ASSEMBLED SYSTEM OF PARTS AND DISPLAY COMBINATION WITH INVISIBLE FIXING ELEMENTS AND REDUCED FLUSH

Abstract

An assembled system (SA) comprises: - a display unit (CA) comprising a glass (GC), secured to a housing (BC) and comprising two first edges (BC1-BC2) opposite each other and having first and second symmetrically opposite bevels, and first fixing elements (EF1), and - first (P1) and second (P2) parts respectively comprising first (E1) and second (E2) ends, provided with second (EF2) and third (EF3) fixing elements cooperating with the first fixing elements (EF1), and respectively comprising second (BP2) and third (BP3) edges having third and fourth symmetrically opposite bevels and placed respectively opposite and close to the first and second bevels in order to make the first (EF1), second (E2) and third (EF3) fixing elements invisible. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: ASSEMBLED SYSTEM OF PARTS AND DISPLAY COMBINATION WITH INVISIBLE FASTENING ELEMENTS AND REDUCED FLUSH Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to systems comprising a display handset and two parts. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, systems are used comprising a display unit and two parts which are assembled together. This is the case, for example, in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, in particular in a dashboard.

[0003] Some of these systems include:

[0004] - a display unit comprising a glass secured to a housing and first fixing elements,

[0005] - a first part comprising a first end provided with second fixing elements, and

[0006] - a second part comprising a second end provided with third fixing elements.

[0007] As an illustrative example, in a vehicle the display unit can equip a dashboard and be dedicated to the driver, and the first and second parts can be two trim (or decoration (or ornament)) parts equipping this dashboard on either side of the display unit.

[0008] The first and second parts being independent of each other and of the display unit which they frame, they are fixed separately, just like the display unit, to other elements, such as for example a structural part of the dashboard. Due to the dimensional dispersions of manufacture, the dispersions of the relative positions and the authorized clearances, it frequently happens that there is an empty space (or clearance) between the first opposite edges of the glass of the display unit and the corresponding edges respectively of the first and second parts, and / or an offset (flush) between the front faces of the glass and the first and second parts.

[0009] Each empty space (or gap) can sometimes have a width of more than one millimeter, and therefore reveals a small portion of a technical part of the display unit and / or a small portion of a technical part of the first or second part, such as for example at least a first, second or third fixing element.

[0010] The presence of such an empty, unsightly space, in place of a docking between neighboring edges, is often considered by users of the vehicles concerned as an assembly defect or a design defect, which detracts from the impression of quality of the vehicle.

[0011] Similarly, each flush offset can sometimes be greater than one millimeter, which does not allow for continuity (or flushness), particularly in style, between the glass and the two parts, and is therefore often considered by users of the vehicles concerned as an assembly defect or a design defect, which harms the impression of quality of the vehicle.

[0012] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0013] For this purpose, it proposes in particular an assembled system comprising:

[0014] - a display unit comprising a glass secured to a housing and first fixing elements,

[0015] - a first part comprising a first end provided with second fixing elements, and

[0016] - a second part comprising a second end provided with third fixing elements.

[0017] This assembled system is characterized by the fact that:

[0018] - the ice comprises two first opposite edges and having first and second symmetrically opposite bevels, and

[0019] - the first and second ends respectively comprise second and third edges having third and fourth bevels symmetrically opposite and placed respectively opposite and close to the first and second bevels in order to make the first, second and third fixing elements invisible to a person placed in front of the mirror.

[0020] Thanks to the presence of the pairs of bevels facing each other on either side of the glass, one cannot see what is behind, and in particular any technical part and therefore one has an impression of continuity (or docking) between the glass and the two parts, which reinforces the impression of quality.

[0021] The system assembled according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0022] - the first fixing elements can be fixedly secured to the housing;

[0023] - the third and fourth bevels may be substantially parallel respec tively to the first and second bevels;

[0024] - the first and second bevels may extend beyond the respective third and fourth bevels;

[0025] - the second and third edges may be spaced respectively from the first corresponding edges with a distance of less than 1.2 mm;

[0026] - the ice cream may comprise a front face which is spaced from front faces of the first and second parts with a distance less than 0.7 mm;

[0027] - the first fixing elements may be of the female type, and the second and third fixing elements may be of the male type;

[0028] - the second and third fixing elements may respectively be part integral part of the first and second parts;

[0029] - the first and second parts may be two assembled covering parts res respectively on the left and right of the display unit.

