Instrument panel cross beam and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an instrument panel cross beam and a vehicle including the same. The instrument panel cross beam comprises: a cross beam body, the cross beam body comprises a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end are respectively adapted to be connected to a left side wall and a right side wall of a vehicle body; and a plurality of brackets, the plurality of brackets extend from the cross beam body between the first end and the second end, and at least one of the plurality of brackets is adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, wherein at least one of the plurality of brackets is made of plastic and is configured to have a tubular structure with a closed cross section to form a hollow portion. At least one plastic bracket of the instrument panel cross beam according to the present invention has high mechanical properties and is easy to manufacture, so that the instrument panel cross beam has a low manufacturing cost and has a small volume and weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle interior decoration parts, and more particularly to a dashboard cross beam, and a vehicle including the dashboard cross beam. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the vigorous development of new energy vehicles and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions worldwide, vehicle lightweighting has become a key area of ​​focus for major OEMs and supporting suppliers in design and development. Traditional vehicle dashboard crossbeam products are mostly made of metal materials such as structural steel and aluminum alloy. As an important structure in the vehicle, the dashboard crossbeam not only carries interior parts such as the dashboard and sub-dashboard, but also protects passengers to a certain extent during a collision. Therefore, it is different from general decorative parts and has higher requirements in terms of modal and rigidity.

[0003] In the prior art, there is a technical solution to achieve lightweight instrument panel cross beams by combining plastic parts and metal parts. For example, Chinese patent document CN110239632A discloses an instrument panel cross beam, which is formed by a metal main cross beam component and plastic by insert injection molding to achieve lightweight.

[0004] However, since the instrument panel cross beam is the most important supporting part in the instrument panel product, in addition to the cross beam body, it also has multiple bracket features for installing various instrument panel assembly parts. According to the design experience of previous products, the bracket connected to the floor is particularly important in the performance of the entire instrument panel cross beam product. In the instrument panel cross beam of this type disclosed in CN110239632A, which is formed by insert injection molding, the bracket connected to the floor is also injection molded. Its cross section is generally designed to be U / J-shaped / bow-shaped to meet the injection mold manufacturing requirements in order to be demolded from the mold. Due to the limitations of the plastic's own properties (low density and low modulus), in order to achieve the same performance requirements as traditional steel brackets, the stiffness of the floor connection bracket is usually improved through material compensation (for example, reinforcing the front and back of the U-shaped plastic). The increase in material will lead to a corresponding increase in the design weight of the final product, and it is impossible to achieve the lightweight goal of further weight reduction on the basis of ensuring performance. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an instrument panel cross beam, at least one plastic bracket of which has high mechanical properties and is easy to manufacture, so that the instrument panel cross beam has low manufacturing cost and has small volume and weight.

