FR2928897A1 - Fascia crosspiece and steering column assembly for motor vehicle, has fascia crosspiece connected to steering column by support, such that crosspiece passes under steering column, where support is connected to main tube of crosspiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly has a fascia crosspiece (1) connected to a steering column by a steering column support (2), such that the crosspiece passes under the steering column. The support is rigidly connected to a main tube (3) of the crosspiece. A steering column clamp is located above the crosspiece and fixed on the support, where the steering column includes adjustment systems along horizontal and vertical directions. A flywheel is integrated to the assembly by a fixation unit.

Description

DRIVING BOARD AND STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE.

The present invention relates to a set of cross member of the instrument panel and steering column for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. The classic architecture of a motor vehicle dashboard includes a cross member, and a steering column.

The dashboard cross member forms a support for various functional components of the motor vehicle, such as a dashboard, a steering column, an air bag, heating or air conditioning means. This cross is itself composed of a column support, and a main steel tube, which crosses the cockpit on both sides. The crossbar is mounted, by a double attachment, on the liners of the front wings right and left of the vehicle, respectively. It is also mounted, by a fixing, on the lower crossbeam. The crossbar is also connected, by one or two fasteners and via a strut, to the central tunnel. The steering column is fixed under the crossbar by four fasteners.

This type of dashboard architecture makes it possible to achieve the following two objectives: a sufficient rigidity at the level of the steering column and the steering wheel, so as not to raise annoying vibrations perceptible by the driver, and a limitation of the rise of the steering wheel during a frontal impact, so as to optimize the deployment of the airbag and the restraint of the driver. This type of architecture, however, presents difficulties of realization, among which the following difficulties: - the development of the connection, mentioned above, between the dashboard crossbar and the lower bay crossbar, designated also TIB link in the following text, this difficulty resulting from a compromise to achieve between a rigidity requirement to limit vibration and a deformability requirement to limit the rise of the steering wheel in the event of a frontal impact, - the fixing of this connection TIB, which requires the mounting operator to enter the vehicle to screw the fastening of the dashboard crossbar in the so-called combined area and then come to assemble the handset, its connection and its finishes, Another disadvantage is related to the mounting of the handset, that is to say of the part that groups together the dials and witnesses (tachometer, odometer, gas gauge, etc.) giving the driver the principal information relating to the operation of the vehicle. In the case where the handset is loaded on the steering column and can follow the movements of the steering wheel adjustment in the two adjustment axes, namely the height adjustment and depth adjustment, to improve the visibility of the handset by the driver , the handset quickly interferes with the dashboard transom tube. To overcome this difficulty, a first solution may be to remove the adjustment of the steering wheel in depth, but this results in significant ergonomic degradation for the driver.

Another solution is to bring the handset closer to the steering wheel, but this results in an increase in the visual effort provided by the driver to switch vision on the handset to the vision of the road, and vice versa.

Other dashboard or cockpit transom structures are known from the prior art.

Thus, by way of example, the document FR 2 739 602 describes a safety device incorporated into the structure of a motor vehicle. The front part of the structure - or fore-body - of a motor vehicle comprises a tubular cross member interconnecting the columns and serving for fixing the steering column and a knee protector. A connecting bar connects the cross member to a central tunnel and has a force limiter assembly area, in which two portions of the bar are slidable relative to one another with defined energy absorption during a collision. The movement of the steering wheel and the knee protector under impact is better controlled. Another example is known from document FR 2 874 581, which describes a dashboard cross member of a motor vehicle, which comprises a transverse bar, and at least one connecting flange. The cross bar and the connecting bar are made of different materials and the connecting flange is a magnesium-based alloy comprising at least 90% magnesium. By way of example also, document EP 0 841 241 B1 describes a cockpit cross member in a motor vehicle, mounted in the front part, as a stabilizing element in the event of a collision, at the level of a panel of instrumentation in the transverse direction of the vehicle and fixed at each end on opposite sides of the vehicle. On this crossbar is disposed at least one bearing seat provided to support a steering column shaft rotatably mounted on the cockpit cross member, said seat at least bearing being formed in one piece on the cockpit cross member. The object of the present invention is to provide a new assembly of cross member of the instrument panel and steering column for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, which makes it possible to have an on-board handset with the steering column along the two axes of the vehicle. adjusting the steering wheel while maintaining a so-called course of collapsability in case of shock. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new assembly of dashboard crossbar and steering column, which allows to have a handset that can follow the steering wheel settings in both directions of adjustment (horizontal and vertical ) with excellent handset visibility by the driver.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a set, which offers new style freedoms, and which improves accessibility to dashboard components, such as the empty pocket. Finally, it is also an object of the present invention to provide such a new set of dashboard crossbar and steering column, which is simple in design and construction, which is robust, reliable and economical. To achieve these aims, the present invention relates to a new assembly of dashboard crossbar and steering column for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. According to this new set, the dashboard crossbar passes under the steering column.

