Assembly comprising a dashboard and a display device, and vehicle provided with such an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a dashboard (10) comprising a first upper surface (11) and a second upper surface (12), the second upper surface (12) being arranged offset horizontally and arranged lower than the first upper surface (11) so as to form a step between the first surface (11) and the second wall (12), a connecting surface (13) between the first upper surface (11) and the second upper surface (12), and a display device (2) including a display screen (21) mounted on a holder (22). The holder (22) is attached to the dashboard (10) between the first upper surface (11) and the second upper surface (12), being cantilevered above the second upper surface (12). The screen (21) and the screen holder (22) are spaced apart from and above the second upper surface (12).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Assembly comprising a dashboard and a display device, as well as a vehicle equipped with such an assembly

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2308101 filed on July 27, 2023, the content of which (text, drawings, and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to an assembly comprising a dashboard and a display device, as well as a vehicle equipped with such an assembly.

[0002] Vehicles typically feature a dashboard equipped with a display screen, usually positioned in front of the driver to provide information about the vehicle's operation. This screen is generally housed in an opening in the dashboard, attached to the dashboard, for example, to a structural element supporting the dashboard trim.

[0003] Document FR2825049 describes a vehicle dashboard comprising a display device including a screen projecting from the upper surface of the dashboard. The screen is attached to a bracket; the screen and bracket protrude from the dashboard through an opening, and the bracket is fixed to the dashboard.

[0004] The drawback of such a solution is that it limits storage space, particularly behind the screen. Furthermore, the perceived quality of such a solution is insufficient.

[0005] The objective of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks. In particular, one of the aims of the invention is to provide an assembly, comprising a dashboard and a display device, with improved perceived quality and offering additional storage.

[0006] This objective is achieved according to the invention, by means of an assembly comprising a vehicle dashboard, said dashboard having a first upper surface and a second upper surface, these two surfaces both extending parallel to the same horizontal plane when the dashboard is installed in a vehicle, the second upper surface being arranged horizontally offset from the first upper surface so that at least a part of the second upper surface is outside the area opposite the first surface, and arranged lower than said first upper surface along a vertical axis so as to form a step between the first surface and the second wall, a connecting surface between the first upper surface and the second upper surface, the assembly further comprising a display device including a display screen mounted on a support, notable in that the support is fixed to the dashboard by a fastening means between the first upper surface and the second upper surface, the support being cantilevered above the second upper surface, so that the screen and the screen support are arranged at a distance from said second surface along the vertical axis when the dashboard is installed in a vehicle,above the second upper surface, and that the screen is at a distance from the bonding surface.

[0007] This advantageous arrangement positions the screen away from the second upper surface and the connecting surface, freeing up storage space on the second upper surface and behind the screen. Furthermore, this design enhances the overall perceived quality, as the screen appears detached from the dashboard. The screen mount is connected to the dashboard between the first and second upper surfaces, rather than at one of the upper surfaces themselves. This allows the screen mount to be concealed behind the screen, leaving the upper and lower surfaces free of any visible connection to the mount.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting surface has an opening through which the support passes so as to fix the support on a structural element of the dashboard located behind the connecting wall and under the first upper surface.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the support includes a lighting device directed towards at least one area of ​​the connecting surface and / or towards at least one area of ​​the second upper surface, said area(s) being located behind the screen.

[0010] The lighting system advantageously illuminates the area behind the screen, making it easier to see if an object is stored there. Furthermore, this lighting enhances the screen's levitation effect thanks to the significant contrast between the screen and the area of ​​the upper surface and / or the connecting surface between the screen and the dashboard—that is, behind the screen. The light diffuses around the screen as it reflects off these surfaces. Moreover, since the lighting system is attached to the bracket, it is installed simultaneously with the bracket, simplifying its installation.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the screen has a front face intended to be oriented towards a passenger and a rear face opposite the front face, oriented towards the dashboard, the screen being fixed to the support by its rear face.

