand, the housing portion <NUM> ends, at the fourth face 3b, with an edge <NUM> arranged around the accessory <NUM>. In particular, the housing portion <NUM> has an annular, substantially rectangular shape so as to surround and house the accessory <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the shown solution, the portions <NUM> and <NUM> define distinct bodies, fixed to each other in a manner not shown. According to a variant not shown, the portions <NUM> and <NUM> constitute parts of a single body, in a single piece. According to a further variant not shown, the portion <NUM> is absent, so that the accessory <NUM> is arranged in a cantilever fashion with respect to the frame <NUM>.

The attachment portion <NUM> is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises an intermediate zone and an outer annular zone <NUM>, which surrounds said intermediate zone (<FIG>) and comprises an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>, which are spaced apart along the direction Z, and two lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which are spaced apart along the direction X and join the lateral ends of the upper portion <NUM> to those of the lower portion <NUM>.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, the portion <NUM> protrudes with respect to the outer annular area <NUM>, both outwardly (along the directions X and Z) and forwardly (i.e., along the direction Y opposite to the support element <NUM>, towards the passenger compartment).

The annular projection <NUM> of the support element <NUM> surrounds the outer annular area <NUM>; in other words, the annular projection <NUM> defines a cavity which is engaged by the attachment portion <NUM> and has, as a bottom wall, the main portion <NUM>.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the portion <NUM> has dimensions such that it extends outwards with respect to the projection <NUM>, beyond the upper portion <NUM> (along the direction Z) and the lateral portions <NUM>, <NUM> (along the direction X). On the other hand, the lower portion <NUM> of the annular projection <NUM> has dimensions such that it extends beyond the lower edge of the portion <NUM> along the direction Z.

Advantageously, the fixing device <NUM> comprises at least one opening <NUM>, formed in the support element <NUM>, and at least one pin <NUM> coaxial to the opening <NUM> and protruding from the frame <NUM> along an axis A parallel to the direction Z (alternatively, the opening <NUM> could be formed in the frame <NUM> and the pin <NUM> could protrude from the support element <NUM>).

The pin <NUM> engages the opening <NUM> so as to allow a rotation of the frame <NUM> with respect to the support element <NUM> about an ideal hinge axis parallel to the direction X during a mounting step, during which the pin <NUM> is axially inserted in the opening <NUM>. In other words, the coupling between the pin <NUM> and the opening <NUM>, during mounting, defines a hinge around this axis. Thanks to this rotation, it is possible to bring the frame <NUM> closer to the support element <NUM> along the direction Y so as to engage the attachment portion <NUM> in the cavity defined by the annular projection <NUM>. For example, in order to perform this rotation function, the pin <NUM> and/or the edge of the opening <NUM> have a certain elastic deformation or radial clearance along the direction Y.

In the particular embodiment shown, the fixing device <NUM> comprises two openings <NUM> which are spaced apart along the direction X, and two pins <NUM>, which engage the two openings <NUM>, respectively (<FIG>).

Preferably, the openings <NUM> are cylindrical through holes. Preferably, the openings <NUM> are made at the lower portion <NUM> of the projection <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>); at the same time, the pins <NUM> protrude downwards with respect to the lower portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

Each pin <NUM> comprises, in particular, a core, which is fixed with respect to the attachment portion <NUM>, and a coating made of polymeric or elastomeric material. In detail, the coating is defined by a cap that is fitted on the core.

In the embodiment shown, the pin <NUM> protrudes from a head or flange 7a. In particular, during the mounting operations, said head or flange 7a is axially placed in abutment against a surface of the lower portion <NUM> which is facing towards the centre of the support element <NUM> due to the weight of the frame <NUM>. In contrast, when the assembly unit <NUM> is in the tightened configuration, the flange 7a is spaced apart from this surface by the lower portion <NUM> along the direction Z.

The fixing device <NUM> further comprises a snap fitting <NUM> for retaining the frame <NUM> and preventing it from moving away from the support element <NUM> in the direction Y at the end of the aforesaid rotation.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the snap fitting <NUM> comprises a retention shoulder <NUM> transverse to the direction Y and arranged on the support element <NUM>, and one or more elastically deformable elements <NUM>, which are arranged on the frame <NUM> and are snap-fitted to the retention shoulder <NUM>. Alternatively, the retention shoulder <NUM> might be arranged on the frame <NUM>, while the elastically deformable elements <NUM> might be arranged on the support element <NUM>.

