Automotive dashboard with assembly guide

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (44) for a motor vehicle dashboard (20), the assembly comprising an upper panel (30) with a lateral opening for a head-up display system; a support frame (46) for the upper panel; and a trim element for the lateral opening, located beneath the upper panel (30). The support frame (46) includes a mounting portion (48) with at least one horizontally extending guide surface (50) designed to cooperate with a cross member (16) to vertically position the assembly during its mounting on said cross member. The guide portion further includes a break zone above the at least one guide surface (50), and a guide stud forming two lower guide surfaces (56) beneath an upper guide surface (52). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle dashboard with assembly guide

[0001] The invention relates to a dashboard of a motor vehicle. The invention relates more specifically to a dashboard incorporating a head-up display system for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to the mounting of a dashboard of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is an assembly for a dashboard of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle comprises a dashboard in front of the passenger compartment. The dashboard forms an interior trim piece extending through the vehicle. In doing so, the dashboard covers and surrounds various components. For example, air vents or screens forming human-machine interfaces are embedded in it. Airbag safety devices are also housed underneath. In addition, a head-up display system is integrated into the dashboard. Through a side opening in the upper panel, it projects information onto the windshield for the driver's attention.

[0003] A dashboard commonly comprises an upper panel forming a finishing skin, and a frame for holding the upper panel. Due to the elongated nature and flexibility of the upper panel, the holding frame is connected to an essentially rigid crossmember. The crossmember comprises, for example, a metal beam arranged transversely and secured to the body of the motor vehicle. The elasticity of the upper panel makes it possible to absorb slight impacts despite the stiffness of the crossmember. This aspect contributes to safety in the event of a pedestrian impact; and makes it possible to comply with certain standards devoted to the scenario of a pedestrian impact at a predefined speed.

[0004] The dashboard is an element that may be removed during the life of the vehicle as part of its maintenance, or in order to carry out a repair. The removal and then reassembly of the upper panel must preserve the head-up display system, and in particular its window arranged under the side opening.

[0005] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to simplify the assembly and disassembly of a dashboard of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the assembly, disassembly, positioning accuracy and safety of a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a dashboard of motor vehicle, the assembly comprising an upper panel with a side opening for a head-up display system; a frame for holding the upper panel; remarkable in that the holding frame comprises a mounting portion with at least one guide surface which extends horizontally and which is intended to cooperate with a crossmember in order to position said assembly vertically when it is mounted on said crossmember.

[0007] The invention incorporates a mounting portion with a guide surface. During docking, the guide surface rests on the cross member and then slides over it. Thus, the vertical position of the upper panel and its holding frame is controlled. The risk of contact with the head-up display system is avoided; despite the proximity between the window and the trim element. The environment of the dashboard is preserved during assembly. In addition, the final positioning accuracy is improved.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one guide surface comprises an upper guide surface; and / or the mounting portion comprises a positioning pad, the at least one guide surface comprising a lower guide surface formed by the positioning pad.

[0009] Preferably, the upper guide surface extends in front of the lower guide surface.

[0010] Preferably, the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface overlap longitudinally over at most 20% of the length of the upper guide surface.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting portion comprises a vertical clearance extending vertically from the positioning pad to above the upper guide surface.

[0012] Preferably, the vertical clearance extends longitudinally over at least 50% of the lower guide surface.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting portion comprises a rupture zone above the at least one guide surface.

[0014] Preferably, the assembly further comprises a covering element for the lateral opening under the upper panel, the mounting portion being vertically below the covering element.

[0015] Preferably, the covering element extends at least over one half of the lateral opening.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting portion is transversely towards the outside of the lateral opening.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one guide surface is longitudinally along the lateral opening.

[0018] Preferably, the mounting portion comprises a hollow body with a recess under the upper panel, the positioning stud projecting forward from said hollow body.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one guide surface extends longitudinally.

[0020] Preferably, the upper panel comprises a longitudinal central axis, the lateral opening being at a distance from said longitudinal central axis.

