Frame for vehicle instrument panel and vehicle instrument panel

Abstract

Frame (1) for a vehicle instrument panel, wherein the frame (1) comprises a chamber (10) for receiving an airbag and at least one weakened zone (12a, 12b) arranged on a surface (11) of the chamber, wherein each weakened zone is arranged as a zone bounded by a transverse weakening line (20), two longitudinal weakening lines (30) and a pre-splitting weakening line (40), characterized in that the transverse weakening line, the two longitudinal weakening lines and the pre-splitting weakening line each have a series of through holes and at least a part of an inner wall of the through hole has an inclination extending in an axial direction of the through hole.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a frame for a vehicle instrument panel and a vehicle instrument panel with such a frame. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle instrument panel can display the operating status of vehicle systems or serve as interior decoration. For example, an airbag system is typically located in an instrument panel on the passenger side to protect the passenger in the event of a collision.

[0003] Such an instrument panel with an integrated airbag system generally comprises a frame layer, a foam layer, and an outer skin layer. The frame layer must be weakened by milling a discontinuous weakening line into the frame layer or by laser-cutting a weakening line. In a collision, the frame layer ruptures along the weakening line, thus allowing effective deployment of the airbag.

[0004] However, the structural design of the frame layer of existing instrument panels is unsuitable and requires additional processing, which leads to high manufacturing costs and requires additional processing time. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present utility model provides a frame for a vehicle instrument panel to overcome the aforementioned problems. The frame comprises a chamber for accommodating an airbag and at least one weakened zone located on a surface of the chamber, each weakened zone being arranged as a zone defined by a transverse line of weakness, two longitudinal lines of weakness, and a pre-splitting line of weakness; and the transverse weakening line, the two longitudinal weakening lines and the pre-splitting weakening line each have a series of through-holes and at least a part of an inner wall of the through-hole has an inclination extending in an axial direction of the through-hole.

[0006] Therefore, by designing a shape of the through-hole, at least a portion of the inner wall of the through-hole has a slope extending in the axial direction of the through-hole. Thus, the through-hole having at least a portion of the inner wall having a slope extending in the axial direction of the through-hole can be advantageously injection-molded together with the frame, compared with a through-hole without a slope of the prior art, and can be formed using the slope. Therefore, compared with a conventional method in which a weakening line is obtained by cutting on a molded frame using a cold knife, a hot knife, or a laser, the processing steps for manufacturing the frame in the present utility model can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be lowered.This effect is achieved by improving the shape and structure of the frame's weakening line.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises one or more of the following features, which can be selected individually or in combination: - the through holes of the transverse weakening line, the two longitudinal weakening lines and the pre-splitting weakening line are elongated through holes. - two ends of the elongated through hole have convex sections. - a length of the elongated through-hole of the pre-splitting weakening line is greater than a length of the elongated through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines, and the length of the elongated through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines is greater than a length of the elongated through-hole of the transverse weakening line. - the frame comprises two weakened zones, a pre-splitting line of weakness is shared by the two weakened zones, and the common pre-splitting line of weakness is located between two transverse lines of weakness of the two weakened zones. - a length of the longitudinal through-hole of the pre-splitting weakening line is in the range of 12 mm to 16 mm, a length of the longitudinal through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm, and a length of the longitudinal through-hole of the two transverse weakening lines is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm. - a pair of through holes at two ends of the pre-splitting weakening line respectively extends from normal directions of a pair of through holes of the two longitudinal weakening lines. - the series of through holes of the pre-splitting weakening line is arranged in a wave-like manner. - the inclination of the inner wall of the through hole, which extends in the axial direction of the through hole, is in the range of 1° to 10°.

[0008] Furthermore, the present utility model further provides a vehicle instrument panel comprising the frame according to any one of the above embodiments and an outer skin, wherein the outer skin envelops an outer side of the frame, the outer skin is made of PVC or TPO or PU and the frame is made of thermoplastic material.

[0009] In addition, the vehicle instrument panel further comprises a tactile layer arranged between the outer skin and the frame, wherein the tactile layer is made of 3D mesh fabric or polyurethane foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] It is understood that in the present utility model, all features, types of modification and / or specific embodiments can be combined on the basis of various combinations, except in cases of obvious contradictions or incompatibilities.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present utility model will become apparent upon reading the following non-limiting exemplary specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a front view of a frame for a vehicle instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a weakened zone of the frame in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a local part C in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a local part D in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a local part E in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a local part F in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a local part G in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 8 is a view of a cross section AA of the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. 9 is a view of a cross section BB of the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a local part H in the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. 11 is a view of a cross section JJ of the weakened zone in Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a vehicle instrument panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle instrument panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It is understood that the above attached drawings are not to scale, but are merely schematic representations illustrating various preferred features of the basic principle of the present utility model. The design features disclosed in the present utility model, such as size, direction, positioning, and shape, are determined based on specific applications and usage environments.

