Instrument panel assembly, steering wheel stowage method, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an instrument panel assembly, a steering wheel storage method and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicle manufacturing. The instrument panel assembly comprises an instrument desk, a movable cover plate connected to the instrument desk and adapted to jointly define a containing space for containing a steering wheel, the movable cover plate being movable relative to the instrument desk so that the containing space can be opened or closed, at least one of the movable cover plate and the instrument desk forming a steering column avoiding opening, and a plug cover mechanism installed on the instrument desk and provided with a selectively openable or closable roller shutter plug cover for shielding the steering column avoiding opening when opened. According to the instrument panel assembly, the steering wheel can be completely hidden and stored, and the appearance of the instrument panel assembly is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and more particularly to an instrument panel assembly, a steering wheel storage method for the instrument panel assembly, and a vehicle having the instrument panel assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, even after the steering wheel is folded away, its outer surface is still exposed, failing to achieve complete folding and concealment, thus affecting its aesthetics. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an instrument panel assembly that allows for the complete concealment and storage of the steering wheel, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the instrument panel assembly.

[0004] An instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an instrument panel; a movable cover plate connected to the instrument panel and adapted to jointly define a receiving space for receiving a steering wheel, the movable cover plate being movable relative to the instrument panel to allow the receiving space to be opened or closed, the movable cover plate and at least one of the instrument panel forming a steering column clearance opening; and a cover mechanism mounted on the instrument panel, the cover mechanism having a selectively openable or closable roller cover for obstructing the steering column clearance opening when open.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly increases the functionality and improves the integration of the instrument panel assembly by providing a cover mechanism installed on the dashboard. The selectively openable or closable roller shutter cover provided by the cover mechanism can block the steering column clearance opening when the roller shutter cover is open, thereby closing the clearance opening and achieving complete hiding and storage of the steering wheel, thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the instrument panel assembly.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dashboard assembly includes a first drive member that is poweredly connected to the roller shutter cover via a transmission structure to drive the roller shutter cover to selectively open or close.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly of the present invention further includes a mounting base, the mounting base being detachably connected to the instrument panel, the roller shutter cover being slidably mounted on the mounting base, the mounting base having a blocking opening, the blocking opening being disposed opposite to the steering column clearance opening; The first driving member is adapted to drive the roller shutter cover to slide along the mounting base to simultaneously open or simultaneously block the steering column clearance opening and the blocking opening.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dashboard assembly satisfies at least one of the following: The mounting base is provided with a sliding guide rail, and the roller shutter cover is provided with a sliding post, which slides in conjunction with the sliding guide rail. The movable cover plate forms a first steering column clearance opening, and the instrument panel forms a second steering column clearance opening. The first steering column clearance opening and the second steering column clearance opening are open to each other and are adapted to be joined vertically to form the steering column clearance opening.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly includes a mounting portion and a blocking portion that are bent and connected together, the blocking opening is formed in the blocking portion, and the roller shutter cover is configured to slide along the mounting portion and is adapted to slide along the mounting portion to the blocking portion to block the blocking opening or slide away from the blocking portion to open the blocking opening.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly includes a transmission structure comprising a gear set and an output gear. The output end of the first drive member is connected to the gear set, and the output gear meshes with the gear set. The roller shutter cover is provided with a transmission rack, which meshes with the output gear. The output gear is adapted to drive the transmission rack to slide the roller shutter cover along the mounting portion.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly has two sets of transmission racks, which are spaced apart and distributed on both sides of the mounting portion and respectively connected to the two ends of the roller shutter cover on the side away from the obstruction opening. The transmission structure further includes a transmission shaft, and there are two output gears. The two output gears are located at both ends of the transmission shaft and are fixed coaxially with the transmission shaft. The two output gears are engaged with two sets of transmission racks in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly further includes a second drive member, the movable cover is rotatably connected to the instrument panel via a rotating shaft, the output end of the second drive member is connected to the rotating shaft, and the second drive member is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the movable cover to rotate relative to the instrument panel.

