Transverse support of cockpit

Abstract

The invention relates to a cab cross-brace for a motor vehicle, in particular a cab cross-brace for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross-bar which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from one A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar, the cross-bar having end sections at two opposite ends, wherein the cockpit transverse support has a support element which is integrally coupled to an end section of the crossbar and which projects in the shape of an arc towards the front of the vehicle, the crossbar and the support element at least partially enclose the extended panel, and the crossbar, the support element and the enclosed panel are integrally or together designed as a component.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a transverse support for a motor vehicle cockpit ( sometimes referred to as a cockpit crossbeam) and a method for manufacturing the same, which includes a crossbar (Quertraverse) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from one A-pillar to the opposite A-pillar, wherein the crossbar has end sections at two opposite ends. Background Art

[0002] In today's motor vehicles, a transverse support ( sometimes referred to as a crossbeam) is usually provided as a load-bearing member for fixing various cockpit functions, which basically only extends horizontally from one A-pillar to the opposite A-pillar. Separately constructed members with different functions are fixed to the transverse support, such as accommodating pedals, supporting the front panel, or fixing the imaging unit for a head-up display and other members. To optimize the stability of the transverse support (which extends across the entire width of the motor vehicle and to which other members are fixed), the transverse support also has a tunnel pillar for additional support between the driver and the co-driver, which also divides the cockpit area.

[0003] DE 102022116803 B3 discloses an instrument panel having a load-bearing frame, to which a large number of other functional components are fixed by means of separately constructed support components. This has the disadvantage of high assembly costs, and due to the design of the load-bearing frame, the load-bearing frame does not support force diversion in the event of a frontal collision.

[0004] DE 102013212878 A1 discloses a cockpit structural member that includes a cockpit transverse support and a separate body-in-white transverse support, and a separately constructed head-up display housing with a support is arranged on the cockpit transverse support. Here, there is also the disadvantage of many individual components that must be assembled.

[0005] GB 2605613 A discloses a vehicle transverse support that is produced as a single component but made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer, whereby the force diversion function is also quite low in the event of a frontal collision, and additional functional components still have to be assembled to the vehicle transverse support using additional retaining members or brackets.

[0006] The transverse supports known from the prior art only extend between two A-pillars and do not have a surface extension in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, they are not suitable for absorbing forces or diverting forces to attached parts in the event of a frontal collision and fail due to bending or breaking. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a cross-member for a cockpit and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a receiving portion for functional elements can be integrated, and the cross-member for the cockpit assumes the function of force diversion in the event of a frontal collision.

[0008] According to the present invention, this object is achieved in that the cross-member for the cockpit has a support member integrally connected to the end section of the cross-bar and extending in an arc shape towards the front of the vehicle, wherein the cross-bar and the support member at least partially enclose a preferably horizontally extending plate, and the cross-bar, the support member and the enclosed plate are integrally or together constructed as one component.

[0009] The cross-member for the cockpit of a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes a cross-bar that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (i.e., in the Y direction) from one A-pillar of the motor vehicle to the opposite A-pillar. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle extends in the X direction, the Y direction extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction or horizontally at right angles to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the Z direction extends perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction or also perpendicular to the Y direction, i.e., downward or upward. The cross-bar has end sections at two opposite ends. The cross-member for the cockpit according to the present invention has a support member for the front panel that is integrally connected to the end section of the cross-bar and extends in an arc shape towards the front of the vehicle. Preferably, the arc shape of the support member extends in the X direction. The cross-bar and the support member at least partially enclose a plate that preferably extends horizontally or in the Y-X direction. The plate is at least partially framed by the cross-bar and the support member. The plate extends in the X and Y directions within the interior of the frame formed at least partially by the cross-bar and the support member. The cross-bar, the support member and at least partially enclosed plate are integrally constructed or together constructed as one component. Thus, no joining process is required between these three elements in any way.

[0010] The cross-member for the cockpit according to the present invention is preferably manufactured from a metallic material. This, in combination with the design of the cross-member for the cockpit, allows the cross-member for the cockpit to meet the collision requirements and be able to divert the occurring forces without failure.

[0011] Advantageously, the cross-member for the cockpit is constructed as a thin-walled component and has a wall thickness in the range between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. The wall thickness can vary along the extension of the cross-member for the cockpit, that is, the wall thickness can be configured to be thicker in certain areas of the cross-member for the cockpit, for example, 3.5 mm, and thinner in certain areas, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0012] Advantageously, at least a partial section of the crossbar is configured in a U-shape or has a U-shaped cross-section. The crossbar integrally arranged at the cockpit transverse support preferably has a U-shape in the middle section and has end sections connected on both sides. Preferably, at least one section of the transverse support extends as a U-shaped profile. The end sections preferably have a closed cross-section.

