Bracket structure for dashboard mount and dashboard mount with bracket structure

Abstract

A support structure for a dashboard bracket in a motor vehicle, the support structure having at least one bracket member extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the dashboard bracket and at least one metal connector connected to the bracket member, the metal connector being used to connect the bracket member to another bracket member or to connect a crossbeam or retainer to the bracket member. The support structure is characterized in that at least one bracket member and the corresponding metal connector are made of different materials, and the metal connector is constructed in multiple parts and includes a base member and an arc-shaped member. The base member has a bracket member mating surface supported on the outer surface of the bracket member, and the arc-shaped member surrounds the bracket member opposite to the bracket member mating surface, so as to form a bracket member frame together with the bracket member mating surface of the base member. The metal connector is bonded to the bracket member material in the region of its bracket member frame by adhesive bonding, and the arc-shaped member and the base member are connected as a result of a bonding process performed by heat input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dashboard bracket for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket structure having at least one bracket member extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the dashboard bracket and at least one metal connector connected to the bracket member, the metal connector being used to connect the bracket member to another bracket member or to connect a crossbeam or retainer to the bracket member. A dashboard bracket having such a bracket structure is also described. Background Technology

[0002] An instrument panel bracket is used to mount the instrument panel and steering column in a vehicle. This instrument panel bracket is positioned between two pillars, specifically the A-pillars of the motor vehicle. To connect to the A-pillars, the instrument panel bracket has corresponding mechanical connectors at both ends. The defining component of this instrument panel bracket is the bracket structure. This bracket structure extends between the pillars of the vehicle body. Interfaces for the instrument panel and additional fixing points relative to the vehicle, such as floor supports, can be provided on the bracket structure. The bracket structure is supported by the floor supports to the vehicle floor approximately in the passageway area.

[0003] The support structure can, but does not have to, be designed in a straight line. Such a support structure is often constructed such that the components extend offset from each other with respect to their longitudinal extension direction. This support structure is typically a tubular base, which can also consist entirely of two or more housings. Besides support structures made from a continuous tubular support base, another type of support structure can be used, in which the support structure has multiple support members extending in the longitudinal extension direction. Depending on the desired design of the support structure, the support structures are arranged either axially aligned or offset from each other with respect to their longitudinal extension direction. In the first case, a connecting sleeve is typically used to connect two support members. In the offset arrangement, a connector, in most cases a metal connector, is used to connect the two support members. Subsequently, the metal connector bridges the offset between the two adjacent support members. This support structure can, for example, have a section in a central region that is offset relative to the two outer support members to provide space for the structure of a vehicle unit, such as an air conditioning unit. The support structure thus extends around this unit.

[0004] In most cases, this type of support structure is made of one or the same material, whereby the various components, namely the support members and connectors, are joined together by welding. The support members and connectors are mostly made of suitable steel or aluminum alloys suitable for this purpose. Different requirements exist in the longitudinal extension of this instrument panel support structure. Therefore, the support structure must be able to withstand greater forces, for example, in the area connected to the steering column than in the passenger-side area. In this context, the instrument panel support structure is also composed of support members of different materials to reduce weight. In this hybrid material support structure, the support members requiring higher load-bearing capacity in the section connected to the steering column are made of steel, while the support members extending on the passenger side are made of, for example, aluminum and thus of a different material than the other support members. Instead of other metals, such as aluminum, other materials, such as support members made of fiber-reinforced plastic, can also be specified. In a hybrid material support structure, the connection of two support members of different materials is problematic, as these support members must also be arranged in a staggered manner in their connection area in a direction transverse to their longitudinal extension. Joining dissimilar metals, such as steel and aluminum, is costly and expensive. Furthermore, it is often impossible to maintain the specified strength requirements at the joint. If fasteners are used to connect two support members made of different materials, the strength requirements in the connection area will be affected, necessitating a correspondingly stronger design for the support members to be connected at that location. This also applies when two support members are connected to each other via connectors arranged between them.

[0005] For example, a support structure for an instrument panel bracket is known from document DE 10 2008 045 914 A1, in which two bracket members are connected to each other by a metal connector in the middle. This metal connector consists of two half-shells arranged facing each other with their open sides facing each other, thus providing a cavity profile in the area where the bracket members are connected. Each half-shell provides a stop on its end side for the bracket member. The two bracket members are arranged overlapping each other in the area of ​​the metal connector along their longitudinal extension. The two housings of the metal connector are joined together by material contact. The same applies to the connection of the metal connector to the two bracket members, where the two bracket members are connected to the metal connector. Therefore, the connection scheme known from this prior art is not suitable for the mutual connection of two bracket members made of different materials.

