A direct-beam ambient light for the front of a car dashboard and its assembly method

Abstract

This invention discloses a direct-projection ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard and its assembly method, relating to the field of automotive interior design. It includes an upper front dashboard trim assembly, a lower front dashboard trim panel, and an ambient light bracket. The upper front dashboard trim assembly and the ambient light bracket have a surface difference to allow the trim assembly to block the ambient light. The top of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the upper front dashboard trim assembly, and the other side of the bracket is fixedly connected to it. One bottom side of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the lower front dashboard trim panel, and the other bottom side is fixedly connected to it. This invention avoids the windshield imaging problem caused by ambient light shining onto the windshield, and also solves the surface difference problem between the ambient light bracket and the upper and lower front dashboard trim panels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive interior design, and more particularly to a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, people's aesthetic standards for car interiors are gradually improving, and the application of ambient lighting in car interiors perfectly caters to consumers' demand for a sense of technology and luxury. For front-mounted direct-light ambient lighting, only a few mid-to-high-end models on the market use it. Its main structure involves embedding the ambient light bracket (ambient light strip) into the front trim panel. However, in mass-produced models using front-mounted direct-light ambient lighting, the light from the ambient lights shines onto the windshield, causing problems with the ambient light's image on the windshield. Furthermore, there are issues with the gap and surface difference between the light strip and surrounding components, resulting in poor appearance quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a direct-light ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard and its assembly method, which can avoid the windshield imaging problem caused by ambient light shining on the windshield, and at the same time solve the problem of gap surface difference between the ambient light bracket and the upper and lower trim panels of the front dashboard.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a direct ambient light for the front of a car dashboard, including an upper front trim panel assembly, a lower front trim panel, and an ambient light bracket. The upper front trim panel assembly on the upper side of the ambient light bracket has a surface difference with the ambient light bracket, so that the upper front trim panel assembly can block the light from the ambient light from shining directly onto the windshield.

[0006] The top of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the upper front trim panel assembly, and the other side of the ambient light bracket is fixedly connected to the upper front trim panel assembly; one bottom side of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the lower front trim panel, and the other bottom side of the ambient light bracket is fixedly connected to the lower front trim panel.

[0007] As a further implementation, the top of the ambient light bracket is provided with a first limiting rib, and multiple first limiting ribs are provided along the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

[0008] The inner side of the front upper trim panel assembly is provided with a first limiting groove that corresponds one-to-one with the first limiting rib.

[0009] As a further implementation, the inner side of the front upper trim panel assembly is also provided with a plurality of first weld bars, and the ambient light bracket is provided with first weld holes corresponding to the first weld bars;

[0010] The first weld bead is used to melt after the ambient light bracket is inserted into the front upper trim panel assembly, so as to weld and fix the front upper trim panel assembly and the ambient light bracket.

[0011] As a further implementation, the bottom of the ambient light bracket is provided with a second limiting rib, and multiple second limiting ribs are provided along the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

[0012] The lower front panel is provided with a second limiting groove that corresponds one-to-one with the second limiting rib.

[0013] As a further implementation, the bottom of the ambient light bracket is also provided with a plurality of second welding ribs, and the lower front trim panel is provided with second welding holes corresponding to the second welding ribs;

[0014] The second weld bead is used to melt after the ambient light bracket is inserted into the lower front fascia panel, so as to weld and fix the lower front fascia panel and the ambient light bracket.

[0015] As a further implementation, the inner side of the upper front trim assembly is provided with multiple boss pillars, and the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim are provided with mounting holes corresponding to the boss pillars.

[0016] The Boss column passes through the mounting hole and is connected to a self-tapping screw.

[0017] As a further implementation, felt is provided at the insertion positions of the ambient light bracket and the upper front trim panel assembly, and at the insertion positions of the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel.

[0018] As a further implementation, the front upper trim assembly includes a front upper trim frame and a front upper trim skin disposed on the outer surface of the front upper trim frame.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an assembly method for a direct-beam ambient light on the front of an automotive dashboard, wherein the ambient light guide is fixed to the ambient light bracket via a snap-fit ​​structure, and the ambient light bracket is plugged into and welded to the upper trim panel assembly of the front.