[0013] When absolute location terms are used in the following description, e.g. expressions such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left" and "right", or relative location terms, e.g. expressions such as "above", "below", "upper" and "lower", or directional terms, e.g. "horizontal", "vertical", "transversal" and "longitudinal", unless otherwise stated, the specified element numbers are used according to a direction of a figure.

[0014] The present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent elements of the present utility model in all the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 shows a frame 1 for a vehicle instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model. The frame 1 comprises a chamber 10 (see Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) for accommodating an airbag, two weakened zones 12a and 12b arranged on a surface 11 of the chamber, and a rim 13 extending from a periphery of the chamber 10. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the surface 11 of the chamber may be arranged to include only the weakened zone 12a or only the weakened zone 12b.

[0016] The airbag is accommodated in the chamber 10, the chamber 10 comprises an opening facing the airbag, and the interior of the chamber 10 forms a detonation channel of the airbag.

[0017] In a collision, the airbag expands, and the weakened zones 12a and 12b on the surface 11 of the chamber are compressed by the airbag and rupture. It should be noted that while the weakened zones 12a and 12b are expected to rupture, they are not expected to completely rupture and be projected into the vehicle interior, which could result in secondary injuries to the occupants.

[0018] The edge 13 extends radially from the opening of the chamber 10 to the periphery. Mounting holes are provided on the edge 13 to allow the frame 1 to be easily and firmly mounted in a vehicle frame using a known connection method.

[0019] Furthermore, the surface 11 of the chamber is not completely flat. For example, an edge portion of the surface 11 of the chamber may have a convex or concave decorative contour.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows the two weakened zones 12a and 12b of the frame 1. The two weakened zones are located in the center of the surface 11 of the chamber and are generally rectangular, occupying about one quarter to one half of the surface 11 of the chamber.

[0021] Each of the weakened zones 12a and 12b is arranged as a closed zone defined by a transverse line of weakness 20, two longitudinal lines of weakness 30 located on two sides of the transverse line of weakness 20, and a pre-splitting line of weakness 40 located opposite the transverse line of weakness 20. A pre-splitting line of weakness 40 is shared by the weakened zones 12a and 12b. The shared pre-splitting line of weakness 40 is located between the two transverse lines of weakness 20 of the two weakened zones. The two longitudinal lines of weakness 30 of the weakened zone 12a and the two longitudinal lines of weakness 30 of the weakened zone 12b may be shared or at least partially overlap.For example, the two longitudinal lines of weakness of the weakened zone 12a are the upper parts of the two common longitudinal lines of weakness, and the two longitudinal lines of weakness of the weakened zone 12b are the lower parts of the two common longitudinal lines of weakness.

[0022] The pre-splitting line of weakness 40 is arranged in a wavy line. For example, the pre-splitting line of weakness has one wave crest section and two wave trough sections throughout the weakened zone, or has one wave trough section and two wave crest sections throughout the weakened zone. An advantage of the wavy arrangement is that, regardless of the force coming from any direction to destroy the line of weakness, a strong shear force can be exerted on the line of weakness at a specific location along the wavy line, thereby facilitating the rupture of the line of weakness.

[0023] The transverse weakening line 20 includes a series of first through-holes 50. The first through-hole 50 is an elongated through-hole, and two ends thereof may have convex portions. The convex portion may be a circular arc or a protruding tip, as shown in Fig. 3, its length is in the range of about 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm and in particular 4 mm, its width is in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm and preferably 1.0 mm.

[0024] Optionally, a single or a plurality of modified first through-holes 55 may also be provided in the row of first through-holes 50 of the transverse weakening line 20. The modified first through-hole 55 is also an elongated through-hole, and two ends thereof may have convex portions. The convex portion may be a circular arc or a protruding tip. As shown in Fig. 4, the length of the modified first through-hole 55 is slightly longer than the length of the first through-hole 50. In this example, the modified first through-hole 55 is provided in the middle of the row of the first through-holes 50.

[0025] The longitudinal weakening line 30 includes a series of second through-holes 60. The second through-hole 60 is an elongated through-hole, and two ends thereof may have convex portions. The convex portion may be a circular arc or a protruding tip, as shown in Fig. 5, its length is in the range of about 8 mm to 12 mm, preferably 9 mm to 11 mm and is in particular 10 mm, its width is in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm and is preferably 1.0 mm.