[0006] A dashboard bracket is known from document DE 10 2011 101 581 A1, in which two bracket members made of different materials are interconnected by a connecting sleeve that connects the two bracket members axially. One bracket member is connected by material engagement through the connecting sleeve, while the other bracket member is connected by friction engagement to the connecting sleeve. However, bracket members made of different materials cannot be interconnected by this connecting sleeve, and these bracket members are arranged offset from each other in their connection area.

[0007] A different connecting device for connecting two supports of an instrument panel bracket is known from document DE 10 2012 016 268 A1, wherein the two support members are arranged axially and flush with each other. The two support members are made of different materials. Connecting elements are joined on each support member in a material-joint manner in the connecting region. For the actual connection of the two components, the connecting elements are mechanically connected to each other. The connection of support members arranged offset from each other in the connecting region cannot be achieved by the known connecting device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the prior art discussed, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a support structure for an instrument panel bracket, which can meet the strength requirements by means of multiple support members of different materials, which are staggered relative to each other along a direction transverse to their longitudinal extensions, and which can be interconnected by a very simple device.

[0009] The technical problem is solved according to the present invention by a support structure of the aforementioned type, wherein the at least one support member and the corresponding metal connector are made of different materials, and the metal connector is constructed in multiple parts and includes a base member and an arc-shaped member, the base member having a support member engagement surface supported on the outer cover surface of the support member, and the arc-shaped member surrounding the support member opposite to the support member engagement surface so as to form a support member frame together with the support member engagement surface of the base member, wherein the metal connector is bonded to the support member material by adhesive bonding in the area of ​​its support member frame, and the arc-shaped member and the base member are connected as a result of a bonding process performed by heat input.

[0010] In this bracket structure, the metal connector is made of a different material from at least one bracket component. The metal connector has a base component that bridges the gap between two interconnected bracket components. The base component can be a single piece or composed of two or more parts. In addition to the base component, the metal connector includes at least one bow-shaped component. The base component provides a bracket engagement surface. The bracket engagement surface, together with the bow-shaped component, complements the bracket frame, to which the connected bracket component is typically embedded via its end region. Particularly in the bracket structure of a dashboard bracket, the metal connector is bonded to the bracket component embedded within the bracket frame via an adhesive bonding material in the region of its bracket frame. The base component and the bow-shaped component of the metal connector are metal components that can be interconnected under heat input. The two components of the metal connector are typically connected to each other by welding, such as spot welding. The bow-shaped component engages with the base component via one or more welded locations adjacent to the bracket engagement surface. The fixing scheme of the metal connector on the support member made of different materials has a synergistic effect. Preferably, during assembly, the support member is located within the support member frame, and a hardenable adhesive is present between the outer surface of the support member and the inner wall of the support member frame. A connection is established directly between the bow-shaped part and the base member of the metal connector through heat input without delay after component assembly. The heat input in this region of the metal connector during this joining process accelerates the hardening process of the adhesive. The good thermal conductivity of the metal connector, its base member, and its bow-shaped part is utilized here. Furthermore, sometimes to some extent, accommodating the torsion between the base member and the bow-shaped part with the support member joining surface facilitates the desired connection through heat input; thus, the section of the support member embedded within the support member frame is tightened therein due to the torsion caused by the joining process. An advantageous embodiment is that a certain gap is maintained between the outer surface of the support member and the inner side of the bow-shaped part, and between the support member joining surface; this is generally a suitable measure, thereby achieving this tightening even with minor torsion. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a raised indentation on the inner side of the bow-shaped member facing the bracket frame, the indentation supporting the outer surface of the bracket and thus allowing the adhesive gap to be maintained even with support. This also applies to the bracket mating surfaces. Alternatively or alternatively, an adhesive containing round, preferably spherical, solid particles with a diameter equal to the desired adhesive gap size can be incorporated. In this way, the heat input for achieving the material bonding between the bow-shaped member and the base member is beneficial to the connection of the bracket. This connection between the metal connector and the bracket of the dashboard bracket is not only established in a particularly simple manner, but also, after the adhesive has hardened, this connection is beneficial to meeting the load requirements specified on the bracket structure of the dashboard bracket.A particular advantage is that the materials for the support components can be freely chosen in this connection system without considering additional material bonding requirements. The connection of the support frame to the metal connectors also improves the vibration characteristics of the support structure. The adhesive layer provides a certain degree of vibration damping.

