Instrument panel structure

Abstract

The utility model provides an instrument panel structure. The structure includes panel base material and the decorative component that covers the face of panel base material's to the inside of compartment, is formed with the through -going mouth on panel base material, is formed with the engaging portion that extends to the through -going mouth on decorative component, the through -going mouth and engaging portion are engaged, are provided with the first step in the upper edge portion of through -going mouth, this first step is formed at the side of through -going mouth that is opposite decorative component, and has with the through -going direction of through -going mouth vertical and the first engaging surface that is opposite decorative component, be provided with the second step in the upper portion of engaging portion of decorative component, this second step has with the extension direction of engaging portion vertical and the second engaging surface that faces decorative component, under the state that engaging portion inserts into the through -going mouth, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are opposite to each other in the through -going direction of through -going mouth. Based on the structure, can prevent the decorative component from separating from panel base material when the vehicle collides in front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a dashboard structure for automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, an instrument panel is located in front of the driver and front passenger seats inside a car cabin. This instrument panel includes a panel substrate and decorative components assembled onto the panel substrate, with the side facing inwards towards the passenger compartment covering the panel substrate. Both the panel substrate and the decorative components are made of resin. The panel substrate is used to improve the overall rigidity of the instrument panel. The decorative components are exposed inside the passenger compartment; therefore, to ensure a good appearance, their surfaces (the side facing inwards towards the passenger compartment) are usually textured or covered with a surface material.

[0003] Figure 10 It is a longitudinal section view (a section view of a section perpendicular to the vehicle width direction) of the instrument panel a in the prior art. Figure 10 In the middle, the right side is the rear side of the vehicle (inside the passenger compartment), and the left side is the front side of the vehicle.

[0004] like Figure 10 As shown, a through-hole d is formed on the panel substrate b, extending along its thickness direction, for fastening and fixing the decorative component c. Multiple through-holes d ( Figure 10 (Only one is shown in the image) They are arranged along the width of the vehicle, and each through-hole d is rectangular.

[0005] A clip e is installed on the decorative component c at the location corresponding to the through-hole d. An enlarged portion f is provided on the entire outer periphery of the clip e. When the clip e is inserted into the through-hole d, the enlarged portion f engages with the inner edge of the through-hole d. That is, by installing the clip e onto the decorative component c, inserting the clip e into the through-hole d, and engaging the enlarged portion f with the inner edge of the through-hole d, the decorative component c can be assembled onto the panel substrate b without the clip e dislodging from the through-hole d. In other words, the decorative component c can be assembled onto the panel substrate b simply by pressing the decorative component c with the clip e installed onto the panel substrate b.

[0006] On the other hand, multiple protruding reinforcing ribs g are provided on the front surface of the decorative component c (the surface facing the panel substrate b). The front end of each reinforcing rib g abuts against the surface of the panel substrate b (the surface facing the inside of the passenger compartment). This creates a space h between the panel substrate b and the decorative component c. When a frontal collision occurs, causing the occupant to move forward and collide with the decorative component c, the space h allows the decorative component c to deform and displace forward due to the deformation of the reinforcing ribs g. This displacement reduces the load acting on the occupant's knees.

[0007] However, in the event of a frontal collision, sometimes an occupant's knee can exert a force on the trim piece c, pushing it diagonally upwards (see [reference]). Figure 10 (See arrow F in the diagram). In this situation, it is possible that the assembly state between the decorative component c and the panel substrate b may be disengaged because the clip e disengages from the panel substrate b, or the decorative component c disengages from the clip e. At this time, as shown... Figure 10 As shown by the virtual lines, the decorative component c moves upwards. That is, the decorative component c no longer covers the panel substrate b, and the more rigid panel substrate b is exposed inside the carriage. In this state, certain parts of the occupant's body (such as the legs) may directly collide with the panel substrate b, thereby increasing the load acting on the occupant's body.

[0008] As a measure to prevent the assembled state of decorative component c and panel substrate b from being dislodged, for example, a method of firmly fastening the two together with bolts can be used. However, this requires cumbersome operations such as tightening the bolts. Utility Model Content

[0009] In view of the above situation, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an instrument panel structure in which the decorative component will not detach from the panel substrate even when subjected to a pushing force that pushes it obliquely upward when a vehicle is involved in a frontal collision.

[0010] As a technical solution to the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an instrument panel structure, which includes a panel substrate and a decorative member covering the inner side of the panel substrate facing the passenger compartment. The panel substrate has a through-hole, and the decorative member has a engaging portion extending toward the through-hole in a direction parallel to the through-hole's direction. The through-hole engages with the engaging portion. The key feature is that a first step is provided at the upper edge of the through-hole, formed on the side of the through-hole facing away from the decorative member, and has a first engaging surface perpendicular to the through-hole's direction and facing away from the decorative member; a second step is provided above the engaging portion of the decorative member, having a second engaging surface perpendicular to the extending direction of the engaging portion and facing the decorative member; when the engaging portion is inserted into the through-hole, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface face each other (face-to-face) in the through-hole's direction.

