A DASHBOARD UNIT AND COVER-PANEL

Abstract

A dashboard component assembly for a vehicle, including: a cover-panel; a main body and an auxiliary body, the auxiliary body being retained on the main body so as to be movable in at least one dimension relative to the main body prior to installation of the cover-panel, the cover-panel is configured to cover at least a portion of each of the main body and the auxiliary body; a primary datum included by one of the cover-panel or the main body; a primary datum retainer included by the other of the cover-panel or the main body, the primary datum is configured to engage at least one primary datum retainer to cause a predetermined alignment of the cover-panel with regard to the main body; a secondary datum included by one of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body; a secondary datum receiver comprised by the other of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body.

Claims

1. A dashboard component assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a cover-panel; a main body and an auxiliary body, the auxiliary body being retained on the main body so as to be movable in at least one dimension relative to the main body prior to installation of the cover-panel, wherein, the cover-panel is configured to cover at least a portion of each of the main body and the auxiliary body; a primary datum comprised by one of the cover-panel or the main body; a primary datum retainer comprised by the other of the cover-panel or the main body, wherein the primary datum is configured to engage the at least one primary datum retainer to cause a predetermined alignment of the cover-panel with regard to the main body; a secondary datum comprised by one of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body; a secondary datum receiver comprised by the other of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body, wherein the secondary datum is configured to engage the secondary datum receiver to cause a predetermined alignment of the auxiliary body with regard to both the cover-panel and the main body.

2. The dashboard assembly according to claim 1, the auxiliary body comprises a retainer configured to cooperate with the cover-plate to render the auxiliary body immovable with regard to the main body following installation of the cover-panel.

3. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary datum comprises retaining means configured to prevent the primary datum from being removed from the primary datum retainer.

4. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 3, wherein retaining means comprises a snap-fit retainer.

5. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a vehicle entertainment and/or information system and the auxiliary body comprises controls for controlling the vehicle entertainment and/or information system.

6. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the controls comprise at least one of a button and a rotatable knob.

7. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 6, wherein the controls are configured to extend beyond a plane of the cover panel so as to be accessible to an operator of the vehicle.

8. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondary datum comprises a pin and the secondary datum receiver comprises a tapered hole.

9. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary body is movable in two dimensions with regard to the main body.

10. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary body is fixed in the X direction corresponding to a front/rear direction of a vehicle in which the dashboard component assembly is to be installed.

11. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover-panel comprises the primary datum and the main body comprises the primary datum retainer.

12. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover-panel comprises the secondary datum and the auxiliary body comprises the secondary datum receiver.

13. The dashboard component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises one or more fastening points configured to enable fastening of the main body to the vehicle.

14. A method for installing a cover-panel on a dashboard component, comprising: assembling an auxiliary body onto a main body of the dashboard component such that the auxiliary body is movable in at least one dimension relative to the main body prior to installation of a cover-panel; inserting a primary datum of the cover-panel into a primary datum retainer of the main body; and causing retaining means of the primary datum to engage with a primary datum retainer of the main body such that a secondary datum of the cover-panel engages with a secondary datum receiver of the auxiliary body to render the auxiliary body substantially immovable.

15. The method for installing a cover-panel on a dashboard component according to claim 14, comprising generating an audible feedback indicating engagement of the primary datum.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary dashboard of a vehicle;

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic of a dashboard component assembly in a pre-installation stage;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary main body and auxiliary bodies of a dashboard component according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4A is a detailed plan view of an exemplary auxiliary body installed on a main body of the dashboard component;

[0028] FIG. 4B is a cross-section taken along D-D of FIG. 4A;

[0029] FIG. 4C is a cross-section taken along B-B of FIG. 4A;

[0030] FIG. 4D is a cross-section taken along C-C of FIG. 4A;

[0031] FIG. 5A is a reproduction of FIG. 4A for purposes of highlighting additional cross-sections;

[0032] FIG. 5B is a cross-section taken along D-D of FIG. 5A;

[0033] FIG. 5C is a cross-section taken along E-E of FIG. 5A;

[0034] FIG. 6A is a detailed plan view of an exemplary cover panel fully installed on the dashboard component;

[0035] FIG. 6B is a cross-section along A-A of FIG. 6A;

[0036] FIG. 6C is a cross-section along B-B of FIG. 6A;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for assembling a dashboard assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 8A is a plan view of exemplary main and auxiliary bodies with dimension comparisons; and

[0039] FIG. 8B is a plan view of an exemplary cover panel with dimension comparisons.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary dashboard 1 of a vehicle (not shown) on which is installed various instruments, controls, and a dashboard assembly 7, among others. Dashboard assembly 7 may include, for example, a main body 10 and an auxiliary body 15, and a cover panel 5. One of skill will recognize that additional components may be present on dashboard 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Dashboard assembly 7 may comprise, for example, a vehicle entertainment system, a navigation system, an information system, etc., and/or may be combinations thereof. For example, functions of a vehicle entertainment system and a navigation system may be combined and information displayed on a single output screen depending on selected options.

