Gear shift console of a motor vehicle comprising a removable module, and method for assembling such a removable module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gear shift console for a motor vehicle (1) comprising an internal structure (10) formed of two half-shells (11a, 11b) that are essentially symmetrical about a vertical longitudinal plane, said internal structure (10) defining a laterally open housing (8) configured to removably receive an interchangeable module (16, 23), said interchangeable module (16, 23) being equipped with fastening means (15a, 15b) complementary to the fastening means (15a, 15b) of the internal structure (10), and an external trim (9) covering said internal structure (10) while leaving the openings (13a, 13b) of said housing (8) accessible.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Gear shift console of a motor vehicle comprising a removable module, and method of assembling such a removable module.

[0003] technical field

[0004] The invention relates to the technical field of the interior layout of a motor vehicle and more particularly to the integration of sound functions or storage systems in the layout of a gear shift console.

[0005] Previous techniques

[0006] Optimizing the interior space of motor vehicles represents a major challenge for motor vehicle manufacturers, particularly with regard to the integration of high-performance audio systems.

[0007] In current motor vehicles, the vehicle's interior sound system relies on a combination of at least two speakers and, possibly, a soundproof enclosure.

[0008] The acoustic enclosure is shaped like a box, usually equipped with two speakers, and can be fixed in the trunk of the vehicle.

[0009] This common solution significantly reduces the available storage space in the trunk.

[0010] Alternatively, the two speakers can also be separated and each mounted in one of the vehicle's front doors. The door cavity then acts as a sound enclosure.

[0011] In this case, the placement of the acoustic boxes in the doors limits the storage space in the doors and can pose ergonomic problems for accessing the storage.

[0012] Indeed, the volume allocated to the acoustic enclosure limits the volume available for other functions, particularly for providing storage space for the user.

[0013] Consequently, current solutions lack flexibility and do not allow users to easily modulate the vehicle's interior space according to their needs, forcing them to choose between acoustic performance and storage volume.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] The invention relates to a gear lever console for a motor vehicle comprising an internal structure formed of two essentially symmetrical half-shells along a vertical longitudinal plane, said internal structure delimiting a laterally open housing configured to removably receive an interchangeable module, first fixing means integrated into the internal structure and configured to cooperate with second fixing means disposed on the interchangeable module for fixing said interchangeable module in the housing, and an external covering covering said internal structure and the first and second fixing means while leaving the lateral openings of said housing accessible.

[0016] In this way, the invention offers a modular and flexible gear shift console, adapting to the varied needs of users and the constraints of different vehicles, without requiring major structural modification.

[0017] Preferably, the housing is provided in the said internal structure between the foot of the dashboard and the base of the gear lever.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the removable module is an acoustic enclosure comprising at least one pair of loudspeakers.

[0019] The acoustic enclosure includes a first and a second mounting cup for the integration of said pair of loudspeakers, said mounting cups being arranged at each lateral opening of said housing and configured to be secured to each other in such a way as to dampen the vibrations generated by the loudspeakers.

[0020] Furthermore, the loudspeakers are arranged in said mounting cups and fixed to said internal structure so as to form an integrated acoustic enclosure. According to another embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable module is a storage module comprising a fixed structure inserted in said housing of the internal structure, a movable compartment housed in the fixed structure and moving along a transverse axis relative to said internal structure, a cover element associated with the movable compartment, and guide rails on which said movable compartment is mounted to slide.

[0021] The fixed structure has a hollow box shape delimited by a first and a second side wall, one of said walls being open and aligned with a side opening of the housing to allow access to and movement of the mobile compartment.

[0022] In addition, the other side wall of the fixed structure is solid and blocks the other side opening of the internal structure housing.

[0023] In addition, the other of said side walls of the fixed structure includes a fixing projection provided with a pin configured to cooperate with a notch formed in the first half-shell of the internal structure and a locking slot formed in the second half-shell of said internal structure.

[0024] The movable compartment can be opened on its upper face and configured to slide between an open position, in which said movable compartment is at least partially out of said housing, and a closed position, in which said movable compartment is fully contained in said housing so that the cover element is flush with the external casing.

[0025] Preferably, the guide rails comprise a first segment fixed to the fixed structure and a second segment fixed to the moving compartment, said segments being configured to cooperate in a complementary manner to allow the sliding of the moving compartment.

[0026] Another object of the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a gear lever console as described above.

