FR3107479A1 - VEHICLE WITH DEVICE COUPLED TO A FRAME AND, WITH FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, TO A SUPPORT SOLIDARIZED TO AN EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle comprises equipment to which a support (2) is fixedly secured, to which is coupled a device (3) comprising a front face comprising a peripheral zone (5), and a first frame (4) masking the peripheral zone (5) and coupled to the equipment. The device (3) comprises a first coupling part (18) and a rear face (17) to which is fixedly secured an axis (19) coupled to the support (2) with at least one degree of freedom of movement, and the first frame (4) comprises a second coupling piece (20) cooperating with the first coupling piece (18) during the positioning of the first frame (4) relative to the front face, in order to cause the device (3) to be placed in a position chosen relative to the first frame (4) and in an unconstrained coupling position relative to the support (2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

VEHICLE WITH DEVICE COUPLED TO A FRAME AND, WITH FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, TO A SUPPORT SOLIDARIZED TO EQUIPMENT

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles comprising equipment to which is fixedly secured at least one support to which a device is coupled, and more precisely the positioning of this device with respect to this equipment.

State of the art

Some vehicles include equipment to which is fixedly secured at least one support to which a device is coupled. For example, this equipment can be a dashboard, and the (each) device can be arranged so as to display at least one element or information on its front face and can be part of a dashboard instrument panel fixedly attached to the dashboard. By way of illustrative example, the element or information can be a pictogram such as an arrow (associated with a flashing light), or a triangle including an exclamation point (representing a detected operating fault), or even a key (representative of a maintenance need).

In some cases, the (each) device comprises a front face comprising a peripheral zone which is masked by a frame, for example providing a trim function and responsible for masking its technical part, and coupled to the equipment. For example, in the presence of a dashboard instrument panel fixedly attached to a dashboard, the frame constitutes a sub-part of a main trim which surrounds a front peripheral edge of the instrument panel panel and is fixedly attached to the dashboard on board.

Currently, the (each) device is fixedly secured to its support which is itself fixedly secured to the equipment (for example a dashboard). Consequently, when the frame (trim) is positioned in front of the front face of the associated device, it often happens that this frame is slightly offset from this front face of the associated device. This results from the combination of the tolerated manufacturing dimensional variations of the various elements concerned and the clearances provided to facilitate assembly. These offsets can make the front part of the device casing visible from certain viewing angles and/or place an element (or information) on the front face of the device too close to the frame, which is detrimental to the perceived quality, and can even make the device non-compliant with a regulation (for example when it is a display).

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a vehicle comprising equipment to which is fixedly secured at least one support, to which is coupled a device comprising a front face comprising a peripheral zone, and a first frame masking this peripheral zone and coupled to the equipment.

This vehicle is characterized by the fact:

- that its device comprises a first coupling part and a rear face opposite its front face and to which is fixedly fixed an axis coupled to the support with at least one degree of freedom of movement, and

- that the first frame comprises a second coupling part cooperating with the first coupling part during positioning of the first frame relative to the front face of the device, in order to cause placement of the device in a chosen position relative to the first frame and in an unconstrained coupling position with respect to the support.

Thanks to this initial coupling of the device to the first frame by the cooperation between the first and second coupling parts, it is certain that its front face will always be correctly positioned with respect to this first frame, and the floating mounting of this device with respect to its fixed support enables it, when coupling the first frame to the equipment, to place itself in an unconstrained coupling position with respect to its support .

The vehicle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- the (each) device may comprise a rear cover to which the first coupling part is fixedly attached and comprising the rear face to which the shaft is fixedly attached;

- the first coupling part can comprise a second frame delimiting a central hole, and the second coupling part can be arranged in the form of a rod comprising a rear end which is introduced into this central hole during the positioning of the first frame by relative to the front face of the device;

- the second frame may comprise a bevelled front face in at least a first direction corresponding to the degree of freedom of movement. In this case, the rear end of the second coupling part can be beveled along at least this first direction in order to facilitate sliding against the front face of the second frame;

- the axis can be coupled to the support with another degree of freedom of movement, and the second frame can comprise a bevelled front face in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and corresponding to this other degree of freedom of movement. In this case, the rear end of the second coupling piece can be beveled in this second direction in order to facilitate sliding against the front face of the second frame;

- the (each) support may include a through hole in which are placed two flexible blades intended to wedge the shaft in the unconstrained coupling position with respect to the support;

- the (each) device can be arranged so as to display at least one item of information on its front face;

- it may comprise two supports fixedly secured to the equipment on either side of a display screen and to which are respectively coupled two devices associated with two first frames;

- the display screen may be part of a dashboard instrument panel;

- its equipment may be a dashboard.