[0013] This invention also proposes a method for storing a steering wheel.

[0014] The steering wheel storage method according to embodiments of the present invention is applicable to the dashboard assembly described in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising: Get steering wheel storage command; The movable cover is controlled to open the receiving space; The steering wheel is retracted into the receiving space; Control the movable cover to close the receiving space; The roller shutter cover is opened to close the steering column clearance opening.

[0015] The present invention also proposes a vehicle.

[0016] The vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention includes the instrument panel assembly described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0017] The steering wheel storage method, the vehicle, and the aforementioned dashboard assembly all have the same advantages over the prior art, and will not be repeated here.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (When the steering wheel is in the extended position); Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (When the steering wheel is in the unfolded position and the cover is open); Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 (When the steering wheel is in the stowed position and the cover is closed); Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 (When the movable cover is located on top of the dashboard); Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (When the movable cover is located at the bottom of the dashboard); Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (When the cover is located at the bottom of the dashboard, the cover is open, and the steering wheel is in the stowed position); Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly, steering wheel, and central control screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly, steering wheel, and central control screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument panel assembly, steering wheel, and central control screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ; Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the plugging mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting base according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the plugging mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the roller shutter cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the plugging mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 (When the obstruction is open); Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged view at point A; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the plugging mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 (When the obstruction is closed); Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the plugging mechanism according to other embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 (When the obstruction is open); Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the plugging mechanism according to other embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 (When the obstruction is closed).

[0020] Figure label: Instrument panel assembly 100, Instrument panel 1, second steering column clearance opening 11, Movable cover plate 2, first steering column clearance opening 21, Accommodation space 31, steering column clearance opening 32, Covering mechanism 4, roller shutter cover 41, sliding column 411, transmission rack 412, roller shutter frame 413, skin 414. Mounting base 42, mounting part 421, shielding part 422, shielding opening 4221, sliding guide rail 423, first section sliding guide rail 4231, second section sliding guide rail 4232. Transmission structure 43, gearbox 431, output gear 432, drive shaft 433. Second driving component 5, rotating shaft 6 Steering wheel 200, wheel rim 201, upper wheel rim 2011, lower wheel rim 2012, rotating arm 202, first pivot 203, second pivot 204, unfolded position a, folded position b. 300-inch central control screen. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the front-back direction in this application refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e., the X direction; the left-right direction refers to the lateral direction of the vehicle, i.e., the Y direction; and the up-down direction refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle, i.e., the Z direction.

[0024] The following is for reference. Figures 1-18 A dashboard assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, which enables the steering wheel 200 to be completely hidden and stored, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the dashboard assembly 100.

[0025] like Figures 1-18As shown, an instrument panel assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an instrument panel 1, a movable cover 2, and a cover mechanism 4.

[0026] The dashboard 1 is the core interior module that integrates multiple modules in the vehicle. It is the key carrier for the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The dashboard 1 includes the instrument panel, various instruments, central control buttons, air conditioning unit, etc.

[0027] The movable cover 2 is connected to the instrument panel 1 and is adapted to jointly define a receiving space 31 for accommodating the steering wheel 200. The movable cover 2 is movable relative to the instrument panel 1 so that the receiving space 31 can be opened or closed. The movable cover 2 and at least one of the instrument panel 1 form a steering column clearance opening 32.

[0028] Specifically, the movable cover 2 is used to store the steering wheel 200. The movable cover 2 is connected to the dashboard 1, which has a hollow interior forming a cavity that opens towards the driver. The movable cover 2 can be placed on the open side of the cavity to define a storage space 31 for the steering wheel 200 together with the dashboard 1. When the driver is manually driving the vehicle, the movable cover 2 is placed on the open side of the storage space 31 to close it and prevent external dust, foreign objects, etc. from entering the storage space 31 and affecting the internal structure of the dashboard 1. When it is necessary to store the steering wheel 200, the movable cover 2 can move away from the dashboard 1 to open the storage space 31, allowing the steering wheel 200 to be stored inside. After the steering wheel 200 is stored inside the storage space 31, the movable cover 2 can move towards the dashboard 1 to close the storage space 31, thus hiding and protecting the steering wheel 200 located inside the dashboard 1. The movable cover plate 2 may form a steering column avoidance opening 32, or the instrument panel 1 may form a steering column avoidance opening 32, or the movable cover plate 2 and the instrument panel 1 may together form a steering column avoidance opening 32. The steering column avoidance opening 32 is used to avoid the connection between the steering wheel 200 and the steering column when the steering wheel 200 is driving normally, so as to avoid interference between the steering column and the instrument panel 1 or the movable cover plate 2, thereby ensuring the normal use of the steering wheel 200 and enabling the vehicle to be steered and driven normally.