[0026] The pre-splitting weakening line 40 includes a series of third through-holes 70. The third through-hole 70 is an elongated through-hole, and two ends thereof may have convex portions. The convex portion may be a circular arc or a protruding tip, as shown in Fig. 6, its length ranges from about 12 mm to 16 mm, preferably 13 mm to 15 mm and is in particular 15 mm, its width ranges from about 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm and is preferably 1.0 mm.

[0027] In this example, the length of the third through-hole 70 of the pre-splitting weakening line 40 is greater than the length of the second through-hole 60 of the longitudinal weakening line 30, and the length of the second through-hole 60 of the longitudinal weakening line 30 is greater than the length of the first through-hole 50 of the transverse weakening line 20. In this way, the pre-splitting weakening line 40 can rupture first, and then the longitudinal weakening line 30 ruptures. In addition, it is ensured that the transverse weakening line 20 does not rupture or only partially ruptures to prevent the weakened zone from completely rupturing and being projected into the vehicle interior, which could lead to secondary injury to the occupants.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 shows a corner zone where the transverse weakening line 20 and the longitudinal weakening line 30 intersect in the weakened zone. In this example, the corner zone is a rounded corner whose curvature is defined by a curved transverse through-hole 58 and a curved longitudinal through-hole 68.

[0029] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section AA of the weakened zone. From the figure, it can be seen that the inner wall of a short side portion of the first through-hole 50 of the transverse weakening line 20 has an inclination α extending in the axial direction of the first through-hole. The inclination α is in the range of 1° to 10° and is preferably 6°. Optionally or additionally, the inner wall of a long side portion of the first through-hole 50 also has an inclination extending in the axial direction of the first through-hole. The inclination is in the range of 1° to 10° and is preferably 6°.

[0030] Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-section BB of the weakened zone. From the figure, it can be seen that the inner wall of a short side section of the third through-hole 70 of the pre-splitting weakening line 40 has an inclination β extending in the axial direction of the third through-hole. The inclination β is in the range of 1° to 10° and is preferably 6°. Optionally or additionally, the inner wall of a long side section of the third through-hole 70 also has an inclination extending in the axial direction of the third through-hole. The inclination is in the range of 1° to 10° and is preferably 6°.

[0031] Similarly, the inner wall of a short side portion of the second through-hole 60 of the longitudinal weakening line 30 also has an inclination extending in an axial direction of the second through-hole. The inclination is in the range of 1° to 10°, preferably 4° to 8°, and in particular 6°. Optionally or additionally, the inner wall of a long side portion of the second through-hole 60 also has an inclination extending in the axial direction of the second through-hole. The inclination is in the range of 1° to 10°, preferably 4° to 8°, and in particular 6°.

[0032] Therefore, by designing a shape of the through-hole with the weakened line, the inner wall of the short side portion and / or the long side portion of the through-hole has a slope extending in the axial direction of the through-hole. In this way, the through-hole having the inner wall of the short side portion and / or the long side portion extending in the axial direction of the through-hole can be advantageously injection-molded together with the frame compared to a through-hole without a slope in the prior art, and can be formed using the slope.Therefore, compared with a conventional method in which a weakening line is obtained by cutting on a molded frame using a cold knife, a hot knife, or a laser, the processing steps for manufacturing the frame in the present utility model can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be lowered. When the inclination is in the range of 1° to 10°, preferably 4° to 8°, the injection-molded frame is easy to demold for one-piece injection molding. In particular, when the inclination is 6°, it is not easy to generate a defect during one-piece injection molding of a small, elongated through-hole, so the weakening line is easy to rupture in an inclined direction, but still ensures strength, which meets the requirement for explosive rupture.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a pair of through-holes at two ends of the pre-splitting line of weakness 40 extend from the normal directions of a pair of through-holes of the two longitudinal lines of weakness 30 near the center, respectively, forming substantially "T"-shaped through-holes 80. Optionally or additionally, the pair of substantially "T"-shaped through-holes 80 at the two ends of the pre-splitting line of weakness 40 are not located on the same horizontal line. In other words, there may be a height difference between the two substantially "T"-shaped through-holes 80 to facilitate the breaking of the line of weakness.

[0034] In addition, as in Fig. 11, an opening groove 90 may be provided on the back of the frame between two adjacent first through holes 50 of the transverse weakening line 20 to facilitate breaking of the weakening line.

[0035] Similarly, an opening groove may be provided on the back of the frame between two adjacent second through holes 60 of the longitudinal weakening line 30 to facilitate breaking of the weakening line.