[0011] In this embodiment of the bracket structure, a metal connector is used to connect two bracket members, which are staggered relative to each other in a direction transverse to their longitudinal extensions. The staggering of the two bracket members may be overlapping or non-overlapping. At least one of the bracket members is made of a different material relative to the metal member. If the other bracket member is made of the same material as the metal connector, the connection can be achieved by welding. According to another embodiment, the metal connector is part of the structure of the bracket members connected to the bracket structure, such as a retainer or a beam, like a channel beam. Thus, if the bracket members are made of ferrous metal, one or more metal connectors connected to them can be made of a lightweight metal, such as an aluminum alloy, as part of a structural element, or vice versa. This allows for weight reduction in the design of the instrument panel bracket. The outer surface of the bracket member in its section embedded in the bracket member enclosure is electrically isolated from the metal parts of the metal connector by an adhesive layer, thereby preventing contact corrosion between these components.

[0012] Preferably, the mating surface of the base component's support member is adapted to the contour of the outer surface of the section of the support member embedded within the support member's frame. In support members with curved outer surfaces, such as cylindrical outer surfaces, the mating surface of the base component's support member is correspondingly curved, wherein the curved portion of the mating surface is preferably designed with a larger radius, thereby maintaining an adhesive gap between the two components. The adhesive gap does not need to be particularly large. Several 0.1 mm adhesive gaps are sufficient. The aforementioned measures can be used to maintain the adhesive gap during assembly.

[0013] The bow-shaped component is typically designed in a U-shape or includes such a section and is connected to the base component by its sides through the aforementioned material joining process. Depending on the design of the base component, the ends of the parallel sides can be used for this connection. In another design, the end sections of the base component's sides are curved outwards, giving the bow-shaped component a cap-shaped geometry in the side view. In the first case, the bow-shaped component connects to two opposing sidewalls of the base component by its sides, while in the second case, the mating surface of the base component is adjacent to the mating surface of the support component.

[0014] If two support members, which are laterally offset from each other relative to their longitudinal extension direction, are to be connected by metal connectors, the section of the support member embedded in the support member enclosure can be held in place along the longitudinal extension direction of the support member by an arcuate engagement. This can be achieved by having an arcuate side notch arranged in the area of ​​at least one side of the arcuate member within the outer surface of the support member. Alternatively, the support member can have at least one side perforation formed by two perforations flush with each other in the direction towards the base member within the outer surface of the support member. In this design, the side extends through both perforations, such that the side protrudes again from the base member on the underside and thereby adjacent to the support member engagement surface of the base member. This allows the use of a U-shaped arcuate member with a certain opening width for connecting the support members, the diameter of which is larger than the opening width of the arcuate member. This measure also provides anti-torsion protection for the section of the support member embedded in the support member enclosure. This can be achieved even for brackets with a circular outer casing, if the section embedded within the bracket frame is embossed such that the radius of the circle is enlarged on at least one side abutted by the side of the bow-shaped member, and specifically, the embossing is designed so that the side of the bow-shaped member abuts the embossing in a straight line. This can be achieved through a recess in the bracket designed as a tubular component. This can also be achieved when a metal connector is connected to a bracket, which is not embedded in the bracket frame through its end region, but rather the metal connector is connected to the bracket at any position. This measure simplifies the fixing of the components to be connected during adhesive curing. Even after the adhesive has cured, this measure reduces the shear load on the adhesive layer.

[0015] The metal connector can consist of two housing components. These two housing components typically have a U-shaped cross-section, with the open sides of the housings pointing away from each other. According to a particular design of this metal connector, the two housings are designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to their mating surfaces, involving at least the base component and the arched component. In one half of this metal connector, a section forms the base component and a support component mating surface is formed thereon, which is represented on the other housing of the arched component. If the two housings are constructed identically, the base component of the first half is supplemented by a mirror-symmetrical section of the other half. In this metal connector, the two housings are connected to each other in the manner described above by a heat-input material in a contact area directly adjacent to the support component mating surface.

[0016] The components of the metal connector can be stamped or bent parts or bent from sheet metal. Alternatively, the base component can be, for example, a section of extruded profile.

