Dashboard for a vehicle

Abstract

The structural framework (26) comprises: a first bar (40) and a second bar, extending substantially in a first direction; and a third bar and a fourth bar, which are fastened to the first and second bars and extend substantially in a second direction, which is not parallel to the first direction. The structural framework further comprises an opening, defined by the first and second bars and by the third and fourth bars. The dashboard (24) also comprises at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32), fastened to the structural framework (26) so as to close the opening.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Vehicle dashboard

[0002] The present invention relates to a dashboard for a vehicle, of the type comprising a structural frame intended to be fixed to a chassis of the vehicle.

[0003] Such a dashboard is described in particular in document DE10125074.

[0004] Conventionally, a dashboard comprises a support which constitutes both the load-bearing structure and defines the outer surface, oriented towards the vehicle's users. Such a design involves individually producing each dashboard model adapted to a particular vehicle model, as well as each panel associated with a particular finish. This approach leads to high manufacturing costs. By the support defines the outer surface, it is meant that the support forms the outer surface or is shaped essentially according to the shape of the outer surface, coverings can be arranged on this support.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose a dashboard making it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of dashboards, on the scale of a plurality of different finishes and / or a plurality of models adapted to different vehicles.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a dashboard as described above, in which: the structural frame comprises: at least a first and a second bar, extending substantially in a first direction; and at least a third and a fourth bar, fixed to the first and second bars and extending substantially in a second direction, not parallel to the first direction; the structural frame further comprises at least one opening, defined by the at least a first and a second bar and by the at least a third and a fourth bar; and the dashboard also comprises at least one surface panel, fixed to the structural frame so as to close the at least one opening.

[0007] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the dashboard comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0008] - the first bar of the structural frame extends between two ends, intended to be fixed to side pillars of the vehicle;

[0009] - the first bar comprises an assembly of several sections substantially aligned in the first direction;

[0010] - the first and second bars of the structural frame are made of different materials, preferably plastic materials; - the second direction of the third and fourth bars is substantially perpendicular to the first direction;

[0011] - the second bar of the structural frame is configured to extend along a lower edge of a windshield of the vehicle;

[0012] - the at least one surface panel comprises a front panel disposed on the second bar of the structural frame and intended to extend along the lower edge of the vehicle windshield;

[0013] - the front panel comprises at least one ventilation opening, intended to be oriented towards the windshield of the vehicle;

[0014] - the dashboard further comprises a secondary structural element fixed to the first bar of the structural frame;

[0015] - the at least one surface panel has a lower face and an upper face, the lower face being arranged in contact with the structural frame, the dashboard being configured so that the upper face is arranged substantially horizontally in the vehicle;

[0016] - the dashboard also includes equipment components fixed to the structural frame;

[0017] - the dashboard further comprises: a secondary crossbar, extending substantially in the first direction; and a plurality of secondary uprights, each of the secondary uprights extending substantially between the secondary crossbar and the main crossbar, the secondary crossbar thus being able to be arranged higher than the main crossbar;

[0018] - structural resistance of the dashboard is achieved essentially by the structural frame, the at least one surface panel being intended to perform an aesthetic function.

[0019] The invention further relates to a range of vehicle dashboards, comprising a first and a second dashboard as described above, the first and second dashboards comprising an identical structural framework, each of the first and second dashboards comprising a surface panel, said panels being different from each other.

[0020] The invention further relates to a range of vehicle dashboards, comprising a first and a second dashboard as described above, the structural framework of the first and second dashboards being different, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth bars of the structural framework of the first dashboard being identical to at least one of the first, second, third and fourth bars of the structural framework of the second dashboard.

[0021] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a dashboard as described above. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the structural frame of the dashboard is fixed to a chassis of the vehicle.

[0022] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a partial schematic view, from above, of a vehicle comprising a dashboard according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dashboard of Figure 1; and

[0025] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a top view of an element of the dashboard of Figures 1 and 2.

