An instrument panel assembly and method of assembling the same

Abstract

The application discloses an instrument panel assembly and an assembling method thereof, and relates to the field of automobile assembling.The instrument panel assembly comprises the following parts: at least one top limiting part is arranged at the upper end of an instrument panel body; an air conditioner assembly and a front defrosting air duct are arranged on the side of the instrument panel body close to a body-in-white; the front defrosting air duct is screw-connected with the instrument panel body; a middle limiting part is arranged on the air conditioner assembly; a middle positioning pin is arranged in the middle of the body-in-white; and an upper end positioning pin is arranged in the upper end of the body-in-white and is limitedly matched with the top limiting part.The front defrosting air duct is screw-connected and fixed on the instrument panel, thereby effectively reducing the cost of parts and the investment of welding tooling.The pin positioning and matching structure arranged at the upper end of the instrument panel body avoids the problem that the end of the positioning plate body is warped after assembly.In addition, the limiting pin sleeve is arranged on the air conditioner supporting arm, and the positioning pin is arranged on the body-in-white to limit the air conditioner assembly, thereby preventing the front end of the air conditioner assembly from sinking due to the dead weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive assembly technology, specifically to an instrument panel assembly and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] The instrument panel system consists of the instrument panel assembly and the various instruments, control switches, displays, etc., installed on it, as well as the instrument panel beam assembly and the air conditioning unit and other electrical components installed on it. The instrument panel system is a centralized device for vehicle operation, control, and display. Currently, in the field of vehicle cab instrument panel system assembly, most components are pre-assembled on the instrument panel sub-assembly line before the instrument panel assembly is completed. To improve the production cycle of the final assembly workshop, this can be achieved by adding an instrument panel sub-assembly line alongside the final assembly line or by increasing the integration of supplier-supplied parts assemblies. In conventional assembly, the air conditioning unit, instrument panel crossbeam, front defrost duct, and instrument panel frame are pre-assembled on the instrument panel sub-assembly line to form the instrument panel assembly, which is then assembled onto the vehicle body. However, because the instrument panel assembly contains many heavy parts, and there are many interfaces such as holes between the instrument panel assembly and the vehicle body at the front, it not only presents difficulties for the instrument panel assembly, but also, due to the weight of the air conditioning unit and the large size of the instrument panel frame parts, the front of the air conditioning unit may sag due to its own weight, and the instrument panel frame may warp and deform after assembly.

[0003] In related technologies, the instrument panel frame and the front defrost duct in the instrument panel assembly are connected by vibration friction welding. After welding, the instrument panel assembly changes from a single-layer structure to a double-layer structure, significantly improving its overall rigidity. Simultaneously, to prevent deformation and warping of the upper part of the instrument panel frame and sagging of the air conditioner front end due to its own weight, locating pins are added to the welded front defrost duct. A support arm is installed on the air conditioner, with locating holes on the support arm. On the instrument panel assembly line, the locating pins of the welded front defrost duct on the instrument panel assembly are horizontally assembled into the locating holes of the air conditioner support arm, thus tightly connecting the welded instrument panel duct and the air conditioner in the vertical direction. This solves the problems of upward warping of the instrument panel frame and sagging of the air conditioner.

[0004] However, due to intense competition in the automotive industry, some manufacturing lines have changed the front defrost duct on the dashboard assembly from a welded structure to a screw-fixed structure in order to reduce overall vehicle costs. While this reduces overall vehicle costs, the reduced number of connection points between the dashboard body and the front defrost duct weakens the overall rigidity compared to a dashboard frame with a welded front defrost duct. Consequently, the front defrost duct on the dashboard assembly cannot be positioned relative to the air conditioner in the Z-axis (vertical direction) using locating pins. There is no connecting structure between the front defrost duct and the air conditioner in the dashboard assembly. The dashboard frame has only a single layer, making it prone to upward warping and deformation. The air conditioner's front end sags due to its own weight. Therefore, the use of a screw-fixed front defrost duct to save costs, resulting in the air conditioner sagging and the dashboard frame warping and deformation, has become a pressing problem for industry professionals to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem in existing technologies where changing the front defrost duct of the instrument panel assembly from a welded structure to a screw-fixed structure causes the air conditioner to sag and the instrument panel frame to warp and deform, this invention provides an instrument panel assembly comprising:

[0006] The instrument panel body has at least one top limiting part at its upper end. The instrument panel body has an air conditioning component and a front defrost duct on the side near the body-in-white. The front defrost duct is screwed to the instrument panel body. The air conditioning component has a middle limiting part.

