Modular dashboard for a vehicle

Abstract

Platform (4) for a dashboard (5) of a vehicle extending along respective longitudinal (A), transverse (B) and vertical (C) axes perpendicular to each other, the platform (4) defining a plurality of housing portions (Xi, Yi, Zi) for at least one operating system (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) of said vehicle and / or housings (8, 25, 31).

Description

[0001] "MODULAR DASHBOARD FOR A VEHICLE"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000025854 filed on November 15, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a modular dashboard for a vehicle .

[0006] The present invention has its preferred, although not exclusive, application in commercial vehicles, such as "LCV" (Light Commercial Vehicles) . Reference will be made to this application below by way of an example .

[0007] Prior Art

[0008] Vehicle dashboards of the known type are characterised by a low flexibility.

[0009] Effectively, depending on the variation in dimensions of the vehicle, its mission, the type, the driving position, the electrical / electronic interfaces and other operating systems of the cabin, the configuration of the dashboard can vary and require a complete redesign.

[0010] Consequently, the manufacturing and design costs are high, as are the times for a possible change to the dashboard in an existing vehicle .

[0011] Furthermore, such need for a general reconfiguration of the vehicle dashboard requires, normally, disposal of the previous one or of various portions thereof, with a consequent increase in the production of waste, something that is not environmentally sustainable .

[0012] Moreover, there is an increasing need to provide a high degree of customisation to the user, so that they can insert various operating modules and "configure" their own dashboard themselves . This clearly exponentially increases the problems stated here above .

[0013] Lastly, given the complexity of the dashboard system, repairing or replacing the components thereof often results in disassembly and / or replacement of the entire dashboard system.

[0014] There is therefore a need to provide a dashboard that is economical and environmentally friendly to manufacture and that allows a high rate of customisation and easy repair .

[0015] The obj ect of the present invention is therefore to satisfy the needs indicated here above, in an optimal and economical manner .

[0016] Summary of the Invention

[0017] The aforesaid obj ect is achieved by a modular dashboard and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described below, by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] • Figures 1A and IB are schematic views, indicating, conceptually, a platform for a vehicle dashboard according to the invention;

[0021] • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle provided with a dashboard according to an embodiment of the invention; • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dashboard of Figure 2 in an unequipped condition;

[0022] • Figures 4A-4B are perspective views of respective configurations of a first equipment of the dashboard of Figure 3;

[0023] • Figures 5A-5B are perspective views of respective configurations of a second equipment of the dashboard of Figure 3; and

[0024] • Figures 6A-6B are perspective views of respective configurations of a third equipment of the dashboard of Figure 3.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] The general principle on which the invention is based is schematically shown in Figures 1A-1B . In detail, a platform 4 of a vehicle dashboard is present, of which an example of an embodiment will be described below.

[0027] The platform 4 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a transverse axis B and a vertical axis C of the vehicle, as also described below. In particular, it can also extend only on part of the transverse axis B .

[0028] Such platform 4 can be obtained in any form and structure, for example (Figure 1A) as a set of walls connected to one another and carried by - or forming part of - the body of the vehicle or (Figure 2 ) as a support bar, for example tubular, carried by the body of the vehicle .

[0029] In both cases, such platform 4 defines a plurality of housing portions Xi, Yi, Zi relative to different planes defined relative to the axes A, B, C, by the platform 4.

[0030] In particular, such plurality of portions Xi, Yi, Zi is defined on each of such planes . In further detail, on at least one of such planes, it is possible to define an upper and lower and / or left and right and / or central portion. Such plurality of portions Xi, Yi, Zi is adapted to allow, in a selectively interchangeable manner, the housing of an operating system of the vehicle, from among those described below, or vehicular housings such as compartments, drawers, electrical appliances, etc .

[0031] Clearly the number, the shape and the position of such portions relative to the platform 4 can vary based on the needs of the vehicle .

[0032] In figure 2 and following, a vehicle is shown, an LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) by way of example, such as a van.

[0033] It is clear that this depiction is merely an example and that the dashboard shown through a platform according to the invention described above can be applied to other types of vehicles .

