VEHICLE DASHBOARD STRUCTURE WITH EASIER ELECTRICAL HARNESS INSTALLATION

Abstract

A structure (S1) forms part of a vehicle dashboard and comprises two cavities (CH1-CH2), each housing a loudspeaker, and two channels (CC1-CC2) communicating with the cavities (CH1-CH2). Each channel serves as a guide for the passage of an electrical harness (FE1, FE2) to the corresponding cavity (CH1, CH2) and for the introduction of this electrical harness (FE1, FE2) into that cavity (CH1, CH2) so that it is coupled to the associated loudspeaker. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE DASHBOARD STRUCTURE WITH FACILITATED INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL HARNESS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to dashboards which are intended to equip vehicles, and more precisely to the structures which form part of such dashboards. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise a dashboard which comprises a first structure (for example upper) and a second structure (for example lower) to which the first structure is fixedly secured. Such an arrangement is in particular intended to facilitate the replacement of at least one piece of equipment installed in the dashboard, such as for example a so-called "Head-Up Display" (or HUD) device allowing the projection of images / information onto the windshield of the vehicle. It will be understood that by detaching the first structure from the second structure, it is easy to access the equipment to be replaced.

[0003] Sometimes, the first structure comprises a part which notably comprises two cavities in which are partially and respectively housed two loudspeakers which are respectively coupled to two electrical harnesses passing in the second structure. In this case, when the first structure must be detached from the second structure, the two electrical harnesses must be decoupled from the two loudspeakers, and conversely, when the first structure must be reattached to the second structure, the two electrical harnesses must be recoupled to the two loudspeakers.

[0004] In certain dashboards, the environment of the loudspeakers and the cavities that partially house them is very cluttered, and therefore the coupling / decoupling of the electrical harnesses to / from the loudspeakers proves difficult, or even impossible. This is particularly the case when the loudspeakers and a blower of the heating / air conditioning system are installed in a central part of the dashboard, and in addition, below the cavities partially housing the loudspeakers, air ducts of this system are installed which are oversized in order to offer a high-end aerothermal service in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0005] It would certainly be possible to define openings in the wall delimiting the speaker cavities, under the latter, in order to allow the passage of the electrical harnesses. But such openings are not compatible with a level of res high-fidelity (or HiFi) sound output through speakers.

[0006] Furthermore, it may happen that one of the two loudspeakers is dedicated to emergency communications within a system called eCall. It is recalled that when this eCall system is activated, for example by a passenger of a vehicle, a voice communication is established automatically between an operator of an emergency call center and the passengers of the vehicle, the voice of the operator then being broadcast by the dedicated loudspeaker of the eCall system. Due to the importance of this broadcast, it is important that the electrical harness of the dedicated loudspeaker of the eCall system is electromagnetically isolated from the other electrical harness coupled to the other loudspeaker (dedicated to the reproduction of the sound signals provided by the multimedia sources on board the vehicle (including temporarily)).However, the passage of, and the proximity between, electrical harnesses under the wall delimiting the loudspeaker cavities does not allow this electromagnetic isolation to be obtained, unless the electrical harnesses are shielded and therefore their weight, size and cost are increased.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a structure suitable for forming part of a dashboard of a vehicle and comprising two cavities suitable for receiving two loudspeakers respectively.

[0009] This structure is characterized by the fact that it also comprises two channels which communicate respectively with the cavities and which are each suitable for serving as a guide for the passage of an electrical beam to the corresponding cavity and an introduction of this electrical beam into this cavity so that it is coupled to the associated loudspeaker.

[0010] Thanks to these channels communicating with the associated cavities, it is now easy and simple to install the electrical harnesses by sliding before coupling them to the associated loudspeakers, but also to decouple them from the latter after detaching the associated loudspeakers.