[0043] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic of a dashboard component assembly 7 in a pre-installation stage, and showing an exemplary alignment and installation path of a cover panel 5 with regard to an assembled main body 10 and auxiliary body 15.

[0044] Cover panel 5 is configured to cover at least a portion of each of main body 10 and auxiliary body 15, for example, to provide finished edges and smooth integration with the dashboard around a periphery of the dashboard assembly 7, and around controls 35, 40 which extend through cover panel 5 to render such controls 35, 40 accessible to an operator of the vehicle.

[0045] As shown at FIG. 2, cover panel 5 may comprise various features depending on a desired design aesthetic of a vehicle interior. For example, one or more holes 37, 45 enabling controls (e.g., buttons 35, knobs 40, etc.) present on auxiliary body 15 and/or main body 10 to protrude through cover panel 5 when cover panel 5 is in an installed position on the dashboard assembly 7. For purposes of the present disclosure, an installed position shall refer to a position in which a cover panel 5 is securely fastened in place on dashboard assembly 7.

[0046] In addition, cover panel 5 may include a void enabling viewing of and access to a screen (e.g., a touch screen) and/or other desired features associated with main body 10.

[0047] Cover panel 5 may comprise any suitable material, and may, for example, be fabricated from a molded plastic material (e.g., compression molded, injection molded, overmolded, etc.) as desired. Cover panel 5 may further include a layer of finish material or a finish layer such as, for example, leather, paint, clear coat, anti-scratch, etc.

[0048] Cover panel 5 may include one or more primary datum 22 and one or more secondary datum 27, and/or, as described below, primary datum retainers 20 and secondary datum receivers 25.

[0049] The one or more primary datum 22 may comprise, for example, a protrusion such as a clip (e.g., snap-fit), a pin, a tab, etc., extending from a portion of its respective member (e.g., cover panel 5 or main body 10), which aligns with a corresponding primary datum retainer 20 present on the other of the cover panel 5 or main body 10.

[0050] Primary datum 22 may have any shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, a flat shape, etc., and may be unitary with the respective cover panel 5 or main body 10. Alternatively, primary datum 22 may be affixed to the respective cover panel or main body by any suitable method, e.g., overmolding.

[0051] Primary datum 22 is configured to engage a primary datum retainer 20 to cause a predetermined alignment of the cover-panel with regard to the main body. Upon such engagement, primary datum may be configured to provide an audible feedback, such as a click, indicating that an installed position has been reached.

[0052] Primary datum retainer 20 is configured to engage with primary datum 22, to cause a predetermined alignment of cover panel 5 with regard to the main body 10, and may be configured to fix cover panel 5 in place such that the primary datum 22 is prevented from being removed from the primary datum receiver 20 absent application of a predetermined force. For example, primary datum retainer 20 may comprise a hole and/or recess present on a tab or other suitable portion of either cover panel 5 or main body 10, such that snap fit clips comprising primary datum 22 may be inserted and clipped into place. In such an example, where it is desired to remove primary datum 22 from primary datum retainers, a force may be applied to primary datum 22 to result in release from the associated primary datum retainer 20.

[0053] Secondary datum 27 may comprise, for example, a protrusion such as a pin, a tab, a cone, a button, etc., extending from a portion of cover panel 5 or main body 10, which aligns with a corresponding a secondary datum receiver 25 present on the other of the cover panel 5 or auxiliary body 15.

[0054] Secondary datum 27 may have any shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, a flat shape, spherical shape, etc., and may be unitary with the respective cover panel 5 or auxiliary body 15. Alternatively, secondary datum 27 may be affixed to the respective cover panel or main body by any suitable method, e.g., overmolding.

[0055] Secondary datum 27 is configured to engage a secondary datum receiver 25 on either auxiliary body 15 or cover panel 5 to cause a predetermined alignment of the auxiliary body 15 with regard to both the cover panel 5 and the main body 10.

[0056] Secondary datum receiver 25 is configured to engage with secondary datum 27, to cause a predetermined alignment of cover panel 5 with regard to the main body 10 and auxiliary body 15. For example, primary datum retainer 20 may comprise a hole and/or recess present on either cover panel 5 or auxiliary body 10, such that a pin comprising primary datum 22 may be inserted and via such insertion, cause movement of auxiliary body 15 in the Y and Z axes so as to bring cover panel 5, auxiliary body 15, and main body 10, into a desired alignment.

