Modular structural unit and associated structural assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural unit (10) comprising a first structural element (12) and a second structural element (14); each of the first and second structural elements comprises: a body (24) having an elongated shape; and a first fitting member (26) or a second fitting member (28) integral with the body; the first fitting member (26) comprises a first convex element (62) and a first concave element (64); the second assembly member (28) comprises a second convex element and a second concave element; the first structural element (12) and the second structural element (14) are configured to be joined together by simultaneously inserting the first convex element into the second concave element and inserting the second convex element into the first concave element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a structural unit. The invention is particularly suitable for producing a unit for a vehicle structural component. Background Art

[0002] Such a structural assembly, in particular for adapting to the interior of a vehicle, is described, for example, in document WO 2007 / 006476.

[0003] Since the desired shape and size of structural components vary from vehicle to vehicle, it is advantageous to have a modular system that enables different components to be obtained from common elements. Summary of the invention

[0004] To this end, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior structural unit of the aforementioned type, which comprises a first structural element and a second structural element; the first structural element comprises: a first main body having an elongated shape; and a first assembly component integral with the first main body; the second structural element comprises: a second main body having an elongated shape; and a second assembly component integral with the second main body; the first assembly component comprises a first convex element and a first concave element arranged along the same first axis; the second assembly component comprises a second convex element and a second concave element arranged along a common second axis; the first structural element and the second structural element are configured to be translated from one structural element to another structural element by simultaneously inserting the first convex element into the second concave element and inserting the second convex element into the first concave element so as to be reversibly assembled, the first convex element having a shape complementary to the first concave element.

[0005] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the structural unit comprises one or more of the following features considered alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0006] - the first assembly member is arranged at one end of the first body; and at said end, the first body extends substantially parallel to the first axis;

[0007] - the second assembly member is arranged at one end of the second body; and at said end, the second body extends substantially parallel to the second axis;

[0008] - adjacent to the second assembly member, the second body extends in a direction inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the second axis;

[0009] - the structural unit further comprises a third structural element; the third structural element comprises: a third body having an elongated shape; and a third assembly member integral with the third body; the third assembly member comprises a third protruding element and a third concave element arranged along the same third axis; the third body extends substantially perpendicular to the third axis; the first structural element and the third structural element are configured to be reversibly assembled by translating from one structural element to the other structural element so as to simultaneously insert the first protruding element into the third concave element and the third protruding element into the first concave element;

[0010] - the third structural unit further comprises a fourth assembly member; the fourth assembly member comprises a fourth convex element and a fourth concave element arranged along a fourth axis; and the second structural element and the third structural element are configured to be reversibly assembled by translating from one structural element to the other structural element so as to simultaneously insert the second convex element into the fourth concave element and the fourth convex element into the second concave element;

[0011] - the first body has an S-shaped cross section, forming a first cavity and a second cavity which are substantially parallel;

[0012] The first body comprises a plurality of partitions arranged transversely in the first cavity and / or in the second cavity.

[0013] The invention also relates to an instrument panel structure comprising a structural unit as described above, a first convex element being inserted into a second concave element and a second convex element being inserted into a first concave element, whereby the first and second structural elements of the structural unit are joined together.

[0014] The invention also relates to an instrument panel comprising: an instrument panel structure as described above; and at least one panel attached to and covering the instrument panel structure, whereby the instrument panel structure is concealed from vehicle occupants by the at least one panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will become more apparent on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structural unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a separated configuration;

[0017] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of an element of a structural unit;

[0018] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a component;

[0019] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a side view of a structural unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a separated configuration; and

[0020] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a structural unit according to a first embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structural unit 10 , the structural unit 110 , and the structural unit 210 according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0022] Each of the structural units 10 , 110 , 210 includes a first structural element 12 and a second structural element 14 .

[0023] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In each of the embodiments shown, the structural unit 110 , 210 further comprises a third structural element 16 .

[0024] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the structural unit 210 further comprises: a fourth structural element 18 and a fifth structural element 20 ; and a support member 22 .

