Reversible mounting device for a removable element on a fixed part

Abstract

Device for reversibly mounting a removable element on a fixed part The mounting device (1) comprises: - a first arm (22) comprising a receiving end (26) and a first mounting end (28), opposite the receiving end (26), - a second arm (24) comprising a second mounting end (32). The second arm (24) is rotatable relative to the first arm (22) between an insertion position, in which the second mounting end (32) is brought closer to the first mounting end (26), and a fixing position, in which the second mounting end (32) is spaced from the first mounting end (28), the second arm (24) further comprising an actuating element (38) causing the second arm (24) to move from the insertion position to the fixing position when it is applied against a stop surface (20) of a support (4). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for reversibly mounting a removable element on a fixed part

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for mounting a removable element on a support intended to be fixed to a fixed part, of the type comprising:

[0002] - a first arm comprising a receiving end intended to receive the removable element and a first mounting end, opposite the receiving end, comprising a first pin,

[0003] - a second arm comprising a second mounting end comprising a second pawn.

[0004] The invention also relates to a fixing device comprising such a mounting device and a trim element forming the fixed part and on which a removable element is fixed by means of such a fixing device.

[0005] It is known to reversibly fix a removable element, such as a portable electronic device, a cup holder or the like, to a fixed part, such as a trim element, for example a dashboard, a door panel, a central console or the like. The fixing is done by means of a mounting device made integrally with the removable element or on which the removable element is mounted and which can be reversibly mounted on a support provided in or on the fixed part.

[0006] However, the bracket and / or mounting device generally have a complex structure and it is intended that the fixing device can only operate with a particular bracket provided on a particular trim element. Thus, if a user wishes to change the position of the removable element in the vehicle interior, he must generally use separate fixing devices provided for this purpose. Furthermore, the mounting of the mounting device on the bracket is generally complex so that it is preferable to leave the mounting device fixed to the bracket once the mounting is carried out.

[0007] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a modular fixing device allowing simple assembly and disassembly.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a mounting device of the aforementioned type, in which the second arm is rotatable relative to the first arm between an insertion position, in which the second mounting end is brought closer to the first mounting end in a fixing direction, and a fixing position, in which the second mounting end is spaced apart from the first mounting end in the fixing direction, the second arm further comprising an actuating element spaced apart from the second mounting end in an insertion direction different from the fixing direction, said actuating element causing the second arm to move from the insertion position to the fixing position when it is applied against a stop surface of the support in the insertion direction.

[0009] Thus, the attachment and removal of the mounting device from the support are carried out in a particularly simple manner, by simply rotating the second arm relative to the first arm by means of the actuating element. Furthermore, the same mounting device can be used with several supports, these requiring only a pair of holes to be able to receive the mounting device. Thus, it is very simple to modify the position of the removable element in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0010] The mounting device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0011] - the second arm is articulated to the first arm around an axis of rotation extending one end of a branch extending projecting from the first arm between the receiving end and the first mounting end;

[0012] - the actuating element extends on the other side of the axis of rotation of the second arm relative to the second mounting end;

[0013] - the second arm of the mounting device comprises a support rib extending between the second pin and the actuating element, said support rib being intended to bear on a part of the support spaced from the stop surface in the direction of insertion in the fixing position of the mounting device.

[0014] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a device for fixing a removable element to a fixed part comprising:

[0015] - a support intended to be fixed on the fixed part, said support comprising at least a pair of orifices, comprising a first orifice and a second orifice extending opposite the first orifice in a fixing direction, and a stop surface spaced from the second orifice in an insertion direction different from the fixing direction,

[0016] - a mounting device as described above,

[0017] in which:

[0018] - the mounting device can be introduced between the first orifice and the second hole of the holder according to the insertion direction when said mounting device is in the insertion position, and

[0019] - the first pin is introduced into the first orifice and the second pin is introduced in the second hole when said mounting device is in the fixing position, the actuating element moving the second arm from the position insertion to the fixing position when applied against the abutment surface of the support in the insertion direction.

