Display assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

A display assembly 102 for a vehicle comprising a display 104 and a housing assembly 106 defining an internal volume 108 configured to accommodate one or more electronic components 110 associated with

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to display assemblies for vehicles. Aspects of the invention relate to a dashboard assembly and to a vehicle including the display assembly. BACKGROUND Vehicle display assemblies are commonly used in automotive applications to present information to vehicle occupants, comprising electronic components housed within a structural enclosure mounted within the vehicle interior. Such assemblies are frequently integrated into dashboards, where they may be exposed to fluids from various sources, including condensation, beverage spillages, and rainwater ingress through open windows or doors. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments provide a display assembly for a vehicle, a dashboard assembly, and a vehicle, as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a display assembly for a vehicle comprising a display and a housing assembly defining an internal volume configured to accommodate one or more electronic components associated with the display. The housing assembly comprises a channel extending along at least a portion of a length of the housing assembly, wherein the channel is configured to direct fluid away from the housing assembly to prevent fluid ingress into the internal volume. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a display assembly for a vehicle comprising a display and a housing assembly defining an internal volume configured to accommodate one or more electronic components associated with the display. The housing assembly comprises an upper surface defining a channel extending along at least a portion of a length of the housing assembly, wherein the channel is configured to direct fluid away from the housing assembly to prevent fluid ingress into the internal volume. Advantageously, the channel intercepts fluid before it can reach the internal volume, and therefore the electronic components. By incorporating the channel directly into the structure of the housing assembly, a dedicated fluid management path is provided without requiring additional separate components, reducing assembly complexity. The channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the housing assembly makes the drainage solution suitable for elongated display housings where fluid may otherwise accumulate across a large surface area. In examples, the housing assembly may include a cover plate and a base plate which define the internal volume, wherein the channel is formed in the cover plate. Advantageously, forming the channel in the cover plate allows the drainage feature to be incorporated during manufacture of the cover plate itself, avoiding the need for postassembly modifications or additional drainage components. In examples, the channel may be configured to direct fluid towards at least one drainage aperture provided in the housing assembly. Advantageously, directing collected fluid towards dedicated drainage apertures prevents fluid from pooling within the channel and overflowing into the internal volume, addressing the risk of progressive fluid ingress under sustained exposure conditions. In examples, the channel may extend along a longitudinal side of the housing assembly. Advantageously, positioning the channel along a longitudinal side ensures that fluid entering across the full length of the display is captured and directed away, which is particularly beneficial for elongated display housings where fluid may otherwise accumulate at multiple points along the length. In examples, the upper surface defining the channel may include an angled surface configured to direct fluid into the channel via gravity. Advantageously, the angled surface directs fluid into the channel without requiring any active components or additional energy input, providing a reliable and low-maintenance drainage mechanism even under high-volume fluid exposure conditions. In examples, the channel may direct fluid towards a longitudinal end of the housing assembly. Advantageously, concentrating fluid flow at a defined location away from the central region of the housing assembly reduces the risk of fluid accumulating in proximity to sensitive areas such as connectors associated with the electronic components. In examples, the housing assembly may include a collection sump located at the longitudinal end of the housing assembly, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with the collection sump. Advantageously, the collection sump provides a defined receiving area that temporarily holds fluid directed by the channel, preventing uncontrolled dispersal of fluid within the housing assembly and ensuring it is reliably directed to a drainage point. At least one drainage aperture may additionally be located within the collection sump, allowing fluid to exit the housing assembly before it can accumulate to a level at which it would overflow into the region housing the electronic components, addressing the risk of progressive fluid build-up under sustained high-volume exposure conditions. In examples, at least one drainage aperture may be located on a lower surface of the housing assembly to allow fluid to drain via gravity. Advantageously, positioning drainage apertures on a lower surface allows fluid to drain passively without requiring pumps, valves, or other active components, providing a reliable and low-maintenance drainage mechanism suited to the operational environment of a vehicle display. In examples, at least one drainage aperture may include an elongated slot. Advantageously, an elongated slot serves both as a drainage aperture and as a locating feature for aligning housing parts during assembly, combining two functional requirements into a single structural element and reducing the need for separate dedicated drainage holes and locating features. In examples, the elongated slot further serves as a locating feature for aligning a base plate with a cover plate of the housing assembly. Advantageously, using the elongated slot in this dual capacity removes the need for separate dedicated alignment features, reducing the number of distinct structural elements required while maintaining positional accuracy of the housing assembly. In examples, the display assembly may include a sealing element positioned between the channel and the internal volume to physically isolate the internal volume from the channel. Advantageously, the sealing element creates a defined boundary between the drainage zone and the region housing the electronic components, preventing fluid that has entered the channel from migrating into the internal volume even under sustained high-volume fluid exposure. In examples, the sealing element comprises a moisture-absorbing material configured to absorb residual moisture. In examples, the sealing element may include a foam or silicone-based material. Advantageously, a moisture-absorbing material captures residual moisture at the interface between the