[0021] Preferably, the upper panel extends transversely across the entire width of the dashboard.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one mounting surface comprises a front guide surface, such as the upper guide surface.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one mounting surface comprises a rear guide surface, such as the lower guide surface.

[0024] Preferably, the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface are offset longitudinally.

[0025] Preferably, the guide stud is behind the upper guide surface.

[0026] Preferably, the holding frame comprises a front half and a rear half; the lateral opening extending longitudinally at the front half and / or the mounting portion extends from the rear half.

[0027] Preferably, the covering element surrounds the side opening.

[0028] Preferably, the assembly is an upper part of the dashboard.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle dashboard, the assembly comprising an upper panel with a lateral opening for a head-up display system; a frame for holding the upper panel; remarkable in that the holding frame comprises a mounting portion with a positioning pad with a horizontal surface which is intended to cooperate with a crosspiece in order to vertically position said assembly when it is mounted on said crosspiece. Such a horizontal surface facilitates the mounting and dismounting of the assembly while avoiding contact with a window of a head-up display system.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle dashboard, the assembly comprising an upper panel with a lateral opening for a head-up display system; a frame for holding the upper panel; remarkable in that the holding frame comprises a mounting portion with a rupture zone, and at least one horizontal guide surface vertically between the rupture zone and the upper panel. Such an assembly improves safety. It also optimizes ease of assembly, in particular ergonomics.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a structure with a crossmember, a dashboard assembly; remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention; and in that the at least one guide surface is vertically in contact with the crossmember.

[0032] Preferably, the motor vehicle further comprises a head-up display system with a window under the side opening and secured to the crossmember.

[0033] Preferably, the crosspiece comprises a vertical branch with a positioning orifice cooperating with the mounting portion.

[0034] Preferably, the positioning orifice comprises at least one horizontal tab cooperating with the mounting portion.

[0035] Preferably, the covering element comprises a lower edge defining a vertical clearance with the window, said vertical clearance being between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0036] Preferably, the vertical branch comprises an upper edge vertically at the level of the upper horizontal surface and / or intended to cooperate with the mounting portion when mounting the assembly on the crosspiece.

[0037] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0038] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0039] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.2] represents a dashboard of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0041] [Fig. 3] shows a side opening of a motor vehicle dashboard according to the invention.

[0042] [Fig.4] illustrates an initial phase of assembly of a motor vehicle dashboard according to the invention, the dashboard being shown in section.

[0043] [Fig. 5] illustrates in section an intermediate phase of assembly of a motor vehicle dashboard according to the invention, the dashboard being shown in section.

[0044] [Fig.6] illustrates a final phase of assembly of a motor vehicle dashboard according to the invention.

[0045] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or assembly to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0046] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally ", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the vehicle's reference frame, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0047] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0048] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0049] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly configuration of the assembly, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0050] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0051] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0052] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment 14, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown).

[0053] The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other. It notably comprises a front apron 15 separating the passenger compartment 14 from the front compartment. The front apron 15 generally forms a vertical wall. The structure 12 includes a crossmember 16. The crossmember 16 forms a transverse beam crossing the passenger compartment 14.

[0054] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems. It supports the windshield 18. The windshield 18 is a front glazed surface. The windshield 18 delimits the passenger compartment 14. The windshield 18 is both transparent and substantially reflective.

[0055] The passenger compartment 14 houses a dashboard 20. The dashboard 20 is in front of the passenger compartment 14. It extends transversely over the entire width of the passenger compartment 14. The dashboard 20, or instrument panel, is fixed to the structure 12, more precisely to the crossmember 16 which it covers.

[0056] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0057] [Fig. 2] shows a dashboard 20 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0058] The dashboard 20 accommodates various components; including vents 22, home machine interfaces such as touch screens 24, an audio system. These components are accommodated via various openings. The steering wheel 26 is behind the dashboard 20.