[0006] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a dashboard cross beam, comprising: a cross beam body, the cross beam body comprising a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being suitable for being connected to a left side wall and a right side wall of a vehicle body, respectively; and a plurality of brackets, the plurality of brackets extending from the cross beam body between the first end and the second end, and at least one of the plurality of brackets being suitable for being connected to the vehicle body, wherein at least one of the plurality of brackets is made of plastic and is configured as a tubular structure having a closed cross-section to form a hollow portion.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the tubular structure is realized by one of water-assisted injection molding, water-assisted injection molding with projectiles, gas-assisted injection molding, and gas-assisted and water-assisted combined injection molding.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the closed cross-section of the tubular structure is set to a geometric figure, including one of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the closed cross-section of the tubular structure is an irregular shape having concave and / or convex features.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the tubular structure includes reinforcing ribs arranged in at least a partial area outside the closed cross-section.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the multiple brackets include a floor connecting bracket arranged adjacent to the middle portion of the cross beam body, the floor connecting bracket is suitable for connecting to the floor of the vehicle body and supporting the middle portion of the cross beam body, wherein the floor connecting bracket is made of plastic and is configured into the tubular structure.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the floor connecting bracket and the crossbeam body are formed integrally.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the crossbeam body has a non-closed cross-section and includes a plastic crossbeam element and a metal crossbeam element embedded in the plastic crossbeam element, wherein the plastic crossbeam element is suitable for being connected to the left side wall and the right side wall of the vehicle body respectively, and the metal crossbeam element is suitable for being connected to at least one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the vehicle body.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the non-closed cross-section of the beam body includes one or more of a U-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, a V-shape, and an Ω-shape.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, at least a partial area of ​​the metal beam element is covered by the plastic beam element.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a through hole aligned with a closed cross-section of the tubular structure is provided at a connection position between the cross beam body and at least one of the tubular structures in the plurality of brackets.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the beam body includes a tubular portion aligned with and integrally connected to at least one tubular structure of the plurality of brackets via the through hole.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the beam body also includes a support member arranged at the connection position between the plastic beam element and at least one of the tubular structures of the multiple brackets, and the support member passes through the metal beam element and is arranged between the metal beam element and the tubular part of the plastic beam element.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the metal beam element is provided with a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are suitable for allowing gas to pass through to form a plurality of recesses between the metal beam element and the tubular portion of the plastic beam element.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of at least one of the multiple brackets connected to the beam body is bent in a direction away from the beam body so that the tubular structure is connected to the beam body outside the closed cross-section.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the beam body is made of plastic and is configured as a tubular beam having a closed cross-section to form a hollow portion.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the hollow portion of the beam body is communicated with the hollow portion of at least one of the tubular structures in the plurality of brackets.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of at least one of the multiple brackets connected to the beam body is bent in a direction away from the beam body so that the hollow portion of the beam body and the hollow portion of the tubular structure are independent of each other.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the tubular structures in the plurality of brackets is provided with a connecting protrusion for installing a fastener at an end away from the beam body.

[0025] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a cross-dashboard beam according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the dashboard cross beam according to the present invention has multiple beneficial effects, especially: on the basis of the existing dashboard cross beam products, the design form of at least one plastic bracket extending from the cross beam body is improved to make it constructed into a tubular structure with a closed cross-section, so that it can reduce weight while meeting the stiffness requirements, thereby achieving the effect of reducing carbon emissions during production and use; in addition, the dashboard cross beam has a relatively simple structure, occupies a small space, and has a low manufacturing cost, so it can be widely used on various types of vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following preferred embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0028] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a dashboard cross member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the interior of a vehicle;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a dashboard cross member according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of the instrument panel cross member in FIG.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view of the instrument panel crossbar in FIG.

[0033] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the surface AA in FIG.

[0034] Fig. 6A yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the first structure of region D in FIG.

[0035] Figure 6B yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the second structure of region D in FIG.

[0036] Figure 6C yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the third structure of region D in FIG.

[0037] Fig. 7A yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the first structure of region E in FIG.

[0038] Figure 7B yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the second structure of region E in FIG.

[0039] Figure 7C yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the third structure of region E in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 8A It is along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first cross section taken from the surface BB in FIG.

[0041] Figure 8B It is along Figure 4 A second cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along the plane BB in FIG.

[0042] Figure 8C It is along Figure 4 A third cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along the plane BB in FIG.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of a dashboard cross member according to the present invention;

[0044] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the surface CC in FIG.

[0045] Fig.11A yes Fig.10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the first structure of region F in FIG.

[0046] Fig. 11B yes Fig.10 A locally enlarged schematic diagram of the second structure of area F in FIG.

[0047] It should be understood that the drawings are not only used to explain and illustrate the present invention, but also help to define the present invention when necessary. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0049] In this document, when describing the structural position of various components, expressions indicating directions such as "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc. are not absolute but relative. For example, when the various components are arranged as shown in the figure, these directional expressions are appropriate, but when the position of the various components in the figure changes, these directional expressions should also change accordingly.

[0050] In addition, in this document, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection, or an association through some kind of action. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this document can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A typical vehicle V is schematically shown. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the vehicle V includes an instrument panel IP and an instrument panel cross beam 100 , and the instrument panel cross beam 100 is disposed inside the instrument panel IP.