[0027] Another object of the invention also relates to a method of assembling a removable module in a gear lever console of a vehicle according to the first embodiment and comprising the following steps:

[0028] - Insert the fixing cups into the housing of the internal structure from each lateral opening of said internal structure

[0029] - fix the said fixing cups together to secure them

[0030] - Place the speakers in the mounting cups - Secure the speakers and mounting cups to the internal structure

[0031] - assemble the external casing onto the internal structure

[0032] Another object of the invention also relates to a method of assembling a removable module in a gear lever console of a vehicle according to the second embodiment, said method comprising the following steps:

[0033] - engage the pin of the second wall of said fixed structure in the notch made in the first half-shell of the internal structure

[0034] - rotate said fixed structure to align said pawn with the opening provided in the second half-shell of said internal structure

[0035] - insert said pawn into said opening of the second half-shell

[0036] - fix the first wall of said fixed structure to said first half-shell of the internal structure

[0037] - assemble the external casing onto the internal structure

[0038] Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] - [Fig 1] illustrates a vehicle equipped with a gear lever console according to the invention, - [Fig 2] is a detailed view of the housing provided in the internal structure of the gear lever console according to the invention for the mounting of a removable module,

[0041] - [Fig 3] illustrates an embodiment in which the housing provided in the internal structure of the gear lever console includes an acoustic enclosure,

[0042] - [Fig 4] illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the mounting domes supporting the speakers of the acoustic enclosure within the internal structure of the gear shift console,

[0043] - [Fig 5] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly and fixing of the loudspeakers of the acoustic enclosure within the internal structure of the gear shift console,

[0044] - [Fig 6] illustrates an embodiment in which the housing provided in the internal structure of the gear lever console includes a storage module,

[0045] - [Fig 7] is a perspective view of the storage module before assembly into the internal structure of the gearshift console, and

[0046] - [Fig 8] illustrates a perspective view of the internal structure of the gear shift console, showing the fastening means allowing the assembly of the storage module in the housing of the internal structure of the gear shift console.

[0047] Detailed description

[0048] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 equipped with a gear lever console 2 according to the invention extending from the base of the gear lever 3 to the dashboard 4 located at the front of the vehicle.

[0049] To better understand the vehicle configuration and the arrangement of its components, the XZ plane, also known as the vertical longitudinal plane, is defined.

[0050] The XZ plane is a reference plane used to define the position and orientation of the elements of a motor vehicle.

[0051] This reference plane is defined by the X and Z axes, with the X axis representing the vehicle's longitudinal axis (from front to back) and the Z axis representing the vertical axis (from bottom to top). The XZ plane thus divides the vehicle into two symmetrical parts lengthwise. It is perpendicular to the XY plane (horizontal plane) and the YZ plane (transverse plane).

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates an overview of the gearshift console 2, which consists of three main faces: an upper face 5, which supports the gearshift lever boot, and two lateral faces 6a and 6b, arranged symmetrically on each side of the console along a vertical longitudinal plane. Face 6a faces the driver, while face 6b faces the passenger.

[0053] The gear lever console 2 comprises an internal structure 10, fastening means 15a and an external cover 9.

[0054] The space between the foot of the dashboard 4 and the base of the gear lever 3 is used to integrate an interchangeable module 16.23 into a housing 8 designed for this purpose.

[0055] This location, easily visible and accessible to the user, facilitates the insertion and removal of the interchangeable module 16,23.

[0056] Figure 2 details the internal structure 10, which constitutes the heart of the console.

[0057] The internal structure 10 is composed of two half-shells l ia and 11b, symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the gear lever console 2. These half-shells l ia, 11b, oriented respectively towards the driver and passenger sides, are connected by a central edge 12, allowing a uniform distribution of mechanical forces, in particular those generated during the use of the gear lever.

[0058] Once assembled, the half-shells l ia, 11b define the housing 8, intended to receive and firmly hold the interchangeable module 16,23.

[0059] Each half-shell 11a, 11b has a side opening 13a, 13b, sized to allow access to the housing 8 from outside the console 2. These side openings 13a, 13b may be circular and facilitate the insertion, removal or access of the interchangeable module 16, 23.

[0060] Recesses 14, located around the side openings 13a, 13b, accommodate the fastening means 15a integrated into the internal structure 10. These fastening means, 15a, which may include tapped holes, threaded inserts or any other similar device, ensure the stable fixing of the interchangeable module 16,23 in the housing 8.

[0061] The interchangeable module 16,23 is equipped with second fixing means 15b, adapted to be combined with the first fixing means 15a.

[0062] Once the interchangeable module 16,23 is in place, an external cover 9 is positioned to cover the internal structure 10 as well as the fixing means 15a, 15b.

[0063] This external trim 9 ensures an aesthetic finish while protecting the functional elements of the gear lever console 2.