channel and the internal volume, reducing the risk of moisture wicking along cables or connectors into the region where the electronic components are located. In some examples, the housing assembly comprises a multi-part structure including a main carrier, an upper housing element, and a lower housing element coupled together to define the internal volume and the channel. Advantageously, a multi-part construction allows for complex internal geometries, such as the channel and collection sumps, to be manufactured with high precision while simplifying the installation of the one or more electronic components within the internal volume. In some examples, the channel extends along substantially the entire length of the housing assembly and is configured to direct fluid towards both opposing longitudinal ends of the housing assembly. Advantageously, providing drainage at both opposing longitudinal ends ensures effective fluid management regardless of vehicle inclination, preventing fluid accumulation at a single end of the housing assembly when the vehicle is parked or operating on a slope. In some examples, the housing assembly comprises a plurality of drainage apertures, including a first set of apertures located at a first longitudinal end and a second set of apertures located at a second longitudinal end. Advantageously, utilizing multiple sets of drainage apertures provides redundancy, ensuring that fluid can still exit the housing assembly even if specific apertures become obstructed or if the volume of fluid ingress exceeds the flow capacity of a single drainage point. In some examples, at least one drainage aperture defines an annular drainage path surrounding a mounting or locating pin, allowing fluid to drain around the circumference of the pin. Advantageously, integrating a drainage path around a mounting pin optimizes space utilization within the housing assembly, allowing a structural mounting feature to simultaneously function as part of the fluid management system without requiring additional packaging space for a separate drainage aperture. In some examples, the housing assembly comprises internal wall, that is, a strut or rib, that defines a physical boundary between the channel and the internal volume, wherein the sealing element is mounted upon said wall. Advantageously, internal walls provide structural rigidity to the housing assembly while simultaneously acting as stable mounting surfaces for the sealing element, thereby creating robust physical barriers that prevent fluid overflow from the channel into the internal volume. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a dashboard assembly comprising one or more display assemblies as described herein. Advantageously, incorporating one or more display assemblies with integrated fluid drainage into a dashboard assembly provides a coordinated approach to fluid management across the dashboard, reducing the risk of fluid reaching the electronic components in installations where multiple displays are positioned in proximity to potential fluid ingress points. According to a yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a display assembly or a dashboard assembly as described herein. Advantageously, integrating the fluid drainage arrangement at the vehicle level helps to ensure that the display assembly remains operational following exposure to high-volume fluid ingress events, such as those arising from an open door in heavy rainfall, preserving access to display functions that may be required during vehicle operation. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a display assembly for a vehicle according to an example of the invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the display assembly of FIG. 1 according to an example of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the display assembly of FIG. 1 according to an example of the invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display assembly of FIG. 1 according to an example of the invention; and FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle according to an example of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display assembly 102 for a vehicle. The display assembly 102 comprises a display 104 and a housing assembly 106. The display 104 includes a display screen that is associated with one or more electronic components 110 housed within the housing assembly 106. The housing assembly 106 defines an internal volume 108 configured to accommodate the one or more electronic components 110. The housing assembly 106 comprises a cover plate 116 and a base plate 118. Together, the cover plate 116 and the base plate 118 define the internal volume 108. The housing assembly 106 has an upper surface 112 and a lower surface 126. The upper surface 112 is defined by the cover plate 116. The upper surface 112 defines a channel 114 that extends along at least a portion of a length of the housing assembly 106. The channel 114 is configured to direct fluid away from the housing assembly 106 to prevent fluid ingress into the internal volume 108. In the example shown, the channel 114 is formed in the cover plate 116 and extends along the length of the housing assembly 106, functioning in a manner analogous to a gutter to collect and redirect fluid that contacts the upper surface 112. The upper surface 112 further comprises an angled surface 120. The angled surface 120 is configured to direct fluid into the channel 114 via gravity. In the example shown, the angled surface 120 slopes downwardly towards the channel 114 such that fluid contacting the upper surface 112 is directed into the channel 114 without requiring any additional mechanism. The channel 114 is configured to direct fluid towards at least one drainage aperture 122 provided in the housing assembly 106. In the example shown, the channel 114 directs fluid longitudinally along the housing assembly 106 towards a collection sump 124 located at a longitudinal end of the housing assembly 106. The channel 114 is in fluid communication with the collection sump 124, such that fluid directed along the channel 114 is received by the collection sump 124. The collection sump 124 acts as an intermediate holding point between the channel and the drainage aperture, supporting consistent fluid management across a range of water exposure conditions. The drainage aperture 122 is located on the lower surface 126 of the housing assembly 106, allowing fluid collected within the collection sump 124 to drain via gravity. In this way, fluid that contacts the upper surface 112 is directed by the angled surface 120 into the channel 114, conveyed along the channel 114 towards the collection sump 124, and subsequently discharged through the drainage aperture 122 on the lower surface 126. This arrangement defines a path for fluid to exit the housing assembly 106 without entering the internal volume 108, thereby protecting the one or more electronic components 110 accommodated therein. