Vehicle instrument panel

Abstract

The invention relates to an instrument panel (24) for a vehicle, comprising a structural frame (26) intended to be attached to a chassis of the vehicle. The structural frame (26) comprises: a first rod (40) and a second rod extending substantially in a first direction; and a third rod and a fourth rod attached to the first rod and the second rod and extending substantially in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. The structural frame further includes an opening defined by the first and second bars and by the third and fourth bars. The instrument panel (24) also includes at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) attached to the structural frame (26) so as to close the opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle dashboard of the type comprising a structural framework intended to be attached to the chassis of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a dashboard is notably disclosed in document DE10125074.

[0003] Generally, a dashboard comprises a support which constitutes a load-bearing structure and which defines an outer surface facing the user of the vehicle. This design implies that each model of dashboard must be individually customised for a particular vehicle model and that each dashboard is associated with a particular trim. This approach leads to high manufacturing costs. By "the support defines an outer surface" it is meant that the support forms the outer surface or is substantially shaped according to the shape of the outer surface, on which a coating can be arranged. SUMMARY

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to provide a dashboard which reduces the cost of manufacturing dashboards on a scale of a plurality of different trims and / or a plurality of models adapted to different vehicles.

[0005] To this end, the aim of the present invention is a dashboard as described above, in which: the structural framework comprises: at least one first bar and at least one second bar which extend substantially in a first direction; and at least one third bar and at least one fourth bar which are attached to the first and second bars and which extend substantially in a second direction which is not parallel to the first direction; the structural framework further comprises at least one opening which is defined by the at least one first bar and the at least one second bar and by the at least one third bar and the at least one fourth bar; and the dashboard further comprises at least one surface panel which is attached to the structural framework so as to close the at least one opening.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the dashboard comprises one or more of the following features, taken separately or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] - the first bar of the structural framework extends between two ends intended to be attached to side pillars of the vehicle;

[0008] - the first bar comprises an assembly consisting of a plurality of sections which are substantially aligned in the first direction;

[0009] - the first and second bars of the structural framework are made of different materials, preferably of plastic materials;

[0010] - the second direction of the third and fourth bars is substantially perpendicular to the first direction;

[0011] - the second bar of the structural frame is configured to extend along a lower edge of a windshield of the vehicle;

[0012] - the at least one surface panel comprises a front panel arranged on the second bar of the structural frame and intended to extend along the lower edge of the windshield of the vehicle;

[0013] - the front panel comprises at least one vent opening intended to face the windshield of the vehicle;

[0014] - the dashboard further comprises auxiliary structural elements attached to the first bar of the structural frame;

[0015] - the at least one surface panel has a lower face arranged in contact with the structural frame and an upper face, the dashboard being configured so that the upper face is arranged substantially horizontally in the vehicle;

[0016] - the dashboard further comprises a plurality of pieces of equipment attached to the structural frame;

[0017] - the dashboard further comprises an auxiliary crossbar extending substantially in the first direction and a plurality of auxiliary struts, each of the auxiliary struts extending substantially between the auxiliary crossbar and the main crossbar, so that the auxiliary crossbar can be arranged higher than the main crossbar;

[0018] - the structural strength of the dashboard is substantially achieved by the structural frame, the at least one surface panel being intended to perform an aesthetic function.

[0019] The application also relates to a series of vehicle dashboards comprising a first dashboard and a second dashboard as disclosed above, the first and second dashboards comprising the same structural frame, each of the first and second dashboards comprising a surface panel, said panels being different from one another.

[0020] The application also relates to a series of vehicle dashboards comprising a first dashboard and a second dashboard as disclosed above, the structural frames of the first and second dashboards being different, at least one of the first bar, the second bar, the third bar and the fourth bar of the structural frame of the first dashboard being identical to at least one of the first bar, the second bar, the third bar and the fourth bar of the structural frame of the second dashboard.

[0021] The application also relates to a vehicle comprising a dashboard as described above. In an advantageous aspect of the application, the structural frame of the dashboard is attached to the chassis of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will become clearer from the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic top view of a vehicle including a dashboard according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the dashboard; and

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top view of the dashboard. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in part and schematically. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 10 is a land vehicle, more precisely a motor vehicle.

