Instrument panel for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an instrument panel (1) for a motor vehicle (2), preferably for a commercial vehicle. The instrument panel (1) comprises a table element (3) and an adjustment device (4) connected to and / or connectable to the table element (3). The table element (3) can be moved between a stow position (5) and at least one operating position (6) by means of the adjustment device (4). Furthermore, in the stow position (5), an upper surface (7) of the table element (3) forms part of an upper surface (8) of the instrument panel (1). In this way, a space-saving, easy-to-use, and safe table element for a motor vehicle is provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, preferably for a commercial vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having such an instrument panel.

[0002] During work and break times, drivers of motor vehicles, especially those of commercial vehicles such as trucks or buses, often spend many hours in the vehicle and require an ergonomically accessible table surface, for example, for eating or performing administrative tasks. However, the design and arrangement of such table surfaces is often difficult due to the limited space available in the vehicle. Furthermore, all features of a vehicle interior must be designed so that they do not interfere with the driver's movements and do not pose a safety risk.

[0003] For truck cabs, there are known practical approaches that require a table to be moved out of a closed box for use via multiple movements. The disadvantage of this is that transferring the table from a stowed position to a use position requires several manual steps and movements, which is time-consuming, especially when objects are placed on the table. Furthermore, a comparatively large amount of space is required to stow the table.

[0004] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide an improved technology for providing a table surface in the interior of a motor vehicle, which, as far as possible, avoids the disadvantages of previous solutions. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a technology with which a table surface can be provided in the interior of a motor vehicle safely and in a space-saving manner, and which can be used efficiently.

[0005] These objects are achieved by a device having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] According to a general aspect of the present disclosure, an instrument panel for a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle is preferably a commercial vehicle, for example, a truck, a tractor unit, or a bus. The instrument panel, also referred to as the display panel, is understood to be the dashboard arranged in the front interior area of ​​the motor vehicle in the forward direction of travel, which preferably extends across the entire width of the motor vehicle.

[0007] The instrument panel comprises a table element, e.g., designed as a tabletop and / or as a plate-shaped table element, and an adjustment device connected and / or connectable to the table element. The table element is movable by means of the adjustment device between a first position, hereinafter referred to as the stowed position, and at least one second position, hereinafter referred to as the use position. The stowed position and the use position are different positions from one another. The at least one use position can comprise only one use position or multiple use positions.

[0008] In the stowed position, the upper surface of the table element forms part of the upper surface of the instrument panel and / or part of a visible surface of the instrument panel. In other words, the table surface forms part of the upper part of the instrument panel.

[0009] Advantageously, a space-saving table element is provided that can be used flexibly in the interior of the vehicle. The table element, which forms part of the upper part of the instrument panel in the stowed position, can thus be used as a storage area not only in the at least one use position, but also in the stowed position. Furthermore, the table surface is simultaneously used as part of the upper part of the instrument panel, saving material and space, which also requires less space for stowing the table element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjustment device is designed to maintain an orientation, preferably a horizontal orientation, of the upper side of the table element when the table element is moved between the stowed position and the at least one use position. In other words, the orientation of the upper side of the table element is not changed when the table element is moved between the stowed position and the at least one use position. Advantageously, a user can place objects on the table element when the table element is in the stowed position. If the table element is subsequently moved into the use position or into one of the use positions, the objects can advantageously remain on the table element without falling off due to a change in orientation. The same applies vice versa when the table element is moved from the at least one use position to the stowed position.By means of the adjustment device, the table element can thus be moved such that objects placed on the table can remain lying during the movement process. Preferably, the alignment of the table element is parallel to a floor of the motor vehicle both in the stowed position and in the at least one usage position, e.g., parallel to the driver's cab floor in the case of a commercial vehicle with a driver's cab when the instrument panel is installed in a motor vehicle. This means that the alignment is, for example, horizontal if the motor vehicle itself is horizontally aligned, wherein the horizontal alignment is maintained during the movement of the table element between the stowed position and the at least one usage position.In an embodiment in which the at least one usage position comprises a plurality of usage positions, the orientation of the table element also remains unchanged, e.g., horizontally, when the table element is moved from one usage position to another usage position.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the at least one usage position of the table element is higher than the storage position, which is generally an ergonomically more advantageous position for the usage position.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one usage position of the table element can be spaced from the stowed position in the direction of a side of the instrument panel that faces a driver and / or passenger seat when the instrument panel is installed in the motor vehicle. This means that the at least one usage position is shifted rearward in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle relative to the stowed position. The user can thus sit in the driver or passenger seat and comfortably reach the table element (in the at least one usage position) without having to bend forward excessively.