[0026] Figure 1 partially and schematically represents a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 10 is a land vehicle, more precisely a motor vehicle.

[0027] The vehicle 10 extends in a direction of movement or longitudinal direction, considered to be horizontal. In the remainder of the description, an orthonormal base (X, Y, Z) associated with the vehicle 10 is considered. X represents the longitudinal direction, Y represents a horizontal transverse direction and Z represents the vertical, or elevation direction of the vehicle.

[0028] The vehicle 10 comprises in particular a front hood 12, two side walls 14, 16 and a windshield 18, these elements being represented in dotted lines in FIG. 1.

[0029] The side walls 14, 16 extend substantially in the direction X. The windshield 18 is arranged between said side walls. A lower edge 20 of the windshield 18, extending substantially in a plane (X, Y), is connected to the front hood 12.

[0030] The vehicle 10 further comprises: a passenger compartment 22, in particular delimited by the side walls 14, 16 and the windshield 18; and a dashboard 24, arranged inside the passenger compartment 22.

[0031] The dashboard 24 is in particular intended to form a front end of the passenger compartment 22 and to support functional elements of the vehicle 10, as described below.

[0032] The dashboard 24, shown in exploded view in FIG. 2, comprises a structural frame 26 and at least one surface panel 28, 30, 32. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the dashboard 24 comprises a front panel 28, a central panel 30 and a rear panel 32.

[0033] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the dashboard 24 comprises: a first 34 and a second 35 secondary structures; and equipment members 36, 37, 38.

[0034] The structural frame 26 is shown alone in a top view in FIG. 3. The structural frame 26 comprises a first bar 40, called the main transverse bar, extending in the transverse direction Y.

[0035] More specifically, the main crossbar 40 extends between two ends 42, 44, each end being intended to be fixed to a side wall 14, 16 of the vehicle 10. Preferably, each end 42, 44 of the main crossbar 40 is intended to be fixed to a chassis (not shown) forming a structure of the vehicle 10. More preferably, each end 42, 44 of the main crossbar 40 is intended to be fixed to a front pillar (not shown) included in the corresponding side wall 14, 16 and forming part of the chassis of the vehicle. A load transfer is thus ensured between the dashboard 24 and the structure of the vehicle 10.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the main crossbar 40 comprises notches 45 arranged along its length, at least partially between the two ends 42, 44.

[0037] The structural frame 26 comprises at least one second bar 46, 48, extending substantially parallel to the main transverse bar 40. In the embodiment shown, the structural frame 26 comprises a front transverse bar 46 and a rear transverse bar 48, substantially parallel to the transverse bar 40 and arranged on either side of said transverse bar. In particular, the front transverse bar 46 is intended to be arranged close to the lower edge 20 of the windshield 18. For this purpose, the front transverse bar 46 is preferably curved in a plane (X, Y). By "substantially parallel" is meant that the general direction of the second has a maximum angle of 30° relative to the first bar.

[0038] The structural frame 26 further comprises: longitudinal bars 50, 52 fixed to the first 40 and second 46, 48 bars; and openings 54, 56, delimited by the transverse bars 40, 46, 48 and the longitudinal bars 50, 52.

[0039] The longitudinal bars 50, 52 extend substantially in the longitudinal direction X. In the embodiment shown, each longitudinal bar 50, 52 extends substantially in a plane (X, Z).

[0040] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the structural frame 26 comprises a plurality of front longitudinal bars 50, connecting the front crossbar 46 and the main crossbar 40. Each front longitudinal bar 50 extends between two ends, fixed respectively to the front crossbar 46 and to the main crossbar 40.

[0041] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the structural frame 26 comprises a plurality of rear longitudinal bars 52, connecting the rear crossbar 48 and the main crossbar 40. Each rear longitudinal bar 52 extends between two ends, fixed respectively to the rear crossbar 48 and to the main crossbar 40.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the structural frame 26 further comprises a reinforcing transverse bar 58, fixed to the front longitudinal bars 50 and disposed between the front transverse bar 46 and the main transverse bar 40.

