U.S. patent application number 09/779949 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for vehicle center cluster assembling structure with electrical connection.
Invention is credited to Ichino, Masahiro, Imanaka, Noritoshi, Mori, Kenichi, Nakata, Kenji, Yamauchi, Shouji, Yokoyama, Katsuharu.
Application Number | 20010016432 09/779949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27342382 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010016432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamauchi, Shouji ; et
al. |
August 23, 2001 |
Vehicle center cluster assembling structure with electrical
connection
Abstract
In an assembling structure of a vehicle center cluster, plural
electrical devices are detachably assembled to a holding member to
be removed from an inside of a passenger compartment while the
holding member is fixed to a dashboard. Therefore, for example,
when a CD deck is removed from the center cluster into the
passenger compartment among the electrical devices, only the CD
deck can be removed from the holding member into the passenger
compartment without removing the other electrical devices, in a
fixed state of the holding member to the dashboard. Accordingly,
removing operation of the electrical devices can be made
simple.
Inventors: |
Yamauchi, Shouji;
(Iwkura-city, JP) ; Imanaka, Noritoshi;
(Nagoya-city, JP) ; Mori, Kenichi; (Nagoya-city,
JP) ; Yokoyama, Katsuharu; (Kobe, JP) ;
Ichino, Masahiro; (Carmel, IN) ; Nakata, Kenji;
(Nishinomiyaya-city, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, PLC
5445 CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 400
TROY
MI
48098
US
|
Family ID: |
27342382 |
Appl. No.: |
09/779949 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0288 20130101;
B60R 11/02 20130101; B60R 11/0235 20130101; B60K 37/06 20130101;
B60R 2011/0005 20130101; B60K 2370/81 20190501; B60H 1/00985
20130101; B60K 37/00 20130101; B60R 11/0211 20130101; B60R 11/0264
20130101; B60R 2011/0047 20130101; B60K 2370/774 20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/34 |
International
Class: |
H01R 033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 2000 |
JP |
2000-38117 |
Feb 10, 2000 |
JP |
2000-38219 |
Feb 25, 2000 |
JP |
2000-54422 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An assembling structure of a center cluster disposed inside a
dashboard of a vehicle at an approximate center portion in a
vehicle right-left direction, the assembling structure comprising:
a plurality of electrical devices including at least an electrical
deck and an electrical circuit substrate for the electrical deck;
and a holding member fixed to the dashboard, for holding the
electrical devices, wherein the electrical devices are assembled to
the holding member to be respectively detachable from an inside of
a passenger compartment of the vehicle while the holding member is
fixed to the dashboard.
2. The assembling structure according to claim 1, wherein the
electrical deck and the electrical circuit substrate are disposed
to be stacked in a vertical direction.
3. The assembling structure according to claim 1, wherein: the
electrical devices have rear side surfaces toward inside the
passenger compartment, in a vehicle front-rear direction; and the
rear side surfaces of the electrical devices have fastening members
detachably fastened to the holding member.
4. The assembling structure according to claim 1, wherein: the
electrical devices have front side surfaces opposite to the inside
of the passenger compartment, in a vehicle front-rear direction;
the front side surfaces of the electrical devices have engagement
portions, respectively, being detachably engaged with engagement
portions of the holding member; and at least one of the engagement
portions of the electrical devices and the engagement portions of
the holding member is elastically deformed while being engaged.
5. The assembling structure according to claim 1, further
comprising: an operating circuit substrate having an operating
member, the operating member being provided at a vehicle rear side
of the electrical devices to operate the electrical devices from
the inside of the passenger compartment, wherein the operating
circuit substrate is assembled to be detachable from the inside of
the passenger compartment relative to the electrical devices and
the holding member, while the electrical devices are held in the
holding member.
6. The assembling structure according to claim 5, wherein: the
electrical device have connectors electrically connecting with the
operating circuit substrate, at a vehicle rear side; and the
operating circuit substrate has a plurality of connectors directly
connecting with the connectors of the electrical devices.
7. The assembling structure according to claim 1, wherein: among
the electrical devices, the electrical circuit substrate has an
electronic member which generates heat; the electronic member is
disposed to contact the holding member; and the holding member is
made of a material having a thermal conductivity larger than a
predetermined value.
8. The assembling structure according to claim 1, further
comprising: a fitting portion for fitting the holding member to the
dashboard, wherein the fitting portion is provided integrally with
the holding portion.
9. The assembling structure according to claim 1, further
comprising: a wire harness for supplying electrical power to the
electrical devices; a connection portion, disposed at a vehicle
rear side position of one electrical device, through which the wire
harness and the one electrical device are electrically connected;
and an ornamental panel disposed at a vehicle rear side of the
connection portion and the one electrical device, the ornamental
panel being assembled to be detachable from the inside of the
passenger compartment.
10. The assembling structure according to claim 9, wherein: the
holding member has an opening portion enclosed by a frame portion,
into which the electrical devices are disposed; the frame portion
of the holding member has a recess extending from outside the frame
portion to inside the frame portion; and a part of the wire harness
is disposed in the recess.
11. The assembling structure according to claim 9, further
comprising: an operating circuit substrate having an operating
member, the operating member being provided at a vehicle rear side
of the electrical devices to operate the electrical devices from
the inside of the passenger compartment, wherein: the operating
circuit substrate is disposed at a vehicle front side of the
ornamental panel to be detachably assembled from the inside of the
passenger compartment together with the ornamental panel; the
electrical devices are electrically connected to the operating
circuit substrate; and the electrical devices are electrically
connected from each other through a printed circuit on the
operating circuit substrate.
12. The assembling structure according to claim 1, further
comprising: an operating circuit substrate having an operating
member, the operating member being provided at a vehicle rear side
of the electrical devices to operate the electrical devices from
the inside of the passenger compartment, the electrical devices are
electrically connected to the operating circuit substrate; and the
electrical devices are electrically connected from each other
through a printed circuit on the operating circuit substrate.
13. The assembling structure according to claim 12, wherein: the
operating circuit substrate has a plurality of connectors, on a
surface opposite to the operating member, being electrically
connected to the electrical devices; and the electrical devices
have connectors directly connecting with the connectors of the
operating circuit substrate.
14. The assembling structure according to claim 13, wherein: the
electrical deck has a plurality of deck parts; and the deck parts
have the same shaped connectors.
15. The assembling structure according to claim 14, wherein: the
operating circuit substrate has a preliminary connector for an
additional electrical unit; and the preliminary connector has a
shape equal to the same shaped connectors.
16. An electrical connection structure of a vehicle, comprising: a
plurality of electrical devices including at least an audio unit
and an electrical circuit substrate for the audio unit, the
electrical devices being disposed inside a vehicle dashboard; a
wire harness for supplying electrical power to the electrical
devices; a connection portion, disposed at a vehicle rear side
position of one electrical device, through which the wire harness
and the one electrical device are electrically connected; and an
ornamental panel disposed at a vehicle rear side of the connection
portion and the electrical devices, the ornamental panel being
assembled to be detachable from the inside of the passenger
compartment.
17. The electrical connection structure according to claim 16,
further comprising: a holding member has an opening portion
enclosed by a frame portion, into which the electrical devices are
disposed, wherein: the frame portion of the holding member has a
recess extending from outside the frame portion to inside the frame
portion; and a part of the wire harness is disposed in the
recess.
