Holding device for an instrument of a motor vehicle, instrument arrangement, instrument panel and motor vehicle

Abstract

A holding device (12) for an instrument (14) that can be installed in an instrument panel (16) of a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a support surface (18) for supporting head impact forces (42) introduced on the instrument (14), a stop (26) connected to the support surface (18) for limiting a position of the instrument (14) pointing towards a vehicle interior (28), and a damping element (30) supported on the support surface (18) and accessible on the instrument (14) for providing a variable damping force (32) against movement of the instrument (14) away from the stop (26).an actuating element (34) that interacts with the damping element (30) for setting a higher damping force (32) in normal operation and a lower damping force (32) in a crash situation, and a compression spring (20) supported on the support surface (18) and accessible on the instrument (14) for pressing the instrument (14) against the stop (26) in normal operation. With the aid of the compression spring (20), a creep effect in the damping element (30) can be avoided without external energy, thus enabling high crash safety in a motor vehicle in an energy-efficient manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device by means of which an instrument can be inserted into an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, as well as an instrument arrangement, an instrument panel and a motor vehicle with such a holding device.

[0002] CN 113859134 A shows a display for a vehicle interior, pivotally mounted in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, which, in the event of a head impact, can pivot against a variable damping force applied by an electrorheological fluid, which is reduced in a crash. A collapsible metal bracket prevents unintentional pivoting of the display in the event of a power failure in one of the electrode pairs stiffening the electrorheological fluid.

[0003] DE 10 2021 103 394 A1 shows a vehicle structure in which the strength of an electromagnetic fastening of a touchscreen can be varied to avoid the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

[0004] DE 10 2013 016 805 A1 shows a vehicle mounting in which an energy-absorbing spring element is provided between a terminal device and a vehicle-side mounting to avoid the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

[0005] There is a constant need to increase accident safety in a motor vehicle in an energy-efficient manner.

[0006] The purpose of the invention is to demonstrate measures that enable a high level of accident safety in a motor vehicle while being energy-efficient.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a holding device with the features of claim 1, an instrument arrangement with the features of claim 8, an instrument panel with the features of claim 9, and a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention, the scope of protection being determined by the claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a holding device for an instrument that can be used in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, in particular a display instrument with a protruding display, with a support surface for supporting head impact forces introduced at the instrument, a stop connected to the support surface for limiting a position of the instrument pointing towards a vehicle interior, a damping element supported on the support surface and accessible on the instrument for providing a variable damping force against movement of the instrument away from the stop, an actuating element interacting with the damping element for setting a higher damping force in normal operation and a lower damping force in a crash case, and a compression spring supported on the support surface and accessible on the instrument for pressing the instrument against the stop in normal operation.

[0009] If a potential accident ("crash") is detected, and thus a crash event has occurred, the actuator can reduce the damping force of the damping element from a higher to a lower damping force. This allows the instrument, held in its mounting bracket, to yield flexibly in the event of a head impact. This reduces the risk of head injuries to a person whose head strikes the instrument, as the instrument does not offer a rigid resistance but can yield softly against the lower damping force and the spring force of the compression spring. In particular, this reduces the risk of damage to the instrument. During normal operation, i.e., when no accident is detected, the actuator can set a higher damping force in the damping element, so that the instrument is held essentially immobile and cannot rattle due to vehicle vibrations or other (quasi-)static forces.

[0010] However, it was recognized that creep can occur in the damping element with its variable damping force, which can, for example, loosen the instrument's grip and cause rattling during vehicle vibrations. With the aid of the compression spring connected in parallel to the damping element, the instrument can be pressed against the stop that defines its relative position to the vehicle interior. This relieves the damping element during normal operation, thus at least reducing creep. During normal operation, the damping element can block movement of the instrument away from the stop due to a sufficiently large damping force, while the compression spring, even with a comparatively low spring force, can act as a high-pass filter for incoming forces, thereby preventing constant stress on the damping element that would lead to creep.This allows the higher damping force of the damping element, which would otherwise block the instrument's movement, to only come into play briefly and intermittently, while the compression spring presses the instrument against its stop in most operating situations during normal operation. This ensures that the instrument remains pressed against its stop during normal operation without loosening due to creep. Simultaneously, the actuating element provides sufficient compliance in a crash to prevent head injuries. The compression spring prevents creep in the damping element without the need for external energy, thus enabling a high level of crash safety in a motor vehicle with minimal energy consumption.

