WO2017132934A1

WO2017132934A1 - Device for guiding fixing tool used for vehicle instrument panel

Info

Publication number: WO2017132934A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/073475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stil FRANCK; Xinyu Zhang; Nian Liu; Xianshun JIANG; Bichen WANG; Xuelan HUANG; Yan Liu
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2016-02-04
Filing date: 2016-02-04
Publication date: 2017-08-10

Abstract

Device for guiding a fixing tool (50) used for vehicle instrument panel, the instrument panel comprises a dashboard insert (10) and a combined bezel (20) to be assembled therein, a space is formed between the dashboard insert (10) and the combined bezel (20), in which at least one fixing point (30,31,32,33) is arranged and obscured by the combined bezel (20), the device for guiding is disposed in the space and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert (10) or the combined bezel (20) to the fixing point (30,31,32,33), so that the space is narrowed and suitable to the size of the fixing tool (50). Due to the above arrangement, the fixing tool (50) can be easily guided to the fixing point (30,31,32,33) in an accurate manner. Therefore, the fitting engagement between the fixing tool (50) and the fixing point (30,31,32,33) can be easily achieved.

Description

DEVICE FOR GUIDING FIXING TOOL USED FOR VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the domain of automobile vehicles, and more particularly, to a device for guiding a fixing tool used for vehicle instrument panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, in a vehicle, especially, an automobile vehicle, some electric components have been developed and arranged on an instrument panel. In order to concentrate or commonly use the electric components as much as possible, these electric components are designed and normally disposed in a relatively narrow space. However, during the operation for assembling the components on the instrument panel, it is difficult for the operator to implement perfectly the operation in terms of operability and visibility. For example, as shown in Figs. 1-2 which schematically illustrate the arrangement of the instrument panel facing the passenger, when assembling the components like a dashboard insert 10 and a combined bezel 20, an operator uses the fixing element, such as screw, to fix the components to the panel at fixing points 30. Depending on the vehicle models, the positions of the fixing points 30 may be slightly various, but almost designed as four

fixing points

31, 32, 33 and 34 shown in Fig. 1.

Once the combined bezel 20 is assembled, the fixing points are obscured by the combined bezel 20. As shown in Figs. 3-4, since the fixing points, especially the

fixing points

31 and 32 below the combined bezel 20, are away from an insert edge 11 of the dashboard insert 10 with a distance such as 185mm-193mm, it is difficult for the operator to reach the fixing points directly through a relatively narrow space between the bottom surface of the combined bezel 20 and the upper surface of the dashboard insert 10. As a result, the operator has to use a long tool 50 and insert it into the narrow space to fix the screw 40 in a fumbling manner. As such, the fixing operation takes a long period of time so as to impact on assembly line cycle time. Additionally, depending on the working conditions, the operator is requested to perform the fumbling operation for fixing in a state of being unable to visually recognize a correct fixing point. In such a case, the operator may have to fumble around to adjust the position and attitude of the distal end of the tool 50 relative to the fixing point 31 while the distal end of the tool 50 is made to slide on the fixing point 31, so that the distal end along with the screw 40 thereon can be inserted in a fixing hole formed on the fixing point 31. If the relative position between the distal end of the tool 50 and the fixing hole of the fixing point 31 is misaligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, even when the distal end of the tool 50 is made to slide on the fixing point 31, it may be difficult to insert the screw 40 to be received in the fixing hole of the fixing point 31. In other words, the fixing operation cannot be performed in an easy manner, and there is a risk to destroy the components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances, which introduces a device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel. The device for guiding is able to make the fumbling operation for fixing easy, to thereby complete the fixing operation in a rather short period of time and in an accurate manner, and to realize good operability and high reliability.

To this end, according to one aspect of the present invention, a device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel is provided, the instrument panel comprising a dashboard insert with an opening for receiving instrument components and a combined bezel to be assembled in the dashboard insert, a space being formed between the dashboard insert and the combined bezel, and at least one fixing point for the combined bezel being arranged in the space and obscured by the combined bezel, characterized in that the device for guiding is disposed in the space and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert or the combined bezel to the fixing point, so that the space is narrowed and suitable to the size of the fixing tool.