[0057] To facilitate reception of secondary datum 27, secondary datum receiver 25 may comprise a taper at a receiving portion such that a secondary datum 27 may be guided into secondary datum receiver 25 as cover panel 5 is pressed into place on dashboard assembly 7. For example, as shown at FIG. 4C, secondary datum receiver 25 comprises a hole, the hole having a taper 32 to facilitate insertion of a pin comprising secondary datum 27, e.g., during alignment of cover panel 5, auxiliary body 15, and main body 10. In addition, or alternatively, secondary datum 27 may comprise a taper to facilitate insertion into secondary datum receiver 25, as desired.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary main body 10 and auxiliary bodies 15 of a dashboard component according to embodiments of the present disclosure in an unassembled state. FIG. 3 further shows axes X, Y, and Z, which shall be used herein. For purposes of the present disclosure, the X axis shall be intended to refer to the axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in which the dashboard assembly 7 is installed. In other words, the axis which runs from the front to the back of the vehicle. The Y and Z axes, for purposes of the disclosure, refer to a vertical axis and an axis extending from one side of the vehicle to the other, respectively.

[0059] Main body 10 may include one or more interfaces such as, for example, a screen (e.g., a touchscreen), to enable interaction with an operator and/or passenger of the vehicle, as well as various other components, e.g., knobs 40, buttons 35, etc.

[0060] Main body 10 may include additional features enabling main body 10 to be secured within the dashboard of the vehicle. For example, main body 10 main include one or more fastening points 100 (shown at FIG. 3) configured to enable fastening of the main body 10 to the vehicle, e.g., via bolts, screws, and/or other suitable means. Such fastening points 100 may comprise, for example, one or more tabs having holes enabling fasteners to pass therethrough and engage one or more points on the vehicle chassis (not shown).

[0061] Main body 10 includes one or more retainers 20, configured to engage with primary datum 22 on cover panel 5 to result in alignment and retention of cover panel 5. For example, retainers 20 may comprise, e.g., an orifice and/or recess and may be configured to receive a primary datum 22 (e.g., a protrusion such as a snap-fit clip or pin) present on cover panel 5, such that upon insertion of the primary datum, cover panel 5 may be securely retained on main body 10.

[0062] One or more retainers 20 may be present on main body 10, with primary datum 22 present on cover panel 5, or where a plurality of receivers 20 and primary datum 22 are present, possibly distributed between cover panel 5 and main body 10 as desired. According to one embodiment, cover panel 5 comprises primary datum 22 and main body 10 comprises retainers 20.

[0063] One or more retainers 20 may be positioned around main body 10 as desired. For example, where main body 10 is essentially a rectangular shape, 4 retainers 20 may be placed around main body 10 at equal intervals such that one retainer 20 is present on each side of main body 10. More or fewer retainers 20 may also be implemented as desired.

[0064] One of skill will recognize based on the present disclosure that the number and placement of the one or more retainers 20 may be determined based on a size and design of the dashboard assembly 7, and therefore, any such configuration should fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] In addition, main body 10 may include one or more mounting points 12 for one or more auxiliary bodies 15 associated with main body 10. The mounting points 12 present on main body 10 for auxiliary bodies 15 may include one or more clips, brackets, guides, channels, among others, suitable for maintaining auxiliary bodies 15 in an assembled state on main body 10. The mounting points may be configured to retain auxiliary bodies 15 on the main body such that each auxiliary body 15 is movable in at least one dimension relative to the main body prior to installation of the cover-panel 5.

[0066] Upon assembly of an auxiliary body 15 onto main body 10 at mounting point 12, for example, auxiliary body 15 may have freedom of movement relative to main body 10 in the Y and Z axes, but may be substantially immovable in the X axis (e.g., freedom of movement of 0.001 mm). In other words, an auxiliary body 15 in an assembled state on main body 10 may be permitted to move vertically and horizontally side to side, but substantially prevented from moving in a direction from frontwards/backwards with regard to the vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0067] The freedom of movement available to auxiliary body 15 in the Y and Z axes when in the assembled state may be limited to a range between, for example, 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. By reducing or even eliminating motion in the X axis, while allowing a range of motion in the Y and Z axes, installation of cover panel 5 may be facilitated as described in greater detail below.

