JP4496592B2 - Instrumental force - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is arranged along the width direction of a vehicle body inside a dashboard of an automobile, and for fixing a mounting bracket for supporting a steering shaft, various instruments, an air conditioner, an airbag, or the like. About instrument panel reinforcement.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In general, as shown in FIG. 10A, the instrument panel reinforcement 190 has a large-diameter steel pipe 191 on the driver side where the steering wheel 194 is located, and a small-diameter steel pipe 192 located on the passenger seat side. At the same time, both are welded to the tapered tube 193 and connected. Thin pipes are used for the steel pipes 191 and 192. For the tapered pipe 193, for example, the steel pipes 191 and 192 are welded by bending a thin steel plate so that both axes are concentric or eccentric, or the pipe is drawn. The steel pipe 191 etc. are welded to both ends.
  An airbag mounting bracket 197 is welded to the small diameter steel pipe 192, and a steering shaft 195 of the steering wheel 194 is supported to the large diameter steel pipe 191 as shown in FIG. A steering column bracket 196 is welded.
[0003]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, a mounting bracket 198 such as an air conditioner is welded to the taper tube 193, and a body mounting bracket 199 made of a steel material is attached to the outer ends of the steel pipes 191 and 192. Each is welded.
  In addition, the instrument panel reinforcement 190 extends over the entire surface of each part having the complicated shape as described above, and is coated with a black paint film for rust prevention.
  However, the instrument panel reinforcement 190 formed from a steel material such as a steel pipe is not preferable from the viewpoint of fuel efficiency and the environment of the automobile because the overall weight increases. In addition, many welding operations with different specifications are required, which is cumbersome and requires a lot of man-hours. Further, since a coating for rust prevention is added, man-hours are required for further assembly.
  Note that the outer diameters of the steel pipes 191 and 192 are different as described above because the external force applied through the components attached to these pipes is large on the driver's seat side and small on the passenger seat side, and the weight of the vehicle body is reduced. This is because the interior volume of the vehicle is effectively used to increase the volume of the glow box or the like.
[0004]
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems in the conventional techniques described above, to reduce the overall weight, to reduce the number of assembly steps, and to provide an instrument panel reinforcement suitable for recycling.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention utilizes a hollow extruded profile of an aluminum alloy for a pair of beams constituting an instrument panel reinforcement, and is bolted.eyesIt was made with a focus on application.
  That is, the instrument panel reinforcement according to the present invention (Claim 1) is mounted on an automobile and is made of an aluminum alloy hollow extruded shape, and has a pair of left and right beams having different cross-sectional shapes, and an intervening space between the pair of beams. And with both beamsboltStopMedeAnd a coupler that couples the pair of beams by fixing.Only,The coupler is a cylindrical body located between beam ends where the pair of beams overlap and fit, a concave groove opening in the hollow portion, and a through hole penetrating the concave groove, Is formed,The end of the beam with a small cross-sectional shape is fitted into the hollow portion of the coupler so that the head of the blind nut fixed in advance in the through hole of the beam with a small cross-sectional shape is accommodated in the groove.,The coupling tool is fitted into the hollow portion at the end of the beam having a large cross-sectional shape, and the coupling tool is interposed between the pair of beams.,A bolt inserted into the through hole of the beam having a large cross-sectional shape and the through hole of the connector is screwed to the female thread portion of the blind nut.It is characterized by that.
[0006]
  According to this, a pair of beams is made of aluminum alloy.Hollow pushSince it is made of a molded material, the overall weight can be reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the mounted vehicle can be improved. Moreover,Between the ends of a pair of beams having different cross-sectional shapes,boltAnd blindNatsuWithLess man-hours consisting of a simple process with only fasteningRapidlyAssembled. Furthermore, since it is a material suitable for recycling and has high fuel efficiency, it is possible to obtain an instrument panel reinforcement that is preferable from an environmental point of view.
  The size of the cross-sectional shape indicates a form in which the outer diameter of the pair of beams is a large diameter and a thin diameter, and a form in which the cross-sectional shape is large or small.
  Furthermore, an aluminum alloy is preferable for the connector because of ease of recycling, but a cast or forged product made of other metals and alloys can also be used, and a resin molded product having high strength can be applied. . Further, a cowl toe brace connected to the cowl, a floor brace connected to the floor, and the like can be integrated with the connecting tool.
[0007]
  The pair of beams are substantially similar in cross section.AndThe axis of each otherCoaxial orIt is fixed to the connector in an eccentric state,Instrumental force(Claim 2)Is also included.
  According to this, according to the type of the vehicle to be mounted and the position of the brackets to be mounted, the instrument panel reinforcement of the required shape and form can be easily achieved simply by fixing the pair of beams to the above-mentioned coupler. Can be formed, and design restrictions in the vicinity of the dashboard can be reduced.
  Further, the pair of beams includes an instrument panel reinforcement including a hollow portion along an axial center and having an irregular cross section such as a circular shape, a regular polygon shape, or a deformed polygon shape.(Claim 3)Is also included.
  According to this, since an arbitrary cross-sectional shape can be obtained, the weight can be further reduced, and inadvertent rotation of the beam after assembly can be prevented, and mechanical means with brackets attached to a pair of beams Can be easily fixed, and the assembly work can be further simplified.
[0008]
  Also,A pair of concave grooves that open into the hollow portion of the connector and through holes that pass through the concave grooves are formed symmetrically, and the cross-sectional shape of the pair of blind nuts fixed to the pair of through holes is large. An instrument panel reinforcement (Claim 4) is also included, which is formed by screwing the bolts inserted into a pair of through holes provided symmetrically with the beam..
[0009]
  Further, a body connection bracket fixed by mechanical means such as screwing while being fitted to the outer end portions is fixed to both outer end portions of the pair of beams fixed and connected via the connecting tool. Instrument panel reinforcement(Claim 5)Is also included.