The device for guiding the fixing tool of the present invention allows the operator to perform a fumbling fixing operation via the fixing tool in a state of being unable to see the fixing point arranged in the space between the dashboard insert and the combined bezel. Moreover, due to the obliquely extended portion of the device for guiding and the appropriate distance between the combined bezel and the dashboard insert, the fixing tool can be easily guided to the fixing point in an accurate manner during the fumbling fixing operation by moving the fixing tool along the portion of the device for guiding. Therefore, the correct positioning of the fixing tool can be easily performed and the fitting engagement between the fixing tool and the fixing point can be easily achieved.

Taken the ergonomic configuration into account, it should be appreciated that the portion of the device for guiding preferably extends from the dashboard insert so that the operator can perform the operation by exerting a relatively small force during the fixing operation. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the portion of the device for guiding extends from the combined bezel in some certain embodiments.

As far as the preferable option of the device for guiding be concerned, according to a preferred embodiment, the device for guiding comprises a first portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert toward the combined bezel and a second portion attached to the first portion and extending in parallel with a fixing direction of the fixing tool to the fixing point.

To obtain better guiding efficiency, according to a preferred embodiment, the first portion extends at an angle from 10° to 45° relative to the surface of the dashboard insert.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device for guiding further comprises a third portion attached to the second portion and extending obliquely from the second portion in a direction toward the dashboard insert to a position below the fixing point. Owing to such a configuration, the device for guiding would not disturb the fixing operation at the fixing point and thus the risk for destroying the components caused by the fixing tool can be avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the third portion extends at an angle from 10° to 30°relative to the surface of the second portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device for guiding is removably fastened on the dashboard insert or integrally formed with the dashboard insert.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device for guiding is directly formed by the surface of the dashboard insert.

According to a preferred embodiment, an assistant component is disposed at an inlet of the space for additionally guiding the fixing tool into the space along the fixing direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the assistant component is configured as a notch at a leading edge of the combined bezel and has an opening opened toward the dashboard insert to receive the fixing tool therein.

According to a preferred embodiment, the opening of the assistant component is shaped to follow the profile of the fixing tool.

Compared with the prior art, with the device for guiding the fixing tool, the present invention can effectively perform the fixing operation by inserting the fixing tool to the fixing point easily and quickly without unnecessary fumbling operation even though the operator cannot see the fixing point. In addition, the fixing tool is positioned and supported by the device for guiding in an accurate manner during the fixing operation, and the operator can perform the fixing operation comfortably due to the improved ergonomic configuration, so that a series of advantages such as higher reliability, higher safety and better operability can be obtained.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the course of the following detailed description, reference will be made to the drawings in which like reference numbers identify like parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an instrument panel before being assembled with a combined bezel；

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the instrument panel assembled with the combined bezel；

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a fixing point arranged in a space between the combined bezel and a normal dashboard insert in the prior art；

Fig. 4 is similar to Fig. 3 and schematically illustrates a fixing tool which is inserted into the space and reaches the fixing point；

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a fixing point arranged in the space between the combined bezel and the dashboard insert, in which a device for guiding the fixing tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown via a virtual structure；

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the device for guiding the fixing tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is shown via a real structure； and

Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 6 and schematically illustrates the fixing tool which is inserted into the space and reaches the fixing point.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Although the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described hereinafter. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additional combinations that were not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity.

In the embodiments, illustrated herein, representations of directions such as top, bottom, leading and the like, used for explaining the structure and movement of the various components of the present invention, are not absolute, but relative. If the description of the position of the components changes, it is assumed that these representations are to be changed accordingly.