[0013] Preferably, the table element is arranged on a passenger-side section of the instrument panel. On this side, the table element can be used particularly advantageously as a storage area, especially when in the use position. Typically, more space is available on the passenger side of the instrument panel for integrating a table element.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the upper side of the table element is at the same height as an upper side of the instrument panel adjacent to the table element when the table element is in the stowed position. This allows a particularly uniform design of the instrument panel to be achieved. The table element can thus be used particularly advantageously in its dual function, i.e., providing a table surface and forming a surface portion of the instrument panel. In particular, this ensures that the table element does not disturb the driver when the table element is in the stowed position.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the table element can have a width between 20 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 60 cm. Additionally or alternatively, the table element can have a width that corresponds to at least 15% and a maximum of 40% of the width of the instrument panel. Such a selected width provides a sufficiently large and safe table surface for typical applications. At the same time, it is sufficiently compact to be functionally integrated into the instrument panel.

[0016] The adjustment device can have a guide mechanism by means of which the table element can be moved selectively into the storage position or the at least one use position. The adjustment device can preferably comprise a rail element, preferably an inclined extension, and / or a rotation element, preferably a pivot joint.

[0017] The rail element and / or the inclined extension can be mounted on the instrument panel and the table element, preferably on an underside or on a peripheral area. This allows for uncomplicated and low-wear movement of the table element. In particular, this allows the alignment of the table element to be determined during movement, so that the alignment can be maintained during movement, for example.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a damper, e.g., a damper mechanism, by means of which the table element can be moved into the stowed position and / or into the at least one usage position in a damped or at least partially damped manner. Damper is understood to mean any device that can slow down the movement of the table element, for example, shortly before reaching the at least one usage position and / or the stowed position. Mechanical dampers, such as those known for providing damped opening and closing movements of drawers, can be used purely as an example. This allows for particularly safe movement of the table element by the adjustment device, so that the risk of injury to a user can be avoided or at least reduced. Furthermore, jerky movements of the table element during movement are avoided.The falling of an object placed on the table element can be more reliably prevented.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment device can comprise at least one locking device for locking the table element in the stowed position and / or in the at least one usage position. Optionally, different usage positions can be set and / or locked using the adjustment device and / or locking device, e.g., to set the most ergonomically advantageous usage position for drivers of different heights. A locking device can be any device with which the position of the table element can be selectively fixed or released. For example, the locking device can be designed as a locking bolt, clamping lever, and / or latching element. This can prevent the table element from unexpectedly and / or unintentionally moving out of the stowed position and / or the usage position.Accordingly, safety, especially safety while driving, can be further increased.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the instrument panel comprises a cavity designed as a storage compartment, which is arranged inside the instrument panel and is covered, preferably closed, on top by the table element when the table element is in the stowed position. In this case, the table element functions as a cover for the cavity. The cavity is thus located below the table element when the latter is in the stowed position. The table element and its movement mechanism can thus be used to implement a further interior function, namely to open and cover a cavity integrated into the instrument panel.

[0021] Preferably, the cavity can be designed in such a way that it is bounded laterally and downwards by walls which are part of the instrument panel, and is closed upwards, preferably exclusively, by the table element in the stowed position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the instrument panel can further comprise a locking device, preferably to protect the cavity against unauthorized access. The locking device can, for example, comprise an additional cover for closing the cavity. In other words, an additional cover with a locking device can be provided below the visible surface to close the cavity. Advantageously, the cavity can also be closed when the table element is in the at least one usage position. Alternatively, the locking device can also be designed to secure the table element itself in the stowed position. In this way, it can be prevented that the table element is unintentionally moved out of the stowed position. The locking device can, for example, comprise a cylinder lock or a digital security system.In embodiments with the cavity described above, the cavity can be used as a lockable storage compartment, e.g. for valuables.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the table element, e.g., the upper side of the table element, has a shape that tapers at least on one side. In other words, the shape of the upper side of the table top tapers toward an end region of the table top, preferably that end region that faces a side of the vehicle when the instrument panel is installed in the vehicle. Preferably, the table top is wider at one end and then tapers to a narrower or more pointed end. Such a shape enables particularly good integration of the table element into the surface of the instrument panel, since the instrument panel in many vehicles is also designed to be narrower towards the side, particularly on the passenger side.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the adjustment device further comprises an operating element, e.g., a hand-held control element. For example, the operating element can be designed such that a user can move the table element, via the adjustment device, into at least one of the use positions or the storage position by grasping the operating element.