  Accordingly, the body connecting bracket having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of each beam can be easily fixed at each outer end portion of the pair of beams having large and small cross sections.
[0010]
  still,UpBracketIsIn addition to a cast or forged product made of aluminum alloy or the like, it is also possible to apply a resin molded product having high strength.
  The body connection bracket includes an instrument panel reinforcement including an enclosure portion or an insertion portion fitted to each outer end portion of the pair of beams, and a flange integrally provided at one end thereof.(Claim 6)Is also included.
  According to this, since the outer end portion of each beam can be easily prevented from moving in the axial direction, the pair of beams can be safely and reliably connected to the body.
[0011]
  Furthermore,An instrument panel reinforcement (Claim 7) is also included in which a steering shaft mounting bracket having a holding portion that surrounds the beam and is orthogonal to the beam is fixed to a beam having a large cross section among the beams..
[0012]
ThisAccording to this, the bracket for mounting the steering shaft can be easily fixed to a beam having a large cross section, and for example, an instrument panel reinforcement in which the bracket is fixed in advance can be formed. Is also possible.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
  FIG. 1 (A) shows the present invention.Assumed reference formThe front view of the instrument panel reinforcement 1 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1E, the instrument panel reinforcement 1 includes a right-side large-diameter beam 2 and a left-side small-diameter beam 4 in an automobile having a right steering wheel. The beams 2 and 4 are made of an extruded shape of an aluminum alloy (JIS: A6063, A6N01, A6061, etc.). Between the beams 2 and 4, as shown in FIG. 1D, a cylindrical connector (cylindrical body) 6 having a hollow portion 7 is interposed. In addition, although it is desirable to use the extruded material of the aluminum alloy similar to the above and the shaped material by the backward extrusion method, the connecting tool 6 may be a cast product such as a forged product or a die cast.
  As shown in FIG. 1C, the connector 6 is inserted into the hollow portion 3 at the left end portion of the beam 2, and the right end portion of the beam 4 is inserted into the hollow portion 7 of the connector 6. In this state, as shown in FIG. 1 (F), a bolt 8 is passed through the through hole 2a of the beam 2, the upper and lower through holes 6a of the coupler 6, and the through hole 4a and the hollow portion 5 of the beam 4, and a washer. The nut 10 is fastened through 9. As a result, the beams 2 and 4 are connected via the connector 6 in a state where the axes coincide with each other.
[0014]
    As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1F, body connection brackets 11 and 15 are symmetrically fixed to both outer ends of the beams 2 and 4. Both are cast products made of an aluminum alloy having cylindrical surrounding portions 13 and 17 into which the outer end portions of the beams 2 and 4 are inserted and fitted, and rectangular flanges 12 and 16 integrally provided at one end thereof. It is. A pair of upper and lower through holes 13a, 17a are perforated in the surrounding parts 13, 17, and as shown in FIG. 1 (F), the inner peripheral parts 14, 18 of the surrounding parts 13, 17 and the hollow parts of the beams 2, 4 3 and 5, bolts 8 a and 8 b are passed through, and a nut 10 is fastened through a washer 9. Thereby, the brackets 11 and 15 are individually fixed to the outer ends of the beams 2 and 4.
  The flanges 12 and 16 are perforated with a plurality of through-holes 12a and 16a for penetrating bolts for connecting the instrument panel reinforcement 1 as described above to an automobile (not shown).
[0015]
  Like the aboveReference formAccording to the instrument panel reinforcement 1, since the aluminum alloy is used for the left and right beams 2, 4, the coupler 6, and the body connecting brackets 11, 15, the overall weight can be reduced, and the fuel efficiency of an automobile equipped with this can be reduced. Enhanced. In addition, since it is difficult to rust and the strength is not easily lowered, the durability is improved, it is suitable for recycling, and it is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load by improving the combustion efficiency. Furthermore, since it can be assembled with a small number of man-hours consisting only of a simple process of fastening the bolts 8 and nuts 10, it can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively.
[0016]
  Figure 2 is differentreferenceFormAnd embodiments of the inventionThis connector and thisEtIt relates to instrument panel reinforcement using In the following description, common symbols are used for the same elements and the like as those in the above embodiment.
  FIG. 2A shows a cylindrical shape in which the hollow portion 7 is eccentric with respect to the axis.Reference formA connector (tubular body) 6 'is shown. As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the connecting tool 6 'is interposed between the large-diameter and thin-diameter beams 2 and 4, and a nut 10 is fastened to a bolt 8 that penetrates these beams in the same manner as described above. It is possible to form an instrument panel reinforcement 1 'including beams 2 and 4 whose shaft centers are eccentrically connected. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange in a predetermined position in the automobile with good fit. Note that an extruded shape of an aluminum alloy is used as a suitable material for the connecting member 6 '.
[0017]
  FIG. 2C shows a cylindrical shape in which a pair of concave grooves 23 are formed symmetrically in the hollow portion 22.Presenting the present inventionA connecting tool (tubular body) 20 is shown, and a pair of through holes 24 are perforated through each concave groove 23.
  As shown in FIG. 2D, a blind nut 28 is fixed in advance in the through hole 4 a of the beam 4, and the connector 20 is interposed between the beams 2 and 4. At this time, the head of the nut 28 is accommodated in each concave groove 23 of the connector 20. In this state, bolts 25 are inserted into the left and right through holes 2a of the beam 2 and the through holes 24 of the connector 20 via the washers 26, and are screwed to the female thread portion 27 of the nut 28. As a result, the beams 2 and 4 are connected coaxially via the connector 20 by a pair of short bolts 25.Of the present inventionThe instrument panel reinforcement 1a can be easily formed.