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the display assembly 102 described with reference to Figure 1. The display assembly 102 comprises the display 104 and the housing assembly 106. The housing assembly 106 has a first longitudinal side 208 and a second longitudinal side 202 that extend along the length of the housing assembly 106, and a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end 206 that define the extent of the housing assembly 106 in the longitudinal direction. The cover plate 116 extends across the housing assembly 106 and is visible in this view. The channel 114 extends along the first longitudinal side 208 of the housing assembly 106, between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end 206. In this way, the channel 114 runs substantially the full length of the housing assembly 106 along the first longitudinal side 208, providing a continuous fluid path between the two longitudinal ends. In this example, the housing assembly 106 includes two collection sumps 124. A first collection sump 124 is positioned adjacent the first longitudinal end, and a second collection sump 124 is positioned adjacent the second longitudinal end 206. The channel 114 is in fluid communication with both collection sumps 124 such that fluid directed along the channel 114 is received by the respective collection sump 124 at each longitudinal end. The channel 114 may be angled along its length such that fluid entering the channel 114 at a central portion of the housing assembly 106 is directed towards the collection sumps 124 at each longitudinal end 204, 206. In this way, fluid is guided away from the central region of the housing assembly 106 in both longitudinal directions, reducing the likelihood of fluid accumulating at any single location along the channel 114. The angled surface 120, directs fluid into the channel 114 and towards the adjacent collection sump 124. Fluid collected within each collection sump 124 is subsequently discharged through the respective drainage aperture provided in the housing assembly 106, as described with reference to Figure 1. Extending the channel along a longitudinal side of the housing assembly ensures that fluid entering across the full length of the display is captured and directed away from the display. This is particularly beneficial for elongated display housings, where fluid may otherwise accumulate at multiple points along the length of the housing assembly. In this way, a single continuous fluid path serves the entire length of the display, rather than requiring multiple discrete drainage features. Figure 3 shows the display assembly 102 of Figures 1 and 2 from below, and illustrates further features of the housing assembly 106. In this view, the base plate 118 is visible, along with features located at the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end 206 of the housing assembly 106. The display assembly 102 includes a plurality of fasteners 302 . The fasteners 302 are arranged to secure the base plate 118 to the cover plate 106. Also visible at each longitudinal end 204, 206 are drainage apertures 122. In the example shown, four drainage apertures 122 are provided in total, with two drainage apertures 122 located at each longitudinal end 204, 206. Of the two drainage apertures 122 at each longitudinal end 204, 206, one is an elongated slot 304. The elongated slot 304 has a greater extent in one direction than the other, distinguishing it from a simple circular or square aperture. The elongated slot 304 permits fluid that has been directed into the collection sump to drain from the housing assembly 106 under gravity, through the base plate 118. In some examples, the drainage aperture 122, for example the elongated slot 304 is further configured as a locating feature. The locating feature is configured to align the base plate 118 with the cover plate of the housing assembly 106 during assembly. By utilising the drainage aperture 122 as the locating feature 306, the drainage aperture 306 serves a dual function: it provides a drainage path for fluid exiting the collection sump, and it provides a reference feature for aligning components of the housing assembly 106. This arrangement reduces the number of discrete features required in the base plate 118, making more efficient use of the available space within the housing assembly 106. In the example shown, the locating feature 306 is provided at each longitudinal end 204, 206, such that alignment of the base plate 118 with the cover plate is supported at both ends of the housing assembly 106. A locating pin 306 or equivalent alignment element may be received within the elongated slot 304 or drainage aperture 304, with the elongated profile of the slot 304 accommodating any tolerance variation in the longitudinal direction while constraining relative movement in the transverse direction. The elongated slot 304 therefore permits controlled relative positioning of the base plate 118 and the cover plate during assembly, while simultaneously allowing fluid to pass through the base plate 118. The elongated slot 304 provides a path for fluid drainage while simultaneously serving as a locating feature for aligning the base plate with the cover plate during assembly. This removes the need for separate dedicated drainage holes and locating features, reducing the total number of discrete elements required in the base plate. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly 102 described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, and illustrates further structural detail of the housing assembly 106, including the arrangement of the sealing element 402. As shown in Figure 4, the housing assembly 106 comprises the cover plate 116 and the base plate 118, which together define the internal volume 108. The channel 114 is formed in the cover plate 116. The angled surface 120 is visible in this view, directed towards the channel 114 such that fluid contacting the cover plate 116 is guided into the channel 114. The collection sump 124 is located below the channel 114 and receives fluid directed along the channel 114. The drainage apertures 122 extend through the base plate 118 in communication with the collection sump 124, permitting fluid to exit the housing assembly 106 under gravity. The locating pin 306 is also visible in this cross-sectional view, formed in the display 104 and configured to be positioned within the drainage aperture 122 acting as the locating feature. The display assembly 102 further comprises a sealing element 402 positioned between the collection sump 114 and the internal volume 108 of the housing assembly 108. The sealing element 402 physically isolates the internal volume 108 from the channel 114 and the collection sump 114, preventing fluid present within the channel 114 from migrating into the internal volume 108. In the example shown, the sealing element 402 is located at the interface between the cover plate 116 and the base plate 118, interposed between the region of the housing assembly 106 through which fluid flows, that is the channel 114 and / or the collection sump 124, and the enclosed region in which the one or more electronic components 110 are housed. The sealing element 402 may be positioned on a wall, that is, a strut or rib, formed in the base plate 118 such that the sealing element 402 abuts the base plate 118 and the cover plate 116, thereby