[0025] The adjustment device can further comprise an actuator, which can be controlled via the operating element and is preferably electrically actuated, for moving the table element between the storage position and the at least one usage position.

[0026] The present disclosure further relates to a motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel as described herein. Preferably, the motor vehicle is a commercial vehicle (e.g., a truck or bus). A commercial vehicle can generally be understood to mean a vehicle whose design and equipment are specifically designed for transporting people, transporting goods, or towing trailers.

[0027] The above-described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of an instrument panel with a table element according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of an instrument panel with a table element according to another embodiment; and Fig. 3 a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0028] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic illustration of an instrument panel 1 for a motor vehicle in a side sectional view according to one embodiment of the invention. The instrument panel 1 refers to the dashboard located in the front area of ​​the motor vehicle in the forward direction of travel when installed, which typically extends across the entire width of the motor vehicle.

[0030] The Fig. The coordinate system shown in Figure 1 points with the positive X direction in the forward direction. The positive Z direction represents the height, and the width corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0031] A table is required for eating and writing in the vehicle, e.g., in the cab of a commercial vehicle. One possible location for this is opposite the passenger seat on the dashboard. From an ergonomic perspective, the table should be positioned conveniently relative to the seat. For this purpose, a table element 3 integrated into the dashboard 1 is provided.

[0032] The instrument panel 1 comprises a table element 3 and an adjustment device 4 connected and / or connectable to the table element 3. The table element 3 can be moved by means of the adjustment device 4 between a stowed position (rest position) 5 and a different (at least one) use position 6. In the Fig. 1, the movement option is indicated by a curved arrow. Preferably, the adjustment device is designed to maintain, i.e. not change, an orientation of the upper side 7 of the table element 3 during movement of the table element 3 between the stowed position 5 and the use position 6. The upper side 7 of the table element 3 remains in a horizontal position as long as the instrument panel is on a horizontally oriented surface. This has the advantage that objects 17 placed on the table element 3 can remain on the table element 3 during movement of the table element 3. The table element 3 is preferably arranged on a passenger-side section of the instrument panel 1, such that the table element 3 can be ergonomically ideally reached from a passenger seat 18 in the use position 6.

[0033] A portion of the upper section of the instrument panel can thus be used as a storage table and, by moving it, can be positioned closer to the passenger seat. The storage surface provided by table element 3 can be used here, as it is always parallel to the floor, meaning there is no folding and / or tilting of the table surface (of the table element) during movement.

[0034] In summary, the movable table, as part of the visible surface of the instrument panel, can be moved from its stowed or rest position to an ergonomically more favorable position (use position), whereby the table surface is moved in such a way that objects placed on the table can remain lying during the movement process, since the table surface remains parallel to the driver's cab floor.

[0035] In Fig. 1 only shows one usage position of the table element 3. It should be emphasized that embodiments are also possible according to which the table element 3 can be brought into several different usage positions. The multiple usage positions can, for example, be adjustable as discrete usage positions or as continuously adjustable usage positions.

[0036] The adjustment device 4 can, for example, comprise a rail element, e.g., an inclined extension, and / or a rotation element, e.g., a swivel joint, in order to achieve the desired movement of the table element 3.

[0037] In the example shown, the table element 3 is currently in the use position 6. The situation in which the table element 3 would be in the stowed position 5 is indicated by dashed lines for clarity. The user can decide whether the table element should be in a use position 6 that is easily accessible from the passenger seat 18, or whether it should be in the stowed position 5, which does not further restrict the user's freedom of movement within the vehicle.

