Mounting device for a display on a motor vehicle's dashboard

Abstract

Mounting device for a display (2) on a control panel (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (11) arranged on the control panel (10) and a connecting device (5) arranged on the rear of the display (2), which is movably mounted on the bracket (11) against a spring-elastic restoring force in such a way that the display (2) can be moved from an operating position to a protective position when a force is applied to the front (4) of the display (2), wherein the connecting device (5) is pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis and is fixed to the bracket (11) by means of a snap connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device for a display on a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles regularly have at least one display mounted on the dashboard, either integrated into it (i.e., virtually flush-mounted) or protruding from it. In the latter case, the display is connected to the dashboard via a suitable mounting device. An example of such an arrangement is shown in DE 695 00 147 T2. The display shown there is located on the upper boundary wall of the instrument cluster, i.e., the cowl that covers the instrument cluster. It is pivotable between a rest position, in which the display is virtually flush with the wall, and an operating position, in which its display surface faces the driver. This means that in the operating position, it protrudes more or less vertically from the dashboard wall.The operating position is limited by a stop, so that the display, which can be automatically swivelled from the rest position to the operating position via a spring mechanism, for example, assumes a defined, fixed position.

[0003] If the display is positioned in the center of the dashboard, projecting upwards from it, it is usually permanently installed, as it does not obstruct the driver's view. However, particularly with such a centrally located display protruding from the dashboard, it has been observed that damage can sometimes occur if excessive force is applied to the front of the display. This can happen, for example, if one unintentionally bumps a freestanding corner of the display, whether on the driver's or passenger's side. Such incidents can occur, for instance, when loading something or when the driver or passenger moves towards the windshield, perhaps to clean it from the inside. If the force applied in such a case is too great, the display housing or the display itself can break, necessitating replacement.

[0004] DE 10 2013 016 805 B4 discloses an energy-absorbing vehicle mount for a user interface terminal. The vehicle mount is described as comprising a first mounting device and a second mounting device. The first mounting device is a receiving cradle that serves to secure the actual terminal device, for example, a mobile phone. This first mounting device is connected via a first axis to a joint element, the joint element of which at least partially incorporates a spring element. The joint element is further connected to the second mounting device via a second axis that extends through the spring element, which is, for example, a torsion spring. The function is such that, when a force is applied, the mobile phone is lifted slightly by the mount and simultaneously moved slightly towards the mounting device due to the double pivot bearing.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of providing a possible improvement for the situation mentioned above.

[0006] To solve this problem, the invention provides a fastening device for a display on a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket arranged on the dashboard and a connecting device arranged on the back of the display, which is movable on the bracket against a spring-elastic restoring force in such a way that the display can be moved from an operating position to a protective position when a force is applied to the front of the display, wherein the connecting device is pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis and fixed to the bracket by means of a snap connection.

[0007] The mounting device according to the invention offers the particular advantage that the display can yield when a force is applied to its front surface, whether to the display area itself or to the housing, by being movable relative to the mounting bracket which is fixed to the control panel. This movement occurs against a spring-like restoring force that is generated or increased in the process, ultimately reducing or eliminating the force acting on the display that causes it to shift. In other words, the mounting device according to the invention allows the display to evade or yield to the applied force, thus enabling it to be moved from its normal operating position into a protective position. As mentioned, this movement occurs against a spring-like restoring force.Depending on the extent of this displacement, the built-up restoring force can automatically return the display to its operating position after the force is removed. Alternatively, in cases of significant displacement, the connection may partially detach, which will be discussed further below. In any case, the display can move accordingly and into a protective position, preventing damage from the applied force. This means that the inventive mobility within the mounting device, as well as the movement against the spring-loaded restoring force over at least part of the displacement range between the operating and protective positions, provides a corresponding safeguard against damage to the display in the event of an unintended force.

[0008] According to the invention, the connecting device is pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis and fixed to the bracket via a snap-fit ​​connection. This means that when a force is applied, the display pivots out of the operating position and into the protective position. For this purpose, the connecting device provided on the back of the display is pivotally mounted to the bracket, i.e., a horizontal pivot axis is realized around which the display can pivot. To achieve this pivot mounting, two bearing pins are advantageously provided on the connecting device, each engaging in a bearing receptacle on the bracket. This bearing receptacle can be designed as a corresponding blind bore into which the bearing pin engages. However, according to the invention, preferably each bearing receptacle is designed as a U-shaped bearing receptacle on the bracket.The respective bearing pin can be easily inserted into this bearing receptacle during assembly; it does not need to be inserted from the side, which simplifies the process. In the case of U-shaped bearing receptacles, only a corresponding second mounting interface is required. This interface secures the connecting device, and thus the display, to the bracket, while simultaneously allowing for swivel movement.