[0020] After inserting the lower front trim panel and the ambient light bracket, weld them in place; then connect the lower front trim panel, ambient light bracket, and upper front trim panel assembly together from the back.

[0021] As a further implementation, when the front upper trim panel assembly is assembled with the ambient light bracket:

[0022] The ambient light bracket is pre-installed onto the front upper trim panel frame, and each first limiting rib is inserted into the first limiting groove at the corresponding position; then the first welding rib is melted to weld the ambient light bracket to the front upper trim panel.

[0023] When the lower front fascia trim panel is assembled with the ambient light bracket:

[0024] The lower front trim panel is pre-installed onto the ambient light bracket, and each second limiting rib is inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove; then the second welding rib is melted to weld the lower front trim panel and the ambient light bracket together.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] (1) The ambient light bracket of the present invention is lower than the front upper trim panel assembly by a surface difference. The upward light emitted through the ambient light bracket is blocked by the front trim panel assembly, so the light will not shine on the windshield, thereby avoiding the windshield imaging problem; at the same time, it can achieve the direct linear wraparound ambient light effect at the front of the dashboard.

[0027] (2) The ambient light bracket of the present invention achieves the limiting of the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel in the X direction by inserting multiple first limiting ribs into the first limiting groove and multiple second limiting ribs into the second limiting groove. Then, combined with the Boss pillar connection structure, the upper front trim panel frame, the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel are assembled together. Through the specific connection structure and limiting structure formed between the upper front trim panel assembly, the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel, good gap and surface quality are obtained between the three. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a front-mounted direct-light ambient light according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the front direct-light ambient light according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a Y0 cross-sectional view of the front direct-light ambient light according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the surface difference between the ambient light bracket and the front upper trim panel assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rear of the front upper trim panel assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of a portion at point A;

[0035] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the upper side of an ambient light bracket according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of section B;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lower side of an ambient light bracket according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion at point C;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the upper side of the front lower trim panel frame according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion at point D;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the front upper trim panel assembly and the ambient light bracket according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the front upper trim panel assembly, ambient light bracket, and front lower trim panel according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Among them, 1. Front upper trim panel skin, 2. Front upper trim panel frame, 3. Self-tapping screws, 4. Ambient light bracket, 5. Felt, 6. Ambient light guide, 7. Front lower trim panel, 8. Ambient light head, 9. Boss pillar, 10. First limiting groove, 12. First weld rib, 15. First limiting rib, 16. First mounting hole, 18. First welding hole, 19. Second limiting rib, 20. Second limiting groove, 21. Second weld rib, 22. Second mounting hole, 23. Second welding hole. Detailed Implementation

[0045] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0046] Example 1:

[0047] Because existing front-mounted direct-light ambient lighting typically embeds the ambient light bracket (ambient light strip) into the front trim panel, there is a problem with the ambient light appearing on the windshield. In addition, there is a problem with controlling the gap and surface difference between the light strip and the surrounding parts.

[0048] Based on this, this embodiment provides a direct-beam ambient light for the front of a car dashboard, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a front upper trim panel assembly, a front lower trim panel 7, an ambient light bracket 4, an ambient light guide 6, and an ambient light head 8, etc. The ambient light bracket 4, the ambient light guide 6, and the ambient light head 8 are installed between the front upper trim panel assembly and the front lower trim panel 7; wherein, the front upper trim panel assembly includes a front upper trim panel frame 2 and a front upper trim panel skin 1 disposed on the outer surface of the front upper trim panel frame 2.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper front trim panel skin 1 covers the outside of the upper front trim panel frame 2, and the end of the upper front trim panel skin 1 extends beyond the end of the upper front trim panel frame 2 by a certain length, completely covering the upper front trim panel frame 2. The cross-sectional shape of the main body of the ambient light bracket 4 is hook-shaped, so that the ambient light guide 6 can be installed in the hook-shaped area formed by the main body of the ambient light bracket 4.