[0017] If the metal connector and the second support member are made of different materials, the metal connector can also be connected to the second support member in the same manner as described above. If the second support member and the metal connector are made of the same material, the two components can be connected to each other by welding in a material-joint manner. The base member is designed accordingly based on the connection method of the metal connector on the second support member. If the metal connector and the second support member are joined, the metal connector can have a forked receiving portion into which the second support member extends through a section, allowing the two components to be welded together. The width of the fork is typically smaller than the diameter of the support member to which it is connected. Therefore, it is also feasible to design the connection between the second support member and the metal connector, which are made of the same material, such that the base member provides a mating surface on the end side, and the second support member abuts against this mating surface on the end side and is welded to the base member.

[0018] To connect the various support members of the support structure according to the invention, the desired misalignment of the support members may have overlapping portions or no overlapping portions. The metal connectors are correspondingly matched to the prescribed design of the support members. Thus, in the design of such a support structure with this connector system, the aforementioned arrangement of the misaligned support members, i.e., with or without overlapping portions, is not involved.

[0019] Another advantage of the aforementioned bracket structure is that the base component can be entirely part of the main structure, and can also be used for other purposes as a base component. This is because the bracket mating surfaces of the base component do not need to be positioned at the ends of the base component. Therefore, the metal connector can be an extension, such as a base plate support, which supports the bracket structure to the vehicle floor when the dashboard bracket is installed inside the vehicle. Such a component can also be used to support specific units. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic screenshot of a support structure for a dashboard bracket in a motor vehicle, in which two bracket components are connected by metal connectors.

[0022] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The screenshot shown is in the form of an exploded view of the support structure.

[0023] Figure 3 Shown in accordance with Figure 1 Alternative design schemes for the interfaces of metal connectors on the support components of the bracket structure.

[0024] Figure 4Another embodiment of the bracket structure is shown, the bracket structure having a metal connector for connecting two bracket members of the instrument panel bracket.

[0025] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a metal connector for two bracket members of a bracket structure for connecting a dashboard bracket is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 Another embodiment of a metal connector for two bracket members of a bracket structure for connecting a dashboard bracket is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The screenshot shown is in the form of an exploded view of the support structure.

[0028] Figure 8 Another embodiment of a metal connector for two bracket members of a bracket structure for connecting a dashboard bracket is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a metal connector for two bracket members of a bracket structure for connecting a dashboard bracket is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a metal connector for two bracket members of a bracket structure for connecting a dashboard bracket is shown.

[0031] Figure 11 Show Figure 10 Side view of the arrangement shown.

[0032] Figure 12 Another support structure for a dashboard bracket for a motor vehicle according to the invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 Show Figure 12 The exploded view shown is of the support structure with participating components.

[0034] Figure 14 The diagram shows a screenshot of a support structure according to an alternative design, which includes support members and connected metal connectors.

[0035] Figure 15 An alternative support structure according to the invention is shown, and

[0036] Figure 16 An arc-shaped piece with an embossed design for retaining adhesive gaps is shown for use in metal connectors. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1The screenshot only shows the bracket structure 1 for a motor vehicle dashboard bracket. The bracket structure 1 is shown in the screenshot as two bracket members 2 and 3 arranged offset from each other. The technical solution of this embodiment involves the connection of the two bracket members 2 and 3; therefore, for this embodiment and other embodiments, only a screenshot of the entire bracket structure is shown, in which the bracket members are arranged offset from each other within the bracket structure. Figure 1 and 2 In this embodiment, support member 3 is made of steel, while support member 2 is made of aluminum alloy. The two support members 2 and 3 are arranged staggered from each other at least in their connection area along their longitudinal extension direction. The two support members 2 and 3 are connected by a metal connector 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal connector 4 consists of a base member 5 and an arc-shaped member 6, the base member being a stamped and bent piece made of steel plate. The U-shaped arc-shaped member 6 is also made of steel plate. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the support members 2 and 3 are connected to each other by metal connectors 4, and the end sections of the support members 2 and 3 are arranged with no overlap or only slight overlap with each other.