- it can be of the automotive type.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings (obtained in CAD/DAO ("Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Drawing")), on which :

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, part of an exemplary dashboard of a vehicle according to the invention, equipped with a dashboard instrument panel trim to which two display devices are coupled ,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the front side, an embodiment of a display device of FIG. 1 secured to its support and during its coupling to a first frame of the trim,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the rear side, the display device of Figure 2, secured to its support and during its coupling to a first frame of the trim,

schematically illustrates, in a front view of the front side, the display device of FIG. 2 secured to its support, but without its front screen and before its coupling to a first frame of the trim, and

schematically illustrates, in a front view of the front side, the positioning of the axis of the display device of FIG. 2 with respect to its support, before coupling.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a vehicle comprising equipment 1, to which is fixedly attached at least one support 2 of a device 3, and a first frame 4 masking a peripheral zone 5 of this device 3 and coupled to this equipment. 1 and to this device 3 so that the latter (3) is always correctly positioned.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is of the automobile type. For example, a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, it relates to any vehicle comprising equipment to which at least one support of a device is fixedly attached. Therefore, the invention relates to land vehicles, boats, and habitable aircraft.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the equipment 1 is a dashboard intended to be installed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and that the (each) device 3 is arranged so as to display at least one element or information on its front face 6 and is part of a combined dashboard 7 intended to be fixedly attached to the dashboard 1. But the invention is not limited either to this type of equipment, nor to this type of device.

In FIGS. 1 to 5, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

There is schematically shown in Figure 1 part of an embodiment of equipment 1 (here a dashboard) intended to equip a vehicle according to the invention (here of the automobile type). The part shown is a left part.

This equipment 1 comprises a hole partially housing, here, a display screen of a dashboard instrument panel 7 which includes two devices 3, here dedicated to the display of information(s) or element(s). ) 8 (see figure 2). More specifically, the two devices 3 are here fixedly secured to the equipment 1 on either side (on the right and on the left) of the display screen of the dashboard instrument panel 7. Furthermore, a trim 9 , responsible for masking the periphery of the front face of the dashboard handset 7, is fixedly secured to the equipment 1, and comprises, in the end, two first frames 4 coupled to the two devices 3, as will be seen below.

In what follows and above, the notion of front refers to an element which is oriented towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the notion of rear refers to an element which is oriented towards a compartment of the vehicle which can be the engine compartment.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figure 2, the device 3, dedicated to the display, comprises on its front face 6 a first element 8 in the form of a pictogram representing an arrow associated with a right indicator, and a second element 8 in the form of another pictogram representing a triangle including an exclamation point (representing an operating fault detected in the vehicle). But a device 3, dedicated to the display, can display on its front face 6 other elements (or information) 8. Thus, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1 (on the left), the device 3 can display on its front face 6 a first element 8 in the form of a pictogram representing an arrow associated with a left indicator, and a second element 8 in the form of another pictogram representing a key (representing a need for maintenance of the vehicle) .

It will be understood that in the example illustrated each device 3 only displays predefined elements 8 on a front screen 10 comprising its front face 6. To do this, each device 3 can comprise, as is best seen in FIG. 4, an electronic card 11 on which are notably installed two light sources 12 (each comprising, for example, at least one light-emitting diode (or LED)) associated respectively with the two elements (pictograms) 8 to be illuminated, and a housing 13 defining two cavities 14 for guiding the photons generated respectively by the two light sources 12 towards the front screen 10. The housing 13 is here inserted between the electronic card 11 and the front screen 10, and a rear cover 15 is placed behind the card electronics 11 in order to protect it. Furthermore, this rear cover 15 comprises an opening in order to allow the passage of a sheet 16 intended to supply and control the electronic card 11. The device 3 comprises a rear face 17, opposite to its front face 6, which here forms part of its rear cover 15.

In a more complex alternative embodiment, the front screen 10 could be a possibly touch-sensitive digital display screen.

