Abstract:
A module support bracket for a vehicle instrument panel includes a first module receiving surface defining an internal aperture, the first module receiving surface configured to receive a first module, and a second module receiving surface arranged within the internal aperture on a different plane than the first module receiving surface. The second module receiving surface is configured to receive a second module in a stacked relationship to the first module. The second module is configured to be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel in an installation direction to couple the second module to the second module receiving surface. The first module is subsequently inserted through the opening in the instrument panel in the installation direction to couple the first module adjacent the second module in a compact arrangement.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present application relates generally to arrangement of vehicle interior electronics and, more particularly, to a support for stacking multiple modules, such as electronics modules, within a vehicle interior. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Instrument panels or dashboards for motor vehicles generally include a center stack that supports various controls and interior features. Typical center stacks may include entertainment systems, navigation systems, sound system controls, HVAC climate controls, air vents our outlets, or other controls and features. The center stack is typically covered with a front plate or trim bezel. Because space is limited in the region of the instrument panel and center stack, electronics modules associated with the controls/features on the center stack may be located remote from the center stack. However, the controls remain associated with the center stack and are accessible to the occupants seated in the front of the passenger cabin. The controls may be connected to the actual components or modules via wires or a wireless connection. 
         [0003]    With the increase in controls/features of today&#39;s newer vehicles, packaging space in the instrument panel and center stack has become increasingly limited. Moreover, multiple components of the vehicle may need to be removed to access or service one or more of the modules associated with the controls/features. Further, each module is typically secured separately to the vehicle via one or more individual supports, thereby increasing the number of components of the vehicle and resulting in increased cost and weight. Thus, while such systems work for their intended purpose, there remains a need to improve component packaging within a vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one exemplary aspect of the invention, a module support bracket for an instrument panel of a vehicle is provided. In one example implementation, the module support bracket includes a first module receiving surface defining an internal aperture, the first module receiving surface configured to receive a first module, and a second module receiving surface arranged within the internal aperture on a different plane than the first module receiving surface. The second module receiving surface is configured to receive a second module in a stacked relationship to the first module. The second module is configured to be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel in an installation direction to couple the second module to the second module receiving surface. The first module is subsequently inserted through the opening in the instrument panel in the installation direction to couple the first module adjacent the second module in a compact arrangement. 
         [0005]    In another exemplary aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an instrument panel, a structural member extending laterally across the vehicle behind the instrument panel, a vehicle component disposed in the instrument panel, a first electronics module, and a second electronics module. A module support bracket is disposed behind the vehicle component and coupled to the structural beam. The module support bracket includes a first module receiving surface defining an internal aperture, the first module receiving surface configured to receive the first module, and a second module receiving surface arranged within the internal aperture on a different plane than the first module receiving surface. The second module receiving surface is configured to receive the second module in a stacked relationship to the first module. Upon removing the vehicle component, the second module is inserted through an opening in the instrument panel in an installation direction to couple the second module to the second module receiving surface. The first module is subsequently inserted through the opening in the instrument panel in the installation direction to couple the first module to the support bracket adjacent the second module in a compact, stacked arrangement such that the first and second modules are positioned behind the vehicle component. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an example vehicle instrument panel in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the instrument panel shown in  FIG. 1  with a control panel faceplate and center stack bezel removed, in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the instrument panel shown in  FIG. 2  with a first example module removed, in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the instrument panel shown in  FIG. 3  with a second example module being removed, in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an example dual module support bracket in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the dual module support bracket shown in  FIG. 5  with one module installed in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the dual module support bracket shown in  FIG. 5  with another module installed in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the dual module support bracket shown in  FIG. 5  with both modules installed in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of example vehicle instrument panel and dual module support bracket from a vehicle engine side in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the instrument panel shown in  FIG. 9  in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is front perspective view of the instrument panel shown in  FIG. 9  toward the vehicle engine in accordance with the principles of the present application; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of another example dual module support bracket in accordance with the principles of the present application; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of an example method of removing modules from a vehicle instrument panel in accordance with the principles of the present application. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , an example vehicle instrument panel is illustrated and generally identified at reference numeral  10 . The vehicle instrument panel  10  includes a center stack having a module support bracket  100  configured to allow multiple electronics or control modules to couple to the same support bracket. The module support bracket  100  enables the modules to be attached adjacent each other to allow service of the modules through the same opening, thereby reducing cost and time removing other components to extract the modules for service. Accordingly, a single module support bracket may be used to support multiple modules, thereby reducing cost and weight by obviating the need for individual support brackets for each module. 