preventing moisture ingress into the internal volume 108. The sealing element 402 may be formed from a compressible material, such as a foam or silicone-based material, which conforms to the adjacent surfaces of the cover plate 116 and the base plate 118 when the housing assembly 106 is assembled. This conforming contact establishes a continuous barrier across the interface between the channel 114 and the internal volume 108. In this way, even where fluid accumulates within the channel 114 or collection sump 124, the sealing element 402 prevents that fluid from crossing into the internal volume 108 and reaching the one or more electronic components housed therein. By positioning the sealing element 402 between the channel 114 and the internal volume 108, the display assembly 102 defines distinct wet and dry zones within the housing assembly 106. The channel 114, the collection sump 124, and the drainage apertures 122 collectively form the wet zone, through which fluid is directed and discharged. The internal volume 108 forms the dry zone, which is maintained free from fluid by the sealing element 402. This arrangement allows the housing assembly 106 to manage fluid exposure across its external surfaces while preserving the integrity of the internal volume 108 and the electronic components accommodated therein. The electronic components housed within the internal volume are thereby protected from contact with fluid that is present within the drainage pathway. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a vehicle 502. The vehicle 502 includes a dashboard assembly 504. The dashboard assembly 504 is positioned within an interior cabin of the vehicle 502 and is arranged to present information to one or more occupants of the vehicle 502. The dashboard assembly 504 incorporates one or more display assemblies of the type described with reference to Figures 1,2, 3, and 4, each comprising the housing assembly with the integrated fluid management features described therein. The vehicle 502 may be any type of road vehicle. By integrating the fluid management features of the display assembly 102, the display is configured to remain operational following exposure to high-volume fluid ingress events, such as those that may arise when a vehicle door is left open during heavy rainfall. In such conditions, the channel 114, the collection sump 124, the drainage apertures 122, and the sealing element 402 may act together to direct fluid away from the internal volume 108 and preserve the operability of the one or more electronic components 110 and the display functions associated therewith. In one example, the dashboard assembly 504 includes a first display assembly positioned on a driver side of the vehicle 502 and a second display assembly positioned on a passenger side of the vehicle 502. Each display assembly includes the channel, the angled surface, the collection sump, and the drainage apertures arranged to direct fluid away from the internal volume housing the one or more electronic components. In this way, each display assembly within the dashboard assembly 504 is independently configured to manage fluid exposure, providing protection across the full extent of the dashboard assembly 504. By incorporating display assemblies with integrated fluid management features into a single dashboard assembly, a coordinated approach to water drainage is achieved across multiple displays. This reduces the likelihood of water reaching sensitive electronic components in installations where several displays are positioned in areas susceptible to water ingress. The result is consistent fluid protection distributed across the full extent of the dashboard assembly, rather than relying on isolated or ad hoc measures at individual display locations. In some examples, the channel 114 is configured to direct fluid towards a longitudinal end 204, 206 of the housing assembly 106. By routing fluid along the channel 114 towards a defined longitudinal end 204, 206, fluid flow is concentrated at a location that is remote from the central region of the housing assembly 106 where the one or 7 more electronic components 110 are situated. This reduces the likelihood of fluid accumulating in proximity to sensitive areas, such as connectors associated with the electronic components 110. Where the housing assembly 106 includes collection sumps 124 at both longitudinal ends 204, 206, as described with reference to Figure 2, fluid entering the channel 114 at any point along its length is directed towards the nearer longitudinal end 204, 206, ensuring that fluid is managed consistently across the full extent of the housing assembly 106 regardless of where it initially contacts the upper surface 112. In some examples, at least one drainage aperture 122 is located within the collection sump 124. Positioning the drainage aperture 122 within the collection sump 124 allows fluid to exit the housing assembly 106 directly from the collection sump 124 before it can accumulate to a level at which it would overflow into the internal volume 108. This is of particular relevance under sustained or high-volume fluid exposure conditions, where fluid directed along the channel 114 may arrive at the collection sump 124 at a rate that would otherwise cause progressive build-up. The drainage aperture 122 within the collection sump 124 therefore provides a controlled exit path that maintains the capacity of the collection sump 124 to receive further fluid from the channel 114. In some examples, the sealing element 402 comprises a moisture-absorbing material configured to absorb residual moisture. While the sealing element 402 described with reference to Figure 4 may be formed from a compressible material such as foam or silicone, a moisture-absorbing variant, such as a felt-based or fibrous material, may additionally or alternatively be used. Such a material captures residual moisture that may be present at the interface between the channel 114 and the internal volume 108, for example moisture that has migrated along cable runs or connector bodies rather than following the primary drainage path. By absorbing this residual moisture at the boundary between the wet zone and the dry zone, the moisture-absorbing material reduces the risk of moisture entering into the internal volume 108 and reaching the one or more electronic components 110. In one example, a moisture-absorbing tape or strip is applied at the interface between the cover plate 116 and the base plate 118 at locations adjacent to cable entries or connector passages, providing localised moisture retention at points where moisture ingress would otherwise be most likely to occur. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display assembly for a vehicle comprising:a display; anda housing assembly defining an internal volume configured to accommodate one or more electronic components associated with the display;wherein the housing assembly comprises an upper surface defining a channel extending along at least a portion of a length of the housing assembly, andwherein the channel is configured to direct fluid away from the housing assembly to prevent fluid ingress into the internal volume.