[0011] The advantage of the instrument panel structure described above is that, in the event of a frontal collision, the decorative member will not detach from the panel substrate even when subjected to a force pushing it diagonally upwards. Specifically, when a frontal collision causes an occupant's knee to exert a force pushing the decorative member diagonally upwards, the decorative member will move relative to the panel substrate. However, since the first engaging surface formed on the upper edge of the through-hole in the panel substrate and the second engaging surface provided on the upper part of the engaging portion of the decorative member face each other in the through-hole direction, when the decorative member moves away from the panel substrate, the first engaging surface will abut against the second engaging surface, thereby preventing the engaging portion from detaching from the through-hole. That is, the assembly state of the decorative member and the panel substrate can be prevented from being disassembled, thus maintaining the state in which the decorative member covers the panel substrate. As a result, it is possible to prevent the panel substrate from being exposed inside the passenger compartment, causing certain parts of the occupant's body to directly collide with the panel substrate, thereby reducing the load acting on the occupant's body. On the other hand, when assembling the trim component onto the panel substrate, only a simple operation is required: inserting the engaging part of the trim component into the through-hole of the panel substrate. Therefore, this ensures both ease of assembly and prevents the trim component from detaching from the panel substrate in the event of a frontal collision.

[0012] Furthermore, in the instrument panel structure described above, preferably, on the panel substrate, the back side portion of the first engaging surface is configured as a downwardly protruding engaging protrusion; on the engaging portion of the decorative member, the lower front side portion of the second engaging surface is configured as a downwardly recessed engaging recess; and the shape of the cross section of the engaging protrusion parallel to the through direction matches the shape of the cross section of the engaging recess parallel to the extension direction.

[0013] Based on this structure, when a frontal collision occurs and the occupant's knee exerts a force pushing the trim member diagonally upwards, the trim member moves relative to the panel substrate. As the trim member moves away from the panel substrate, the first engaging surface on the upper edge of the through-hole of the panel substrate abuts against the second engaging surface on the engaging portion of the trim member. Simultaneously, the entire engaging protrusion of the panel substrate embeds into the engaging recess of the engaging portion of the trim member, thus forming a state where the entire surface of the first engaging surface abuts against the entire surface of the second engaging surface. Therefore, it can more reliably ensure that the engaging portion cannot dislodge from the through-hole. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle dashboard and its surrounding structure as seen from the rear of the vehicle, representing an embodiment of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view following the II-II line section only shows the panel substrate and decorative components that make up the dashboard.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of assembling decorative components onto a panel substrate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the panel substrate as seen in the direction of arrow IV.

[0018] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the decorative component engaging part behind the VV line section.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion of the decorative component in the embodiment of this utility model that is engaged with the panel substrate.

[0020] Figure 7 Is with Figure 6 The corresponding figure illustrates the situation where, when a vehicle in an embodiment of the present invention experiences a frontal collision, the decorative member is subjected to a thrust that pushes it obliquely upward.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a variation of the present invention. Figure 6 Equivalent diagram.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a variation of the present invention. Figure 7 Equivalent diagram.

[0023] Figure 10 It is in the existing technology and Figure 2 Equivalent diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] <Structure of Instrument Panel 1>

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle dashboard 1 and its surrounding structure as seen from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 1 In the diagram, arrow UP indicates the top, arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction, and arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, an instrument panel 1 is located in front of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat inside the vehicle. In the center of the instrument panel 1, an instrument cluster 11 and a center console 2 are arranged. On the center console 2, a display screen 21 for vehicle navigation and various switches are arranged. Furthermore, a steering wheel 3 is located on the right side of the instrument panel 1, slightly off-center in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view after the II-II line section only shows the panel substrate 4 and decorative component 5 that constitute the instrument panel 1. Figure 2 In the middle, the right side is the rear of the vehicle (inside the passenger compartment), and the left side is the front of the vehicle.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the dashboard 1 includes a panel substrate 4 and a decorative component 5, which is assembled onto the panel substrate 4 with the side facing the interior of the passenger compartment covered by the decorative component 4. Both the panel substrate 4 and the decorative component 5 are made of resin material. The panel substrate 4 is a component used to improve the overall rigidity of the dashboard 1. The decorative component 5 is a component exposed inside the passenger compartment, therefore, in order to give it a good appearance, a texture is formed on its surface (the side facing the interior of the passenger compartment) or a surface material (not shown) is applied.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of assembling the decorative component 5 onto the panel substrate 4 in this embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a through-hole 41 for engaging the decorative component 5 is provided on the panel substrate 4. Multiple through-holes 41 ( Figure 3 (Only one is shown in the image) arranged along the width of the vehicle, each through-hole 41 is rectangular, and penetrates the panel substrate 4 along the thickness direction (which is also the length direction of the vehicle).

