FR2897909A1 - Electrical and/or mechanical module fixing device for vehicle, has adjusting unit creating friction force which avoids displacement of module during preadjustment and permits degree of liberty of translation during definitive fixation - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (3) has an adjusting unit permitting temporary preadjustment and definitive fixation. The unit creates a friction force that avoids displacement of an electrical and/or mechanical module (1) during preadjustment and permitting a degree of liberty of translation along a desired direction during definitive fixation, where the force is created by elastic deformation of the unit. The unit cooperates with male parts (9) of a fixation unit of the module and a screw or a nut (15).

Description

DEVICE FOR ADJUSTABLE FASTENING OF A MECHANICAL AND / OR ELECTRIC MODULE

ON A SUPPORT

  The present invention relates to an adjustable fixing device of a mechanical and / or electrical module on a vertical mounting bracket.

  The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the field of vehicle equipment, and more particularly in the mechanical and / or electrical modules 10 coupled to an opening.

  More specifically, the module is intended to be fixed on a portion of the bodywork of a vehicle and to cooperate with an opening, such as a tailgate, a rear window or a trunk.

  A mechanical and / or electrical module comprises, for example, a driving part of a disengageable wiping system and part of a means for opening and closing an opening leaf.

  Attaching such a mechanical and / or electrical module to a portion of the vehicle capable of opening and closing necessarily includes a number of presets and adjustments. Presetting makes it easy to find and position a certain position of a module, often made by pre-screwing. This step also prevents the module from falling. The setting consists in putting a module in the best operating conditions. The adjustment of these modules in a certain direction is a very important criterion, since this orientation has a direct influence on the quality of operation of the module.

  Indeed, a coupling defect, during presetting or adjustment may cause malfunctions such as, for example, a no or a bad drive of a wiper blade or a defect of the means of opening and closing of the opening.

  To this end, many fastening systems exist, such as adjustable strikes, according to US patent US4946208 by mechanisms having a platinum portion adjustable by friction screwing or breakable inserts or according to US patent US 6631932 by an actuator mechanism. These systems are intended for pre-screwing to ensure a more secure fixation by allowing the module to be adjusted in one (O, X) direction.

  It is generally defined by an axis (O, X) or a position X, an axis or a front / rear position of a vehicle depending on the type of vehicle. And it is understood, respectively, by an axis (O, Y) and (O, Z) or a position Y and Z, an axis or a horizontal position with respect to the wheels of the vehicle and an axis or a vertical position relative to the vehicle.

  The use of these known devices, requires multiple operations before the final fixing step such as for example pre-screwing or welding, installation of nuts or studs on a part of the body.

  In addition, these systems of the prior art require the addition of additional elements, such as wedges or washers and seals, the number of which may vary depending on the type of vehicle. This requires regular and additional checks at the assembly level.

  In addition, the use of these known devices has the disadvantage of having to adjust and control the template between two batches of vehicles.

  Some types of vehicle doors only have vertical mounting brackets. It is known that the assurance of a good coupling of the electrical and / or mechanical module with the opening necessarily includes the need for attachment in another direction than that of a carrier of the vehicle.

  The major problem of these known fasteners is that they are poorly suited for adjusting and fixing other larger equipment and especially when the vehicle includes only vertical mounting brackets. Currently, there is no fixing device adapted to the depth variations of each vehicle. And a problem persists concerning vehicles with very little horizontal body surface and therefore where there is no support surface.

  The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a single device ensuring, at the same time, a temporary prefixing to prevent the displacement of the module and a definitive fixation allowing a degree of freedom of translation in a certain direction. necessary.

  Indeed, the device according to the invention allows, by itself, a temporary preset along the desired axis, which is generally (O, X), for all types of support orientation before the final fixation along the same axis (O, X) or another (0, Y) or (0, Z).

  The present invention makes it possible to adjust and fix bulky equipment on a very small support surface.

  Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the pre-screwing phase for pre-positioning.

  In addition, the present invention allows automation of the adjustment phase.

  In addition, the device according to the invention has the advantage of being able to adjust according to an axis which may be the same as the axis of the fixing support.

  The present invention also aims at a saving in assembly time achieved on the one hand 20 through simplifications of the device due to the removal of certain parts and on the other hand through a decrease in the need for manpower.

