ASSEMBLED SYSTEM OF PARTS WITH NO VISIBLE PLAY
The system addresses gaps between parts by using displacement ribs to achieve a seamless connection, improving the perceived quality of assembled systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023011241
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-18
AI Technical Summary
In assembled systems comprising three parts, such as those found in vehicles, gaps often form between the right and left ends due to dimensional variations, revealing unsightly fasteners and detracting from the perceived quality.
The system employs straight ribs on the third and fourth fastening elements that displace the second and third parts to eliminate gaps by causing leftward and rightward movements, ensuring a zero or near-zero distance between the ends, achieved through plastic deformation or sliding on wall sub-parts.
This solution results in a seamless connection, enhancing the perceived quality by eliminating visible gaps and maintaining the integrity of the assembly.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: ASSEMBLED SYSTEM OF PARTS WITH NO VISIBLE PLAY Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to assembled systems comprising three parts. State of the art
[0002] In certain technical fields, systems comprising three parts that are assembled together are used. This is the case, for example, in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type.
[0003] Some of these assembled systems include:
[0004] - a first part provided with first and second fixing elements installed res specifically in first and second openings delimited by first and second sub-parts of a wall,
[0005] - a second part equipped, on the right side of a left end, with a third element of fastening cooperating with the first fastening element, and
[0006] - a third part equipped, on the left side of a right end, with a fourth element of the fastening unit cooperating with the second fastening unit.
[0007] By way of illustrative example, in a vehicle the first part may be a display unit fitted to a dashboard and the second and third parts may be two trim pieces fitted to this dashboard.
[0008] Since the second and third parts are independent, they are fixed separately to the first part. Therefore, due to dimensional variations in manufacturing, variations in relative positions, and permissible clearances, a gap frequently exists between the right and left ends of the second and third parts, respectively. This gap, which can sometimes be more than one millimeter wide, reveals a small portion of the technical part of the first component, including the first and second fasteners. The presence of such an unsightly gap, instead of a proper connection between the right and left ends, is often considered by users of the vehicles concerned as an assembly or design flaw, which detracts from the perceived quality of the vehicle.
[0009] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0010] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an assembled system comprising:
[0011] - a first part provided with first and second fixing elements installed res respectively in first and second openings delimited by first and second sub-parts of a wall,
[0012] - a second part equipped, on the right side of a left end, with a third element of fastening cooperating with the first fastening element, and
[0013] - a third part equipped, on the left of a right end, with a fourth element of the fastening unit cooperating with the second fastening unit.
[0014] This assembled system is characterized by the fact that:
[0015] - that the third fastening element comprises a straight rib bearing against a straight portion of the first sub-section of the wall in order to cause at least a partial leftward displacement of the second piece, and
[0016] - that the fourth fastening element comprises a left-hand rib resting against a left-hand portion of the second sub-section of the wall in order to cause at least a partial displacement to the right of the third piece,
[0017] - the movements to the left and right being chosen so as to make tend towards a zero value a distance separating the left and right extremities.
[0018] Thus, a real or apparent docking is obtained between the left and right ends due to the absence of visible empty space between them, which helps to reinforce the impression of quality.
[0019] The system assembled according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0020] - the right rib and left rib can be arranged so as to cause displacements to the left and right by stretching by plastic deformation of material respectively of the second and third parts;
[0021] - the right rib and left rib can be arranged so as to cause movements to the left and right of identical widths;
[0022] - each of the right and left ribs may have a free end in bevel facilitating the introduction of the third or fourth fixing element into the first or second opening and causing movement to the left or right by sliding on the first or second sub-part of the wall;
[0023] - the first opening may have a width equal to a sum of a width of the third fixing element following a right / left direction and a first predefined set, and the second opening can have a width equal to a sum of a width of the fourth fixing element following this right / left direction and a second predefined set;
[0024] - the first and second fastening elements may be of the female type, and the third and fourth fixing elements can be of the male type;
[0025] - the third and fourth fastening elements can respectively form part integral of the second and third parts;
[0026] - its first part may be a display unit intended to be fitted to a board of a vehicle's dashboard, and its second and third parts can be two trim pieces intended to equip this dashboard.
[0027] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one assembled system of the type presented above.