[0050] The ambient light bracket 4 is lower than the upper front trim assembly by one surface difference, so that the upper front trim assembly forms a brim-like structure with respect to the ambient light bracket 4. The upward-shielding light emanating from the ambient light bracket 4 is blocked by the upper front trim assembly, so the light will not shine on the windshield, thus avoiding the windshield imaging problem. At the same time, it can achieve a direct linear wraparound ambient light effect at the front of the dashboard, enhancing the technological and luxurious lighting effect of the interior ambient lighting.

[0051] In this embodiment, the surface difference is 3mm. Of course, this value can also be adjusted according to actual requirements.

[0052] like Figure 13 As shown, the ambient light bracket 4 has a first limiting rib 15 at its top, and the front upper trim panel frame 2 has a first limiting groove 10. The first limiting rib 15 and the first limiting groove 10 are interlocked to control the position of the ambient light bracket 4 in the X direction, ensuring the surface difference between the ambient light bracket 4 and the front upper trim panel assembly. Since the linear length of the front trim panel assembly is approximately 1700mm, which is relatively long, to ensure a consistent surface difference between the entire ambient light bracket 4 and the front upper trim panel assembly, as follows... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, multiple first limiting ribs 15 are arranged at certain intervals along the length of the ambient light bracket 4; as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the front upper trim panel frame 2 is provided with a plurality of first limiting grooves 10 along its length, and the first limiting grooves 10 correspond one-to-one with the first limiting ribs 15.

[0053] The number of first limiting ribs 15 and the spacing between adjacent first limiting ribs 15 can be designed according to actual installation requirements. For example, 31 first limiting ribs 15 can be set, and the spacing between adjacent first limiting ribs 15 is about 33mm.

[0054] Multiple first weld ribs 12 are distributed along the length of the front upper trim panel frame 2, for example, 12 first weld ribs 12 are provided; the ambient light bracket 4 is provided with a first welding hole 18 corresponding to the first weld rib 12, the first weld rib 12 is inserted into the first welding hole 18, and the first weld rib 12 is melted by an ultrasonic welding head, so that the ambient light bracket 4 is welded together with the front upper trim panel frame 2; and the welding process needs to be standardized to ensure the appearance gap between the ambient light bracket 4 and the front upper trim panel frame 2.

[0055] The front upper trim panel 1 is a covering part. In this embodiment, the front upper trim panel 1 is made of PVC material, and the ambient light bracket 4 is made of PC material. Since the ambient light bracket 4 is in direct contact with the front upper trim panel 1, some special process treatments are required after production and before assembly. For example, the ambient light bracket 4 is annealed, or the surface of the ambient light bracket 4 is painted to prevent the PVC material from directly contacting the PC material.

[0056] In addition, due to the materials of the ambient light bracket 4 and the front upper trim panel assembly, friction noise is inevitable between the first limiting rib 15 and the second limiting groove 20. Therefore, felt 5 is added between the first limiting rib 15 and the second limiting groove 20 to prevent abnormal noise and improve the NVH performance of the whole vehicle.

[0057] The ambient light bracket 4 also determines the position of the lower front fascia trim panel 7. If the lower front fascia trim panel 7 is too far back, the overlap between the ambient light bracket 4 and the lower front fascia trim panel 7 will be very small, resulting in light leakage and mismatch issues. If the lower front fascia trim panel 7 is too far forward, the ambient light bracket 4 will protrude from the lower front fascia trim panel 7, causing issues such as scratching the hand and aesthetic problems. In this embodiment, the fit between the lower front fascia trim panel 7 and the ambient light bracket 4 has a stable surface difference and gap, specifically achieved through the following structure:

[0058] like Figure 14 As shown, the ambient light bracket 4 has a second limiting rib 19 on its lower side. The second limiting rib 19 is arranged on the hook-shaped hook head part of the ambient light bracket 4 and is located on the front side of the ambient light guide 6. The lower front trim panel 7 is provided with a second limiting groove 20. The second limiting rib 19 and the second limiting groove 20 are inserted and matched to limit the position of the lower front trim panel 7 in the X direction and ensure the surface difference between the ambient light bracket 4 and the lower front trim panel 7.