In detail, the elastically deformable elements <NUM> constitute a single piece with the attachment portion <NUM> and/or with the housing portion <NUM> so as to form, with said portion, a single body made of polymeric or elastomeric material. In other words, the elastically deformable elements <NUM> are not defined by springs or metal elements mounted on the parts made of plastic material, but are themselves defined by plastic or rubber portions, integrated or co-moulded on the frame <NUM>. Otherwise, in the case not shown wherein the elastically deformable elements <NUM> were arranged on the support element <NUM>, these elements would constitute parts of a single body made of polymeric or elastomeric material together with a portion of the support element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the retention shoulder <NUM> is arranged at the first face 2a, which in the shown case delimits the portion <NUM> at the rear, while each elastically deformable element <NUM> extends in a cantilever fashion from the third face 3a parallel to the direction Y.

In addition, one or more openings <NUM> passing parallel to the direction Y are formed in the support element <NUM>. In particular, the elastically deformable elements <NUM> pass through the openings <NUM>, so that they protrude beyond the first face 2a.

In the embodiment shown, the support element <NUM> has two openings <NUM>, which are spaced apart from each other parallel to the direction X. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the snap fitting <NUM> comprises two pairs of elastically deformable elements <NUM>. In particular, each pair of elastically deformable elements <NUM> passes through a respective opening <NUM>.

In detail, the two openings <NUM> are formed at the main portion <NUM>, near the upper portion <NUM>. In further detail, the openings <NUM> are formed above the opening <NUM> with respect to the direction Z and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the support element <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the openings <NUM> are substantially rectangular in shape.

Each opening <NUM>, in detail, is delimited superiorly by a straight edge <NUM>, which extends parallel to the direction X. In particular, the retention shoulder <NUM> is defined by an area of the first face 2a which extends starting from the edge <NUM> towards the upper portion <NUM>.

Each elastically deformable element <NUM> comprises an elastically flexible arm <NUM> which is parallel to the direction Y and a tooth <NUM> which protrudes from the arm <NUM> transversely to the direction Y (<FIG>).

In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the tooth <NUM> is arranged beyond the opening <NUM>, and lies on the retention shoulder <NUM>, so as to prevent the frame <NUM> from moving away from the support element <NUM> along the direction Y.

As shown in <FIG>, two arms <NUM> are provided on each side of the support element <NUM>, as mentioned above. These are spaced from one another along the direction X and protrude parallel to the direction Y starting from a block 20a which preferably has, on its own upper surface, two grooves 20b, aligned with the respective teeth <NUM>. The block 20a and its two arms <NUM> form a fork defining a seat between the two arms <NUM>.

In particular, the two blocks 20a, in turn, protrude starting from an edge of the housing portion <NUM>, parallel to the direction Y.

In further detail, each groove 20b has an amplitude, along the direction X, which progressively decreases, going from the face 3a towards the corresponding tooth <NUM> (<FIG>), so that it has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed along the direction Z.

In addition, the thickness of the block 20a and of the arms <NUM> along the direction Z decreases, proceeding in the direction Y away from the face 3a. In particular, the arms <NUM> assume a flat shape, of the flange or lamella type, orthogonal to the direction Z.

In particular, during mounting, by rotating the frame <NUM> towards the support element <NUM> around the direction X while the pins <NUM> are inserted, the free end of the arms <NUM> and their teeth <NUM> rest against the edge <NUM> and slide in a direction substantially parallel to the direction Y, deforming and/or bending in the direction opposite to the edge <NUM>. In order to facilitate this deformation/bending, the tooth <NUM> and/or the free end of the arm <NUM> are delimited by inclined lead-in surfaces, so as to have a wedge shape and function, whereby the edge <NUM> tends to exert on the arm <NUM> and/or on the tooth <NUM> a pressure action towards the centre of the frame <NUM> while resting and sliding.

This deformation allows each tooth <NUM> to go beyond the edge <NUM> and the relative opening <NUM>, until it snap-fits, that is, it returns elastically to the non-deformed position, causing the coupling with the retention shoulder <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, each blocking device <NUM> comprises a first hole <NUM> obtained in the support element <NUM> along an axis B parallel to the direction Z, a second hole <NUM> formed in the frame <NUM> and coaxial to the first hole <NUM>, and a screw or a pin <NUM> which engages the first and the second holes <NUM>, <NUM>.