[0059] The dashboard 20 comprises an upper portion 28. The upper portion 28 comprises an upper panel 30 with a lateral opening 32. The upper panel 30 extends transversely across the entire width of the dashboard 20. It is generally horizontal, and forms the top of the dashboard 20. The lateral opening 32 is transversely at the level of the steering wheel 26. It faces the driver. The lateral opening 32 passes vertically through the upper panel 30. The lateral opening 32 is transversely at a distance from the middle of the upper panel 30.

[0060] The dashboard 20 houses a head-up display system 34. The head-up display system 34 projects light signs or images onto the windshield (not shown). The light images are reflected by the windshield towards the driver. These images include safety-related information. They provide driving assistance.

[0061] [Fig. 3] is an enlargement of a lateral opening 32 of the dashboard 20 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0062] The lateral opening 32 is associated with the head-up display system 34. The latter comprises a window 36. The window 36 is a reflective window or generally a reflective surface. The window 36 is under the lateral opening 32, therefore under the upper panel 30.

[0063] The dashboard 20 comprises a covering element 38 for the lateral opening 32. The covering element 38 is under the upper panel 30. It forms a finishing piece. The covering element 38 extends transversely and / or longitudinally at least over one half of the lateral opening 32. The covering element 38 extends over at least half of the contour of the lateral opening 32, preferably all around. It forms a sleeve. The covering element 38 comprises a fixing flange 40. The fixing flange 40 is horizontal. It is fixed to the upper panel 30.

[0064] The covering element 38 comprises a lower edge 42, for example a front lower edge. The lower edge 42 is vertically distant from the window 36 by at least 5 mm. The front inner edge is distant from the window by at most 20 mm; preferably by at most 10 mm. This arrangement optimizes the passage of light rays and the perceived quality since the covering element 38 masks technical parts.

[0065] The covering element 38 like the lateral opening 32 are in the front part of the upper panel 30. They extend longitudinally over at least half of the upper panel 30.

[0066] [Fig. 4] shows a section of a dashboard 20 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. This view illustrates the rear half of the dashboard 20.

[0067] The dashboard 20 comprises an assembly 44. The assembly 44 may be an upper portion 28 of the dashboard 20. The assembly 44 groups together the upper panel 30, a retaining frame 46 for the upper panel 30, and the optional trim element (not shown). The retaining frame 46 is thicker than the upper panel 30 and / or comprises a material with a modulus of elasticity greater than that of the upper panel 30.

[0068] The holding frame 46 comprises a mounting portion 48 fixed to the crosspiece 16 (partially shown). The mounting portion 48 comprises at least one guide surface 50, preferably a plurality of guide surfaces 50 offset vertically. Each guide surface 50 extends horizontally, and is intended to cooperate with the crosspiece 16 in order to vertically position said assembly 44 during its mounting on said crosspiece 16.

[0069] When the assembly 44 is docked, the at least one guide surface 50 comes into contact with the crosspiece 16 and allows indexing in the vertical position. This arrangement prevents the assembly 44 from descending too far, and damaging or disrupting the head-up display system. By being elongated in the longitudinal direction, the guide surface 50 accompanies the assembly movement, it forms a ski sliding on the crosspiece 16. The invention thereby increases ergonomics. The assembly can be blind.

[0070] The at least one guide surface 50 comprises an upper guide surface 52. The upper guide surface 52 is in front of the mounting portion 48. It extends essentially horizontally in order to materialize a guide stroke.

[0071] The mounting portion 48 further comprises a positioning pad 54. The positioning pad 54 is generally horizontal. It projects forward. The at least one guide surface comprises at least one lower guide surface 56 formed by the positioning pad 54. In this case, the positioning pad 54 comprises two lower guide surfaces 56 which are vertically opposed.