[0052] Figures 2 to 8C A cross beam 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the instrument panel cross beam 100 includes a cross beam body 101 and a plurality of brackets for installation and / or connection arranged on the cross beam body 101. The cross beam body 101 includes a first end 104 connected to the left side of the vehicle body of the vehicle V and a second end 105 connected to the right side of the vehicle body. The brackets extend from the cross beam body 101 between the first end 104 and the second end 105 of the cross beam body 101, and at least one of the brackets is connected to the vehicle body, for example, connected to at least one of the floor, front wall, steering column, left side wall and right side wall of the vehicle body. It can be understood that the connection method of the bracket to the vehicle body includes but is not limited to direct connection with the vehicle body through fasteners (such as bolts), indirect connection with the vehicle body through other parts, etc.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the cross beam body 101 has a non-closed cross section, and the shape of the non-closed cross section includes but is not limited to one or more of U-shape, C-shape, W-shape, V-shape, and Ω-shape, and the cross beam body 101 includes a plastic cross beam element 103 and a metal cross beam element 102 embedded in the plastic cross beam element 103, that is, the cross beam body 101 is made of the metal cross beam element 102 and the plastic cross beam element 103 by insert injection molding. The plastic cross beam element 103 includes a first end 104 connected to the left side of the vehicle body and a second end 105 connected to the right side of the vehicle body, and the metal cross beam element 102 can be connected to only one of the left side and the right side, or can be connected to the left side and the right side respectively. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the cross beam body 101 can be a full plastic cross beam.

[0055] The brackets used for installation and / or connection include but are not limited to: a first bracket 110, a second bracket 120, a third bracket 130, a fourth bracket 140, and a fifth bracket 150. The first bracket 110 is disposed adjacent to the first end 104 of the cross beam body 101 and extends from the cross beam body 101 toward the front wall. The first bracket 110 is connected to the cross beam body 101 by bolts or insert injection molding, and is used to connect to the front wall and the steering column. The second bracket 120 is disposed adjacent to the middle of the cross beam body 101 and extends from the cross beam body 101 toward the front wall, and is used to connect to the front wall. The third bracket 130 and the fourth bracket 140 are arranged adjacent to the middle of the cross beam body 101 and extend from the cross beam body 101 toward the center channel floor, and the third bracket 130 is closer to the first end 104 of the cross beam body 101 than the fourth bracket 140, wherein the third bracket 130 is used to connect with the center channel floor and support the middle of the cross beam body 101, and the fourth bracket 140 may be connected with the floor, or may not be connected with the floor but is used to strengthen the instrument panel cross beam 100. The fifth bracket 150 is arranged adjacent to the second end 105 of the cross beam body 101 and is used to install the passenger side airbag.

[0056] The third bracket 130 and the fourth bracket 140 thus divide the instrument panel cross beam 100 into three sections: the driver side section on the left side of the third bracket 130; the central section between the third bracket 130 and the fourth bracket 140; and the passenger side section on the right side of the fourth bracket 140. It can be understood that other corresponding brackets can also be provided according to actual installation and / or connection requirements. In addition, the instrument panel cross beam 100 also includes elements for installation or assembly, such as a bushing 160, a bolt 170, a nut 180, etc.

[0057] Especially Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the third bracket 130 (i.e., the floor connection bracket) is made of plastic and is configured as a tubular structure with a closed cross section to form a hollow portion 131. For example, the third bracket 130 is integrally formed with the plastic cross beam element 103 by injection molding, wherein the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 is realized by one of water-assisted injection molding, water-assisted injection molding with projectiles, gas-assisted injection molding, and gas-assisted water-assisted combined injection molding. That is, during the injection molding process, the material inside the third bracket 130 is squeezed out by using high-pressure water flow, water flow with projectiles, air flow, etc. to form the hollow portion 131, thereby overcoming the defect that the tubular structure with a closed cross section is difficult to demold in the conventional injection molding process. It can be understood that the above-mentioned several process methods can be mainly used to form a tubular structure with a curved feature in a plane or space; for a linear tubular structure, it can also be realized by using a core pull / slider in a conventional injection mold.