The blocking devices <NUM> block the frame <NUM> to the support element <NUM> in a fixed position after the elastically deformable elements <NUM> have been snap-fitted to the retention shoulder <NUM> during mounting. Therefore, the fixing assembly <NUM> passes from the assembled configuration to the tightened configuration after the screw <NUM> has been inserted in the first and second holes <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the two blocking devices <NUM> are spaced from one another along the direction X so as to be arranged in positions adjacent to respective elastically deformable elements <NUM> at each side of the assembly <NUM>.

In detail, for each side of the assembly <NUM>, two elastically deformable elements <NUM> are arranged in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the corresponding blocking device <NUM> along the direction X. In particular, each blocking device <NUM> extends along the corresponding axis B through the seat between the arms <NUM>.

The two blocking devices <NUM>, as well as the snap fitting <NUM>, are preferably arranged on the opposite side to where the pins <NUM> and the openings <NUM> are provided, considering the direction Z. In particular, the first holes <NUM> are obtained near the upper portion <NUM> of the projection <NUM>, and the second holes <NUM> are obtained near the upper portion <NUM>.

Preferably, the first holes <NUM> are obtained through the upper portion <NUM> and in two protuberances <NUM> that extend in a cantilever fashion parallel to the direction Z from the upper portion <NUM> at the openings <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In particular, the second holes <NUM> are formed in respective protuberances <NUM>, which form part of the attachment portion <NUM> and extend in a cantilever fashion from the third face 3a parallel to the direction Y (<FIG>). In particular, these protuberances <NUM> protrude from the upper portion <NUM> parallel to the direction Y, and are arranged below the elastically deformable elements <NUM> along the direction Z.

More specifically, each protuberance <NUM> has a hemicylindrical shape and only wraps around the respective screw <NUM> at the rear. In detail, each protuberance <NUM> is placed to rest against the corresponding block 20a, along the direction Y, and against the corresponding protuberance <NUM>, along the direction Z (<FIG>).

In particular, following the tightening of the screws <NUM>, the arms <NUM> are tightened parallel to the direction Z between the upper portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> and the attachment portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> (<FIG>).

As mentioned above, the openings <NUM> and the pins <NUM> are spaced apart by the snap fitting <NUM> and by the blocking devices <NUM> along the direction Z.

The support element <NUM> further comprises at least one support ridge <NUM> which is in relief with respect to the second face 2b, while the frame <NUM> comprises at least one support ridge <NUM> which is in relief with respect to the third face 3a and is in abutment against the ridge <NUM> along the direction Y. In the embodiment shown, there are provided two support ridges <NUM> spaced from one another along the direction X, and there are provided two corresponding support ridges <NUM> aligned with the ridges <NUM> parallel to the direction Y.

Basically, the movement of the frame <NUM> along the direction Y is stopped, in one direction, by the teeth <NUM> and, in the opposite direction, by the support between the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>.

Furthermore, a slot <NUM> is formed in the portion <NUM>, while the frame <NUM> comprises a centring pin <NUM>, which protrudes along the direction Y from the attachment portion <NUM> and engages the slot <NUM> with clearance along the direction Z, and substantially without clearance along the direction X. Alternatively, the slot <NUM> could be obtained in the frame <NUM>, and the centring pin <NUM> could be part of the support element <NUM>.

In detail, the slot <NUM> is passing along the direction Y. In further detail, the slot <NUM> is in an intermediate position between the two openings <NUM> (<FIG>). In the embodiment shown, the slot <NUM> is arranged centrally, at the median plane of symmetry of the support element <NUM>.

The fixing assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of protuberances <NUM>, which help to define the relative positioning between the support element <NUM> and the frame <NUM> along the direction Y (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In detail, said protuberances <NUM> form part of the support element <NUM>, protrude from the second face 2b along the direction Y and are placed in abutment against the frame <NUM> on the side of the third face 3a along the direction Y. Alternatively, the protuberances <NUM> may form part of the frame <NUM> and may be placed in abutment against the support element <NUM>.