[0030] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one assembled system of the type presented above.

[0031] For example, this vehicle may include a dashboard to which the (one) assembled system is secured. Brief description of the figures

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0033] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in a front view from the side of the front faces (intended to be oriented towards the front passengers), a part of an example of a vehicle dashboard, comprising an example of an embodiment of a system assembled according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the face before, an exemplary embodiment of a display unit of a system assembled according to the invention, before the assembly of the first and second parts,

[0035] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, a part of the assembled system of [Fig.l],

[0036] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the side of the faces rear, the coupling between the first and second fixing elements respectively of the display unit and of the first part (on the left) of [Fig.l],

[0037] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the coupling between one of the first fixing elements of the display unit and one of the second fixing elements of the first part (on the left) of figures 1 and 4,

[0038] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear faces, the coupling between the first and third fixing elements respectively of the display unit and the second part (on the right) of [Fig.l], and

[0039] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the coupling between one of the first fixing elements of the display unit and one of the third fixing elements of the second part (on the right) of figures 1 and 6. Detailed description of the invention

[0040] The invention aims in particular to propose an assembled system SA comprising a display unit CA and first PI and second P2 parts assembled in such a way as to make their fixing elements EF1 to EF3 invisible and to allow reduced flushness.

[0041] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the assembled system SA is intended to equip a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example 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 household appliances), any installation (including industrial), or any building (public or private).

[0042] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the assembled system SA is intended to equip the dashboard PB of a motor vehicle and comprises a display unit CA dedicated to the driver of the vehicle (and therefore constituting at least part of a dashboard) and the first PI and second P2 parts are two trim (or decoration (or ornament)) parts assembled respectively to the left and right of the display unit CA. But the first PI and second P2 parts of the assembled system SA could be different from those mentioned in the previous sentence. Furthermore, the assembled system SA could equip other equipment of the vehicle, such as for example a console or a seat.

[0043] In Figures 1 to 7, 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 directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0044] Furthermore, in what follows and what precedes the notions of "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the front passengers of the vehicle V. Consequently, a front face of an element (or of a part) is intended to be oriented towards the front passengers of the vehicle V (and therefore towards the rear end of the latter (V)), while a rear face of this element (or part) is intended to be oriented opposite to the front passengers of the vehicle V (and therefore towards the front end of the latter (V)).

[0045] Figures 1, 4 and 6 schematically illustrate, at least partially, a part of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled system SA according to the invention.

[0046] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1, 4 and 6, an assembled system SA, according to the invention, comprises a display unit CA and first PI and second P2 parts assembled together.

[0047] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 7, the display unit CA (here dedicated to the driver of the vehicle V) comprises a glass GC secured to a housing BC (rear) and first fixing elements EF1. In addition, the glass GC comprises two first edges BCj (j = 1 or 2) opposite and having first and second symmetrically opposite bevels (here with respect to a plane defined from the vertical Z and longitudinal X directions).

[0048] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 7 the first two opposite edges BC1 (j = 1) and BC2 (j = 2) are respectively left and right edges of the glass GC (when observed from the side of its front face FVG (intended to be oriented towards the driver)), and therefore the first PI and second P2 pieces are installed respectively to the left and to the right of the glass GC. But these first two opposite edges BCj could be respectively upper and lower edges of the glass GC, and in this case the first PI and second P2 pieces are installed respectively above and below the glass GC.

[0049] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 3 to 5, the first part PI comprises a first end El (here right) which is provided with second fixing elements EF2 capable of cooperating with corresponding first fixing elements EF1 (here left) (of the display unit CA). In addition, this first end El comprises a second edge BP2 (here right) having a third bevel placed opposite and close to the first bevel (of the first edge (here left) BC1 of the glass GC) in order to make the first EF1 and second EF2 fixing elements which cooperate together invisible for a person placed in front of the glass GC (here the driver).

[0050] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the second part P2 comprises a second end E2 (here left) which is provided with third fixing elements EF3 capable of cooperating with corresponding first fixing elements EF1 (here right) (of the display unit CA). In addition, this second end E2 comprises a third edge BP3 (here left) having a fourth bevel, symmetrically opposite the second bevel of the first part PI (here with respect to a plane defined from the vertical Z and longitudinal X directions), and placed opposite and close to the first bevel (of the first edge (here right) BC2 of the window GC) in order to make the first EF1 and third E3 fixing elements which cooperate together invisible for a person placed in front of the window GC (here the driver).