18. The electrical connection structure according to claim 16,
wherein: the electrical devices are integrally clustered to form a
center cluster; and the center cluster is disposed in the vehicle
dashboard at an approximate center in a vehicle width
direction.
19. The electrical connection structure according to claim 16,
further comprising: an operating circuit substrate having an
operating member, the operating member being provided at a vehicle
rear side of the electrical devices to operate the electrical
devices from the inside of the passenger compartment, wherein: the
operating circuit substrate is disposed at a vehicle front side of
an ornamental panel to be detachably assembled from the inside of
the passenger compartment together with the ornamental panel; the
electrical devices are electrically connected to the operating
circuit substrate; and the electrical devices are electrically
connected from each other through a printed circuit on the
operating circuit substrate.
20. The electrical connection structure according to claim 16,
further comprising: an option connector for electrically connecting
an additional electronic unit, wherein the option connector is
disposed to be appeared when the ornamental panel is removed.
21. An electrical connection structure of a vehicle center cluster
in which a plurality of electrical devices are integrally
clustered, the center cluster being disposed inside a vehicle
dashboard, the electrical connection structure comprising: an
operating circuit substrate having an operating member, the
operating member being provided at a vehicle rear side of the
electrical devices to operate the electrical devices from the
inside of the passenger compartment, the electrical devices are
electrically connected to the operating circuit substrate; and the
electrical devices are electrically connected from each other
through a printed circuit on the operating circuit substrate.
22. The electrical connection structure according to claim 21,
wherein: the operating circuit substrate has a plurality of
connectors, on a surface opposite to the operating member, being
electrically connected to the electrical devices; and the
electrical devices have connectors being directly connected to the
connectors of the operating circuit substrate.
23. The electrical connection structure according to claim 22,
wherein: the electrical devices have a plurality of decks; and the
decks have the same shaped connectors.
24. The electrical connection structure according to claim 23,
wherein: the operating circuit substrate has a preliminary
connector for an additional electrical unit; and the preliminary
connector has a shape equal to the same shaped connectors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from
Japanese Patent Applications No. 2000-38117 filed on Feb. 9, 2000,
No. 2000-38219 filed on Feb. 10, 2000, and No. 2000-54422 filed on
Feb. 25, 2000, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a center cluster assembling
structure in which a plurality of electrical devices disposed
nearly centrally in a transverse direction of a vehicular
instrument panel, such as an audio unit, a display unit, a
navigation unit, and an air-conditioning operating unit, are
clustered as an integral structure. In addition, the present
invention relates to an electrical connection structure of the
electrical devices.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, a center cluster 101 is
constructed by an audio unit 140 and an air-conditioning operating
unit 180 which are disposed centrally in a transverse direction
(width direction) of a vehicular instrument panel.
[0006] In the audio unit 140, switch portions (not shown) of
operating members 140S for operating the audio unit 140, a CD deck
142, and a main electrical circuit substrate 161 are fixed within a
case 107 by clamping means such as screws. Brackets 108 mounted
sideways of the case 107 are clamped respectively to instrument
panel-side mounting members 109 by bolts 108a to hold the audio
unit 140 in the vehicular instrument panel.
[0007] The case 107 includes a case body 107a which is formed into
a box shape using a sheet metal, an ornamental panel 107b made of
resin and covering an opening of the case body 107a, opened toward
an inside of a passenger compartment, and a heat radiating fin 107c
which contacts a power IC 161a formed on the main electrical
circuit substrate 161 and which functions to radiate heat from the
power IC 161a. The operating members 140S having the switch
portions are disposed so as to be exposed directly into the
passenger compartment from apertures formed in the ornament panel
107b. The ornamental panel 107b and the heat radiating fin 107c are
fastened to the case body 107a using screws 107d from both side and
rear portions of the case body 107a.
[0008] Also, in the air-conditioning operating unit 180, similarly
to the audio unit 140, a case 107 which incorporates therein switch
portions (not shown) of operating members 180S and a main substrate
(not shown) is clamped to the instrument panel-side mounting
members 109 through brackets 108.
[0009] A frame-shaped front panel 110 is fitted on outer edges of
the cases 107 of the audio unit 140 and the air-conditioning
operating unit 180 from the inside of the passenger compartment so
that the brackets 108 and the like are hidden from the interior of
the passenger compartment.
[0010] However, in a case where the CD deck 142 or the substrate
161 are to be taken out from the center cluster 101 into the
passenger compartment, when an attempt is made to remove the
ornamental panel 107b from the case body 107a, the air-conditioning
operating unit 180 is an obstacle to removal of the ornamental
panel 107b because it is disposed just above the screws 107d.
[0011] Therefore, in a state where the case body 107a is fixed to
the instrument panel, it is impossible to remove the CD deck 142
and the main electrical circuit substrate 161 from the inside of
the passenger compartment. Unless the case 107 is once taken out
into the passenger compartment and is disassembled, it is
impossible to take out the CD deck 142 and the main electrical
circuit substrate 161 from the interior of the case 107 into the
passenger compartment.
[0012] More particularly, for taking out the CD deck 142 and the
main electrical circuit substrate 161 from the center cluster 101
into the passenger compartment, first the ornamental panel 110 is
removed and the case 107 is removed from the instrument panel-side
mounting members 109, then the ornamental panel 107b or the heat
radiating fin 107c is removed from the case body 108a, and
thereafter the CD deck 142 and the main electrical circuit
substrate 161 are removed from the case body 107a.
[0013] Thus, even when only the CD deck 142 or the main substrate
161 is to be taken out into the passenger compartment, it is
required to once take out the whole of the audio unit 140 into the
passenger compartment. Such a manual work for removing the whole of
the audio unit 140 which is heavy has been a heavy labor. Besides,
an additional work is needed for disassembling the case 107 into
the case body 107a, the ornamental panel 107b and the heat
radiating fin 107c. Thus, the operation for removing the CD deck
142 and the substrate 161 is made to be complicated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In view of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a center cluster assembling structure
which facilitates operation for removing such electrical devices of
a vehicular center cluster as a CD deck and a main electrical
circuit substrate.
[0015] It is an another object of the present invention to provide
an electrical connection structure of plural electrical devices of
a vehicle center cluster, which improves electrical connection
operation and electrical removing operation between the electrical
devices and a wire harness.
[0016] According to the present invention, in an assembling
structure of a center cluster disposed inside a dashboard of a
vehicle at an approximate center portion in a vehicle right-left
direction, electrical devices are assembled to a holding member to
be respectively detachable from an inside of a passenger
compartment of the vehicle while the holding member is fixed to the
dashboard. Therefore, when one of the electrical devices (e.g., a
deck) is removed from the center cluster, only the one of the
electrical devices can be detached from the holding member without
detaching the other electrical devices, in a state where the
holding member is fixed to the dashboard. Further, when the center
cluster is assembled to the vehicle, first, the holding member is
fixed to the dashboard from the inside of the passenger
compartment, and then the electrical devices are respectively
assembled to the holding member from the inside of the passenger
compartment. As a result, any one of the electrical devices can be
readily removed from the passenger compartment, and removing
operation of the electrical device can be made simple.
[0017] Preferably, the electrical deck and the electrical circuit
substrate are disposed to be stacked in a vertical direction.
Therefore, the electrical deck and the electrical circuit substrate
can be readily removed from the passenger compartment, among the
electrical devices.