[0011] The structure according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - each channel can be arranged so as to electromagnetically isolate the electrical beam, to which it is suitable for serving as a guide, of the electrical beam to which the other channel is suitable for serving as a guide;

[0013] - it can comprise, on the one hand, a first part delimiting the cavities and first sub-parts of the channels, and, on the other hand, a second part fixedly secured to the first part so as to close the cavities, provided with two first orifices adapted respectively to the partial passage of the loudspeakers for their respective partial housings in these cavities, and to which the loudspeakers are suitable for being fixedly secured;

[0014] - in the presence of the last option, the second part can delimit seconds sub-parts of the channels, housed respectively in terminal parts of the first sub-parts of the channels, and may comprise near the second sub-parts respectively two second orifices communicating respectively with the cavities in order to allow the electrical bundles to respectively join the latter;

[0015] - also in the presence of the last option, it can include a third part fixedly secured to the first part, arranged so as to mask the latter, the channels and part of the second part, and comprising at least a third orifice located opposite the first orifices;

[0016] - in the presence of the last sub-option, it can include a fourth part fixedly secured to the third part at the third orifice to mask the latter, and defining a speaker grille suitable for masking the speakers while allowing the passage of sound signals;

[0017] - in the presence of the last sub-sub-option, it can include a fifth part fixedly secured to the third part and defining a covering skin masking the latter except at the level of the third orifice where it includes a fourth orifice;

[0018] - its channels can be defined along a direction which is suitable for being parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle of which it must be part.

[0019] The invention also proposes a dashboard, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising a structure of the type presented above and defining an upper structural part.

[0020] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a dashboard of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”), hence certain gray levels), and the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the face front (intended to be oriented towards the rear of a vehicle), an example of a vehicle dashboard comprising an example of an embodiment of a structure according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the first, third and fifth parts of the structure of [Fig.l], before assembly,

[0024] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, a part central part of the first part of the structure of figures 1 and 2, before assembly of the second part of this same structure,

[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, a part central part of the first part of the structure of figures 1 and 2, after assembly of the second part,

[0026] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical at the level of the first speaker, part of the dashboard of [Fig.l], and

[0027] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, a part of the structure of [Fig.l], before assembly of its fourth part. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The invention aims in particular to propose a (first) structure SI intended to form part of a dashboard PB of a vehicle and facilitating the installation and decoupling of electrical harnesses FEj (j = 1 or 2), to be coupled respectively to two loudspeakers HPj housed partially and respectively in two cavities CHj.

[0029] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising a dashboard which must comprise a structure comprising two cavities partially receiving and respectively two loudspeakers coupled respectively to two electrical harnesses.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 6, the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0031] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an example of a dashboard PB intended to equip a vehicle interior (here a car) and comprising an example of embodiment of a first structure SI according to the invention. This first structure S1 is intended to be fixedly secured to a second structure S2 of the dashboard PB.

[0032] For example, and as illustrated, the second structure S2 may be a part lower structural part of the PB dashboard, and the first structure SI may be an upper structural part of the PB dashboard.

[0033] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 6, a first structure SI according to the invention comprises at least two cavities CHj (j = 1 or 2) and two channels CCj.

[0034] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, the cavities CHj communicate with each other. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, they could be totally independent of each other and distant.

[0035] As partially illustrated in [Fig.5], the two cavities CHj are suitable for receiving respectively (partially) two loudspeakers HPj. It will be noted that only the first loudspeaker HP1 (j = 1) is illustrated in [Fig.5], the second loudspeaker HP2 (j = 2) not appearing.

[0036] For example, the first speaker HP1 can be dedicated to the reproduction of sound signals which are provided by the multimedia sources on board the vehicle (including temporarily).

[0037] Also for example, the second speaker HP2 can be dedicated to emergency communications within an eCall system (presented in the introductory part).

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, each channel CCj communicates with one of the two cavities CHj and is suitable for serving as a guide for the passage of an electrical beam FEj to the corresponding cavity CHj and the introduction of this electrical beam FEj into this cavity CHj so that it is coupled to the associated loudspeaker HPj.

[0039] In the following, the first loudspeaker HP1 is associated with the first cavity CH1, the first electrical beam FE1 and the first channel CCI, and the second loudspeaker HP2 is associated with the second cavity CH2, the second electrical beam FE2 and the second channel CC2.