[0027] Vehicle 10 extends in what is considered a horizontal direction of travel or a longitudinal direction. For the remainder of this specification, an orthogonal basis (X, Y, Z) is considered associated with vehicle 10. X represents the longitudinal direction, Y represents the horizontal lateral direction, and Z represents the vertical direction or the vehicle height direction.

[0028] Vehicle 10 specifically includes a front hood 12, two side walls 14 and 16, and a windshield 18, these components in Figure 1 It is shown in dashed lines.

[0029] Sidewalls 14 and 16 extend substantially in the X direction. A windshield 18 is disposed between the sidewalls. The lower edge 20 of the windshield 18, which extends substantially in a plane (X, Y), is connected to the front cover 12.

[0030] The vehicle 10 also includes: a passenger compartment 22, which is defined in particular by side walls 14, 16 and a windshield 18; and an instrument panel 24 arranged inside the passenger compartment 22.

[0031] The dashboard 24 is specifically designed to form the front end of the passenger compartment 22 and to support the functional elements of the vehicle 10, as described below.

[0032] Figure 2 The dashboard 24, shown in an exploded view, includes a structural frame 26 and at least one surface panel 28, 30, 32. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the dashboard 24 includes a front panel 28, a center panel 30, and a rear panel 32.

[0033] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the dashboard 24 comprises: a first auxiliary structure 34 and a second auxiliary structure 35; and a plurality of pieces of equipment 36, 37, 38.

[0034] The structural framework 26 is shown separately in a top view. The structural framework 26 comprises a first bar 40, called main transversal bar, extending in the transversal direction Y. Figure 3 The structural framework 26 comprises a first bar 40, called main transversal bar, extending in the transversal direction Y.

[0035] More particularly, the main transversal bar 40 extends between two end portions 42, 44, each intended to be attached to a side wall 14, 16 of the vehicle 10. Preferably, each end portion 42, 44 of the main transversal bar 40 is intended to be attached to a chassis (not shown) forming the structure of the vehicle 10. More preferably, each end portion 42, 44 of the main transversal bar 40 is intended to be attached to a front pillar (not shown) comprised in the respective side wall 14, 16 and forming part of the chassis of the vehicle. Thus, a load transfer between the dashboard 24 and the structure of the vehicle 10 is ensured.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the main transversal bar 40 comprises a notch 45 arranged along its length, at least partially located between the two end portions 42, 44.

[0037] The structural framework 26 comprises at least one second bar 46, 48 extending substantially parallel to the main transversal bar 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural framework 26 comprises a front transversal bar 46 and a rear transversal bar 48, substantially parallel to the transversal bar 40 and arranged on either side of said transversal bar. In particular, the front transversal bar 46 is designed to be positioned close to the lower edge 20 of the windshield 18. To this end, the front transversal bar 46 is preferably curved in the plane (X, Y). By "substantially parallel" it is meant that the overall direction of the second bar makes a maximum angle of 30° with respect to the first bar.

[0038] The structural framework 26 further comprises: longitudinal bars 50, 52 attached to the first bar 40 and to the second bars 46, 48; and openings 54, 56 delimited by the transversal bars 40, 46, 48 and by the longitudinal bars 50, 52.

[0039] The longitudinal bars 50, 52 extend substantially in the longitudinal direction X. In the illustrated embodiment, each longitudinal bar 50, 52 extends substantially in one plane (X, Z).

[0040] More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the structural framework 26 comprises a plurality of front longitudinal bars 50 connecting the front transversal bar 46 and the main transversal bar 40. Each front longitudinal bar 50 extends between two end portions, respectively attached to the front transversal bar 46 and to the main transversal bar 40.

[0041] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the structural frame 26 comprises a plurality of rear longitudinal bars 52 connecting the rear cross bar 48 and the main cross bar 40. Each rear longitudinal bar 52 extends between two end portions, attached to the rear cross bar 48 and to the main cross bar 40, respectively.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the structural frame 26 further comprises a reinforcement cross bar 58 attached to the front longitudinal bars 50 and arranged between the front cross bar 46 and the main cross bar 40.