[0031] A protruding engaging portion 51 is provided on the decorative member 5 at a location corresponding to the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4. This engaging portion 51 extends from the side of the decorative member 5 facing the panel substrate 4, along a direction parallel to the through-hole direction (which is also horizontal in this case) towards the through-hole 41. The thickness dimension of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 (… Figure 3 The size of the largest portion (parallel to the VV line direction) is set to be slightly larger than the through-hole opening size of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4. Figure 3 (Dimensions parallel to the VV line direction). The decorative member 5 is assembled onto the panel substrate 4 by inserting the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 into the through opening 41 of the panel substrate 4 to engage it.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, multiple protruding reinforcing ribs 53 are provided on the front surface of the decorative member 5 (the surface facing the panel substrate 4). The front end of each reinforcing rib 53 abuts against the surface of the panel substrate 4 (the surface facing the decorative member 5). This creates a space 6 between the panel substrate 4 and the decorative member 5. When a frontal collision occurs, causing the occupant to move forward and collide with the decorative member 5, the decorative member 5 deforms forward due to the deformation of the reinforcing ribs 53 caused by this space 6. This deformation reduces the load acting on the occupant's knees.

[0033] The structure of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4 and the engaging part 51 of the decorative component 5 will be described in detail below.

[0034] Figure 4 From Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the panel substrate 4 as seen from the direction of arrow IV. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a stepped portion 42 is provided at the upper edge of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4. This stepped portion 42 is formed on the panel substrate 4 on the front side in the vehicle length direction (i.e., the side of the through-hole 41 facing away from the decorative member 5). Specifically, the stepped portion 42 is composed of an inner side surface 42a facing the front of the vehicle body on the panel substrate 4, a horizontal surface 42b extending from the lower end of the inner side surface 42a toward the rear of the vehicle body, and a first engaging surface 42c extending vertically downward from the rear end (rear end in the vehicle length direction) of the horizontal surface 42b. That is, by providing the stepped portion 42 on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the panel substrate 4, a first engaging surface 42c is formed that is perpendicular to the through-hole direction (which is also the vehicle length direction) of the through-hole 41 and faces away from the decorative member 5 (which is also facing the front of the vehicle body).

[0035] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative component 5 behind the VV line section. (See figure) Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a step portion 52 is provided on the upper part of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5. This step portion 52 is composed of an upper surface 52a of the engaging portion 51, a second engaging surface 52b extending vertically downward from the rear end of the upper surface 52a, and a horizontal surface 52c extending from the lower end of the second engaging surface 52b toward the main body side of the decorative member 5. By forming the step portion 52 on the upper part of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5, a second engaging surface 52b is formed that is perpendicular to the extending direction of the engaging portion 51 (which is also the vehicle length direction) and faces the main body side of the decorative member 5 (which is also the rear of the vehicle body).

[0036] When assembling the decorative component 5 onto the panel substrate 4, such as Figure 6As shown, the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 is inserted into the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4, and the stepped portion 52 of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 passes through the stepped portion 42 of the panel substrate 4, so that the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 engages with the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4. In this way, the decorative member 5 can be assembled onto the panel substrate 4 without detaching from it.

[0037] With the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 inserted into the through opening 41 of the panel substrate 4 in the manner described above, the first engaging surface 42c of the panel substrate 4 and the second engaging surface 52b of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 face each other in the through direction of the through opening 41 (which is also the vehicle length direction).

[0038] <Situation when a vehicle is involved in a frontal collision>

[0039] Next, the condition of the instrument panel 1 with the above structure when the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision will be explained. Figure 7 In this embodiment, when the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the decorative component 5 is subjected to a thrust that pushes it diagonally upwards. Figure 6 Equivalent diagram.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, when a frontal collision occurs, the occupant's knee exerts a force on the trim member 5, pushing it diagonally upwards (see...). Figure 7 When arrow F is pointed out, the decorative member 5 moves forward relative to the panel substrate 4 in the vehicle length direction. In this case, the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 enters deeper into the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4 without coming out. When the thrust disappears, the decorative member 5 moves away from the panel substrate 4 due to the reaction force. The first engaging surface 42c of the panel substrate 4 and the second engaging surface 52b of the decorative member 5, which are facing each other in the vehicle length direction (through-hole 41), abut against each other, preventing the engaging portion 51 from coming out of the through-hole 41. Therefore, when a frontal collision occurs, the assembly state of the decorative member 5 and the panel substrate 4 will not be released, thus maintaining the state in which the decorative member 5 covers the panel substrate 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent the panel substrate 4 from being exposed inside the passenger compartment, causing direct contact between the occupant's body parts (such as legs) and the panel substrate 4, thereby reducing the load acting on the occupant's body.