[0018] More preferably, the electrical devices have front side
surfaces opposite to the inside of the passenger compartment in a
vehicle front-rear direction, the front side surfaces of the
electrical devices have engagement portions, respectively, being
detachably engaged with engagement portions of the holding member,
and at least one of the engagement portions of the electrical
devices and the engagements of the holding member is elastically
deformed while being engaged. Therefore, the electrical devices and
the holding member can be fitted by an elastic deformation.
Accordingly, the electrical devices can be readily detachably
assembled to the holding member fixed to the dashboard.
[0019] On the other hand, in an electrical connection structure of
the vehicle center cluster, a wire harness for supplying electrical
power to the electrical devices is electrically connected to one
electrical device through a connection portion disposed at a
vehicle rear side position of the one electrical device, and an
ornamental panel is disposed at a vehicle rear side of the
connection portion and the electrical devices and is assembled to
be detachable from the inside of the passenger compartment.
Accordingly, the electrical devices, the wire harness and the
connection portion can be covered by the ornamental panel to be
prevented from being exposed into the passenger compartment.
Further, because the connection portion is disposed at the vehicle
rear side of the one electrical device, the wire harness can be
readily connected to or removed from the electrical device from the
passenger compartment when the ornamental panel is removed from the
passenger compartment. As a result, electrical connection operation
and electrical removing operation between the wire harness and the
electrical device can be readily accurately performed.
[0020] Further, an operating circuit substrate having an operating
member is provided at a vehicle rear side of the electrical devices
to operate the electrical devices from the inside of the passenger
compartment, the electrical devices are electrically connected to
the operating circuit substrate, and the electrical devices are
electrically connected from each other through a printed circuit on
the operating circuit substrate. Therefore, the electrical
connection structure of the electrical devices of the center
cluster can be made simple. Accordingly, assembling operation of
the center cluster on the vehicle and removing operation of the
center cluster from the vehicle can be made easy, with the simple
electrical connection of the electrical devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention
will be more readily apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments when taken together with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a center cluster when
being viewed from a vehicle rear side, according to a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle front side, according to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle rear side, according to the first
embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle front side, according to a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle rear side, according to the second
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an operating circuit
substrate according the second embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle front side, according to a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the center cluster when
being viewed from a vehicle rear side, according to the first
embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a center cluster
when being viewed from a vehicle front side, according to a
modification of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10A is a front view of a center cluster when being
viewed from a vehicle rear side according to an another
modification of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a side view
of the center cluster when being viewed from a vehicle right side
according to the another modification; and
[0032] FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a conventional
center cluster when being viewed from a vehicle rear side, and FIG.
11B is an exploded perspective view of the conventional center
cluster when being viewed from a vehicle front side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0034] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be now described with reference to FIGS. 1-3.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a center cluster 1 when
being viewed from an inside of a vehicular passenger compartment
(i.e., from a rear side of a vehicle). In the center cluster 1, a
plurality of electrical devices, including a display unit 30, an
audio unit 40 and a navigation unit 60, which will be described
later, are clustered as an integral structure. The center cluster 1
is disposed centrally in a width direction of an instrument panel
100. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the center cluster 1
as seen from a front side of the vehicle, and FIG. 3 is an exploded
perspective of the center cluster 1 as seen from a rear side of the
vehicle. In the center cluster 1, an ornamental panel (front panel)
10, an operating circuit substrate 20, and the display unit 30 are
assembled as an integral structure and constitute a panel cluster
2.
[0036] First, the panel cluster 2 will be now described. The
ornamental panel 10 is a resinous panel which covers the electrical
devices 30, 40 and 60 from the inside of the passenger compartment
(rear side of the vehicle). The ornamental panel 10 is provided
with plural apertures 10a for insertion therein of operating
members 40S, 60S and 80S for operating the electrical devices 30,
40 and 60, and a liquid display portion 30b of the display unit 30.
In the first embodiment, an operation member for operating the
liquid display portion 30b is not indicated.
[0037] On a vehicular front side of the ornamental panel 10,
ornamental panel mounting lugs 10b are formed at four positions.
The mounting lugs 10b projects to the vehicular front side, and can
be vertically deformed elastically. The ornamental mounting lugs
10b, while being vertically deformed elastically, come into
engagement with a holding member 50 to be described later to fasten
the panel cluster 2 to the holding member 50. In this case, the
object to be engaged with the panel cluster 2 is not limited to the
holding member 50, but may be the instrument panel 100.
[0038] The operating circuit substrate 20 is disposed at a
vehicular front side of the ornamental panel 10 in parallel with
the ornamental panel 10, and is provided with various electronic
components (not shown). On both side surfaces of the operating
circuit substrate 20, printed circuits (not shown) of conductor
patterns are formed. Through the printed circuits, the electrical
devices 30, 40 and 60 are electrically connected from each other on
the operating circuit substrate 20.
[0039] On the vehicular rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, operating members 40S, 60S and 80S such as operating
buttons, levers, or switches, which are connected to the printed
circuits, are provided. The operating members 40S, 60S and 80S are
operated by the driver or a front passenger in the passenger
compartment to operate the display unit 30, the audio unit 40 and
the navigation unit 60 to be described later. The operation member
for operating the display unit 30 is not indicated in FIGS. 1-3.
The operating members 80S is of an air-conditioning operating unit
(not shown) which controls an air-conditioning operation (not
shown) electronically.
[0040] On the vehicular rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, a display member 20f (e.g., an electroluminescent
display or a liquid crystal display), for displaying an operating
condition of an air conditioner, is provided.
[0041] On the vehicular front side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, operating circuit substrate-side connectors 20b, 20c
and 20d for electrical connection with the electrical devices 30,
40 and 60 are provided. The connectors 20b, 20c and 20d are
connected to the printed circuits. Thus, the operating circuit
substrate-side connectors 20b, 20c and 20d are electrically
connected with each other to permit the transfer of signals.
[0042] Tapping screws (not shown) are inserted into fastening holes
20e formed in the operating circuit substrate 20 to fasten the
substrate 20 to the ornamental panel 10, and the operating members
40S, 60S, 80S and the EL display 20f are inserted into the
apertures 10a of the ornamental panel 10 to be exposed directly to
the inside of the passenger compartment.
[0043] The display unit 30 is for displaying various images, e.g.,
navigation maps and televisional images, to the vehicle driver or
other passengers if any. The liquid crystal display portion 30b of
the display unit 30 is exposed directly to the interior of the
passenger compartment from the associated aperture 10a. The
vehicular front side of the display unit 30 is provided with a
flexible cable 31 for communication of image data, etc. The
flexible cable 31 is connected to the connector 20b of the
operating circuit substrate 20 to effect intercommunication of
image data, and the like, between the display unit 30 and the
operating circuit substrate 20.
[0044] A display holding member 33 is formed into a plate like, and
is disposed on the vehicular front side of the display unit 30. The
display holding member 33 is fixed to the display unit 30 using
clamping means such as screws. An outer edge of the display holding
member 33 is provided with four mounting pieces 33a extending
toward the ornamental panel 10. By fastening the mounting pieces
33a to the ornamental panel 10 with clamping means such as tapping
screws, the display unit 30 is held in the ornamental panel 10.
[0045] Thus, the panel cluster 2 is constructed by mounting the
operating circuit substrate 20 and the display unit 30 to the
ornamental panel 10.