[0028] For example, this vehicle may include a dashboard to which the assembled system is attached. Brief description of the figures
[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0030] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a front view from the rear, a part of an example of the first part of an example embodiment of a system assembled according to the invention,
[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, examples of parts of the second and third pieces of a system assembled according to the invention also comprising the first piece of [Fig.1] (not materialized),
[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a view partly in perspective from the rear side and partly in section in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a part of the second piece of [Fig.2] assembled to the first piece of [Fig.1],
[0033] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a view partly in perspective from the rear side and partly in section in a transverse and vertical plane, parts of the second and third pieces of [Fig.2] assembled to the first piece of [Fig.1],
[0034] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the part of the second piece of [Fig. 2] comprising the third fastening element and the left end, and
[0035] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the part of the third piece of [Fig.2] comprising the fourth fixing element and the right end. Detailed description of the invention
[0036] The invention aims in particular to provide an assembled system SA comprising three parts PI to P3 of which two (P2 and P3) are assembled without visible play between them.
[0037] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the assembled system SA is intended to equip a motor vehicle, such as a car. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, an assembled system SA can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any device (possibly a household appliance), any installation (including in- industrial), or any building (public or private).
[0038] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the assembled system SA is considered to be intended for use on the dashboard of a motor vehicle and comprises a first part PI constituting a display unit (intended to be placed in front of the steering wheel of the vehicle and dedicated to the driver), and second parts P2 and third parts P3 constituting two trim pieces. However, the first PI, second P2, and third P3 parts of the assembled system SA could be different from those mentioned in the preceding sentence and could be used to equip other vehicle components, such as a console, a door, or a seat.
[0039] In figures 1 to 6, the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0040] Furthermore, in what follows and precedes, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the front and rear ends of a vehicle. Therefore, a front face of an element (or part) is intended to be oriented towards the front end (here) of a vehicle, while a rear face of that element (or part) is intended to be oriented towards the rear end (here) of that vehicle (and thus opposite the front face and the front end of the vehicle).
[0041] Figures 1 to 4 schematically illustrate, at least partially, an example of an embodiment of an SA assembled system according to the invention.
[0042] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, an assembled system SA, according to the invention, comprises first P1, second P2 and third P3 parts.
[0043] As illustrated in figures 1, 3 and 4, the first part PI (here a display unit for the driver) is provided with at least first EF1 and second EF2 fixing elements which are installed respectively in first 01 and second 02 openings delimited respectively by first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of a wall PP1.
[0044] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the wall PP1, in which the first 01 and second 02 openings are defined, is a technical wall located below the display device of the first part PI. However, this wall PP1 could be a technical wall located above the display device of the first part PI.
[0045] Furthermore, in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the wall PP1 also includes fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fixing elements which will be discussed later.
[0046] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the second part P2 (here a hubcap) is provided, to the right of its left end EG2 (and on its front face FV2 (here intended to be oriented opposite to the steering wheel)), with a third fastening element EF3 which cooperates with the first fastening element EF1 to participate in the assembly with the first part PI. Furthermore, the third fastening element EF3 includes a straight rib ND3 which bears against a straight portion of the first sub-part SP1 of the wall PP1, in order to cause at least a partial leftward displacement of the second part P2.It will be understood that when the second part P2 is moved towards the rear face FRI of the first part PI (here intended to be oriented towards the steering wheel), in order to make the third fixing element EF3 cooperate with the first fixing element EF1, the right rib ND3 initially abuts against the first sub-part SP1 of the wall PP1 (which delimits the right side of the first opening 01), then translates along the inner face of this first sub-part SP1, displacing the second part P2 at least partially to the left. Note that here the right rib ND3 extends mainly along the longitudinal direction X (length) and along the transverse direction Y (width).
[0047] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the third part P3 (here another hubcap) is provided, to the left of its right end ED3 (and on its front face FV3 (here intended to be oriented opposite to the steering wheel)), with a fourth fastening element EF4 which cooperates with the second fastening element EF2 to participate in the assembly with the first part PI. Furthermore, the fourth fastening element EF4 includes a left-hand rib NG4 which bears against a left-hand portion of the second sub-part SP2 of the wall PP1, in order to cause at least a partial rightward displacement of the third part P3.It will be understood that when the third part P3 is moved towards the rear face FRI of the first part PI, in order to make the fourth fixing element EF4 cooperate with the second fixing element EF2, the left rib NG4 first abuts against the second sub-part SP2 of the wall PP1 (which delimits the left side of the second opening 02), then translates along the inner face of this second sub-part SP2, displacing the third part P3 at least partially to the right. Note that here the left rib NG4 extends mainly along the longitudinal direction X (length) and along the transverse direction Y (width).
