Patent Application
20070188023
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an instrument panel and more particularly to an instrument panel cluster made up of modular components.
2. Related Technology
In current instrument panel clusters, the ability to change the features and appearance of the cluster are limited. Changing the appearance and/or functionality of the instrument panel cluster may require many changes at the manufacturing level. These changes might include changes such as populating or depopulating by addition or removal of motors and/or LEDs (light emitting diodes). These changes may also require plugging in or removing portions of the plastic back plate. Still other prior art instrument panels incorporate separate gauges that are hard wired at various locations, such as beneath the instrument panel or on a pillar.
Therefore, there is a need for an instrument panel cluster that allows relatively easy modification to the appearance and functionality of the cluster.
In overcoming the above limitations and other drawbacks, a modular instrument cluster for a motor vehicle is provided. In one aspect, the modular instrument cluster includes a self-contained hub that is adapted to be mounted within the instrument panel and contains a plurality of displays for displaying information to a driver of the vehicle. The self-contained hub further includes a communication module having a microprocessor, a power supply and a communications interface to allow communication between the self-contained hub and other assemblies within the vehicle. At least one peripheral module is removably mounted to the self-contained hub and includes at least one display for displaying information to a driver of the vehicle.
In another aspect of the invention, each of the displays within the self contained hub and the peripheral module are one of a speedometer, an odometer, a warning symbol array, a fuel gauge, turn signal indicators, an oil pressure gauge, an engine temperature gauge, and a tachometer. The displays may be digital or analog in nature.
In still another aspect, one or both of the self-contained hub and the peripheral module includes at least one control device, such as a switch to allow the operator of the vehicle to selectively activate a component of the vehicle, such as the headlights, the windshield wiper, the temperature setting of a climate control system, the fan speed of a climate control system, or radio controls.
In yet another aspect, the self-contained hub includes an electro-mechanical interconnect that provides a mechanical and an electrical connection between the self-contained hub and the peripheral module when the peripheral module is mounted onto the self-contained hub. The electrical connection may be through a pair of conductors wherein one of the conductors carries power and the other ground. A third conductor may also be used to accommodate a communications interface.
In still another aspect, the peripheral module is mounted onto the self-contained hub and secured thereto by a ramp lock connector.
Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, with reference to the drawings and claims that are appended to and form a part of this specification.
A modular instrument cluster 10 in accordance with the claims of the present invention includes a self-contained hub 12 and at least one peripheral module 14 removeably mounted thereon. Referring to
The self-contained hub 12 includes a plurality of displays 16 for displaying information to a driver of the vehicle. The displays 16 can be any digital or analog gauge or indicator that is appropriate for use in a motor vehicle. For example, the display 16 could be a speedometer, an odometer, a warning symbol array, a fuel gauge, turn signal indicators, an oil pressure gauge, an engine temperature gauge, or a tachometer. The examples listed above are meant to be illustrative only, and are not meant to limit the application to these examples.
As illustrated in
The self-contained hub 12 may further include a communication module having a microprocessor on a printed circuit board, and a communications interface coupled to a power supply to allow communication between the self-contained hub and other assemblies within the vehicle.
At least one peripheral module 14 is mounted to the self-contained hub 12. Referring to
Like the self-contained hub 12, the displays 24 in the peripheral module 14 can be any digital or analog gauge or indicator that is appropriate for use in a motor vehicle. By way of example, and not limitation, the display could be a speedometer, an odometer, a telltale warning symbol array, a fuel gauge, turn signal indicators, an oil pressure gauge, an engine temperature gauge, or a tachometer.
In addition to the displays 16, 24, either the self-contained hub 12 or the peripheral module 14 or both could also include a mechanical or electrical control device. The control device could include a switch or button displayed on the self-contained hub 12 or the peripheral module 14, wherein the display 16, 24 is touch sensitive, and the button or switch allows the operator of the vehicle to selectively activate and control a component or feature of the vehicle. For example, the display 16, 24 of either the self-contained hub 12 or the peripheral module 14 could include a touch screen switch for activation of the headlights of the vehicle, the windshield wipers, the temperature settings or the fan speed of the vehicle climate control system, or controls for the audio system within the vehicle. These examples are also merely listed for illustrative purposes, and could include any other control or switch needed within an automotive vehicle.
One key advantage of the present invention is that the peripheral module 14 or modules 14 can be of any suitable size and shape and may include different application specific, functional features. As such, the instrument panel may include a self-contained hub 12 having one, two, or three peripheral modules 14 attached thereto. Further, the peripheral modules 14 can be designed and selected to give a particular look to any given application. Referring to
Referring to
The mechanical or electro-mechanical connection between the self-contained hub 12 and the peripheral module 14 is achieved through any suitable connection means, as long as the peripheral module 14 is attached to the self-contained hub 12 in a way that is secure enough to maintain the electrical connection and stability of the cluster 10. Referring to
As shown in
As seen in
It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.