[0072] The mounting portion 48 includes a vertical clearance 58 extending vertically from the positioning pad 54 to a level above the upper guide surface 52. The upper guide surface 52 is below the top of the vertical clearance 58. The vertical clearance 58 extends longitudinally over at least 50% of the lower guide surface 56. The vertical clearance 58 is delimited longitudinally by the upper guide surface 52. It is rearward relative to the latter. Its floor is formed by one of the lower guide surfaces 56.

[0073] The mounting portion 48 comprises a rupture zone 60 above the at least one guide surface 50. The rupture zone 60 comprises lines of weakness. The rupture zone 60 comprises at least one cutout. The rupture zone is inclined relative to the vertical direction in order to promote its rupture.

[0074] In the event of a pedestrian impact, the head of the latter is likely to strike the upper panel 30 through the windshield. The head is likely to press on the upper panel 30 directly above the mounting portion 48, and more precisely where a guide surface 50 is supported on the crosspiece 16. Thanks to the rupture zone 60, or fusible zone, the mounting portion 48 undergoes a programmed rupture which prevents the appearance of a hard point. This preserves safety by limiting possible trauma suffered by the pedestrian.

[0075] In order to optimize the positioning of the covering element relative to the head-up display system, and in particular relative to its window, the mounting portion 48 is brought closer to the covering element. The mounting portion 48 extends longitudinally along the covering element; but is offset transversely therefrom. It overlaps its rear end. The at least one guide surface 50, in particular the lower guide surface 56, extends longitudinally along the lateral opening.

[0076] The mounting portion 48 comprises a hollow body 62 with a recess 64 under the upper panel 30. The positioning stud 54 projects forward from said hollow body 62. The rupture zone 60 is at the recess 64, which facilitates crushing of the mounting portion 48 in the event of a pedestrian impact, and preserves safety. The vertical clearance 58 is vertically at the rupture zone 60.

[0077] The crosspiece 16 comprises a vertical branch 66 with a positioning orifice 68. The vertical branch 66 extends towards the mounting portion 48, from the start to the end of the assembly of the upper panel 30 and its holding frame 46 on the crosspiece 16. The positioning orifice 68 cooperates with the mounting portion 48; more precisely with the positioning stud 54 and therefore with each lower guide surface 56.

[0078] At the start of assembly, the assembly 44 is brought closer to the crosspiece 16. The upper guide surface 52 comes temporarily onto the vertical branch 66 which supports it. The upper guide surface 52 bears against the upper edge 70 of the vertical branch 66. Longitudinally, the vertical branch 66 is still at a distance from each lower guide surface 56. Then, the assembly 44 is advanced by sweeping the upper guide surface 52 with the upper edge 70.

[0079] Furthermore, the mounting portion 48 is transversely outwardly of the side opening. According to one embodiment, the holding frame 46 is symmetrical. The mounting portion is a left mounting portion, and the holding frame 46 further comprises a right mounting portion which is symmetrical to the left. The holding frame 46 optionally comprises a central pilot (not shown). The central pilot is transversely in the middle of the dashboard 20; and cooperates with a slot such as a conduit support. The central pilot is between the left and right mounting portions.

[0080] [Fig. 5] shows an intermediate position of an assembly 44 for dashboard 20 during its mounting on a crossmember 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 4.

[0081] The crosspiece 16 is at the rear end of the upper guide surface 52, and reaches the front end of the lower guide surface 56. The positioning stud 54 enters the positioning orifice 68. The positioning orifice 68 is a vertical positioning orifice, of a shape complementary to the positioning stud 54. The positioning stud 54 engages in the vertical branch 66.

[0082] The upper guide surface 52 extends in front of each lower guide surface 56. The upper guide surface 52 and each lower guide surface 56 overlap longitudinally by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, more preferably by at most 10%, of the longitudinal length of the upper guide surface 52. This overlap allows continuity in the guidance despite the change of reference surface, while facilitating sliding.