[0025] Each of the structural elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 includes a body 24, 124, 224 and at least one assembly member 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228. The assembly member 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228 is integral with the body 24, 124, 224 of the corresponding structural element 12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0026] The body 24, 124, 224 has an elongated shape and extends between a first end 30, 130, 230 and a second end 32, 132, 232. According to one embodiment, the body 24 extends substantially straight between its ends 30, 32, corresponding to the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14. In another embodiment, the elongated shape of the body 124, 224 has one or more bends between the first end 130, 230 and the second end 132, 232, corresponding to the third structural element 16, the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20. In another embodiment (not shown), the elongated shape of the body has one or more consecutive segments that are inclined relative to each other.

[0027] In the following description, it is assumed that the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14 are substantially the same.

[0028] The main body 24 of one of the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14 will now be described. The description also applies to the main body 124 of the third structural element 16 and the main bodies 224 of the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20.

[0029] exist Figure 3 The body 24, which is visible in cross section in FIG. 2 , has an S-shaped cross section. More precisely, the body 24 forms a first cavity 34 and a second cavity 36 extending substantially parallel to each other.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 24 includes: first and second side walls 40 , 42 ; a center wall 44 ; and first and second bottom walls 46 , 48 .

[0031] The first side wall 40 and the second side wall 42 form a strip extending substantially parallel to each other. Likewise, the first bottom wall 46 and the second bottom wall 48 form a strip extending substantially parallel to each other.

[0032] The body 24 is defined by an envelope surface 50, which is embodied by the first and second side walls 40, 42 and the first and second bottom walls 46, 48. The envelope surface 50 thus has a parallelogram-shaped cross section.

[0033] The center wall 44 forms a strip extending between opposing first and second edges. The first bottom wall 46 contacts the first side wall 40 and the first edge of the center wall 44 to define the first cavity 34. The second bottom wall 48 contacts the second side wall 42 and the second edge of the center wall 44 to define the second cavity 36. Thus, the first cavity 34 and the second cavity 36 are open away from each other.

[0034] Consider a first angle α formed between the first side wall 40 and the first bottom wall 46. The same first angle α is formed between the second side wall 42 and the second bottom wall 48.

[0035] Preferably, the first angle α is a right angle or an obtuse angle, more preferably between 90° and 110°.

[0036] Consider a second angle β formed between the central wall 44 and each of the first bottom wall 46 and the second bottom wall 48. Preferably, the second angle β is a right angle or an obtuse angle, more preferably between 90° and 110°. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first angle α and the second angle β are substantially identical.

[0037] Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the body 24, 124, 224 further comprises a plurality of dividers 52 disposed transversely in the first cavity 34 and / or the second cavity 36. Thus, the body 24, 124, 224 is reinforced along its length.

[0038] Each of the first and second structural elements 12 and 14 has a first assembly member 26 and a second assembly member 28. Likewise, the third structural element 16 includes a first assembly member 126 and a second assembly member 128. In contrast, each of the fourth and fifth structural elements 18 and 20 includes a single assembly member 226, 228.

[0039] In an embodiment not shown, each of the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14 comprises a single assembly component.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 30, 130, 230 of the body 24, 124, 224 of each structural element is integral with the or at least one 26, 126, 128 of the mounting member 226, 228 of the corresponding structural element.

[0041] The first and second ends 30, 32 of the bodies of the first and second structural elements 12, 14 are integral with the first and second mounting members 26, 28, respectively; and the first end 130 of the body 124 of the third structural element 16 is integral with the second mounting member 128, as described below.

[0042] The first assembly member 26 of one of the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14 will now be described as “assembly member 26 .” This description also applies to the second assembly member 28 and the assembly members 126 , 128 , 226 , 228 of the third structural element 16 , the fourth structural element 18 , and the fifth structural element 20 .

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting member 26 includes a block 60 , a male element 62 , and a female element 64 , which are arranged along a common mounting axis 66 .

[0044] The block 60 has a cylindrical shape, in particular a quadrilateral cross section, extending along the axis 66 between a first end and a second end. More precisely, the block 60 comprises longitudinal walls 70 , 72 parallel to the axis 66 and a front wall 74 perpendicular to the axis 66 and forming a first end of the block 60 .