         [0020]    With additional reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the vehicle dashboard or instrument panel  10  generally includes a steering wheel  14 , an instrument cluster  16 , and a center stack  18 . Steering wheel  14  is configured to be utilized by a driver to steer the vehicle, and instrument cluster  16  may include one or more displays configured to provide information to the driver such as, for example, vehicle speed, engine rotational speed, or current transmission gear. In the example embodiment, center stack  18  is configured to house one or more vehicle components/controls and is located between the driver and front passenger seats (not shown) of a vehicle seating area. The center stack  18  is exposed to the cabin space of the vehicle and is oriented for use by a driver/passenger of the vehicle. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , center stack  18  generally includes a control panel  20 , an infotainment system  22 , and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , instrument panel  10  defines a first opening  26  configured to receive the control panel  20 , and a second opening  28  configured to receive infotainment system  22  and HVAC vents  24 . However, center stack  18  may be arranged in various other configurations and is configured to receive any suitable components/controls useful for vehicle operation or passenger convenience. In addition, a storage bin or compartment  12  may be defined in the instrument panel  10  and located above the center stack  18 . 
         [0022]    In the example embodiment, control panel  20  includes a control panel faceplate  30  and one or more controls  32  ( FIG. 1 ) exposed to the cabin space of the vehicle and configured to control various components or functions of the vehicle. For example, controls  32  may control a vehicle HVAC system, a vehicle sound system, a radio, a CD/DVD player, an auxiliary connected device, and/or a vehicle seat heating/cooling system. However, control panel  20  may include any suitable controls for operating or controlling various components or functions of a vehicle. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a center stack bezel  34  is positioned within second opening  28  and about infotainment system  22  and HVAC vents  24  so as to be exposed to the cabin space of the vehicle. The infotainment system  22  may include a display or user interface  36 , which is configured to provide audio/visual information about the vehicle to the driver. For example, the user interface  36  may be a touch-screen configured to display one or more soft keys programmed to perform a specific function when selected. In one example implementation, the soft keys may be selected by the driver to choose various multimedia applications and vehicle functions such as navigation, connected phone control, AM/FM and satellite radio, and internet connected applications. Additionally, user interface  36  may provide audio communications to the driver in place of or in addition to visual displays. Moreover, the user interface  36  may also receive audio commands from the driver. However, the user interface  36  is not limited solely to the function described herein and may be utilized in various other ways to control vehicle systems. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , center stack  18  includes a retainer  38  disposed between HVAC vents  24  and configured to receive and support infotainment system  22  and/or additional vehicle components. As such, retainer  38  may include various features such as slots  60  configured to receive portions of system  22  to removably secure system  22  (or other components) to retainer  38 . In the example embodiment, retainer  38  is coupled to a support panel  40  of a structural member or cross-car beam  42  (see  FIG. 10 ) via fasteners  44  ( FIG. 9 ) inserted through one or more apertures  46  ( FIG. 11 ) of the retainer  38 . 
         [0025]    As shown, for example in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the cross-car beam  42  is a structural beam formed of a rigid material that extends behind the instrument panel  10  laterally across the vehicle. The cross-car beam  42  is configured to support various vehicle components such as the instrument panel  10  and a steering column (not shown). The support panel  40  is coupled to cross-car beam  42  and extends therefrom generally toward a rear of the vehicle. In the example embodiment, the support panel  40  includes a pair of support arms  48  extending from a plate member  50  toward the cross-car beam  42  and coupled thereto. As shown in  FIG. 5 , plate member  50  includes one or more fastener features  52  (e.g., openings) configured to receive fasteners  54  so as to couple retainer  38  to the support panel  40  and thus cross-car beam  42 . 
