dashboard for a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

Dashboard for a motor vehicle, comprising a front side accessible from the vehicle interior in the installation position in the motor vehicle, wherein a fastening device (5) comprising a mounting interface (6) for user-side detachable fastening of a third-party object (7) is provided on the front side, wherein the fastening device (5) has several movable clamping elements (13, 14) by means of which the plate- or strip-shaped third-party object (7) can be fixed in a position adjacent to the dashboard (1) at the mounting interface (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dashboard for a motor vehicle, comprising a front side accessible from the vehicle interior in the installation position in the motor vehicle, wherein a fastening device comprising a mounting interface for user-side detachable fastening of a third-party object is provided on the front side, wherein the fastening device has several movable clamping elements by means of which the plate- or strip-shaped third-party object can be fixed at the mounting interface in a position adjacent to the dashboard.

[0002] In addition to the possibility, known from US 2013 / 0241720A1, of attaching a third-party object to a section of the dashboard extending between the driver's and passenger's sides towards a center console, it is also known to allow a vehicle user to attach a third-party object to the vehicle's dashboard on the passenger side. An example can be found in EP 3385124B1. The dashboard shown there has a groove-like recess in which a mounting point is provided for clamping a display to be fixed in place. In the installed position, the display is inserted into the recess with its lower edge and clamped there; it extends upwards from the groove, projecting away from the dashboard.This type of holder and arrangement is disadvantageous in that the display is not fixed very securely and sticks up, so that it can be released from the holder and fall down if it is accidentally touched.

[0003] Further possibilities for mounting a third object on a dashboard are described in DE 10 2022 208 509 A1 and DE 10 2018 103 774 A1.

[0004] DE 10 2022 208 509 A1 teaches a holder with two opposing mounting jaws that can be moved laterally towards or away from each other. These jaws are elastically pre-tensioned to each other in order to clamp the third object between them.

[0005] In contrast, DE 10 2018 103 774 A1 discloses a holder with two opposing, pivotable holding arms. The holder can be opened and closed by pivoting the holding arms.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of specifying an improved dashboard in contrast.

[0007] To solve the problem, a dashboard of the type mentioned above is provided with sensor elements by which the clamping state of the clamping elements can be determined.

[0008] The dashboard according to the invention allows the user to easily attach a plate- or strip-shaped third-party object to the mounting interface provided on the dashboard, while simultaneously fixing it in place using appropriate fastening means. These are implemented in the form of several movable, separate clamping elements, which allow the third-party object to be fixed at multiple points located at different positions around the circumference of the third-party object, which is usually rectangular in shape. The arrangement, and thus the final mounting position, is such that the plate- or strip-shaped third-party object is fixed in a position resting against the dashboard by means of the multiple clamping elements.The mounting interface thus allows the third-party object to be placed almost flat against the mounting interface with its back side facing the interface, so that it is fixed to the dashboard either completely or at specific points along its back surface. Therefore, in the mounted position, it does not protrude from the dashboard, but lies flush against it.

[0009] Due to the multiple clamping elements engaging the third-party object at different positions and its flush mounting position against the dashboard (i.e., not protruding from it), the third-party object is securely fixed, preventing it from being dislodged from its mounting on the dashboard by unintentional impact. This is because the third-party object is essentially embedded in the front of the dashboard or protrudes only slightly, unlike the prior art mounting method where it projects almost vertically upwards. This means that unintentional impact on the third-party object is virtually impossible due to the chosen mounting position or orientation.Should such an impact occur, it is also harmless, as the third-party object is secured at several positions distributed around the circumference via the clamping elements. Consequently, it has fallen multiple times and cannot be dislodged from its anchorage except by intentionally opening the clamping elements. This ensures a secure fixation of the third-party object that can withstand even violent vehicle movements, such as those that can occur during off-road driving. The passenger (the mounting device is necessarily located on the passenger side, as the steering wheel is on the driver's side) is thus given the option of expanding the functionality of the dashboard in their area, if needed, by simply attaching the third-party object, combined with a simple and very secure fastening.

[0010] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the clamping elements are implemented in the form of two spaced-apart, pivotable clamping strips that overlap the third-party object at two opposite edges and fix it at the mounting interface. Such a clamping strip is an elongated component that extends along a longitudinal edge of the regularly rectangular third-party object and allows for a large-area clamping contact with the third-party object, resulting in a very strong local clamping force. According to the invention, two such clamping strips, which can be easily pivoted manually by the user, are provided. These clamping strips overlap two opposite edges of the rectangular third-party object, thus achieving secure clamping on both sides.