Figs. 5-7 schematically illustrate a device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel as shown in Figs. 1-2. Referring to Fig. 5, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device for guiding is disposed in the space between the dashboard insert 10 and the combined bezel 20, and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert 10 to the fixing point 32 in a direction toward the combined bezel 20. It should be appreciated that various embodiments can be envisaged according to such concept as long as a distance between the combined bezel 20 and the oblique surface of the device for guiding is suitable to the size of the fixing tool 50. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, two virtual surfaces extend obliquely from the dashboard insert 10 with different angles, and the tilt angle of a first surface S1 is greater than that of a second surface S2. In any case, the fixing tool 50 can move between the combined bezel 20 and the surface of the device for guiding with a relatively small clearance, and then it would be desired that the fixing tool 50 is supported and positioned on the surface S1 or S2 appropriately and moved to the fixing point 32 in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the device for guiding.

Preferably, the device for guiding comprises a first portion P1 extending from the dashboard insert 10 toward the combined bezel 20 and a second portion P2 attached to the first portion P1 and extending in parallel with the fixing direction of the fixing tool 50. Alternatively, the device for guiding can further comprise a third portion P3 attached to the second portion P2, and the third portion P3 extends obliquely from the second portion P2 in a direction toward the dashboard insert 10 to a position below the fixing point 32 so as to remain a certain space for conveniently fixing the screw 40. Taken the first surface S1 as an example, the first portion P1 extends at an angle from 10° to 45° relative to the surface of the dashboard insert 10 depending on the size of the fixing tool, such as the maximum diameter of the illustrated fixing tool 50. In addition, the third portion P3 extends at an angle from 10° to 30° relative to the surface of the second portion P2.

In some embodiments, to facilitate the assembling operation of the device for guiding according to the present invention and broaden the application range thereof, the device for guiding can be produced separately and removably fastened on the dashboard insert 10, for example, by any kind of fastening elements like screws. In such a way, the device for guiding can be incorporated in the instrument panel available in the current market. Alternatively, the device for guiding can also be integrally formed with the dashboard insert 10. No matter which design the device for guiding is chosen, the distance between the combined bezel 20 and the surface of the second portion P2 shall be suitable to the size of the fixing tool 50. Such function can be achieved by producing the device for guiding with elastic elements. In some embodiments, the device for guiding can be produced as spring element so that it can be used in different fixing points in the instrument panel of the vehicle due to the adjustable distance between the combined bezel 20 and the surface of the second portion P2, or it can be used in other positions in the vehicle or even in the different kinds of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that, as to different fixing points, the device for guiding can be configured with different designs. Fig. 5 illustrates two

fixing tools

50, 51, wherein the device for guiding the fixing tool 51 can be different in the terms of the tilt angle of the first portion or designed without the third portion, for example.

Fig. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the device for guiding is directly formed by the surface of the dashboard insert 10 and comprises a first portion 12, a second portion 13 and a third portion 14. In this case, each portion of the device for guiding can be formed by stamping the surface of the dashboard insert 10, for example.

In order to ensure the accurate position of the fixing tool, it is advantageous that an assistant component is disposed at an inlet of the space between the dashboard insert 10 and the combined bezel 20 for additionally guiding the fixing tool into the space along the fixing direction. Best shown in Fig. 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assistant component is configured as a notch 60 at a leading edge of the combined bezel 20. As to each fixing point, one notch 60 can be provided. The notch 60 has an opening opened toward the dashboard insert 10 to receive the fixing tool therein. Preferably, the opening of the notch 60 is shaped to follow the profile of the fixing tool. That is to say, if the fixing tool 50 having the cylindrical profile as shown in the figures is used, the notch 60 is configured to have a curved opening or a semicircular opening. In such a way, the swinging motion of the fixing tool in the plane substantially parallel to the surface of the device for guiding can be effectively avoided. Therefore, the operator can insert the fixing tool quickly along the correct fixing direction by only moving the fixing tool through the opening of the notch 60 and pushing the fixing tool to reach the fixing point.

As shown in Fig. 7, during the fixing operation, the operator firstly inserts the fixing tool 50 to pass through the notch 60 formed on the combined bezel 20 and make the fixing tool 50 to be supported on the second portion 13. At this moment, the fixing tool 50 is subjected to an assembling force F₁ exerted by the operator, a holding force F₂ from the notch 60 and a supporting force F₃ provided by the second portion 13, and thus the fixing tool 50 is positioned accurately and will automatically reach the correct fixing point 32 once the operator subsequently pushes the fixing tool 50. As a result, the operator can easily fix the screw 40 by the fixing tool 50 in a fumbling manner, and it spends a rather short time for the fixing operation.