The (each) device 3 is associated with a first frame 4 responsible for masking the peripheral zone 5 of its front face 6 and coupled to the equipment 1. In addition, the (each) device 3 comprises a first coupling part 18, and a shaft 19 is fixedly secured to its rear face 17. Here the rear face 17 is part of the rear cover 15 and therefore the shaft 19 is fixedly secured to the rear cover 15. Furthermore, the first coupling part 18 is here secured fixedly to the rear cover 15, but it could optionally be secured fixedly to the housing 13. It will be noted that the first coupling part 18 can be attached to the rear cover 15 or else form an integral part of the latter (15).

The axis 19 is coupled to the support 2, associated with its device 3, with at least one degree of freedom of movement. For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5, the axis 19 can be coupled to the support 2 because it passes through a through hole 21 defined in a main wall of the latter (2). Also, for example, a degree of freedom of movement can be in the vertical direction Z, but it could also be in the transverse direction Y, for example.

In addition, the (each) first frame 4 comprises a second coupling part 20 which cooperates with the first coupling part 18 during the positioning of the first frame 4 with respect to the front face 6 of the associated device 3, in order to cause the placement of this device 3 in a selected position relative to the first frame 4 and in an unconstrained coupling position relative to the associated support 2.

It will be noted that the second coupling part 20 can optionally form an integral part of a first frame 4 (of which it then constitutes a technical sub-part).

The (each) device 3 being initially coupled to the first frame 4 by the cooperation between the first 18 and second 20 coupling parts, it is certain that its front face 6 will always be correctly positioned with respect to the first frame 4. In addition, the (each) device 3 being mounted floating with respect to its support 2 (attached to the equipment 1) thanks to its axis 19, when the first frame 4 is coupled to the equipment 1 the associated device 3 can move from unconstrained way with respect to its support 2 which is fixed, thus allowing its placement in an unconstrained coupling position.

In other words, there is no longer any risk that the front face 6 of the device 3 will find itself slightly offset with respect to the associated first frame 4, regardless of the tolerated dimensional manufacturing variations of the various elements concerned and the clearances provided to facilitate assembly. Consequently, there is no longer any risk that the positioning of the device 3 harms the perceived quality or does not comply with a regulation (in particular this makes it possible to prevent information from being masked).

In the example illustrated, after the coupling of each device 3 to the associated support 2, via its axis 19, the trim 9 (with each first frame 4 previously assembled to it (for example by ultrasonic welding or gluing)) is translated towards the front face 6 of the associated device 3 (which is floating) to cause their coupling and define an assembly (4+9, 3, 2), and at the same time the trim 9 is fixedly secured to the dashboard 1 and finally each support 2 is fixedly secured to the dashboard 1 (which is done without constraint due to the floating mounting of each device 3 with respect to its support 2). In other words, you can start by screwing together the dashboard instrument panel 7 to the dashboard 1, then you can mount the trim 9 (fitted with each first frame 4) on the dashboard 1 beforehand fitted with the instrument panel instrument panel 7.

It will be noted that in this non-limiting example the coupling of each device 3 to the associated support 2 takes place by passing the axis 19 through the through hole 21 of this support 2. Consequently, the device 3 will tend to descend by gravity with respect to its support 2 thus risking damaging its axis 9 and/or the through-hole 21 before coupling to the equipment 1. In order to avoid such damage, it is advantageous, as illustrated without limitation in the figures 2 to 5, that each support 2 comprises a lower wall 22 fixedly fixed to its main wall comprising the through-hole 21 and able to partially support its device 3 without the axis 19 rubbing against the lower part of the through-hole 21.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 to 4, that the first coupling part 18 can comprise a second frame 23 delimiting a central hole 24, and the second coupling part 20 can be arranged in the form of a rod comprising a rear end 25 which is introduced into this central hole 24 during the positioning of the first frame 4 with respect to the front face 6 of the associated device 3. Such a solution allows a very precise coupling and therefore a very precise positioning of a first frame 4 with respect to a device 3. But other types of first 18 and second 20 coupling parts can be used as long as they allow a precise coupling and therefore a precise positioning of a first frame 4 with respect to a device 3.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 to 4, the rod the second coupling part 20 has a cross section in the general shape of H. But it could have other shapes of cross section, and in particular in the shape of a cross (X or +).