[0029] It should be noted that after the movable cover 2 closes the accommodating space 31, the steering column clearance opening 32 remains open, causing the steering wheel 200 located in the accommodating space 31 to be exposed, making it impossible to completely hide and store the steering wheel 200.

[0030] Furthermore, the plugging mechanism 4 is installed on the instrument panel 1. The plugging mechanism 4 is provided with a roller shutter plug 41 that can be selectively opened or closed. The roller shutter plug 41 is used to block the steering column clearance opening 32 when it is open.

[0031] Specifically, the cover mechanism 4 is used to block the steering column clearance opening 32 to achieve complete concealment of the steering wheel 200. The cover mechanism 4 can be installed inside the dashboard 1 and fixed relative to the dashboard 1. The cover mechanism 4 is provided with a roller shutter cover 41 that can be selectively opened or closed. That is, when the steering wheel 200 is not retracted (the steering wheel 200 is in the unretracted state, i.e., in the unfolded state), the roller shutter cover 41 can be closed to keep the steering column clearance opening 32 open. When the steering wheel 200 is retracted (the steering wheel 200 is in the retracted state), the roller shutter cover 41 can be opened to block the steering column clearance opening 32, thereby closing the steering column clearance opening 32 and achieving complete concealment of the steering wheel 200, improving the appearance of the instrument panel assembly 100.

[0032] Furthermore, the cover mechanism 4 occupies little space and does not interfere with the original steering wheel 200, air conditioning and other components, making the structure of the instrument panel assembly 100 more compact.

[0033] It is understood that the movable cover 2 in this embodiment can be connected to the top or bottom of the instrument panel 1, and the blocking mechanism 4 can be installed on the top or bottom of the instrument panel 1. When the movable cover 2 is connected to the top of the instrument panel 1, the blocking mechanism 4 is installed on the bottom of the instrument panel 1; when the movable cover 2 is connected to the bottom of the instrument panel 1, the blocking mechanism 4 is installed on the top of the instrument panel 1. This makes full use of the space to arrange the movable cover 2 and the blocking mechanism 4, prevents interference, and at the same time ensures that the roller shutter cover 41 of the blocking mechanism 4 can effectively block the steering column clearance opening 32.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instrument panel assembly 100 increases the functionality of the instrument panel assembly 100 and improves the integration of the instrument panel assembly 100 by providing a cover mechanism 4 installed on the instrument panel 1; the roller shutter cover 41 provided by the cover mechanism 4, which can be selectively opened or closed, can block the steering column clearance opening 32 when the roller shutter cover 41 is open, thereby closing the steering column clearance opening and achieving complete hiding and storage of the steering wheel 200, thus improving the appearance of the instrument panel assembly 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, the blocking mechanism 4 includes a first driving member, which is poweredly connected to the roller shutter blocking cover 41 via a transmission structure 43 to drive the roller shutter blocking cover 41 to selectively open or close.

[0036] Specifically, the first driving component is a power source used to provide power for opening and closing the roller shutter cover 41. The output end of the first driving component can be connected to the input end of the transmission structure 43, and the output end of the transmission structure 43 can be connected to the roller shutter cover 41. Thus, the first driving component is poweredly connected to the roller shutter cover 41 through the transmission structure 43. When the first driving component operates, it can drive the transmission structure 43 to move, thereby opening or closing the roller shutter cover 41 and achieving the blocking and opening of the steering column clearance opening 32.