  The invention relates to a device for fixing a mechanical and / or electrical module intended to be fixed on a mounting bracket on a bodywork of a vehicle, arranged on male parts of the fixing means of said module, comprising less adjustment means allowing a temporary preset and a final fixation, characterized in that said at least one adjusting means is adapted to generate frictional forces likely to prevent movement of the module during presetting and allowing a degree of freedom translation in a desired direction during final fixing. Advantageously, the frictional forces are generated by the elastic deformation of the adjusting means which may be constituted by a spring or elastic element.

  Advantageously, the adjusting means is represented by a perforated spring washer 35, a pierced metal clip, a bent and pierced metal strip, an inner sleeve, a hemisphere or a conical section. More specifically, the clip is precompressed and has a lug. Alternatively, the ends of the clip are attached.

  More specifically, the inner sleeve or the half-sphere or the conical profile has slots.

  Preferably, the adjustable means is adapted to cooperate with the male part of the module fixing means and a screw or a nut.

  In particular, the adjustment means positioned on the module allows the attachment thereof on a vertical profile, relative to the tailgate of a vehicle. To this end, the adjustment means cooperates with a profile comprising at least one slide or a slideway for guiding module fixing means to a temporary position.

  Alternatively, the adjustment means cooperates with a locking nut and / or an outer sleeve and / or a bearing cone.

  The invention will be better understood in the light of the description which follows, relating to illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, attached, in which: FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views of the mechanical and / or electrical module ready to be inserted at a mounting bracket through a variant of the device according to the invention; Figure 3 shows schematically a variant of the device according to the invention; - Figures 4 and 5 are side views of a variant of the device according to the invention; Figures 6, 7 and 8 are side views of a variant of the device according to the invention during its assembly; FIG. 9 schematically represents a variant of the device according to the invention; Figures 10 to 14 are illustrations of the various steps of assembling a variant of the device according to the invention; Figures 15 to 18 schematically show other variants of the device according to the invention; Figures 19 and 20 are respectively a side view and a perspective view of the assembly of a variant of the device according to the invention. A vehicle is generally constituted at its rear portion of a rear body panel, a rear bumper, a rear window, articulated on a horizontal axis located on the upper part of the vehicle.

  A mechanical and / or electronic module 1 can be fixed, for example, on the rear bodywork panel according to a well-defined assembly range and cooperates with the sash. The module 1 can also be fixed, for example, at a registration plate, a desired point of the body, a hubcap, a tailgate, a strip or rod or plastic rod , a rear window.

  The principle of the invention is to allow, with a single device, a temporary fixation and a final fixation comprising a degree of freedom of translation in the directions (O, X), (O, Y) or (O, Z), an electrical and / or mechanical module 1 on a support 2.

  Figures 1 and 2 show schematically a mechanical module and / or electrical 1 ready to be inserted at a fastening support 2 through a variant of the device 3 according to the invention.

  The mechanical and / or electrical module 1 may comprise, for example, a driving part 4 of a disengageable wiping brush and a bezel or tailgate lock 5.

  Generally, the module 1 is of parallelepipedal shape comprising a common front support means 6 carrying the electrical and / or mechanical elements and two other lateral support means 7 allowing the attachment of the module 1 by means of fixing means 8.

  Alternatively, a box containing the module 1 can be provided.

  The fastening means 8 may be, for example, screws or nuts. These fixing means 8 comprising one or more male elements 9 outside the lateral support means 7 adapted to cooperate with one or more female elements 10 inside the lateral supports 7. Thus the male parts 9 of the fixing means 8 of the module 1 are maintained thanks to the female parts 10. 35 These attachment means 8 also cooperate with the device 3 according to the invention. The support means 6 and 7 as well as the fixing support 2 may conform to plates or profiles or any other support made of, for example, metal such as steel or plastic.

  The module 1, which incorporates the fastening means 8 and the device 3 according to the invention, is ready to be assembled at the level of at least one attachment support 2 of a vehicle.

  The fixing brackets 2 or profiles are of generally parallelepipedal shape and have on the one hand a face 11 adapted to be fixed by immobilizing means 12 on a desired part of the body and, on the other hand, a face 13 able to receive the module 1.

  The profiles 2 comprise at least one slot or a slide or a horizontal slide 14 for guiding the fixing means 8 of the module 1 to a temporary position. Advantageously, the profiles 2 may be vertical relative to the tailgate of a vehicle.

  The fastening means 8 may be aligned horizontally or vertically to cooperate with the slides 14 which may be horizontal or vertical.