The protuberances <NUM> can be made of damping material.

Alternatively, the fixing assembly <NUM> could comprise a single continuous protuberance <NUM> forming part of the support element <NUM>, protruding from the second face 2b and placed in abutment against the frame <NUM> on the side of the third face 3a along the direction Y.

Furthermore, the support element <NUM> comprises one or more projections <NUM>, which protrude parallel to the direction Y so as to conceal the clearance along the direction Y between the support element <NUM> and the frame <NUM> due to the protuberances <NUM>. Consequently, due to the projections <NUM>, the internal parts of the second face 2b and/or the third face 3a are not visible to the occupants of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the projections <NUM> may form part of the frame <NUM>.

In particular, the projections <NUM> are defined by ribs that are parallel to the direction Z and protrude starting from the side portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The mounting of the fixing assembly <NUM> is described below starting from a condition wherein the frame <NUM> is decoupled from the support element <NUM>, and the latter is fixed with respect to the dashboard (forming part of the dashboard itself, or being fixed to it by means of the fixing appendages <NUM> and the corresponding screws, not shown).

In particular, the first face 2a is arranged towards the inside of the dashboard, and the second face 2b faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

First of all, the pins <NUM> are engaged in the openings <NUM> with a downward movement. In particular, the head 7a is placed in abutment against the lower portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>.

During the coupling of the pins <NUM> in the openings <NUM>, this coupling is such that it defines a hinge around an axis parallel to the direction X, whereby the frame <NUM> is rotated with respect to the support element <NUM> and brought closer to the latter.

During this rotation, the elastically deformable elements <NUM> are brought to engage the openings <NUM> and the centring pin <NUM> is brought to engage the slot <NUM>, where the clearance along the direction Z does not hinder the rotation and approach trajectory of the frame <NUM>, but the edge of the slot <NUM> holds the frame <NUM> in a stable position along the direction X.

At the end of the rotation stroke, each tooth <NUM> comes into contact with the edge <NUM> of the relative opening <NUM>. By further forcing the rotation through a thrust on the frame <NUM> towards the support element <NUM>, the reaction exerted by the edges <NUM> on the ends of the arms <NUM> causes the elastic deformation thereof towards the lower portion <NUM>. This allows each tooth <NUM> to pass completely through the relative opening <NUM> and to protrude beyond it, so as to snap-fit with the retention shoulder <NUM>.

At the end of the rotation stroke, the slot <NUM> performs a retention action on the pin <NUM>.

The rotation of the frame <NUM> ends, in particular, when the ridges <NUM> and <NUM> abut one another.

At this point, the displacement of the frame <NUM> along the direction Y is prevented by the snap fitting <NUM>, on the upper side, and by the engagement of the pins <NUM> in the openings <NUM>, on the lower side. Any coupling tolerance along the direction Y is compensated for on the lower side by the elasticity of the softer coating provided on the pins <NUM>.

After the teeth <NUM> have been snap-fitted, the fixing assembly <NUM> is in the assembled configuration.

In particular, as explained above, the frame <NUM> is blocked along the direction Y by the teeth <NUM> of the elastically deformable elements <NUM> and by the support between the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>, which define an end of stroke during the approach rotation of the frame <NUM> (<FIG>). The coupling of the pins <NUM> in the openings <NUM> also defines a reference along the direction Y.

The reference along the axis X is essentially given by the coupling of the pin <NUM> in the slot <NUM>.

Furthermore, as explained above, thanks to the projections <NUM>, the internal parts of the second face 2b and/or the third face 3a are not visible to the occupants of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

In order to bring the fixing assembly <NUM> into the tightened configuration, the screws <NUM> are screwed into the holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, by screwing in the screws <NUM>, the frame <NUM> is raised along the direction Z with respect to the support element <NUM>. In this way, the frame <NUM> reaches its design position by generating a clearance along the direction Z between the heads 7a and the surface of the lower portion <NUM> which is facing the centre of the support element <NUM>. This clearance is of the order of a few millimetres.

Therefore, as regards the reference along the axis Z, essentially the frame <NUM> is arranged in a fixed design position due to the tightening force of the screws <NUM> engaging the holes <NUM> and <NUM> along the respective axes B (<FIG>).

Furthermore, following the tightening of the screws <NUM>, the arms <NUM> are sandwiched along the direction Z between the upper portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> and the attachment portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> (<FIG>).