[0046] The holding member 50 is disposed on a vehicular front side
of the panel cluster 2 for holding the whole of the center cluster
1 in the instrument panel 100. The holding member 50 is formed by a
rectangular plate in a shape of a frame having a central
rectangular opening 50b. The holding member 50 is made of a light
metal (e.g., magnesium alloy). A suitable light metal is one having
a thermal conductivity higher than that of a first integrated
substrate 61 to be described later and having an earthing property
and an electromagnetic shielding property for the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62.
[0047] The holding member 50 is disposed so that its plate surface
is perpendicular to the vehicular front-rear direction and bolts 9a
are inserted into bolt inserting holes (mounting portions) 50a
formed in the four corners of the holding member 50 to fasten the
holding member 50 to instrument panel-side mounting brackets 9.
[0048] Decks (electrical device components) 41-43 as well as the
first and second integrated substrates (electrical device
components) 61, 62, are inserted into the opening 50b of the
holding member 50 in a vertically stacked fashion from the
vehicular rear side (i.e., from the inside of the passenger
compartment). On both side edges in the vehicular width direction
(right-left direction) of the opening 50b, guide portions 51
extending toward the vehicular rear side are provided to guide both
right and left side surfaces of the decks 41-43 until the opening
50b.
[0049] Likewise, on both side edges in the vehicular width
direction of the opening 50b, a stopper portion 52 is formed into a
U-shape to extend toward the vehicular front side and to contact
vehicular front sides of the decks 41-43. Further, a connecting
portion 53 is formed into a U-shape to extend toward the vehicular
front side and to be connected mechanically with the first
integrated substrate 61. Centrally in the vehicular width direction
of the stopper 52, insertion holes (holding member-side fitting
portions) 52a, 52b and 52c into which projections 41b, 42b and 43c
of the decks 41-43 are inserted are provided.
[0050] The audio unit 40 is disposed on a vehicular front side of
the operating circuit substrate 20. The audio unit 40 includes a MD
deck 41 for reading an audio signal from an MD (mini disc), a CD
deck 42 for reading an audio signal from a CD (compact disc), the
first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 which control the
audio unit 40 electronically through an ECU 60b, and the operating
members 40S. The first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 also
function to control the navigation unit 60 electronically and
further control the electrical devices 30, 40 and 60 synthetically.
Further details will be described later.
[0051] The MD deck 41, the CD deck 42, and the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62 are stacked vertically. On the
vehicular rear sides of the decks 41 and 42, disc inserting slots
41a and 42a are formed so as to be exposed directly to the interior
of the passenger compartment from the associated apertures 10a
formed in the ornamental panel 10.
[0052] Deck-side connectors (components-side connectors) 40a are
provided respectively in the MD deck 41 and the CD deck 42 opposite
to the operating circuit substrate 20. The connectors 40a are
inserted in the vehicular front-rear direction into the
substrate-side connectors 20c of the substrate 20 and are thus
connected directly without the use of wiring.
[0053] On the vehicular front-side surfaces of the decks 41 and 42
at a center portion in the vehicular right-left direction,
projections 41b and 42b projecting to the vehicular front side are
formed respectively. On the vehicular rear-side surfaces of the
decks 41 and 42, deck mounting portions (fastening means) 41c and
42c projecting in the vehicular right-left direction are formed.
The deck mounting portions 41c and 42c come into abutment against
the vehicular rear-side surfaces of the guide portion 51 of the
holding member 50 to attach the decks 41 and 42 to the holding
member 50.
[0054] The navigation unit 60 includes the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62 described above, a DVD deck 43 for
reading signals such as map data signals for navigation from a DVD
(digital video disc), and the operating members 60S 20 described
above. The second integrated substrate 62, the first integrated
substrate 61, and the DVD deck 43 are stacked successively above
the CD deck 42.
[0055] On the vehicular rear-side surface of the DVD deck 43,
connecting portions 43d extending upward for connection with the
first and second integrated substrates 61, 62, respectively, are
formed. On the vehicular front side of both substrates 61 and 62, a
connecting member 63 is disposed. Both the substrates 61 and 62 and
the DVD deck 43 are connected together mechanically through the
connecting member 63 and the connecting portions 43d of the DVD
deck 43 by fastening means such as screws.
[0056] The first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 are
connected together electrically by a first integrated
substrate-side connector (not shown) and a second integrated
substrate-side connector 62a which are provided on the sides
opposed to each other of the substrates 61, 62. The second
integrated substrate 62 and the DVD deck 43 are electrically
connected together by a second integrated substrate underside
connector 62b and a DVD deck-side connector 43b which are provided
on the sides opposed to each other of the substrate 52 and the deck
43.
[0057] On the vehicular front side of the first integrated
substrate 61, a power IC (electronic component) 61a which generates
heat is provided. The power IC 61a is disposed so as to contact the
connecting portion 53 of the holding member 50. A connector 61b for
a harness connection is connected to a connector 6a of a
vehicle-side wire harness 6 on the vehicular front side of the
first integrated circuit 61.
[0058] A navigation unit-side connector (component-side connector)
60a is provided on the vehicular rear side of the second integrated
substrate 62. The connector 60a is connected electrically to the
substrate-side connector 20d of the operating circuit substrate
20.
[0059] The first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 and the
holding member 50 are connected together electrically, and the
substrates 61 and 62 are earthed through the holding member 50,
whereby voltage variations on the electronic components mounted on
the substrates 61 and 62 are suppressed and a stable voltage is
applied to the electronic components.
[0060] Similarly to the MD and CD decks 41, 42, the DVD deck 43 is
provided with a disc inserting slot 43a, a projection 43c, and a
deck mounting portion 43e.
[0061] A dust-proof case 70 is formed into a box shape. The
dust-proof case 70 is secured to the vehicular front side of the
holding member 50 using fastening means such as screws. A wire
harness aperture 70a is formed in the vehicular front-side surface
of the dust-proof case 70, and the connector 6a of the wire harness
6 is inserted into the aperture 70a to be connected to the harness
connecting connector 61b of the first integrated substrate 61.
[0062] The vehicle-side wire harness 6 disposed inside the
instrument panel 100 includes a plurality of electrical wires
distributed from a single integrated electrical wire bundle (not
shown) of a large number of trunk electrical wires for power supply
and transfer of electrical signals to various portions of the
vehicle. The supply of electrical power, as well as the input of
ignition switch ON-OFF signals and head lamp and small lamp ON-OFF
signals are performed to be sent to the center cluster 1 from the
integrated electrical wire bundle through the vehicle-side wire
harness 6. On the other hand, from the center cluster 1 to the
integrated electrical wire bundle, signals for an audio receiving
antenna disposed outside the passenger compartment and adapted to
expand and contract electrically, and signals for speakers are
output. Earth wire is also included in the vehicle-side wire
harness 6.
[0063] Next, operation of the center cluster 1 constructed as above
will be described below.
[0064] As described above, the display unit 30, the MD deck 41, the
CD deck 42, the second integrated substrate 62 and the operating
members 40S, 60S, 80S are electrically connected with each other
through the operating circuit substrate 20. Further, the first
integrated substrate 61 is electrically connected to the second
integrated substrate 62, and the DVD deck 43 is electrically
connected to the first integrated substrate 61. Through these
connections, electrical power, which is supplied from the
vehicle-side wire harness 6 via the second integrated substrate 62,
as well as various electrical signals, are transmitted to the
display unit 30, the audio unit 40, and the navigation unit 60. In
addition, various 20 electrical signals communicate with each other
among the electrical devices 30, 40, and 60.