[0041] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, since the first engaging surface 42c and the second engaging surface 52b face each other in the penetrating direction of the penetrating opening 41 when the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 is inserted into the through opening 41 of the panel substrate 4, the decorative member 5 cannot detach from the panel substrate 4 even when subjected to a pushing force that pushes it obliquely upward during a frontal collision. Furthermore, the operation of assembling the decorative member 5 onto the panel substrate 4 is simple, requiring only the insertion of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 into the through opening 41 of the panel substrate 4. Therefore, based on the structure of this embodiment, the ease of assembling the decorative member 5 onto the panel substrate 4 is maintained, while effectively preventing the decorative member 5 from detaching from the panel substrate 4 during a frontal collision.

[0043] <Variation Example>

[0044] Next, a modified example of this utility model will be described. In this modified example, the structure of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4 and the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 differs from that of the above embodiment, while the other structures are the same as those of the above embodiment. Therefore, only the structure of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4 and the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 will be described here.

[0045] Figure 8 It is the same as in this variation. Figure 6 Equivalent diagrams. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in this modified example, a first engaging surface 42c is also formed on the upper edge of the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4. Furthermore, in this modified example, the back side portion (the portion near the rear side in the vehicle length direction) of the first engaging surface 42c is configured as an engaging protrusion 43 with a triangular cross-section parallel to the through-hole 41's through-hole direction (which is also the direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction).

[0046] Meanwhile, in this modified example, a second engaging surface 52b is also formed on the upper part of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5. Furthermore, in this modified example, the lower front part of the second engaging surface 52b (i.e., the part closer to the rear side in the vehicle length direction than the second engaging surface 52b) is configured as an engaging recess 54 with a triangular cross-section parallel to the extending direction of the engaging portion 51 (which is also the direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction).

[0047] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the lower end of the engaging protrusion 43 (a triangular cross-section parallel to the through direction of the through opening 41) matches the cross-sectional shape of the engaging recess 54 (a triangular cross-section parallel to the extension direction of the engaging portion 51).

[0048] Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, when a frontal collision occurs, the occupant's knee exerts a force on the trim member 5, pushing it diagonally upwards (see...). Figure 9 When arrow F is pointed out, the decorative member 5 moves forward relative to the panel substrate 4 in the length direction of the vehicle. In this case, the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 will only penetrate deeper into the through-hole 41 of the panel substrate 4 without coming out. When the thrust disappears, the decorative member 5 moves away from the panel substrate 4 due to the reaction force. The first engaging surface 42c of the panel substrate 4 will abut against the second engaging surface 52b of the decorative member 5. At this time, the entire engaging protrusion 43 of the panel substrate 4 will be embedded in the engaging recess 54 of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5, thereby forming a state in which the entire surface of the first engaging surface 42c abuts against the entire surface of the second engaging surface 52b. In this state, the engaging portion 51 cannot come out of the through-hole 41. Thus, the effect of preventing the engaging portion 51 from coming out of the through-hole 41 can be further improved.

[0049] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0050] This invention is not limited to the embodiments and variations described above, and can be implemented in various applications and variations. For example, in the embodiments and variations described above, the through-hole 41 formed on the panel substrate 4 is rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion 51 of the decorative member 5 (the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging portion 51) is also rectangular. However, this invention is not limited to this, and the respective shapes can also be set to circular or other shapes.

Claims

1. An instrument panel structure, comprising a panel substrate and a decorative member covering the inner side of the panel substrate facing the passenger compartment, wherein a through-hole is formed on the panel substrate, and the decorative member has an engaging portion extending toward the through-hole in a direction parallel to the through-hole, the through-hole engaging with the engaging portion, characterized in that: A first step is provided at the upper edge of the through opening. The first step is formed on the side of the through opening opposite to the decorative member and has a first engaging surface that is perpendicular to the through direction of the through opening and opposite to the decorative member. A second step is provided on the upper part of the engaging portion of the decorative member, the second step having a second engaging surface that is perpendicular to the extending direction of the engaging portion and faces the decorative member; With the engaging portion inserted into the through opening, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface face each other in the through direction of the through opening.

2. The instrument panel structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: On the panel substrate, the back side portion of the first engaging surface is configured as a downwardly protruding engaging protrusion. On the engaging portion of the decorative member, the lower front part of the second engaging surface is configured as a downwardly recessed engaging recess. Furthermore, the shape of the cross section of the engaging protrusion parallel to the through direction matches the shape of the cross section of the engaging recess parallel to the extension direction.

Images