[0034] The vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of walls 2 connected to one another to eliminate a space 3 housing the driver and any passengers . In detail, the vehicle 1 extends along a longitudinal axis A.

[0035] The vehicle 1 further comprises a platform 4 of a dashboard 5 according to the invention housed in the space 3, as known, in front of the seats of the drivers / passengers .

[0036] As shown in more detail in Figure 3, the dashboard 5 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis A, i . e . along a transverse axis B of the vehicle 1 and extends vertically along a vertical axis C of the vehicle 1. The transverse axis B and vertical axis C are clearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0037] The dashboard 5 essentially comprises a fixing portion 6 and a front portion 7 .

[0038] In this embodiment, therefore, the fixing portion and the front portion 7 define the structure of the platform 4 according to what is shown in this regard in Figure 1A / 1B .

[0039] In detail, the front portion 7 is positioned facing the driver along the longitudinal axis A and the fixing portion 6 is positioned on the opposite side relative to the front portion 7 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0040] The fixing portion 6 is rigidly connected to the body (not shown) of the vehicle 1 (alternatively, is part of the body) and allows connection of the front portion 7, in detail in a selectively removable manner .

[0041] In detail, the front portion 7 can be connected in dedicated portions to the fixing portion 6 by means of reversible mechanical connections, such as threaded, snap-in or shape connections .

[0042] In all the equipment of Figures 4A to 6B, a housing is present, represented by an upper portion 8 positioned above the fixing and front portions 6, 7 along the vertical axis C .

[0043] The upper portion 8 essentially comprises a main portion 8' and a plurality of housings 8' ' , 8' ' ' lowered with respect to the main portion 8' along the vertical axis C .

[0044] In the embodiment shown, a pair of side housings 8' ' , obtained in the main portion 8' on opposite sides along the transverse axis B, and a central housing 8' ’ ’ , obtained between the side housings 8’ ’ , are present .

[0045] The front portion 7 essentially comprises a main portion 7' connected to the fixing portion 6 and to the upper portion 8, as stated above .

[0046] In detail, the main portion 7 comprises a first portion 7a extending mostly along the vertical axis C and a second portion 7b extending, mostly, on the opposite side of the upper portion 8, i . e . mainly facing a floor of the vehicle 1.

[0047] The main portion 7' defines a plurality of openings 9, 11, 12, 13 configured to allow the insertion / assembly of operating elements of the dashboard 5, as described below.

[0048] Advantageously, at least part of such openings 9, 11, 12, 13 are obtained on the main portion 7 ’ , symmetrically relative to a plane defined by the vertical C and longitudinal A axes, thus guaranteeing precise copies of such openings 9, 11, 12, 13 on one side and on the other of the dashboard 5.

[0049] In detail, such openings 9, 11, 12, 13 are configured to allow assembly / passage of operating systems of the vehicle, including :

[0050] A steering system 21 of the vehicle 1 ;

[0051] The wiring of one or more electronic devices 22, 24 ;

[0052] A ventilation / air conditioning system 23; and / or

[0053] A housing module 25.

[0054] In addition, such openings 9, 11, 12, 13 can allow the assembly / passage of a housing module 25.

[0055] In the embodiment described, a first opening 9 is present, preferably having a quadrangular shape, configured to allow the housing of a steering system 21 and relative driving controls . Preferably, such first opening 9 is reproduced, symmetrically, on the opposite side with respect to the vertical axis C .

[0056] Furthermore, in the embodiment described, a second opening 11 is present, preferably having a circular shape, configured to allow the housing of the wiring of electronic systems 22, such as displays or screens . Preferably, such second opening 11 is reproduced, symmetrically, on the opposite side with respect to the vertical axis C . Advantageously, it is positioned adj acent to the first opening 9.

[0057] In addition, in the embodiment described, a third opening 12 is present, preferably having a slot shape, configured to allow the passage of air through a ventilation / air conditioning system 23 and the relative vents . Preferably, such third opening 11 is reproduced, symmetrically, on the opposite side with respect to the vertical axis C . Advantageously, it is positioned vertically above the first and second openings 9, 11 and, even more preferably, obtained as a break vertically made in the upper edge of the first portion 7a of the main portion 7' of the front portion 7.