[0011] The holding device can be installed in the vehicle's instrument panel, whereby the instrument panel and / or a mounting bracket of the instrument panel can form part of the holding device. For example, the stop can be formed by the instrument panel. In particular, the support surface is also formed by the instrument panel and / or the mounting bracket of the instrument panel.

[0012] The support surface can be designed to be essentially immobile and be part of a correspondingly rigid body, which can also be designed to bear the forces expected in a crash. For example, the support surface can support forces occurring in the direction of travel of the vehicle (“X-direction”), while the stop can support forces acting against the direction of travel of the vehicle, in particular the spring force of the compression spring.

[0013] The instrument can be designed, in particular, as a display instrument for showing information relevant to the driver. For example, the instrument can have a display to show specific information to a vehicle occupant. The instrument can be recessed in a mounting opening in the instrument panel and, in particular, protrude from a surface plane of the instrument panel or be positioned flush with the surface plane of the instrument panel. For example, the instrument can fulfill the function of a navigation device and / or on-board computer of the vehicle. The instrument can, in particular, be dimensioned and positioned in such a way that, in the event of a crash, it cannot be ruled out that a vehicle occupant's head could strike the instrument.

[0014] The damping element is designed to provide different damping forces. For example, a piston guided in a cylinder can displace a fluid, whereby the flow resistance of the fluid to be displaced can be decisive for providing the damping force and its magnitude. Particularly preferably, the fluid in the damping element is an electrorheological ("ERF") and / or magnetorheological fluid ("MRF") whose viscosity can be changed by a changing field, in particular an electric and / or magnetic field, thereby also changing the damping force according to the changing field strength.

[0015] The higher damping force is a force opposing the instrument's movement that is greater than the lower damping force intended for use in a crash. The lower damping force is a force opposing the instrument's movement that is lower than the higher damping force intended for normal operation.

[0016] The actuator can, through suitable interaction with the damping element, adjust the damping force in the damping element to a higher or lower value depending on the switching state. For example, the actuator can modify an electric and / or magnetic field within the damping element and / or change the resistance to movement inside the damping element through mechanical means. It is possible for the actuator to be able to adjust several different damping forces, for example, continuously. Preferably, the actuator is designed to adjust only exactly two damping forces in the damping element, so that the actuator can be designed and controlled in a correspondingly simple manner. For example, a binary signal input indicating the occurrence of a crash is sufficient to switch the actuator.The occurrence of a crash can be indicated by information present in the CAN bus that can be read by the actuator. However, it is also possible to measure an acceleration, particularly a negative acceleration, using an acceleration sensor, that is high enough in magnitude to indicate a crash.

[0017] The compression spring can press the instrument against the stop under its own power. A relatively low preload and / or a relatively low contact force is sufficient for this. Furthermore, the compression spring can have a particularly low spring constant and can therefore be designed to be especially soft. Since the instrument is intended to move away from the stop in the event of a head impact during a crash, the compression spring can be designed to be particularly long, corresponding to the intended displacement path, which further improves the smooth spring force curve. The spring force provided by the compression spring, as well as its curve when the instrument yields during a head impact, can already be taken into account when dimensioning the lower damping force of the damping element, so that the relatively soft compression spring is not expected to impair the instrument's movement behavior in the event of a head impact.

[0018] In particular, the clamping force of the compression spring is dimensioned to dampen vehicle vibrations and / or (quasi-)static forces and to prevent creep in the damping element. This prevents rattling during normal driving. Preferably, the compression spring is dimensioned solely for damping vehicle vibrations and preventing creep in the damping element. This prevents an unnecessarily high spring force, which would hinder instrument displacement in the event of a head impact. At the same time, the clamping force of the compression spring is dimensioned high enough that the vehicle vibrations can be prevented and thus dampened by the spring force, so that the damping force of the damping element is only required occasionally. Since a constant force input into the damping element by the compression spring can be avoided, creep in the damping element can also be prevented or at least significantly reduced.Any creep effect that may nevertheless occur in the damping element can be automatically reversed over a period of time without load, aided by the compression spring.