[0007] A central positioning pin is used to pass through the middle of the body-in-white and to engage with the central limiting part for limiting.

[0008] At least one upper positioning pin is used to pass through the upper part of the white body and to engage with the top limiting part for limiting.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one first positioning pin is provided on each side of the instrument panel body. The first positioning pin is divided into a body part and a limiting part along the axial direction, and an anti-detachment groove is provided between the body part and the limiting part along the axial direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air conditioning component is provided with a sponge block, which is interference-fitted with the sound insulation pad on the body-in-white.

[0011] In some embodiments, the length of the straight segment of the central positioning pin is greater than the length of the straight segment of the limiting portion, and the length of the straight segment of the limiting portion is greater than the interference fit between the air conditioning component and the sponge block.

[0012] In some embodiments, the central locating pin is used to engage with the central limiting portion with a clearance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the diameter difference between the central locating pin and the central limiting portion is 0-0.5 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air conditioning assembly includes an air conditioning body and a support arm, wherein the support arm is provided with the central limiting portion.

[0015] On the other hand, this application provides an assembly method for the instrument panel assembly as described above, which includes the following steps:

[0016] The position of the instrument panel body is adjusted by a robotic arm so that the middle positioning pin and the upper positioning pin are aligned with the middle limiting part and the top limiting part, respectively.

[0017] The instrument panel body is moved horizontally by the robotic arm until the first positioning pins on both sides of the instrument panel body are engaged with the body-in-white.

[0018] The robotic arm is removed, and the dashboard body and the body-in-white are connected by fastening bolts.

[0019] In some embodiments, before aligning the middle positioning pin and the upper positioning pin with the middle limiting portion and the top limiting portion, respectively, the method further includes:

[0020] Adjust the instrument panel body so that the first positioning pin limiting portions on both sides of the instrument panel body extend into both sides of the body-in-white.

[0021] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the horizontal movement of the instrument panel body via the robotic arm until the first positioning pins on both sides of the instrument panel body engage with the body-in-white for limiting, includes:

[0022] The instrument panel body is moved horizontally by the robotic arm until the anti-detachment groove of the first positioning pin slides into the guide holes of the brackets on both sides of the body-in-white.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the front defrosting air duct of this invention is fixed to the dashboard by screw connection. This effectively reduces parts costs and welding tooling investment. By setting a pin positioning and mating structure at the upper end of the dashboard body, the problem of the end of the positioning plate body tilting upward after assembly is avoided. Furthermore, by setting a limiting pin sleeve on the air conditioning support arm and setting a positioning pin on the body-in-white to limit the air conditioning component, the front end of the air conditioning component is prevented from sinking due to its own weight. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the instrument panel assembly and the body-in-white assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument panel assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the body-in-white in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the body-in-white in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first positioning pin in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the central positioning pin in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the air conditioning component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the limiting state of the central positioning pin and the central limiting part in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the mating surface of the instrument panel assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the body-in-white docking surface in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first positioning pin and the body-in-white in the state where the positioning of both sides of the instrument panel assembly is completed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the instrument panel assembly in the relevant technology;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the interface between the air conditioning component and the body-in-white in the relevant technology;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper positioning pin and the top limiting part cooperating in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Instrument panel body; 11. First locating pin; 111. Body section; 112. Limiting section; 113. Anti-detachment groove; 12. Top limiting section; 121. U-shaped limiting structure; 122. Guide structure; 13. Instrument panel crossbeam; 14. Instrument panel frame; 2. Air conditioning assembly; 21. Middle limiting section; 22. Air conditioning body; 23. Support arm; 3. Body-in-white; 4. Middle locating pin; 5. Upper locating pin; 6. Sound insulation pad; 7. Front defrosting air duct; 8. Sponge block. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Addressing the problem in the prior art where changing the front defrost duct of the instrument panel assembly from a welded structure to a screw-fixed structure causes the air conditioner to sag and the instrument panel frame to warp and deform, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides an instrument panel assembly, which includes: an instrument panel body 1, a central locating pin 4, and at least one upper locating pin 5; wherein,