[0043] Preferably, in the embodiment shown, the front crossbar 46, the plurality of front longitudinal bars 50 and the reinforcing crossbar 58 are made in a single piece, more preferably from a plastic material. Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the rear crossbar 48 and the plurality of rear longitudinal bars 52 are preferably made in a single piece, more preferably from a plastic material. The materials of the front 46 and rear 48 crossbars may be the same or different.

[0044] Preferably, the main crossbar 40 is made separately from the front 46 and rear 48 longitudinal bars, possibly in a different material, preferably plastic. Each end of the front 50 and rear 52 longitudinal bars, fixed to the main crossbar 40, is preferably inserted into a notch 45.

[0045] The or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 has an upper face 60, 62, 64 and a lower face. The lower face of the or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 is arranged in contact with the structural frame 26 so as to close at least one opening 54, 56. The upper face 60, 62, 64 of the or each surface panel 28, 30, 32 thus forms an external surface of the dashboard 24, facing upwards.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the dashboard 24 is configured such that each upper face 60, 62, 64 of the surface panels 28, 30, 32 is arranged substantially horizontally. By "substantially horizontally" is meant that each upper face 60, 62, 64 has a maximum inclination of less than 30° relative to the horizontal.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the front panel 28 is arranged in contact with the front transverse bar 46 and the reinforcing transverse bar 58, so as to be arranged close to the lower edge 20 of the windshield 18. Furthermore, the rear panel 32 is arranged in contact with the main transverse bar 40 and the rear transverse bar 48; and the central panel 30 is arranged between the front 28 and rear 32 panels in the longitudinal direction X.

[0048] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the first secondary structure 34 comprises: a secondary transverse bar 66, extending substantially along the transverse direction Y; and a plurality of secondary uprights 68. Each of the secondary uprights 68 extends substantially along Z between the secondary transverse bar 66 and the main transverse bar 40, the secondary transverse bar 66 thus being above the main transverse bar 40; and the central panel 30 is arranged in contact with the reinforcing transverse bar 58 and the secondary transverse bar 66. More specifically, the first secondary structure 34 makes it possible to raise the central panel 30 relative to the main transverse bar 40.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the second secondary structure 35 is attached to the main crossbar 40 and has an L shape. More specifically, the second secondary structure 35 comprises a first vertical branch 70 and a second horizontal branch 72. The first vertical branch 70 extends downward from the main crossbar 40 and the second horizontal branch 72 extends substantially in the transverse direction Y.

[0050] The equipment members 36, 37, 38 of the dashboard 24 are preferably fixed to the main crossbar 40 and / or to the front and rear crossbars 46, 48 and / or to the front and rear longitudinal bars 50, 52. The equipment members 36, 37, 38 comprise for example: a steering wheel support 36, fixed to the main crossbar 40; a driver's hood 37, fixed to the main crossbar 40 and to the second secondary structure 35, the driver's hood 37 optionally comprising a GPS screen support 74; a firing channel (not shown) for deploying an airbag and a glove box cover 38, fixed to the main crossbar 40 and to the second secondary structure 35.

[0051] Preferably, the front panel 28 comprises slots 76 allowing the passage of air for defrosting the windshield 18; and the dashboard 24 further comprises additional equipment (not shown), located under the front panel 28, allowing a flow of air to be directed towards the slots 76.

[0052] A method of producing the dashboard 24 will now be described.

[0053] The various elements of the dashboard 24, in particular the structural frame 26, the surface panels 28, 30, 32, the first 34 and second 35 secondary structures and the equipment members 36, 37, 38 are manufactured independently of one another before being assembled. Each of said elements is for example made of plastic material, in particular by molding.

[0054] Preferably, as described above, the different bars are manufactured independently, preferably by injection molding of plastic material, then assembled together so as to form the structural framework. The main transverse bar 40 is, preferably, produced by assembling different aligned sections, in particular sections made of plastic material and at least one section made of metal.