[0038] To further improve the safety and wear resistance of the movement of the table element 3, the adjustment device can optionally comprise a damping mechanism (not shown), by means of which the table element 3 can be moved into the stowed position 5 and / or the use position 6 in a damped or at least partially damped manner. This means that the movement of the table element 3 can be slowed down by the damping mechanism, for example, shortly before the use position 6 or the stowed position 5 is reached. Further optionally, the movement can be damped or slowed down along the entire adjustment path.

[0039] Further optionally, the adjustment device can comprise an actuator 16, e.g. electrically actuated, for moving the table element 3 between the storage position 5 and the use position 6. The actuator 16 is connected to an operating element 15 and can be controlled via it. The actuator 16 can, for example, comprise an electric motor for moving the table element 3. The operating element 15 can, as shown in the Fig. 1, on the table element 3. It is also possible to arrange the control element 15, for example, at a different position on the instrument panel 1, or to integrate the control element into an operating system present in the motor vehicle, e.g., a combination instrument. A combination of several control elements 15 is also possible.

[0040] In order to be able to reach the table element ergonomically from the driver and / or front passenger seat 18, the use position 6 of the table element 3 is preferably higher than the stowed position 5, i.e., the use position 6 has a larger Z value according to the coordinate system shown. Additionally or alternatively, the use position 6 can be spaced from the stowed position 5 in the direction of a side of the instrument panel 1 which, when the instrument panel 1 is installed in the motor vehicle, faces a driver and / or front passenger seat 18. Accordingly, the use position 6 is closer to the front passenger seat than the stowed position. It has already been stated above that different use positions can also be set in one embodiment.

[0041] In order to secure the table element 3 in the storage position 5 and / or the use position 6 against unwanted movements, the adjustment device 4 can comprise at least one locking device 12 for locking the table element 3 in the storage position 5 and / or the at least one use position 6. The locking device 12 can be designed, for example, as a clamping lever or as a locking element. Fig. 1, the locking device 12 is arranged, for example, on the table element 3. An arrangement that blocks the adjustment device 4 at a different location, thus protecting it from unwanted movement of the table element, and that does not adjoin the table element 3, is also possible.

[0042] In order to provide a user with an additional storage option for objects in the limited space available in a motor vehicle, the instrument panel 1 can optionally comprise a cavity 13 designed as a storage compartment, which is arranged in the interior of the instrument panel 1. The cavity 13 is preferably completely enclosed from below and on all side surfaces. At the top, the cavity 13 has an opening which is covered by the table element 3 when the table element 3 is in the stowed position 5. In this case, the cavity 13 is particularly preferably completely closed by the table element 3, thus preventing objects from falling out of the cavity. Optionally, the instrument panel 1 can comprise a further closing device 14 assigned to the cavity 13.The locking device 14 can optionally be designed to secure the table element 3 in the stowed position 5, or the locking device 14 can comprise an additional lockable lid to close the cavity 13 by means of the lid when needed. The locking device 14 can be designed, for example, as a cylinder lock or as a digital locking system. In this way, the cavity 13 can be protected against unauthorized access, for example, making the cavity 13 particularly suitable as a storage compartment for valuables.

[0043] The Fig. 2 shows, in an isometric view, a further schematic illustration of an instrument panel 1 with a table element 3 according to a further embodiment, in which the table element 3 is again arranged on a passenger-side section of the instrument panel 1.

[0044] As previously in Fig. 1 is the table element 3 in the Fig. 2 is shown in both the stowed position 5 and the used position 6, this time with solid lines. The adjustment mechanism, by means of which the table element 3 can be moved between the used position 6 and the stowed position 5, is not visible, as it is concealed by the table element 3.

[0045] In the presentation of the Fig. 2 clearly shows that the upper side 7 of the table element 3, in the stowed position 5, forms part of the upper side 8 of the instrument panel 1. Preferably, the upper side 7 of the table element 3, in the stowed position 5, is at the same height as an upper side 9 of the instrument panel 1 adjacent to the table element 3, i.e., there is a substantially smooth and / or step-free transition between the upper side 7 of the table element 3 and the upper side 9 of the instrument panel 1 adjacent to the upper side 7 of the table element.