[0037] In actual design, the first driving component can be constructed as a drive motor, and the transmission structure 43 can be set as a gear set, worm gear structure, planetary gear set, etc. The transmission structure 43 can reduce speed to ensure the smooth movement of the roller shutter cover 41.

[0038] In some embodiments, reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the plugging mechanism 4 also includes a mounting base 42, which is detachably connected to the instrument panel 1. The roller shutter plug 41 is slidably mounted on the mounting base 42. The mounting base 42 has a blocking opening 4221, which is opposite to the steering column clearance opening 32.

[0039] Specifically, the mounting base 42 serves as the support structure for the cover mechanism 4, providing support and fixation for the roller shutter cover 41, which can then operate while supported on the mounting base 42. The mounting base 42 and the instrument panel 1 can be detachably connected via snap-fit, threaded connection, or plug-in connection, facilitating assembly and disassembly of the mounting base 42 from the instrument panel 1. In the event of damage to the cover mechanism 4, it can be quickly and easily removed from the instrument panel 1 for repair and replacement, reducing maintenance costs and improving maintenance convenience. The roller shutter cover 41 is mounted on the mounting base 42 and can slide relative to it, thus enabling the opening and closing of the roller shutter cover 41.

[0040] The mounting base 42 may have a blocking opening 4221 that is opposite to the steering column clearance opening 32. When the roller shutter cover 41 is open, it is located at the blocking opening 4221 and can close the blocking opening 4221, thereby blocking the steering column clearance opening 32. When the roller shutter cover 41 is closed, it moves away from the blocking opening 4221, so that the blocking opening 4221 is open, thereby opening the steering column clearance opening 32.

[0041] Furthermore, the first drive member is adapted to drive the roller shutter cover 41 to slide along the mounting base 42 to simultaneously open or simultaneously block the steering column clearance opening 32 and the blocking opening 4221. In other words, when the first driving component is in operation, the first driving component can drive the roller shutter cover 41 to slide along the mounting base 42 in the first direction through the transmission structure 43, so that the roller shutter cover 41 simultaneously opens to block the steering column clearance opening 32 and the blocking opening 4221. Even if both the steering column clearance opening 32 and the blocking opening 4221 are in the open state, the steering wheel 200 can be unfolded. The first driving component can also drive the roller shutter cover 41 to slide along the mounting base 42 in the second direction through the transmission structure 43, so that the roller shutter cover 41 simultaneously blocks the steering column clearance opening 32 and the blocking opening 4221. Even if both the steering column clearance opening 32 and the blocking opening 4221 are in the closed state, the steering wheel 200 can be completely hidden and stored. The first direction and the second direction are opposite, and the first direction and the second direction can be forward and backward.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is satisfied: A1. The mounting base 42 is provided with a sliding guide rail 423, and the roller shutter cover 41 is provided with a sliding column 411. The sliding column 411 and the sliding guide rail 423 are in sliding cooperation.

[0043] Thus, through the sliding engagement of the sliding column 411 and the sliding guide rail 423, the roller shutter cover 41 can slide stably along the mounting base 42, reducing the friction between the roller shutter cover 41 and the mounting base 42, making the roller shutter cover 41 move more smoothly, preventing it from shaking, and reducing noise. At the same time, the sliding guide rail 423 can also guide the roller shutter cover 41 to ensure that it can move in the set direction, preventing it from deviating from its movement and failing to completely close the blocking opening 4221, and thus failing to completely block the deflection column clearance opening 32.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, such as Figures 13-15 As shown, the sliding column 411 is located on the outer periphery of the roller shutter cover 41 and extends outward, while the sliding guide rail 423 is located on the inner periphery of the mounting base 42. The sliding column 411 can be supported on the sliding guide rail 423 to slide along the extending direction of the sliding guide rail 423.