[0059] Similarly, such as Figures 9-12As shown, due to the relatively long linear length of the front trim assembly, multiple second limiting ribs 19 are provided along the length direction of the ambient light bracket 4, and multiple second limiting grooves 20 are provided along the length direction of the lower front trim 7. The second limiting grooves 20 correspond one-to-one with the second limiting ribs 19, ensuring a consistent surface difference between the entire ambient light bracket 4 and the lower front trim 7. The number of second limiting ribs 19 and second limiting grooves 20, as well as the spacing between adjacent second limiting ribs 19 and second limiting grooves 20, are selected according to actual requirements. For example, 30 second limiting ribs 19 and second limiting grooves 20 are provided, with the spacing between adjacent second limiting ribs 19 and adjacent second limiting grooves 20 being approximately 40mm.

[0060] In this embodiment, the lower front panel 7 is made of PP+EPDM-T20 material. Similarly, to avoid the risk of frictional noise between the second limiting rib 19 and the second limiting groove 20, felt 5 is reserved between the second limiting rib 19 and the second limiting groove 20; later, it can be decided whether to retain or remove the felt 5 based on the noise situation.

[0061] The ambient light bracket 4 is also provided with a second weld rib 21, which is located behind the ambient light guide 6 and cooperates with the second welding hole 23 provided in the lower front trim panel 7. Multiple second weld ribs 21 are provided along the length of the ambient light bracket 4, and the number of second welding holes 23 is the same as the number of second weld ribs 21. To ensure the connection strength between the ambient light bracket 4 and the lower front trim panel 7, the number of second weld ribs 21 is greater than the number of first weld ribs 12; in this embodiment, 25 second weld ribs 21 are provided.

[0062] The ambient light bracket 4 has multiple first mounting holes 16, the lower front trim panel 7 has multiple second mounting holes 22, and the upper front trim panel frame 2 has multiple boss pillars 9; Figure 15 As shown, the first mounting hole 16 and the second mounting hole 22 both pass through the Boss pillar 9 and are then fixed by self-tapping screws 3, connecting the upper front panel frame 2, the ambient light bracket 4, and the lower front panel 7 together.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in this embodiment are used for ease of description and do not impose any restrictions on specific structures such as limiting ribs and mounting holes.

[0064] In this embodiment, the ambient light bracket 4 is positioned below the front upper trim panel assembly by a surface difference value. The ambient light bracket 4 is connected to the first limiting groove 10 by the first limiting rib 15 and to the second limiting groove 20 by the second limiting rib 19, thereby limiting the ambient light bracket 4 and the front lower trim panel 7 in the X direction. Then, the front upper trim panel frame 2, the ambient light bracket 4, and the front lower trim panel 7 are assembled together by combining the self-tapping screw 3 with the Boss pillar 9 connection structure. This not only enhances the technological and luxurious lighting effect of the interior ambient light, but also effectively avoids driving safety issues caused by light reflecting onto the glass. At the same time, due to the specific connection structure and limiting structure formed between the front upper trim panel assembly, the ambient light bracket 4, and the front lower trim panel 7, good gap and surface difference quality are achieved among the three.

[0065] Example 2:

[0066] This embodiment provides an assembly method for a direct-beam ambient light on the front of an automotive dashboard. Based on the direct-beam ambient light structure described in Embodiment 1, firstly, the ambient light guide 6 is fixed to the ambient light bracket 4 via a snap-fit ​​structure. After the ambient light bracket 4 is inserted into the upper trim panel frame 2 of the front, it is welded and fixed to the upper trim panel frame 2 of the front by welding reinforcement. Then, the lower trim panel 7 of the front and the ambient light bracket 4 are welded and fixed after insertion. Next, the lower trim panel 7, the ambient light bracket 4, and the upper trim panel frame 2 of the front are connected together from the back using self-tapping screws 3 to form the front trim panel assembly. Finally, the front trim panel assembly is assembled onto the dashboard.

[0067] The assembly process of the front upper trim panel assembly and the ambient light bracket 4 is as follows:

[0068] First, the ambient light bracket 4 is pre-installed onto the front upper trim panel frame 2. Each of the first limiting ribs 15 of the ambient light bracket 4 is inserted into the first limiting groove 10 at the corresponding position of the front upper trim panel frame 2. After the pre-installation is completed, the first welding ribs 12 on the front upper trim panel frame 2 are melted by an ultrasonic welding head, thereby welding the ambient light bracket 4 and the front upper trim panel frame 2 together.