It will be understood that there are numerous modifications of the illustrated embodiments described above which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, such as many variations and modifications as for the structure of the device for guiding and the assistant component. These modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. A device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel, the instrument panel comprising a dashboard insert with an opening for receiving instrument components and a combined bezel to be assembled in the dashboard insert, a space being formed between the dashboard insert and the combined bezel, and at least one fixing point being arranged in the space and obscured by the combined bezel, characterized in that the device for guiding is disposed in the space and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert or the combined bezel to the fixing point, so that the space is narrowed and suitable to the size of the fixing tool.

2. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for guiding comprises a first portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert toward the combined bezel and a second portion attached to the first portion and extending in parallel with a fixing direction of the fixing tool to the fixing point.

3. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion extends at an angle from 10° to 45° relative to the surface of the dashboard insert.

4. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for guiding further comprises a third portion attached to the second portion and extending obliquely from the second portion in a direction toward the dashboard insert to a position below the fixing point.

5. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the third portion extends at an angle from 10° to 30° relative to the surface of the second portion.

6. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device for guiding is removably fastened on the dashboard insert or integrally formed with the dashboard insert.

7. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device for guiding is directly formed by the surface of the dashboard insert.

8. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an assistant component is disposed at an inlet of the space for additionally guiding the fixing tool into the space along the fixing direction.

9. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 8, characterized in that the assistant component is configured as a notch at a leading edge of the combined bezel and has an opening opened toward the dashboard insert to receive the fixing tool therein.

10. The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 9, characterized in that the opening of the assistant component is shaped to follow the profile of the fixing tool.

Abstract

A device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel is provided, the instrument panel comprising a dashboard insert with an opening for receiving instrument components and a combined bezel to be assembled in the dashboard insert, a space being formed between the dashboard insert and the combined bezel, and at least one fixing point for the combined bezel being arranged in the space and obscured by the combined bezel, characterized in that the device for guiding is disposed in the space and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert or the combined bezel to the fixing point, so that the space is narrowed and suitable to the size of the fixing tool. Due to the obliquely extended portion of the device for guiding and the appropriate distance between the combined bezel and the dashboard insert, the fixing tool can be easily guided to the fixing point in an accurate manner during the fumbling fixing operation by moving the fixing tool along the portion of the device for guiding. Therefore, the correct positioning of the fixing tool can be easily performed and the fitting engagement between the fixing tool and the fixing point can be easily achieved.

(Fig. 7)

Claims

A device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel, the instrument panel comprising a dashboard insert with an opening for receiving instrument components and a combined bezel to be assembled in the dashboard insert, a space being formed between the dashboard insert and the combined bezel, and at least one fixing point being arranged in the space and obscured by the combined bezel, characterized in that the device for guiding is disposed in the space and comprises at least one portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert or the combined bezel to the fixing point, so that the space is narrowed and suitable to the size of the fixing tool.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for guiding comprises a first portion extending obliquely from the dashboard insert toward the combined bezel and a second portion attached to the first portion and extending in parallel with a fixing direction of the fixing tool to the fixing point.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion extends at an angle from 10° to 45° relative to the surface of the dashboard insert.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for guiding further comprises a third portion attached to the second portion and extending obliquely from the second portion in a direction toward the dashboard insert to a position below the fixing point.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the third portion extends at an angle from 10° to 30° relative to the surface of the second portion.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device for guiding is removably fastened on the dashboard insert or integrally formed with the dashboard insert.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device for guiding is directly formed by the surface of the dashboard insert.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an assistant component is disposed at an inlet of the space for additionally guiding the fixing tool into the space along the fixing direction.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 8, characterized in that the assistant component is configured as a notch at a leading edge of the combined bezel and has an opening opened toward the dashboard insert to receive the fixing tool therein.
The device for guiding a fixing tool used for a vehicle instrument panel according to claim 9, characterized in that the opening of the assistant component is shaped to follow the profile of the fixing tool.