Fig. 11.1. Instrument panel: 1 - control unit for headlight corrector and instrument cluster illumination brightness; 2 - lower instrument panel trim; 3 - instrument cluster; 4 - upper instrument cluster trim; 5 - central instrument panel trim; 6 - control unit for heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; 7 - head unit of the audio system; 8 - display; 9 - decorative instrument panel; 10 - Front passenger airbag; 11 - Glove box
The instrument panel (Fig. 11.1) is a collapsible structure consisting of a decorative panel and a frame.
A decorative panel is a molded plastic part that is bolted to the frame. With the help of removable elements, control devices, vehicle controls and the heating, air conditioning and ventilation system, nozzles of the heating and air conditioning system, a duffel box, as well as overlays that cover the nodes located under the instrument panel, or serve for installing devices and controls, are attached to the decorative panel.
On the reverse side of the decorative panel, air ducts for the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems are attached.
The frame, in turn, consists of steel reinforcement, to which the steering elements, wiring harnesses and devices of various electrical systems of the car are attached. The frame is bolted to the front pillars, to the front shield, to the base of the body and is part of its power structure.