[0020] The fixing device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0021] - the distance between the second mounting end and the actuating element of the mounting device is substantially equal to the distance between the second hole and the abutment surface of the support;

[0022] - the distance between a mouth of the first orifice and a mouth of the second orifice, through which the first pin and the second pin are inserted into the first orifice and into the second orifice, is greater than the distance between the free ends of the first pin and the second pin in the insertion position of the mounting device and less than this distance in the fixing position of the mounting device;

[0023] - the support comprises a plurality of pairs of orifices, said pairs being spaced apart from each other in an adjustment direction different from the fixing and insertion directions, the mounting device being able to cooperate with each pair of holes in different fixing positions of the mounting device on the support;

[0024] - the support comprises a profile comprising a first branch and a second branches substantially parallel and spaced from each other in the direction of attachment, the first orifice being made in the first branch and the second orifice being made in the second branch;

[0025] - the profile comprises a bottom wall joining the first branch and the second branch, the abutment surface being formed by one end of the second branch opposite the bottom wall in the direction of insertion.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle trim element, said trim element forming a fixed part on which is fixed a support of a fixing device as described above, a removable element being reversibly fixed on said trim element by means of a mounting device of said fixing device.

[0027] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] - [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of a device fixing according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional representation of the device of fixing of [Fig.l], the mounting device being in the fixing position,

[0030] [Fig.3] - [Fig.3] is a schematic sectional representation of the device of fixing of [Fig.2], the mounting device being in the insertion position, and

[0031] [Fig.4] - [Fig.4] is a schematic sectional representation of the fixing device of [Fig.2] showing actuation of the mounting device to dismount the mounting device from the bracket.

[0032] With reference to [Fig.l], a device 1 for fixing a removable element 2 to a fixed part is described, the fixing device 1 comprising a support 4 and a mounting device 6.

[0033] The fixed part is for example a trim element of a vehicle interior, such as a dashboard, a door panel, a central console or other. The removable element 2 can be any element that one wishes to removably mount on such a fixed part so that this removable element is accessible to the occupants of the vehicle. Thus, the removable element 2 is for example a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or other, or a support element, such as a cup holder, a tray or other.

[0034] The support 4 is fixed on or forms part of the fixed part. The support 4 comprises at least one pair of orifices, comprising a first orifice 8 and a second orifice 10. The second orifice 10 extends opposite the first orifice 8 and is spaced from the first orifice 8 in a fixing direction. The fixing direction corresponds, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, to a direction of elevation of the vehicle corresponding to the height of the vehicle. The first orifice 8 and the second orifice 10 each comprise a mouth, the mouths extending opposite one another and forming the parts closest to one another of the first orifice 8 and the second orifice 10. Thus, the first and second orifices 8, 10 extend in opposite directions in the fixing direction from their mouth.

[0035] When the support 4 is formed by a part fixed to the fixed part, the support 4 is for example formed by a profile 12, in which the pair of orifices is made. More particularly, the profile 12 comprises a first branch 14, in which the first orifice 8 is made and a second branch 16, in which the second orifice 10 is made. The two branches 14, 16 extend opposite one another and are spaced from one another in the direction of fixing. The two branches 14, 16 are substantially parallel. The two branches 14, 16 are connected to each other by a bottom wall 18 extending between the branches in the direction of attachment at one end of these branches 14, 16. Thus, the profile 12 has a C-shape in section. The first and second orifices 8, 10 extend in the first and second branches 14, 16 between the bottom wall 18 and the opposite end of the branches 14, 16.At these opposite ends, the profile is open so that the mouths of the first and second orifices 8, 10 are accessible by passing between the branches 14, 16 towards the bottom wall 18 in a direction of insertion different from the . fixing direction. More specifically, the insertion direction is, for example, substantially perpendicular to the fixing direction. In the case of a fixed part formed by a dashboard, the insertion direction corresponds, for example, to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponding to the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0036] The end of the second branch 16 opposite the bottom wall 18 forms a stop surface 20 whose function will be described in more detail later. The stop surface 20 is spaced from the second orifice 10 in the direction of insertion.

[0037] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the support 4 comprises a plurality of pairs of orifices, that is to say a plurality of first orifices 8 and a plurality of corresponding second orifices 10. In this case, the first and second branches 14, 16 are elongated in an adjustment direction different from the fixing and insertion directions. The adjustment direction is for example substantially perpendicular to the fixing direction and to the insertion direction. For the case of a fixed part formed by a dashboard, the adjustment direction corresponds for example to the transverse direction of the vehicle, corresponding to the width of the vehicle.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the support 4 comprises only one pair of orifices (or a reduced number of pairs of orifices) and is mounted to move in translation in or on a guide rail making it possible to move the support 4 in the direction of adjustment.