[0042] The upper end of the instrument panel body 1 is provided with at least one top limiting part 12. An air conditioning component 2 and a front defrosting duct 7 are provided on the side of the instrument panel body 1 near the body-in-white 3, and the front defrosting duct 7 is screwed to the instrument panel body 1. A middle limiting part 21 is provided on the air conditioning component 2. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the central positioning pin 4 is used to pass through the middle of the body-in-white 3 and cooperates with the central limiting part 21 for limiting; as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at least one upper positioning pin 5 is used to pass through the upper end of the body-in-white 3 and to engage with the top limiting part 12 for limiting.

[0043] Optionally, the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12 can be selected as pin sleeve structures with limiting functions.

[0044] Preferably, the middle limiting portion 21 and the top limiting portion 12 can be selected as follows: Figure 14As shown, the top limiting part 12 includes a U-shaped limiting structure 121 and a guide structure 122, wherein the U-shaped limiting structure 121 is used to engage and limit the upper positioning pin 5. The guide structure 122 can assist the upper positioning pin 5 in entering the U-shaped limiting structure 121.

[0045] It is worth noting that the applicant found that during actual assembly, it was difficult to precisely align the upper locating pin 5 or the middle locating pin 4 with the center of the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12. In this application, a guide structure 122 is provided at the edge of the U-shaped limiting structure 121 near the body-in-white 3. The inner side of the guide structure 122 is inclined. Even if the height or horizontal position of the upper locating pin 5 is slightly deviated, it can slide into the U-shaped limiting structure 121 through the inclined surface of the guide structure 122 to complete the limiting fit.

[0046] Understandably, in related technologies, the instrument panel frame 14 of the instrument panel body 1 is connected to the front defrost duct 7 via vibration friction welding. After welding, the instrument panel assembly changes from a single-layer structure to a double-layer structure. Due to the numerous connection and fixing points between the instrument panel body 1 and the front defrost duct 7, its overall rigidity is relatively high. Therefore, a locating pin can be installed on the front defrost duct 7, which can limit the air conditioning component 2 in the Z-direction (vertical direction) through the locating pin. In this way, the locating pin can prevent the edge of the instrument panel frame 14 from warping and deforming through the front defrost duct 7, and because it is also inserted into the air conditioning component 2, it can also resist the sinking of the air conditioning component 2 due to its own weight. However, in order to reduce the overall vehicle cost, the front defrost duct 7 on the instrument panel assembly is changed from a welded structure to a screw-fixed structure. This reduces the number of connection and fixing points between the instrument panel body 1 and the front defrost duct 7, resulting in a weaker overall rigidity compared to the instrument panel frame 14 with welded defrost ducts in related technologies. The defrost duct on the instrument panel assembly cannot be limited in the Z-direction (vertical direction) by the locating pin, making the air conditioning component 2 prone to sagging. Furthermore, the instrument panel frame 14, due to its larger components, is prone to warping and deformation. In this application, the instrument panel assembly includes a central locating pin 4 for passing through the body-in-white 3. This central locating pin 4 is used to support and limit the air conditioning component 2, preventing it from sagging due to its own weight. Moreover, the upper end of the instrument panel body 1 is provided with at least one top limiting part 12, meaning that the upper end of the instrument panel body 1 and the body-in-white 3 have a locating pin engagement relationship to prevent the upper end of the instrument panel body 1 from warping.