[0045] In practical design, such as Figure 11As shown, the sliding guide rail 423 includes a first sliding guide rail 4231 and a second sliding guide rail 4232. The first sliding guide rail 4231 extends along a first direction, and the second sliding guide rail 4232 extends along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect. The first direction can be the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the second direction can be the vertical direction of the vehicle. The blocking opening 4221 is located at the position of the second sliding guide rail 4232. When the roller shutter cover 41 slides to the second sliding guide rail 4232, it can gradually unfold upward or downward, thereby closing the blocking opening 4221.

[0046] A2. The movable cover plate 2 has a first steering column clearance opening 21, and the instrument panel 1 has a second steering column clearance opening 11. The first steering column clearance opening 21 and the second steering column clearance opening 11 are open to each other and are suitable for vertical assembly to form a steering column clearance opening 32.

[0047] For example, when the movable cover plate 2 is located on the top of the instrument panel 1 and the plugging mechanism 4 is located at the bottom of the instrument panel 1, the movable cover plate 2 can form a first steering column clearance opening 21 that opens downwards, and the instrument panel 1 can form a second steering column clearance opening 11 that opens upwards. The first steering column clearance opening 21 and the second steering column clearance opening 11 are vertically opposite each other, so that when the steering wheel 200 is in the unfolded or retracted state, the first steering column clearance opening 21 and the second steering column clearance opening 11 can be vertically joined together to form the entire steering column clearance opening 32, avoiding interference with the steering column. When the movable cover plate 2 is located at the bottom of the instrument panel 1 and the plugging mechanism 4 is located at the top of the instrument panel 1, the movable cover plate 2 can form an upward-opening first steering column clearance opening 21, and the instrument panel 1 can form a downward-opening second steering column clearance opening 11. The first steering column clearance opening 21 and the second steering column clearance opening 11 are vertically opposite each other. Thus, when the steering wheel 200 is in the unfolded or retracted state, the first steering column clearance opening 21 and the second steering column clearance opening 11 can be vertically joined together to form the entire steering column clearance opening 32, avoiding interference with the steering column.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting base 42 includes a bent and connected mounting portion 421 and a blocking portion 422, a blocking opening 4221 is formed in the blocking portion 422, and the roller shutter cover 41 is configured to slide along the mounting portion 421 and is adapted to slide along the mounting portion 421 to the blocking portion 422 to block the blocking opening 4221 or slide away from the blocking portion 422 to open the blocking opening 4221.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown, the mounting base 42 includes a mounting portion 421 and a shielding portion 422 that are bent and connected. The mounting portion 421 is configured to extend longitudinally along the vehicle, and the shielding portion 422 is configured to extend vertically along the vehicle. This allows the mounting portion 421 and the shielding portion 422 to be bent and connected so that the roller shutter cover 41 can shield the rearwardly open shielding opening 4221 and the steering column clearance opening 32 at the position of the shielding portion 422. The portion of the shielding portion 422 that is away from the mounting base 42 is bent forward to adapt to the internal space structure of the dashboard 1.

[0050] When the roller shutter cover 41 is in the open state, it is located at the mounting part 421. When the steering wheel 200 is fully stowed and needs to be covered, the roller shutter cover 41 can slide along the mounting part 421 to the covering part 422 to cover the covering opening 4221, thereby covering the steering column clearance opening 32 and achieving complete concealment of the steering wheel 200. At the same time, the roller shutter cover 41 reaches the closed state. Correspondingly, when it is necessary to unfold the steering wheel 200, the roller shutter cover 41 can slide along the mounting part 421 in a direction away from the covering part 422 to open the covering opening 4221, thereby opening the steering column clearance opening 32. At the same time, the roller shutter cover 41 switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] Thus, by sliding the roller shutter cover 41 along the direction close to the blocking part 422 to the blocking opening 4221 or along the direction away from the blocking part 422 to leave the blocking opening 4221, the blocking opening 4221 can be closed and opened. This is simple, reliable, flexible, convenient and easy to implement.

[0052] In some embodiments, the transmission structure 43 includes a gear set and an output gear 432. The output end of the first drive member is connected to the gear set, and the output gear 432 meshes with the gear set. The roller shutter cover 41 is provided with a transmission rack 412, which meshes with the output gear 432. The output gear 432 is adapted to drive the transmission rack 412 to drive the roller shutter cover 41 to slide along the mounting portion 421.