[0012] Advantageously, the support is not or barely visible to a passenger located in front of the screen, because the support is hidden by the screen itself.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, a cross member is arranged inside the dashboard, and an arm is fixed by one of its ends to the cross member and extending towards the first upper surface, going around the connecting surface so as to be entirely within the dashboard, the support being fixed to the other end of the arm, called the free end, opposite the cross member.

[0014] This advantageous arrangement allows the display unit to be rigidly mounted while maintaining a screen distance from the uppermost surface of the dashboard. Since the dashboard crossmember is a rigid element contributing to the vehicle's structural rigidity, attaching the display unit to the crossmember via the arm ensures its secure and rigid mounting.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dashboard includes an internal structural element disposed under the first upper surface, the structural element being fixed to the free end of the support.

[0016] Advantageously, the assembly comprising the dashboard and the display device is rigidly held, and the risks of vibration at the level of the display device as well as the part of the dashboard arranged around the display device are reduced.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the support and the structural element are fixed by the same fastening means to the free end of the arm. Advantageously, this design reduces the number of parts required to attach the screen support and the structural element to the arm.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises two arms, each of the arms being fixed at one of their ends to the cross member, the support being fixed at each of the other ends of the arms opposite to the cross member, called free ends, preferably the two arms being connected to each other by a spacer.

[0019] The display unit is thus rigidly held in place by the two arms. Adding a spacer further increases the rigidity of the arms. When the vehicle is in motion, the movements and vibrations of the cantilevered display unit are significantly reduced.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, a portion of the first upper surface is formed by at least one removable trim arranged opposite at least a portion of the support and the fastening means, the support extending under the removable trim, and the fastening means of the support to the dashboard being arranged under said removable trim.

[0021] This advantageously facilitates the mounting of the display device on the dashboard and its removal in case of maintenance needs, as access to the fixing means is through the first accessible upper surface.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an assembly as described above.

[0023] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] represents a view of an assembly according to the invention, comprising a dashboard and a display device.

[0025] [Fig.2] represents a view of the whole of figure 1 following a section along a plane P at the level of the display screen.

[0026] [Fig.3] represents another view of the whole of figure 1 along a section along plane P at the level of the display device in an embodiment comprising a lighting device.

[0027] The drawings are schematic representations to facilitate understanding of the invention. The components are not necessarily shown to scale. The same reference numerals correspond to the same components from one figure to another.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an assembly 1 according to the invention, comprising a dashboard 10 and a display device 2. The display device 2 includes a display screen 21 mounted on a support 22. The dashboard 10 is positioned in a vehicle passenger compartment, in front of the front passengers, including the driver, below a windshield. For clarity, the vehicle is not shown in the figures, and only a windshield pillar 100 is illustrated in Figure 1.

[0029] In the figures, the X-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the Y-axis the transverse direction, and the Z-axis the vertical direction. The forward, backward, up, and down directions are taken in the vehicle's frame of reference.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1, the dashboard 10 comprises a first upper surface 11 and a second upper surface 12. These two surfaces 11 and 12 both extend parallel to the same horizontal plane, that is, parallel to the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y, when the dashboard is installed in the vehicle. These upper surfaces 11 and 12 are oriented towards the top of the vehicle, i.e., facing a roof or a windshield. The second upper surface 12 is positioned lower than the first surface 11 along a vertical axis Z so as to form a step between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. The second upper surface 12 is positioned horizontally towards the rear of the vehicle relative to the first upper surface 11 such that at least a portion of the second upper surface 12 is outside the direct line of sight of the first surface 11.A connecting surface 13 links the first upper surface 11 and the second upper surface 12.