         [0026]    Now with additional reference to  FIGS. 5-13  module support bracket  100  will be described. As described herein, the module support bracket  100  includes a stepped design configured to simultaneously support multiple electronics modules. In this way, the modules are arranged in close proximity in a compact side-by-side fashion to provide maximum usage of available package space behind the instrument panel  10 . As such, a single module support bracket  100  is utilized to secure the modules to vehicle supports (e.g., cross-car beam  42 ), thereby avoiding the need for multiple brackets to secure each individual module. In the example embodiment, module support bracket  100  is disposed within the instrument panel  10  behind the infotainment system  22 . As will be described herein in more detail, module support bracket  100  is disposed within the center stack  18  and located such that only minimal component removal is required to access the module support bracket  100 . Two modules are coupled to the module support bracket  100  side-by-side such that removal of one of the modules provides access to the other module. Accordingly, both modules may be removed through the same opening in the same service direction generally toward the rear of the vehicle, thereby saving time and energy when servicing or replacing the modules. 
         [0027]    In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , module support bracket  100  generally includes a securing portion  102  and a module receiving portion  104 . The securing portion  102  is configured to secure bracket  100  to a vehicle support structure and extends outwardly from module receiving portion  104  generally toward a rear of the vehicle when in the installed position. 
         [0028]    In the illustrated example, securing portion  102  generally includes an outwardly extending portion  106 , a first front face portion  108 , a rearwardly extending portion  110 , and a second front face portion  112 . This particular configuration provides increased stability of module support bracket  100 . However, it will be appreciated that securing portion  102  may have various other configurations depending on the type of vehicle, surrounding vehicle structure, and/or attachment options available in the vehicle. 
         [0029]    In the example embodiment, outwardly extending portion  106  is coupled to and extends outwardly from module receiving portion  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an opening  107  may be formed therein to provide wired connection access to the modules. First front face portion  108  is coupled between outwardly extending portion  106  and rearwardly extending portion  110  and is oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular thereto. As shown in  FIG. 5 , first front face portion  108  includes a plurality of apertures  114  configured to couple bracket  100  between retainer  38  and support panel  40  and/or to receive locating features (not shown) to locate the bracket  100  to the retainer  38 . In one example embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , an opening  116  may be formed therein to provide wired connection access to the modules. Rearwardly extending portion  110  is coupled between first front face portion  108  and second front face portion  112  and is oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular thereto. 
         [0030]    Second front face portion  112  extends generally downwardly from the rearwardly extending portion  110  and is configured to be oriented against the support panel  40 , which is coupled to cross-car beam  42 . As such, second front face portion  112  includes a plurality of apertures  118 , which are configured to align with receiving apertures  56  (see  FIG. 6 ) formed in plate member  50 . A fastener  58  (see  FIG. 8 ) may be inserted through each aligned pair of apertures  56 ,  118  to secure module support bracket  100  to the cross-car beam  42 . 
         [0031]    With further reference to  FIGS. 6-8 , module receiving portion  104  is configured to receive a first module  120  and a second module  122  such that modules  120 ,  122  are arranged in a compact side-by-side configuration (see  FIG. 8 ). In one example, the first module  120  is an emergency call device such as a telematics box module (TBM), and the second module  122  is a gateway. However, it will be appreciated the modules  120 ,  122  may be any suitable module for a vehicle. 
         [0032]    In the example embodiment, module receiving portion  104  is stepped to define a first module receiving surface  130  that is offset or spaced apart from a second module receiving surface  132  such that surfaces  130 ,  132  are oriented on different planes. Moreover, the first module receiving surface  130  defines an internal aperture  134  within which is positioned the second receiving surface  132 . In the example embodiment, first and second receiving surfaces  130 ,  132  are parallel or generally parallel. However, module surfaces  130 ,  132  or even additional module surfaces may be oriented at various angles to accommodate and receive a module. 
         [0033]    The first receiving surface  130  may include a plurality of receiving fixtures or apertures  136  configured to receive fasteners  138  configured to couple the first module  120  to the first receiving surface  130 . Moreover, steps or offsets  140  may be formed (e.g., stamped) in first receiving surface  130  around each receiving aperture  136 . In addition, a coupling tab  150  may be coupled to first receiving surface  130  and extend upwardly therefrom. As shown in  FIG. 9 , coupling tab  150  may be coupled to a portion  152  of the storage bin  12  to further secure module support bracket  100  within the instrument panel  10 . 