[0058] In addition, it can be understood that the brackets forming the tubular structure with a closed cross section are not limited to the third bracket 130. According to other embodiments not shown, any one or more of the five brackets for installation and / or connection mentioned above can form the tubular structure by the above-mentioned multiple injection molding processes. That is, according to the present invention, at least one of these brackets is a plastic tubular bracket integrally formed with the plastic cross beam element 103, and the materials of the remaining brackets are not restrictive and can be metal, plastic or a combination of the two. In fact, since at least a partial area of ​​the metal cross beam element 102 is covered by the plastic cross beam element 103, the first bracket 110, the second bracket 120, the third bracket 130, the fourth bracket 140, the fifth bracket 150, the sleeve 160, the bolt 170, the nut 180, the metal cross beam element 102 and the plastic cross beam element 103 can be combined with each other by the insert injection molding process to form the entire instrument panel cross beam 100.

[0059] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Three different structures of the instrument panel cross beam 100 at the connection position between the third bracket 130 and the cross beam body 101 according to the first embodiment are respectively shown.

[0060] exist Fig. 6A In the illustrated structure, both the inner side and the outer side of the metal beam element 102 having a substantially C-shaped cross section are fitted with the plastic beam element 103 by insert injection molding, that is, the plastic beam element 103 completely covers the metal beam element 102 by insert injection molding. According to an embodiment variant not shown in the figure, the inner side of the metal beam element 102 is fitted with the plastic beam element 103 by insert injection molding, while the outer side of the metal beam element 102 has no plastic material, that is, the plastic beam element 103 can only cover the inner side of the metal beam element 102.

[0061] In addition, at the connection position between the cross beam body 101 and the third bracket 130, through holes 102a aligned with the closed cross section of the third bracket 130 are provided on both upper and lower sides of the C-shaped metal cross beam element 102, and the plastic cross beam element 103 includes a tubular portion 103a that passes through the through hole 102a and is aligned with and integrally connected to the third bracket 130. That is, the upper opening of the third bracket 130 is aligned with the lower opening of the tubular portion 103a via the through hole 102a, so that the third bracket 130 and the tubular portion 103a form a through hollow structure. According to a variant embodiment not shown in the figure, the metal cross beam element 102 may not extend to the connection position between the cross beam body 101 and the third bracket 130 in the lateral direction, that is, the cross beam body 101 may not be provided with metal material at the connection position with the third bracket 130, but only with plastic material including the tubular portion 103a. According to another embodiment not shown in the figure, the upper end portion of the third bracket 130 connected to the beam body 101 can be arranged to be bent in a direction away from the beam body 101, so that the upper end portion of the third bracket 130 is connected to the plastic beam element 103 outside the closed cross-section of the third bracket 130. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned through hole 102a and tubular portion 103a are no longer required.

[0062] exist Figure 6B In the structure shown, at the connection position between the cross beam body 101 and the third bracket 130, the cross beam body 101 further includes a support member 132, for example, in a T-shape, which passes through the metal cross beam element 102 and is arranged between the inner side of the metal cross beam element 102 and the outer side of the tubular portion 103a of the plastic cross beam element 103, so that the tubular portion 103a can obtain a more uniform wall thickness during injection molding. Before insert injection molding, the support member 132 is pre-installed and fixed on the metal cross beam element 102, thereby strengthening the local rigidity of the metal cross beam element 102 on the one hand, and preventing excessive plastic from being filled inside the metal cross beam element 102 during the molding process of the tubular portion 103a on the other hand, thereby reducing the cooling time and the product weight.

[0063] exist Figure 6C In the illustrated structure, the metal beam element 102 is provided with a plurality of openings 133 at the connection position between the beam body 101 and the third bracket 130, and these openings 133 are used for gas to pass through so as to form a plurality of recesses between the inner side of the metal beam element 102 and the outer side of the tubular portion 103a of the plastic beam element 103. More specifically, during the insert molding process, the inner side of the metal beam element 102 is filled with plastic material, and gas is injected inward through these openings 133, so that a structure similar to a "honeycomb" is formed between the inner side of the metal beam element 102 and the outer side of the tubular portion 103a, so as to reduce the weight of the product while meeting the rigidity requirements of the beam body 101.