2. The display assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing assembly comprises a cover plate and a base plate which define the internal volume, and wherein the channel is formed in the cover plate.

3. The display assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel is configured to direct fluid towards at least one drainage aperture provided in the housing assembly.

4. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel extends along a longitudinal side of the housing assembly.

5. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface defining the channel comprises an angled surface configured to direct fluid into the channel via gravity.

6. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is configured to direct fluid towards a longitudinal end of the housing assembly.

7. The display assembly according to claim 6, wherein the housing assembly comprises a collection sump located at the longitudinal end of the housing assembly, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with the collection sump.

8. The display assembly according to claim 7, wherein at least one drainage aperture is located within the collection sump.

9. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one drainage aperture is located on a lower surface of the housing assembly to allow fluid to drain via gravity.

10. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one drainage aperture comprises an elongated slot.

11. The display assembly according to claim 10, wherein the elongated slot is further configured as a locating feature for aligning a base plate with a cover plate of the housing assembly.

12. The display assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a sealing element positioned between the channel and the internal volume to physically isolate the internal volume from the channel.5 13. The display assembly according to claim 12, wherein the sealing element comprises a moistureabsorbing material configured to absorb residual moisture.

14. A dashboard assembly comprising one or more display assemblies according to any preceding claim.10 15. A vehicle comprising the display assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or the dashboardassembly of claim 14.A

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