[0031] The support 22 is fixed to the dashboard 10 by a fastening means 3, vertically between the first upper surface 11 and the second surface upper surface 12. The support 22 is cantilevered above the second upper surface 12, such that the screen 21 and the screen support 22 are positioned at a distance from said second surface 12 along the vertical axis Z, above the second upper surface 12, and the screen 21 is at a distance from the connecting surface 13. In Figure 1, the vehicle has a steering wheel 101, positioned opposite the dashboard 10, and the screen 21 is positioned opposite the steering wheel 101, that is, a driver facing the steering wheel 101 and looking along the longitudinal axis X sees the steering wheel 101 and the screen 21 aligned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The screen 21 is, for example, positioned so that it is seen by the driver over the steering wheel 101, and not through said steering wheel 101. .

[0032] In Figure 1, plane P represents a plane parallel to the longitudinal X and vertical Z axes. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along this plane P, and Figure 3 is a sectional view along the same plane P.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connecting surface 13 has an opening 130 through which the support 22 passes. The dashboard 10 has a structural element 14 behind the connecting surface 13 and below the first upper surface 11. The support 22 is fixed to said structural element 14.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the support 22 includes a lighting device 23 directed towards at least one area of ​​the connecting surface 13 and towards at least one area of ​​the second upper surface 12, said area(s) being located behind the screen 21. In Figure 3, the illuminated area is shown by a cone of light 24 having its apex at the lighting device 23. The lighting device 23 includes, for example, a light source and a means for diffusing the emitted light in a given direction. The light source is, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes. The diffusion means includes, for example, a lens, a light guide, and / or a prism. The lighting device 23 is arranged so that the illuminated areas of the connecting surface and the second upper surface are visible to the driver seated in front of the steering wheel 101.In other words, the light reflected by these illuminated surfaces is perceived by the driver. The light that passes under the display device 2, under the screen 21, and that illuminates the second upper surface at the level of the area located below the screen, visible to the driver, accentuates the. sensation of a 21-inch screen levitating by highlighting the lack of connection between the screen and the dashboard directly below said 21-inch screen.

[0035] For example, the bonding surface 13 is formed by a curved wall, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, covered with a coating that reflects at least part of the light.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the screen 21 has a front face oriented towards the driver and a rear face opposite the front face, oriented towards the dashboard 10. The screen 21 is fixed at its rear face to the support 22.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a cross member 4 is arranged in the dashboard 10. This cross member 4 supports the dashboard and is fixed at its ends to the vehicle structure, such as, for example, to each of the front pillars of the vehicle (not shown in the figures). The cross member 4 extends transversely from one side of the vehicle's passenger compartment to the other, that is, substantially along the transverse axis Y. An arm 41 is fixed at one end to the cross member 4 and extends towards the first upper surface 11, bypassing the connecting surface 13 so as to be entirely within the dashboard 10. The support 22 is fixed to the other end of the arm 41, referred to as the free end, opposite the cross member 4, by the fastening means 3.the cross member is for example arranged opposite the second upper surface 12 along the vertical axis Z, and the arm 41 is curved, such as in the shape of a swan neck, to go around said second upper surface 21 and the connecting surface 13 while remaining inside the dashboard 10.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the dashboard 10 includes an internal structural element 14 located under the first upper surface 11. The structural element 14 is attached to the free end of the support 22. The structural element 14 is, for example, a rigid plastic frame to which trim pieces visible from inside the vehicle are attached, such as a first upper trim piece comprising the first upper surface 11 and a second upper trim piece comprising the second upper surface 12. Alternatively, other equipment is attached to the structural element 14, such as one or more loudspeakers, ventilation ducts, or control buttons or faceplates.

[0039] The support 22 and the structural element 14 are fixed by the same fastening means 3 to the free end of the arm 41. The fastening means 3 is, for example, a set of screw-nut systems, as shown in Figure 3, where screws pass through the structural element 14 and the support 22, and are each screwed into a nut attached to the arm 41. Those skilled in the art will use another type of known fastening means to achieve this fixing of the support 22 to the arm 41, fixing the structural element 14 to said arm 41 at the same time, or separately.

[0040] In the variant shown in Figure 2, assembly 1 comprises two arms 41 fixed at one end to the cross member 4, and the support 22 is fixed to each of the other ends of each of these arms 41 opposite the cross member 4, referred to as the free ends. The two arms 41 are connected to each other by a spacer 42 to provide additional rigidity.

