VEHICLE DASHBOARD SCREEN MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attaching a vehicle dashboard screen (18) comprising at least one first (2, 3) arm mounted on a portion (1) of the vehicle dashboard and at least one second (20, 21) arm mounted on a portion (19) of the screen (18), the first (2, 3) and second (20, 21) arms being configured to form a connection between the screen (18) and the dashboard, characterized in that the at least one first (2, 3) arm comprises three support and retention zones, along three axes (X, Y, Z), of three support and retention zones of complementary geometric configurations located on the at least one second arm. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a device. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR FIXING A VEHICLE DASHBOARD SCREEN

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fixing a dashboard screen of a vehicle.

[0002] Here the term vehicle designates a car, a van, a truck, a public transport vehicle, a public works or agricultural machine, regardless of the type of engine. Many vehicles have a screen placed substantially in the middle of the dashboard. Such screens make it possible, at a minimum, to display various information readable by both the driver and a passenger, knowing that touch screens forming a control interface with various equipment of the vehicle are frequently found. In most cases, these screens are rectangular and can have relatively large dimensions, for example between 30 cm and 50 cm diagonal, to facilitate reading. They are generally fixed on one side to the dashboard. CN-A-116 653 789 discloses a device for fixing a screen comprising at least one pivoting arm mounted on a fixed arm secured to the dashboard.The device includes a sliding indexing mechanism and screw locking. Such a device is not easy to use for screens that need to be fixed to dashboards with complex geometric configurations, without the fixing device being visible to vehicle users.

[0003] The object of the invention is to propose a solution for fixing a dashboard screen that is easy to install on any type of vehicle dashboard, regardless of the dimensions of the screen and the geometric configuration of the dashboard.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a device for fixing a vehicle dashboard screen comprising at least one first arm mounted on a part of the dashboard of a vehicle and at least one second arm mounted on a part of the screen, the first and second arms being configured to form a connection between the screen and the dashboard, characterized in that the at least one first arm comprises three support and holding zones, along three axes, of three support and holding zones of complementary geometric configurations and located on the at least one second arm.

[0005] Thanks to the invention, the connection between the screen and the dashboard is made along three axes, thus ensuring optimal support, whatever the shape and dimensions of the screen and / or the dashboard, this being done easily by cooperation of shapes between the first and second arms.

[0006] According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a device for fixing a vehicle dashboard screen may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

[0007] The device comprises two first arms fixed on a tubular crosspiece of the dashboard and two second arms mounted on the rear face of the screen.

[0008] The first support and holding zones along the abscissa axis are formed by tabs configured as a clip and located at a free end of the second arms, said tabs being adapted to be inserted into orifices provided on tabs fixed to the first arms and extending outwards relative to the main planes of the first arms.

[0009] The second support and holding zones along the height axis are formed by reliefs provided on one face of the second arms and adapted to fit into orifices of complementary shapes and dimensions provided on a part of the end of the first arms.

[0010] The third support and holding zones along the ordinate axis are formed by bolts secured to the second arms and adapted to be screwed into nuts provided in the ends of the first arms.

[0011] The connections between the first and second arms according to the three support and holding zones are removable.

[0012] The second arms are permanently fixed to the rear face of the screen.

[0013] The first arms are movable in translation and / or in inclination on the tubular crosspiece of the dashboard.

[0014] The first and / or second arms are adjustable in length.

[0015] the invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a device for fixing a dashboard screen conforming to at least one of the preceding characteristics.

[0016] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] is a simplified and partial perspective view of part of a painting by edge equipped with two first arms according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0018] [Fig.2] is a perspective view on another scale, of a screen equipped with two second arms conforming to the embodiment of the invention of [Fig.l],

[0019] [Fig.3] is a smaller-scale perspective view of the dashboard portion and the screen of figures 1 and 2 in pre-assembly position,

[0020] [Fig.4] is a perspective view, similar to [Fig.3] and on the same scale, the first and second arms being connected,

[0021] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.4] and on the same scale, the first and second arms being joined and

[0022] [Fig.6] is a larger-scale and partial sectional view of the area of fixing between the first and second arms when the screen is fixed on the dashboard.