[0064] The external cover 9 can be fixed by screws, clips or snap-fit ​​systems.

[0065] The assembly of the half-shells l ia and 11b can be carried out by welding, gluing or mechanical fastening, depending on the design requirements.

[0066] The internal structure 10 is specifically designed to accommodate different interchangeable modules while maintaining a common architecture, thus ensuring a standardized configuration with the same structure.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a front view of the gear lever console 2 in which a first embodiment incorporates an acoustic box 16.

[0068] The integration of the acoustic box 16 is carried out in the housing 8 of the internal structure 10 of the gear lever console 2.

[0069] The acoustic enclosure 16 includes at least one pair of loudspeakers 17a, 17b, each housed in a separate mounting cup 18a, 18b, so that each loudspeaker 17a, 17b of the acoustic enclosure 16 opens onto a side face 6a, 6b of the gearshift console 2.

[0070] Such fixing cups 18a, 18b are illustrated in Figure 4 and are designed to fit into the side openings 13a, 13b of the housing 10 provided in the internal structure 10 of the gear lever console 2.

[0071] For symmetry, only one 18b fixing cup is shown, the two cups having an identical structure.

[0072] Each fixing cup 18a, 18b has a general truncated conical shape, with a central disc 19a, 19b and four radial arms 21a, 21b.

[0073] The radial arms 21a, 21b allow each central disc 19a, 19b to be connected to a peripheral part 20a, 20b provided with fixing means 15b allowing the cups 18a, 18b to be secured to the half-shells l ia, 11b of the internal structure 10 of the console 2.

[0074] The central discs 19a, 19b are connected to each other to ensure a distribution of the vibrations generated by the speakers.

[0075] This connection is achieved by means of pre-clipping elements 22, such as tabs, hooks or lugs, which fit into corresponding housings, ensuring temporary support and facilitating subsequent fixing of the loudspeakers.

[0076] In figure 5, the loudspeakers 17a, 17b of the acoustic box 16 are shown before mounting in the fixing cups 18a, 18b, already fixed to the internal structure 10 of the console 2.

[0077] For symmetry, only a 18b mounting cup and a 17b speaker are shown.

[0078] Speakers 17a, 17b are the active elements of the acoustic enclosure 16, responsible for producing the sound.

[0079] To integrate the acoustic box 16 into the gear lever console 2, the fixing cups 18a, 18b are first inserted into the lateral openings 13a, 13b provided for this purpose on the internal structure 10 of the console 2.

[0080] The pre-clipping elements 22 are then engaged to hold the fixing cups 18a, 18b in position, allowing the vibrations generated during the operation of the loudspeakers to be limited and the cups 18a, 18b to be securely fixed to the internal structure 10 of the console 2.

[0081] The speakers 17a, 17b are then positioned in their respective cups 18a, 18b, previously fixed to the internal structure 10 of the console 2.

[0082] The side openings 13a, 13b of the internal structure 10 of the console 2 serve both as support for the cups 18a, 18b and as direct fixing for the speakers 17a, 17b.

[0083] Finally, the external casing 9 of the console 2 is assembled on the internal structure 10, covering and protecting in particular the fixing means 15b of the acoustic box 16 while contributing to the aesthetics of the whole.

[0084] In figure 6, a second embodiment of the invention provides for a storage module 23 integrated into the housing 8 of the internal structure 10 of the gear lever console.

[0085] This storage module 23 is designed to offer additional and modular storage space in the passenger compartment of vehicle 1.

[0086] The storage module 23 is shown here in an open position on the passenger side, i.e. in the case of a vehicle 1 configured for left-hand drive.

[0087] The storage module 23 includes a movable compartment 24, a cover element 25 and a fixed structure 26 of which only one side wall, passenger side, is visible in figure 6.

[0088] The storage module 23 can be mounted directly as a pre-assembled unit, comprising the fixed structure 26 and the sub-assembly formed by the mobile compartment 24 and the cover element 25.

[0089] The mobile compartment 24 has dimensions suitable for insertion into the fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23, which will be detailed later in the description.

[0090] The mobile compartment 24 has an open top face to allow access to the objects. The cover element 25, integral with the mobile compartment 24, ensures the closure of the storage module 23.

[0091] The mobile compartment 24 is mounted to slide on guide rails 27 fixed to said fixed structure 26 and cooperating with complementary rails 28 integral with said mobile compartment 24.

[0092] In figure 6, the internal structure 10 of the gear lever console 2 is covered by the external trim 9 which includes a cutout 29.

[0093] The cover element 25 of the storage module 23 is designed to fit the shape of the cutout 29 in the external casing 9.