[0009] According to the invention, such a fixing is a snap-fit ​​connection by which the connecting device is fixed to the holder. This snap-fit ​​connection closes when the two elements to be snapped together have reached a specific position. The snap-fit ​​connection can be advantageously realized by means of a snap element provided on the holder, which generates the spring-elastic restoring force, and a snap receptacle provided on the connecting device, through which the snap element engages. The holder is accordingly provided with a corresponding spring-elastic snap element, which is preferably designed as a spring-elastic snap clip that is attached to the arm by a mounting section and projects from the arm with a spring-elastic snap section. Such a snap clip or spring-loaded mounting clip is described in DE 10 2016 012 955 A1, to which explicit reference is made.This locking element interacts with the connecting device by engaging a locking recess provided on the connecting device, ultimately locking onto the edge of the recess. This prevents movement of the connecting section except against the locking element and thus against its spring action when a force is applied. Consequently, this locking element secures the connecting device, which is already fixed to the swivel joint, to the bracket at a second connection point.

[0010] The connecting device itself can be designed as an angled connecting arm for this purpose, with a first leg on which the bearing pins are provided and a second leg on which the locking receptacle is provided. The first leg projects from the rear of the display, for example, perpendicular to the rear of the display. The two bearing pins, projecting laterally in opposite directions, are provided on this leg. A second leg projects from the first leg, again perpendicularly, for example, with the locking receptacle provided in the area of ​​the free end of this second leg, which is engaged by the locking element.

[0011] The bracket can include an arm extending towards the display, which passes through the locking recess and on which the locking element is mounted. This arm serves as a support for the locking element, while simultaneously passing through the locking recess along with the locking element. This arm allows the locking element to be positioned as required, enabling it to perform both its locking and return functions.

[0012] The locking element itself is preferably provided with a first inclined surface along which the edge of the second leg, which defines the locking receptacle, slides when the display is moved into the operating position. Furthermore, the locking element can be provided with a second inclined surface along which the edge of the locking receptacle slides when force is applied. These two inclined surfaces are inclined in opposite directions to each other. During assembly, the two bearing journals are inserted into the bearing receptacles, for example, by being axially inserted into them or placed into the open U-shaped bearing receptacles. Then the display or the connecting device is pivoted about the bearing axis so that the second leg of the connecting device moves towards the locking element and the arm on the mounting side. With further pivoting, these are guided through the locking receptacle, whereby the leg edge defining the locking receptacle runs onto the first inclined surface.The locking element is pressed down, and the restoring force builds up until the end position is reached, at which point the locking element springs back and engages the second leg. If a force is now applied to the display, the connecting device is essentially pivoted in the opposite direction. In this process, the leg edge that defines the locking mechanism runs onto the second inclined surface, thus pressing the locking element down again and building up the restoring force. Depending on the length of this inclined surface and the tension of the coupling between the second leg and the locking element, this pivoting movement, and therefore the evasive movement of the display, can be shorter or longer, during which the restoring force is built up. As long as the leg edge is still on the second inclined surface, the restoring force can automatically return the connecting device, and thus the display, to its original position when the pressure is released.However, if the force is applied for a longer period or the swivel range is greater, the locking element snaps back out of its recess, the locking connection is released, and the display can swivel further. Once the force is released, the display can easily be swiveled back into its original position, at which point the leg edge again runs along the first inclined surface until the locking position is reached again.

[0013] As described, the locking mechanism is preferably designed to be easily released for intentional disassembly, meaning that the locking action can be released deliberately and not simply by pressing down forcefully on the display. For this purpose, the locking element can have an exposed release section extending through the locking receptacle, which can be operated with a release tool. This means that, for example, during maintenance, the locking element can be compressed via this release section using a suitable tool such as a long screwdriver, allowing the second leg to be pivoted off the arm without any interaction with the locking element.

[0014] The locking element itself is preferably a spring-loaded locking clip, as described, which is attached to the arm by a mounting section and projects from the arm with a resilient locking section. It is therefore a corresponding mounting clip, as described in DE 10 2016 012 955 A1. This is attached to the arm of the holder by a mounting section, preferably also via a corresponding locking connection, for which a through-hole is provided in the arm and a corresponding locking projection is provided on the mounting section. The locking element or the mounting clip further has a resilient locking section projecting from the arm, via which the restoring force is generated, and on which, if provided, the inclined surfaces described above are provided.

