ASSEMBLED PART SYSTEM, WITH ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING AN INCLINED DIRECTION ALLOWING PRECISE DOCKING
By using a curved second edge on the third part to mask the end face of the second part during assembly in an inclined direction, the system achieves precise and quality docking in vehicle dashboards, addressing issues of imprecise assembly and enhancing the perceived quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023012968
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
AI Technical Summary
In systems where multiple parts are assembled, such as vehicle dashboards, imprecise docking can occur due to manufacturing dimensional dispersions and relative position dispersions, especially when the third part is long and thin, leading to unsightly gaps and perceived assembly defects.
The system employs a third part with a curved second edge that extends to mask the end face of the second part during assembly, allowing the second part to be translated in a predefined inclined direction, ensuring precise and quality docking.
This approach provides a precise and quality docking impression by housing the first edge of the second part behind the curved edge of the third part, effectively masking the end face and eliminating unsightly gaps, thus enhancing the perceived quality of the assembly.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLING PARTS, WITH ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING AN INCLINED DIRECTION ALLOWING PRECISE DOCKING Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to systems with multiple assembled parts. State of the art
[0002] In certain technical fields, systems are used comprising at least three parts which are assembled together directly or indirectly. This is the case, for example, of certain dashboards fitted to certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type.
[0003] Some of these systems include:
[0004] - a first part comprising first fixing elements,
[0005] - at least one second part comprising a first edge provided with a face end and a first internal face provided with second fixing elements cooperating with the first fixing elements to assemble it to the first part, and
[0006] - a third part secured to the first part and comprising a second edge having a second internal face placed opposite the end face of the first edge.
[0007] As an illustrative example, when the system is a dashboard of a vehicle, the first part may be an upper reinforcement part (possibly provided with a covering skin), the (each) second part may be a covering (or decorative (or ornamental) part), and the third part may be a trim fixedly secured to a front edge of the first part.
[0008] When the (each) second part is assembled before the third part, it is possible to conform the latter so that it masks the end face (often not presentable when it is produced by milling), so as to obtain a precise and quality docking.
[0009] However, in some systems it may be necessary to assemble the (each) second part after the third part, for example when the latter is very long and has a very small section, and therefore the first edge of the (each) second part becomes visible (as does each end face of the latter). This results in an imprecise docking which may vary due to manufacturing dimensional dispersions and dispersions in the relative positions of the parts of the system. Thus, it may happen that the empty space (or clearance) between the (each) second part and the third part reveals a small portion of a part technical, which is unsightly and often considered by vehicle users as an assembly defect or a design fault which detracts from the impression of quality of this vehicle.
[0010] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0011] For this purpose, it proposes in particular an assembled system comprising:
[0012] - a first part comprising first fixing elements,
[0013] - at least one second part comprising a first edge provided with a face end and a first internal face provided with second fixing elements cooperating with the first fixing elements to assemble it to the first part, and
[0014] - a third part secured to the first part and comprising a second edge having a second internal face placed opposite the end face of the first edge.
[0015] This assembled system is characterized by the fact that the second edge of the third part is curved so as to extend in front of an external face of the first edge to mask the end face after a translation of the second part in a predefined direction, making an acute angle with a plane substantially parallel to the end face, during its assembly with the first part.
[0016] Thanks to this translation of the (each) second part following a predefined inclined direction, the first edge can be housed in the rear space delimited by the second curved edge, which gives an impression of precise and quality docking between the (each) second part and the third part while masking the end face.
[0017] The system assembled according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0018] - the predefined direction can make an acute angle which is between 35° and 45°;
[0019] - the second edge can extend in front of the external face of the first edge on a distance, in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned plane, which is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm;
[0020] - the second edge may comprise a free end separated from the external face of the first edge of a distance, in a direction contained in the aforementioned plane, which is between 2 mm and 3 mm;
[0021] - the first and second fixing elements may be respectively of female and male types, and can be adapted to coupling according to the predefined direction;
[0022] - in the presence of the last option, the first fixing elements can be clips having an entrance opening contained in a plane perpendicular to the direction predefined, and the second fixing elements may be clipping tabs extending in a main direction parallel to this predefined direction;
[0023] - it can include two second parts;
[0024] - it can constitute a dashboard suitable for equipping a vehicle;
[0025] - in the presence of the last option, the first part can be a reinforcement part upper, each second part can be a trim part, and the third part can be a trim fixedly attached to an edge of the first part.