[0023] [Fig.l] illustrates a part 1 of a dashboard supporting at least one, here advantageously two, first arms 2, 3. Each arm 2, 3 is metallic. Alternatively, they may be made of polymers or a composite material. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 2, 3 are symmetrical flattened tabs. Each arm 2, 3 comprises a curved main body 4, 5. The main bodies 4, 5 each have one end provided with a cutout 6, 7 which allows each arm 2, 3 to be fixed to the part 1 of the dashboard. Here, the part 1 being formed by a tubular crosspiece with a circular section, the cutouts 6, 7 are in an arc of a circle and of complementary dimensions. Alternatively, the shapes and dimensions of the part 1 and the cutouts 6, 7 are different as long as they are complementary. The arms 2, 3 are permanently held on part 1 by welding at the cutouts 6, 7.It is understood that, due to the tubular shape of part 1, the arms 2, 3 are easily positioned on part 1 by modifying the inclinations of the main bodies 6, 7 relative to the vertical as well as their positions along a longitudinal axis of part 1.

[0024] The ends 8, 9 of the arms 2, 3 opposite the cutouts 6, respectively 7, are of generally rectangular shape. Each end 8, 9 extends outwards and is generally in the form of a flat tab. In the example of [Fig. 1], the ends 8, 9 have their main planes P8, P9 substantially vertical. It is understood that the position of the ends 8, 9 depends on the inclination of the main bodies 4, 5 on the tubular part 1. As appears in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the arms 2, 3 are parallel to each other and symmetrical. The faces of the bodies 4, 5 and of the ends 8, 9 opposite each other are identical.

[0025] Each arm 2, 3 at its end 8, 9 comprises three so-called support and holding zones. A first support and holding zone, referenced 10A on the end 8 and 10B on the end 9, is particularly visible in [Fig.l]. Each zone 10A, 10B is located on a so-called external face of the arm 2, namely the face which is not opposite the arm 3. Each support and holding zone 10A, 10B is formed by a rectangular, flat tab fixed perpendicular to the main plane P8 or P9 of the end 8 or 9 by welding. The legs 10A, 10B extend outwards and are each held in this position by two triangular legs welded to the end 8, 9. In the vicinity of the connection zone with the end 8, the leg 10A is provided with a through hole 1 IA. The hole 1 IA is rectangular and extends over substantially the entire width of the leg 10A.The same applies to leg 10B, the rectangular hole in leg 10B not being visible at the various . figures. The legs 10A, 10B and in particular the orifices 11A define a first support and holding zone along the X axis of the abscissas.

[0026] A second support and holding zone, referenced 12A on the end 8 and 12B on the end 9, is located in the vicinity of the first zones 10A, 10B. These second zones are formed by two through orifices 12A, 12B, generally triangular in shape with a rounded top and arranged in a median position on the ends 8, 9. The orifices 12A, 12B allow holding along the height axis Z.

[0027] The terminal parts 13A, 13B of the ends 8, respectively 9, define a third support and holding zone according to the access Y of the ordinates. Each part 13A, 13B comprises a U-shaped cutout referenced 14A, 14B and arranged substantially in the middle position. The parts 13A, 13B are also each provided with a through-orifice equipped with a threaded nut 15A, 15B. The nuts 15A, 15B are placed in the extension of the cutouts 14A, 14B, halfway between the cutouts 14A, 14B and the orifices 12A, 12B. The nuts 15A, 15B are accessible from the so-called external faces 16A, 16B of the ends 8, 9, therefore on the parallel faces of the ends 8, 9 furthest from each other. From the so-called internal faces 17A, 17B, facing each other, only the threaded interior of each nut 15A, 15B is visible.

[0028] It is understood that these three support and holding zones may have geometric configurations and / or dimensions different from those illustrated. In all cases they are adapted to ensure for the first support zone a holding along the X axis of the abscissas, for the second support and holding zone a blocking in position along the Z axis and a holding along the Y axis of the ordinates by the third support and holding zone.