[0094] The cover element 25 can adopt several shapes, for example trapezoidal or circular, to correspond to the cut 29 made in the external cladding 9.

[0095] When the module 23 is closed, the cover element 25 then fits into the cutout 29 and is flush with the external trim 9, creating a continuous surface and discreetly integrating the storage module 23 into the gear lever console 2.

[0096] The fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23 is fixed in the housing 8 of the internal structure 10.

[0097] The fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23 has a hollow box shape allowing the insertion and sliding of the mobile compartment 24.

[0098] The fixed structure 26 is equipped with guide rails 27 on its underside.

[0099] The guide rail segment 27 of the fixed structure 26 cooperates with the guide rail segment 28 of the mobile compartment 24, allowing the mobile compartment 24 to slide between an open position, where the compartment 24 is extracted from the fixed structure 26, and a closed position, where the mobile compartment 24 is entirely contained within it.

[0100] Figure 7 shows the fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23, before its integration into the console 2. The first side wall 30 of the fixed structure 26, passenger side, follows the contour of the side opening 13b of the half-shell 11b on which it is fixed.

[0101] The first side wall 30 includes second fastening means 15b designed to be juxtaposed with the first fastening means 15a integrated into the corresponding half-shell l ia of the internal structure 10 of the gear lever console 2.

[0102] These second means of fixing 15b cooperate with screws or other complementary fastening elements.

[0103] The first side wall 30 is open and allows access to the contents of the storage module 23.

[0104] The first side wall 30 of the fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23 is designed with an opening 32 which partially covers the side opening 13b of the half-shell 11b.

[0105] This opening 32, smaller in size than that of the half-shell 11b, makes it possible to conceal part of the side opening 13b of the housing 8 when the storage module 23 is in the open position and contributes to the visual integration of the module 23 into the console 2.

[0106] The second side wall 33, driver side, is solid, ensuring the closure of the other side opening 13b of the half-shell 5b of the internal structure 10.

[0107] This restricts the movement of storage module 23 to a single direction, thus preventing any risk of accidental exit.

[0108] The second side wall 33 of the fixed structure 26 is also equipped with a fixing projection fitted with a pin 34.

[0109] The fixing projection may correspond to a protrusion formed on said wall 33 and the pin extends over the surface of the fixing projection.

[0110] The mounting projection with pin 34 is designed to cooperate with insertion means provided in the internal structure 10 of the console, thus ensuring the fixing and retention of the storage module 23. Figure 8 shows the insertion means, comprising a notch 35 and a locking slot 36, intended to integrate and fix the storage module 23 in the gear lever console 2.

[0111] The notch 35, made in the half-shell 11b on the passenger side, is adapted to accommodate the fixing projection 34 equipped with the pin 35, located on the second side wall 33 of the fixed structure 26 of the module 23.

[0112] The notch 35 guides and temporarily holds the fixing protrusion equipped with the pin 34 during the insertion of the second side face 33 of the storage module 23 into the housing 8 of the internal structure 10.

[0113] The locking slot 36, located in the driver's side half-shell l ia, is sized to receive the pin 34 of the mounting protrusion. It can be produced by machining, molding, or addition, depending on the design of the internal structure 10. Inserting the pin 34 into the slot 36 securely locks the storage module 23 into the console 2.

[0114] To integrate module 23, the second side face 33 of the fixed structure 26 is first aligned with the side opening 13b of the passenger side console.

[0115] The fixing projection fitted with the pin 34 is engaged in the notch 35, provisionally positioning the storage module 23.

[0116] A rotation then allows the pawn 34 to be aligned with the slot 36 on the half-shell, where it is inserted to complete the locking.

[0117] Finally, the first lateral face of the fixed structure 26 is fixed to the half-shell l ia of the internal structure 10, thus reinforcing the fixing of the storage module 23.

[0118] The external casing 9 of the console is then assembled onto the internal structure 10, concealing the first means of fixing the internal structure 15a and the second means of fixing 15b of the storage module 23.

[0119] Alternatively, the storage module 23 can be configured to open on the driver's side. In this case, the internal structure 10 of the console 2, the fixed structure 26 of the storage module 23 and the external trim 9 are reversed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1. Thus, the cutout 29 made in the external trim 9 would be on the driver's side, and the storage module 23 would slide towards the driver's side.

[0120] It is also possible to consider a configuration where the mobile compartment 24 could slide on both sides, thus offering greater flexibility of use.

[0121] In this case, cutouts 29 would be made in the external casing 9 of the console on each side, and the movable compartment 24 would be designed to be able to slide in both directions.