[0026] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one assembled system of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures
[0027] 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:
[0028] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the front faces (intended to be oriented towards the front passengers), part of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled system according to the invention, constituting a vehicle dashboard,
[0029] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear face side, an example of the production of a first second part (from the left) of the assembled system of [Fig.l], before assembly,
[0030] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear face side, an example of the production of a second part (on the right) of the assembled system of [Fig.l], before assembly,
[0031] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear face side, a portion of the second second part of [Fig.3] comprising an example of a second fixing element and an example of a pilot,
[0032] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane at the level of a second fixing element of the second second part of [Fig.3], an upper front part of the assembled system of [Fig.l],
[0033] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane at the level of a pilot of the second second part of [Fig.3], an upper front part of the assembled system of [Fig.l],
[0034] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of the first part of the assembled system of [Fig.l], after the joining of the third part but before the assembly of the second part of [Fig.3], and
[0035] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the side of the faces before, the start of the coupling between first and second fixing elements respectively of the fourth part and first second part (from the left) of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention
[0036] The invention aims in particular to propose an assembled system SA comprising at least first PI, second(s) P2j and third P3 parts assembled for at least one of them (P2j) by translation along a predefined inclined direction dp allowing precise docking.
[0037] 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).
[0038] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the assembled system SA is a dashboard of a motor vehicle. But the assembled system SA could be another piece of equipment of a vehicle, such as for example a console or a seat.
[0039] In Figures 1 to 8, 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.
[0040] 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)).
[0041] An example embodiment of an assembled system SA according to the invention has been schematically illustrated, at least partially, in Figures 1 and 5 to 8, constituting here a dashboard SA installed in a front part of a passenger compartment of a vehicle V.
[0042] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 5 to 8, an assembled system SA, according to the invention, comprises at least first PI, second(s) P2j and third P3 parts assembled together.
[0043] As indicated above, the assembled system SA is here a dashboard of a motor vehicle V, and it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the first part PI is an upper reinforcement part (possibly provided with a trim skin PH), the (each) second part P2j is a trim (or decoration (or ornament)) part, and the third part P3 is a trim fixedly secured to a front edge of the first part PI. But the first PI, second(s) P2j and third P3 parts of the assembled system SA could be different from those mentioned in the previous sentence.
[0044] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the first part PI comprises first fixing elements EF1.
[0045] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, the (each) second part P2j comprises a first edge B2j (here upper) provided with an end face FE2j (here oriented upwards), and a first internal face FI2 (intended to be oriented towards the front of the vehicle V) provided with second fixing elements EF2j which cooperate (once coupled together) with corresponding first fixing elements EF1 of the first part PI to assemble their second part P2j to the first part PI.
[0046] It will be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig.l] the assembled system SA comprises first P2i (j = 1) and second P22 (j = 2) second parts installed respectively to the left and to the right of a fifth part P5 which is also part of the assembled system SA. But the number of second parts P2j of an assembled system SA can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0047] It will be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig.l] the fifth part P5 is a display unit CA which is dedicated to the driver of the vehicle V, and which comprises a window intended to be oriented towards the driver and fixedly secured to a housing (rear), itself assembled to at least one part of the assembled system SA, and preferably to two (namely the first part PI and a fourth part P4 (here forming part of the structure of the dashboard SA)).
[0048] For example, the first part PI is also fixedly secured to the fourth part P4 within the assembled system SA.
[0049] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 5 to 8, the third part P3 is secured to the first part PI (and more precisely here to its front edge) and comprises a second edge B 3 which has a second internal face FI3 placed (after assembly) opposite the end face FE2j of the (each) second part P2j. For example, the fixed securing of the third part P3 to the front edge of the first part PI can be done by gluing and / or by ultrasonic welding.
[0050] In addition, this second edge B3 is curved so as to extend in front of an external face FX2 of the first edge B2j to mask the end face FE2j after a translation of the (a) second part P2j following a predefined direction dp during its assembly to the first part PI. This predefined direction dp makes an acute angle with a plane which is substantially parallel to the end face FE2j of the first edge B2j. The word “substantially” here means exactly parallel or slightly inclined by at most 5° (in absolute value).
[0051] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in the figures the aforementioned plane is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane XY of the vehicle V. But this is not an obligation.