[0039] When the support 4 is part of the fixed part, the pair or pairs of orifices are made directly in a body of the fixed part and an opening for access to these orifices is provided in the body. An edge of this opening in this case forms the stop surface 20.

[0040] The mounting device 6 is arranged to cooperate with a pair of orifices for reversibly fixing the removable element 2 on the support 4 and therefore on the fixed part. For this purpose, the mounting device 6 comprises a first arm 22 cooperating with the first orifice 8 and a second arm 24 cooperating with the second orifice 10.

[0041] The first arm 22 extends between a receiving end 26 and a first mounting end 28.

[0042] The receiving end 26 is arranged to receive and hold the removable element 2. In other words, the removable element 2 is mounted or is integral with the receiving end 26. In the case of a removable element 2 formed by a portable electronic device, the receiving end 26 comprises, for example, a system for receiving such a device, as known per se. In the case of a removable element 2 formed by a cup holder or a tray, the removable element 2 is, for example, integral with the receiving end 26 and the mounting device 6 is integrated into the removable element 2.

[0043] The first mounting end 28, opposite the receiving end 26, is arranged to cooperate with the first orifice 8 when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4. For this purpose, the first mounting end 28 comprises a first pin 30 received in the first orifice 8 when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4 by passing through the mouth of the first orifice 8. The first pin 30 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the first orifice 8 so that the first pin 30 can be retained in the first orifice 8 when the first pin 30 is inserted into the first orifice 8. The first pin 30 extends projecting from the first arm 22 to the first mounting end 28. Thus, when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4, the first arm 22 extends substantially in the insertion direction and the first pin 30 extends substantially in the direction of attachment.

[0044] The second arm 24 comprises a second mounting end 32 arranged to cooperate with the second orifice 10 when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4. For this purpose, the second mounting end 32 comprises a second pin 34 received in the second orifice 10 when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4 by passing through the mouth of the second orifice 10. The second pin 34 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the second orifice 10 so that the second pin 34 can be retained in the second orifice 10 when the second pin 34 is introduced into the second orifice 10. The second pin 34 extends projecting from the second arm 24 to the second mounting end 32.The first pin 30 and the second pin 34 extend in opposite directions so as to be oriented respectively towards the first orifice 8 and towards the second orifice 10 when the first and second mounting ends 28, 32 extend opposite the first and second orifices 8, 10. When the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4, the second arm 24 extends substantially in the insertion direction and the second pin 34 extends substantially in the fixing direction. In other words, when the mounting device 6 is mounted on the support 4, the first arm 22 and the second arm 24 extend substantially parallel and the first pin 30 and the second pin 34 extend opposite each other and are aligned in the fixing direction, as shown in [Fig. 2].This arrangement of the mounting device 6, in which the first pin 30 and the second pin 34 are received respectively in the first orifice 8 and in the second orifice, corresponds to a fixing position of the mounting device 6.

[0045] The second arm 24 is rotatable relative to the first arm 22 between the fixing position, described above and shown in [Fig.2], and an insertion position shown in [Fig.3].

[0046] In the insertion position, the second mounting end 32 is brought closer to the first mounting end 28 compared to the fixing position. In other words, the distance separating the second mounting end 32 from the first mounting end 28 is less in the insertion position than this same distance in the fixing position. More particularly, in the insertion position, the distance separating the free end of the first pin 30 from the free end of the second pin 34 is less than the distance separating the mouth of the first orifice 8 from the mouth of the second orifice 10, so that the mounting device 6 can be passed between the first and second orifices 8, 10 from outside the support 4.In the fixing position, the distance separating the free end of the first pin 30 from the free end of the second pin 34 is greater than the distance separating the mouth of the first orifice 8 from the mouth of the second orifice 10 so that the first and second pins 30, 34 extend respectively into the first and second orifices 8, 10.

[0047] The second arm 24 is articulated to the first arm 22 around an axis of rotation extending at the end of a branch 36 extending projecting from the first arm 22 between the receiving end 26 and the first mounting end 28. The axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicularly to the first and second arms 22 and 24. The branch 36 extends projecting towards the second arm 24 ensures the articulated connection between the first arm 22 and the second arm 24.