[0047] Preferably, the central locating pin 4 is used for clearance fitting with the central limiting part 21. Optionally, the diameter of the central locating pin 4 is smaller than the diameter of the central limiting part 21. Optionally, the diameter difference between the two is between 0 and 0.5 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the air conditioning component 2 includes an air conditioning body 22 and a support arm 23, and the support arm 23 is provided with the central limiting part 21.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the air conditioning component 2 is provided with a sponge block 8, and the sponge block 8 is interference-fitted with the sound insulation pad 6 on the white body 3.

[0050] It should be noted that the interference fit between the white body 3 and the air conditioning component 2, and the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8, are provided to prevent water from flowing into the gap between the air conditioning component 2 and the white body 3 during the vehicle wading test.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments, at least one first positioning pin 11 is provided on each side of the instrument panel body 1. The first positioning pin 11 is divided into a body part 111 and a limiting part 112 along the axial direction, and an anti-detachment groove 113 is provided between the body part 111 and the limiting part 112 along the axial direction.

[0052] It is worth noting that, in practical application, the applicant found that due to the large and heavy size of the instrument panel assembly parts, operators on the final assembly line need to use a robotic arm to assemble the instrument panel assembly. During assembly, the operator uses the robotic arm to transfer the instrument panel assembly from the AGV trolley to the doorway of the body-in-white 3, and then installs the instrument panel assembly horizontally onto the body-in-white 3. Because the bolt mounting holes on both sides of the instrument panel assembly are blocked by the robotic arm, the instrument panel assembly is not yet tightened. The operator on the right side needs to remove the robotic arm first, and then tighten the bolts on both sides. Since the instrument panel assembly is not yet tightened to the body-in-white at this time, and the first locating pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel crossbeam 13 are relatively short, when the robotic arm is removed, the first locating pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel crossbeam 13 easily slip off the brackets on both sides of the body-in-white 3, resulting in assembly failure of the instrument panel assembly. To address this problem, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this application designs the first locating pin 11 described above. Wherein, as... Figure 11 As shown:

[0053] During assembly, the limiting part 112 first enters the side supports of the body-in-white 3 until it aligns with the anti-detachment groove 113 on both sides of the body-in-white 3. At this point, after the robotic arm is removed, the side supports of the body-in-white 3 will abut against the anti-detachment groove 113, thus preventing slippage. The operator can then easily bolt the mounting holes on the instrument panel body 1.

[0054] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the relevant technologies such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, to prevent water from flowing into the gap between the air conditioning component 2 and the body-in-white 3 during a wading test, this application includes an interference-fit sound insulation pad 6 and the aforementioned sponge block 8 between them. As the dashboard body 1 slowly moves forward (towards the body-in-white 3) along the guide pin structures, the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6 begin to contact, forming an interference fit and deforming. This causes the body-in-white 3 to exert a reaction force on the air conditioning component 2 through the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6. Without restraint, the air conditioning component might experience uneven stress and flip, making it difficult for its mounting holes to align with the body-in-white 3, resulting in assembly failure. However, in this application, the central positioning pin 4 passes through both the body-in-white 3 and the air conditioning component 2, providing a limiting function for the air conditioning component 2. Even if the sponge block 8 of the air conditioning component is compressed against the passenger sound insulation pad 6, the air conditioning component 2 is supported by the central positioning pin 4 and will not flip. Furthermore, the downward position of the air conditioning component 2 can be corrected, ensuring that the air conditioning component 2 and the several matching holes of the body-in-white 3 are perfectly aligned without misalignment.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to mitigate the negative impact caused by the interference fit between the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6, the length of the straight segment of the central positioning pin 4 in this application is greater than the length of the straight segment of the limiting part 112, and the length of the straight segment of the limiting part 112 is greater than the interference fit between the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8.

[0056] It is worth noting that in the relevant technology, if the central locating pin 4 is longer than the first locating pin 11, and the central locating pin 4 contacts the body-in-white 3 first during the assembly process, while the first locating pin 11 contacts the guide holes on both sides of the body-in-white 3 later, the operator cannot see the central locating pin 4 during the assembly of the instrument panel body 1. Therefore, multiple trials are required during assembly to ensure proper assembly.