[0029] [Fig. 2] illustrates a screen 18, touch-sensitive or not, seen in perspective from a face 19 called the rear face, that is to say the face intended to be connected to the dashboard by means of the arms 2, 3.

[0030] This rear face 19 of the screen is provided with two second arms 20, 21 of configurations complementary to the first arms 2, 3 fixed on the dashboard. Here, the number of second arms 20, 21 is two, in accordance with the number of first arms 2, 3 and, like the latter, they are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on the rear face 19 of the screen 18. The second arms 20, 21 are parallel and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to that between the first arms 2, 3. The second arms 20, 21 each comprise a main body 22, 23 permanently fixed on the rear face 19. The main bodies 22, 23 are generally in the form of a triangular plate with a U-shaped cross-section. Substantially in the middle position, in the vicinity of the face 19, the bodies 22, 23 are each provided with an orifice in which there is a bolt with an operating head 24, visible on the body 22.

[0031] The so-called internal faces opposite the second arms 20, 21 are each equipped with a relief 25, visible on the arm 21. Each relief 25 has a shape and dimensions complementary to those of the orifices 12A, 12B. The free ends 26, 27 of the arms 20, 21 each support a removable connecting tab 28, 29. The tabs 28, 29 are configured as a fixing clip, in the shape of a V with deformable arms surrounding a central part defining a slide. Such clips are known per se, it being understood that other geometric configurations can be used, provided that the connection is removable.

[0032] It is easy to understand that the number of first and second arms may be different from that described. The minimum number is one. In this case, the second arm is generally placed in a middle position on the rear face 19 of the screen. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for screens of relatively small dimensions and / or weight. However, there is a risk of vibration of the screen with only one second arm. Similarly, it is possible to imagine a number of arms greater than two for screens of very large size and / or high weight, for example three, or even four, but in this case there is a risk of hyperstaticism, therefore an assembly with higher stresses than those encountered in the embodiment described.

[0033] [Fig. 3] illustrates a screen 18 in the pre-assembly position on the first arms 2, 3 themselves fixed on the tubular part or crosspiece 1 of the dashboard. In this position, the screen 18 is presented so that the tabs 28, 29 arranged at the ends of the second arms 20, 21 are opposite the orifices 11A formed in the support zones 10A, 10B of the first arms 2, 3. This obviously implies that the spacing between the first parallel arms 2, 3 and the spacing between the second parallel arms 20, 21 are complementary, the second arms 20, 21 of the screen 18 being slightly more spaced apart than the arms 2, 3 so that the internal faces of the arms 20, 21 are in abutment against the external faces 16A, 16B of the arms 2, 3.

[0034] A first step illustrated in [Fig.4], consists of inserting and clipping the tabs 28, 29 of the second arms 20, 21 into the orifices 1 IA of the first arms 2, 3, this by a translational movement according to the arrow FL This first connection ensures that the screen 18 is held on the crosspiece 1 of the dashboard along the X axis of the abscissas, thus avoiding any lateral movement from right to left of the screen. During this movement, the second arms 20, 21 are folded against the first arms 2, 3. This movement makes it possible to insert the reliefs 25 into the cutouts 12A, 12B constituting the second support and support zones. The complementarity of shapes between the reliefs 25 and the cutouts 12A, 12B ensure that the second arms 20, 21 are held along the height axis Z, thus avoiding any tilting downwards of the screen 18.

[0035] [Fig.5] illustrates the next step for finalizing the fixing of the screen 18 on the crosspiece 1. This ensures that it is held along the Y axis, avoiding any front to back movement of the screen 18. For this, the cutouts 14A, 14B are engaged with complementary shaped parts provided on the rear face 19, which makes it possible to position the nuts 15A, 15B opposite the bolts 24. The screen 18 is then locked in position by screwing the bolts 24 of the second arms 20, 21 into the nuts 15A, 15B of the first arms 2, 3 according to the arrows F2, F3. This also contributes to the mutual positioning and locking in position of the first and second support and holding zones during the movement of the screen 18 relative to the first arms 2, 3 according to the arrow F1. According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], the bolts 24 are supplied with the screen and secured to the arms 20, 21, thus avoiding any loss.