[0058] In addition, in the embodiment described, a fifth opening 13 is present, configured to allow the arrangement of a housing module 25. Preferably, such fifth opening 13 is obtained singly in an intermediate position along the dashboard 5, along the transverse axis B . Advantageously, it is positioned at the plane of symmetry of the main portion 7' . In detail, such fifth opening 13 is laterally comprised, on both sides, between the openings 9, 11, 12 described above .

[0059] Advantageously, the openings 9, 11, 12, 13 described above and that are not used can be isolated by a cover 30 configured to isolate the space comprised beyond the main portion 7' of the front portion 7 of the dashboard 5.

[0060] In detail, such cover 30 comprises a wall selectively connectible to the front portion 7 to isolate the openings, as stated above . Alternatively, such openings 9, 11, 12, 13 can be closed by protruding portions 31 comprising at least one wall connected to the front portion 7 so as to extend cantilevered from the front portion 7 towards the driver along the longitudinal axis A.

[0061] Such protruding portions 31, in addition to isolating the aforesaid openings, can perform the function of support of the operating systems of the aforesaid vehicles . Moreover, such protruding portions 31 can serve as space for further housings accessible by means of doors, as shown.

[0062] Functioning of the embodiment of the platform, the dashboard and the vehicle according to the invention described above is as follows .

[0063] In general, it is possible to use one of the slots Xi, Yi, Zi of the platform 4 to mount, in the desired position and according to the needs of the vehicle, a particular operating / housing module .

[0064] Compared to the example shown, once the fixing portion 6 is mounted on the body of the vehicle 1 and the front portion 7 to it, it is possible to attach the different modules, described above, or the housings such as the upper portion 8 and the front portion 7 .

[0065] Depending on the necessary configurations, it will be possible to attach different operating systems, directly or by means of the protruding portions 31, to the front portion 7. Similarly, depending on needs, it will be possible to select an upper portion 8 of suitable shape .

[0066] For example, Figure 4A shows a first housing comprising a steering system 21, a pair of electronic devices 22 housed adj acent to the steering and supported by a protruding portion 31 and the third openings 12 free to allow the passage of air . The symmetrical openings on the right portion of the vehicle are isolated by a cover 30. Figure 4B shows a configuration with right-hand drive of the same housing of Figure 4A.

[0067] Moreover, Figure 5A shows a second housing comprising a steering system 21, a pair of electronic devices 22 carried on opposite sides of a single protruding portion 31 that isolates the openings of the front portion 7, a screen 24 carried centrally by the protruding portion 31 and the third openings 12 free to allow the passage of air . Figure 5B shows a configuration with right-hand drive of the same housing of Figure 5A.

[0068] Furthermore, Figure 6A shows a similar configuration to the one of Figure 6A, further comprising a housing system 25 in a central position of the dashboard 5. Figure 6B shows a configuration with right-hand drive of the same housing of Figure 6A.

[0069] Although not shown, the upper portion 8 could also vary, i . e . , vary the housings 8' ' , 8' ' ' according to need.

[0070] The advantages of a dashboard and a vehicle according to the invention are clear from the above .

[0071] Thanks to the dashboard according to the invention, it is possible to provide a plurality of different equipment and driving configurations without having to substantially alter the structural portion of the dashboard itself .

[0072] Consequently, it is possible to obtain major savings in manufacturing, in terms of both the costs linked to production of the dashboard and in terms of manufacturing times .

[0073] For example, it is possible to produce the vehicle with only the platform and the essential modules (e . g. the driving modules) , and leave the production of the optional modules to third parties, and their assembly to local factories or a dealer .

[0074] Moreover, thanks to the structure of the dashboard described, it is possible to provide a high degree of customisation, producing the most disparate modules, in terms of function, visual appearance and material, reducing the components usable to manufacture the dashboard.

[0075] Consequently, the environmental footprint of a dashboard according to the invention is reduced, as it is possible to reconfigure it and reduce the use of material to a minimum.

[0076] In particular, the useful life of the dashboard is increased, since, thanks to the platform, it is possible to replace only elements thereof, updating it continually without it becoming - entirely - obsolete .