[0019] Preferably, the damping element contains a magnetorheological fluid and / or magnetorheological particles, wherein, in particular, the actuating element has a magnet that interacts with the magnetorheological fluid and / or the magnetorheological particles. By changing the relative position of the magnet and / or the magnetic strength of the magnet, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid can be quickly and easily changed and adapted to the desired higher or lower damping force. The magnetorheological fluid can contain the magnetorheological particles, for example, in the form of a suspension. The magnetorheological particles can, in particular, be in powder form and preferably mixed with an oil or other oily phase.However, it is also possible to provide the magnetorheological particles, which are particularly prevalent as powders, in a dry form, i.e., without liquid components. Within the damping element, the magnetorheological particles can be circulated similarly to bulk material, whereby their resistance and / or viscosity to circulation may depend on the applied magnetic field.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the actuating element comprises a permanent magnet interacting with the magnetorheological fluid and / or the magnetorheological particles to provide the higher damping force during normal operation. The actuating element also includes an electromagnet that can be switched on in the event of a crash to reduce the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, thus providing the lower damping force in the event of a crash. The permanent magnet can maintain the higher damping force in the damping element without the need for external energy input. To enable particularly quick and easy switching to the lower damping force in the damping element in the event of a crash, the electromagnet can be energized. This electromagnet generates a magnetic field opposing the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, thereby weakening or even almost completely compensating for the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.This means that energy input is only provided in the event of a crash, while in normal operation the electromagnet does not need to be powered, which is very energy efficient.

[0021] In particular, the actuator is connected to a crash sensor, especially an acceleration sensor, wherein, in the event of a crash being detected, the crash sensor causes the actuator to provide the lower damping force in the damping element. The crash sensor can, for example, activate a power source intended for the operation and / or switching of the actuator and, for example, close a previously open circuit in the event of a crash. The crash sensor, the power source, and the actuator can form a separate unit that is, in particular, independent of a CAN bus, so that switching of the actuator can be more easily maintained even if the vehicle is damaged in a crash.

[0022] Preferably, a linear guide is connected to the support surface to guide the instrument between an operating position adjacent to the stop and a head impact position spaced apart from the stop. The linear guide allows for a defined, particularly straight, displacement path for the instrument upon head impact, although a curved displacement path can also be advantageous depending on the expected relative movement of the impacting head to the instrument. This ensures that the acting compression spring and damping element are subjected to stress in a defined direction by the displacing instrument, thus preventing unnecessary damage. For example, an L-shaped or dovetail-shaped engagement is provided in the linear guide.Preferably, two linear guides spaced apart from each other are provided, which prevents the instrument from tilting during repositioning.

[0023] The damping element and compression spring are preferably connected to a mounting body for attaching the instrument. This allows the instrument to be easily mounted as a separate component and replaced if necessary. This improves ease of maintenance. For example, the mounting body can have plug connections through which the instrument can be supplied with power and / or information.

[0024] Another aspect concerns an instrument arrangement for a motor vehicle's instrument panel, comprising a holding device that can be designed and further developed as described above, and an instrument held in the holding device. The compression spring of the holding device prevents a creep effect in the damping element without the need for external energy, thus enabling energy-efficient and high crash safety in a motor vehicle.

[0025] Another aspect concerns an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, with a mounting opening and an instrument assembly recessed in the mounting opening, which can be designed and further developed as described above, wherein the mounting opening is positioned outside the steering wheel when viewed in the designated direction of travel. With the aid of the compression spring of the instrument assembly, a creep effect in the damping element can be avoided without external energy, thus enabling a high level of crash safety in a motor vehicle in an energy-efficient manner.

[0026] Another aspect concerns a motor vehicle with an instrument panel, instrument cluster, and a steering wheel for steering the vehicle. The instrument panel's compression spring prevents creep in the damping element without external energy, thus enabling energy-efficient and high crash safety in the vehicle.

[0027] The invention is now explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination, and the scope of protection is defined by the claims. The drawings show: Fig. 1: A schematic cutaway representation of an instrument arrangement with holding device and Fig. 2: A schematic top view from inside a vehicle looking at an instrument panel with the instrument arrangement of Fig. 1.

[0028] The in Fig. The instrument arrangement 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises an instrument 14, which is received and held in a holding device 12 and can display information on a display in the instrument panel 16 of a motor vehicle. The instrument 14 is specifically designed as a display instrument. The holding device 12 has a fixed support surface 18, which can be part of the instrument panel 16 and is sufficiently stable to withstand forces occurring during operation of the holding device 12. A compression spring 20, for example designed as a coil spring, is supported and / or attached to the support surface 18. This spring exerts a spring force 22, pressing against the instrument 14 via a retaining element 24, in order to press the instrument 14 against a stop 26. The stop can form part of the surface of the instrument panel 16 facing the vehicle interior 28.

[0029] Parallel to the compression spring 20, a damping element 30 is supported and / or attached to the support surface 18 to provide a variable damping force 32. The damping force 32 of the damping element 30 opposes any movement of the instrument 14 away from the stop 26. However, the damping force 32 only has an effect if forces acting on the instrument 14 can lift it away from the stop 26 against the spring force 22 of the compression spring 20. This is particularly possible in a crash if the head of a person traveling in the vehicle interior 28 impacts the instrument 14.