[0057] Understandably, this application limits the length of the straight segment of the central locating pin 4 and the length of the straight segment of the limiting portion 112 of the first locating pin 11. This delays the contact time between the central locating pin 4 and the body-in-white 3 during the initial horizontal assembly of the instrument panel body 1, and similarly delays the contact time between the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8. Consequently, when the instrument panel assembly is positioned, the interference fit between the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8 is controlled within a suitable range.

[0058] This application also provides a motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel assembly, which includes: an instrument panel body 1, a central locating pin 4, and at least one upper locating pin 5; wherein...

[0059] The instrument panel body 1 has at least one top limiting part 12 at its upper end. The instrument panel body 1 has an air conditioning component 2 and a front defrost duct 7 on the side near the body-in-white 3. The front defrost duct 7 is screwed to the instrument panel body 1. The air conditioning component 2 has a middle limiting part 21. A middle positioning pin 4 is used to pass through the middle of the body-in-white 3 and is limited and cooperated with the middle limiting part 21. At least one upper positioning pin 5 is used to pass through the upper end of the body-in-white 3 and is limited and cooperated with the top limiting part 12.

[0060] Preferably, the central locating pin 4 is used to have a clearance fit with the central limiting part 21. Optionally, the diameter of the central locating pin 4 is smaller than the diameter of the central limiting part 21. Optionally, the difference in diameter between the two is 0-0.5 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

[0061] Optionally, the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12 can be selected as pin sleeve structures with limiting functions.

[0062] Preferably, the middle limiting portion 21 and the top limiting portion 12 can be selected as follows: Figure 14 As shown, the top limiting part 12 includes a U-shaped limiting structure 121 and a guide structure 122, wherein the U-shaped limiting structure 121 is used to engage and limit the upper positioning pin 5. The guide structure 122 can assist the upper positioning pin 5 in entering the U-shaped limiting structure 121.

[0063] It is worth noting that the applicant found that during actual assembly, it was difficult to precisely align the upper locating pin 5 or the middle locating pin 4 with the center of the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12. In this application, a guide structure 122 is provided at the edge of the U-shaped limiting structure 121 near the body-in-white 3. The inner side of the guide structure 122 is inclined. Even if the height or horizontal position of the upper locating pin 5 is slightly deviated, it can slide into the U-shaped limiting structure 121 through the inclined surface of the guide structure 122 to complete the limiting fit.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioning component 2 includes an air conditioning body 22 and a support arm 23, and the support arm 23 is provided with the central limiting part 21.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the air conditioning component 2 is provided with a sponge block 8, and the sponge block 8 is interference-fitted with the sound insulation pad 6 on the white body 3.

[0066] In some preferred embodiments, at least one first positioning pin 11 is provided on each side of the instrument panel body 1. The first positioning pin 11 is divided into a body part 111 and a limiting part 112 along the axial direction, and an anti-detachment groove 113 is provided between the body part 111 and the limiting part 112 along the axial direction.

[0067] It is worth noting that, in practical application, the applicant found that due to the large and heavy size of the instrument panel assembly parts, operators on the final assembly line need to use a robotic arm to assemble the instrument panel assembly. During assembly, the operator uses the robotic arm to transfer the instrument panel assembly from the AGV trolley to the doorway of the body-in-white 3, and then installs the instrument panel assembly horizontally onto the body-in-white 3. Because the bolt mounting holes on both sides of the instrument panel assembly are blocked by the robotic arm, the instrument panel assembly is not yet tightened. The operator on the right side needs to remove the robotic arm first, and then tighten the bolts on both sides. Since the instrument panel assembly is not yet tightened to the body-in-white at this time, and the first locating pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel crossbeam 13 are relatively short, when the robotic arm is removed, the first locating pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel crossbeam 13 easily slip off the brackets on both sides of the body-in-white 3, resulting in assembly failure of the instrument panel assembly. To address this problem, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this application designs the first locating pin 11 described above. Wherein, as... Figure 11 As shown:

[0068] During assembly, the limiting part 112 first enters the side supports of the body-in-white 3 until it aligns with the anti-detachment groove 113 on both sides of the body-in-white 3. At this point, after the robotic arm is removed, the side supports of the body-in-white 3 will abut against the anti-detachment groove 113, thus preventing slippage. The operator can then easily bolt the mounting holes on the instrument panel body 1.