[0041] The arms 41 are for example each formed by a U-shaped section profile, the arms of the U being oriented towards the rear of the vehicle, in other words towards a passenger sitting in front of the dashboard 10 and the display device 2.

[0042] In order to access the fastening means 3, a portion of the first upper surface 11 is formed by at least one removable trim 15 arranged opposite at least a portion of the support 22 and the fastening means 3, the support 22 extending under the removable trim 15 and the fastening means 3 of the support 22 to the dashboard 10 being arranged under the removable trim 15. In an embodiment not shown, this removable trim 15 includes a grille opposite a loudspeaker fixed to the structural element 14 so as to allow sound to pass through the grille while protecting the loudspeaker and allowing access to it, such as for a maintenance operation, by removing said removable trim 15.

[0043] In one embodiment, a shell is installed around the support 22 and the screen 21, leaving only the front face of the screen visible, on which information for the driver and / or passenger is displayed, so as to hide the rest of the screen 21 and the support 22. The shell extends to the connecting surface 13.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (1) comprising a vehicle dashboard (10), said dashboard (10) comprising a first upper surface (11) and a second upper surface (12), these two surfaces (11, 12) both extending parallel to the same horizontal plane when the dashboard is installed in a vehicle, the second upper surface (12) being arranged horizontally offset relative to the first upper surface (11) so that at least a portion of the second upper surface (12) is outside the first upper surface (11), and arranged lower than said first upper surface (11) along a vertical axis (Z) so as to form a step between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12), a connecting surface (13) between the first upper surface (11) and the second upper surface (12),the assembly (1) further comprising a display device (2) comprising a display screen (21) mounted on a support (22), characterized in that the support (22) is fixed to the dashboard (10) by a fixing means (3) between the first upper surface (11) and the second upper surface (12), the support (22) being cantilevered above the second upper surface (12), so that the screen (21) and the screen support (22) are arranged at a distance and above the second upper surface (12) along the vertical axis (Z) when the dashboard is installed in a vehicle, and that the screen (21) is at a distance from the connecting surface (13).,

2. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, the connecting surface (13) of which comprises an opening (130) crossed by the support so as to fix the support (22) on a structural element (14) of the dashboard. (10) located behind the connecting wall (13) and under the first upper surface (11).

3. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the support (22) of which comprises a lighting device (23) oriented towards at least one zone of the connecting surface (13) and / or towards at least one zone of the second upper surface (12), said zone(s) being arranged behind the screen (21).

4. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the screen (21) of which comprises a front face intended to be oriented towards a passenger and a rear face opposite the front face, oriented towards the dashboard (10), the screen (21) being fixed to the support (22) by its rear face.

5. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a crosspiece (4) arranged inside the dashboard (10), and an arm (41) fixed by one of these ends to the crosspiece (4) and extending towards the first upper surface (11) by going around the connecting surface (13) so as to be entirely in the dashboard (10), the support (22) being fixed to the other end of the arm (41), called the free end, opposite the crosspiece (4).

6. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 5, the dashboard (10) of which comprises an internal structural element (14) arranged under the first upper surface (11), the structural element (14) being fixed to the free end of the support (22).

7. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, the support (22) and the structural element (14) of which are fixed by the same fixing means (3) to the free end of the arm (41).

8. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, comprising two arms (41), each of the arms (41) being fixed at one of their ends to the crosspiece (4), the support (22) being fixed to each of the other ends of the arms (41) opposite the crosspiece (4), called free ends, preferably the two arms (41) being connected to each other by a spacer (42).

9. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, of which a part of the first upper surface (11) is formed by at least one removable trim (15) arranged opposite at least a part of the support (22) and the fixing means (3), the support (22) extending under the removable trim (15), and the fixing means (3) of the support (22) to the dashboard (10) being arranged under said removable trim (15).

10. Vehicle comprising assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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