[0052] It will be understood that the (each) second part P2j is now translated in a predefined direction dp which is inclined (here with respect to the horizontal plane XY) and not parallel to the latter (XY), which allows the first edge B2j to be housed in the rear space delimited by the second curved edge B3, and thus to give an impression of precise and quality docking between the second part P2j considered and the third part P3 while masking the end face FE2j which is often not presentable when it is produced by milling. Furthermore, this docking, resulting from the assembly of the second part P2j covered after the third covering part P3, prevents seeing what is behind the first edge B2j, and in particular any technical part, thus reinforcing the impression of quality of the vehicle V.This makes it possible to take into account an assembly constraint of the assembled system SA (here a dashboard), namely the fact that the third part P3 is a very long part with a very small section that cannot be assembled alone after the (each) second part P2j.
[0053] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 8, the predefined direction dp can make an acute angle which is between 35° and 45°. As an illustrative example, this acute angle can be equal to 40°. But other values can be envisaged for this acute angle.
[0054] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 6, the second edge B3 can extend in front of the external face FX2 of the first edge B2j over a distance, in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned plane (and therefore here substantially vertical (Z direction)), which is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm. As an illustrative example, this distance (here substantially vertical) can be equal to 0.8 mm. But other values can be envisaged for this distance (here substantially vertical). This makes it possible to obtain sufficient overlap of the second edge B3 giving an impression of zero (vertical) play.
[0055] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 6, the second edge B3 may comprise a free end EL which is separated from the external face FX2 of the first edge B2j by a distance, in a direction contained in the aforementioned plane (and therefore here substantially longitudinal (direction X)), which is between 2 mm and 3 mm. As an illustrative example, this distance (here substantially longitudinal) may be equal to 2.5 mm. But other values may be envisaged for this distance (here substantially longitudinal). This makes it possible to obtain a functional clearance (here substantially longitudinal) which is entirely acceptable, and in particular makes it possible to take into account the dimensional dispersions of manufacturing and the dispersions of the relative positions of the different parts concerned in the assembled system SA.
[0056] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5, the first fixing elements EF1 may be of the female type, and the second fixing elements EF2j may be of the male type. In addition, these first EF1 and second EF2j fixing elements may be adapted to a coupling in the predefined direction dp.
[0057] In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5, each of the first fixing elements EF1 may be a metal clip, having an entry opening contained in a plane perpendicular to the predefined direction dp, and in which a clipping tab of a corresponding second fixing element EF2j is clipped, extending in a main direction which is parallel to the predefined direction dp.
[0058] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 7, the first fixing elements EF1 can be secured to first projecting tabs PSI erected on the internal face (here facing downwards) of the first part PI. For example, each metal clip EF1 can be fixedly secured in a through hole defined in a first projecting tab PSI. Each first projecting tab PSI can, for example, be an integral part of the first part PI, and is therefore produced at the same time as the latter (PI), for example by molding a plastic material. But the first fixing elements EF1 could be defined or attached to the internal face of the first part PI. Instead of first projecting tabs PSI, a continuous wall could be used.
[0059] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 4 and 5, each of the clipping tabs of the second fixing elements EF2j may comprise a rear end having a section in a longitudinal and vertical plane (XZ) 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 metal clip EF1. This makes it possible to reinforce the precision and the quality of the positioning, in particular (here) along the predefined direction dp, of each second part P2j relative to the first part PI.
[0060] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the first fixing elements EF1 could be of the male type, and the second fixing elements EF2j could be of the female type.
[0061] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least by Specifically in Figures 2 to 5 and 6, the clipping tabs of the second fixing elements EF2j may be an integral part of the (each) second part P2j. This arrangement is particularly possible when the (each) second part P2j is 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.
[0062] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5 and 7 the second fixing elements EF2j are located in an “upper” part of the (each) second part P2j, and therefore the latter (P2j) comprises in its “lower” part third fixing elements EF3j which are intended to cooperate with corresponding fourth fixing elements EF4 which the fourth part P4 comprises. This makes it possible to complete the immobilization of the (each) second part P2j within its assembled system SA.
[0063] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5 and 7, the fourth fixing elements EF4 may be of the female type, and the third fixing elements EF3j may be of the male type. In addition, these fourth EF4 and third EF3j fixing elements may be adapted to a coupling in the predefined direction dp.
[0064] In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5 and 7, each of the fourth fixing elements EF4 may be a metal clip, having an entry opening contained in a plane perpendicular to the predefined direction dp, and in which a clipping tab of a corresponding third fixing element EF3j is clipped, extending in a main direction which is parallel to the predefined direction dp. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in [Fig.8] each metal clip EF4 is fixedly secured to a third projecting tab PS3. More precisely, here each metal clip EF4 is fixedly secured in a through hole defined in a third projecting tab PS3.