[0051] It will be understood that the presence of the pairs of bevels facing each other on either side other side of the GC glass prevents seeing what is behind, and in particular any technical part (and therefore the fixing elements which cooperate together (EF1 and EF2, and EF1 and EF3). In addition, even if there is a small gap (in the YZ plane) between the left end of the front face FVG of the GC glass and the right end of the front face FVP1 (j = 1) of the first part PI, or between the right end of the front face FVG of the GC glass and the left end of the front face FVP2 (j = 2) of the second part P2, it is not really visible because in each pair a bevel passes behind the other (and therefore there is material just behind the empty space of the small gap). We therefore have, here both on the right and on the left, an impression of continuity (or docking), and consequently there is no longer any risk that a user considers that the assembled system SA has a assembly defect or design fault.This results in a strengthening of the impression of quality (here) of vehicle V. .

[0052] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2, 3 and 4 the display unit CA comprises two first fixing elements EF1 (here top left and bottom left) which cooperate with two second fixing elements EF2 (here top right and bottom right). But the number of first fixing elements EF1 cooperating with second fixing elements EF2 can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0053] Similarly, in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2, 3 and 6, the display unit CA comprises two first fixing elements EF1 (here top right and bottom right) which cooperate with two third fixing elements EF3 (here top left and bottom left). But the number of first fixing elements EF1 cooperating with third fixing elements EF3 can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0054] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 7, the first fixing elements EF1 can be fixedly secured to the housing BC of the display handset CA. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 7, the housing BC comprises on its external face projecting tabs (here towards the right and towards the left) PS and respectively comprising the (four) first fixing elements EF1. These projecting tabs PS are an integral part of the housing BC and are therefore produced at the same time as the latter (BC), for example by molding a plastic material. But the first fixing elements EF1 could be defined or attached to the external face of the housing BC.

[0055] This arrangement makes it possible to position each of the first fixing elements EF1 at the desired distance from the front face FVG. But in an alternative embodiment, the first fixing elements EF1 could be fixedly secured to parts of the glass GC which are located (just) behind its first and second bevels.

[0056] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in [Fig.3] that the rear face FRI of the housing BC is suitable for being fixedly secured (here) to the dashboard PB, for example by screwing using at least two screws VF (and preferably at least three screws VF). Similarly, the rear face FR2 of the first part PI is suitable for being fixedly secured (here) to the dashboard PB, for example by clipping using at least one clipping tab EF4 cooperating with a clipping hole or a clip (possibly metallic) EF5 that the dashboard PB includes, or vice versa. Also similarly, the rear face FR3 of the second part P2 is suitable for being fixedly secured (here) to the dashboard PB, for example by clipping using at least one clipping tab EF6 cooperating with a clipping hole or a clip (possibly metallic) EF7 that the dashboard PB includes, or vice versa.

[0057] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 7, the third and fourth bevels (respectively of the first E1 and second E2 ends) may be substantially parallel respectively to the first and second bevels of the first edges BCj.

[0058] Here, the term “substantially” means being exactly parallel or being almost parallel to within plus or minus three degrees.

[0059] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 7 the first bevel extends from the front face FVG towards the left and the rear of the display unit CA, and the second bevel extends from the front face FVG towards the right and the rear of the display unit CA. Consequently, the third bevel extends from the front face FVP1 towards the left and the rear of the first part PI, and the fourth bevel extends from the front face FVP2 towards the right and the rear of the second part P2.

[0060] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the first bevel could extend from the front face FVG to the right and rear of the display unit CA, and the second bevel could extend from the front face FVG to the left and rear of the display unit CA. In this case, the third bevel extends from the front face FVP1 to the right and rear of the first part PI, and the fourth bevel extends from the front face FVP2 to the left and rear of the second part P2.

[0061] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 7, the angles made by the first, second, third and fourth bevels with respect to the front faces FVG, FVP1 and FVP2 (here substantially located in a plane YZ) can be comprised (in absolute value) between 40° and 45°. As an illustrative example, these angles can be equal to 44°. But other values ​​can be envisaged for these angles.

[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 7, the first and second bevels (respectively of the first edges BCj) can extend beyond the third and fourth bevels (respectively of the first El and second E2 ends). This arrangement makes it possible to further mask the technical parts which are located behind the first and second bevels.

[0063] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the first and second bevels (respectively of the first edges BCj) could have substantially the same extensions as respectively the third and fourth bevels (respectively of the first E1 and second E2 ends).