[0015] This type of attachment of the connecting device to the bracket, i.e. via the swivel bearing in particular with the two U-shaped, i.e. open bearing mounts, and the locking connection via the through-reaching arm including locking element, allows with particular advantage a simple, screwless display attachment, since no connecting screws and the like are required for this, combined with corresponding mobility to protect the display in the event of an unwanted force.

[0016] As an alternative to the pivot mounting of the display or the connecting device as described above, it is also conceivable that the connecting device is mounted on the bracket so as to be linearly displaceable against at least one spring element generating the restoring force, and is fixed to the bracket via a snap-fit ​​connection. Here, the connecting device is connected to the bracket by a linear sliding motion and secured by the snap-fit ​​mechanism. During this sliding motion, a spring, for example a coil spring or the like, is compressed, creating a corresponding preload that tensions the connecting device against the snap-fit ​​connection. When pressure is applied to the front of the display, it, along with the connecting device, is pushed linearly against the spring element, increasing the restoring force. When the pressure is released, the spring pushes the connecting device, and thus the display, back into its original position.Here too, the locking connection, for example realized by a locking arm that interacts with a corresponding locking receptacle on the connecting device, can be released by pressing down the locking arm, so that the connecting device can also be detached from the holder.

[0017] In addition to the fastening device itself, the invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising a control panel and a display fastened by means of a fastening device of the type described above.

[0018] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawing. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A front-view schematic diagram of a display including mounting device, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the arrangement Fig. 2 in a side view, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the arrangement Fig. 2 in a perspective view.

[0019] The figures show a fastening device 1 according to the invention for fastening a display 2, which has a corresponding display housing 3 and the display surface 4 forming the actual display surface.

[0020] A connecting device 5 is arranged on the rear side of the display 2 or the display housing 3, or preferably is directly integrally formed with the plastic display housing 3. This connecting device 5 is designed as an angled connecting arm, comprising a first leg 6, which projects substantially orthogonally from the rear side, and a second leg 7 adjoining the first leg 6, which in turn projects quasi-orthogonally from the first leg 6. A round bearing pin 8 is integrally formed on both sides of the first leg 6, serving to form a pivot bearing. A locking receptacle 9 in the form of an opening is formed on the second connecting leg 7.

[0021] The fastening device 1 further comprises a bracket 11 arranged on a switchboard 10 which is only shown in a stylized form here, which in the example shown comprises two bearing arms 12 which have upwardly open, U-shaped bearing receptacles 13.

[0022] Furthermore, the bracket 12 includes an arm 14 projecting towards the display 2, to which a locking element 15 in the form of a locking clip is attached. This locking element 15 has a fastening section 16 with which it engages the arm 14 and locks onto it. The locking element 15 also has a spring-loaded locking section 17 projecting obliquely upwards from the arm 14, which serves both to lock the second leg 7 and thus the connecting device 2 in place, and to generate a restoring force against which the second leg 7 can pivot.

[0023] The figures show the assembly position in which the display 2 is in its operating position, i.e., in its regular position during operation, etc. To assemble the display 2, the two locking pins 8 are first inserted into the two bearing receptacles 13, with the display 2 positioned at a significant angle compared to its operating position. The second leg 7 is not yet positioned in the area of ​​the arm 14. The actual pivot axis is defined by inserting the bearing pins 8 into the bearing receptacle 13.

[0024] For further assembly, the display 2 and with it the second leg 7 are now pivoted around the pivot axis. In doing so, the locking receptacle 9 is slid over the arrangement from the arm 14 along with the locking element 15. The locking element 15 has a first inclined surface 18 on the locking section 17. The upper edge 19, which borders the locking receptacle 9, runs against this first inclined surface 18, with this inclined surface 18 being shown in the example, see Fig. 3, formed by two inclined wall sections of the detent section 17. As the edge 19 contacts the inclined surface 18, the spring-loaded detent section 17 is pressed downwards towards the arm 14. The pivoting movement continues until the detent section 18 is guided through the detent receptacle 7 and essentially snaps into place behind the edge 19, which occurs when the operating position is reached. The second leg 7 runs against a stop 20.

[0025] On the side opposite the first inclined surface 18, a second inclined surface 21 is formed, which now rests against the edge 19 in the operating position.