[0055] It is thus possible to use different materials for the different bars used, for example with the addition of reinforcing fibers, such as glass or carbon fibers. Preferably, a stronger material is used for the main crossbar 40, which is fixed to the walls 14, 16 of the vehicle 10, than for the other bars.

[0056] Furthermore, the same model of main crossbar 40 can thus be used for several different models of vehicles 10, by adapting the shape of the single-piece entities, in particular the front 46 and / or rear 48 crossbars.

[0057] Likewise, the optional use of secondary structures 34, 35 makes it possible to use the same structural framework 26 for several different models of vehicles 10.

[0058] Likewise, the production of the surface panels 28, 30, 32 and the covers 37, 38 independently of the structural framework 26 makes it possible to easily vary the appearance of said panels / covers for aesthetic purposes. The structural framework 26 produced in the form of intersecting bars defining openings 54, 56 makes it possible to reduce the weight of the assembly and the quantity of material required. In addition, the same bar can be integrated into several different structural frameworks.

[0059] The use of bars as standard elements for several vehicles allows to increase the modularity of the dashboards and also to reduce the production cost of the structural frame.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Dashboard (24) for a vehicle (10), comprising a structural frame (26), intended to be fixed to a chassis of the vehicle; the dashboard being characterized in that: - the structural frame (26) comprises: at least a first (40) and a second (46, 48, 58) bars, extending substantially in a first direction (Y); and at least a third and a fourth bars (50, 52), fixed to the first and second bars and extending substantially in a second direction (X), not parallel to the first direction; - the structural frame further comprises at least one opening (54, 56), defined by the at least one first and one second bars (40, 46, 48, 58) and by the at least one third and one fourth bars (50, 52); and - the dashboard (24) also comprises at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32), fixed to the structural frame so as to close the at least one opening (54, 56).

2. Dashboard according to claim 1, in which the first bar (40) of the structural frame (26) extends between two ends (42, 44), intended to be fixed to side pillars (14, 16) of the vehicle.

3. Dashboard according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the first bar (40) comprises an assembly of several sections substantially aligned in the first direction (Y).

4. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first (40) and second (46, 48, 58) bars of the structural frame (26) are made of different materials, preferably plastic materials.

5. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second direction (X) of the third and fourth bars (50, 52) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Y).

6. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second bar (46) of the structural frame (26) is configured to extend along a lower edge (20) of a windshield (18) of the vehicle (10).

7. Dashboard according to claim 6, wherein the at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) comprises a front panel (28) disposed on the second bar (46) of the structural frame (26) and intended to extend along the lower edge (20) of the windshield (18) of the vehicle (10).

8. Dashboard according to claim 7, in which the front panel (28) comprises at least one ventilation orifice (76), intended to be oriented towards the windshield (18) of the vehicle (10).

9. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 2, further comprising a secondary structural element (34, 35) fixed to the first bar (40) of the structural frame (26).

10. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one surface panel (28, 30, 32) has a lower face and an upper face (60, 62, 64), the lower face being arranged in contact with the structural frame (26), the dashboard being configured so that the upper face (60, 62, 64) is arranged substantially horizontally in the vehicle (10).

11. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising equipment members (36, 37, 38) fixed to the structural frame (26).

12. Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a secondary crossbar (66), extending substantially in the first direction (Y); and a plurality of secondary uprights (68), each of the secondary uprights extending substantially between the secondary crossbar (66) and the main crossbar (40), the secondary crossbar thus being able to be arranged higher than the main crossbar (40).

13. A range of vehicle dashboards, comprising a first (24) and a second dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, the first and second dashboards comprising an identical structural framework (26), each of the first and second dashboards comprising a surface panel, said panels being different from each other.

14. Range of vehicle dashboards, comprising a first (24) and a second dashboard according to one of claims 1 to 12, the structural framework of the first and second dashboards being different, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth bars of the structural frame of the first dashboard being identical to at least one of the first, second, third and fourth bars of the structural frame of the second dashboard.

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