[0083] The positioning orifice 68 of the vertical branch 66 of the crosspiece 16 comprises at least one horizontal tab 72 cooperating with the mounting portion 48. The crosspiece 16 comprises a transverse profile (not shown) such as a metal tube, the vertical branch 66 extends vertically from the transverse profile. In this case, the positioning orifice 68 comprises two horizontal tabs 72; each associated with one of the lower guide surfaces 56; which allows positioning in both directions. This aspect of the invention improves the mounting precision of the holding frame 46.

[0084] Generally, the upper guide surface 52 is a guide surface front, or a temporary guide surface. Generally, each lower guide surface is a rear guide surface, or a final guide surface, or a final positioning surface. Preferably, the upper guide surface 52 is offset longitudinally relative to each lower guide surface 56, which allows them to perform their function in turn. The positioning pad 54 is a guide pad. It is behind the upper guide surface 52.

[0085] In order to finalize the assembly, the assembly 44 is further advanced towards the crosspiece 16.

[0086] [Fig. 6] shows an assembly 44 for a dashboard 20 of a motor vehicle in a final assembly position. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0087] The positioning stud 54 passes through the vertical branch 66. It is held between the horizontal tabs 72. Longitudinally, the positioning orifice 68 is for example in the middle of the or each lower guide surface 56. The vertical branch 66 is behind the upper guide surface 52. Its upper edge 70 is longitudinally at a distance from the upper guide surface 52; but vertically at the same level.

[0088] It is remarkable that the upper edge 70 remains here within the height of the vertical clearance 58. It is below the top of the vertical clearance 58. This aspect adds flexibility in the event of pedestrian impact; and limits the potential hard point character of the assembly 44.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding frame 46 is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0090] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0091] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (44) for a dashboard (20) of a motor vehicle (10), the assembly (44) comprising an upper panel (30) with a lateral opening (32) for a head-up display system (34); a retaining frame (46) for the upper panel (30); characterized in that the retaining frame (46) comprises a mounting portion (48) with at least one guide surface (50) which extends horizontally and which is intended to cooperate with a crossmember (16) in order to vertically position said assembly (44) when it is mounted on said crossmember (16).

2. An assembly (44) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one guide surface (50) comprises an upper guide surface (52); and / or the mounting portion (48) comprises a positioning pad (54), the at least one guide surface (50) comprising a lower guide surface (56) formed by the positioning pad (54).

3. Assembly (44) according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper guide surface (52) extends in front of the lower guide surface (56); preferably the upper guide surface (52) and the lower guide surface (56) overlap longitudinally over at most 20% of the length of the upper guide surface (52).

4. Assembly (44) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the mounting portion (48) comprises a vertical clearance extending vertically from the positioning pad (54) to above the upper guide surface (52); preferably the vertical clearance extends longitudinally over at least 50% of the lower guide surface (56).

5. An assembly (44) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the mounting portion (48) comprises a hollow body (62) with a recess (64) under the upper panel (30), the positioning stud (54) projecting forward from said hollow body (62).

6. Assembly (44) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mounting portion (48) comprises a rupture zone (60) above the at least one guide surface (50).

7. Assembly (44) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the assembly (44) further comprises a covering element (38) of the side opening (32) under the top panel (30), the mounting portion (48) being vertically below the covering element (38); preferably, the covering element (38) extends at least over one half of the side opening (32).

8. An assembly (44) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting portion (48) is transversely outwardly of the lateral opening (32), and / or the at least one guide surface (50) is longitudinally along the lateral opening (32).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a structure (12) with a crossmember (16), a dashboard assembly (44) (20); characterized in that the assembly (44) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; and in that the at least one guide surface (50) is vertically in contact with the crossmember (16); preferably the motor vehicle (10) further comprises a head-up display system (34) with a window (36) under the lateral opening (32) and secured to the crossmember (16).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cross member (16) comprises a vertical branch (66) with a positioning orifice (68) cooperating with the mounting portion (48); preferably, the positioning orifice (68) comprises at least one horizontal tab (72) cooperating with the mounting portion (48).

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