[0069] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the relevant technologies such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, to prevent water from flowing into the gap between the air conditioning component 2 and the body-in-white 3 during a wading test, this application includes an interference-fit sound insulation pad 6 and the aforementioned sponge block 8 between them. As the dashboard body 1 slowly moves forward (towards the body-in-white 3) along the guide pin structures, the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6 begin to contact, forming an interference fit and deforming. This causes the body-in-white 3 to exert a reaction force on the air conditioning component 2 through the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6. Without restraint, the air conditioning component might experience uneven stress and flip, making it difficult for its mounting holes to align with the body-in-white 3, resulting in assembly failure. However, in this application, the central positioning pin 4 passes through both the body-in-white 3 and the air conditioning component 2, providing a limiting function for the air conditioning component 2. Even if the sponge block 8 of the air conditioning component is compressed against the passenger sound insulation pad 6, the air conditioning component 2 is supported by the central positioning pin 4 and will not flip. Furthermore, the downward position of the air conditioning component 2 can be corrected, ensuring that the air conditioning component 2 and the several matching holes of the body-in-white 3 are perfectly aligned without misalignment.

[0070] Furthermore, in order to mitigate the negative impact caused by the interference fit between the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6, the length of the straight segment of the central positioning pin 4 in this application is greater than the length of the straight segment of the limiting part 112, and the length of the straight segment of the limiting part 112 is greater than the interference fit between the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8.

[0071] On the other hand, this application provides a method for assembling the above-mentioned instrument panel assembly, which includes the following steps:

[0072] Step a. Adjust the position of the instrument panel body 1 using a robotic arm so that the middle positioning pin 4 and the upper positioning pin 5 are aligned with the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12, respectively;

[0073] It should be noted that before aligning the middle positioning pin 4 and the upper positioning pin 5 with the middle limiting part 21 and the top limiting part 12 respectively, the instrument panel body 1 should be adjusted so that the limiting parts 112 of the first positioning pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel body 1 extend into the guide holes of the brackets on both sides of the body-in-white 3.

[0074] Step b. Control the instrument panel body 1 to move horizontally using the robotic arm until the first positioning pins 11 on both sides of the instrument panel body 1 are engaged with the body-in-white 3.

[0075] Specifically, the instrument panel body 1 is moved horizontally by the robotic arm until the anti-detachment groove 113 of the first positioning pin 11 slides into the guide holes on both sides of the body-in-white 3. At this point, even if the robotic arm is removed, the instrument panel body 1 will not slip off.

[0076] It should be noted that when the first positioning pin 11 moves horizontally, and when the end of the anti-detachment groove 113 is about to move to the limiting holes on both sides of the body-in-white 3, the middle positioning pin 4 begins to enter the middle limiting part 21 of the air conditioning assembly 2. At the same time, the upper positioning pin 5 and the top limiting part 12 also begin to overlap in the X direction (i.e., begin to enter the limiting engagement position). The above design can be achieved by adjusting the lengths of the first positioning pin 11, the upper positioning pin 5, and the middle positioning pin 4, as well as the distances between the three and their respective limiting components in the X direction.

[0077] Preferably, during the above assembly, the first positioning pins 11 on both sides enter the body-in-white 3 before the upper positioning pin 5 and the middle positioning pin 4, so as to provide accurate positioning for the upper positioning pin 5 and the middle positioning pin 4 and facilitate the operation of the staff.

[0078] Step c. Remove the robotic arm and connect the instrument panel body 1 and the body-in-white 3 with fastening bolts. The assembly is now complete.

[0079] To further illustrate this, this application provides a specific assembly embodiment, wherein the interference fit between the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8 should be controlled within 15-20mm. The straight section length of the limiting portion 112 of the first positioning pin 11 is 35mm, and the guide section (i.e. Figure 5 The end of the middle limiting part 112 that is far from the anti-detachment inclined groove 113 is 10mm.