[0064] Also for example, the second BP2 and third BP3 edges may be spaced respectively from the corresponding first edges BCj by a distance (or clearance) which is less than 1.2 mm, and preferably less than 1 mm. It will be understood that here the distance (or clearance) is determined along the transverse direction Y. For example, the manufacturing dimensional dispersions and the dispersions of the relative positions are chosen so as to obtain clearances (here on the right and on the left) equal to 0.9 mm.

[0065] Also for example, the front face FVG of the glass GC can be spaced from the front faces FVPj (j = 1 or 2) of the first PI and second P2 parts by a distance (or a flush clearance) which is less than 0.7 mm. It will be understood that here the distance (or the flush clearance) is determined along the longitudinal direction X. For example, the manufacturing dimensional dispersions and the dispersions of the relative positions are chosen so as to obtain flush clearances (here on the right and on the left) equal to 0.5 mm, which makes it possible to have a continuity (or a flush) of quality, in particular for a style effect, between the glass GC and the first PI and second P2 parts.

[0066] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 4 to 7, the first fixing elements EF1 may be of the female type, and the second EF2 and third EF3 fixing elements may be of the male type.

[0067] In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 4 to 7, each of the first fixing elements EF1 may be a metal clip into which a clipping tab of a second EF2 or third EF3 corresponding fixing element is clipped. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 4 to 7 the four metal clips EF1 are fixedly secured and respectively to the four projecting tabs (right and left) PS. More precisely, here each metal clip EF1 is fixedly secured in a through hole defined in a projecting tab (right or left) PS.

[0068] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 7, each of the clipping tabs of the second EF2 and third EF3 fixing elements may comprise a rear end EPV having a section in a longitudinal and vertical plane (XZ) in the shape of an ogive or ellipse so as to define a swollen front part which is retained by a front central part of a corresponding metal clip EF1. This makes it possible to reinforce the precision and the quality of the positioning, in particular (here) along the longitudinal direction X, of the first PI and second P2 parts relative to the glass GC, and therefore to precisely control the flushness (and consequently the continuity).

[0069] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the first fixing elements EF1 could be of the male type, and the second EF2 and third EF3 fixing elements could be of the female type.

[0070] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 4 to 7, the second EF2 and third EF3 fixing elements may respectively be an integral part of the first PI and second P2 parts. This arrangement is in particular possible when the first PI and second P2 parts are at least partly made by molding a plastic material, with possibly after this molding a deposit of a synthetic coating or a bonding of a covering made of a textile material or leather or wood or even synthetic material.

[0071] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the second EF2 and third EF3 fixing elements could be parts added respectively to the rear faces FR2 and FR3 of the first PI and second P2 parts, for example by gluing or ultrasonic welding or vibration and / or screwing.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembled system (SA) comprising i) a display handset (CA) comprising a glass (GC) secured to a housing (BC) and first fixing elements (EF1), ii) a first part (PI) comprising a first end (El) provided with second fixing elements (EF2), and iii) a second part (P2) comprising a second end (E2) provided with third fixing elements (EF3), characterized in that a) said glass (GC) comprises two first edges (BCj) opposite and having first and second symmetrically opposite bevels, and b) said first (El) and second (E2) ends respectively comprise second (BP2) and third (BP3) edges having third and fourth symmetrically opposite bevels and placed respectively opposite and close to said first and second bevels in order to make said first (EF1), second (EF2) and third (EF3) fixing elements invisible for a person placed in front of said glass (GC).

2. Assembled system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first fixing elements (EF1) are fixedly secured to said housing (BC).

3. Assembled system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said third and fourth bevels are substantially parallel respectively to said first and second bevels.

4. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first and second bevels extend beyond said third and fourth bevels respectively.

5. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second (BP2) and third (BP3) edges are spaced respectively from said corresponding first edges (BCj) by a distance of less than 1.2 mm.

6. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said glass (GC) comprises a front face (FVG) spaced from the front faces (FVPj) of said first (PI) and second (P2) parts by a distance of less than 0.7 mm.

7. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first fixing elements (EF1) are of the female type, and said second (EF2) and third (EF3) fixing elements are of the male type.

8. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first (PI) and second (P2) parts are two covering parts assembled respectively to the left and right of said display unit (CA).

9. Vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises at least one assembled system (SA) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a dashboard to which said assembled system (SA) is secured.

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