[0065] For example, electrical signals between the operating
circuit substrate 20 and the CD deck 42 will now be explained
concretely. Electrical signals transmitted from the CD deck 42 to
the operating circuit substrate 20 are a CD-ON detection signal
indicating that a CD has been inserted into the inserting slot 42a
of the CD deck 42, a power ON requesting signal calling for the
application of power to the CD deck 42, a right-hand aural signal
for output from the right-hand speaker, and a left-hand aural
signal for output from the left-hand speaker. The electrical
devices 30, 40, and 60 operate in accordance with these
signals.
[0066] From the operating circuit substrate 20 to the CD deck 42,
electrical signals (e.g., an operational signal for determining an
operating condition of the CD deck 42 in accordance with operation
of an operator) produced from the operating switch 40S and the like
are transmitted. Also, 5 V power, 8 V power, and power for a backup
memory are supplied. Further, earth wires for power supply and for
electrical signals are connected to the CD deck 42. Other
transmission/reception signals include communication signals (e.g.,
TAB communication) based on a common protocol. For example,
information on CD is transmitted to the display unit 30, allowing
the information to be displayed.
[0067] A description will be given below about an assembling
procedure for the center cluster 1 constructed as above.
[0068] First, the holding member 50 with the dust-proof case 70
attached thereto is fixed to the instrument panel-side mounting
member 9 from the inside of the passenger compartment.
[0069] Next, the first and second integrated substrates 61, 25 62
and the DVD deck 43 are connected together by the connecting member
63 and the connecting portion 43d of the DVD deck 43.
[0070] Then, while side surfaces of the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42
and the DVD deck 43 are guided by the guide portions 51 of the
holding member 50, the decks 41-43 are inserted into the opening
50b of the holding member 50 from the inside of the passenger
compartment. Further, the projections 41b, 42b and 43c are inserted
into the insertion holes 52a, 52b and 52c, respectively. At the
same time, the mounting portions 41c, 42c and 43e of the decks
41-43 contact the guide portions 51. Thereafter, the mounting
portions 41c, 42c and 43e are clamped to the guide portions 51 by
the fastening means such as screws, so that the decks 41-43 are
held in the holding member 50.
[0071] Subsequently, the connector 6a of the vehicle-side wire
harness 6 is connected to the connector 61b of the first integrated
substrate 61.
[0072] Next, the panel cluster 2, which is constructed by mounting
the operating circuit substrate 20 and the display unit 30
beforehand to the ornamental panel 10, is attached to the holding
member 50 from the inside of the passenger compartment so as to
cover the decks 41-43 and the substrates 61 and 62. For this
mounting, the ornamental panel mounting lugs 10b of the ornamental
panel 10 are engaged with upper and lower end portions of the
holding member 50, respectively. The substrate-side connectors 20c
and 20d of the operating circuit substrate 20 are connected with
the deck-side connector 40a and the navigation-side connector 60a
simultaneously with the mounting of the panel cluster 2 to the
holding member 50.
[0073] A replacing operation of replacing only the CD deck 42 will
be explained. First, the panel cluster 2 is pulled out toward the
inside of the passenger compartment against the elastic force of
the ornamental panel mounting lugs 10b. At this time, the
connectors 20c and 20d are removed from the deck-side connector 40a
and the navigation-side connector 60a. Then, the fastening means
used in the mounting portions 42c of the CD deck 42 are removed and
the projection 42b is pulled out from the insertion hole 52b,
whereby the CD deck 42 alone is pulled out toward the inside of the
passenger compartment from the holding member 50.
[0074] According to the assembling structure of the center cluster
1 of the first embodiment, only a desired component (e.g., CD deck
42), among the decks 41-43 and the first and second integrated
substrates 61, 62, can be removed from the inside of the passenger
compartment in a fastened state of the holding member 50 to the
instrument panel-side mounting members 9. Therefore, such heavy
object for manual works as the work of removing the whole of the
audio unit and the case assembling/disassemblin- g work can be
omitted and the work for removing the electrical device components
61, 62 and 41-43 from the center cluster 1 can be made easier.
[0075] Besides, since the power IC 61a is disposed to contact the
connecting portion 53 of the holding member 50, and the holding
member 50 is formed using a material of a high thermal
conductivity, the heat generated from the power IC 61a is conducted
to the holding member 50, to perform a heat exchange with the
surrounding air. Thus, the holding member 50 can have the function
of cooling the power IC 61a. Because the holding member 50 thus has
the function of cooling the power IC 61a in addition to the
function of holding the center cluster 1 in the instrument panel
100, it is not necessary to provide a specific cooling member for
the power IC 61a and hence it is possible to simplify the
structure.
[0076] Because the first and second integrated substrates 61, 62
are inserted into the opening 50b of the holding member 50, the
first and second integrated substrate 61, 62 are surrounded with
the holding member 50. Moreover, because the holding member 50 is
formed of a material (e.g., magnesium alloy) having an
electromagnetic shielding property, it is possible to cut off
electromagnetic wave noises from the exterior of the substrates 61
and 62 and prevent leakage to the exterior of electromagnetic wave
noises generated from the substrates 61 and 62. Thus, the holding
member 50 can have an electromagnetic shielding function for the
first and second integrated substrates 61, 62. Further, since the
substrates 61 and 62 are earthed through the holding member 50, the
holding member 50 can also be endowed with an earthing function for
the substrates 61 and 62.
[0077] Additionally, because the bolt inserting holes 50a is formed
in the holding member 50 to be clamped to the instrument panel-side
mounting brackets 9, it is not necessary to provide brackets
separated from the holding member 50. Therefore, the number of
components can be decreased and it is possible to attain a
structural simplification and weight reduction of the center
cluster 1.
[0078] In the above-described first embodiment, the projections
41b, 42b and 43c of the decks 41-43 are inserted into the insertion
holes 52a, 52b and 52c of the holding member 50. However, the
projections 41b, 42b and 43c may be formed by resin molding to
undergo an elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to
their projecting direction, allowing the projections 41b, 42b and
43b to be deformed elastically and be fitted in the insertion holes
52a, 52b and 52c, respectively, and allowing the fastening means
41c, 42c and 43e to be omitted. In this case, projecting portions
supporting the decks 41-43 from below may be formed inside the
guide portions 51. Accordingly, the decks 41-43 can be mounted to
the holding member 50 which is in a fixed state to the instrument
panel 100, easily and detachably from the inside of the passenger
compartment.
[0079] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be now described with reference to FIGS. 4-6. In the second
embodiment, components similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numbers. In a
center cluster 1 of the second embodiment, a plurality of
electrical devices, including the display unit 30, the audio unit
40 and the navigation unit 60 are clustered as an integral
structure. In the center cluster 1, the ornamental panel 10, the
operating circuit substrate 20 and the display unit 30 are
assembled as an integral structure and construct a panel cluster
2.
[0080] In the second embodiment, the operating circuit substrate 20
is disposed at a vehicle front side of the ornamental panel 10 in
parallel with the ornamental panel 10. FIG. 6 shows a sectional
surface of the operating circuit substrate 20, perpendicular to the
vehicle width direction (vehicle right-left direction). Printed
circuits 20p of conductor patterns are provided on both surfaces of
the operating circuit substrate 20, and a through hole 20q is
provided in the operating circuit substrate 20 for conducting the
printed circuits 20p.