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the block 60 has two substantially flat first longitudinal walls 70 and two substantially flat second longitudinal walls 72. The first longitudinal walls 70 are parallel to each other. The second longitudinal walls 72 are parallel to each other. Thus, the column embodied as the block 60 has a base in the shape of a parallelogram. Preferably, the third angle γ between the first longitudinal wall 70 and the second longitudinal wall 72 is between 90° and 110°.

[0046] Consider an orthogonal base (X, Y, Z) associated with the mounting member 26 , wherein the direction Z is parallel to the axis 66 and the first longitudinal wall 70 extends in the plane (X, Z).

[0047] The male element 62 and the female element 64 each have a cylindrical shape extending parallel to the direction Z. The male element 62 protrudes from the front wall 74 of the block 60 . The female element 64 is in the form of a cavity formed in the block 60 and extending from the front wall 74 .

[0048] Each of the assembly components 26 , 28 , 126 , 128 , 226 , 228 of the structural unit 10 , 110 , 210 corresponds to the general description of the assembly component 26 above.

[0049] Furthermore, the structural unit 10, 110, 210 is configured so that one assembly member 26 of the assembly can be reversibly assembled with another assembly member 28, 128, 228 of the assembly by translating one of the assembly members toward the other assembly member along the axis 66. During this assembly process, the male element 62 of each of the assembly members engages in the female element 64 of the other of the assembly members.

[0050] Preferably, as described below, the male and female elements 62, 64 of the same assembly component 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228 have complementary shapes.

[0051] More details will be given, especially in Figure 2 The assembly member 26 of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0052] The male element 62 and the female element 64 are arranged side by side along X on the front wall 74 of the block 60. The male element 62 comprises: two opposite flat first walls 76, which are parallel to the first longitudinal wall 70 of the block 60; and flat second walls 78 and third walls 79. The second wall 78 is parallel to the second longitudinal wall 72 of the block 60. The third wall 79 is symmetrical to the second wall 78 with respect to the plane (Y, Z). Therefore, the cylinder embodied as the male element 62 has an isosceles trapezoidal base. The angle formed by one of the first walls 76 and each of the second wall 78 and the third wall 79 is equal to the third angle γ.

[0053] Furthermore, the female element 64 has a shape complementary to the male element 62. The projection of the female element on the front wall 74 is the image of the projection of the male element on the front wall rotated about the axis 66 by 180°.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the assembly member 26 formed by the block 60, the male element 62 and the female element 64 has no plane of symmetry parallel to the axis 66. In particular, the third angle γ is strictly greater than 90°.

[0055] The structural unit 10, 110, 210 also includes a first group of assembly components 26, 126, 226 and a second group of assembly components 28, 128, 228. The same group of assembly components is substantially the same. In a plane parallel to the assembly axis 66, the first group of assembly components 26, 126, 226 looks like a symmetrical second group of assembly components 28, 128, 228.

[0056] As described above, the first set of assembly components 26, 126, 226 is adapted to be translationally connected to the second set of assembly components 28, 128, 228. On the other hand, the same set of assembly components cannot be assembled with each other. Such a configuration forms a keying system that facilitates the assembly of the structural unit 10, 110, 210, as described below.

[0057] According to a variant not shown, each assembly member has a plane of symmetry parallel to the assembly axis; and all assembly members of the same structural unit can be assembled with each other.

[0058] The first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14 will now be described more precisely as “structural elements 12 , 14 ”.

[0059] The first assembly member 26, the body 24 and the second assembly member 28 are aligned along a main axis of the structural elements 12, 14. The main axis coincides with an assembly axis 66 of each of the first assembly member 26 and the second assembly member 28.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal walls 70, 72 of the block 60 of each of the first and second fitting members 26, 28 form a continuous surface with the envelope surface 50 of the body 24. The above-mentioned first angle α and third angle γ are equivalent.

[0061] The third structural element 16 , the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20 will now be described in more detail.