[0036] Similarly, an opening groove may be provided on the back of the frame between two adjacent third through holes 70 of the pre-splitting weakening line 40 to facilitate breaking of the weakening line.

[0037] As in Fig. 12, shows Fig. 12 shows a vehicle instrument panel 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle instrument panel 100 includes a frame 1 and an outer skin 2. The frame 1 can be any frame as described above, and the frame can be injection-molded from a thermoplastic such as P / E-GF20. The outer skin 2 encloses an outer side of the frame 1, and the outer skin can be made of PVC, TPO, or PU. Preferably, the outer skin is additionally covered with a layer of PP foam.

[0038] Optionally, a weakening line is also arranged at a point on the outer skin 2 which corresponds to the weakened zone 12 of the frame 1.

[0039] Fig.13 shows a vehicle instrument panel 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle instrument panel 100 includes a frame 1, an outer skin 2, and a tactile layer 3. The frame 1 can be any frame as described above, and the frame can be injection-molded from a thermoplastic such as P / E-GF20. The outer skin encloses the outside of the frame 1, and the outer skin can be made of PVC, TPO, or PU. Preferably, the outer skin is additionally covered with a layer of PP foam. Furthermore, a tactile layer 3 is arranged between the outer skin and the frame to provide a pleasant grip. The tactile layer can be made of 3D mesh fabric or polyurethane foam.

[0040] Optionally, a weakening line is also arranged at a point on the outer skin 2 which corresponds to the weakened zone 12 of the frame 1.

[0041] Optionally, a line of weakness is also arranged at a location on the tactile layer 3 corresponding to the weakened zone 12 of the frame 1.

[0042] The above embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present utility model. Based on this, one skilled in the art can foresee other embodiments that can achieve the same function within the scope of the claims of the present utility model. For example, a long side and a short side of the elongated through-hole described in this specification are not necessarily straight lines, but may also have curvatures.

[0043] Various embodiments, as well as various modifications and improvements, are known to those skilled in the art. In particular, it should be understood that the above features, modifications, and / or embodiments of the present utility model may be combined with one another, unless obvious contradictions or incompatibilities exist. All such embodiments, as well as modifications and improvements, fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

[1] A frame (1) for a vehicle instrument panel, the frame (1) comprising a chamber (10) for accommodating an airbag and at least one weakened zone (12a, 12b) arranged on a surface (11) of the chamber, each weakened zone being arranged as a zone delimited by a transverse line of weakness (20), two longitudinal lines of weakness (30) and a pre-splitting line of weakness (40), characterized by that the transverse weakening line, the two longitudinal weakening lines and the pre-splitting weakening line each have a series of through holes and at least a part of an inner wall of the through hole has an inclination extending in an axial direction of the through hole. [2] The frame according to claim 1, wherein the through holes of the transverse weakening line, the two longitudinal weakening lines and the pre-splitting weakening line are elongated through holes. [3] The frame according to claim 2, wherein two ends of the elongated through-hole have convex portions. [4] The frame according to claim 2, wherein a length of the elongated through-hole of the pre-splitting weakening line is greater than a length of the elongated through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines, and the length of the elongated through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines is greater than a length of the elongated through-hole of the transverse weakening line. [5] Frame according to claim 2, wherein the frame (1) comprises two weakened zones (12a, 12b), a pre-splitting line of weakness is shared by the two weakened zones, and the common pre-splitting line of weakness is located between two transverse lines of weakness of the two weakened zones. [6] The frame according to claim 5, wherein a length of the elongated through-hole of the pre-splitting weakening line is in the range of 12 mm to 16 mm, a length of the elongated through-hole of the two longitudinal weakening lines is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm, and a length of the elongated through-hole of the two transverse weakening lines is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm. [7] The frame according to claim 5, wherein a pair of through holes at two ends of the pre-splitting weakening line extend respectively from normal directions of a pair of through holes of the two longitudinal weakening lines. [8] Frame according to claim 5, wherein the row of through holes of the pre-splitting weakening line is arranged in a wave-like manner. [9] The frame according to claim 1, wherein the inclination of the inner wall of the through-hole extending in the axial direction of the through-hole is in the range of 1° to 10°. [10] Vehicle instrument panel (100) comprising the frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and an outer skin (2), wherein the outer skin envelops an outer side of the frame, the outer skin is made of PVC or TPO or PU and the frame is made of thermoplastic material. [11] A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 10, further comprising a tactile layer (3) disposed between the outer skin and the frame, the tactile layer being made of 3D mesh fabric or polyurethane foam.

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