  FIG. 2 (E) shows a cylindrical shape in which the hollow portion 22 is eccentric with respect to the axis.Presenting the present inventionThe connecting tool (cylindrical body) 20 'is shown, and has a concave groove 23 and a through hole 24 similar to those described above.
  As shown in FIG. 2 (F), the connecting shaft 20 'is interposed between the beams 2 and 4 in the same manner as described above, and the bolts 25 and the blind nut 28 are screw-coupled to each other so that the shafts are eccentric. Connect beams 2 and 4Of the present inventionThe instrument panel reinforcement 1a 'can be easily formed.
[0018]
  3 is further differentreferenceForm connector and using thisReference formAbout instrument panel reinforcement. As shown in FIG.Reference formThe connector 30 is made of an extruded aluminum alloy member having a cross-shaped cross section in which a horizontal piece 31 and a vertical piece 32 are orthogonal to each other, and is located at a position from the left end face to the right end along the axial direction in the drawing. A pair of slits (internal fitting portions) 33 and 34 having a curved cross section are formed in the middle between the horizontal piece 31 and the vertical piece 32. Each of the slits 33 and 34 coincides with one circular locus when viewed from the left end side in FIG. Further, screw through holes 35a, 36a penetrating from the curved outer curved surface (outer fitting portion) of the horizontal piece 31 and the vertical piece 32 to the slits 33, 34 are formed, and further, the screw through holes 35a, Screw holes 35b and 36b that enter toward the center of the horizontal piece 31 or the vertical piece 32 on the same axis as 36a are formed.
[0019]
  As shown in FIG. 3B, the four outer curved surfaces of the horizontal piece 31 and the vertical piece 32 of the coupling tool 30 are inserted while being brought into contact with the hollow portion 3 at the end of the large-diameter beam 2, and the opposite The ends of the narrow beam 4 are inserted into the slits 33 and 34 from the side. In this state, the coupling tool 30 is inserted by screwing a bolt 37 through the washer 38 through the through holes 2a of the beams 2, 4 on the upper, lower, left and right sides and the screw through holes 35a, 36a. An instrument panel reinforcement in which the beams 2 and 4 are concentrically connected to each other can be easily formed with high accuracy.
[0020]
  In FIG. 3C, the slits 33 and 34 are formed so as to be decentered downward in the drawing with respect to the axis.Reference formA connector 30 'is shown. As shown in FIG. 3D, in the same manner as described above, the coupling tool 30 'is interposed between the end portions of the beams 2 and 4, and the bolts 37 are screwed together so that the beams 2 are eccentric in their axes. An instrument panel reinforcement in which 4 is connected can be easily formed. Note that the couplers 30 and 30 ′ can be formed by precision casting or forging of an aluminum alloy or the like including the slits 33 and 34.
  The slits 33 and 34 are preferably curved cross-sectional shapes that coincide with the ends of the beam 4. However, if the end of the beam 4 can be inserted, the slits 33 and 34 may have a straight cross-sectional shape that does not curve. Also, the screw holes 35a, 36a are shifted in position so that they do not interfere with each other, and through holes that pass through the horizontal piece 31 or the vertical piece 32 are inserted through these through bolts (not shown) and a nut is fastened. In this way, it is possible to easily form an instrument panel reinforcement.
[0021]
  As shown in FIG.Reference formThe connector 40 has a large-diameter portion (inner fitting portion) 41 and a small-diameter portion (inner fitting portion) 46 that are substantially similar to each other in cross section and are coaxially integrated. 47 and a cast or forged product made of a cross-shaped aluminum alloy in which the horizontal pieces 43 and 48 are orthogonal to each other. Further, screw holes 44 and 49 are formed near the center of the curved outer curved surfaces of the vertical pieces 42 and 47 and the horizontal pieces 43 and 48, respectively. Further, between the large diameter portion 41 and the small diameter portion 46, four vertical step portions 45 are positioned symmetrically in the vertical and horizontal directions.
  As shown in FIG. 3F, the four outer curved surfaces of the vertical piece 42 and the horizontal piece 44 in the large-diameter portion 41 of the coupler 40 are brought into contact with the inside of the hollow portion 3 at the end of the large-diameter beam 2. The large-diameter portion 41 is fitted. Further, the hollow portion 5 at the end of the small-diameter beam 4 is brought into contact with the four outer curved surfaces of the vertical piece 47 and the horizontal piece 48 in the small-diameter portion 46 while the small-diameter portion 46 itself is a hollow portion. 5 and the end face of the beam 4 is brought into contact with each step 45.
[0022]
  As described above, the bolts 37 are screwed into the through holes 2a and 4a of the beams 2 and 4 and the screw holes 44 and 49 through the washer 38 in a state where the coupling tool 40 and the beams 2 and 4 are fitted. As a result, the beams 2 and 4 are coaxially connected via the connector 40.Reference formInstrument panel formation is easy and accurateIn successwear.
  In addition, by using a coupling tool (not shown) in which the large-diameter portion 41 and the small-diameter portion 46 in the coupling tool 40 are integrated with each axis being eccentric, the mutual axial centers similar to those in FIG. Connected eccentric beams 2 and 4Reference formEasily shape instrument panel reinforcementIn successwear.
[0023]
  A pair of through-holes that penetrate the vertical piece 42 and the horizontal piece 44 and do not interfere with each other are drilled, a through bolt (not shown) is inserted through a washer, and a nut is fastened to easily make an instrument panel reinforcement. Can also be formed.
  Further, the beams 2 and 4 may have cross sections that are not similar to each other. Alternatively, due to the dimensional relationship of the beams 2 and 4 and the eccentric forms of the mutual axial centers, the cross sections of the beams 2 and 4 overlap each other, and the dimensional relationship is such that the thin beam 4 cannot be inserted into the large beam 2. It is also possible.
  Further, a resin molded body having high strength such as polycarbonate can be applied to the connector 40.