[0065] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2, 3 and 8, each of the clipping tabs of the third fixing elements EF3j may comprise a rear end having a section in a longitudinal and vertical plane (XZ) 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 metal clip EF4. This makes it possible to reinforce the precision and the quality of the positioning, in particular (here) along the predefined direction dp, of each second part P2j relative to the fourth part P4.
[0066] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the fourth fixing elements EF4 could be of the male type, and the third fixing elements EF3j could be female type.
[0067] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5 and 6, the clipping tabs of the third fixing elements EF3j may be an integral part of the (each) second part P2j. This arrangement is in particular possible when the (each) second part P2j is at least partly produced by molding a plastic material.
[0068] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, 6 and 7, the (at least one) second part P2j may also comprise at least one pilot (or guide) PL projecting on its internal face FI2j and intended to facilitate assembly during the translation of a second part P2j along the predefined direction dp. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7 only the second second part P22 comprises pilots PL due to its large extension along the transverse direction Y. The first second part P2i does not comprise a pilot PL due to its very small extension along the transverse direction Y.
[0069] Preferably, each pilot PL begins to act (to position (or guide) and orient its second part P2j relative to the first part PI and possibly the fourth part P4) before the coupling of the clipping tabs of the second fixing elements EF2j to the clips of the first fixing elements EF1 begins. For this purpose, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 6 and 7, at least the first part PI (and possibly the fourth part P4) may comprise at least one housing LP, open on a front face, and intended to receive and guide a corresponding pilot PL. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7 only the first part PI comprises housings LP intended to receive pilots defined in the upper part of the (at least one) second part P2j.But the fourth part P4 could comprise at least one housing LP intended to receive a pilot PL defined in the lower part of at least a second part P2 j-.
[0070] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 6 and 7, each housing LP can be defined in a second projecting tab PS2 erected on the internal face (here facing downwards) of the first part PL. Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 6 and 7, each second projecting tab PS2 can be an integral part of the first part PL. This arrangement is in particular possible when the first part PI is at least partly produced by molding a plastic material, with possibly after this molding a covering with a covering skin PH.
[0071] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, each PL pilot can extend along a main direction which is parallel to the predefined direction dp, and each LP housing may comprise an inlet opening which is contained in a plane perpendicular to the predefined direction dp.
[0072] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5 and 6, each pilot PL can be an integral part of the (at least one) second part P2j. This arrangement is in particular possible when the (each) second part P2j is at least partly produced by molding a plastic material.
Claims
Claims
1. Assembled system (SA) comprising i) a first part (PI) comprising first fixing elements (EF1), ii) at least one second part (P2j) comprising a first edge (B2j) provided with an end face (FE2j) and a first internal face (FI2) provided with second fixing elements (EF2j) cooperating with said first fixing elements (EF1) to assemble it to said first part (PI), and iii) a third part (P3) secured to said first part (PI) and comprising a second edge (B3) having a second internal face (FI3) placed opposite said end face (FE2j), characterized in that said second edge (B3) is curved so as to extend in front of an external face (FX2) of said first edge (B2j) to mask said end face (FE2j) after a translation of said second part (P2j) in a predefined direction, making an acute angle with a substantially parallel plane to said end face (FE2j),when assembling it to said first part (PI).,
2. Assembled system according to claim 1, characterized in that said predefined direction makes an acute angle between 35° and 45°.
3. Assembled system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second edge (B3) extends in front of said external face (FX2) of the first edge (B2j) over a distance, in a direction perpendicular to said plane, of between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.
4. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second edge (B3) comprises a free end (EL) separated from said external face (FX2) of the first edge (B2j) by a distance, in a direction contained in said plane, of between 2 mm and 3 mm.
5. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first (EF1) and second (EF2j) fixing elements are respectively of female and male types, and are adapted to coupling in said predefined direction.
6. Assembled system according to claim 5, characterized in that said first fixing elements (EF1) are clips having an entry opening contained in a plane perpendicular to said predefined direction, and said second fixing elements (EF2j) are clipping tabs extending in a main direction parallel to said predefined direction.
7. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises two second parts (P2j).
8. Assembled system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it constitutes a dashboard suitable for equipping a vehicle (V).
9. Assembled system according to claim 8, characterized in that said first part (PI) is an upper reinforcement part, each second part (P2j) is a trim part, and said third part (P3) is a trim fixedly secured to an edge of said first part (PI).
10. Vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises at least one assembled system (SA) according to one of claims 1 to 9.
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