[0069] The assembly process of the lower front trim panel 7 and the ambient light bracket 4 is as follows:

[0070] First, the lower front trim panel 7 is pre-installed onto the ambient light bracket 4. The second limiting ribs 19 on the ambient light bracket 4 are inserted into the second limiting grooves 20 at the corresponding positions of the lower front trim panel 7. After the pre-installation is completed, the second welding ribs 21 are melted by an ultrasonic welding head, so that the lower front trim panel 7 and the ambient light bracket 4 are welded together.

[0071] Through the above assembly process, this embodiment can achieve a stable connection between the upper front panel assembly, the ambient light bracket 4, and the lower front panel 7, and can ensure good gap and surface quality.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard, the direct-beam ambient light comprising an upper front trim panel assembly, a lower front trim panel, and an ambient light bracket, characterized in that, The upper front fascia trim assembly above the ambient light bracket has a surface difference with the ambient light bracket, so that the front fascia trim assembly blocks the light from the ambient light; the top of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the upper front fascia trim assembly, and the other side of the ambient light bracket is fixedly connected to the upper front fascia trim assembly; one bottom side of the ambient light bracket is inserted into the lower front fascia trim panel, and the other bottom side of the ambient light bracket is fixedly connected to the lower front fascia trim panel. The ambient light guide is fixed to the ambient light bracket through a snap-fit ​​structure, and the ambient light bracket is then welded to the front upper trim panel assembly after being plugged in. After inserting the lower front trim panel and the ambient light bracket, weld them in place; then use self-tapping screws to connect the lower front trim panel, ambient light bracket, and upper front trim panel assembly together from the back.

2. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ambient light bracket is provided with a first limiting rib at the top, and multiple first limiting ribs are provided along the length of the ambient light bracket; The inner side of the front upper trim panel assembly is provided with a first limiting groove that corresponds one-to-one with the first limiting rib.

3. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the front upper trim panel assembly is also provided with a plurality of first welding ribs, and the ambient light bracket is provided with a first welding hole corresponding to the first welding ribs; The first weld bead is used to melt after the ambient light bracket is inserted into the front upper trim panel assembly, so as to weld and fix the front upper trim panel assembly and the ambient light bracket.

4. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the ambient light bracket is provided with a second limiting rib, and multiple second limiting ribs are provided along the length of the ambient light bracket; The lower front panel is provided with a second limiting groove that corresponds one-to-one with the second limiting rib.

5. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the ambient light bracket is also provided with multiple second welding ribs, and the lower front trim panel is provided with second welding holes corresponding to the second welding ribs; The second weld bead is used to melt after the ambient light bracket is inserted into the lower front fascia panel, so as to weld and fix the lower front fascia panel and the ambient light bracket.

6. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the upper front trim panel assembly is provided with multiple Boss pillars, and the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel are provided with mounting holes corresponding to the Boss pillars. The Boss column passes through the mounting hole and is connected to a self-tapping screw.

7. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, Felt is provided at the insertion positions of the ambient light bracket and the upper front trim panel assembly, as well as at the insertion positions of the ambient light bracket and the lower front trim panel.

8. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front upper trim panel assembly includes a front upper trim panel frame and a front upper trim panel skin disposed on the outer surface of the front upper trim panel frame.

9. The assembly method of a direct-beam ambient light for the front of an automotive dashboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the front upper trim panel assembly is assembled with the ambient light bracket: The ambient light bracket is pre-installed onto the front upper trim panel frame, and each first limiting rib is inserted into the first limiting groove at the corresponding position; then the first welding rib is melted to weld the ambient light bracket to the front upper trim panel. When the lower front fascia trim panel is assembled with the ambient light bracket: The lower front trim panel is pre-installed onto the ambient light bracket, and each second limiting rib is inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove; then the second welding rib is melted to weld the lower front trim panel and the ambient light bracket together.

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