[0024]
  FIG. 4 is different from the above.referenceCONNECTOR AND BEAM HAVING FORM, AND USING THEMReference formAbout instrument panel reinforcement.
  FIG. 4 (A),(B) shows the front and back sidesReference formThe connector 50 includes a disk-shaped base 51, four thin-walled arc pieces 52 that are symmetrically erected from a part of the same circular locus on the left side surface of the base portion 51 in the drawing, and a right side surface of the base portion 51. A thick walled four circular arc piece 56 is integrally provided on the inner side of the outer peripheral edge 57 in the same manner. The centers of the arc pieces 52 and 56 are at the same position as the axis of the base 51.
  Further, between the arc pieces 52 and between the arc pieces 56, gaps 53, 58 are formed at the same position on both side surfaces of the base 51, and a through hole 55 is formed in the base 51 sandwiched therebetween. . Inside the four arc pieces 52, four through holes 54 penetrating the base 51 are formed at equal intervals. Each arc piece 52, 56 forms one outer / inner fitting portion as a whole. The connector 50 is a cast or forged product made of an aluminum alloy or the resin.
[0025]
  FIG. 4C shows an end face of a large-diameter beam 2b made of an extruded profile, and screw holes 2c are projected along the longitudinal direction at four positions in the hollow portion 3 at equal intervals. A screw hole 4c is similarly formed in the thin beam 4b.
  As shown in FIG. 4D, the end of the beam 4b is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of each arc piece 52 in the connector 50, and the self-tapping bolt 59 is inserted through the through hole 54 from the right side surface of the base 51 in the drawing. Is screwed into the screw hole 4c. Next, the end of the beam 2b is inserted on the outer peripheral surface of each arc piece 56 in the connector 50, and the self-tapping bolt 59 is screwed into the screw hole 2c through the through hole 55 from the left side surface of the base 51 in the drawing. As a result, the beams 2b and 4b are coaxially connected via the connector 50.Reference formEasy and accurate instrument panel reinforcementIn successwear.
[0026]
  In addition, the center of each arc piece 52,56 is each arrange | positioned in the different position in the front and back of the base 51, and each arc piece 52,56 is provided in the position which mutually decenters, and the beam 2b from which each axis center was eccentric. , 4b connectedReference formEasily shape instrument panel reinforcementIn successwear. Further, the connector 50 can be applied by making necessary changes between beams having a cross-sectional shape other than a circular cross-section. However, in any case, the position of the bolt 59 is adjusted to the position of the screw hole 2c or the like.
[0027]
  Fig. 4 (E),Shown in (F)Reference formThe connector 60 includes a disc-shaped base 61, a sleeve (outer fitting portion) 62 erected concentrically with the base 61 on the left side surface of the base 61 in FIG. 4E, and an inner peripheral portion 63 thereof. And a pair of through holes 64 drilled symmetrically in the base 61 on the bottom surface. Further, on the right side surface of the base 61 in FIG. 4 (F), a pair of circular arc pieces (internal fitting portions) which are part of the same circular locus and are symmetrical and thick on the inner side of the outer peripheral edge 65. 66) stands upright, and a cylindrical gap 68 is formed between both ends of the arc pieces 66, 66. One end of the through hole 64 is opened in the gap 68.
  Further, a circular groove is formed across the center of each gap 68 and forms a circular locus, and a ring groove 67 located inside each arc piece 66 is provided, and a thick abbreviation surrounded by each gap 68 and ring groove 67. A cylindrical central portion 69 projects. In addition, a screw hole 69 a is formed in the center of the outer peripheral surface of each arc piece 66 so as to cross the ring groove 67 and reach the center portion 69 from here.
[0028]
  As shown in FIG. 4 (G), after inserting the end portion of the narrow beam 4b into the inner peripheral portion 63 of the sleeve 62 in the connector 60 and aligning each screw hole 4c with each through hole 64, A self-tapping bolt 59 is screwed into the screw hole 4c through the through hole 64 from the opposite side. Next, the large-diameter beam 2 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of each arc piece 66 while contacting the hollow portion 3, and the end surface is applied to the outer peripheral edge 65, and then the bolt 2 is inserted from the through hole 2 a of the beam 2. 59 is screwed into the screw hole 69a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4G, the beams 2 and 4b are coaxially connected via the connector 60.Reference formAn instrument panel reinforcement can be formed easily and accurately.
[0029]
  4 (G), as indicated by a broken line in the figure, the beam 2 is a double tube in which a concentric inner ring portion 2d is provided in the hollow portion 3, and the beam 4b is concentric to the outside. A form in which the outer ring portion 4d is provided as a double tube and both beams 2 and 4b are connected via a connecting tool 60 is also shown. In the beams 2 and 4b, the web (not shown) that supports the inner and outer ring portions 2d and 4d is cut out in advance at the end portion near the connector 60.
  The end portions of the beam 4b and its outer ring portion 4d are fitted to the inner and outer peripheral portions of the sleeve 62 of the connector 60, and from the right side of the through hole 64 of the connector 60 toward the screw hole 4c of the beam 4b. The bolt 59 is screwed in. Next, the end of the beam 2 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral edge 65 of the connector 60 and the end of the inner ring portion 2d of the beam 2 is fitted into the ring groove 67, and the bolt 59 is inserted into the through hole of the beam 2. It can also be screwed into the central part 69 through 2a and the screw hole 69a. In this case, the sleeve 62 becomes the inner / outer fitting portion, the ring groove 67 becomes the inner fitting portion, and the arc piece 66 becomes the outer fitting portion.
  According to the connecting tool 60 as described above, the beams 2 and 4b having different diameters can be easily connected concentrically with each other.