[0080] S1. The instrument panel assembly is sent from the door opening into the cabin by the robotic arm. Since the main positioning structure between the instrument panel assembly and the body-in-white 3 is on the first positioning pin 11 on the left and right sides of the instrument panel beam 13 and in the bracket holes on the left and right sides of the body-in-white 3, the operator adjusts the robotic arm holding the instrument panel assembly according to the positioning structure so that the first positioning pin 11 of the instrument panel beam 13 and the guide hole of the side bracket of the body-in-white 3 are aligned in the up and down and left and right directions.

[0081] S2. During further assembly, the instrument panel body 1 is horizontally moved closer to the body-in-white 3 using a robotic arm.

[0082] After the guide section of the limiting part 112 of the first positioning pin 11 is fully inserted into the guide holes of the brackets on both sides of the body-in-white 3, the straight section of the limiting part 112 is then inserted into the guide hole until it reaches the vicinity of the end of the anti-detachment groove 113. At the same time, the middle positioning pin 4 begins to enter the middle limiting part 21 of the air conditioning component 2. At the same time, the upper positioning pin 5 and the top limiting part 12 also begin to overlap in the X direction.

[0083] It is understandable that, such as Figure 13 and Figure 8 As shown, the lower part of the air conditioning component 2 will also come into contact with the body-in-white 3 during assembly. Since the air conditioning component 2 has a sponge block 8 as mentioned above, and the mounting surface of the body-in-white 3 has a corresponding sound insulation pad 6, once they come into contact and compress to form an interference fit, a reaction force will be applied to the lower part of the air conditioning component 2, causing it to flip and making the mounting holes on it misaligned. To solve this problem, this application provides a central limiting part 21 and a central positioning pin 4, which can limit the flipping. However, to achieve the above effect, a prerequisite is required: during assembly, the central positioning pin 4 and the central limiting part 21 must form a limiting fit before the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8. In one optional embodiment of this application, the length of the central positioning pin 4 is improved so that before the sound insulation pad 6 and the sponge block 8 are interference-fitted, the central positioning pin 4 and the central limiting part 21 have already formed a limiting fit, preventing the air conditioning component 2 from flipping.

[0084] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, as the dashboard frame 14 moves forward with the dashboard assembly, the top limiting part 12 of the dashboard frame 14 engages with the upper positioning pin 5 to correct the upward tilt of the dashboard frame 14, ensuring a uniform gap between the upper part of the dashboard frame 14 and the glass. With the bolts on both sides of the dashboard assembly tightened, the dashboard assembly is assembled on the body-in-white 3. Further, through multiple experiments, the applicant discovered that at this point, the air conditioning component 2 still has a downward tilt, and the dashboard frame 14 is tilted upward. When the dashboard crossbeam positioning pin continues to move forward, the positioning pin guide segment in the middle of the body-in-white enters the air conditioning support arm pin sleeve, and the upper positioning pin 5 at the upper end of the front bulkhead of the body-in-white also begins to enter the dashboard front bulkhead limiting pin sleeve, but does not completely slide into the designed position. At this point, the air conditioning component 2 still has a downward tilt, and the dashboard frame 14 still has an upward tilt problem.

[0085] S3. Then, the instrument panel body 1 is moved horizontally by 5mm by the robotic arm, so that the anti-detachment groove 113 of the first positioning pin 11 slides into the guide hole of the side bracket of the white body 3. Since the anti-detachment groove 113 and the bracket guide hole have a limit in the X direction, even if the robotic arm is removed, the instrument panel body 1 will not slide off the white body.

[0086] S4. Remove the robotic arm and use an electric air gun to tighten the instrument panel body 1 on both sides of the instrument panel crossbeam 13. Because the tightening bolts are long, even if the various locating pins on the instrument panel body 1 do not fit with the side limiting surface on the body-in-white 3 in the X direction, it will not affect the tightening of the instrument panel assembly. The X direction is the front or rear direction of the vehicle.