[0038] The base member 5 has a curved support member mating surface 7 on its side facing the support member 2. The curvature of the support member mating surface 7 substantially corresponds to the curvature of the outer cover surface of the support member 2, and... Figure 1 The arrangement shown exhibits a small gap reserved for accommodating the adhesive. The base member 5, made of steel plate, is designed to be closed in its middle section in the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen, for example, in conjunction with a closed plate 9 that bends from the side 8. This member can also be designed to be open on the sides. Figure 1 and 2 The back of the base component 5, which is not visible, is designed similarly. The two sides 10 and 11 of the U-shaped bow-shaped component 6 abut against the opposing outer sides 8 and 12 of the base component 5. The bow-shaped component 6 is welded to the base component 5 through the ends of the sides 8 and 12. The bow-shaped component 6 and the bracket component mating surface 7 form a bracket component frame, and the end section of the bracket component 2 is embedded in the bracket component frame. Specifically, the outer cover of the bracket component 2 is held within the frame by adding an adhesive layer 13 in the middle, which can be rapidly hardened under heat input. Figure 1 and 2The screenshot shows the assembly of the support structure 1. The method involves placing the adhesive-coated end of the support member 2 onto the support member receiving surface 7 of the base member 5. Next, the bow-shaped member 5, which completes the support member frame, is placed on the support member 2 via its side facing the support member mating surface 7. The two sides 10 and 11 of the bow-shaped member 6 then abut against the outer surfaces of sides 8 and 12 and are welded to them. The welding process is performed directly after the components are positioned and before the adhesive has hardened. The heat input from welding facilitates rapid hardening of the adhesive. Furthermore, the portion of the support member 2 extending into the support member frame is additionally clamped by a degree of warping generated during the welding process. The result is a frictional and material-bonded connection between the support member 2 and the metal connector 4, capable of withstanding high loads.

[0039] Because the metal connector 4 and the second support member 3 are made of the same material in the illustrated embodiment, these two components 3 and 5 are connected to each other by welding. The weld is implemented by extending along the lower ends of the sides 8 and 12 to the transition portion to the outer cover surface of the support member 3.

[0040] Figure 3 The diagram shows an additional support member 14, which is related to... Figure 1 and 2 The bracket 2 in the illustrated embodiment is also made of aluminum alloy. The metal connector 15 is joined to the bracket 14 to… Figure 1 and 2 The implementation method is as described in the embodiments. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 1 and 2 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the support member 14 has a recess 17 on its end side 16, into which the tab 18 of the closing plate 19 of the base member 15 is embedded. The tab 18 simultaneously provides an end-side stop for the support member 14, acting as a torsion lock, so that the support member 14 does not rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the metal connector 15 during the hardening process.

[0041] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the metal connector 20, used to connect the two bracket members 21 and 22, is a segment of extruded aluminum profile, serving as a component of the bracket structure for the instrument panel bracket. In this embodiment, bracket member 21 is embedded in a bracket enclosure with its end region; bracket member 21 is a steel component, while the other bracket member 22 is made of aluminum alloy. The bow-shaped member 23 in this embodiment is also made of aluminum alloy. Thus, the bow-shaped member 23 can be welded to the base member 24 of the metal connector 20, which in turn is welded to the second bracket member 22.

[0042] Figure 5Another design is also shown, in which the base 25 of the metal connector 26 is manufactured from a steel plate in the form of a casing. In this embodiment, the bow-shaped member 27 is also manufactured from a steel plate. A bracket member 28, made of aluminum alloy, is embedded in a bracket frame through its end section, while another bracket member 29 is made of the same material as the base 25 of the metal connector 26. In this embodiment, the bracket member 29 is welded at its end to the corresponding contact surface of the base 25 of the metal connector 26.

[0043] Figure 6 As shown Figure 5 The design of the bracket structure shown includes axial protection for the bracket member 30 embedded within the bracket member receiving portion. Figure 7 As can be better seen in the exploded view, the support member 30 has an arc-shaped side notch 31, and the side 32 of the arc-shaped member 33 is embedded in the arc-shaped side notch, such that the lower section of the side 32 and the lower section of the parallel side abut against the outer wall of the base member for engagement with the base member. The second support member 29 is... Figure 6 and 7 The illustrated embodiment is not shown. This measure also provides anti-torsion protection. In another design embodiment, not shown in the figures, a notch is provided in a section on the top side of the support member away from the support member engagement surface. The support member is inserted into the support member frame through said section, and the embossed notch is placed into the top region of the bow-shaped member. This measure also provides shape engagement and anti-torsion protection along the longitudinal axis.