[0062] At the first end 130, 230 thereof, the body 124, 224 of each of the third structural element 16, the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20 extends substantially along the end axis 80. Each of the assembly members 126, 128, 226, 228 integral with the first end 130, 230 extends along an assembly axis 166, 168, 266, 268 inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the end axis 80.

[0063] The assembly axes 166 , 168 , 266 , 268 correspond to the assembly axis 66 of the assembly components 26 and 28 described above.

[0064] Preferably, the angle between the assembly axis 166, 168, 266, 268 and the end axis 80 is between 60° and 120°, and more preferably between 80° and 100°.

[0065] In the third structural element 16 , the joint axes 166 , 168 of the first and second fitting members 126 , 128 extending away from each other from the first end 130 of the third structural element 16 are substantially coplanar.

[0066] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated structural unit 210, the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20 are preferably symmetrical to each other. In particular, as described above, the assembly member 226 of the fourth structural element 18 and the assembly member 228 of the fifth structural element belong to two different groups.

[0067] According to an embodiment not shown, at least one of the third 16 , fourth 18 and fifth 20 structural elements comprises one or more additional assembly members arranged on the body 124 , 224 at a distance from the first end 130 , 230 .

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the second end 132, 232 of the body 124, 224 of each of the third structural element 16, the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20 is configured to be assembled to the support 22 described below. In a variant not shown, the second end of the body of at least one of the third structural element, the fourth structural element and the fifth structural element is integrated with an assembly member similar to one of the above-mentioned assembly members.

[0069] The support member 22 of the structural unit 210 will now be described.

[0070] The support 22 extends in a substantially linear manner and comprises a mounting area 82, 84 which can be reversibly mounted with the second end 132, 232 of the above-mentioned body 124, 224. Preferably, the second end 132, 232 is configured to fit over the corresponding mounting area 82, 84.

[0071] Preferably, the various structural elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and the support 22 are made of plastic, in particular by injection molding. More preferably, each structural element 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is molded as a single piece. Alternatively, the assembly member 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228 is molded onto the body 24, 124, 224. The various structural elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and the support 22 can be made of different plastics depending on the stresses to which these components are subjected. For example, carbon and / or glass fiber reinforcements can be integrated into the materials of the various elements.

[0072] A method of assembling the aforementioned structural unit 10 will now be described.

[0073] aligning the first and second structural elements 12, 14 relative to each other along the axis 66; and interlocking the first assembly member 26 of one of the first and second structural elements 12, 14 with the second structural element 28 of the other of the first and second structural elements by translating along the axis 66 as described above.

[0074] In one embodiment, the structural unit 10 includes a plurality of elements similar to the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14. The above-mentioned assembly method makes it possible to obtain a linear member having a desired length by assembling a part or all of the elements.

[0075] A method of assembling the aforementioned structural unit 110 will now be described.

[0076] The first assembly member 26 of the first structural element 12 is arranged opposite the second assembly member 128 of the third structural element 16 so that the assembly axes 66, 168 coincide. The first structural element 12 and the third structural element 16 are then joined together to interlock the assembly members 26 and 128 as described above.

[0077] Likewise, the second assembly member 28 of the second structural element 14 is arranged opposite the first assembly member 126 of the third structural element 16 so that the assembly axes 66, 166 coincide. The second structural element 14 and the third structural element 16 are then joined together to interlock the assembly members 28 and 126 as described above.

[0078] Thus, the first structural element 12 , the second structural element 14 and the third structural element 16 form a T-shaped assembly.

[0079] In one embodiment, the structural unit 110 includes a plurality of elements similar to the first structural element 12 and the second structural element 14. Thus, the length of the arm of the T-shaped assembly can be adjusted by adding a portion of the elements thereto.

[0080] A method of assembling the aforementioned structural unit 210 will now be described.

[0081] The first structural element 12, the second structural element 14 and the third structural element 16 are assembled as described above for the unit 110. In addition, the second assembly member 28 of the first structural element 12 is arranged opposite to the assembly member 226 of the fourth structural element 18, so that the assembly axes 66, 266 coincide. The first structural element 12 and the fourth structural element 18 are then joined together so that the assembly members 28 and 226 are interlocked, as described above.