[0087] It is worth noting that, as the dashboard assembly slowly moves towards the front of the vehicle along the first locating pin 11, the middle locating pin 4, and the upper locating pin 5, the sponge block 8 of the air conditioning component 2 also begins to contact the sound insulation pad 6. The reaction force generated by the compression of the two causes the front end of the air conditioning component 2 to tend to flip downwards. However, due to the middle locating pin 4 limiting the movement between the air conditioning component 2 and the body-in-white 3, even if the sponge block 8 and the sound insulation pad 6 are compressed and deformed, they will not flip over.

[0088] In summary, the front defrosting air duct of this invention is fixed to the dashboard by screw connection. This effectively reduces component costs and welding tooling investment. By setting a pin positioning and mating structure at the upper end of the dashboard body, the problem of the positioning plate body tilting upwards after assembly is avoided. Furthermore, by setting a limiting pin sleeve on the air conditioning support arm and a positioning pin on the body-in-white to limit the air conditioning component, the front end of the air conditioning component is prevented from sinking due to its own weight. In this application, screw connection installation is used.

[0089] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0090] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0091] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An instrument panel assembly, characterized in that, include: The instrument panel body (1) has at least one top limiting part (12) at the upper end. The instrument panel body (1) has an air conditioning component (2) and a front defrosting air duct (7) on the side near the white body (3). The front defrosting air duct (7) is screwed to the instrument panel body (1). The air conditioning component (2) has a middle limiting part (21). A central positioning pin (4) is used to pass through the middle of the body-in-white (3) and to cooperate with the central limiting part (21) for limiting. At least one upper positioning pin (5) is used to pass through the upper end of the body-in-white (3) and to engage with the top limiting part (12) for limiting. The instrument panel body (1) is provided with at least one first positioning pin (11) on each side. The first positioning pin (11) is divided into a body part (111) and a limiting part (112) along the axial direction. An anti-detachment groove (113) is provided between the body part (111) and the limiting part (112) along the axial direction. The top limiting part (12) includes: a U-shaped limiting structure (121) and a guide structure (122), wherein the U-shaped limiting structure (121) is used to engage with the upper positioning pin (5) for limiting; The air conditioning component (2) is provided with a sponge block (8), and the sponge block (8) is interference-fitted with the sound insulation pad (6) on the white body (3); The length of the straight segment of the central positioning pin (4) is greater than the length of the straight segment of the limiting part (112), and the length of the straight segment of the limiting part (112) is greater than the interference fit between the air conditioning component (2) and the sponge block (8).

2. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The central positioning pin (4) is used to make clearance fit with the central limiting part (21).

3. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter difference between the central positioning pin (4) and the central limiting part (21) is 0-0.5 mm.

4. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioning component (2) includes an air conditioning body (22) and a support arm (23), and the support arm (23) is provided with the central limiting part (21).

5. A method for assembling an instrument panel assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The position of the instrument panel body (1) is adjusted by a robotic arm so that the middle positioning pin (4) and the upper positioning pin (5) are aligned with the middle limiting part (21) and the top limiting part (12) respectively. The instrument panel body (1) is controlled to move horizontally by the robotic arm until the first positioning pins (11) on both sides of the instrument panel body (1) are engaged with the body-in-white (3) to complete the limiting cooperation. Remove the robotic arm and connect the instrument panel body (1) and the body-in-white (3) with fastening bolts; Before aligning the middle positioning pin (4) and the upper positioning pin (5) with the middle limiting part (21) and the top limiting part (12) respectively, the method further includes: adjusting the instrument panel body (1) so that the limiting parts (112) of the first positioning pins (11) on both sides of the instrument panel body (1) extend into both sides of the body-in-white (3); The step of controlling the instrument panel body (1) to move horizontally by means of the robotic arm until the first positioning pins (11) on both sides of the instrument panel body (1) are engaged with the body-in-white (3) to complete the limiting cooperation, includes: controlling the instrument panel body (1) to move horizontally by means of the robotic arm until the anti-detachment groove (113) of the first positioning pin (11) slides into the guide hole of the bracket on both sides of the body-in-white (3).

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