[0013] Preferably, the U-shape or U-shaped cross-section of the crossbar opens downward or in the negative Z direction. For example, this enables an orderly and well-placed guiding of cables and / or can also be used as a guiding channel for the supply and discharge pipelines of the HVAC unit at the lower side of the cockpit transverse support or the lower side of the crossbar. In addition, the U-shaped cross-section of the crossbar results in high component stiffness.

[0014] It has been shown to be a preferred embodiment that the arcuately extending support has a U-shaped cross-section. The U-shape preferably opens downward or in the Z direction. Preferably, the U-shape is used to guide the air channel and can be connected to the HVAC unit, which is preferably fixed at the lower side of the cockpit transverse support. The U-shape can be used as part of the air channel, and a corresponding air channel cover is fixed thereto, which extends along the U-shape and thus forms a closed air channel. Alternatively, a formed air channel preferably made of plastic can also be placed into the U-shape, which preferably includes an outlet for supplying air to the windshield. Thus, the windshield ventilation device can optionally be directly integrated in the support by, for example, also providing ventilation slits in the support, which guide the air from the HVAC unit to the windshield through the U-shaped support. It goes without saying that the U-shape or U-shaped cross-section of the support can also be used as a cable guide or for both. Advantageously, the HVAC unit is arranged at the lower side of the cockpit transverse support or the plate and is connected to the air channel extending at the lower side of the support and / or the crossbar or in the U-shape. In addition, it has been shown to be advantageous that the U-shape of the support and the integral connection of the support to the crossbar or its end sections ensure an optimal flow of forces into the vehicle body in the event of a frontal collision.

[0015] Advantageously, the plate is integrally connected to one leg each of the U-shaped cross-sections of the crossbar and the support.

[0016] The plate preferably has at least one opening for instrument accommodation. Advantageously, the opening is configured such that the instrument to be arranged can be directly accommodated therein.

[0017] Advantageously, a channel extends at least partially longitudinally of the vehicle between the apex of the arcuate support and the crossbar. Preferably, the channel extends in the X direction and preferably extends in the middle of the cockpit transverse support. Advantageously, the channel is connected to the U-shaped shape of the support. Thereby, the air can be guided along the support to the center of the cockpit transverse support, where the HVAC unit is preferably arranged. As already mentioned, such air guidance takes place at the underside of the cockpit transverse support. This channel furthermore has the advantage of further strengthening the cockpit transverse support, so that the cockpit transverse support is less prone to bending in the event of a frontal collision.

[0018] Preferably, the channel extends in the plate. It has been shown to be advantageous that the channel is integrally constructed in the plate. It is furthermore advantageous that the channel extends only over a certain area of the plate.

[0019] It has been shown to be an advantageous design that the integral steering column channel extends longitudinally of the vehicle from the crossbar to the support. Advantageously, the steering column channel is arranged between the end section of the crossbar and the U-shaped part and extends in the X direction. It has been shown to be advantageous that the steering column channel is constructed in a U-shaped shape that is open downwards or in the negative Z direction.

[0020] Advantageously, the steering column channel is constructed in a U shape. In addition to this steering column channel being used for the passage of the steering column in the motor vehicle, the steering column channel is also used for strengthening the cockpit transverse support according to the invention. It has also been shown to be advantageous that ribs (Rippe, sometimes called stiffeners) are furthermore arranged in the U shape.

[0021] Preferably, the U-shaped shape of the steering column channel is open downwards or in the Z direction. As already mentioned, the advantageous embodiment is especially due to the structure of the motor vehicle, since the steering column has to project through.

[0022] Preferably, the crossbar has a tubular section with a closed cross-section at the end section. Advantageously, the tubular section is continuously open in the Y direction and transitions into the U-shaped section of the crossbar. Thereby, for example, cables can be pulled from one A-pillar to the other A-pillar. As an alternative embodiment, it has been shown to be advantageous that the end section has a closed cross-section or is constructed in a tubular shape and is closed in the Y direction towards the intermediate section of the crossbar having a U-shaped shape and thus does not form a continuous channel from one A-pillar to the other A-pillar. Instead, a limiting element (Begrenzungselement, sometimes called a boundary element) is arranged in the transition region from the closed cross-section or the tubular section of the end section to the U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the end section has A-pillar connectors at the outer ends for connection to the A-pillars.

[0023] It has been shown to be advantageous that the cockpit cross member is configured as a light metal die casting, which is used for weight savings.

[0024] It is again pointed out that in the case of elements integrally arranged at the cockpit cross member according to the invention, this always relates to the cockpit cross member according to the invention being configured as a single piece, or being understood to belong to a part of the whole, and the cockpit cross member according to the invention is manufactured as a single piece and contains the mentioned elements and no separate parts are provided by any joining process.