This assembly is fixed rigidly on the linings of the front wings right and left of the vehicle and, via a strut, on the vehicle floor structure. In addition, very advantageously, this new assembly of dashboard crossbar and steering column does not include attachment to the lower crossbeam of the vehicle. The dashboard cross member is connected to the steering column via a steering column support which is rigidly connected to the main tube of said crossbar. A steering column flange is attached to the steering column support for receiving the steering column, and this flange is located above the dashboard cross member. Preferably, this steering column flange is in the form of a sole, provided with bores for fastening screws on the steering column support. The steering wheel of the vehicle is integral with the assembly according to the invention, by means of fixing means on the steering column.

The steering column has an adjustment system in two directions, namely the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and a locking / unlocking system of said adjustment system by means of a locking control.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking control is constituted by a flange which loosens around a locking handle axis and thus releases the movements in the two adjustment directions.

According to this preferred embodiment of the invention also, the adjustment system comprises an inner slide, connected to the outer shaft of the steering column, and an outer slide, a control support of the steering wheel and the inner sliding slider in the outer slide via horizontally adjustable slides and guide pins to allow adjustment in the horizontal direction. Still according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the control support of the steering wheel and the inner slide, connected to the outer shaft of the steering column, can pivot about an axis of rotation of the steering column, to allow adjustment in the vertical direction.

According to a preferred embodiment also, the vehicle handset is secured to the inner slide via a handset mounting bracket, so that the handset is embedded on the steering column in both directions of adjustment . Preferably, the inner slide of the adjustment system can slide horizontally in the steering column flange during a major effort, thus allowing a so-called collapsability race, which limits the intrusion of the steering wheel into the passenger compartment, especially in case frontal shock.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which comprises a dashboard crossmember and a steering column arranged to form an assembly according to that described above in outline.

Other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment, not limiting the object and scope of the present patent application, accompanied by drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional dashboard architecture known from the prior art; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the technical problems posed by dashboard architectures according to the art. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dashboard cross member in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4 is a front view, in partial section, showing the steering column and its interfaces, according to FIG. principle of the present invention, FIGS. 5 and 6 are detailed partial sectional perspective views of the steering column control member according to the present invention; FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate the adjustments of the steering column and the on-board handset, according to the present invention; - FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the advantage of the dashboard architecture according to the invention in terms of freedom of style, and - Figure 9 illustrates, also schematically, the advantage of the dashboard architecture according to the invention in terms of accessibility of elements of the dashboard. Referring to Figure 1, a conventional dashboard architecture includes a dashboard cross member and a steering column. The dashboard crossbar, of general reference 1, is composed of a column support 2, a main tube 3 passing through on both sides and being fixed on the following elements: - a double fixation on the front wing liners, right and left, referenced 4 and 5, respectively, a fastener 6 on the lower bolster beam, 20 - one or two fasteners 7 on the floor structure of the vehicle, via A strut 8. By floor structure is meant in this text the floor of the vehicle, or for some vehicles the central tunnel. The steering column 9 is fixed under the crossbar by four fasteners 10. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, in the case of a handset, with a general reference numeral 11, embarked on the steering column and capable of follow the movements of the steering wheel adjustment according to the two adjustment axes, namely the height adjustment (illustrated by the arrows H) - or vertical adjustment - and the depth adjustment (illustrated by the 35 arrows P) - or horizontal adjustment, to improve the visibility of the handset 11 by the driver, the handset 11 comes quickly (arrow i) in interference with the main tube 3 of the dashboard crossbar 1. The present invention is based on a new principle of cross board described below with reference to FIG. 3. In this FIG. 3 and in the figures that follow, the parts and components that are identical or similar to the parts and components of the board architecture Figures 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

According to this new dashboard crosspiece principle, the crossbar 1 passes under the steering column, and the connection with the lower crossbeam is removed. The steering column is then fixed on the column support 2 by means of the fasteners 10.

It is important to note that the steering column in the architecture of the present invention, although located above the dashboard cross member, retains its position in the vehicle. This new crosspiece 1, as shown in FIG. 3, takes again the box interfaces described above with reference to FIG. 1. On the other hand, the fastening 6 (FIG. 1) of the column support 2 on the lower crossbar of FIG. exists more. The new column support 2 is thus reduced to its simplest expression, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 4, the application of this new principle of the dashboard crossbar makes it possible to to have a double-adjustable steering column (in height and depth) with interfaces on the column support: - the handset 11 is fixed on the steering column 9, the steering column 9 is fixed on the support of column 2, the column support 2 is welded to the main tube 3, the main tube 3 is taken up by the strut 8 and the lateral reinforcements by the left and right wing liner fasteners 4, 5, respectively - The flywheel 12 is fixed at its center on the steering column 9 (attachment 14). The reference 13 designates, as will be detailed below, the fixing zone of the handset 11 on the steering column 9. It should be noted that, in this new architecture of the transom of edge, the assembly mode described may be different welding, given only by way of non-limiting example of the object and scope of the invention. It may be an assembly by screwing, or assembly by any other means known per se. In the same way, in this new architecture of edge of edge, the materials used may be different from steel, given only by way of non-limiting example of the object and the scope of the invention.