[0053] In this way, when the first drive unit is running, the output end of the first drive unit can transmit power to the gear set, which can drive the gear set to rotate. When the gear set rotates, it can drive the transmission rack 412 to move linearly. When the transmission rack 412 moves, it can drive the roller shutter cover 41 to slide along the mounting part 421, so as to realize the opening or closing of the blocking opening 4221.

[0054] Therefore, by setting up a gear set, speed reduction and torque increase can be achieved, improving the smoothness of the roller shutter cover 41's movement. By setting up a transmission rack 412, the rotational motion of the gear set can be smoothly converted into the linear motion of the roller shutter cover 41, ensuring the smooth sliding of the roller shutter cover 41. The movement method is simple and reliable.

[0055] In practical design, such as Figure 10 As shown, the gear set can be installed inside the gearbox 431 to protect the gear set.

[0056] In some embodiments, there are two sets of transmission racks 412, which are spaced apart and distributed on both sides of the mounting portion 421 and respectively connected to the two ends of the roller shutter cover 41 on the side away from the obstruction opening 4221; wherein, the transmission structure 43 further includes a transmission shaft 433, and there are two output gears 432, which are respectively located at both ends of the transmission shaft 433 and coaxially fixed with the transmission shaft 433, and the two output gears 432 are correspondingly engaged with the two sets of transmission racks 412.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the transmission racks 412 are configured in two sets. Both sets of transmission racks 412 extend longitudinally along the vehicle and are distributed laterally on the left and right sides of the mounting part 421. The rear ends of the two sets of transmission racks 412 are respectively connected to the two ends of the roller shutter cover 41 on the side away from the obstruction opening 4221. This ensures the continuity of the transmission racks 412 driving the roller shutter cover 41. The transmission structure 43 also includes a transmission shaft 433, which can be arranged laterally. There are two output gears 432. One output gear 432 is located at the left end of the transmission shaft 433 and is coaxially fixed with the left end of the transmission shaft 433. The other output gear 432 is located at the right end of the transmission shaft 433 and is coaxially fixed with the right end of the transmission shaft 433. Thus, the two output gears 432 are respectively fixed at the two axial ends of the transmission shaft 433. The left output gear 432 meshes with the left transmission rack 412, and the right output gear 432 meshes with the right transmission rack 412. Therefore, when the gear set drives one output gear 432 to rotate, this output gear 432 can drive the transmission shaft 433 to rotate synchronously. When the transmission shaft 433 is in motion, it can drive the other output gear 432 to rotate. Thus, the two output gears 432 can drive the two sets of transmission racks 412 to move linearly, and then the two sets of transmission racks 412 simultaneously drive the roller shutter cover 41 to move.

[0058] Therefore, by setting two sets of transmission racks 412 and two output gears 432, the overall stable movement of the roller shutter cover 41 can be ensured, preventing the movement of one end from lagging behind, which would cause the roller shutter cover 41 to move skewed, and thus may not be able to completely close the obstruction opening 4221.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13As shown, the roller shutter cover 41 also includes a roller shutter frame 413 and a skin 414. The roller shutter frame 413 serves as the main support structure of the roller shutter cover 41, ensuring the structural strength of the roller shutter cover 41 and maintaining its structural stability. The skin 414 is connected to one side surface of the roller shutter frame 413. As an exterior component of the roller shutter cover 41, the skin 414 can be exposed after the roller shutter cover 41 closes the obstruction opening 4221 and the steering column clearance opening 32, so as to be consistent with the interior structural components of the vehicle and improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle's interior.

[0060] In some embodiments, the instrument panel assembly 100 further includes a second drive member 5, the movable cover 2 is rotatably connected to the instrument panel 1 via a rotating shaft 6, the output end of the second drive member 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 6, and the second drive member 5 is used to drive the rotating shaft 6 to rotate, thereby causing the movable cover 2 to rotate relative to the instrument panel 1.