[0040] Thanks to these channels CCj which communicate respectively with the associated cavities CHj, it is now easy and simple to install the electrical harnesses FEj and to couple them respectively to the associated loudspeakers HPj, but also to decouple them from the latter (HPj) during a detachment of the first structure SI from the second structure S2. Indeed, this installation is done by sliding each electrical harness FEj in the associated channel CCj until its free end provided with a connector is housed in the associated cavity CHj, then by coupling this connector to the connector of the associated loudspeaker HPj before proceeding with the installation of the latter (HPj). As for the decoupling, it is done after the detachment of each loudspeaker HPj.

[0041] This allows installation and uninstallation operations to be carried out without risk of damage, and to facilitate operations carried out by technicians in factories. and after-sales services. In addition, it helps improve audio quality.

[0042] Preferably, each channel CCj is arranged so as to electromagnetically isolate the first electrical beam FE1 (j = 1), to which it is suitable for serving as a guide, from the second electrical beam FE2 (j' j and j' = 2) to which the second channel CC2 is suitable for serving as a guide, and vice versa. The distance separating the channels CCj and the presence of at least two wall portions, delimiting the latter (CCj) and interposed between the electrical beams FEj, are in most configurations sufficient to ensure electromagnetic insulation. In the event that this is not sufficient, the thicknesses of the aforementioned wall portions can be increased and / or a more electromagnetically insulating material can be used for the latter and / or these wall portions can be coated with an electromagnetically insulating material, for example.

[0043] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5, the channels CCj are defined in a direction which is suitable for being parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, the channels CCj could be defined in a direction which is suitable for being disoriented relative to the longitudinal direction X, including at 90°, or else be curvilinear.

[0044] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5, the cavities CHj have respectively inlets Ej (El and E2) which are intended to be oriented towards the rear of the vehicle (and therefore towards the front seats of the latter). But in a variant not illustrated these inlets Ej could be intended to be oriented towards the front of the vehicle, for example.

[0045] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in FIGS. 2 to 6, the first structure SI may comprise at least first PSI and second PS2 parts.

[0046] The first part PSI delimits the cavities CHj and the first sub-parts SP1 of the channels CCj.

[0047] The second part PS2 is fixedly secured to the first part PI so as to close the cavities CHj (here in the upper part) and is provided with two first orifices Olj which are respectively adapted to the partial passage of loudspeakers HPj for their respective partial housings in these cavities CHj. In addition, the loudspeakers HPj are suitable for being fixedly secured to this second part PS2, for example by clipping and / or screwing.

[0048] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5, the second part PS2 can delimit second sub-parts SP2 of the channels CCj which are housed (ultimately) respectively in terminal parts PT of the first sub-parts SP1 of the channels CCj. In addition, the second part PS2 can include, near the second sub-parts SP2, respectively two second orifices O2j which communicate respectively with the cavities CHj in order to allow the electrical beams FEj to respectively join the latter (CHj).

[0049] In this case, it is possible, for example, to start by securely attaching the loudspeakers HPj to the second part PS2 (for example by clipping and / or screwing), with their bodies passing respectively through the second orifices O2j, then each electrical harness FEj can be slid into the associated channel CCj until its free end provided with a connector reaches the level of the associated second orifice O2j. Then, each free end can be passed through the associated second orifice O2j so that it opens into the associated cavity CHj, then the connector of each electrical harness FEj can be coupled to the associated loudspeaker HPj. Then, the second part PS2 can be securely attached to the first part PSI.

[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the first structure SI may also comprise a third part PS3 which is fixedly secured to the first part PSI and arranged so as to mask the latter (PSI), the channels CCj and a part of the second part PS2. In addition, this third part PS3 comprises at least one third orifice O3k located opposite the first orifices (Olj) to allow the output of the sound signals broadcast by the loudspeakers HPj.

[0051] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the third part PS3 comprises first 031 (k = 1) and second 032 (k = 2) third orifices. The first third orifice 031 is located opposite (and here above) the first orifices Olj. The second third orifice 032 is located opposite (and here above) a fifth orifice 05 defined in the first part PSI, and for example dedicated like the second third orifice 032 to the passage of images / information delivered by a device called Head-Up Vision (or HUD) DV to the windshield of the vehicle.

