Multi-part equipment piece for a vehicle and connecting method

Abstract

An equipment piece includes first and second components, such as a vehicle door armrest and a vehicle door. The first component is insertable in a recess, such as a slot, in the second component. The second component may be secured in the first by deformation of a projecting portion configured as a tab having a wall thickness smaller than its longitudinal extension. The tab is anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the recess.

1 . An equipment piece comprising:
 a first and a second component for an interior of a vehicle, wherein at least one protrusion of the first component is configured to be inserted into a recess of the second component, and to be secured to the second component by deforming a projecting portion of the at least one protrusion;   wherein the recess is configured as a slot;   wherein the at least one protrusion is configured as a tab having a wall thickness (D) which is smaller than a longitudinal extension (B) of the tab, the tab being anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the slot;   wherein at least one of the first component and the second component comprises a polypropylene/natural fiber composite.   
     
     
         2 . The equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tab is configured to be brought to bear at least partially against a surface of the second component. 
     
     
         3 . The equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first component comprises a plurality of protrusions with projecting portions configured as tabs arranged in a linear manner, the second component comprises a corresponding plurality of slots arranged in a linear manner, and the plurality of tabs is configured to be inserted through the corresponding plurality of slots. 
     
     
         4 . The equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the wall thickness (D) of the tab substantially corresponds to a wall thickness (d) of adjacent regions of the first component. 
     
     
         5 . The equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tab is connected to the second component by a material connection. 
     
     
         6 . The equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first component is an armrest and the second component is a support of a vehicle door. 
     
     
         7 . A method for producing the equipment piece as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tab of the first component is inserted into the slot of the second component. 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the tab and the slot are made by punching out or laser cutting the first and second components. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein at least the tab is heated after insertion. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the tab is connected by a material connection to the second component.