[0048] On the other side of the rotation axis relative to the second mounting end 32, the second arm 24 comprises an actuating element 38 arranged to move the second arm 24 from the insertion position to the fixing position when the actuating element 38 is applied against the abutment surface 20 during insertion of the mounting device 6 between the pair of holes in the insertion direction. The actuating element 38 is formed by a stop pin extending projecting from the second arm 24 and substantially parallel to the second pin 34. The distance between the second mounting end 32 and the actuating element 38 is such that the pressing of the actuating element 38 against the stop surface 20 causes the second arm 24 to pass from the insertion position to the fixing position and causes the second pin 34 to penetrate into the second orifice 10.Thus, the distance between the second pin 34 and the actuating element 38 is substantially equal to the distance between the second orifice 10 and the stop surface 20. These distances are for example measured between the center of the second pin 34 and the part of the actuating element 38 applied against the stop surface 20 on the one hand and between the center of the second orifice 10 and the stop surface 20 on the other hand. Due to the position of the actuating element 38 relative to the axis of rotation and to the second mounting end 32 of the second arm 22, the support of the actuating element 38 against the stop surface 20 while the mounting device 6 is in the insertion position. tends to bring the actuating element 38 closer to the first arm 22, while the second pin 34 moves away from the first pin 30 as understood by comparing Figs. 3 and 2. Thus, from outside the support 4, by approaching the mounting device 6 in the insertion position of the support 4 according to the insertion direction, the first and second pins 30, 34 can pass between the pair of orifices and when the actuating element 38 comes into contact with the stop surface 20, the mounting device 6 passes into the fixing position and the mounting device 6 is fixed on the support 4. The fixing of the removable element 2 on the fixed part is therefore done in a particularly simple manner thanks to the fixing device according to the invention.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the second arm 24 extends beyond the actuating element 38 to form an actuating end 40 opposite the second mounting end 32. The actuating end 40 is notably intended to allow a user to separate the mounting device 6 from the support 4, as will be described in more detail later.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the second arm 24 further comprises a support rib 42 extending between the second pin 34 and the actuating element 38 projecting from the same side of the second arm 24 as the second pin 34 and the actuating element 38. Thus, the support rib 42 bears against the part of the support 4 which extends between the second orifice 10 and the stop surface 20 in the fixing position of the mounting device 6, as shown in [Fig. 2]. This part of the support 4 is formed by the second branch 16 when the support 4 is formed by a profile 12 as described previously.

[0051] The use of the fixing device 1 according to the invention will now be described.

[0052] When a removable element is to be fixed to a fixed part, the mounting device 6, not fixed to the support 4, is placed in the insertion position. When the removable element 2 is not integral with the mounting device 6, the mounting device 6 may be previously fixed to the support 4 before receiving the removable element 2 on the receiving end 26. Alternatively, the removable element 2 is previously mounted on the receiving end 26.

[0053] The position of the removable element 2 in the passenger compartment can be chosen by providing several supports 4 in the passenger compartment and / or by providing a support 4 comprising several pairs of orifices and / or by providing a support 4 movable relative to the fixed part on which it is mounted. Thus, in the case of a support 4 comprising several pairs of orifices and fixed on a dashboard or in the case of a support 4 movable on the dashboard, the position of the removable element 2 can for example be chosen to be more or less close to the driver or the front passenger of the vehicle. In the case where several supports are provided, it is possible to place the removable element 2 in different locations, for example depending on whether the front passengers or rear passengers use this one.

[0054] When the position of the removable element 2 has been chosen, the mounting device 6, in the insertion position, is approached to the corresponding pair of orifices and is introduced between these orifices in the insertion direction until the actuating element 38 comes into abutment against the abutment surface 20. By continuing the movement in the insertion direction, the actuating element 38 moves the mounting device 6 from the insertion position to the fixing position, in which the mounting device 6 is fixed to the support 4 by the cooperation of the first and second pins 30, 34 respectively with the first and second orifices 8, 10. This passage from the insertion position to the fixing position is done without any particular effort on the part of the user.

[0055] When it is desired to remove the removable element 2, for example to change its position, a user presses on the actuating end 40 of the second arm 24 to move it away from the first arm 22, which applies the actuating element 38 against the stop surface 20 and tends to cause the second pin 34 to come out of the second orifice 10. This extraction is facilitated by the support rib 42 which assists the exit of the second pin 34 by pressing on the part of the support 4 extending between the second orifice 10 and the stop surface 20. When the second pin 34 has come out of the second orifice 10 and the second mounting end 32 is brought closer to the first mounting end 28, the first pin 8 can be easily extracted from the first orifice 8. The mounting device 6 can then be reused, for example with another pair of orifices and / or other support 4.