[0048] The leftward and rightward displacements are complementary and chosen so as to make the distance EEP, which separates the left end EG2 of the second piece P2 and the right end ED3 of the third piece P3.
[0049] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], movements to the left and right require the EEP distance to be zero, which provides a perfect docking between the left end EG2 and the right end ED3. However, the EEP distance could be very slightly greater than zero, for example between 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm, which would still be perceived as docking (here) by a passenger in a vehicle.
[0050] This actual or apparent docking, due to the absence of any visible gap, does not reveal any portion of the technical part of the first component PI, and therefore there is no longer any risk that a user might consider the assembled system SA to have an assembly or design defect. This results in a reinforced impression of quality (here) of the vehicle.
[0051] Preferably, the right rib ND3 and left rib NG4 are arranged to cause leftward and rightward displacements, respectively, by plastic deformation of the material of the second P2 and third P3 parts. In other words, they constrain the second P2 and third P3 parts to deform plastically in order to stretch laterally (here transversely) to the left or right, thus reducing the clearance and causing it to approach zero. As a result, the other connections managed by other fastening elements (or "primary pilots") of the second P2 and third P3 parts remain unchanged, which is particularly advantageous. However, in an alternative embodiment, the right rib ND3 and left rib NG4 could cause leftward and rightward displacements, respectively, of the second P2 and third P3 parts.
[0052] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the second P2 and third P3 parts also include (on their front faces FV2 and FV3) seventh EF7 and eighth EF8 fastening elements intended to cooperate respectively with the fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fastening elements of the wall PP1 (of the first part PI) to participate in their assembly to the latter (PI) and to reinforce this assembly. However, these seventh EF7 and eighth EF8 fastening elements are standard insofar as they do not have a displacement rib.
[0053] For example, the right rib ND3 and the left rib NG4 can be arranged to cause displacements to the left and right of identical widths, respectively. In this case, they have identical widths along the right / left direction (here, the transverse Y direction). However, this is not mandatory. The important point is that the displacements to the left and right be complementary and cause the EEP distance to tend towards a zero value.
[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least by Specifically in Figures 2 and 4 to 6, each of the right rib ND3 and left rib NG4 can have a beveled free end EL. This option is designed to facilitate the insertion of the third EF3 or fourth EF4 fastener into the first 01 or second 02 opening, and to cause it to slide left or right on the first SP1 or second SP2 sub-parts. It will be understood that when the third EF3 or fourth EF4 fastener moves towards the rear face FRI of the first part PI (and therefore forward), the free end EL of the right rib ND3 or left rib NG4 touches the first SP1 or second SP2 sub-part of the wall PP1, and its bevel facilitates further forward movement and at least partial movement to the left (of the second part P2) or to the right (of the third part P3).
[0055] But such an arrangement is not mandatory, and the free end EL of each of the right rib ND3 and left rib NG4 could be substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. In this case, the technician who assembles the SA system is forced to translate the second part P2 to the left when the right rib ND3 touches the first sub-part SP1, before continuing the movement of the second part P2 forward, or the third part P3 to the right when the left rib NG4 touches the second sub-part SP2, before continuing the movement of the third part P3 forward.
[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially in [Fig. 4], the first opening 01 can have a width equal to the sum of the width of the third fixing element EF3 along the right / left direction (here the transverse direction Y) and a first predefined clearance. This allows for a margin to account for dimensional variations during manufacturing and variations in the relative positions of the first PI and second P2 parts.
[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially in [Fig. 4], the second opening 02 can have a width equal to the sum of the width of the fourth fixing element EF4 along this right / left Y direction and a second predefined set. This allows for a margin to account for dimensional manufacturing variations and variations in the relative positions of the first PI and third P3 parts.
[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 to 6, the first EF1 and second EF2 fastening elements may be female, and the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fastening elements may be male. Similarly, the fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fastening elements may also be female, and the seventh EF7 and eighth EF8 fastening elements may also be male.
[0059] In this case, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 3, 5, and 6, each of the first EF1 and second EF2 fastening elements, and any fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fastening elements, can be a metal clip into which a clipping tab of a corresponding third EF3, fourth EF4, seventh EF7, or eighth EF8 fastening element is clipped. This clipping allows a small degree of movement of each clipping tab along (here) the transverse Y direction, in both directions.