[0030] In the event of a crash, a switching element 34 can interact with the damping element 30 in such a way that the damping force 32 is reduced from a higher value to a lower value, allowing the instrument 14 to yield flexibly with the aid of the holding device 12 in the event of a crash, thereby preventing injuries caused by body parts striking the instrument 14. For this purpose, the switching element 34 has a permanent magnet 36 which interacts with a magnetorheological fluid 38 and / or magnetorheological particles to increase the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 38 and / or the magnetorheological particles without the need for external energy, thereby providing the higher damping force 32 during normal operation.If the lower damping force 32 is to be provided in the event of a crash, an electromagnet 38 of the switching element 34 can be energized, which weakens the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 36 to such an extent that only the lower damping force 32 is provided. The circuit provided for this purpose can be closed by a crash sensor 40. The crash sensor 40 can, for example, be designed as an acceleration sensor which automatically closes the circuit for the electromagnet 38 in the event of a sufficiently sudden and strong deceleration of the vehicle.

[0031] If, in the event of a crash, a head impact also occurs on the instrument 14, the spring force 22 applied by the compression spring 20 and the lower damping force 32 applied by the damping element 30 are so small that the instrument 14 can be moved away from the stop 26 by the (head) impact forces 42. For this purpose, at least one linear guide 44 can be provided, in which, for example, a slider 46 of the holding body 24 and / or of the instrument 14 can be guided.

[0032] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the increased compliance of the instrument 14 in the event of a crash and the associated reduced risk of injury make it possible to position the instrument 14 outside of an area of ​​the instrument panel 16 occupied by a steering wheel 46. For example, the instrument 14 can extend laterally to the steering wheel 46 into an area above a center console 48, where, in the event of a crash, an impact of a body part of both the driver and the front passenger could occur.

Claims

[1] Holding device (12) for an instrument (14) that can be used in an instrument panel (16) of a motor vehicle, with a support surface (18) for supporting head impact forces (42) introduced at the instrument (14), a stop (26) connected to the support surface (18) to limit a position of the instrument (14) pointing towards a vehicle interior (28), a damping element (30) supported on the support surface (18) and accessible on the instrument (14) to provide a variable damping force (32) against movement of the instrument (14) away from the stop (26), an actuating element (34) interacting with the damping element (30) for setting a higher damping force (32) in normal operation and a lower damping force (32) in a crash case and a compression spring (20) supported on the support surface (18) and which can be engaged on the instrument (14) for pressing the instrument (14) against the stop (26) during normal operation. [2] Holding device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the contact force of the compression spring (20) is dimensioned to dampen vehicle vibrations and / or (quasi-)static forces and to block creep in the damping element (30). [3] Holding device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damping element (30) contains a magnetorheological fluid (38) and / or magnetorheological particles, wherein the actuating element (34) has a magnet (36, 38) that interacts with the magnetorheological fluid (38) and / or with the magnetorheological particles. [4] Holding device (12) according to claim 3, wherein the actuating element (34) has a permanent magnet (36) interacting with the magnetorheological fluid (38) and / or with the magnetorheological particles to provide the higher damping force (32) in normal operation, wherein the actuating element (34) additionally has an electromagnet (38) that can be switched on in the event of a crash to reduce a magnetic field built up by the permanent magnet (36) in order to provide the lower damping force (32) in the event of a crash. [5] Holding device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating element (34) is connected to a crash sensor (40), wherein the crash sensor (40) in the event that a crash is detected causes the actuating element (34) to provide the lower damping force (32) in the damping element (30). [6] Holding device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a linear guide (44) for guiding the instrument (14) between an operating position adjacent to the stop (26) and a head impact position spaced apart from the stop (26) is connected to the support surface (18). [7] Holding device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the damping element (30) and the compression spring (20) are connected to a holding body (24) for fastening the instrument (14). [8] Instrument arrangement (10) for an instrument panel (16) of a motor vehicle, comprising a holding device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and an instrument (14) held in the holding device (12). [9] Instrument panel (16) for a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving opening and an instrument arrangement (10) embedded in the receiving opening according to claim 8, wherein the receiving opening is positioned outside a steering wheel (46) when viewed in the designated direction of travel. [10] Motor vehicle with an instrument panel (16) according to claim 9 and a steering wheel (46) for steering the motor vehicle.

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