In the presence of the last option, the second frame 23 may include, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 4, a beveled front face along at least a first direction corresponding to a degree of freedom of movement. In this case, the rear end 25 of the second coupling part 20 can be beveled in at least the first direction in order to facilitate its sliding against the front face of the second frame 23. The second frame 23 being here of rectangular shape, its front face comprises two first parts parallel to each other (here substantially horizontal) and each comprising a sub-part 26 bevelled in the first direction (for example here the vertical direction Z). The rear end 25 of the second coupling part 20 may comprise at least one bevelled upper face 27 facilitating sliding on the beveled upper sub-part 26 and at least one bevelled lower face 27 facilitating sliding on the sub-part 26 lower bevelled.

In the presence of the last sub-option, the axis 19 can be coupled to the support 2 associated with another degree of freedom of movement, and the second frame 23 can comprise a bevelled front face in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and corresponds to this other degree of freedom of movement. In this case, the rear end 25 of the second coupling piece 20 can be beveled in this second direction in order to facilitate sliding against the front face of the second frame 23. The second frame 23 being here of rectangular shape, its front face comprises two second parts parallel to each other (here substantially vertical) and each comprising a sub-part 28 bevelled in the second direction (for example here the transverse direction Y). The rear end 25 of the second coupling piece 20 may comprise at least one beveled right face 29 and facilitating sliding on the beveled right sub-part 28 and at least one bevelled left face 29 and facilitating sliding on the sub-part 28 beveled left.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3 and 5, that the through hole 21 of the support 2 can comprise inside two flexible blades 30 intended to wedge the shaft 19 in its coupling position (unconstrained and final ) relative to support 2. This also makes it possible to prevent pin 19 from coming out of its housing during transport (logistics) or handling of instrument panel instrument panel 7.

It will also be noted that each box 13 and any associated rear cover 15 can, for example, be made of a plastic material by means of an injection process.

It will also be noted that each support 2 can, for example, be made of a plastic material by means of an injection process.

It will also be noted that each first frame 4 (with its first coupling part 18) can, for example, be made of a plastic material by means of an injection process.

Claims (10)

Vehicle comprising equipment (1) to which is fixedly secured at least one support (2), to which is coupled a device (3) comprising a front face (6) comprising a peripheral zone (5), and a first frame (4) masking said peripheral zone (5) and coupled to said equipment (1), characterized in that said device (3) comprises a first coupling part (18) and a rear face (17) opposite to said front face (6) and to which is fixedly secured to a shaft (19) coupled to said support (2) with at least one degree of freedom of movement, and in that said first frame (4) comprises a second coupling part (20) cooperating with said first coupling part (18) during positioning of said first frame (4) with respect to said front face (6), in order to cause said device (3) to be placed in a chosen position with respect to said first frame (4) and in a position unconstrained coupling with respect to said support (2). Vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said device (3) comprises a rear bonnet (15) to which the said first coupling part (18) is fixedly fixed and comprising the said rear face (17) to which the said axle ( 19). Vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said first coupling piece (18) comprises a second frame (23) delimiting a central hole (24), and the said second coupling piece (20) is arranged in the form of a 'a rod comprising a rear end (25) which is introduced into said central hole (24) during said positioning of the first frame (4) with respect to said front face (6) of the device (3). Vehicle according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said second frame (23) comprises a bevelled front face in at least a first direction corresponding to the said degree of freedom of movement, and in that the said rear end (25) of the second part of coupling (20) is beveled along at least said first direction in order to facilitate sliding against said front face of the second frame (23). Vehicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said axle (19) is coupled to the said support (2) with another degree of freedom of movement, in that the said second frame (23) comprises a bevelled front face in a second perpendicular direction to said first direction and corresponding to said other degree of freedom of movement, and in that said rear end (25) of the second coupling piece (20) is beveled in said second direction in order to facilitate sliding against said front face of the second frame (23). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the said support (2) comprises a through hole (21) in which are placed two flexible strips (30) intended to wedge the said pin (19) in the said coupling position unconstrained relative to the support (2). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the said device (3) is arranged so as to display at least one piece of information on its front face (6). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two supports (2) fixedly secured to said equipment (1) on either side of a display screen and to which are respectively coupled two devices (3) associated with two first frames (4). Vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said display screen forms part of a dashboard instrument panel (7). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the said equipment (1) is a dashboard.