[0077] Moreover, the possibility of replacing only several portions of the operating elements allows maintenance to be facilitated and makes it more economical .

[0078] In conclusion, it is clear that changes and variants can be made to the dashboard and to the vehicle according to the present invention without thus deviating from the scope of protection as defined by the claims .

[0079] As indicated here above, the dashboard shown can be provided for any type of vehicle and the platform, as demonstrated, can have any geometrical structure .

[0080] Moreover, the operating systems connectible to the dashboard can be of any type in addition to the essential ones described . Furthermore, the shape of the dashboard and the openings obtained here, and also, if present, of the cover and the protruding portions, can be any shape .

Claims

CLAIMSI . - Dashboard ( 5 ) for a vehicle ( 1 ) said dashboard ( 1 ) extending along a transverse axis (B ) of said vehicle ( 1 ) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A) thereof and along a vertical axis ( C ) perpendicular to said axes (A, B ) , said dashboard ( 5 ) comprising a platform ( 4 ) , said platform ( 4 ) defining a plurality of housing portions (Xi , Yi , Zi ) to house at least one operating system ( 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) of said vehicle and / or housings ( 8 , 25 , 31 ) , wherein said platform ( 4 ) comprises a fixing portion ( 6 ) and a front portion ( 7 ) , said fixing portion ( 6 ) being rigidly connected to a body of said vehicle ( 1 ) , said front portion ( 7 ) being connected to said fixing portion ( 6 ) in a selectively removable manner, said front portion ( 7 ) defining at least one pair of openings ( 9 , I I , 12 , 13 ) configured to house said at least one operating system ( 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) of said vehicle , said dashboard ( 5 ) comprising an upper portion ( 8 ) carried by said fixing portion ( 6 ) , said upper portion ( 8 ) defining at least one of said housings ( 8 ' ’ , 8 ' ’ ’ ) .

2. - Dashboard, wherein said housing portions (Xi , Yi , Zi ) are provided on all three planes definable by said longitudinal (A) , transverse (B ) and vertical ( C ) axes of said platform ( 4 ) .

3. - Dashboard, wherein said housing portions (Xi , Yi , Zi ) are a plurality for each of said planes .4 . - Dashboard, wherein on at least one of said planes , said housing portions (Xi , Yi , Zi ) define at least one upper and lower and / or left and right and / or central housing portion .

5. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims , wherein said at least one pair of openings ( 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 ) comprises two openings symmetrical with respect to a planepassing through said longitudinal and vertical axes (A, C) of said vehicle ( 1 ) .

6. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a pair of first openings ( 9) configured to house a steering system (21 ) of said vehicle ( 1 ) .

7. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a pair of second openings ( 11 ) configured to house wiring of electronic devices (22 ) of said vehicle ( 1 ) .

8. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a pair of third openings ( 12 ) configured to allow the passage of air from an air conditioning system of said vehicle ( 1 ) .

9. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a fifth opening ( 13) configured to allow the arrangement of a housing system (25) of said vehicle ( 1 ) .

10. - Dashboard according to claim 9, wherein said housing system (25) is arranged below said front portion (7 ) along said vertical axis (C) .

11. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating systems housed in the respective openings are arranged frontally to said front portion (7 ) along said longitudinal axis (A) or vertically above said front portion (7 ) along said vertical axis (C) .

12. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover (30) connectible to said front portion (7 ) to isolate at least one of said openings ( 9, 11, 12, 13) .

13. - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a protruding portion (31 ) connectible to said frontportion ( 7 ) and extending cantilevered from it , said protruding portion ( 31 ) comprising at least one wall connected to said front portion ( 7 ) configured to isolate at least one of said openings ( 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 ) and / or support one of said operating systems .14 . - Dashboard according to one of the preceding claims , wherein said upper portion ( 8 ) comprises a main portion ( 8 ' ) connected to said front portion ( 7 ) and to said fixing portion ( 6 ) and defines at least one housing ( 8 ' ’ , 8 ' ' ' ) extending lowered with respect to said main portion ( 8 ' ) .15 . - Vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a dashboard ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims and one or more operating systems carried by said dashboard ( 5 ) .

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