[0061] Specifically, the second drive component 5 is a power source that provides the power for the movable cover 2 to rotate relative to the instrument panel 1. The output end of the second drive component 5 can be connected to one axial end of the rotating shaft 6, for example, through a coupling, keyway, bearing, or interference fit. The movable cover 2 can be fixed circumferentially relative to the rotating shaft 6 so that the movable cover 2 is rotatably connected to the instrument panel 1 via the rotating shaft 6. Thus, when the second drive component 5 operates, it can transmit torque to the rotating shaft 6 to drive the rotating shaft 6 to rotate. When the rotating shaft 6 rotates, it can drive the movable cover 2 to rotate relative to the instrument panel 1, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the accommodating space 31.

[0062] Thus, the movable cover plate 2 is driven to rotate relative to the instrument panel 1 by the second driving component 5 and the rotating shaft 6, thereby opening and closing the accommodating space 31. The driving method is simple, reliable, and easy to implement.

[0063] In actual design, the second driving component 5 can be constructed as a drive motor, and the motor shaft of the drive motor can be connected to the rotating shaft 6.

[0064] This invention also proposes a method for storing a steering wheel.

[0065] The steering wheel storage method according to embodiments of the present invention is applicable to the dashboard assembly 100 of any of the above embodiments, and the method includes: S1. Obtain the steering wheel 200 storage command.

[0066] The steering wheel 200 storage system can input steering wheel 200 storage commands through the central control screen 300, button control, voice control, etc. After receiving the steering wheel 200 storage command, the steering wheel 200 storage system obtains the steering wheel 200 storage command.

[0067] S2, control the movable cover 2 to open the receiving space 31.

[0068] After the steering wheel 200 storage system receives the steering wheel 200 storage command, the system can control the movable cover 2 to move away from the dashboard 1 so that the movable cover 2 opens the receiving space 31.

[0069] S3, the steering wheel 200 is stored in the storage space 31.

[0070] After the movable cover 2 opens the receiving space 31, the system can control the steering wheel 200 to be stored in the receiving space 31.

[0071] In some embodiments, the rim 201 of the steering wheel 200 includes an upper rim 2011 and a lower rim 2012. The upper rim 2011 and the lower rim 2012 can rotate along the first pivot 203 toward each other to achieve the first step of folding the steering wheel 200. After that, the rotating arm 202 of the steering wheel 200 can rotate along the second pivot 204 to achieve the second step of folding the steering wheel 200. After that, the steering wheel 200 can make a linear movement toward the dashboard 1 to retract into the receiving space 31, thereby realizing that the steering wheel 200 is stored in the receiving space 31.

[0072] S4. Control the movable cover 2 to close the accommodating space 31.

[0073] After the steering wheel 200 is stored in the receiving space 31, the system can control the movable cover 2 to move in a direction away from the dashboard 1 so that the movable cover 2 closes the receiving space 31.

[0074] S5. Control the opening of the roller shutter cover 41 to close the steering column clearance opening 32.

[0075] After the movable cover 2 closes the receiving space 31, the system can control the roller shutter cover 41 to open to close the steering column clearance opening 32, thereby achieving complete concealment and storage of the steering wheel 200 and preventing the steering wheel 200 from being exposed.

[0076] The present invention also proposes a vehicle.

[0077] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the dashboard assembly 100 of any of the above embodiments.

[0078] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by providing a cover mechanism 4 installed on the dashboard 1, the functionality of the instrument panel assembly 100 is increased and the integration of the instrument panel assembly 100 is improved; the roller shutter cover 41 provided by the cover mechanism 4, which can be selectively opened or closed, can block the steering column clearance opening 32 when the roller shutter cover 41 is open, thereby closing the steering column clearance opening and realizing the complete concealment and storage of the steering wheel 200, improving the appearance of the instrument panel assembly 100.