[0011] The two clamping strips are preferably arranged such that they overlap the third object at an upper edge and a lower edge, so that the third object is clamped against the mounting interface simultaneously via the lower clamping strip and the upper clamping strip.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly interface may have one or more first positive-locking geometries, and the third-party object may have one or more correspondingly compatible second positive-locking geometries on its rear side, which interact with the first positive-locking geometries in the assembly position. The assembly interface, i.e., the surface or plane onto which the third-party object is placed with its rear side, has a corresponding structure formed by one or more first positive-locking geometries that define the exact assembly position, i.e., the position at which the third-party object is to be placed. Corresponding second positive-locking geometries are provided on the rear side of the third-party object, the number of which preferably corresponds to the number of first positive-locking geometries.The second positive locking geometries are designed to be form-compatible with the first positive locking geometries, so that when the third-party object is placed on the assembly surface, the first and second positive locking geometries align and interact positively. They define a single, correct position that the third-party object can occupy at the assembly interface, and in which the clamping elements or clamping strips can secure it. For example, the first positive locking geometries can be designed as raised projections, while the second positive locking geometries on the reverse side can be designed as form-compatible recesses, or vice versa. For the user, this means that, since the third-party object can only be positioned in a single location at the assembly interface, they can be certain that they have chosen the correct position before attaching the clamping elements.

[0013] Detachable third-party items can be of various types or with different functions. For example, a detachable third-party item could be an electronic display device, such as a tablet, that the passenger can view. Alternatively, it could be a functional strip that allows for the provision of various items, such as tools, a flashlight, a map holder, a cup holder, or similar items. Finally, the third-party item could also be a trim strip that allows for a customized design of the dashboard on the passenger side, as such a trim strip can have a varying covering in terms of both texture and color, and so on.

[0014] If the detachable third-party object has an electronic device, as is the case with a display, but also with a functional strip which, for example, may have an integrated power bank for charging electronic devices, or in the case of a trim part which may have an integrated lighting unit, the respective third-party object may have an integrated power supply, i.e., a battery or accumulator, via which the respective electronic device is operated. However, a particularly advantageous alternative according to the invention provides that a connection interface is provided for connecting the third-party object to a power supply and / or control line, to which the third-party object is automatically connected when it assumes the mounting position at the mounting interface.Via this connection interface, the third-party device, provided it has an electronic component, can be automatically connected to the vehicle's power supply as soon as it is installed. This means that the third-party device itself does not need its own power supply but can be powered by the vehicle. The third-party device has a corresponding connection interface on its rear side, which is automatically connected to the mounting interface when it is installed. This connection can be made not only to a power supply line but also to a control line, through which the third-party device is connected to the vehicle's communication system.This allows, for example, the input of corresponding control commands via a third-party device designed as a display, which can then be processed by the vehicle, for instance, to operate the infotainment system and similar functions. If position coding is implemented, meaning the third-party device can only be correctly positioned in a single location, then the user is assured that once this position is reached, the connection interface is automatically and correctly established via the third-party device's interface.

[0015] To ensure that the clamping elements are in the correct clamping position and that the third-party device is properly clamped, sensor elements are provided to determine the clamping status of the clamping elements. These sensors detect whether each clamping element has assumed its correct clamping position. If so, the third-party device can begin operating, for example, by activating its display, turning on its lights, or similar actions. This means that the operation of the third-party device can be controlled based on the detection result. If a correct clamping status is not detected, the third-party device will not be powered by the vehicle's electrical system; alternatively, a warning message can be issued.It is also conceivable that the vehicle in which the dashboard is installed is locked out of operation, meaning it cannot be started, because a secure clamping condition is not present. Operation of the corresponding components is only possible when the sensor elements deliver a positive signal, i.e., when a secure clamping condition is detected.

[0016] In addition to the dashboard itself, the invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising a dashboard of the type described above.