[0064] 7A to 7C Three different structures of the dashboard cross beam 100 at the connection position between the third bracket 130 and the center channel floor (not shown) according to the first embodiment are respectively shown, wherein the lower end of the third bracket 130 away from the cross beam body 101 is provided with a connecting protrusion 138 protruding downward for installing a fastener, for example, the connecting protrusion 138 is provided with a connecting hole 139, so that the third bracket 130 can be connected to the center channel floor by a bolt passing through the connecting hole 139.

[0065] exist Fig. 7A In the structure shown, the lower end of the third bracket 130 is bent in a direction away from the connection point between the third bracket 130 and the central channel floor, and a connection protrusion 138 protruding downward is provided outside the closed cross section of the third bracket 130. Figure 7B In the illustrated configuration, the third bracket 130 is linear above the connection point and includes a connection flange 130a extending laterally for providing the connection protrusion 138. Figure 7C In the structure shown, the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 is divided into two paths opening toward both sides above the connection point, that is, the third bracket 130 includes a transverse section 130b located at the bottom of the third bracket 130 and provided with a connection protrusion 138 on the outside to enhance the self rigidity of the third bracket 130. In fact, these structural modes of the lower end of the third bracket 130 are not restrictive and can be selected according to the manufacturing process and assembly space requirements of the product.

[0066] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Three different cross-sectional shapes of the third bracket 130 of the instrument panel cross beam 100 according to the first embodiment are shown respectively. Fig. 8A In the illustrated configuration, the closed cross-section of the third bracket 130 is configured as a regular geometric shape, including one of the shapes shown, such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a triangle, a polygon, etc. Figure 8B In the illustrated structure, the closed cross-section of the third bracket 130 is irregularly shaped, for example, with a recessed feature 134 in one or more directions to reduce the size, so as to provide a larger design space for other components installed near the third bracket 130; correspondingly, a protruding feature 135 is provided around the recessed feature 134 to increase the rigidity and strength of the third bracket 130 in a specific direction. Figure 8C In the structure shown, the third bracket 130 includes reinforcing ribs 136 arranged on at least a portion of the area outside its closed cross-section, such as the multiple reinforcing ribs 136 shown arranged on the outside of the recessed feature 134 of the irregular cross-section, for increasing the local or overall stiffness of the third bracket 130.

[0067] Figures 9 to 11B FIG. 1 shows a dashboard cross beam 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the dashboard cross beam 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, so the similarities are not repeated here. The main difference is that, in particular, Fig.10 As shown, the cross beam body 101 is made entirely of plastic and is constructed as a tubular beam having a closed cross section to form a hollow portion. The tubular beam is integrally formed with a third bracket 130 forming a tubular structure by, for example, water-assisted injection molding, water-assisted injection molding with projectiles, gas-assisted injection molding, or gas-assisted and water-assisted combined injection molding.

[0068] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Two different structures of the instrument panel cross beam 100 at the connection position between the third bracket 130 and the cross beam body 101 according to the second embodiment are respectively shown.

[0069] exist Fig.11A In the illustrated configuration, the third bracket 130 is vertically connected to the beam body 101 through its upper end portion so that the hollow portion 106 of the beam body 101 and the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 are interpenetrating with each other. In this case, the hollow portion 106 of the beam body 101 and the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 can be molded together by one of the above-mentioned injection molding processes.

[0070] exist Fig. 11B In the illustrated structure, the upper end portion of the third bracket 130 connected to the cross beam body 101 is configured to be bent in a direction away from the cross beam body 101, so that the hollow portion 106 of the cross beam body 101 and the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 are independent of each other, that is, they are not connected to each other. In this case, the third bracket 130 and the cross beam body 101 can be connected by a reinforcing rib 137, and the hollow portion 131 of the third bracket 130 and the hollow portion 106 of the cross beam body 101 are formed separately, so the third bracket 130 and the cross beam body 101 can be designed to have different wall thicknesses.