  The module 1 is first fixed temporarily to an initial position (X1, Y1, Z1) provided on the tailgate and corresponding to the positions of the profiles 2. This operation is performed by the lateral support means 7 comprising the fastening elements 8 and the device 3. In fact, the fastening elements 8, and more specifically, the male parts 9, cooperating with the device 3 and a nut or screw 15, are introduced at at least one slide 14 of at least one vertical mounting bracket 2 and slide.

  Once a position in X of the module 1, which is predetermined and defined according to the assembly range 30, is adjusted, the module 1 can be fixed permanently by screwing or any other operation to fix this module 1 in one. final position (X2, Y2, Z2).

  In a general manner and very advantageously, the coordinates corresponding to the final position of the module 1, on the tailgate of the vehicle are (Y1 = Y2), (Z1 = Z2).

  Figures 3 to 5 show schematically a variant of the device according to the invention. The device 3 according to the invention is a setting means 16 capable of generating frictional forces capable of preventing the displacement of the module 1 during presetting and making it possible to provide a certain degree of freedom in one or more directions desired for the final fixation. This adjustment means 16 having an elastic deformation may be represented a spring or elastic element. It is understood by spring or elastic member, an element having an ability to deform and intended to exert a force tending to return to its original shape, after losing it by compression.

  The adjustment means 16 may conform to a spring washer or spring 17 pierced adapted to cooperate with the male portion 9 of the fastening means 8 of the lateral support 7 of a module 1 and the screw or the nut 15.

  According to a first embodiment, at least one washer 17 integrates with the male parts 9 of the fastening means 8 of the module 1 and perform a temporary preset. The module 1 comprising the fastening means 8 and the adjustment means 16 penetrate and slide in the slides 14 of the profiles 2. The fastening means 8, the adjusting means 16 and a screw or a nut 15 sandwich the means of lateral fixing 7 of the module 1 and the fixing brackets 2 immobilized at the tailgate of a vehicle. As soon as the desired position is achieved, these adjustment means 16 are ready to be definitively tightened

  The adjustment means 16 allow the positioning during the adjustment and offer a degree of freedom in the desired direction or directions for the final fixing while avoiding the rotation and the fall of the module 1. Figures 6 to 8 schematically show the assembly of another variant of the device according to the invention.

  According to a second embodiment, the adjusting means 16 may also conform to a pierced metal clip 18 or to a curved and pierced metal strip thus having some possible positional variation. This clip 18 is doubly pierced to allow the passage of the fastening means 8.

  The staple 18 is traversed by the male part 9 of the module 1. The sliding of the module 1 35 in the slides 14 is carried out so that the section 2 fits between the adjustment means 16 and the lateral support means 7 of the module 1.

  In a first step, the adjustment means 16 is compressed so that it can be held between the lateral support means 7 and the nut 15. When the lateral support means 7 slides towards the profile 2, the adjustment means 16 is more compressed and provides a force just needed for adjustment. So that the module 1 slides continuously under the force of a thrust characterized in a thrust force interval (x, y) in the direction (O, X). This force is thus supplied and adjusted by compressing the adjustment means 16 with a well-defined tightening torque.

  Figures 9 to 14 are illustrations of the different steps of assembling a variant of the device according to the invention.

  The clip 18, pre-compressed, may comprise a lug 19. This lug 19 allows the module 1 not to perform a rotation during presetting or during the sliding of the module 1. The lug 19 is located on the rounded or at one end of the staple 18 and is inserted at a recess 20 provided on the lateral support means 7.

  It may be provided that the ends of the staple 18 are joined. This junction facilitates the sliding of the module 1 in the slides 14 and its positioning. The staple 18 may have a hole 21 on its rounded portion to improve its compressive strength. Indeed, the pre-compressed clip 18 is advantageously compressed during sliding, and provides the friction necessary for the temporary stability to the module 1 allowing resistance to random shocks to the environment and to maintain the module 1 in its entirety. position (X1, Y1, Z1) as well as in its final position (X2, Y2, Z2).

  As soon as the module 1 assumes its correct position, according to the range of the assembly, the nut or the screw 15 is definitely tightened in order to obtain a final fixation. The clip 18 is in this case completely compressed and locks this position of the module 1.

  The adjustment means 16 exert a correctly sized force on the bodywork thus allowing adjustment in one direction of the module 1, while eliminating the risk of involuntary movement. Advantageously, the final tightening can be performed along the axis (O, X), (0, Y) or (0, Z).

  Figures 15 to 18 schematically show other variants of the device according to the invention.