[0122] The modularity of the invention allows the gear lever console 2 to be adapted to different cabin configurations and user preferences.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Gear shift console (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising an internal structure (10) formed of two essentially symmetrical half-shells (1 ia, 11b) along a vertical longitudinal plane, said internal structure (10) delimiting a laterally open housing (8) (13a, 13b) configured to removably receive an interchangeable module (16, 23), first fastening means (15a) integrated into the internal structure (10) and configured to cooperate with second fastening means (15b) disposed on the interchangeable module (16, 23) for the insertion and retention of said interchangeable module (16, 23) in the housing (8), and an external cover (9) covering said internal structure (10) and the first and second fastening means (15a, 15b) leaving accessible the lateral openings (13a, 13b) of said housing (8).

2. Gear lever console according to claim 1, wherein said housing (8) is provided in said internal structure (10) between the foot of the dashboard (4) and the base of the gear lever (3).

3. Gear lever console according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the interchangeable module is an acoustic enclosure (16) comprising at least one pair of loudspeakers (17a, 17b).

4. Gear lever console according to claim 3, in said acoustic housing (16) comprises a first (18a) and a second (18b) mounting cups for the integration of said pair of loudspeakers (17a, 17b), said mounting cups (18a, 18b) being arranged at each lateral opening (13a, 13b) of said housing (8) and configured to be secured to each other so as to dampen the vibrations generated by the loudspeakers.

5. Gear lever console according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said loudspeakers (17a, 17b) are arranged in said mounting cups (18a, 18b) and fixed to said internal structure (10) so as to form an integrated acoustic enclosure (16).

6. Gear lever console according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interchangeable module is a storage module (23) comprising a fixed structure (26) inserted into said housing (8) of the internal structure (10), a movable compartment (24) housed in the fixed structure (26) and moving along a transverse axis relative to said internal structure (10), a cover element (25) associated with the movable compartment (24), and guide rails (27, 28) on which said movable compartment is slidably mounted.

7. Gear lever console according to claim 6, wherein the fixed structure (10) has a hollow box shape delimited by a first (30) and a second (33) side walls, one of said walls (30,33) being open and aligned with a side opening (13a, 13b) of the housing (8) to allow access to and movement of the movable compartment (24).

8. Gear lever console according to claim 7, wherein the other side wall (30,33) of the fixed structure (26) is solid and closes the other side opening (13a, 13b) of the housing (8) of the internal structure (10).

9. Gear lever console according to claim 8, wherein the other of said side walls (30,33) of the fixed structure (26) includes a fixing projection provided with a pin (34) configured to cooperate with a notch (35) formed in a half-shell (l ia, 11b) of the internal structure (10) and a locking slot (36) formed in the other half-shell (l la,l 1b) of said internal structure (10).

10. Gear lever console according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the guide rails (27,28) comprise a first segment (27) located on the fixed structure (26) and a second segment (28) located on the movable compartment (24), said rail segments (27,28) being configured to cooperate in a complementary manner to allow the sliding of the movable compartment (24).

11. Console according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the movable compartment (24) is open on its upper face and is configured to slide between an open position, in which said movable compartment (24) is at least partially out of said housing (8), and a closed position, in which said movable compartment (24) is entirely contained in said housing (8) so that the cover element (25) is flush with the external casing (9).

12. Motor vehicle equipped with a gear lever console (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for assembling an interchangeable module in a gearshift console (2) of a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, said method comprising the following steps: - insert the fixing cups (18a, 18b) into the housing (8) of the internal structure (10) from each lateral opening (13a, 13b) of said internal structure (10) - fix the said fixing cups (18a, 18b) together to secure them - place the speakers (17a, 17b) in the aforementioned mounting cups (18a, 18b) - fix said loudspeakers (17a, 17b) and said fixing cups (18a, 18b) to the internal structure (10) - assembling the external casing (9) onto the internal structure (10) 14. Method for assembling an interchangeable module in a gear shift console (2) of a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, said method comprising the following steps: - engage the side wall (30,33) fitted with the pin (34) of said fixed structure (26) in the notch (35) made in a half-shell (l ia, 11b) of the internal structure (10) - rotate said fixed structure (26) to align said pawn (34) with the slot (36) provided in the other half-shell (l ia, 11b) of said internal structure (10) - insert said pawn (34) into said slot (36) - fix the fixed structure(24) to the half-shell (l ia, 11b) of the internal structure to allow the sliding of the mobile compartment (24) from a lateral opening (13a, 13b) of the internal structure (10) - assemble the external casing (9) onto the internal structure (10)

Images