[0046] The table element 3 can, for example, be dimensioned such that it has a width 10 that is between 20 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 60 cm. Likewise, the table element 3 could have a width 10 that corresponds to at least 15% and a maximum of 40% of a width 11 of the instrument panel 1. The width 11 of the instrument panel 1 preferably extends over the entire width of the motor vehicle when the instrument panel 1 is installed in a motor vehicle. Since in the Fig. 2 only a part of the instrument panel 1 is shown, the width 11 of the instrument panel 1 is also shown in abbreviated form, which is indicated by a dotted continuation of the line of the width 11.

[0047] Particularly preferably, the upper side 7 of the table element 3 has a tapered shape on at least one side. In the example of Fig. 2, the shape of the upper side 7 of the table element 3 corresponds, merely by way of example, to an irregular pentagon with rounded corners. On the side facing the exterior of a motor vehicle, the upper side 7 of the table element tapers, which can provide advantages when installing the instrument panel in a motor vehicle.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 2 with an instrument panel 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. It is understood that the Fig. 3 with the techniques and features described with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig.2, can be combined, individually or in any combination. The motor vehicle 2 can—as shown by way of example—be designed as a commercial vehicle (e.g., a tractor unit or a truck with a body). However, the motor vehicle 2 can also be a passenger car. The instrument panel 1 is arranged on the front side of a driver's cab of the motor vehicle 2.

[0049] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, independent of the referenced claims. List of reference symbols 1 instrument panel 2 motor vehicles 3 table elements 4 Adjustment device 5 Storage position 6 Usage position 7 Top of the table element 8 Top of the instrument panel 9 Adjacent top of the instrument panel 10 Width of the table element 11 Width of the instrument panel 12 Locking device 13 Cavity / Storage compartment 14 Closing device 15 Control element 16 Actuator 17 Subject 18 Passenger seat 19 Ventilation slot

Claims

[1] Instrument panel (1) for a motor vehicle (2), preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising a table element (3) and an adjusting device (4) connected and / or connectable to the table element (3), wherein - the table element (3) is movable by means of the adjustment device (4) between a storage position (5) and at least one use position (6), and - an upper side (7) of the table element (3) in the stowed position (5) forms part of an upper side (8) of the instrument panel (1). [2] Instrument panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting device (4) is designed to maintain an orientation of the upper side (7) of the table element (3) during the movement of the table element (3) between the stowed position (5) and the at least one use position (6). [3] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one usage position (6) of the table element (3) - higher than the stowage position (5), and / or - is spaced from the stowed position (5) in the direction of a side of the instrument panel (1) which, when the instrument panel (1) is installed in the motor vehicle (2), faces a driver's seat and / or a passenger seat. [4] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table element (3) is arranged on a passenger-side section of the instrument panel (1). [5] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper side (7) of the table element (3) is at the same height as an upper side (9) of the instrument panel (1) adjacent to the table element (3) when the table element (3) is in the stowed position (5). [6] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table element (3) has a width (10) which - is between 20 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 60 cm; and / or - corresponds to at least 15% and a maximum of 40% of the width (11) of the instrument panel (1). [7] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (4) comprises a rail element, preferably an inclined extension, and / or a rotation element, preferably a rotary joint. [8] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (4) comprises a damping, by means of which the table element (3) can be moved in a damped or at least partially damped manner into the stowed position (5) and / or into the at least one use position (6). [9] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (4) comprises at least one locking device (12) for locking the table element (3) in the stowed position (5) and / or in the at least one use position (6). [10] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cavity (13) designed as a storage compartment, which is arranged in the interior of the instrument panel (1) and is covered, preferably closed, on the upper side by the table element (3) when the table element (3) is in the stowed position (5). [11] Instrument panel (1) according to claim 10, further comprising a locking device (14) for securing the table element (3) in the stowed position (5), preferably to protect the cavity (13) against unauthorized access. [12] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table element (3), preferably designed as a plate-shaped table top, has a shape tapering at least on one side. [13] Instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (4) comprises an operating element (15) and / or an actuator (16) which can be controlled via the operating element and is preferably electrically actuated, for moving the table element (3) between the stowed position (5) and the at least one use position (6). [14] Motor vehicle (2), preferably commercial vehicle, comprising an instrument panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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