  According to a third embodiment, the adjustment means 16 allow an adjustment of the module 1 along an axis and its attachment on this axis. These latter have the form of an internal sleeve 22 or a half-sphere 23 or a conical section 24. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain an adjustment with a degree of freedom and, a fixation according to the axis (O, X).

  Slots 25 may be provided on the adjustment means 16. The inner sleeve 22, having one or more slots 25, integrated in the module 1, is ready to be fixed to the bodywork via at least one support of fixing 2 and more precisely of a straight section or stud 26.

  The locking nut 15 is constituted, for example, by a tapping and / or an outer sleeve 27 for clamping on a shaft. The pre-screwing of the nut 15 is carried out on the module 1 by means of the adjusting means 16. It can be provided on the nut 15, a support cone, not shown but of a type known per se when the means adjustment 16 is in the form of a half-sphere 23 in order to perform the clamping.

  Figures 19 and 20 are respectively a side view and a perspective view of the assembly of a variant of the device according to the invention.

  Once the adjustments are made, the locking nut 15 is tightened so that the module 1 is immobilized on the stud 26 through the adjustment means 16. It can be provided at least one flat 28 or any other means to avoid any rotation or dropping of module 1 during its positioning and adjustment on the mounting brackets 2.

  The module 1, comprising the wiper motor 4 and the lock 5 of the rear window, is movable relative to the two attachment supports 2 of the vehicle which can be vertical. The positions of the motor 4 and the lock 5 will be adjusted by the same movement. The two attachment supports 2 are immobilized on a position provided on the tailgate determine the temporary position of the module 1 in (X1, Y1, Z1). According to a well-defined assembly range, the adjustment of the position of the module 1 by means of the slides 14, the fixing means 8 and the adjustment means 16, in the direction (O, X) is carried out. So that the movable module 1 slides under an adjustment force which is characterized by a defined thrust force torque interval (x, y).

  Alternatively, it may be provided to pre-screw nuts with a washer spring.

  When the correct position is found (depending on the range of assembly), the nut or screw 15 is tightened permanently. This operation permanently fixes the module 1 on the tailgate in a well determined position in (X2, Y2, Z2). These slides 14 and these fastening means 8 and 3 resist the random shocks of the environment of the assembly of the vehicles and allow the adjustment operation with normal manual efforts

  Thus, the fixing of the wiper motor 4 and the vehicle tailgate latch 5, for example, are perfectly in phase with their corresponding parts on the body and allow optimum operation.

  The adjustment operations can be automated by closing the opening, on which the module 1 is mounted. The striker interacts with the lock, the wiper co-operates with its driving part. This position corresponds to the optimal operating position. The final step is to screw nuts or screws 15 on the studs 26 or the profiles 2 to permanently fix the position of the module 1 relative to the bodywork assembly and the opening. 10 25 15 25

Claims (13)

  1. Device for fixing (3) a mechanical and / or electrical module (1) intended to be fixed on a mounting bracket (2) on a body of a vehicle, arranged on male parts (9) means for fixing (8) said module (1), comprising at least one adjustment means (16) allowing a temporary preset and a final fixation, characterized in that said at least one adjustment means (16) is able to generate forces friction that can prevent the displacement of the module (1) during presetting and allowing a degree of freedom of translation in a desired direction during the final fixing.   2. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frictional forces are generated by the elastic deformation of the adjusting means (16).   3. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) is constituted by a spring element or elastic.   4. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) is represented by a resilient spring washer (17).   5. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) is in accordance with a pierced metal clip (18) or a bent and pierced metal strip.   6. Fastening device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clip (18) is pre-compressed and comprises a lug (19).   7. Fastening device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the ends of the clip (18) are joined.   8. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) is constituted by an inner sleeve (22) or a hemisphere (23) or a conical section (24). . 35   9. Fixing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the inner sleeve (22) or the half-sphere (23) or the conical section (24) has slots (25).   10. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustable means (16) is adapted to cooperate with the male part (9) of the fastening means (8) of the module (1) and a screw or nut (15).   11. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) positioned on the module (1) allows the attachment thereof on a profile (2) vertical relative to the tailgate of a vehicle.   12. Adjustable fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) cooperates with a profile (2) having at least one slide or a slide (14) for guiding fastening means (8) of the module (1) to a temporary position.   13. Adjustable fastening device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the adjusting means (16) cooperates with a locking nut (15) and / or an outer sleeve (27) and / or of a cone of support.