[0043] Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the front cross bar 46, the plurality of front longitudinal bars 50 and the reinforcement cross bar 58 are made as a single piece, more preferably of a plastic material. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear cross bar 48 and the plurality of rear longitudinal bars 52 are preferably made as a single piece, more preferably of a plastic material. The material of the front cross bar 46 and the rear cross bar 48 can be the same or different.

[0044] Preferably, the main cross bar 40 is manufactured separately from the front and rear longitudinal bars 46, 48, optionally of a different material, preferably of a plastic. Each end portion of the front and rear longitudinal bars 50, 52 attached to the main cross bar 40 is preferably inserted into the notch 45.

[0045] The or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 has an upper face 60, 62, 64 and a lower face. The lower face of the or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 is arranged in contact with the structural frame 26 so as to close at least one opening 54, 56. Thus, the upper face 60, 62, 64 of the or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 forms an upwardly facing outer surface of the dashboard 24.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the dashboard 24 is configured such that each upper face 60, 62, 64 of the surface panels 28, 30, 32 is arranged substantially horizontally. By “substantially horizontally” it is meant that each upper face 60, 62, 64 has a maximum inclination with respect to the horizontal plane of less than 30°.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 28 is arranged in contact with the front cross bar 46 and the reinforcement cross bar 58 so as to be arranged close to the lower edge 20 of the windshield 18. Moreover, the rear panel 32 is arranged in contact with the main cross bar 40 and the rear cross bar 48; and the central panel 30 is arranged in the longitudinal direction X between the front panel 28 and the rear panel 32.

[0048] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first auxiliary structure 34 comprises: an auxiliary crossbar 66 extending substantially in the transverse direction Y; and a plurality of auxiliary struts 68. Each of the auxiliary struts 68 extends substantially along Z between the auxiliary crossbar 66 and the main crossbar 40, so that the auxiliary crossbar 66 is located above the main crossbar 40; and the central panel 30 is arranged in contact with the reinforcement crossbar 58 and the auxiliary crossbar 66. More specifically, the first auxiliary structure 34 elevates the central panel 30 relative to the main crossbar 40.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the second auxiliary structure 35 is attached to the main crossbar 40 and is L-shaped. More specifically, the second auxiliary structure 35 comprises a first vertical leg 70 and a second horizontal leg 72. The first vertical leg 70 extends downwardly from the main crossbar 40, and the second horizontal leg 72 extends substantially in the transverse direction Y.

[0050] The various pieces of equipment 36, 37, 38 on the dashboard 24 are preferably attached to the main crossbar 40 and / or to the front crossbar 46 and the rear crossbar 48 and / or to the front longitudinal bar 50 and the rear longitudinal bar 52. The various pieces of equipment 36, 37, 38 comprise, for example: a steering wheel support 36 attached to the main crossbar 40; a driver cover 37 attached to the main crossbar 40 and to the second auxiliary structure 35, the driver cover 37 optionally comprising a GPS display support 74; a firing channel (not shown) for airbag deployment; and a glove box cover 38 attached to the main crossbar 40 and to the second auxiliary structure 35.

[0051] Preferably, the front panel 28 comprises a slot 76 for passing air to defrost the windshield 18; and the dashboard 24 further comprises additional equipment (not shown) located below the front panel 28 for directing air flow to the slot 76.

[0052] A method for producing the dashboard 24 will now be disclosed.

[0053] The various elements of the dashboard 24, in particular the structural frame 26, the surface panels 28, 30, 32, the first auxiliary structure 34 and the second auxiliary structure 35, and the various pieces of equipment 36, 37, 38, are manufactured independently of one another before assembly. Each of these elements is made of a plastic material, for example by molding.

[0054] Preferably, as disclosed above, the different bars are preferably manufactured independently of one another by plastic injection molding, then assembled together to form the structural frame. The main crossbar 40 is preferably produced by assembling different alignment sections, in particular a plastic section and at least one metal section.