[0036] As noted in [Fig.6], the screen 18 is held on the dashboard in a remote manner by its rear face 19, releasing the screen 18 from the dashboard. The screen 18 is not supported by an edge or by a face on the dashboard. Such a solution, in addition to a given visual aspect, allows greater variety in the geometric configuration of the dashboard and in the size of the screen. The invention allows fixing along the three axes X, Y, Z, that is to say, allows the screen 18 to be fixed on the dashboard while avoiding any vibration or movement. The invention also allows, during the mounting of the first arms 2, 3 on the crosspiece 1 of the dashboard, a certain degree of pivoting of the arms 2, 3 for an optimal position of the screen relative to the dashboard.The invention provides an optimal aesthetic effect since the screen seen by a user does not appear to be fixed to the dashboard, the fixing device remaining invisible to vehicle users. The invention allows a connection between the screen 18 and the removable dashboard. Indeed, it is easy to separate the first arms 2, 3 from the second arms 20, 21 by unscrewing the bolts 24 by a movement opposite to that illustrated by the arrows F2, F3 and by separating the reliefs 25 from the orifices 12A, 12B and unclipping the tabs 28, 29 from the orifices 1 IA by a movement opposite to that illustrated by the arrow FL.

[0037] Alternatively, the first arms 2, 3 and / or the second arms 20, 21 are movable in translation, for example by being telescopic, in order to be able to adjust the distance between the screen 18 and the dashboard. The same applies to the inclination of the first arms 2, 3 relative to the dashboard and therefore de facto to the inclination of the screen 18 relative to the dashboard. However, in order to avoid vibrations of the screen 18, in particular when the vehicle is moving, if degrees of freedom in inclination and / or in translation are possible, it can only be a single adjustment of the position when mounting the first arms 2, 3 on the crossmember 1 and / or the second arms 20, 21 on the rear face 19 of the screen 18.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for fixing a vehicle dashboard screen (18) comprising at least one first arm (2, 3) mounted on a part (1) of the dashboard of a vehicle and at least one second arm (20, 21) mounted on a part (19) of the screen (18), the first (2, 3) and second (20, 21) arms being configured to form a connection between the screen (18) and the dashboard, characterized in that the at least one first arm (2, 3) comprises three support and holding zones, along three axes (X, Y, Z), of three support and holding zones of complementary geometric configurations and located on the at least one second arm (20, 21).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two first arms (2, 3) fixed on a tubular crosspiece (1) of the dashboard and two second arms (20, 21) mounted on the rear face (19) of the screen (18).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first support and holding zones along the axis (X) of the abscissas are formed by tabs (28, 29) configured as a clip and located at a free end (26, 27) of the second arms (20, 21), said tabs (28, 29) being adapted to be inserted into orifices (1 IA) provided on tabs (10A, 10B) fixed on the first arms (2, 3) and extending outwards relative to the main planes (P8, P9) of the first arms (2, 3).

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second support and holding zones along the height axis (Z) are formed by reliefs (25) provided on one face of the second arms (20, 21) and adapted to be inserted into orifices (12A, 12B) of complementary shapes and dimensions provided on a part of the end (8, 9) of the first arms (2, 3).

5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the third support and holding zones along the ordinate axis (Y) are formed by bolts (24) integral with the second arms (20, 21) and adapted to be screwed (F2, F3) into nuts (15A, 15B) formed in the ends (8, 9) of the first arms (2, 3).

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connections between the first (2, 3) and the second arms (20, 21) according to the three support and holding zones are removable.

7. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second

8.

9.

10. arms (20, 21) are permanently fixed to the rear face (19) of the screen (18). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first arms (2, 3) are movable in translation and / or in inclination on the tubular crosspiece (1) of the dashboard. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first (2, 3) and / or the second (20, 21) arms are adjustable in length. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a device for fixing a dashboard screen (18) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images