[0044] exist Figure 8 The diagram also illustrates another embodiment of the support structure according to the invention. In this embodiment, the support member 34 is made of a different material from the metal connector 35, which is made of the same material as the second support member 36. Figure 8 The illustrated embodiment also clearly shows a metal connector 35 together with its base 37 and its arcuate member 38 for connecting a support member 34, which has a cross-sectional geometry other than a circle. In this embodiment, the support member mating surface 39 of the base 37 is designed complementary to the side of the support member 34 facing that surface and is linear. Corresponding to the remaining contour geometry of the support member 34, the arcuate member 38 is designed as a U-shape. The base 37, like the base 35 in the previous embodiments, is designed as a semi-shell shape, wherein the open sides of the semi-shell can... Figure 8 As shown in the 3D diagram. Support member 36 is similarly... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 29 is connected to the base member 37 in a manner that engages with the material on its end side.

[0045] Figure 9 Show Figure 5An improved version of the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, Figure 5 The design scheme disclosed in the illustrated embodiments is also applicable to Figure 9 The example shown. Figure 9 The embodiments shown are different Figure 5 The base member 40 of the metal connector 41 is part of the bracket structure for the instrument panel bracket and has additional functions. In this embodiment, the base member 40 is the upper section of the base plate support 42, through which the bracket structure of the instrument panel bracket is fixed to the floor of the vehicle, such as the aisle.

[0046] Figure 10 A screenshot of a bracket structure for a dashboard mount in a motor vehicle is also shown, wherein the bracket structure has a double-shell construction with a metal connector 43. The metal connector 43 connects two bracket members 44 and 45, wherein bracket member 45 is made of the same material as the metal connector 43, and bracket member 44 is made of a different material than the metal connector 43. The two shells of the metal connector 43 are... Figure 10 Reference numerals 46 and 46.1 are used in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the connecting cover 46. The same embodiment also applies to the connecting cover 46.1, which is arranged symmetrically with respect to the mating plane of the connecting cover 46 (see Figure 46). Figure 11 The connecting cover 46 is a component formed from a steel plate, with its open side pointing away from the connecting cover 46.1. The connecting cover 46 is formed to provide an approximately U-shaped support member engagement surface 47. The support member engagement surface 47 transitions into arched member engagement surfaces 48, 49 that are curved relative to the support member engagement surface. Thus, the arched member engagement surfaces 48, 49 point in the same direction as the support member engagement surface 47. Before the two connecting covers 46, 46.1 are engaged, Figure 11 A small gap is maintained between the abutting surfaces 48 and 49 of the bow-shaped members, which are shown close to each other. This gap is closed by a welding process. In this way, a particularly strong compression is achieved between the connecting covers 46 and 46.1 and the outer cover surface of the support member 44. In this embodiment, measures are implemented to still retain the adhesive gap. In the illustrated embodiment, an adhesive is used, in which glass beads are contained, the glass beads having a diameter equal to the predetermined adhesive gap size.

[0047] The bow-shaped member B in the metal connector 43 passes through Figure 10 The upper section of the connecting cover 46.1 shown is provided. This upper section completes the support frame, as it is located within... Figure 11As shown in the side view. Besides the upper section of the connecting cover 46, which shows an arcuate member B relative to the support member mating surface 47 of the connecting cover 46, the connecting cover 46.1 also has a base section 50 formed thereon, which, together with the base section 51 of the connecting cover 46, constitutes the base of the metal connector 43. The metal connector 43 is designed with reference to its base sections 50 and 51, thus similarly... Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the resulting side can be welded to the outer surface of the bracket 45.

[0048] The design of the bracket cover 46 with bracket joint surface 47 is also applicable to the cover 46.1, whereby the section with bracket joint surface 47 is shown as the bow-shaped member B' relative to the associated section of the cover 46.1.

[0049] In other embodiments, the bracket 44, having a bracket mating surface 47, is welded to the inner side of the bow-shaped members B and B'. The adhesive layer is... Figure 11 The figure is marked with reference numeral 52.

[0050] Figure 12 and 13 An improved design of the metal connector 53, consisting of two half-shells 54 and 54.1, is shown. The metal connector 53 is as follows... Figure 10 and 11 The metal connector 43 is constructed as described. Each of the two connecting covers 54, 54.1 of the metal connector 53 is part of a component with other members. Thus, the connecting cover 54 is part of the base plate support 55, while the connecting cover 54.1 is part of the retainer 56.