[0055] This makes it possible to use different materials for the different bars used, for example to add reinforcing fibres, such as glass or carbon fibres. Preferably, a more solid material is used for the main crossbar 40 attached to the walls 14, 16 of the vehicle 10 than for the other crossbars.

[0056] Furthermore, by adapting the shape of the one-piece unit, in particular the front crossbar 46 and / or the rear crossbar 48, the same model of main crossbar 40 can thus be used for several different models of vehicle 10.

[0057] Similarly, the optional use of auxiliary structures 34, 35 makes it possible to use the same structural framework 26 for several different models of vehicle 10.

[0058] Similarly, the production of the surface panels 28, 30, 32 and covers 37, 38 independently of the structural framework 26 makes it easy to change the appearance of said panels / covers for aesthetic purposes. The production of the structural framework 26 in the form of intersecting bars defining the openings 54, 56 reduces the weight of the assembly and the amount of material required. Furthermore, the same bar can be integrated into several different structural frameworks.

[0059] The use of bars as standard elements for several vehicles increases the modularity of the dashboard and also reduces the production cost of the structural framework.

Claims

1. An instrument panel (24) for a vehicle (10), the instrument panel including a structural frame (26) intended to be attached to the chassis of the vehicle. The instrument panel is characterized by: -The structural framework (26) includes: At least one first rod (40) and at least one second rod (46, 48, 58), the at least one first rod and the at least one second rod extending substantially in a first direction (Y); and at least one third rod (50) and at least one fourth rod (52), the at least one third rod and the at least one fourth rod attached to the first rod and the second rod and extending substantially in a second direction (X) not parallel to the first direction; - The structural frame further includes at least one opening (54, 56) defined by the at least first rod (40) and the at least second rod (46, 48, 58) and by the at least third rod (50) and the at least fourth rod (52); and The dashboard (24) also includes at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) attached to the structural frame to close the at least one opening (54, 56).

2. The dashboard according to claim 1, wherein, The first rod (40) of the structural frame (26) extends between the two ends (42, 44) of the side pillars (14, 16) intended to be attached to the vehicle.

3. The dashboard according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The first rod (40) comprises a group of segments substantially aligned in the first direction (Y).

4. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first rod (40) and the second rod (46, 48, 58) of the structural frame (26) are made of different materials, preferably plastic.

5. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second direction (X) of the third rod (50) and the fourth rod (52) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Y).

6. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second rod (46) of the structural frame (26) is configured to extend along the lower edge (20) of the windshield (18) of the vehicle (10).

7. The dashboard according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) includes a front panel (28) arranged on the second bar (46) of the structural frame (26) and intended to extend along the lower edge (20) of the windshield (18) of the vehicle (10).

8. The dashboard according to claim 7, wherein, The front panel (28) includes at least one ventilation opening (76) on the windshield (18) intended to face the vehicle (10).

9. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 2, the dashboard further comprising auxiliary structural elements (34, 35) attached to the first rod (40) of the structural frame (26).

10. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) has a lower surface and an upper surface (60, 62, 64), the lower surface being arranged to contact the structural frame (26), and the instrument panel being configured such that the upper surface (60, 62, 64) is arranged substantially horizontally in the vehicle (10).

11. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, the dashboard further comprising a plurality of devices (36, 37, 38) attached to the structural frame (26).

12. The dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: An auxiliary crossbar (66) extends substantially in the first direction (Y); And a plurality of auxiliary struts (68), each of which extends substantially between the auxiliary crossbar (66) and the main crossbar (40), so that the auxiliary crossbar is adapted to be arranged above the main crossbar (40).

13. A series of vehicle dashboards, the series of vehicle dashboards including a first dashboard (24) and a second dashboard according to any one of the preceding claims, the first dashboard and the second dashboard including the same structural frame (26), each of the first dashboard and the second dashboard including a surface panel, the panels being different from each other.

14. A series of vehicle dashboards, the series of vehicle dashboards including a first dashboard (24) and a second dashboard according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the structural frames of the first dashboard and the second dashboard are different, and at least one of a first, second, third and fourth bar of the structural frame of the first dashboard is the same as at least one of a first, second, third and fourth bar of the structural frame of the second dashboard.

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