[0026] The Fig.Figures 1-3 show an object 22, which is intended to represent, by way of example, the head of a person sitting in an adjacent seat. It is assumed that the person, for whatever reason, leans towards the display 2 and, in doing so, their head (stylized over the object 22) strikes the display 2 in the upper left corner. This exerts a force on the display 2. To dissipate this force and prevent damage to the display 2, the display 2 can be pivoted about the pivot axis defined by the bearing pins 8 and the bearing receptacles 13. Simultaneously, the edge 19 of the locking receptacle 9 moves against the second inclined surface 21. This results in a slight downward pressure of the spring-loaded locking section 17 towards the arm 14.This creates or increases a restoring force which, when the pressure on the display 2 ends, causes the spring-loaded detent section 17, or the detent element 15, to actively pivot the second leg 7 back, thus returning the display 2 to its operating position and the second leg 7 to the stop 20. However, if the pivoting movement caused by the force is greater, i.e., if it pivots over a larger distance, the edge 19 is effectively pivoted over the detent section 17, thus releasing the detent engagement. The display 2 is no longer fixed at this lower interface but is only positioned at the top along the pivot axis. The display 2 can then pivot and move further without sustaining damage. If the force is released in this case as well, the display 2 can pivot back towards its operating position.To finally bring it into the operating position, one simply has to press against the lower edge of the display 2 so that the second leg 7 runs against the locking element 15 again, presses it down and locks it back into the operating position.

[0027] The locking element 15 extends through the locking receptacle 9 with a release section 23, which is exposed in the assembly position and thus accessible from above in the area between the two bearing arms 12. If pressure is applied to this release section 23 with a release tool such as a longer screwdriver, the locking section can be actively depressed, and the display 2 can be pivoted and removed without interaction of the second leg 7 with the locking element 15. Therefore, no significant force is required on the display 2 to release the locking mechanism.

[0028] The design of the locking mechanism with regard to the release force to be applied to the display 2 is such that a correspondingly high force must be applied not only to move the second leg 7 against or along the second inclined surface 21, but also beyond, so that the locking mechanism does not immediately release under every even minor force.

[0029] Overall, the fastening device provided according to the invention enables the screwless mounting of the display 2 on the control panel 10 while simultaneously creating a corresponding, defined degree of freedom of movement via the implemented pivot axis in conjunction with a corresponding snap-fit ​​fastening. This fastening, at least over part of the possible range of motion from the operating position to a force-evading protective position, generates a restoring force that automatically returns the display 2 to its original position. This restoring force dissipates the energy introduced by the force acting on the display and also prevents any damage to the display due to this evasive action. Furthermore, particularly simple and virtually force-free assembly and disassembly are ensured, as described above.

Claims

[1] Fastening device for a display (2) on a control panel (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (11) arranged on the control panel (10) and a connecting device (5) arranged on the rear of the display (2), which is movably mounted on the bracket (11) against a spring-elastic restoring force in such a way that the display (2) can be moved from an operating position to a protective position when a force is applied to the front (4) of the display (2), wherein the connecting device (5) is pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis and is fixed to the bracket (11) by means of a snap connection. [2] Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting device (5) has two bearing pins (8) which each engage in a U-shaped bearing receptacle (13) on the bracket (11). [3] Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the locking connection is realized by means of a locking element (15) provided on the holder (11) which generates the spring-elastic restoring force and a locking receptacle (9) provided on the connecting device (5) which is penetrated by the locking element (15). [4] Fastening device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the connecting device (5) is an angled connecting arm, with a first leg (6) on which the bearing pins (8) are provided, and a second leg (7) on which the locking receptacle (9) is provided. [5] Fastening device according to claim 4, characterized by , that an arm (14) projecting towards the display (2) is provided on the holder (11), which extends through the locking receptacle (9) and on which the locking element (15) is arranged. [6] Fastening device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, that the locking element (15) has a first inclined surface (18) along which the edge (19) of the second leg (7) limiting the locking receptacle (9) slides when the display (2) is moved into the operating position, and a second inclined surface (21) along which the edge (19) slides when the force is applied. [7] Fastening device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the locking element (15) is a spring-elastic locking clamp which is attached to the arm (14) by a fastening section (16) and extends from the arm (14) by a spring-loaded locking section (17). [8] Fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking connection is detachable. [9] Fastening device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the locking element (15) has an exposed release section (23) extending through the locking receptacle (9) and operable with a release tool. [10] Motor vehicle comprising a control panel (10) and a display attached thereto by means of a fastening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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