[0051] Figure 14 A screenshot of another support structure 57 is shown. The end section of the support member 58 is shown here, to which a metal connector 59 is attached. The metal connector 59 is, in principle, as... Figure 5 The configuration shown makes the same design applicable to the metal connector 59. In the bracket structure 57, the bracket member 58 is deformed at its end region inserted into the bracket member enclosure to provide anti-torsion protection between the two components when the adhesive hardens. A groove 60 is provided in the outer surface of this section of the bracket member 58, such that the bracket member 58 contacts two spaced-apart positions along the longitudinal extension direction of the side edge 61 of the bow-shaped member 62. This is the boundary of the groove 60 at its edge. The space created by the groove 60 can, for example, be additionally used for wire passage.

[0052] Figure 15Another support structure 63 is shown. The support structure 63 includes a continuous support member 64. In the illustrated embodiment, two metal connectors 65 are spaced apart from each other on the support member 64 along its longitudinal extension direction. Similarly... Figure 12 and 13 As shown in the embodiment, these two metal connectors are part of the structure, and Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, support 66 serves as a support for providing a channel. Two supports 66 are interconnected by a crossbeam 67. Regarding the section of the metal connector 65 used to connect it to the bracket 64, the metal connector 65 and... Figure 5 The metal connector 26 shown in the embodiment is equivalent. Therefore, the related embodiments are also applicable to the support structure 65.

[0053] In principle, it is also possible to utilize, such as Figure 15 The embodiment illustrates a design scheme in which two support members are interconnected, for example, because these two support members involve different materials and are arranged flush with each other. In this case, the two metal connectors are interconnected at least by a crossbeam. In this design scheme, the crossbeam can be a component of the two metal connectors. It is also conceivable that in this design scheme, retainers or supports are connected to the bimetallic connectors designed in this way.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, without detailed illustration, it is important to consider maintaining sufficient adhesive gaps between the outer surfaces of the mounting surfaces in the sections of the embedded mounting frames of the various support members. This can be achieved, for example, by including small glass beads with a diameter having the gap width in the adhesive. These small glass beads are responsible for maintaining the adhesive gaps so that they remain constant during curing and achieve the desired tension, which is caused by the joint composite structure generated by heat input between the bow-shaped member and the base member. Additionally or alternatively, bow-shaped members with multiple indentations pointing toward the outer surfaces of the respective support members can be used. Such bow-shaped members 68 are, for example, in… Figure 16 As shown in the perspective view and the enlarged cross-sectional view of the section in the top region. In the bow-shaped member 68, an indentation is provided by an almost dotted pressing on the outer side of the bow-shaped member 68, such that small raised spacer protrusions 69 are created on the inner side of the bow-shaped member 68, as clearly shown in the detail view. The size of the spacer protrusions raised from the inner side of the bow-shaped member is equal to the gap size. If an electroplating separation is provided between the metal connector and the support member, the adhesive has non-conductive particles, such as glass beads, with a diameter equal to the gap size.

[0055] The invention has been described in conjunction with numerous embodiments. There are no limitations on the design possibilities for implementing the guiding claims. A great many other design possibilities will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the valid claims, and need not be described separately within the framework of these embodiments.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 1. Support structure