[0025] According to the invention, this task is also solved in such a way that the cockpit cross member is manufactured by a die casting method (Druckgussverfahren, sometimes called die casting process). By manufacturing the cockpit cross member, functions can be integrated into a single component. In addition, it can be configured to be thin-walled and still meet the stiffness requirements and crash requirements.

[0026] Advantageously, in order to demold the cockpit cross member, the casting mold used in the die casting method is open in the X-Z direction or inclined open with respect to the longitudinal X of the motor vehicle.

[0027] All design possibilities can be freely combined with each other, and in order to avoid repetition, the features of the device can also be automatically applied to the method, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings, wherein the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Among them:

[0029] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the cockpit cross member according to the invention is shown in a way pointing obliquely forward towards the support member,

[0030] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the cockpit cross member according to the invention is shown in a way pointing obliquely backward towards the cross bar,

[0031] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the cockpit cross member according to the invention is shown in a way pointing obliquely forward towards the support member,

[0032] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the cockpit cross member according to the invention is shown in a way pointing obliquely forward towards the support member,

[0033] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the cockpit cross member according to the invention is shown in a way pointing obliquely forward towards the support member,

[0034] Figure 6Shows a three-dimensional view of a cockpit cross-member according to the invention installed in a schematic vehicle body;

[0035] Figure 7 Shows a schematic casting mold during the demolding of a cockpit cross-member according to the invention. Detailed Description

[0036] Figure 1 Shows a three-dimensional view of the upper side of a cockpit cross-member 1 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The cockpit cross-member 1 comprises a cross-bar 2, which is better visible in Figure 2 The cross-bar 2 extends in the Y direction, which is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction X, from one A-pillar 15 of the motor vehicle to the opposite A-pillar 15, which is well visible from Figure 6 The cross-bar 2 has end sections 5 at two opposite ends, where the end sections 5 can be designed differently, as is the case in the presented embodiment. In addition, the cockpit cross-member 1 comprises supports 3 integrally connected to the end sections 5 of the cross-bar 2. The supports 3 extend in an arcuate shape in the direction of the vehicle front 17 or in the X direction. The apex 8 of the arcuate support 3 forms the outermost point of the support 3 in the X direction, and the ends of the support 3 are integrally connected to the cross-bar 2 or the end sections 5. The cross-bar 2 and the supports 3 at least partially enclose a plate 4 arranged therebetween. The plate 4, which is partially framed by columns, the supports 3 and the cross-bar 2 are integrally or together constructed as one component. The plate 4, the supports 3 and the cross-bar 2 thus form a unit. The cockpit cross-member 1 according to the invention is made of a material, preferably of a metallic material, particularly preferably of a light metal. In addition, the cockpit cross-member 1 is manufactured as a casting. The cross-bar 2 has a U-shaped cross-section that is at least partially, preferably in the middle section 11, open downward or in the negative Z direction. This can be well seen from Figures 3 - 5 which shows the underside of the cockpit cross-member 1 according to the invention. The section of the cross-bar 2 constructed as a U-shaped profile can preferably be used as a cable guide and / or for constructing a ventilation channel. Preferably, ribbing 16 is also arranged in the U-shaped cross-section of the cross-bar 2 for additional reinforcement. The support 3 preferably also has a U-shaped cross-section that is open downward, into which cables can be inserted and / or the U-shaped shape can be used as part of a ventilation channel. Figure 5Shows the use of the U-shaped shape of the support 3 as a ventilation channel in such a way that a formed ventilation channel 12, preferably made of plastic, is placed in the downwardly open U-shaped shape. Alternatively, the ventilation channel can also be formed with a channel cover in which the U-shaped shape is covered. The HVAC unit is preferably arranged at the lower side of the cockpit cross member 1 and is then connected to the ventilation channel. Then there is the feasibility of arranging a slit at the outer side of the U-shaped support 2, which enables the supply of air to the windshield. Advantageously, at least one opening is provided in the plate 4, preferably for arranging instruments such as, for example, the imaging unit of a head-up display or other display devices. It has also been shown to be advantageous that a channel 7 extends between the apex 8 of the arcuate support 3 and the cross bar 2. The channel 7 extends in the X direction and is preferably connected to the U-shaped shape of the support 2. This enables a continuously extending channel (which transitions from the U-shaped shape of the support into the channel 7) and thus also a possible ventilation channel up to the HVAC unit (not shown), which is preferably arranged at the lower side of the cockpit cross member. The channel 7 extends in the plate 4 or is formed as an elongated recess at the lower side of the cockpit cross member 1 and is formed by a protruding ridge at the upper side. Here, the channel 7 can partially extend through the plate 4, as depicted, or can also extend through the entire plate 6. In addition, the channel 7 also increases the stiffness of the cockpit cross member 1 according to the invention. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the steering column channel 9 extends in the X direction from the cross bar 2 up to the support 3. The steering column channel 9 is configured in a U-shape and is open downward or in the Z direction, whereby the steering column (not shown) can protrude through. In addition, the steering column channel 9 in turn forms a reinforcement in the cockpit cross member 1. Here, preferably ribbing 16 can also be arranged in the U-shaped cross section. As can be well seen from Figure 6 it is possible to have a possible ventilation channel up to the HVAC unit (not shown), which is preferably arranged at the lower side of the cockpit cross member, as also in Figures 1 - 5 It can be well seen from that the cockpit cross member 1 according to the invention is a member with a thin-walled construction, that is, the wall thickness is in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. As can be seen in the figure, the two end sections 5 at the cross bar 2 preferably have tubular sections 10, in which the cross section has a closed shape in this section. The tubular section 10 is connected to the intermediate section of the cross bar 2 having a U-shaped cross section, which is in Figure 3This can be clearly seen. The sections do not have to be directly connected to each other, as on the other side, and the steering column passage 9 can also project between them. The tubular section 10 of the crossbar 2 is preferably conical at the end sections in order to enable demolding. In the depicted embodiment, the tubular section 10 of the crossbar 2 has a limiting element 13, whereby a continuous passage from the A-pillar to the opposite A-pillar 15 is no longer formed. It goes without saying that the limiting element 13 can also be omitted and a continuous passage can be created between the A-pillars 15. At the outer end of the end section 5 of the crossbar 2 (where the cockpit transverse support 1 is fixed to the A-pillar 15), an A-pillar connector 14 is arranged. Thus, the cockpit transverse support 1 can be joined to the A-pillars 15 of the vehicle body.