[0030]
  Fig. 4 (H),(I) shows the left and right sidesReference formThe connector 70 includes a disk-shaped base 71, a sleeve (outer fitting portion) 72 that is eccentric from the base 71 on the left side surface of the base 71 in FIG. 4H, and an inner peripheral portion 73 thereof. And a pair of through-holes 74 drilled symmetrically in the base 71 on the bottom surface. In FIG. 4I, a sleeve (inner fitting portion) 76 concentric with the base 71 is provided on the right side surface of the base 71 on the inner side of the outer peripheral edge 75, and a pair of through holes 78 are perforated. Has been. That is, the sleeves 72 and 76 are formed eccentrically. The through hole 74 is opened on the bottom surface of the inner peripheral portion 77 of the sleeve 76.
[0031]
  As shown in FIG. 4 (J), after inserting the end portion of the narrow beam 4b into the inner peripheral portion 73 of the sleeve 72 in the connector 70 and aligning each screw hole 4c with each through hole 74, The self-tapping bolt 59 is screwed into the screw hole 4c through the through hole 74 from the opposite side. Next, the end face of the large-diameter beam 2 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral edge 75 while the hollow portion 3 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 76, and then the blind rivet 79 is inserted into the through-hole 78 from the through-hole 2 a of the beam 2. To be placed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 (J), the beams 2 and 4b are eccentrically connected to each other via the connector 70.Reference formEasy and accurate instrument panel reinforcementIn successwear. Further, instead of the blind rivet 79, an instrument panel reinforcement can be formed by passing a through bolt through a washer and then fastening a nut.
[0032]
  FIG. 5A is different from the above.referenceAn instrument panel reinforcement 80 in the form is shown.
  The instrument panel reinforcement 80 includes a large-diameter beam 82 and a left-side thin beam 84 made of the extruded material on the right side in FIG. 5 (A). The beams 82 and 84 have flat surfaces 82a and 84a in part along the entire length in the longitudinal direction, together with the substantially semicircular hollow portions 83 and 85. A connecting tool (tubular body) 86 is interposed between the beams 82 and 84, and also has a flat portion 86a. That is, the beams 82 and 84 and the coupler 86 have a substantially semicircular cross-section that is similar to each other. As shown in FIG. 8A, the connector 86 is inserted into the hollow portion 83 at the left end portion of the beam 82, and the right end portion of the beam 84 is inserted into the hollow portion. In this state, the nuts are fastened to the bolts penetrating the beams 82 and 84, the connecting tool 86, and the hollow portion 85 in the same manner as in FIG. Thereby, the beams 82 and 84 are coaxially connected via the connector 86.
[0033]
  Further, body connecting brackets 87 and 88 are fixed symmetrically to both outer ends of the beams 82 and 84. The two are integrally formed by surrounding portions 87a and 88a having a substantially cylindrical shape and a flat portion into which the outer ends of the beams 82 and 84 are inserted and fitted, and rectangular flanges 89 and 89 integrally provided at one end thereof. This is a cast product made of an aluminum alloy.
In the same manner as shown in FIG. 1 (F), bolts pass through the surrounding portions 87a and 88a together with the outer ends of the beams 82 and 84, and nuts are fastened thereto. Thereby, the brackets 87 and 88 are individually fixed to the outer ends of the beams 82 and 84. Each flange 89 has a plurality of through holes 89a for penetrating bolts for connecting the instrument panel 80 as described above to an automobile (not shown).
[0034]
  Like the aboveReference formIn the instrument panel reinforcement 80, the beams 82 and 84, and the coupler 86 have a non-circular and irregular cross-section having a flat surface 82a and the like, so that they can be easily and accurately fitted to each other, and The bolt can be inserted and the nut can be fastened in a stable state.
  FIG. 5 (B) shows the use state of the instrument panel reinforcement 80, and the steering column bracket 92 attached to the steering shaft 91 of the steering wheel 90 is made flat using the flat surface 82 a of the large-diameter beam 82. It can be firmly fixed with a bolt or the like (not shown) in a stable posture in contact with the surface 82a. The flat surface 82a and the flat surface 84a of the thin beam 84 can be utilized to fix and attach an air bag mounting bracket, an air conditioner mounting bracket, a cowl brace, a floor brace, or the like (not shown). is there.
[0035]
  5 (C)-(H) have non-circular cross sections.Applicable to the present inventionRegarding the beam. Here, both large diameter (large diameter) and small diameter (small diameter) beams having similar cross sections are shown in common.
  A beam 93 shown in FIG. 5C is made of a hollow extruded profile and has a regular pentagonal cross section, and a beam 94 shown in FIG. 5D has a regular hexagonal cross section. 5E has a regular octagonal cross section, and the beam 96 illustrated in FIG. 5F has a regular dodecagonal cross section. Furthermore, the beam 97 shown in FIG. 5 (G) has a substantially rectangular cross section made of a hollow extruded shape with rounded corners, and flat surfaces 97a on a pair of upper and lower long sides. In addition, a beam 98 shown in FIG. 5 (H) is a hollow shape member having an oval cross section, and has a pair of flat surfaces 98a on the top and bottom in the drawing.
  Similar to the instrument panel reinforcement 80, these beams 93 to 98 can be easily connected to a large-diameter beam and a small-diameter beam via a connector having a similar cross section, and utilize the flat portion 97a on the outer peripheral surface. By doing so, various brackets can be easily fixed. Moreover, it is easy to make the cross sections of the beams 93 to 96 into respective deformed polygons by using extruded profiles.
[0036]
  FIG. 6 has a circular cross sectionReference formRegarding the beam. Here, both the large-diameter beam and the small-diameter beam having similar cross sections are shown in common.
  A beam 100 shown in FIG. 6 (A) is made of an extruded shape of an aluminum alloy, has a circular cross section including a hollow portion 101, and has four protrusions 102 on the outer peripheral surface 103 along the axial direction. Are projected along the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Such a beam 100 is enhanced in rigidity by each protrusion 102. Further, when both the large-diameter beam and the small-diameter beam are used as the beam 100, a concave groove for receiving each protrusion 102 of the small-diameter beam 100 is provided in advance in the connecting member interposed between the two beams. To form.