[0081] On the vehicular rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, operating members 40S, 60S and 80S such as operating
buttons, levers, or switches, which are connected to the printed
circuits 20p, are provided. On the vehicular front side of the
operating circuit substrate 20, operating circuit substrate-side
connectors 20b, 20c and 20d for electrical connection with the
electrical devices 20, 40 and 60 are provided. The connectors 20b,
20c and 20d are connected to the printed circuits 20p. Terminal
pins 20t of the operating members 40S, 60S, 80S and the connectors
20b, 20c, 20d are soldered to the printed circuits 20p so that
connectors 20b, 20c, 20d are electrically connected with each
other. The operating members 40S, 60S and 80S are operated by the
driver or a front passenger in the passenger compartment to operate
the display unit 30, the audio unit 40 and the navigation unit 60.
The operation member for operating the display unit 30 is not
indicated directly in the second embodiment.
[0082] In the second embodiment, the printed circuit 20p can be
formed on only one side surface of the vehicle front and rear
surfaces of the operating circuit substrate 20.
[0083] Similarly to the first embodiment, the display member 20f
(e.g., an electroluminescent display or a liquid crystal display),
for displaying an operating condition of an air conditioner, is
provided on the vehicular rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20. In the second embodiment, the panel cluster 2, the
audio unit 40 and the holding member 50 are similar to those of the
above-described first embodiment, and detail explanation thereof is
omitted. In the second embodiment, the harness connection position
is mainly different from that of the above-described first
embodiment.
[0084] That is, in the second embodiment, a connector 62c
electrically connecting with a wire harness 6 and an option
connector 62d are provided on the second integrated substrate 62 at
a vehicle rear side. The option connector 62d is for connecting
with an electronic device such as a CD changer, s VICS, a backing
camera, a VTR adapter, a digital TV. The connectors 62c, 62d are
disposed to be detachable from the wire harness 6 or a signal
transmitting harness (not shown) with an electronic machine.
[0085] The navigation unit-side connector 60a is provided on the
vehicular rear side of the second integrated substrate 62. The
connector 60a is connected electrically to the substrate-side
connector 20d of the operating circuit substrate 20. The first and
second integrated substrates 61, 62 and the holding member 50 are
connected together electrically, and the substrates 61 and 62 are
earthed through the holding member 50.
[0086] A single integrated electrical wire bundle 71 of a large
number of trunk electrical wires for power supply and transfer of
electrical signals to various portions of the vehicle is disposed
inside the instrument panel 100. From the single integrated
electrical wire bundle 71, plural wire harnesses 6 are branched for
the electrical devices 30, 50, 60. The wire harness 6 has the
connector 6a to be connected with the connector 62b provided in the
electrical devices 30, 50, 60. The supply of electrical power, as
well as the input of ignition switch ON-OFF signals and head lamp
and small lamp ON-OFF signals, are performed to the center cluster
1 from the integrated electrical wire bundle 71 through the
vehicle-side wire harness 6. On the other hand, from the center
cluster 1 to the integrated electrical wire bundle 71, signals for
an audio receiving antenna disposed outside the passenger
compartment and adapted to expand and contract electrically, and
signals for speakers are output. Earth wire is also included in the
vehicle-side wire harness 6 and the integrated electrical wire
bundle 71.
[0087] Next, assembling steps of the center cluster 1 according to
the second embodiment will be now described.
[0088] First, the first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 and
the DVD deck 43 are connected together by the connecting member 63
and the connecting portion 43d of the DVD deck 43.
[0089] Then, the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42 and the DVD deck 43
connected to the first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 are
inserted into the opening 50b of the holding member 50 from the
inside of the passenger compartment. Further, the projections 41b,
42b and 43c are inserted into the insertion holes 52a, 52b and 52c,
respectively. At the same time, the mounting portions 41c, 42c and
43e of the decks 41-43 contact a guide portion. Thereafter, the
mounting portions 41c, 42c and 43e are clamped to a vehicle rear
side surface of the holding member 50 by the fastening means such
as screws, so that the decks 41-43 are held in the holding member
50.
[0090] Thereafter, the connector 6a of the vehicle-side wire
harness 6 is connected to the connector 61c of the second
integrated substrate 62. In the second embodiment, a part of the
wire harness 6 is disposed in a recess 50c of the holding member
50. Further, a harness connector of the electronic devices is
inserted into the option connector 62d to be electrically connected
thereto.
[0091] Next, the panel cluster 2, which is constructed by mounting
the operating circuit substrate 20 and the display unit 30
beforehand to the ornamental panel 10, is attached to the holding
member 50 from the inside of the passenger compartment so as to
cover the decks 41-43, the substrates 61 and 62, the wire harness 6
and the connectors 6a, 62c. For this mounting operation, the
ornamental panel mounting lugs 10b of the ornamental panel 10 are
engaged with upper and lower end portions of the holding member 50,
respectively. The substrate-side connectors 20c and 20d of the
operating circuit substrate 20 are connected with the deck-side
connector 40a and the navigation-side connector 60a simultaneously
with the mounting of the panel cluster 2 to the holding member
50.
[0092] A replacing operation of replacing only the CD deck 42 will
be explained. First, the panel cluster 2 is pulled out toward the
inside of the passenger compartment against the elastic force of
the ornamental panel mounting lugs 10b. At this time, the
connectors 20c and 20d are removed from the deck-side connector 40a
and the navigation-side connector 60a. Then, the connector 6a of
the wire harness 6 is removed from the connector 62c of the second
integrated substrate 62. Thereafter, the fastening means used in
the mounting portions 42c of the CD deck 42 are removed and the
projection 43b is pulled out from the insertion hole 52b, whereby
the CD deck 42 alone is pulled out toward the inside of the
passenger compartment from the holding member 50.
[0093] According to the second embodiment, the integrated
substrates 61, 62, the decks 41-43, the wire harness 6 and the
connector 6a , 62c are covered by the ornamental panel 10.
Therefore, it can prevent the integrated substrates 61, 62, the
decks 41-43, the wire harness 6 and the connector 6a , 62c from
being exposed to the onside of the passenger compartment.
[0094] Further, the ornamental panel 10 is detachably assembled
from the passenger compartment, and the connector 62c is provided
in the second integrated substrate 62 at a vehicle rear side
position. Therefore, even when the integrated substrates 61, 62 and
each deck 41, 42, 43 are attached to the holding member 50 before
an electrical connection, an operator can readily operate the
connector 62c. Therefore, harness connection can be made
simple.
[0095] Further, when the electrical devices 40, 60 are removed from
the instrument panel 100, the operator can operate the connector
62c in the attachment state where the integrated substrates 61, 62
and each deck 41, 42, 43 are attached to the holding member 50.
[0096] When the ornamental panel 10 is removed toward the inside of
the passenger compartment, the wire harness 6 can be readily
detached from the connector 62 toward the inside (rear side) of the
passenger compartment. Accordingly, connector connection operation
and connector removing operation can be accurately readily
performed while being viewed by the operator.
[0097] Further, because the wire harness 6 is inserted into the
recess 50c of the holding member 50, it can prevent a part of the
wire harness 6 between the holding member 50 and the ornamental
panel 10 from interfering from each other between the holding
member 50 and the ornamental panel 10.