[0056] In the case of a movable support 4 on the fixed part, the position of the removable element 2 can also be modified by leaving the mounting device 6 fixed on the support 4 in the fixing position and by moving the support 4 in the adjustment direction.

[0057] It is understood that the orientations of the fixing, insertion and adjustment directions relative to the passenger compartment of the vehicle have been given by way of example and that other orientations are possible in particular depending on where the support 4 is positioned in the passenger compartment. Thus, in the case of a door panel, the insertion direction may for example correspond to the transverse direction and the adjustment direction may then correspond to the longitudinal direction. For a removable element 2 whose position is preferably adjustable in height, the adjustment position may correspond to the elevation direction.

Claims

Claims

1. Mounting device (1) of a removable element (2) on a support intended to be fixed on a fixed part comprising: - a first arm (22) comprising a receiving end (26) intended to receive the removable element (2) and a first mounting end (28), opposite the receiving end (26), comprising a first pin (30), - a second arm (24) comprising a second mounting end (32) comprising a second pin (34), characterized in that the second arm (24) is rotatable relative to the first arm (22) between an insertion position, in which the second mounting end (32) is brought closer to the first mounting end (26) in a fixing direction, and a fixing position, in which the second mounting end (32) is spaced from the first mounting end (28) in the fixing direction,the second arm (24) further comprising an actuating element (38) spaced from the second mounting end (32) in an insertion direction different from the fixing direction, said actuating element (38) causing the second arm (24) to pass from the insertion position to the fixing position when it is applied against a stop surface (20) of the support (4) in the insertion direction.,

2. A mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the second arm (24) is hinged to the first arm about an axis of rotation extending from one end of a branch (36) extending projecting from the first arm (22) between the receiving end (26) and the first mounting end (28).

3. A mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (38) extends on the other side of the axis of rotation of the second arm (24) relative to the second mounting end (32).

4. Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second arm (24) of the mounting device (6) comprises a support rib (42) extending between the second pin (34) and the actuating element (38), said support rib (42) being intended to bear on a part of the support (4) spaced from the stop surface (20) in the direction of insertion in the position of fixing the mounting device (6).

5. A device (1) for fixing a removable element (2) to a fixed part comprising: - a support (4) intended to be fixed to the fixed part, said support (4) comprising at least one pair of orifices, comprising a first orifice (8) and a second orifice (10) extending opposite the first orifice (8) in a fixing direction, and a stop surface (20) spaced from the second orifice (10) in an insertion direction different from the fixing direction, - a mounting device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the mounting device (6) can be introduced between the first orifice (8) and the second orifice (10) of the support (4) in the insertion direction when said mounting device (6) is in the insertion position,and - the first pin (30) is inserted into the first orifice (8) and the second pin (34) is inserted into the second orifice (10) when said mounting device (6) is in the fixing position, the actuating element (38) causing the second arm (24) to pass from the insertion position to the fixing position when it is applied against the stop surface (20) of the support (4) in the insertion direction.,

6. A fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the second mounting end (32) and the actuating element (38) of the mounting device (6) is substantially equal to the distance between the second orifice (10) and the abutment surface (20) of the support (4).

7. A fixing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the distance between a mouth of the first orifice (8) and a mouth of the second orifice (10), through which the first pin (30) and the second pin (34) are inserted into the first orifice (8) and into the second orifice (10), is greater than the distance between the free ends of the first pin (30) and the second pin (34) in the insertion position of the mounting device (6) and less than this distance in the fixing position of the mounting device (6).

8. A fixing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support (4) comprises a plurality of pairs of holes, said pairs being spaced from each other in a direction of different adjustment of the fixing and insertion directions, the mounting device (6) being able to cooperate with each pair of holes in different fixing positions of the mounting device (6) on the support (4).

9. Fixing device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, in which the support (4) comprises a profile (12) comprising a first branch (14) and a second branch (16) substantially parallel and spaced from each other in the fixing direction, the first orifice (8) being made in the first branch (14) and the second orifice (10) being made in the second branch (16).

10. A fixing device according to claim 9, wherein the profile comprises a bottom wall (18) joining the first branch (14) and the second branch (16), the stop surface (20) being formed by one end of the second branch (16) opposite the bottom wall (18) in the direction of insertion.

11. Vehicle trim element, said trim element forming a fixed part on which is fixed a support (4) of a fixing device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, a removable element (2) being reversibly fixed on said trim element by means of a mounting device (6) of said fixing device (1).

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