It may be magnesium or aluminum or a mixture of aluminum and magnesium, or another suitable material Referring again to Figure 4, but also to Figures 5 and 6, which are detailed views of the steering column member, will now be described the operation of the steering column and its dual adjustment (adjustment in the vertical direction and adjustment in the horizontal direction). Adjustment is only possible after unlocking the system via a 9D lock control, which can be electric or manual. By operating the lock control 9D, the flange 15 (FIG. 6) loosens around the axis 9E and thus releases the movements in the vertical and horizontal directions.

The steering wheel 12 is secured to the steering column 9 via the fastener 14. The steering column 9 is integral with the column support 2 via the column flange 9L and the four fastening screws 10. The column support 2 is secured to the main tube 3 of the cross member 1 which is integral with the 5 left, respectively right, wing liner fasteners 4, respectively 5. The assembly consisting of the steering wheel 12, the steering column 9 and the cross member 1 of the dashboard is fixed to the vehicle body through the 10 fasteners mentioned above, referenced 4, 5 and 7. The steering column. The outer shaft 9I is free to rotate in the steering wheel control bracket by means of 15 bearings. The outer shaft 9I rotates the inner shaft 9H by its cross profile. The inner shaft 9H drives the steering rack (not shown) via a double universal joint 9J and thus allows the wheels of the vehicle to be rotated. The steering wheel control bracket is integral with the inner slide 9B, and this inner slide 9B is secured to the handset mounting bracket 9A. The flywheel control bracket and the parts 9I, 9B and 9A can slide in the outer slide 9C through the horizontal adjustment slides 9G and are guided by the axes 9E and 9M. The steering wheel control bracket and the parts 9I, 9B and 9A can pivot about the axis 9M and slide 30 in the groove 9F of the outer slide 9C. The outer slide 9C is stuck in the column flange 9L, which is fixed on the column support 2 by means of the four fasteners 10. The reference 9K denotes lateral return springs mounted on the outer slides 9C. Locking the command.

The locking of the 9D control makes it possible to immobilize the steering column in the two adjustment directions, namely the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

To adjust the steering column, the driver actuates the control 9D which pivots about the axis 9E and rotates the cam 15 which releases the clamping stresses on the inner slides 9B and the outer slides 9C at the groove 9F.

Thus, the steering column can be adjusted in both directions of adjustment. Adjustment in the horizontal direction. After unlocking the control 9D, the driver, via the steering wheel 12, can slide the steering column 9 through the outer shaft 9I which slides in the inner shaft 9H and causes all parts 9A and 9B, which assembly slides in the outer slide 9C through the groove 9G.

Once the setting position is found, the driver locks the control 9D, which puts the external slide 9C into constraint by means of the cam 15. Thus, the adjustment of the column is locked and the driver is not likely to see his steering wheel move. when driving. The adjustment in the vertical direction. After unlocking the control 9D, the driver, via the steering wheel 12, can rotate the steering column 9 through the inner shaft 9I which pivots about the axis 9M and slides in the groove 9F setting. Once the setting position is found, the driver locks the control 9D, which puts the external slide 9C into constraint by means of the cam 15. Thus, the adjustment of the column is locked and the driver is not likely to see his steering wheel move. when driving.

Fixing the handset. The handset mounting bracket 9A is integral with the inner slide 9B which translates into the outer slide 9C through the horizontal slide 9G. The handset 11 is attached to the steering column 9 via the handset mounting bracket 9A, 11A and four setscrews 13. Collapsability.

Collapsability is an action that allows the steering column to retract on itself during a frontal impact, to limit the intrusion of the steering wheel into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and thus avoid causing damage to the driver .

The column flange 9C is fixed on the column support 2 by means of four fixing screws 10. The inner slide 9C can slide horizontally in the flange 9L during a major effort. This effort is calibrated and can not be done by the driver. The setting of the column and the on-board handset. FIGS. 7A to 7E show the settings of the assembly constituted by the steering column with the on-board handset, which assembly is mounted on a dashboard cross member according to the present invention. FIG. 7A illustrates the pulled up position, FIG. 7B the lowered position, FIG. 7C the pushed down position, FIG. 7D the pushed up position and FIG. 7E the collapsed position under the action of a shock symbolized by FIG. arrow F. Note that having placed the dashboard crossbar 1 under the steering column 9 allows the handset to have a travel relative to the steering column in both directions of adjustment, and have collapsability in case of frontal impact. This while respecting the recommended distance between the handset and the eye point in nominal position. Such a result can not be achieved with a conventional dashboard crossbar, positioned above the steering column.