[0068] FIGS. 4A and 5A are detailed plan views of an exemplary auxiliary body installed on a main body of the dashboard component. FIG. 5C is a cross-section taken along E-E of FIG. 5A and highlights movement restrictors 55 on main body 10, which are configured to limit the motion of auxiliary body 15 when assembled on main body 10. As shown, such movement restrictors may comprise one or more protrusions extending from main body 10 at predetermined positions, to limit the range of motion of auxiliary body 15 in the Y and Z directions. One of skill in the art will understand that other suitable variants of movement restrictors 55 may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] Auxiliary body 15 may comprise, among others, controls for interacting with functions provided by main body 10. For example, where main body 10 comprises a vehicle entertainment system and/or an information system (e.g., a stereo radio, a GPS, etc.), auxiliary body 15 may comprise one or more knobs 40, buttons 35, sliders (not shown), etc. configured to enable manipulation of the entertainment system. One of skill will understand that any number and combination of controls may be present on auxiliary body 15, and that a size and shape of such controls may be selected as desired for a given look and feel.

[0070] Importantly, the configurations of main body 10 and auxiliary body 15 discussed herein are intended as exemplary only. Auxiliary body 15 may comprise functionality typically provided for in a larger dashboard assembly. For example, a stereo radio may be present within an auxiliary control 15, while a main body 10 comprises a vehicle information system. In such a configuration, controls provided on auxiliary body 15 may also be used to manipulate the vehicle information system of main body 10, and vice versa.

[0071] According to some embodiments, controls 35 and 40 of auxiliary body 15 may be communicatively connected to main body 10, for example, by a ribbon cable, wireless technology, standard cabling, etc., and such a connection may be made prior or post assembly of auxiliary body to main body 10.

[0072] Auxiliary body 15 may include one or more engagement portions configured to engage with mounting points 12 on main body 10. For example, where channels are provided for mounting points 12 on main body 10, auxiliary body 15 main include one or more flanged tabs configured to be inserted and retained with the channels. One of skill will recognize that various configurations are possible and intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] Auxiliary body 15 may include one or more receivers 25 configured to receive a secondary datum 27 (e.g., a protrusion such as a pin or clip) to cause a predetermined alignment of the auxiliary body 15 with regard to both cover panel 5 and main body 10.

[0074] Receivers 25 may be formed on auxiliary body 15 so as to cooperate to result in the alignment described. Further, receivers 25 may include one or more features, such as, for example, a taper, configured to facilitate insertion of secondary datum 27 therein during assembly of dashboard assembly 7.

[0075] FIG. 6A is a detailed plan view of an exemplary cover panel fully installed on the dashboard component, while FIG. 6B is a cross-section along A-A of FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6C is a cross-section along B-B of FIG. 6A. In these figures, one may view one or more of the features described above following assembly of dashboard assembly 7.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a flowchart 100 depicting an exemplary method for assembling a dashboard assembly according to the present disclosure. Initially, auxiliary bodies 15 may be assembled on to main body 10 (step 105). For example, portions of auxiliary bodies 15 may be inserted into mounting points 12 of main body 10 to result in retention of auxiliary body 15, and prevention of movement along the X axis.

[0077] Cover panel 5 may then be aligned such that primary datum 22 are aligned with retainers 20, and an initial pressing force applied to cover panel 5 to result in at least partial insertion of primary datum 22 into retainers 20 (step 110).

[0078] Primary datum 22 may then be engaged with retainers 20 while secondary datum 27 are inserted into secondary datum receivers 25 to cause alignment of cover panel 5, auxiliary body 15, and main body 10, rendering the auxiliary bodies 15 substantially immovable (step 115).

[0079] FIG. 8A is a plan view of exemplary main 10 and auxiliary bodies 15 with dimension comparisons, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of an exemplary cover panel 5 with dimension comparisons. In previous designs prior to this invention, larger dimensions such as the exemplary dimensions shown in parentheses, may have been used to calculate the joint tolerances for an audio panel button and cover panel button opening to determine a clearance there between. However, based on the present invention, the smaller dimensions (shown with asterisk) are used as the primary datum 22 on the main body 10 function as acting main datum for auxiliary body 15 and openings 37 and 45 on cover panel 5.

[0080] One of skill in the art will recognize that additional variations may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, according to some embodiments, pads (e.g., rubber or other suitable material) may be positioned on auxiliary body 15 so as to correspond with ribs present on cover panel 5. Upon installation of cover panel 5, the ribs and pads may engage one another to result in a pressure exerted on the two parts, thereby reducing possibility of small movements during drive and potential noise production (e.g., squeaks and rattles.

[0081] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term comprising a should be understood as being synonymous with comprising at least one unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms substantially and/or approximately and/or generally should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0082] Where any standards of national, international, or other standards body are referenced (e.g., ISO, etc.), such references are intended to refer to the standard as defined by the national or international standards body as of the priority date of the present specification. Any subsequent substantive changes to such standards are not intended to modify the scope and/or definitions of the present disclosure and/or claims.

[0083] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0084] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.