[0079] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when the steering wheel 200 is in the unfolded position a, it is in the unfolded state; when the steering wheel 200 is in the retracted position b, it is in the retracted state. Figures 7-9 As shown, when the steering wheel 200 is in the stowed state, the central control screen 300 can slide from the right side of the instrument panel 1 to the left side of the instrument panel 1 so that the driver can conveniently use the central control screen 300.

[0080] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0081] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An instrument panel assembly, characterized in that, include: Instrument panel (1); A movable cover (2) is connected to the instrument panel (1) and adapted to jointly define a receiving space (31) for accommodating a steering wheel (200). The movable cover (2) is movable relative to the instrument panel (1) so that the receiving space (31) can be opened or closed. The movable cover (2) and at least one of the instrument panels (1) form a steering column clearance opening (32). A plugging mechanism (4) is installed on the instrument panel (1). The plugging mechanism (4) is provided with a roller shutter plug (41) that can be selectively opened or closed. The roller shutter plug (41) is used to block the steering column clearance opening (32) when it is opened.

2. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover mechanism (4) includes a first driving member, which is poweredly connected to the roller shutter cover (41) via a transmission structure (43) to drive the roller shutter cover (41) to selectively open or close.

3. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plugging mechanism (4) further includes a mounting base (42), which is detachably connected to the instrument panel (1). The roller shutter plug (41) is slidably mounted on the mounting base (42). The mounting base (42) has a blocking opening (4221), which is opposite to the steering column clearance opening (32). The first driving member is adapted to drive the roller shutter cover (41) to slide along the mounting base (42) to simultaneously open or simultaneously block the steering column clearance opening (32) and the blocking opening (4221).

4. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be met: The mounting base (42) is provided with a sliding guide rail (423), and the roller shutter cover (41) is provided with a sliding column (411). The sliding column (411) is slidably engaged with the sliding guide rail (423). The movable cover plate (2) has a first steering column clearance opening (21), and the instrument panel (1) has a second steering column clearance opening (11). The first steering column clearance opening (21) and the second steering column clearance opening (11) are open to each other and are adapted to be joined vertically to form the steering column clearance opening (32).

5. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base (42) includes a bent and connected mounting portion (421) and a blocking portion (422), the blocking opening (4221) is formed in the blocking portion (422), the roller shutter cover (41) is configured to slide along the mounting portion (421), and the roller shutter cover (41) is adapted to slide along the mounting portion (421) to the blocking portion (422) to block the blocking opening (4221) or slide away from the blocking portion (422) to open the blocking opening (4221).

6. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission structure (43) includes a gear set and an output gear (432). The output end of the first driving member is connected to the gear set. The output gear (432) meshes with the gear set. The roller shutter cover (41) is provided with a transmission rack (412). The transmission rack (412) meshes with the output gear (432). The output gear (432) is adapted to drive the transmission rack (412) to drive the roller shutter cover (41) to slide along the mounting part (421).

7. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission rack (412) consists of two sets, which are spaced apart and distributed on both sides of the mounting part (421) and respectively connected to the two ends of the roller shutter cover (41) on the side away from the obstruction opening (4221). The transmission structure (43) further includes a transmission shaft (433), and there are two output gears (432). The two output gears (432) are located at both ends of the transmission shaft (433) and are coaxially fixed with the transmission shaft (433). The two output gears (432) are matched with two sets of transmission racks (412) in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. The instrument panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second drive unit (5), the movable cover plate (2) is rotatably connected to the instrument panel (1) via a rotating shaft (6), the output end of the second drive unit (5) is connected to the rotating shaft (6), and the second drive unit (5) is used to drive the rotating shaft (6) to rotate and drive the movable cover plate (2) to rotate relative to the instrument panel (1).

9. A method for storing a steering wheel, characterized in that, The method, applicable to any of the instrument panel assemblies of claims 1-8, comprises: Get the steering wheel (200) storage command; Control the movable cover (2) to open the receiving space (31); Control the steering wheel (200) to be housed within the receiving space (31); Control the movable cover (2) to close the receiving space (31); Control the opening of the roller shutter cover (41) to close the steering column clearance opening (32).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The instrument panel assembly included in any one of claims 1-8.

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