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic casting mold 20 during demolding of the cockpit transverse support 1 according to the invention is shown. The main demolding direction of the two mold halves 21 extends in the X-Z direction.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1 Cockpit transverse support

[0040] 2 Crossbar

[0041] 3 Support

[0042] 4 Plate

[0043] 5 End section

[0044] 6 Opening

[0045] 7 Passage

[0046] 8 Vertex

[0047] 9 Steering column passage

[0048] 10 Tubular section of the end section

[0049] 11 Intermediate section of the crossbar

[0050] 12 Ventilation passage

[0051] 13 Limiting element

[0052] 14 A-pillar connector

[0053] 15 A-pillar

[0054] 16 Rib

[0055] 17 Front of the vehicle

[0056] 20 Casting mold

[0057] 21 Mold half

[0058] X Vehicle longitudinal

[0059] Y is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or is horizontally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle

[0060] Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A transverse support (1) for a cockpit of a motor vehicle, comprising a crossbar (2), which extends transversely (y) to the longitudinal direction (X) of the motor vehicle from one A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar, wherein the crossbar (2) has end sections (5) at two opposite ends, characterized in that: The cockpit transverse support has a support member (3) which is integrally connected to the end section (5) of the crossbar (2) and protrudes in an arc shape toward the front of the vehicle (17), wherein the crossbar (2) and the support member (3) at least partially surround an extended plate (4), wherein the crossbar (2), the support member (3) and the enclosed plate (4) are integrally or jointly constructed as one component.

2. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cockpit transverse bracket (1) is made of metal material.

3. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The transverse support (2) has a U-shaped cross section at least in sections.

4. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The U-shaped cross section of the transverse support (2) is open downward.

5. The cockpit transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The support member (3) has a U-shaped cross section.

6. The cockpit transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The plate (4) has at least one opening (6).

7. The cockpit transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that A channel (7) extends at least partially between the apex (8) of the arc-shaped support (3) and the crossbar (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.

8. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The channel (7) extends in the plate (4).

9. The cockpit transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that A steering column channel (9) extends in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle from the crossbar (2) to the support member (3).

10. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The steering column channel (9) is configured in a U shape.

11. The cockpit transverse bracket (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The U-shape of the steering column channel (9) is open downward.

12. Cockpit transverse support (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The transverse support (2) has a tubular section (10) with a closed cross section at the end section (9).

13. Cockpit transverse support (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cockpit transverse support (1) is designed as a light metal die-casting.

14. A method for producing a cockpit transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The cockpit transverse support (1) is manufactured by a die-casting method.

15. The method for manufacturing a cockpit transverse support (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that: In order to demould the cockpit transverse support (1), the casting mold (20) used in the die-casting method is opened in the XZ direction or obliquely to the longitudinal direction (X) of the motor vehicle.

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