[0082] Likewise, the first assembly member 26 of the second structural element 14 is arranged opposite the assembly member 228 of the fifth structural element 20 so that the assembly axes 66, 268 coincide. The second structural element 14 and the fifth structural element 20 are then joined together so that the assembly members 26 and 228 interlock as described above.

[0083] Furthermore, the second ends 132 , 232 of the main bodies of the third structural element 16 , the fourth structural element 18 and the fifth structural element 20 are assembled to the support 22 .

[0084] Therefore, the structural elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are obtained in Figure 5 Structural component 90 is visible in FIG.

[0085] The structural unit 10, 110, 210 according to the invention therefore provides a modular system which makes it possible to obtain different structural assemblies 90 from common structural elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. This simplifies the production of the structural assemblies.

[0086] The various structural elements are locked in the assembly position by locking devices (such as screws, rivets, clamps, etc.).

[0087] The first male element 62 and the first female element extend in the direction Z along the cavity of the first structural element.

[0088] The second male element 62 and the second female element extend in the direction Z along the cavity of the second structural element.

Claims

1. A structural unit (10, 110, 210) for a vehicle interior, the structural unit comprising a first structural element (12) and a second structural element (14, 16, 18, 20); The first structural element comprises: a first body (24) having an elongated shape; and a first assembly member (26) integral with the first body; The second structural element comprises: a second body (24, 124, 224) having an elongated shape; and a second assembly member (28, 128, 228) integral with the second body; The first assembly member (26) includes a first male element (62) and a first female element (64) arranged along a common first axis (66); The second assembly member (28, 128, 228) includes a second male element (62) and a second female element (64) arranged along a common second axis (66, 168, 268); The first structural element (12) and the second structural element (14, 16, 18, 20) are configured to be reversibly assembled by being translated from one structural element to the other by simultaneously inserting the first convex element into the second concave element and the second convex element into the first concave element, the first convex element (62) having a shape complementary to the first concave element (64).

2. The structural unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first mounting member (26) is disposed at one end (30) of the first body (24); and at the end, the first body extends substantially parallel to the first axis (66).

3. The structural unit according to claim 2, wherein: The second fitting member (28) is disposed at one end (32) of the second body; and at the end, the second body extends substantially parallel to the second axis (66).

4. The structural unit (110, 210) according to claim 2, wherein: Proximate the second mounting member (128, 228), the second body (124, 224) extends in a direction (80) that is inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the second axis.

5. The structural unit (110, 210) according to claim 4, further comprising a third structural element (16, 18, 20); the third structural element comprising: a third body (124, 224) having an elongated shape; and a third assembly member (126, 128, 226, 228) integral with the third body; The third assembly member includes a third male element (62) and a third female element (64) arranged along a common third axis (168, 268); the third body extends substantially perpendicular to the third axis; The first and third structural elements are configured to reversibly fit together by translating from one structural element to the other to simultaneously insert the first male element into the third female element and the third male element into the first female element.

6. The structural unit (110) according to claim 5, wherein: - the third structural element (16) further comprises a fourth assembly member (126); the fourth assembly member comprises a fourth male element and a fourth female element arranged along a fourth axis (166); and - the second structural element (14) and the third structural element are configured to reversibly fit together by translating from one structural element to the other structural element so as to simultaneously insert the second male element into the fourth female element and the fourth male element into the second female element.

7. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body has an S-shaped cross section, forming a first cavity (34) and a second cavity (36) which are substantially parallel.

8. The unit according to claim 7, wherein the first body comprises a plurality of partitions (52) arranged transversely in the first cavity (34) and / or the second cavity (36).

9. An instrument panel structure (90), comprising a structural unit (210) according to one of the preceding claims, the first protruding element (62) being inserted into the second concave element (64) and the second protruding element being inserted into the first concave element, whereby the first structural element (12) and the second structural element (16, 18) of the structural unit are joined together.

10. A dashboard, comprising: An instrument panel structure (90) according to the preceding claim; and at least one panel attached to and covering the instrument panel structure (90), whereby the instrument panel structure (90) is concealed from vehicle occupants by the at least one panel.

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