[0017] If an improper clamping condition is detected, information can be displayed to the user via an output device in the vehicle. This output device could be, for example, a vehicle-mounted display showing a warning message, a speaker system emitting an audible warning, or similar devices.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that if an improper clamping condition is detected, the vehicle's operation could be prevented. If one or more sensor elements detect an incorrect and therefore unsafe clamping condition, this signal is transmitted via the connection interface to the vehicle's control system, thus preventing the vehicle from operating and preventing it from entering a state that would allow driving.

[0019] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawing. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an instrument panel according to the invention with a separately shown third object, Fig. 2 the arrangement from Fig. 1 with a third item arranged on the dashboard, Fig. 3 a partial view of a dashboard according to the invention with a third object arranged at the mounting interface, wherein the clamping elements are not yet in the clamping position, and Fig. 4 the arrangement from Fig. 3 with clamping elements in the clamping position.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a dashboard 1 according to the invention, which is known to be designed and configured for installation in a motor vehicle. It has a steering wheel 2 on the driver's side. By way of example, a display 3 is provided in a central area, on which information is displayed and which, if designed as a touchscreen, serves for the input of commands. A ventilation device 4 is also provided on the dashboard 1 by way of example.

[0021] On the passenger side, a mounting device 5 comprising a mounting interface 6 for the detachable attachment of a third-party object 7, here in the form of an electronic display device or a display 8, is provided. The mounting device 5 allows the display 8 to be attached at a defined position, defined by the mounting interface 6, in a position that is flush with the dashboard 1 or the mounting interface 6, and thus ultimately flat against the dashboard 1. This means that the mounted display 8 does not protrude from the dashboard 1.

[0022] The mounting device 5 has two first positive-locking geometries 9 at the mounting interface 6, exemplified by elongated, slightly raised projections. On the back of the display 8, which rests on the mounting interface 6, two form-compatible second positive-locking geometries 10 are formed. Because they are located on the back, these are shown only as dashed lines. These second positive-locking geometries 10 are designed as corresponding recesses that, in the mounted position, receive the first positive-locking geometries, i.e., the projections. To mount the display 8 at the mounting interface 6, the display 8 must be positioned so that the first positive-locking geometries 9 engage with the second positive-locking geometries 10, i.e., the projections of the mounting interface 6 engage with the recesses on the back of the display.Due to form compatibility, a unique mounting position is defined in which the Display 8 can only be mounted.

[0023] Furthermore, a connection device 11 is provided at the mounting interface 6, which serves to connect the third-party object 7 to a power supply and / or a control line. This allows the display 8 to be powered by the vehicle and also integrated into the vehicle's communication system for inputting operating commands, etc. A corresponding connection interface 12 is provided on the back of the display 8, which is also only indicated by dashed lines. It is positioned so that when the positive-locking geometries 9 and 10 engage, it is automatically connected to the connection interface 11. This means very simple handling for the user, as they only need to position the display 8 correctly so that the correct mounting position is automatically selected, with simultaneous automatic connection.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking device 5 has two clamping elements 13, 14, each designed as an elongated clamping strip 15, 16, which are pivotably mounted on the dashboard 1 and can be pivoted from a release position, in which they do not clamp against the attached display 8, to a clamping position, in which they overlap the edge of the display 8 and clamp against the mounting interface 6. In the clamping position, they are spring-loaded. The pivoting is performed manually.

[0025] It is evident that one clamping strip 15 is located at the lower edge of the mounting device 5 and the other clamping strip 16 at the upper edge of the mounting device 5. This means that in the mounted position, the two clamping strips 15 and 16 overlap and clamp the display 8 at its lower edge 17 (clamping strip 15) and upper edge 18 (clamping strip 16).

[0026] The assembly situation is in Fig. Figure 2 shows the process. For assembly, the two terminal blocks 15 and 16 are first pivoted into an open position so that the mounting interface 6 is fully accessible. The display 8 is then positioned so that the positive locking geometries 9 and 10 engage and the connection interface 11 is connected to the interface 12. The display 8 automatically reaches the correct clamping position. The two terminal blocks 15 and 16 are then pivoted into the clamping position in which they overlap the two edges 17 and 18 and press the display 8 against the mounting interface 6.

[0027] Since the mounting device 5, and thus the display 8, is located on the passenger side, the passenger can now fully utilize the display 8, especially as it is powered from the vehicle side. If needed, the passenger can, for example, view pictures or videos, have information displayed on it, and input control commands, such as for controlling the vehicle's infotainment system, etc.