The rotation of the beam 100 can be prevented by fitting the protrusion 102 and the groove.
[0037]
  A beam 104 shown in FIG. 6B is also made of an extruded shape of an aluminum alloy, has a circular cross section including a hollow portion 105, and has four cross sections on the inner peripheral surface 105 along the axial direction. The protrusion 106 is symmetrical and protrudes along the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Such a beam 104 is enhanced in rigidity by each protrusion 106. Further, when both the large-diameter beam and the small-diameter beam are used as the beam 104, a concave groove for receiving at least each of the protrusions 106 of the large-diameter beam 104 is provided in advance in the hollow portion of the coupler interposed therebetween. It is desirable to form on the inner peripheral surface. The rotation of the beam 104 can be prevented by fitting the protrusion 106 and the groove.
[0038]
  Further, the beam 108 shown in FIG. 6 (C) is also made of an extruded shape, has a circular cross section including the hollow portion 110, and has four wide curved ridges 114 along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And a groove 112 between them is provided so as to be symmetrical to each other and along the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Such a beam 108 is enhanced in rigidity by each protrusion 114.
In addition, when both the large-diameter beam and the small-diameter beam are used as the beam 108, a concave groove for receiving each protrusion 114 of the small-diameter beam 108 is provided in advance on the inner periphery of the hollow portion. It is desirable to form on the surface. The rotation of the beam 108 can be prevented by fitting the protrusion 114 and the concave groove.
[0039]
  In addition, the beam 116 shown in FIG. 6 (D) is also formed of an extruded shape, and has four cross-sectional fan-shaped hollow portions 118 that are symmetrical to each other inside, and a cross-shaped partition wall 119 that partitions them in the longitudinal direction. It is provided along the entire length of. The beam 116 has increased rigidity by providing the partition wall 119 therein. Further, when the beam 116 is used for both the large-diameter beam and the small-diameter beam, a plurality of protrusions (fitting portions) that fit into the hollow portions 118 of the beams 116 are provided on the coupler interposed therebetween. It is desirable to form each on both sides in advance. In addition, the above-mentioned protrusion 102,106,114 and the partition wall 119 are suitably applicable also to the beams 93-98 of the said non-circular cross section.
[0040]
  FIG. 7 shows other forms.Applicable to the present inventionIt relates to a bracket for body connection. These will be described assuming that they can be used in common for both large-diameter and narrow-diameter beams having similar cross sections.
  The body connecting bracket 120 shown in FIG. 7A includes a rectangular octagonal enclosure 122 having a regular octagonal cross section inserted and fitted into the outer end of the beam 95 having a regular octagonal cross section. And a flange 121. As shown in FIG. 7A, the surrounding portion 122 is formed with a pair of left and right through holes 123, and the flange 121 is formed with a pair of upper and lower through holes 124. Bolts that pass through and fix the beam 95 are passed through the through holes 123, and bolts that are fixed to the vehicle body pass through the through holes 124.
[0041]
  Further, a body connecting bracket 125 shown in FIG. 7B includes a surrounding section 127 having a circular cross section into which the outer end portion of the beam 100 having four protrusions 102 on the outer peripheral surface 103 is inserted and fitted. And a rectangular flange 121 provided integrally at one end.
  As shown in FIG. 7B, four concave grooves 128 for receiving the protrusions 102 are formed symmetrically on the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 127, and the left and right concave grooves 128 penetrate the beam 100. A through-hole 129 for a bolt to be fixed is also formed. The flange 126 has a pair of upper and lower through holes 126a through which bolts fixed to the vehicle body pass.
[0042]
  Furthermore, the body connecting bracket 130 shown in FIG. 7C includes a substantially cylindrical insertion portion 132 that is inserted into and fitted into the outer end portion of the beam 104 having four protrusions 106 on the inner peripheral surface 105. And a rectangular flange 131 provided integrally at one end thereof.
  As shown in FIG. 7C, four concave grooves 133 for receiving the protrusions 106 are formed symmetrically on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 132, and the beam 104 penetrates between the left and right concave grooves 133. A through hole 134 for a bolt for fixing and fixing is formed. The flange 131 has a pair of upper and lower through holes 131a through which bolts fixed to the vehicle body pass.
[0043]
  The body connecting bracket 135 shown in FIG. 7D has a circular cross section and is inserted into the outer end of the beams 2b and 4b having a pair of screw holes 2c and 4c in the hollow portion 3, and is inserted into a substantially cylindrical shape. It has a portion 137 and a rectangular flange 136 integrally provided at one end thereof. As shown in FIG. 7D, a pair of upper and lower circular grooves 138 are formed in the insertion portion 137 to receive the screw holes 2c and 4c of the beams 2b and 4b. Further, a horizontal through hole 139 for bolts for fixing the beams 2b and 4b passes through the insertion portion 137, and a pair of upper and lower through holes 136a for bolts to be fixed to the vehicle body are drilled in the flange 136.
[0044]
  Further, a body connecting bracket 140 shown in FIG. 7 (E) includes an encircling portion 144 having a circular cross section into which the outer end portion of the beam 100 is inserted and fitted, and a rectangular flange 141 integrally provided at one end thereof. Have
  As shown in FIG. 7E, three concave grooves 146 for receiving the protrusions 102 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 144, and on both sides of a narrow gap 145 that opens at the top of the surrounding portion 144. Is provided with a pair of flat plate portions 147. Bolts (not shown) are passed through the through holes 148 drilled in the respective flat plate portions 147 and nuts are fastened to bring the pair of flat plate portions 147 closer to each other by elasticity. Thereby, the outer end portion of the beam 100 inserted into the surrounding portion 144 can be firmly fixed without being screwed. The flange 141 has a pair of upper and lower through holes 142 through which bolts fixed to the vehicle body pass. Note that the inner part of the gap 145 terminates at the flange 141.