[0060] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.3], each of the clipping tabs of the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fastening elements (and of the possible fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fastening elements) may have a front end EV having a cross-section in a longitudinal and vertical plane in the shape of an ogive or an ellipse so as to define a swollen front part which is retained by a central front part of a corresponding clip EF1 or EF2 or EF5 or EF6.
[0061] It should be noted that each clipping tab can be stiffened by a support zone, comprising for example two longitudinal ribs, forming part of its third EF3 or fourth EF4 or possible seventh EF7 or possible eighth EF8 fixing element.
[0062] However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first EF1 and second EF2 fastening elements could be male, and the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fastening elements could be female. Similarly, the fifth EF5 and sixth EF6 fastening elements could also be male, and the seventh EF7 and eighth EF8 fastening elements could also be female.
[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 6, the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fastening elements can respectively be integral parts of the second P2 and third P3 parts. This arrangement is particularly possible when the second P2 and third P3 parts are made by molding a plastic material, possibly followed by the application of a synthetic coating or the bonding of a covering made of a textile, leather, or synthetic material.
[0064] But in an alternative embodiment not shown, the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fixing elements (and the possible seventh EF7 and eighth EF8 fixing elements) could be added parts respectively on the front faces FV2 and FV3 of the second P2 and third P3 parts, for example by gluing or ultrasonic welding or vibration and / or screwing.
[0065] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2 and 4 to 6, each of the third EF3 and fourth EF4 fastening elements may also include a small left rib NG3 opposite the right rib ND3 or a small right rib ND4 opposite the left rib NG4. Note that here the small left rib NG3 and the small right rib ND4 extend primarily along the longitudinal X direction (length) and the transverse Y direction (width). Each of the small left rib NG3 and small right rib ND4 performs a positioning function (of the pilot type), but does not play any role in left or right movement. Consequently, the width of the small left rib NG3 is strictly less than the width of the right rib ND3, and the width of the small right rib ND4 is strictly less than the width of the left rib NG4.
Claims
Demands
1. Assembled system (AS) comprising i) a first part (P1) provided with first (EF1) and second (EF2) fasteners installed respectively in first (01) and second (02) openings delimited by first (SP1) and second (SP2) sub-parts of a wall (PP1), ii) a second part (P2) provided, to the right of a left end (EG2), with a third fastener (EF3) cooperating with said first fastener (EF1), and iii) a third part (P3) provided, to the left of a right end (ED3), with a fourth fastener (EF4) cooperating with said second fastener (EF2), characterized in that a) said third fastener (EF3) comprises a straight rib (ND3) bearing against a straight portion of said first sub-part (SP1) in order to cause at least a partial displacement to the left of said second part (P2),and b) said fourth fastening element (EF4) comprises a left rib (NG4) bearing against a left portion of said second sub-part (SP2) in order to cause at least a partial rightward displacement of said third part (P3), said leftward and rightward displacements being chosen so as to cause the distance separating said left (EG2) and right (ED3) extremities to tend towards zero.
2. System assembled according to claim 1, characterized in that said right rib (ND3) and left rib (NG4) are arranged so as to cause displacements to the left and right by stretching by plastic deformation of material respectively of said second (P2) and third (P3) parts.
3. System assembled according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said right rib (ND3) and left rib (NG4) are arranged so as to cause displacements to the left and right of identical widths.
4. System assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of said right rib (ND3) and left rib (NG4) has a beveled free end (EL) facilitating an introduction of said third (EF3) or fourth (EF4) fastening element into said first (01) or second (02) opening and causing said movement to the left or right by sliding on said first (SP1) or second (SP2) sub-part.
5. System assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first opening (01) has a width equal to a sum of a width of said third fixing element (EF3) along a right / left direction and a first predefined set, and said second opening (02) has a width equal to a sum of a width of said fourth fixing element (EF4) along said right / left direction and a second predefined set.
6. System assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first (EF1) and second (EF2) fastening elements are of the female type, and said third (EF3) and fourth (EF4) fastening elements are of the male type.
7. System assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said third (EF3) and fourth (EF4) fastening elements are respectively an integral part of the second (P2) and third (P3) parts.
8. System assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first part (P1) is a display unit intended to be fitted to a dashboard of a vehicle, and said second (P2) and third (P3) parts are two trim pieces intended to be fitted to said dashboard.
9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one assembled system (AS) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a dashboard to which said assembled system (AS) is attached.