[0098] The display unit 30, the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42, the
second integrated substrate 62 and the operation members 60S, 60S,
80S are electrically connected through the operating circuit
substrate 20. Therefore, electrical wire structure of the center
cluster can be made simple. Accordingly, connector connection
operation and connector detaching operation can be made simple.
[0099] In addition, it is unnecessary to distribute plural wire
harnesses 6 between the integrated electrical wire bundle 71 and
the center cluster 1. That is, the single wire harness 6 is
distributed from the integrated electrical wire bundle 71 so that
electrical power is supplied to the electrical devices 30, 40, 60
through the operating circuit substrate 20. As a result, the
electrical wire structure can be made simple. Further, in the
second embodiment, only by removing the ornamental panel 10,
electrical connection of the above-described electronic devices can
be readily performed using the option connector 62d.
[0100] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be now described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the third
embodiment, the present invention is typically applied to a vehicle
center cluster 1. Similarly to the above-described first and second
embodiment, in the center cluster 1, a plurality of electrical
devices, including a display unit 30, an audio unit 40 and a
navigation unit 60 are clustered as an integral structure. The
center cluster 1 is disposed centrally in the width direction of an
instrument panel 100. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the
center cluster 1 when being viewed from a front side of the
vehicle, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of the center
cluster 1 when being viewed from a rear side of the vehicle.
[0101] Similarly to the first embodiment, the ornamental panel 10
is a resinous panel which covers the electrical devices 30, 40 and
60 from the inside of the passenger compartment (rear side of the
vehicle). The ornamental panel 10 is provided with plural apertures
10a for insertion therein of operating members 30S, 40S, 60S for
operating the electrical devices 30, 40 and 60 and a liquid display
portion 30b of the display unit 30.
[0102] The operating circuit substrate 20 is disposed at a
vehicular front side of the ornamental panel 10 in parallel with
the ornamental panel 10, and is provided with various electronic
components (not shown). On both sides of the operating circuit
substrate 20, printed circuits of conductor patterns are formed
similar to the above-described second embodiment.
[0103] On the vehicular rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, operating members 30S 40S, 60S such as operating
buttons, levers, or switches, which are connected to the printed
circuits, are provided. The operating members 30S, 40S, 60S are
operated by the driver or a front passenger in the passenger
compartment to operate the display unit 30, the audio unit 40 and
the navigation unit 60. An operation member for operating an air
conditioner is not indicated in the third embodiment. The operating
member of the air conditioner controls an air-conditioning
operation electronically.
[0104] On the vehicular front side of the operating circuit
substrate 20, operating circuit substrate-side connectors 20b, 20c
and 20d for electrical connection with the electrical devices 30,
40 and 60 are provided. The connectors 20b, 20c and 20d are
connected to the printed circuits. Terminal pins of the operating
members 30S, 40S, 60S and the connectors 20b, 20c, 20d are soldered
to the printed circuits of the operating circuit substrate 20 so
that connectors 20b, 20c, 20d are electrically connected with each
other.
[0105] In the third embodiment, the printed circuit can be formed
on only one side of the vehicle front and rear surfaces of the
operating circuit substrate 20. The terminal pins of the connectors
20b, 20c, 20d may penetrate through the operating circuit substrate
20 to be soldered at the vehicle rear side of the operating circuit
substrate 20. Similarly, the soldering of the operation members
30S, 40S, 60S may be performed at the vehicle front side of the
operating circuit substrate 20.
[0106] The display unit 30 is for displaying various images, e.g.,
navigation maps and televisional images, to the vehicle driver or
other passengers if any. The liquid crystal display portion 30b of
the display unit 30 is exposed directly to the interior of the
passenger compartment from the associated aperture 10a. The
vehicular front side of the display unit 30 is provided with a
flexible cable 31 for communication of image data, etc. The
flexible cable 31 is provided with a connector 32 which is
connected to the connector 20b of the operating circuit substrate
20 to effect intercommunication of image data, and the like,
between the display unit 30 and the operating circuit substrate
20.
[0107] A display holding member 33 is formed into a plate like, and
is disposed on the vehicular front side of the display unit 30. The
display holding member 33 is fixed to the display unit 30 using
clamping means such as screws. An outer edge of the display holding
member 33 is provided with four mounting pieces 33a extending
toward the ornamental panel 10. By fastening the mounting pieces
33a to the ornamental panel 10 with clamping means such as tapping
screws, the display unit 30 is held in the ornamental panel 10.
[0108] The audio unit 40 is disposed on a vehicular front side of
the operating circuit substrate 20. The audio unit 40 includes the
MD deck 41 for reading an audio signal from an MD (mini disc), the
CD deck 42 for reading an audio signal from a CD (compact disc),
the first and second integrated substrates 61, 62, and the
operating members 40S. The first and second integrated substrates
61, 62 also function to control the navigation unit 60
electronically and further control the electrical devices 30, 40
and 60 synthetically.
[0109] The MD deck 41, the CD deck 42, and the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62 are stacked vertically. On the
vehicular rear sides of the decks 41 and 42, disc inserting slots
41a and 42a are formed so as to be exposed directly to the interior
of the passenger compartment from the associated apertures 10a
formed in the ornamental panel 10.
[0110] Deck-side connectors (components-side connectors) 40a are
provided respectively in the MD deck 41 and the CD deck 42 opposite
to the operating circuit substrate 20. The connectors 40a are
inserted in the vehicular front-rear direction into the
substrate-side connectors 20c of the substrate 20 and are thus
connected directly without the use of wiring.
[0111] On the vehicular front-side surfaces of the decks 41 and 42
at a center portion in the vehicular right-left direction,
projections 41b and 42b projecting to the vehicular front side are
formed respectively. On the vehicular rear-side surfaces of the
decks 41 and 42, deck mounting portions (fastening means) 41c and
42c projecting in the vehicular right-left direction are formed.
The deck mounting portions 41c and 42c come into abutment against
the vehicular rear-side surfaces of the guide portion 51 of the
holding member 50 to attach the decks 41 and 42 to the holding
member 50.
[0112] The holding member 50 is disposed on a vehicular front side
of the decks 41 and 42. The holding member 50 is formed by a
rectangular plate in a shape of a frame having a central
rectangular opening 50b. The holding member 50 is made of a light
metal having an electric-wave screening performance (e.g.,
magnesium alloy). The holding member 50 is disposed so that its
plate surface is perpendicular to the vehicular front-rear
direction. Bolt inserting holes (attachment portions) 50a are
formed in the four corners of the holding member 50 to fasten the
holding member 50 to a vehicle frame.
[0113] In the third embodiment, the rectangular opening 50b is
provided in the holding member 50 at a center position. On both
side edges in the vehicular width direction (right-left direction)
of the opening 50b, guide portions 51 extending toward the
vehicular rear side are provided to guide both right and left side
surfaces of the decks 41-43. Both stopper portions 52 are formed
into U-shapes to extend toward the vehicular front side and to
contact vehicular front side parts of the decks 41-43. Further, a
connecting portion 53 is formed into a U-shape to extend toward the
vehicular front side and to be connected mechanically with the
navigation unit 60. In the third embodiment, the connector portions
53 is provided between both the stopper portions 52 in an up-down
direction. Centrally in the vehicular width direction of the
stopper portions 52, insertion holes (holding member-side fitting
portions) 52a into which projections 41b, 42b and 43c of the decks
41-43 are inserted are provided.