[0045]
  Further, a body connecting bracket 150 shown in FIG. 7F includes a surrounding body 151 having a surrounding portion 152 having a substantially circular cross section into which the outer end portion of the beam 100 is inserted and fitted, and a rectangular shape fixed to both ends thereof. Plate 156. Three encircling grooves 154 for receiving the projections 102 of the beam 100 except for the opening 153 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the encircling body 152 in the enveloping body 151, and a pair of flat plates is formed on both edges of the opening 153. The pieces 155 extend symmetrically. Each bracket 155 is obtained by bringing each flat piece 155 into contact with the plate 156 and fixing it with a bolt 158 or the like.
A pair of through holes 157 for bolts to be fixed to the vehicle body are formed at the upper and lower ends of the plate 156. According to this bracket 150, the instrument panel reinforcement can be firmly fixed to the vehicle body by inserting the outer end portion of the beam 100 into the surrounding portion 152 and bolting the surrounding body 151 and the plate 156. it can. The enclosure 151 can be utilized by simply cutting an extruded shape of an aluminum alloy into a short length. The bracket 150 is suitable when the mounting surface on the vehicle body is in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the instrument panel reinforcement.
[0046]
  FIG. 8 (A) is fixed to the large-diameter beam 2.Applicable to the present inventionA steering shaft mounting bracket 160 is shown. The bracket 160 is a cast product made of an aluminum alloy or the like integrally including an upper annular portion 162 having a hollow portion 163 through which the beam 2 is inserted and a lower trapezoidal portion 161. The annular portion 162 has a pair of flanges 165 across a slit 164 along the longitudinal direction of the hollow portion 163. By passing a bolt (not shown) through the through hole 166 of each flange 165 and fastening a nut, the slit 164 is narrowed. As a result, the bracket 160 is firmly fixed to the beam 2 previously inserted into the hollow portion 163.
[0047]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the trapezoidal portion 161 has a through hole 169 passing through the pair of inclined surfaces 167 and 168 in a direction orthogonal to the hollow portion 163 in plan view. A steering shaft is inserted into the through hole 169. By fixing the bracket 160 as described above to the beam 2, the steering shaft can be reliably supported on the instrument panel reinforcement 1. In addition, this bracket 160 can also be fixed to the instrument panel reinforcement which has the said beams 82, 93-98, and 100-116 by changing the cross-sectional shape of the hollow part 163. FIG.
[0048]
  FIG. 8B shows a different form of the steering shaft mounting bracket 170 that is fixed to the large-diameter beam 2. The bracket 170 is a cast product made of an aluminum alloy or the like composed of an upper half 171 and a lower half 177. The upper half 171 has a central hollow portion 172 and a pair of flanges 174 across a slit 173 along the longitudinal direction thereof. The slit 173 is narrowed by passing a bolt (not shown) through the through-hole 175 of each flange 174 and fastening the nut. As a result, the bracket 170 is firmly fixed to the beam 2 inserted in advance in the hollow portion 172.
Through holes 176a are perforated in the flanges 176 at both ends of the upper half 171.
[0049]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the lower half 177 has a substantially inverted Ω-shaped cross section, an arc groove 178 orthogonal to the hollow portion 172, and a pair of flanges 179 on both sides of the opening 178a. It consists of. As shown in the drawing, the flange 179 is brought into contact with the flanges 176 of the upper half 171, bolts are passed through the through holes (not shown) of the through holes 176 a and the nuts are fastened. As a result, the steering shaft previously inserted into the circular arc groove 178 can be reliably supported by the instrument panel reinforcement 1. In addition, this bracket 170 can also be fixed to the said beams 82, 93-98 etc. by changing the cross-sectional shape of the hollow part 172. FIG.
[0050]
  9A and 9B, a pair of beams 2 and 4 having body connecting brackets 11 and 15 are connected to the outer ends.Reference formA connector 180 is shown.
  The connector 180 includes an inner fitting portion 182 and a cylindrical base portion 181 having an outer fitting portion (not shown) on both sides, a floor brace 183 hanging from the base portion 181 on the floor F, and horizontally extending from the base portion 181. It is made of a cast product such as an aluminum alloy integrally having a cowl toe brace 184 connected to a cowl (not shown). The brace 184 has a plurality of openings 185 and a fixing flange 186 extending at a right angle at the tip and having a bolt hole. According to such a connecting tool 180, the instrument panels can be easily formed by connecting the beams 2 and 4, and the obtained instrument panel can be reliably supported by the floor F and the cowl. Note that in the connector 180, one of the floor brace 183 or the cowl brace 184 may be omitted. Further, the exposed end face of the tubular connectorOr, InsideMating part orIt is also possible to integrally project a floor brace or the like having an appropriate shape on the outer peripheral surface of the base piece in the coupler having outer fitting portions on both sides, or to form a mounting bracket such as an air conditioner.
[0051]
  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
  For example, a pair of beams having different cross-sectional shapes can be used for one instrument panel reinforcement. In this case, the coupler interposed between the end portions of each beam is a cylindrical shape having both inner and outer peripheral surfaces having a cross-sectional shape following the cross-sectional shape of each beam.BodyApply.
  It is also possible to connect the pair of beams via a connecting tool so that the axes of the beams intersect with each other while being slightly inclined. In this case, the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical body and the innerMating part orSimilarly, the axis of the outer fitting portion is formed so as to intersect with each other in an inclined manner.
  Furthermore, it is also possible to utilize the protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the beam for fixing the various brackets by mechanical means such as bolts.