         [0034]    The first module  120  may include attachment tabs or legs  124  configured to rest against the offsets  140 . In the illustrated example, first module  120  includes four attachment legs  124 . However, it will be appreciated that first receiving surface  130  can be designed to accommodate various numbers of attachment legs  124  or other attachment features depending on the architecture of the first module  120 . Once secured to the first receiving surface  130 , it can be seen that the first module  120  extends across the internal aperture  134  such that it is arranged adjacent to the second module  122 . Accordingly, first module  120  must be removed to access the second module  122 . 
         [0035]    As shown in the example embodiment, the second receiving surface  132  is stepped or offset from the first receiving surface  130  and is arranged generally within the outline of the internal aperture  134 . The stepped, second receiving surface  132  may be formed, for example by stamping the first receiving surface  130 , thereby resulting in the illustrated configuration. The second receiving surface  132  defines an internal opening  142  configured to receive at least a portion of the second module  122  therethrough (see  FIG. 8 ). In this way, the second module  122  can be coupled to the second receiving surface  132  and extend outwardly therefrom. 
         [0036]    The second receiving surface  132  may include a plurality of receiving fixtures or apertures  144  configured to receive fasteners  146  to couple the second module  122  to the second receiving surface  132 . Moreover, steps or offsets  148  may be formed (e.g., stamped) in second receiving surface  132  around each receiving aperture  144 . As such, the second module  122  may include attachment tabs or arms  126  configured to be positioned against the offset  146  within the depression formed thereby. In this way, the attachment arms  126  may be oriented so as to be flush or generally flush with the second receiving surface  132 . In the illustrated example, second module  122  includes three attachment arms  126 . However, it will be appreciated that second receiving surface  132  can be designed to accommodate various numbers of attachment arms  126  or other attachment features depending on the architecture of the second module  122 . Once secured to the second receiving surface  132 , the second module  122  extends away from one side of the module support bracket  100 . This allows subsequent attachment of the first module  120  to the first receiving surface  130  such that the first module  120  is arranged adjacent to the second module  122  and extends away from the opposite side of the module support bracket  100 . Accordingly, both first and second modules  120 ,  122  can be coupled to different planes of the same support bracket. 
         [0037]      FIG. 14  illustrates an example method  200  of servicing the first and second modules  120 ,  122 . At step  202 , control panel faceplate  30  and center stack bezel  34  are removed, thereby exposing infotainment system  22 . At step  204 , infotainment system  22  (or other component in front of module support bracket  100 ) is removed in a removal or first service direction ‘R’ generally toward the rear of the vehicle, thereby exposing the first module  120  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 11 ). At step  206 , first module  120  is removed, for example by removing fasteners  138 . As such, the first module  120  may be removed in the first service direction ‘R’, thereby exposing the second module  122  (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). 
         [0038]    At step  208 , second module  122  is accessible and may be removed, for example, by removing fasteners  146 . As such, the second module  122  may be removed in the first service direction ‘R’ through internal opening  142  and internal aperture  134 . Accordingly, module support bracket  100  enables removal of both first and second modules  120 ,  122  in the same service direction ‘R’ through the same opening, thereby expediting and simplifying removal and servicing of modules  120 ,  122 . To install modules  120 ,  122 , the reverse order of steps are taken by inserting modules  120 ,  122  in an installation or second service direction ‘I’ opposite the first service direction. 
         [0039]    Described herein are systems and methods for packaging electronics modules in a vehicle instrument panel. In one example, a module support bracket is stepped to define two different receiving surface planes. In this way, first and second modules can be coupled to the module support bracket while being arranged adjacent each other in a space conserving side-by side manner. This enables each module to be installed/removed in the same service direction through the same opening, thereby expediting and simplifying the removal and installation process. Moreover, only a single support bracket is required to couple the modules to a vehicle support structure, thereby reducing cost weight required for individual brackets for each module. 
         [0040]    It will be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, methodologies and/or functions between various examples may be expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art would appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise above.