[0114] While side surfaces of the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42 and
the DVD deck 43 are guided by the guide portions 51 of the holding
member 50, the decks 41-43 are inserted into the opening 50b of the
holding member 50, so that the projections 41b, 42b and 43c are
inserted into the insertion holes 52a, respectively. In this case,
the decks 41-43 contact the stopper portions 52 so that the decks
41-43 are held in the holding member 50.
[0115] The navigation unit 60 includes the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62, a DVD deck 43 for reading signals
such as map data signals for navigation from a DVD (digital video
disc), and the operating members 60S described above. The second
integrated substrate 62, the first integrated substrate 61, and the
DVD deck 43 are stacked successively above the CD deck 42 in this
order.
[0116] In the third embodiment, a connector 43b is provided on a
lower surface of the DVD deck 43 at a vehicle front side. The
connector 43b of the DVD deck 43 is electrically connected to the
second integrated substrate 62. The projection 43c and the mounting
portion 43e are provided in the DVD deck 43.
[0117] In the third embodiment, a connector 60b is provided on the
upper surface of the first integrated substrate 61 at a vehicle
rear side position, and is directly connected to the connector 43b
of the DVD deck 43 in the vehicle front-rear direction without
using a wire. On the other hand, a connector 60a is provided on the
second integrated substrate 62 at a vehicle rear side position, and
is directly connected to the connector 20 of the operating circuit
substrate 20d in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[0118] A connector 62b' for conneting with the connector 6a of the
wire harness 6 is provided on the second integrated substrate 62.
The first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 are provided with
connectors opposite with each other, through which the first and
second integrated substrates 61, 62 are directly electrically
connected.
[0119] In the third embodiment, both the first and second
integrated substrates 61, 62 are inserted into the opening 50b of
the holding member 50 from the vehicle front side at both upper and
lower sides of the connection portion 53. A power IC 62a' is
provided on the second integrated substrate 62, and a surface of
the power IC 62a' facing the holding member 50 contacts the vehicle
rear surface of the connection portion 53 of the holding member 50
to be fastened to the connection portion 53 using a fastening
member (not shown).
[0120] Because the power IC 62a' contacts the holding member 50,
heat generated by the power IC 62a' is transmitted to the holding
member 50 to be heat-exchanged with air. Accordingly, the holding
member 50 cools the power IC 62a'.
[0121] The first and second integrated substrates 61, 62 and the
holding member 50 are connected together electrically, and the
substrates 61 and 62 are earthed through the holding member 50,
whereby voltage variations on the electronic components mounted on
the substrates 61 and 62 are suppressed and a stable voltage is
applied to the electronic components.
[0122] In the third embodiment, a substrate holding portion 90 is
provided so that the first and second integrated substrates 61, 62
are held in the holding member 50 through the substrate holding
portion 90. The substrate holding portion 90 is made of a metal to
have an approximate U shape. Four upper attachment pieces 91 and
four lower attachment pieces 92 are provided at upper and lower
outer peripheral parts of the substrate holding portion 90,
respectively. The first integrated substrate 61 is fixed to the
upper attachment pieces 91 of the substrate holding portion 90
using a fastening member, and the second integrated substrate 62 is
fixed to the lower attachment pieces 92 of the substrate holding
portion 90 using a fastening member. In addition, two attachment
pieces 93 are provided at both top ends of the U-shaped substrate
holding portion 90. The attachment pieces 93 of the substrate
holding portion 90 are fixed onto the front surface of the holding
member 50. Further, a recess 94 is provided in the substrate
holding portion 90 at a position where the connector 62b' of the
second integrated substrate 62 is formed.
[0123] The vehicle-side wire harness 6 disposed inside the
instrument panel 100 includes a plurality of electrical wires
distributed from a single integrated electrical wire bundle (not
shown) of a large number of trunk electrical wires for power supply
and transfer of electrical signals to various portions of the
vehicle. The supply of electrical power, as well as the input of
ignition switch ON-OFF signals and head lamp and small lamp ON-OFF
signals are performed to the center cluster 1 from the integrated
electrical wire bundle through the vehicle-side wire harness 6. On
the other hand, from the center cluster 1 to the integrated
electrical wire bundle, signals for an audio receiving antenna
disposed outside the passenger compartment and adapted to expand
and contract electrically, and signals for speakers are output.
Earth wire is also included in the vehicle-side wire harness 6.
[0124] In the assembled center cluster 1 of the third embodiment,
for removing the decks 41-43 into the passenger compartment, the
following operation is performed.
[0125] First, the ornamental panel 10, to which the display unit 30
and the operating circuit substrate 20 are fastened, is pulled out
toward the vehicle rear side to be removed inside the passenger
compartment. At this time, the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42 and the
DVD deck 43 are detached from the connectors 20c , 20d of the
operating circuit substrate 20. Then each of the decks 41-43 is
pulled out toward the vehicle rear side to be removed into the
passenger compartment. At this time, the first integrated substrate
61 is detached from the connector 43b of the DVD deck 43.
Accordingly, the decks 41-43 can be respectively removed. The
operation of the center cluster 1 is similar to that of the
above-described first embodiment, and the explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0126] According to the third embodiment of the present invention,
the MD deck 41, the CD deck 42 and the second integrated substrate
62 are electrically connected through the operating circuit
substrate 20 without using a wire harness. Therefore, change
operation of the decks 41-43 and maintenance operation of the
center cluster 1 can be made easy. Further, assembling operation of
the center cluster 1 onto the vehicle can be made easy.
[0127] In the third embodiment, only the MD deck 41 and the CD deck
42 of the audio unit 40 may be electrically connected through the
operating circuit substrate 20.
[0128] Because the holding member 50 has the function of cooling
the power IC 62a' in addition to the function of holding the center
cluster 1, it is not necessary to provide a specific cooling member
for the power IC 62a', and hence it is possible to simplify the
structure. Additionally, because the bolt insertion holes 50a are
formed in the holding member 50 so that the holding member is
fastened to a vehicle frame, it is not necessary to provide
brackets separated from the holding member 50.
[0129] Although the present invention has been fully described in
connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to
the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes
and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the
art.
[0130] In the above-described embodiments, the display unit 30 is
electrically connected to the operating circuit substrate 20
through the flexible cable 31 (i.e., jumper wire). However, as
shown in FIG. 9, a connector 30a electrically connecting with the
operating circuit substrate 20 can be provided on the rear side
surface of the display unit 30, and the connector 30a may be
directly inserted into the connector 20b of the operating circuit
substrate 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction without using a
wire.
[0131] Further, in the connectors 40a of the MD deck 41 and the CD
deck 42, a communication method, a necessary voltage, a signal
sending method, and terminal number may be unified. Similarly, the
connectors 20c connected to the connectors 40a of the decks 41, 42
may have the same shapes. Further, the dimensions of the connectors
40a in the vehicle right-left direction may be set to be equal. In
this case, by only changing the shape of the opening 10a of the
ornamental panel 10, the attachment positions of the MD deck 41 and
the CD deck 42 can be changed.
[0132] Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, a preliminary connector
20i having a shape equal to the connector 40a may be provided
without being connected to the connectors 30a, 40a, 60a. By using
the preliminary connector 20i, an additional deck different from
the MD deck 41 and the CD deck 42 may be provided.
[0133] Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being
within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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