By ensuring a precise positioning and relatively tight tolerances, the centring and retaining characteristics prevent the resulting stresses and deformations from modifying this positioning in the directions X and Y during the screwing operations for the screws <NUM>.

From an examination of the characteristics of the fixing assembly <NUM> according to the present invention, the advantages that it allows obtaining are evident.

First of all, since the snap fitting <NUM> prevents the frame <NUM> from moving away along the direction Y and the blocking devices <NUM> subsequently block the position of the frame <NUM> with respect to the support element <NUM>, the assembly <NUM> can be easily assembled and respects the design tolerances.

In fact, at the end of the rotation of the frame <NUM> and, therefore, once the teeth <NUM> are snap-fitted on the retention shoulder <NUM>, the relative positioning between the frame <NUM> and the support element <NUM> is defined in a precise manner parallel to the directions X and Y, and respects the design tolerances. The subsequent screwing of the screws <NUM> has the purpose of blocking the two parts in a fixed position and does not alter the relative position between them along the directions X and Y.

The relative positioning between the frame <NUM> and the support element <NUM> in the direction Z is achieved precisely and quickly following the screwing of the screws <NUM>.

The mounting of the frame <NUM> is also particularly effective due to the presence of the snap fitting <NUM>, which simplifies the assembly operations and limits the risk of any inaccuracies on the part of the operator. In particular, all the elastically deformable elements <NUM> couple simultaneously, and there is no need to provide for additional retention elements, before screwing in the screws <NUM>. Furthermore, there is no need to provide for metal elastic elements or additional springs, thanks to the snap fitting <NUM>, as the arms <NUM> are per se flexible and are made as one piece with the attachment portion <NUM> and/or with the housing portion <NUM> (or a portion of the support element <NUM>).

Finally, it is clear from the foregoing that modifications and variations may be made to the fixing assembly <NUM> described and shown which do not go beyond the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A fixing assembly (<NUM>) for fixing an accessory (<NUM>) to a vehicle component; the assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
- - a support element (<NUM>) adapted to be fixed to said component or forming part of said component; said support element (<NUM>) comprising a first face (2a) and a second face (2b) opposite to said first face (2a) along a first direction (Y);
- - a frame (<NUM>) adapted to support said accessory (<NUM>) in a relative fixed position and having a third face (3a), at least partially facing said second face (2b), and a fourth face (3b) opposite to said third face (3a) along said first direction (Y);
- - fixing means (<NUM>) that connect said frame (<NUM>) to said support element (<NUM>) in a fixed position;
said fixing means (<NUM>) comprising:
- - at least one opening (<NUM>) formed in one of said support element (<NUM>) and said frame (<NUM>) and at least one protruding pin (<NUM>) forming part of the other of said support element (<NUM>) and said frame (<NUM>); said protruding pin (<NUM>) engaging said opening (<NUM>) so as to enable a rotation of said frame (<NUM>) with respect to said support element (<NUM>) about a second direction (X), orthogonal to said first direction (Y), during a mounting step in which said protruding pin (<NUM>) is inserted in said opening (<NUM>); and
- - snap-fitting means (<NUM>) for preventing the displacement of said frame (<NUM>) from said support element (<NUM>) along said first direction (Y) at the end of the aforementioned rotation;
wherein said snap-fitting means (<NUM>) comprise at least one retention shoulder (<NUM>) on one of said support element (<NUM>) and said frame (<NUM>), and at least one elastically deformable element (<NUM>) snap-fitted to said retention shoulder (<NUM>) and forming part of a portion made of polymeric or elastomeric material of the other of said support element (<NUM>) and said frame (<NUM>);
characterized in that said fixing means (<NUM>) further comprise blocking means (<NUM>) for blocking said frame (<NUM>) with respect to said support element (<NUM>); said blocking means (<NUM>) comprising: at least a first hole (<NUM>) formed in said support element (<NUM>) along an axis (B) parallel to a third direction (Z), at least a second hole (<NUM>) formed in said frame (<NUM>) coaxially to said first hole (<NUM>), and at least one fixing pin (<NUM>) engaging said first and second holes (<NUM>, <NUM>); said third direction (Z) being orthogonal to said first and second directions (Y, X).