With reference to the drawing of FIG. 8, it will also be noted that the cross member according to the invention, represented by its main tube 3, being lower than a conventional cross member illustrated by the reference T, the cross member 3 according to the invention makes it possible to to have a dashboard synthesis in central area that gives new liberties of style. For example, it is possible to position a double car radio 20 in the central zone in an ergonomic position allowing, if necessary, to have a touch screen. This arrangement is not possible with a conventional T cross, unless the kink and deform, which would lead to an overweight of about 1 kg and a loss of performance vibratory. With reference to the drawing of FIG. 9, it will also be noted that the cross member of the invention, also represented by its main tube 3, makes it possible to have a dashboard synthesis in a passenger zone which improves the accessibility to the trough 30 The improved accessibility pocket-pocket 30 is then configured in a new way with respect to a conventional vacuum-pocket, referenced V and represented in short broken lines. The passenger can then access the new empty pocket 30 without having the door that falls on his lap. The passenger can see inside the empty-pocket 30 without having to bend the head to the lower part of the dashboard. The present invention has many advantages, among which the following advantages: it allows to have an on-board handset with the steering column in both directions of adjustment, while maintaining the race of collapsability in case of shock, the suppression the connection with the lower cross-bay allows to remove a hard-to-access fastener, and, consequently, the handset can be mounted in a preparation station, which eliminates difficult mounting operations in the vehicle, have a combined on-the-steering column, which can follow the steering wheel settings in both adjustment directions (horizontal and vertical) by improving the visibility of the handset by the driver, - it allows to have a steering column that can collapse during a frontal collision without encountering any obstacle at the handset, - it allows to have a synthesis dashboard 15 in central zone which gives new freedom of style, it also allows to have a dashboard synthesis in passenger area which improves the accessibility to the empty pocket, the passenger can then access it without having the door that falls on his knees and can see it inside without having to bend your head to the lower part of the dashboard. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown above by way of example; other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. Dashboard crossbar (1) and steering column (9) assembly mounted on the crossmember (1) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that the dashboard crossmember (1) is connected to the steering column (9) so that said crossbar (1) passes under the steering column (9). 2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it is fixed rigidly on the linings of the front wings right and left and, via a strut (8), on the floor structure of the vehicle , and in that it does not include fixing on the lower crossbeam of the vehicle. 3. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the dashboard cross member (1) is connected to the steering column (9) via a steering column support (2) which is rigidly connected. to the main tube (3) of said crossbar (1). 4. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that a steering column flange (9L) is fixed on the steering column support (2) to receive the steering column (9), said flange (9L) being located above the dashboard cross member (1). 5. An assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that said steering column flange (9L) has the shape of a sole, provided with bores for fixing screws (10) of said flange (9L) on the steering column support (2). 6. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wheel is secured to said assembly by means of fixing means (14) on the steering column (9). 7. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the steering column (9) has a control system in two directions, namely the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and a locking system / unlocking said adjustment system by means of a lock control (9D). 8. Set according to the direction 7, characterized in that said locking control (9D) is constituted by a flange (15) which loosen around an axis (9E) and thus releases the movements in the two adjustment directions. 9. Assembly according to any one of claims 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that said adjustment system comprises an inner slide (9B) connected to the outer shaft (9I) of the steering column, an outer slide ( 9C), the steering wheel control bracket (9N) and the inner slide (9B) slidable in the outer slide (9C) through horizontal adjustment slides (9G) and guide pins (9E, 9M). ), to allow adjustment in the horizontal direction. 10. An assembly according to any one of claims 6, 7, 8 and 9, characterized in that said steering wheel control bracket (9N) and the inner slide (9B) connected to the outer shaft (9I) of the column steering can pivot about an axis of rotation of the steering column to allow adjustment in the vertical direction. 11. An assembly according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the handset (11) is secured to the inner slide (9B) via a handset mounting bracket (9A), so that the handset (11) is embarked on the steering column (9) in both directions of adjustment. 12. An assembly according to any one of claims 4, 9, 10, 11, characterized in that said inner slide (9C) of the adjusting system is slidable horizontally in the steering column flange (9L) during an effort important, allowing a collapsability race that limits the intrusion of the steering wheel into the cabin, especially in case of frontal impact. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a dashboard cross member (1) and a steering column (9) arranged to form an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.15