  Further, the flange of the body connecting bracket is not limited to the rectangular shape as described above, but can be shaped according to the shape of the mounting surface and the degree of fit with the surrounding members and without impairing its function. .
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
  In the instrument panel reinforcement of claim 1According to this, because the overall weight can be reduced, the fuel efficiency of the mounted vehicle can be increased.The In addition, between the ends of a pair of beams having different cross-sectional shapes, they can be easily positioned individually at predetermined positions, and can be quickly performed with a small number of man-hours consisting of only a bolt / blind nut fastening operation. Assembled. Furthermore,Since it is also suitable for recycling, it is possible to obtain an instrument panel reinforcement that is preferable from an environmental point of view.
  ClaimsThreeAccording to the instrument panel reinforcement, the beam can be formed in an arbitrary hollow cross section, so that the weight can be further reduced and inadvertent rotation after assembly can be prevented. In addition, the fixing with the brackets attached to the pair of beams can be easily performed with good fit, and the assembling work can be further simplified.
[0053]
  More, ContractClaim7According to the instrument panel reinforcement, the steering shaft mounting bracket can be easily fixed to a beam having a large cross section. For example, an instrument panel reinforcement in which the bracket is fixed in advance can be formed. Can also be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 (A) shows the present invention.Assumed reference form(B) is a sectional view taken along line BB in (A), (C) is an enlarged sectional view of an alternate long and short dash line portion C in (A), (D) is a perspective view of the connector used for this, (E) is sectional drawing along the EE line in (A).
[Fig. 2] (A), (B)DifferentreferenceForm connectorSectional view of the instrument panel reinforcement of the reference form using this, (C), (E) are perspective views showing the coupler of the present invention, and (D), (F) are used to connect a pair of beams.Of the present inventionA sectional view of an instrument panel reinforcement.
FIG. 3 (A), (C), (E) are further differentreferenceThe perspective view which shows the coupling tool of a form, (B), (D), (F) connected a pair of beam using theseReference formA sectional view of an instrument panel reinforcement.
[Figure 4] (A) and (B) are differentreferenceThe perspective view which shows each side of the connection tool of a form, (C) is differentreferenceThe end view which shows the beam of form, (D) is sectional drawing which shows the state which connected a pair of beam to said coupling tool, (E), (F) and (H), (I) are connection of another form The perspective view which shows each side of a tool, (G), (J) is sectional drawing which shows the state which connected a pair of beam to these.
FIG. 5 (A) is differentreferenceThe perspective view which shows the instrument panel reinforcement of form, (B) is the schematic which shows the use condition, (C)-(H)Applicable to the present inventionSectional drawing which shows the beam of a different form.
[Figure 6] (A) to (D) are differentReferenceSectional drawing which shows the beam of form.
[Figure 7] (A) ~ (F)Applicable to the present inventionThe perspective view which shows the body connection bracket of a different form.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing a steering shaft mounting bracket used in the instrument panel reinforcement of the present invention.
FIG. 9 (A) is differentreferenceUsing form couplerReference formThe perspective view of an instrument panel reinforcement, (B) is the schematic which shows the use condition.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a conventional instrument panel reinforcement, and FIG. 10B is a schematic view showing a use state thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1a, 1a '………………………… Instrumental reinforcement
  2, 4, 93-98…………………beam
  3, 5………………………………… Hollow
  11,15,120,125,130,135,140,150 ... Body connection bracket
  20, 20 '………………………… Connector
  23……………………………………Ditch
  25……………………………………bolt
  27……………………………………Female thread
  28……………………………………Blind nut
  160, 170 ………………………… Steering shaft mounting bracket

Claims (7)

A pair of left and right beams mounted on an automobile, made of an aluminum alloy hollow extruded shape, and having different cross-sectional shapes,
By fixing the above interposed between a pair of beams and the beams and bolts and stopper, seen including and a connector for connecting the pair of beams,
The connector is a cylindrical body located between beam ends where the pair of beams overlap and fit, and a concave groove opening in the hollow portion, and a through hole penetrating the concave groove, Is formed ,
Fitting the end of the beam with a small cross-sectional shape to the hollow portion of the connector so that the head of the blind nut fixed in advance in the through hole of the beam with a small cross-sectional shape is accommodated in the concave groove ,
The coupling tool is fitted in the hollow portion at the end of the beam having a large cross-sectional shape, and the coupling tool is interposed between the pair of beams ,
A bolt inserted into the through hole of the beam having a large cross-sectional shape and the through hole of the connector is screwed to the female thread portion of the blind nut .
Instrument panel reinforcement characterized by that. The pair of beams are substantially similar to each other in cross section , and are fixed to the connector in a state in which the axes of the beams are coaxial or eccentric.
The instrument panel reinforcement according to claim 1. The pair of beams includes a hollow portion along the axial center and has an irregular cross section such as a circular shape, a regular polygon shape, or a deformed polygon shape.
The instrument panel reinforcement according to claim 1 or 2. A pair of concave grooves that open into the hollow portion of the connector and through holes that pass through the concave grooves are formed symmetrically, and the cross-sectional shape of the pair of blind nuts fixed to the pair of through holes is large. It is formed by screwing the bolts inserted into a pair of through holes provided symmetrically to the beam ,
The instrument panel reinforcement according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A body connecting bracket fixed by mechanical means such as screwing while being fitted to the outer end portions is fixed to both outer end portions of the pair of beams fixed and connected via the connecting tool. ,
The instrument panel reinforcement according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The body connection bracket includes a surrounding portion or an insertion portion fitted to each outer end portion of the pair of beams, and a flange integrally provided at one end thereof.
The instrument panel reinforcement according to claim 5 . A steering shaft mounting bracket that has a holding portion that surrounds the beam and is orthogonal to the beam is fixed to the beam having a large cross section among the beams.
The instrument panel reinforcement according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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