[0058] 2. Support components

[0059] 3. Support components

[0060] 4. Metal connectors

[0061] 5 basic components

[0062] 6. Bow-shaped parts

[0063] 7. Bracket component mating surface

[0064] 8. Side

[0065] 9. Enclosed panel

[0066] 10 Side

[0067] 11 Side

[0068] 12 Side

[0069] 13 Adhesive layer

[0070] 14 Support components

[0071] 15 Metal connectors

[0072] 16 End Face

[0073] 17 recess

[0074] 18. Connecting piece, end side stop

[0075] 19. Enclosed panel

[0076] 20 Metal connectors

[0077] 21 Support components

[0078] 22 bracket components

[0079] 23. Bow-shaped component

[0080] 24 Basic Components

[0081] 25 Basic Components

[0082] 26 Metal connectors

[0083] 27. Bow-shaped component

[0084] 28 bracket components

[0085] 29. Support components

[0086] 30 bracket components

[0087] 31. Side notch of the bow-shaped component

[0088] 32 Side

[0089] 33. Bow-shaped component

[0090] 34 bracket components

[0091] 35 Metal connectors

[0092] 36 bracket components

[0093] 37 Basic Components

[0094] 38. Bow-shaped parts

[0095] 39. Bracket component mating surface

[0096] 40 basic components

[0097] 41 Metal connectors

[0098] 42. Base plate support

[0099] 43 Metal connectors

[0100] 44 Support components

[0101] 45 bracket components

[0102] 46, 46.1 Connecting Cover

[0103] 47. Bracket component mating surface

[0104] 48. Bow-shaped joint surface

[0105] 49. Bow-shaped joint surface

[0106] 50 Basic Component Section

[0107] 51 Basic Component Section

[0108] 52 Adhesive layer

[0109] 53 Metal connectors

[0110] 54, 54.1 Connecting Cover

[0111] 55 Base plate support

[0112] 56 Retaining parts

[0113] 57. Support Structure

[0114] 58 bracket components

[0115] 59 Metal connectors

[0116] 60 grooves

[0117] 61 Side

[0118] 62 Bow-shaped parts

[0119] 63. Support Structure

[0120] 64 bracket components

[0121] 65 Metal connectors

[0122] 66 supports

[0123] 67. Crossbeam

[0124] 68 Bow-shaped parts

[0125] 69 Interval protrusions

[0126] B, B' Bow-shaped parts

Claims

1. A dashboard bracket for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket structure having at least one bracket member extending along a longitudinal extension direction of the dashboard bracket and at least one metal connector connected to the bracket member, the metal connector being used to connect the bracket member to another bracket member or to connect a crossbeam or retainer to the bracket member, characterized in that, The at least one support member and the corresponding metal connector are made of different materials, and the metal connector is constructed in multiple parts and includes a base member and an arc member. The base member has a support member mating surface supported on the outer surface of the support member, and the arc member surrounds the support member opposite to the support member mating surface so as to form a support member frame together with the support member mating surface of the base member. The metal connector is bonded to the support member material in the region of its support member frame by adhesive bonding, and the arc member is connected to the base member as a result of a bonding process performed by heat input.

2. The dashboard bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting surface of the base component is adapted to the contour of the outer cover surface of the section of the support component embedded within the frame of the support component.

3. The dashboard bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The section of the bracket embedded within the bracket frame has a cylindrical outer cover, and the bracket mating surface is bent with the same radius, including dimensional allowances for adhesive gaps.

4. The dashboard bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that, To ensure adhesive gaps, the bow-shaped member and / or the support member are supported by one or more raised indentations on their side facing the support member, and / or the inserted adhesive contains spherical or round solid particles.

5. The dashboard bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The bow-shaped component has a hat-shaped outline in the side view, and the side of the bow-shaped component facing away from the frame of the support component is connected in a material-bonded manner at the bow-shaped component joint surface, which is arranged adjacent to the support component joint surface of the base surface.

6. The dashboard bracket according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metal connector consists of two housings that point away from each other laterally along their open sides in the longitudinal direction of the support member.

7. The dashboard bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bow-shaped component is designed in a U-shape and is connected to the side of the base component via its sides, which are lateral in direction relative to the longitudinal extension of the support component.

8. The dashboard bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bow-shaped member engages with the support member in a shape-fitting manner along the longitudinal extension direction of the support member.

9. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bow-shaped member is inserted into a side notch of the bow-shaped member through at least one of its two sides, and the side notch of the bow-shaped member is tangentially disposed within the outer cover surface of the bracket member.

10. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bracket has at least one side perforation, and the side of the bow-shaped member is guided through the side perforation.

11. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base component is a stamped and bent part.

12. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base component is a section of an extruded profile.

13. The dashboard bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base component has end-side stops for the section embedded within the bracket frame of the bracket component.

14. The dashboard bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket structure has a plurality of bracket members extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the instrument panel bracket, wherein two adjacent bracket members are connected to each other by metal connectors connected to the two bracket members and are offset from each other laterally relative to the longitudinal extension direction of the bracket members, at least in the section of the two bracket members connected by the metal connectors, and the two bracket members are connected to each other by the metal connectors.

15. The dashboard bracket according to claim 14, characterized in that, The metal connector and the two brackets connected to the metal connector are made of different materials.

16. The dashboard bracket according to claim 15, characterized in that, The metal connector is made of a different material from the other support components, and the metal connector is connected to the other support components by a joining process.

17. The dashboard bracket according to claim 16, characterized in that, The metal connector is constructed in a bifurcated manner at least in the connection area between the metal connector and the other support members, such that the two sides forming the bifurcation are in contact with the outer surface of the other support members.

18. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 17, characterized in that, The branch used to accommodate the other support components tapers from its opening toward the base component.

19. The instrument panel bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one support component is designed as a pipe.

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