[0052] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the first structure SI may also comprise a fourth part PS4 fixedly secured to the third part PS3 at the first third orifice 031 (k = 1) to mask the latter (031). This fourth part PS4 defines a speaker grille which is suitable for masking the speakers HPj while allowing the passage of the sound signals broadcast by the latter (HPj). Preferably, this securing is done by clipping. But it could be done by screwing.

[0053] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 5 and 6, that the fourth part PS4 can also comprise, on an internal face (oriented towards the HPj loudspeakers), two PC walls which extend respectively towards the first orifices Olj in order to be located respectively opposite the ends (here upper) of the HPj loudspeakers. These PC walls here have general circular cylindrical shapes, and can surround the ends (here upper) of the HPj loudspeakers in order to channel the sound signals which they diffuse towards the outside of the first structure SI (and therefore towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle).

[0054] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the first structure SI may also comprise a fifth part PS5 which is fixedly secured to the third part PS3 and which defines a covering skin masking the latter (PS3) except at the level of the first third orifice 031 where it comprises a first fourth orifice 041 (k = 1), here allowing the passage of the fourth part PS4. Preferably, this securing is done by clipping. But it could be done by screwing.

[0055] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 2 and 6, that the fifth part PS5 also comprises, here, a second fourth orifice 042 (k = 2) allowing the passage of the images / information delivered by the device called Head-Up Vision DV to the windshield of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Structure (SI) suitable for forming part of a dashboard (PB) of a vehicle and comprising two cavities (CHj) suitable for receiving respectively two loudspeakers (HPj), characterized in that it further comprises two channels (CCj) communicating respectively with said cavities (CHj) and each suitable for serving as a guide for a passage of an electrical harness (FEj) to the corresponding cavity (CHj) and an introduction of this electrical harness (FEj) into this cavity (CHj) so that it is coupled to the associated loudspeaker (HPj).

2. Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that each channel (CCj) is arranged so as to electromagnetically isolate said electrical beam (FEj), for which it is suitable for serving as a guide, from said electrical beam (FEj') for which the other channel (CCj') is suitable for serving as a guide.

3. Structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises i) a first part (PSI) delimiting said cavities (CHj) and first sub-parts (SP1) of said channels (CCj), and ii) a second part (PS2) fixedly secured to said first part (PSI) so as to close said cavities (CHj), provided with two first orifices (Olj) adapted respectively to the partial passage of said loudspeakers (HPj) for their respective partial housings in these cavities (CHj), and to which said loudspeakers (HPj) are suitable for being fixedly secured.

4. Structure according to claim 3, characterized in that said second part (PS2) delimits second sub-parts (SP2) of said channels (CCj), housed respectively in terminal parts (PT) of said first sub-parts (SP1) of said channels (CCj), and comprises near said second sub-parts (SP2) respectively two second orifices (O2j) communicating respectively with said cavities (CHj) in order to allow said electrical bundles (FEj) to join the latter (CHj) respectively.

5. Structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a third part (PS3) fixedly secured to said first part (PSI), arranged so as to mask the latter (PSI), said channels (CCj) and a part of said second part (PS2), and comprising at least one third orifice (O3k) located opposite said first orifices (Olj).

6. Structure according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a fourth part (PS4) fixedly secured to said third part (PS3) at said third orifice (O3k) to mask the latter (O3k), and defining a loudspeaker grille suitable for masking said loudspeakers (HPj) while allowing the passage of sound signals.

7. Structure according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a fifth part (PS5) fixedly secured to said third part (PS3) and defining a covering skin masking the latter (PS3) except at the level of said third orifice (03k) where it comprises a fourth orifice (04k).

8. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said channels (CCj) are defined in a direction suitable for being parallel to a longitudinal direction of said vehicle.

9. Dashboard (PB) suitable for equipping a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a structure (SI) according to one of claims 1 to 8, defining an upper structural part.

10. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a dashboard (PB) according to claim 9.

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