[0071] In summary, it can be seen that according to the present invention, no matter what form of the cross beam body 101 the dashboard cross beam 100 includes, by designing at least one bracket for installation and / or connection extending from the cross beam body 101 to be a tubular structure with a closed cross-section and easy to manufacture, the dashboard cross beam 100 can further reduce its weight while meeting its own rigidity requirements, thereby effectively achieving the effect of reducing carbon emissions during vehicle production and use.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., the inventive concept, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the drawings according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present invention are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings is merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it is readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all of these subject matters (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various other modifications, changes, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc. may be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies, constructions, means, functions, systems, processes / methods, steps, the order of process / method steps, operations, operating conditions, performances, materials, compositions, combinations, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention; all of these subjects (e.g., modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and / or drawings of this patent document. Considering that the claims of this patent document will be appropriately interpreted as covering the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it should be understood that the terms used in this patent document are intended to provide a description of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments, rather than as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0073] It should also be noted that, depending on the exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional technologies (such as technologies implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents), or may include any other applicable technologies (present and / or future) with the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All of these technologies (such as technologies implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A dashboard cross beam, comprising: A cross beam body, the cross beam body comprising a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being adapted to be connected to a left side wall and a right side wall of a vehicle body respectively; as well as a plurality of brackets extending from the cross member body between the first end and the second end, and at least one of the plurality of brackets being adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, It is characterized in that at least one of the multiple brackets is made of plastic and is constructed to have a tubular structure with a closed cross-section to form a hollow part, and the connection position between the crossbeam body and at least one of the tubular structures of the multiple brackets is provided with a through hole aligned with the closed cross-section of the tubular structure.

2. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure is realized by one of water-assisted injection molding, water-assisted injection molding with projectiles, gas-assisted injection molding, and gas-assisted and water-assisted combined injection molding.

3. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the closed cross section of the tubular structure is set to a geometric shape, including one of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon.

4. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed cross-section of the tubular structure has an irregular shape with concave and / or convex features.

5. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure includes reinforcing ribs disposed at least partially outside the closed cross section.

6. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of brackets include a floor connection bracket disposed adjacent to a middle portion of the cross beam body, the floor connection bracket being adapted to be connected to a floor of the vehicle body and supporting the middle portion of the cross beam body, wherein the floor connection bracket is made of plastic and configured into the tubular structure.

7. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 6, characterized in that: The floor connecting bracket is integrally formed with the crossbeam body.

8. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross beam body has a non-closed cross section and includes a plastic cross beam element and a metal cross beam element embedded in the plastic cross beam element, wherein the plastic cross beam element is suitable for connecting to the left side wall and the right side wall of the vehicle body respectively, and the metal cross beam element is suitable for connecting to at least one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the vehicle body.

9. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shape of the non-closed cross section of the beam body includes one or more of a U-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, a V-shape, and an Ω-shape.

10. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 8, characterized in that: At least partial regions of the metal cross-member element are sheathed by the plastic cross-member element.

11. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 8, characterized in that: The beam body includes a tubular portion aligned with and integrally connected to at least one tubular structure of the plurality of brackets via the through hole.

12. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 11, characterized in that: The beam body further comprises a support member disposed at a connection position between the plastic beam element and at least one of the tubular structures in the plurality of brackets, the support member passing through the metal beam element and disposed between the metal beam element and the tubular portion of the plastic beam element.

13. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 11, characterized in that: The metal beam element is provided with a plurality of openings adapted for passage of gas to form a plurality of recesses between the metal beam element and the tubular portion of the plastic beam element.

14. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam body is made of plastic and is configured as a tube beam having a closed cross section to form a hollow portion.

15. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 14, characterized in that: The hollow portion of the beam body is communicated with the hollow portion of at least one of the tubular structures in the plurality of brackets.

16. The instrument panel cross beam according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the tubular structures of the plurality of brackets is provided with a connection protrusion for mounting a fastener at an end away from the beam body.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising a dashboard cross member according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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