[0028] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged partial view of the dashboard 1, where Fig. Figure 3 shows the situation in which the display 3 is in the mounting position, but is not yet clamped, while Fig. Figure 4 shows the final clamping state. The fastening device 5 with the mounting interface 6 and its positive locking geometries 9 in the form of the projections are shown. The connection interface 11 is also shown.

[0029] The two clamping strips 15, 16 are not yet in contact with the third object 7, i.e., the display 8, but are still in a spaced position, although no longer fully swung open.

[0030] The display 8 has on its rear side 19 the second form-locking geometries 10 in the form of recesses, which form-lock into the first form-locking geometries 9, i.e., the projections. Furthermore, the connection interface 12 is provided on the rear side 19, which is visibly connected to the connection interface 11.

[0031] Furthermore, sensor elements are provided for detecting the correct clamping state, i.e., the clamping position of the terminal strips 15, 16. First sensor elements 20 are provided on the two first positive locking geometries 10, and second sensor elements 21 are provided on the two terminal strips 15, 16. The sensor elements 20, 21 are located in the Fig. In the positions shown, the sensors are still sufficiently far apart, meaning they do not yet interact. Consequently, the associated control unit, which receives the sensor signals, does not yet detect a correct clamping state. In this position, for example, operation of display 8 is impossible, and driving may also be prevented altogether, as a safe state simply does not yet exist.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement of Fig.3 in the final clamping position. The two terminal strips 15 and 16 are visibly positioned against the top surface 22 of the display 8, overlapping the two edges 17 and 18 and clamping the display 8 against the mounting interface 6. The sensor elements 20 and 21 are also visibly positioned opposite each other, enabling detection. Consequently, the sensor elements send corresponding sensor signals to the associated control unit (not shown in detail), indicating that the terminal strips 15 and 16 have reached the correct clamping position. Regular operation of both the display 8 and the vehicle, etc., is therefore now possible.

[0033] While the initial example describes a display 8 as the third item 7, this third item 7 can, of course, be designed differently. For example, it could be a functional strip that provides separate items such as a card holder or a cup holder, but also a tool, a flashlight, or similar items. The functional strip could also have an integrated energy storage device, i.e., a power bank, which allows it to be used as a separate component outside the vehicle. This energy storage device can be powered from the vehicle's electrical system when the functional strip is installed. Finally, the third item 7 could also be a trim strip primarily used to modify the design.The trim strip can, for example, have a different colored covering or a covering made of a different material than that of the dashboard. It can also feature an integrated lighting system, such as a continuous light strip, which is powered via the vehicle's electrical system when installed and serves as ambient lighting, but can also be used for interior lighting and similar purposes if needed.

Claims

[1] Dashboard for a motor vehicle, comprising a front side accessible from the vehicle interior in the installation position in the motor vehicle, wherein a fastening device (5) comprising a mounting interface (6) for user-side detachable fastening of a third-party object (7) is provided on the front side, wherein the fastening device (5) has several movable clamping elements (13, 14) by means of which the plate- or strip-shaped third-party object (7) can be fixed in a position abutting the dashboard (1) at the mounting interface (6), characterized by , that sensor elements (20, 21) are provided, via which the clamping state of the clamping elements (13, 14) can be determined. [2] Dashboard according to claim 1, characterized by, that the clamping elements (13, 14) are two spaced-apart, pivotable clamping strips (15, 16) which overlap the third object (7) at two opposite edges (17, 18) and fix it at the mounting interface (6). [3] Dashboard according to claim 2, characterized by , that the two clamping strips (15, 16) overlap the third object (7) at an upper edge (18) and a lower edge (17). [4] Dashboard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assembly interface (6) has one or more first positive locking geometries (9), and that the third object (7) has on its rear side (19) one or more correspondingly form-compatible second positive locking geometries (10) which interact with the first positive locking geometries (9) in the assembly position. [5] Dashboard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the third item (7) is an electronic display device (8), a functional strip or trim strip. [6] Dashboard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a connection interface (11) is provided for connecting the third-party object (7) to a power supply and / or control line, to which the third-party object (7) is automatically connected when it assumes the mounting position at the mounting interface (6). [7] Motor vehicle comprising a dashboard (1) according to any of the preceding claims. [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by , that if an improper clamping condition is detected, information to inform a user can be output via an output device. [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that if an improper clamping condition is detected, driving operation can be prevented.

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